Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Florida Landscape | Small Oil Painting | Daily Painting | Palm Grove by Carol Schiff | 8x6" Oil | SOLD

I was on a photo shoot one late afternoon, walking though wetlands and knee high grasses.  I was getting a little anxious as the wildlife and creepy crawlies get more active as the sun goes down.  When I came home, I found several reference photos that I was interested in painting, which made it all worth while.

SOLD




I liked the way the early evening light was hitting these palms, turning them from gray to gold.  This is a little study for a much larger piece that I am interested in trying.  Hopefully, I can get to it soon.


www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 25, 2016

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!




I hope you all enjoy your holidays and find peace and love in the upcoming year!  I want to thank all my online friends who visit this blog and follow my art.

Carol Schiff
www.CarolschiffStudio.blogspot.com

Friday, December 23, 2016

At the Movies, 30x40 Oil on Canvas


Several years ago I participated in an art show called Transformations, in which each team consisted of an artist and a poet who collaborated to produce a painting and a poem. It's amazing how well-paired each team was, because many never met before this project.

My poet partner, Jean Shepard, lives in Jacksonville, so we met in Ormond Beach to toss around ideas for our collaboration.  When I was born, we lived in an apartment inside a movie theater, and my father managed the theater. She was fascinated by the idea of living inside a movie theater. She wrote her poem from my father's perspective and also made interesting observations on time and motion. All of this gave me the idea for a painting with my mother in the center, sitting on a crescent moon, surrounded by movie stars.
Here is Jean's poem, "At the Movies."


Being two with the hope of three,
it was all they could afford,
an apartment above the cinema
where for hours each day he was a god
at work, turning day into night,
night into day with a flipped switch.
Where he revealed moments
snatched out of time
and run through a light
for believers who sat in silence below.
When two became three,
they ascended the narrow stairs
carried a pink bundle to an empty crib
watched with fascination
the arms waving, the legs kicking,
the unknowing, introverted face.
But others waited below.
He descended to darkness and the machine,
the sour smell of celluloid,
its tiny pieces of the past
curled on themselves like a  shell.
As he turned the switch on
and watched the relentless streaming
he suddenly saw how we move in the world,
how we run forward while
looking back over our shoulders
caught up in continuous flight.
Then he thought of the pink bundle above him,
the new skin, curled fingers,
the tiny feet that had not touched earth
and he was afraid.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Cindy's View

Today, I am sharing a blog post from my fellow artist and friend, Cindy Michaud.


Have you ever listened to music and had
a line just jump out?  Often I am in the car and think
to myself "what would that lyric look like painted?"
I rarely go further as I can't make a note
while driving but every now and then...

Does the Title Affect Your Viewing?

Titles for paintings are funny things.  To some artists they are merely a locale, to others they become a marketing gimmick; sometimes one struggles for a title and once in a while the piece instantly names itself.  Purchasing a piece, I once asked the artist where it was. "Oh," he answered, "that was from Siena, Italy."  I paused writing the check and looked up. "Shoot, it reminded me of a place my husband and I stayed in Provence, France," I replied.  He grinned, "yes, that is just what I meant to say!"  We both laughed, I finished the purchase and simply re-christianed the piece.  All the same...

What does a title mean to you?

I am serious.  My husband and I go round and round (I won't say out loud that he likes trite references which he thinks are literary....oh, did I say trite??) and I wax and wane between what I feel and what I see.  Frankly I have rarely bought something for which the title was a critical component, yet I usually ask.    The selection is often a point of reference or at least starts a conversation with the maker.

Which brings me to the piece I share today.


We stopped by an amazing "You-Pic-Em" flower farm in Oregon which also had a winery and a gourmet food truck.  It was a spontaneous stop on a long but spectacular drive and with one eye on the dark clouds rolling in we stood in awe of the acres of flowers ready to be picked.  Wine, lunch, flowers...a few photos and we happily resumed our drive.

Can one ever re-capture that experience?  I think not.  The dark, mountainous backdrop and the swaths of floral color are perhaps better rendered in the abstract of masses.  But on another rainy day in the studio I can play and remember.  So I did.  And then to title, humming...I will borrow, with respect for Joni Mitchell's endless talent,  a line that is laden with meaning...for me.


"The Dizzy, Dancing Way You Feel"
24 x 18, oil
available

How do you feel about titles?  Do they influence your view of the art?  Or do you prefer a numbering system? I am really curious, so please share.

contact me at: art@cindymichaud.com
see more work at: www.cindymichaud.com

Dancing in Color,
Cindy

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Daily Painting, Painting for Sale, Small Oil Painting, Tropical Landscape Painting, 6x8" Oil SOLD

As you know, I like to have a sale item on Wednesdays....a little middle of the week pick me up.  Today I am posting a small tropical landscape for your pleasure.

