30 Paintings In 30 Days - The finish line!

30 Paintings In 30 Days

January 2016

An entire months worth of daily paintings on the books!  I haven't painted so much continuously since college.  The journey was one of self-discovery in my art and how I view the world around me. 

Painting every day isn't always easy, you either want to or you don't.  I think pushing trough the ruff days makes you a better artist even if what you produce is junk.  I had a few days that I didn't even want to look at what I just painted, still don't HA! But for me if it doesn't work out I'm more determined to work it out!

Ultimately, living a creative life is what is most important to me. Every day when my kids would come home from school they asked, "what did you paint today mommy?"  Even they would think about it!  They are my biggest fans btw ;)  Raising children to be surrounded by art and the process is priceless.

I'm interested to continue painting and excited to see what the September challenge will bring for me!

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" -Pablo Picasso

~Jane

Day 30 For The Win

Day 30

For The Win

9x12 Oil on Panel

$75 + $10 Shipping *US only

#30paintingsin30days

This painting marks the end of my daily painting in January.  How appropriate, that it's a boat racing scene!  I love watching the light bounce off the water and the ripples from a boat or fish jumping. This particular scene was from the SSS, Sarasota Sailing Squadron.  The boats come and go, young and old. I'm not brave enough to send my noodles out on one but love the idea of kids sailing in the bay. What a special thing to experience growing up!  Maybe I'll rethink and revise for the boys.  

I have enjoyed painting boats for the last few days. I was please to see may day 29 painting find a new home!  I think I'd like to work more with boat and much larger!  I think I see a lager easel in my future!  

Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment if you see something you like, I always love feedback of any kind!

~Jane

Day 29 Into The Fog

Day 29

Into The Fog

9x12 Oil on Panel

*Sold*

#30paintingsin30days

I'm enjoying where I've gone with my boats.  Just Wednesday I was out and about, it was a rainy day and the fog rolled in rather late. This isn't too typical here. Of course any time I can play in the fog I will. There is something about the sea when the fog rolls in that everything slows down and you really have to focus on the now. There is only what is in front of your nose and no more.

"Under the thinning fog the surf curled and creamed, almost without sound, like a thought tying to form itself on the edge of consciousness." -Raymond Chandler The Big Sleep (Great book BTW!)

Day 28 Day on the Bay

Day 28

Day on the Bay

9x12 oil on panel

$75 + $10 shipping US only

#30paintingsin30days

It's really been a crumby few days in my neck of the woods. Good thing I love crumby days!  There is just something about a rainy day that makes me feel happy to be glum...if that's even a thing!?

I spent the day in and out of the local architectural salvage shops dodging the rain but more than happy to walk in it. What can I say, I had my wellies on so bring it on puddles!  

I spent a beat near the sailboats just off  Bay Island. I had to dig into my picture archives to find this lovely gem.  Sailboats are a favorite to watch from any vantage. Even though I'm a kayak gal I'll happily let a sailboat pass, definitely not a yacht or wave runner but that's another story all together!

The day ended with a foggy walk on the beach with the little noodles. Plenty of treasures to be found!  Excited for tomorrows painting...I'll give you one guess ;-)

~Jane

Day 27 Sails

Day 27

Sails

6x6 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

I'm still deciding what I want to say about this, my head cold is making me a touch foggy. The facts: Anna Maria on a Sunday after Linner. Working small today 6x6.  I think I'll revisit this subject later this afternoon.  I haven't painted boats since Pont-Aven...

~Jane

Day 26 Attack!

Day 26

Attack!

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Fact: I love chasing seagulls. I cant help it, such a child!  I get it for these noodles :)  

We were up at Longboat and Anna Maria on Sunday and had such a lovely time on the beaches. A touch cold but that doesn't matter to my kids, or myself if I'm really being honest.  I live for beach days!  

~Jane

Day 25 Midnight Pass Shark Tank

Day 25

Midnight Pass Shark Tank

9x12 oil on canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Day 24 Blues

Day 24

Blues

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Cant help but love a limited palette...challenge accepted :)

I love a good overcast paddle.  This is around Neville Marine Preserve. There is a small mangrove island just off of the abandoned shark tanks of the 1950's...yes that right shark tanks. I think I'll paint that next. Its a spooky place to be. You can paddle right in and there you are, within the walls. No sharks anymore, we hope! lol!!

