Sifting Light and Final Show Tip!

Sifting Light, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

SOLD in solo show - "Chasing Color, Finding Light"

April 23 - June 4, 2016 at the Davis Gallery in Austin, TX

Dear friends and blog followers... in these past months of show preparation, so many of you have reached out to me with kind words of encouragement. Your virtual pats on the back have brightened days of solitude and kept me going. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My opening reception was fabulous - the turnout and response were great and I sold a bunch too! I was pleased beyond expectation!

Show Tip #28 - Keep up the Momentum

I know it's odd to end this list on #28, but there you have it... we have reached the end! One thing I am thinking about is, how can I keep up the artistic flow that comes with living and breathing art? Even though my pace will ease up a bit, I believe the answer to that question is to employ the same tactics found in these tips... set deadlines for myself, make a schedule, be disciplined, and generally keep up the momentum! I guess it's time to go back to #1 and stock up on supplies again! ;)

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Tip #16 - Step Back 

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot

Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Tip #21 - Frame Incrementally

Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts

Tip #23 - Get the Word Out

Tip #24 - Stay The Course

Tip #25 - Take Care of Business

Tip #26 - Deliver Safely (and on time)

Tip #27 - Tell Your Story

Tomorrow my workshop on St. Simons Island starts... I'm looking forward to working with a great group of artists and painting en plein air in the golden isles!

Hillside Dwellings - Postcard from Hawaii

Hillside Dwellings, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

NFS

This is one of my favorite views from where my daughter and her family live in Hawaii. A little neighborhood sits across the cove framed by the mountains; and occasionally people fish off the docks. It's a beautiful, quiet spot and I have loved visiting my sweet kids in this place. Sadly, my visit came to an end and I had to say goodbye. I miss them already but am so thankful for the time we had. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas (FULL with wait list)

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

See more Small Works

Afternoon Reflections - Postcard from Hawaii

Afternoon Reflections, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Painting reflections can be like working an upside-down puzzle. As I studied this watery replica of boat mast and glowing sky, it began to look like a separate reality from its counterpart above. The pieces were much the same, but deeper and a little dreamlike. As a painter, it's fun to observe and try to capture the important similarities and differences!

On a separate note, I received this "Happy Art Award" from my dear blogging friend, Barbara Muir. Barbara is an artist who adds beauty and MUCH happiness into the world every day, and encourages others to follow and nurture their creative dreams. She has been hugely supportive of me and I am greatly honored to call her "friend"!! Thank you, Barbara!

See more Small Works

Setting Sail - Postcard from Hawaii

Setting Sail, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

This week the big sky over Kaneohe Bay was filled with drifting clouds and sparkling marine color. I loved watching the clouds move and change shape as I painted. Seeing boats take off to open sea was an added treat! :)

Tropical Dance - Postcard from Hawaii

Tropical Dance, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Click to purchase $120 + $16

Available for shipping March 18

One of my favorite things about Hawaii is the way its palm trees sway to the rythm of incoming trade winds. I never tire of watching this well learned dance of nature. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas (FULL with wait list)

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Bay View - Postcard from Hawaii

Bay View, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Hello from beautiful Hawaii where I am happily visiting my daughter and her family. This includes lots of time with my 8 month old grandson who is crawling all over the place and becoming his own little person. It's so much fun to be able to share these days with all of them. I've also been able to get some painting time in (during the baby's nap times of course). I don't have to go far to find something to paint... they live in a gorgeous spot right on the water, and this IS paradise after all! :) Much Aloha to you!!!

Beach Shadows - Hawaii

Beach Shadows, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

This is my last painting from my visit to Hawaii; and the quiet beach in this scene was a favorite "find" on my way to the North Shore of Oahu. I spent a delightful morning painting here, watching the clouds floating by and listening to the waves crashing into shore. It was hard to leave such beauty (and my daughter and son-in-law), and I am already looking forward to going back! :)

Monkeypod Canopies - Hawaii

Monkeypod Canopies, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

SOLD

All over the Hawaiian islands Monkeypod trees spread their canopies like huge umbrellas. In addition to being really beautiful, the cool thing about these trees is that their leaves release nitrogen which fertilizes the ground below. (Most trees block the light which kills the plant life below.) So as the saying goes, the "grass is always greener" under the Monkeypod tree... quite literally.

See other Small Works.

Waiahole Poi Factory - Hawaii

Waiahole Poi Factory, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

The Waiahole Poi Factory is right on the Kamehameha Highway heading to the north shore of Oahu, and it is clearly a favorite lunch spot for the locals. They serve island delicacies like Kalua Pig, Squid Lu'au, and Laulau with pounded Poi on the side. I had a great morning, painting across the street and watching people come and go. 