Fingers crossed this wind blows out!

Have a great Sunday!

~Jane

Day 23 Vamo Mangroves

Day 23

Vamo Mangroves

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Oh boy do I miss my kayak!  Its been weeks since I've been out!  This weather is just too crazy. The wind today is about 30 miles per hour!  Not the best conditions to paddle. Holding out for Monday or Tuesday.

This is one of my favorite spots to kayak alone.  Just off Vamo boat ramp, in the bay, there are a series of mangrove islands that are just lovely to paddle through. You can really tune out the world. The water is so shallow you can see the stingrays scurry off when you get close enough to see them. Depending on the time of year there are tons of horseshoe crabs all over!  Great spot for sure. I love my corner of the world!

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!

~Jane

Day 22 View From The Rocks

Day 22

View From The Rocks

9x12 oil on canvas

#30paintingsin30days

The last week has been super busy for me. Some huge projects at the noodles school and a long event I somehow was the lead on...somehow, hmmmm. HA! That's what happens when you are the "creative" stay at home mom, am I right?!

I have managed to stay on top of this challenge, I'm not too easy to give up. But I don have to say with so much on my mind I can't seem to focus on the moment and really get into, and feel, what I'm working on. Therefore, I haven't liked one painting I've done over the last 4 days.  I resolve to put everything into tomorrow's work. WOW, just typing that and I'm a bit excited! I must still have it in me after all!

I need a moment or two with the beach.  We are experiencing some interesting weather as of late. I really want to capture it. Cant wait to see what my brain spawns tomorrow! 

Happy Friday!!

~Jane

Day 21 Turtle Sunset

Day 21

Turtle Sunset

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Day 20 Morning Clouds

Day 20

Morning Clouds

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

I got so lost in these clouds today! Another day at working on making my palette a touch more intense.  I'm not sure where I am with that... This painting did inspire a great conversation with my middle noodle about what we see in clouds. Funny how the brain tells you gray and white...same with the ocean. I mean after all the water is a reflection on the clouds and that includes all the yellows, pinks, purples and that hint of pale peach...I think he got it :)

I'm in the final push of my daily painting for the month of January.  I am ready to work on other projects that are piling up in my head, mainly linocuts...I think this marks the moment I start to go a little coco-nuts!

~Jane

Day 19 Morning After

Day 19

Morning After

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Morning after a storm on Siesta Key. My starting point for a morning run, the red lifeguard stand! And...GO!

Its a cold one here, highs in the low 60's! Bundle up!

~Jane

Day 18 Negotiations

Day 18

Negotiations

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 +$8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I'm digging this color palette. I tend to go for a more washed out palette which gives me a certain beachy satisfaction.  I like pushing color to another level. Its there I see it but staying safe isn't always fun!

Birds are funny creatures...I thought I had walked up on something very important this day!

Have a great day!

~Jane

Day 17 Day At The Beach

Day 17

Day at the Beach

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Last night my piece of paradise was hit by multiple tornadoes, mainland and the island.  We were directly in the path but the strongest of the bunch waited to touch down just north of us killing 2 and sending 4 children to the hospital.  Its with a heavy heart I say hold your loved ones tight, always help you neighbor and support one another in everyday life.  Once again reminded of how quickly things can change for so many.

Love the day, we are here to do just that!

XOXO

~Jane

Day 16 Dusk on Turtle

Day 16

Dusk on Turtle

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I spent the morning dissecting a cloud! How about you?!? I love clouds and all the colors in them. Sunsets on the Gulf are nothing short of amazing! So full of color and intensity and Turtle Beach is the best spot for a sunset.

Its a beautiful day here, I think I'll take the boys to watch birds at the Celery Fields!

Have a great one!

~Jane

New take on New Years Resolutions

OK I'm taking a step away from my painting challenge blogging to talk about resolutions...or my breakdown of how I think it can actually work.

Every year I have resolutions, like most I try to start on the first day of January (or when the kids go back to school, which ever comes last...am I right!) But not everything sticks. It can be overwhelming and stressful for me to do it all at once!  So this year I am taking a different approach. I don't know maybe its been done before; all I know is it sounds like it could be just my cup off tea or very strong coffee!

So here goes. I want to break it down to every month resolutions. If it pops into my head I owe it to myself to give it a whirl no matter what, life's short right?! I'll try something new each month and if I have to change it or it just doesn't workout the way I hoped I can ditch it after 30 days and move on, no guilt! But 30 days does create a habit, that hopefully is hard to break.

Each month I'll make sure to post my months resolutions to hold myself accountable of course maybe it can inspire others to do the same. I think I just made a New Year's Resolution life hack! HA

January - #30paintingsin30days  So far so good with this.  I have only wanted to give up once but it's only 30 days right! The direction I have gone with my art is interesting. I never really fancied myself an abstract impressionist but I really like the feeling it gives me.  I will really dissect this experience after my time is up this month. So stay tuned!!

February - This month is a 2 part resolution, thus far.

1st, Work on my fitness! After a wonderful 4.5 mile hike last week I felt amazing, happy and fresh...oh I miss that so much and I need those things! I was a runner 5 days a week. I was a yogi 3 days a week, I was a swimmer once a week and my sweet Blue Bell my beautiful blue kayak I was on you for a strong paddle twice a week... at least!!  I have gotten away for all of it, sadly! Baby steps back to what works. For February I will make time for yoga, running and paddling EVERY WEEK! Because I need specific direction or I will slip lets say this, 3 days running- 1 day yoga- 1 day kayak.

2nd, Explore Portraiture - I'm a little bit scared but a lot excited! Not much I can say about this now.  I haven't quite wrapped my head around this yet...but its there!

I know this was a long one so thanks for sticking with me! Enjoy your weekend, I need to hop on a painting, still not sure what that will be!
~Jane
  

Day 15 Siesta Fall Colors

Day 15

Siesta Fall Colors

11 x 14 oil on canvas

$75 + $10 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

It is so funny how painting something I really like makes everything better!  It is a drab rainy day, not complaining because I LOVE a nice rainy day.  I love listening to Nina Simone and being tucked away in my studio space.  What a great morning for that.  

Today I chose another beach pathway. This was very late fall on Siesta. I love how the sea grasses turn bright purple but still look and feel so soft.  If it wasn't for the fear of what's waiting for me in there I'd wander through it, but its probably in my best interest to stay on the path...in this case at least.  

I really wanted to push my palette for more contrast.  I think I achieved that here and I'm pleased with the results!

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 14 Pops

Day 14

Pops

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30day

Day 14...ALMOST HALF WAY THERE!!  Working outside of what I'm comfortable with has been humbling at times. The feedback has been great, so thank you for that.  I have found I love painting in a more impressionist style. It will be interesting to see what subjects I choose next. From day to day I really don't have a clue what I'm going to paint. Honestly at first it was terrifying but now I like to surprise myself, I really only decide in the hour or so before I start anything and then alter it in the moments before I mix my pallete.  Squishy paint and brush strokes make me happy!

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 13 The Gang's All Here

Day 13

The Gang's All Here

8x10

Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

"I get by with a little help from my friends." -The Beatles

Day 12 Winter Fog

Day 12

Winter Fog

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I sat and watched this fisherman stand at the edge of the water not sure how I was able to see anything it was so foggy with a fine morning mist that chilled me to my toes. I spent the rest of the day trying to get the feeling back in my poor toes! So worth it, foggy beach days are so wonderful!

"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced."

-Tolstory 

~Jane

Day 11 Winter Beach Access 7

Day 11

Winter Beach Access 7 

11x14

$75 + $10 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

You know those days that are just bleak and overcast. As is winter in most parts of the country, but not always SW Florida.  I absolutely embrace the muddle of color lack of luster!  I am a Northerner after all. The "winter blues" are meant to be felt!  I know my first couple of years here I actually missed it.  All I wanted was gray skies and a fuzzy blanket to bring me down, just a touch. Its hard to do when the sky is blue blue blue and I'm still in flipflops! I know I sound awful but its true. I've lived 34 years with Indiana skies and endless gray days.

I love my beach accesses however I can get it!  Every season is so different, as is the days.  This particular day was full of muted grays in everything, the sea grass and sand, the sky and tiny flowers that marked the edge of the path.  It just seemed to blend together.  Although in contrast the ocean was alive and mad it seemed.  The waves were more intense than I have ever experienced on our calm coast. I loved this unpredictable day!