Poi: a Hawaiian dish made from the fermented root of the taro, which has been baked and pounded to a paste.

See more Small Works

Mountain Fog - Hawaii

Mountain Fog, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

This is another painting from my misty day on Oahu. I love how fog settles on the mountaintops and mystically creeps down into the canyons. It's kind of primal looking and always makes me start humming the theme song to Jurassic Park. :)

Sadly, my fun to Hawaii came to an end on Saturday. Of course, I am happy to be home, but I hated to leave! I have more island paintings yet to come, so please stay tuned. 

See more Small Works.

Misty Coastline - Hawaii

Misty Coastline, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Even foggy, voggy days in the Hawaiian islands capture the imagination. The mist settles in and adds a quieting layer in the atmosphere. On this morning, it grayed everything out to a lovely soft pink. 

See more Small Works

Azure Reflections - Hawaii

Azure Reflections, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

The light and colors of Hawaii are uniquely intense and very intoxicating. It's almost impossible to squelch the constant "oohs" and "ahhhs" that spill out of my mouth. I am very grateful to be here taking it all in. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

Waterfront Lanai - Hawaii

Waterfront Lanai, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Greetings from Hawaii! I am here in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, visiting my daughter and son-in-law for Thanksgiving. Of course, I just HAD to come a week early to get some painting in as well. :) It has been wonderful all around - having time with my kids and being inspired by the sights and scents of paradise. Each morning has greeted me with new and wonderful scenes that I will share with you over the next few days.

Can you imagine sitting on your lanai (back porch) and seeing this view every day? I don't know who lives here, but they sure are lucky!! Here was my view...

Morning Blessing and Capitol Glow - upcoming show!

Morning Blessing, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

Capitol Glow, 18 x 18, oil on canvas © 2013

These two paintings will be in my upcoming show...

Landscapes: Interior-Exterior 

Opening October 5, 2013 at the Davis Gallery in Austin, Texas.

The show will include landscapes of nature (my usual) AND landscapes of daily life (I've branched out to include interiors, exteriors and cityscapes). Painting for this exhibit has been a stimulating time of artistic stretching and personal discovery for me. I have been pretty much hibernating for these last few weeks and months to get the work done. Sometimes shutting down all distractions is mandatory. :)

After much thought about how to share these paintings with you, I have decided to reveal two images at a time - each from a different category. I had fun pairing them up and hope you will enjoy seeing their commonalities and differences. Please stay tuned!

Morning Sky

Morning Sky (study), 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Another beautiful morning on the Kaneohe Bay... A wild cloud coverage masked the morning light in a moment of true drama. To stop everything and simply watch was the only proper response. I never cease to wonder and be amazed.

Chinaman's Hat

Chinaman's Hat, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

This little island is actually named Mokolii but it is called Chinaman's Hat because of it's shape. Apparently, it's possible to swim or paddle over there at low tide; and there are some sea caves and a couple of beaches to explore. (However, the brave explorer would not want to get stuck there if the tide begins to come back in!) The trade winds were blowing fiercely the day we were there, so viewing it from the beach park was good enough for me. 

Daybreak

Daybreak, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Sold

This is the view from my daughter and son-in-law's condo. Every day we woke up in Hawaii to a new sky with amazing colors and clouds. It was not hard to rise and shine! 

Tropical Moon

Tropical Moon, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Palm trees are so seductive. The angles, the liveliness, the whimsicality... everything about them is interesting to me. But silhouetted against the full moon, it is all about the shapes - so unique and so recognizable. 

Rocky Inlet

Rocky Inlet, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

SOLD

Here is another "postcard" from Hawaii from me to you - sent from my home of course! On a trip up to the north shore of Oahu we discovered many beautiful beaches. Some are famous for great surfing (Sunset and Pipeline) but this rocky inlet is a favorite spot for sea turtles to hang out. Unfortunately, we missed the turtles but we did get a dose of that gorgeous, warm afternoon light!

Bending with the Wind

Bending with the Wind, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

It has been exactly one month since my last post. Time flies! I never meant to be away so long, but February flew by with a big celebration for my parent's 60th wedding anniversary followed by... a two week vacation in Hawaii!!! Our daughter and son-in-law moved to Oahu in September and we finally got over to visit them. 

Time and scheduling didn't allow me to paint while I was there, but does it count that I dragged my easel all the way to two islands and back? I was planning paintings in my mind the whole time. Every view is a painting in Hawaii. Over the next few days I will be posting some of my favorite scenes. These are my postcards to you. Aloha, my friends!!