Thanks for reading

~Jane

Day 10 Overcast Beach Day

Day 10

Overcast Beach Day

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Love these clouds. Everyday is always a little different than the last. The early morning light in contrast with the late day sun. Always a treasure. Its the reflection from the ocean into the clouds that can produce deep blues and bright pinks.  This particular day was overcast with the sun so bright just behind the massive clouds in the sky. The reflection in the ocean was almost blinding. 

I have to say, I'm enjoying painting my colorful clouds! 

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 9 Quiet Storm Cloud

Day 9

Quiet Storm Cloud

8x10

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Day 9 and I'm on my feet. I love brush strokes, have I said that already?  I love brush strokes, so you know for sure this time. I joined this painting to challenge myself, to step out of my comfort zone to mix things up in the studio.  In just 9 short days I've had highs and lows.  Its important to do what we feel and not what we expect we should feel.  I know what I'm drawn to in my art and its always water.  I would say today was a happy high for me. I love the sky in SW Florida, so full of color. Color everywhere! 

This painting was from a storm I watched one sunny morning out to sea on Turtle beach.  The cloud was full of intermittent lightening but without noise. Amazing how the storms at sea seem to be.  You can see them out there and still be content on shore, watching and waiting. Maybe it will come to shore, maybe not. You just have to enjoy your time and hope you don't get stuck in it! Beach life...

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Red Tide

Red Tide

Linocut Ink on Paper

9x12

$25 + $5 shipping

Printmaking IS my passion!

I have been so busy with the #30in30 challenge I have had to put other projects on the back burner.

This was such a fun print to make. I took inspiration from the recent waves we've seen here on our Gulf shores.  Not very typical I should add, but so fascinating. With our warmer than usual winter water temps and the waves unearthing so many treasures that have never washed ashore also comes red tide.  I can really only speak to my experience with red tide, so I will.  This year it has been at its worse up on Long Boat Key only touching Siesta and Casey Key ever so lightly.  While I've been out paddling I will occasionally run across a dead fish here or there and the circling buzzards are always a tip off. Only a few times have I had issues with breathing and both were due to windy conditions.  All the same I try to stay away from the hot spots. But its just another part of beach life I guess, we'll take the good with the bad. The good always outweighs ;) 

This print was a 2 step printing process.   First I rolled a lovely mix of red blue and black Caligio ink with a 1.5 inch soft brayer.  This Caligio red really takes a beat to dry so I had to sit on it for a week before I could use my print.  Each of my prints are hand pulled which means I do not use a printing press. My favorite tool of choice is my IKEA wooden spoon, $1.79! Love that spoon :)  One of the things I love about printmaking is the physicality of it. It can be a workout hand pulling print after print! 

Thanks for reading

~Jane

*This print is signed and numbered, limited addition of 8, and available for purchase.  Please message me as I'm having trouble with my Buy Now widget...my IT guy is out of the studio today ;)

Day 8 Rainy Day Catch

Day 8

Rainy Day Catch

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Truth- Painting EVERY day is hard! I was far more interested in printmaking today.  Ultimately I know I'm not painting what I want to be painting.  I'll refocus, check back tomorrow for Day 9. Let's see where I go from here!

This painting was a dank rainy day on Caspersen Beach in Venice while digging for sharks teeth.  I took a peek in his bucket and really just wanted to print his fish!  There is a cool Japanese method of printing or rubbing if you will of dead fish called Gyotaku.  Maybe I can make friends with a fisherman and he'll let me rub his fish. Sorry, couldn't help myself! Seriously though...

Check out my next post about the print I pulled today, Red Tide!  It was like Christmas wrapped up in Easter, I played with new art tools today!!

Thanks for reading

~Jane

Day 7 Morning Fog

Day 7 

Morning Fog

11x14 Oil on Canvas

$75 + $10 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Day 7- What a fantastic morning on Nokomis Beach! I took advantage of the misty fog for a impromptu beach walk.  The water was so cold today but that didn't stop me from walking through it, I'm like a little kid.  So many great treasures washed up with the surf today. Although I mostly collect rocks and the occasional piece of coral.   As I was reaching down for something just below the surf a giant sting ray (as big as my Henry) swam right up to me.  A special little moment of terror for both of us I'm sure.  I don't often see rays in the ocean...and I've never seen one quite so large!  Just as the jetty came into view so did the faint shadow of a sail boat emerging from the island.  I sat and waited for it to sail south towards my side of the beach but it only just slipped in and out of view for quite some time.  I love being on and near the water in the fog. It makes me feel isolated and alone, like that time is just for me and no one else, hidden in the fog with the birds and the fishes...

 The color gray is an unemotional color. Its detached, neutral, impartial and indecisive. But oh so necessary!

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 6 Bucket Boy

Day 6 

Bucket Boy

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days 

And then we have days like this... I wasn't very happy with Day 5 but in keeping with the overall goal of this challenge I had to move on.  I have to say, YAY FOR DAY 6!  I thoroughly enjoyed the abstract quality of the background in this painting.  The figure gave me heartburn, but that's ok. One of my personal goals for this challenge is to stretch out of my comfort zone and yes, its torture. But until today I forgot how much I really love to make brush strokes.  Its a happy place for me.

This scene is at our family's favorite spot, Siesta Key.  My sweet Henry can spend hours playing in the sand, back and forth with his bucket.  So blessed to live a short 10 min drive from this beach.  There is nothing I have found that is more healing and fulfilling than spending time with my kids just playing.  Its what they do best and I tend, as most moms do, get caught up in chores and everything else.  I have made it a daily goal to just play even if i just chase them around the kitchen island a few times between dinner and bath time. I cant resist the squeal of Henry!  With 3 boys all heading in different directions its a challenge even though it seems such a simple thing to do.  So I am grateful for our beach days, everyone is right where they need to be :)

Thanks for reading

~Jane 

Day 5 -The Waters Edge

Day 5

The Waters Edge

8x10 oil on canvas

*Sold*

I like this challenge of 30 paintings in 30 days, I really do. That being said I don't always like what I paint.  I got through it, not my favorite but I'm in this for the process. Day 30 will be interesting to see where I am with my art.   I find my mind wondering back to printmaking with each painting. I only momentarily get lost in what I'm actively doing which says a lot, I think.  I'm going on record as saying printmaking and painting could't be more different.  I have trained my brain to think of shapes and patterns...reverse ,lines ,thickness of edges, the amount of "incidental" marks I want to leave. 

I'm not sure where tomorrow will take me.

And the beat goes on...

~Jane

Day 4 The Waders

Day 4 

The Waders

11x14 oil on canvas

$75 + $10 shipping

Just wrapping up before little boy bedtime, by the skin of my teeth! To be fair it is double Monday. 

Double Monday - The first Monday after a long vacation when the kids and husband head back to the grind and leave mom behind to pick up the scraps, or recover with morning television and coffee in hand ;) That's a moms life for you.  Good thing they don't read this!  But seriously once I sat up it was all go go go today!

#30paintingsin30days

Often as I am out on my kayak I run across fisherman. Some with nets, some on boats or paddle boards and then there are the fisherman that just walk on out there in the bay. These two guys were out gathering buckets of bait fish. This scene is just off Vamo headed towards Neville Marine Preserve and the inter-coastal...or just West.  

Day 3 Turtle Morning

Day 3 

Turtle Morning

$50 + $8 shipping

Another day another beach pathway.  I'll just say,again I'm sure, it never gets old!  This path is short and sweet every time. Just to the north is Siesta and the south is Casey Key.  Turtle is typically a quiet spot for beach goers without the hoards of kids and beach party animals...lol. I love Turtle Beach for its rough sand and steep drop off. I always find interesting shells here. This is the spot for sunsets, that much is for sure!  This is also one of my favorite spots to drop in with a kayak or paddle board at the boat launch just adjacent to the beach.
Thanks for reading!
~Jane

Day 2 Beach Access 7 Fall

Day 2

Siesta Beach Access 7 Fall

$50 + $8 shipping

So here I am day 2 of my 30 day challenge to paint each and every day.  I truly love the sweet pathways in life that we find. A trail to the beach just builds anticipation of tat first glimpse of the water. Watching my boys race down the trail, they just cant get there fast enough! I, on the other hand, typically wait until everyone has past and no one is behind me and just soak it up!