SOLD

This sweet 6x8" oil on canvas panel has that tropical mojo.If you have ever dreamed about that little house next to the sea, now it can be yous.

Unlike most of my sales, this does not require a rebate.  Just follow the link above and purchase it for only $30.00.  Original price $89.95

Have a very tropical day!


Monday, December 12, 2016

Wildlife Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, "Gray Squirrel" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil SOLD

Have you ever tried to photograph wildlife?  I have, and consider it an exercise in frustration.  Many blurred images later, my friend and photographer, Ted Fuhrer, offered me the use of his images.  Thanks so much, Ted.

SOLD
This little guy looks very inquisitive and ready to bolt at the least movement.

  I enjoyed experimenting with painting his fur and directing the viewer's eye.  The animal is much the same color as the background in this scene.

 I put it in one of my black frames.  They seem to work perfectly for just about any painting.

Happy day to you!

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 8, 2016

A Surprise from from the Holy Land

The internet is fantastic and has become a necessary part of our lives.  I sit here on my computer in Florida and magically my artwork is seen worldwide.   How lucky are we to have the fantastic ability in our lives.

A few days ago, I received some wonderful and unexpected news from Israel.  An Israeli fashion designer, Assaf Pelleg,  contacted me with an offer I cannot refuse.  He has chosen one of my paintings to be printed on fabric and featured in his Spring 2017 collection.  I cannot show you the painting he will be using (top secret!) but, I can show you a dress he did last year, using the same technique.


Isn't it wonderful?

The new dress will be ready in March and he will be sending me one of his samples.  I am so excited, I can hardly wait!

This has been a fabulous year for me, with new and unexpected art opportunities coming my way.  A DVD cover, a wine label,and other new venues for my work.....all because of the internet.  How blessed am I?

I cannot wait to show you the dress with my design as soon as it comes!




Carol Schiff

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

A Painting Workshop with Elio Camacho

A few weeks ago, my friends Carmen and Donna and I drove to Fernandina Beach, FL to attend a 4 day workshop with Elio Camacho.   Elio is one of my favorite painters and my very favorite instructor and I have been lucky enough to attend with workshops twice a year for the past three years.



 I started each day with this beautiful sunrise over the ocean, while eating breakfast at the hotel.


 This is one of Elio's 36x48" demos that he paints in just three hours!




Here Elio met a challenge to paint without darks.  He often states a painting should bring it's own light.  I think this one meets that requirement


 Another of his larger than life paintings.


This was a 25 minute demo he did for us on foam core.  He pushed the color even more than usual and got wild and crazy.


His brushwork is very exciting...something I am hoping to bring to my work.


Elio spent a year painting blue studies, then moved on and studied yellows and reds.  He likes to set up still life, to challenge his students, all in a single color.  He believes red is the most difficult color to paint.  If you can do a red painting, you can really see color.  This is a 20 minute demo he did for us one day.


We hated to leave the workshop after 3.5 intense and fun days.  To console ourselves, we had a final lunch of fried shrimp at our favorite eatery.


A final photo of Carmen and Donna, de-stressing with  ice cream in front of Island Art Association.  We thank the members for hosting us once again.  Then we hop into our car for the drive home.



One last classic Elio demo that he painted in about 15 minutes, out of his head.  I almost cried when he scrapped it off the next morning.

Needless to say, we are excited to return for his next Florida workshop in the spring.  You can find his workshop schedule here.




Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Friday, November 25, 2016

Abstract Painting, Four Seasons Series - Winter, Small Abstract Oil Paintings, 4x12x.75" Oil on Canvas

This is the final installment of my Four Seasons Series, Winter.

With each painting, I tried to capture the feeling, of the season of the year, using only color.  It was a fun project to do.

Winter
 This is not a good picture of "Winter" The actual painting has much more color variation and saturation.  Try as I might, I could not get a better image.

Spring

Tried to capture that "spring" feeling of new grass, flowering trees etc.

Summer

Summer...hot and salty....time for the beach!

Autumn

Autumn, falling leaves against bright blue skies.
Thanks for viewing my art today!




Carol Schiff

Monday, November 21, 2016

Seascape Oil Painting, Daily Painting, Wave Painting, "Wall of Water" 16x20x.75" Oil SOLD

Lately, I have been painting seascapes.  I always love painting and viewing seascapes.  It's almost as soothing to me as a trip to the beach.

SOLD
 Of course, the first step for me IS a trip to the beach.  I  pick a day with my trusty camera and head for the sand.  I count myself lucky if I get a few interesting shots.

detail
For this painting, I used images from a trip to Barbados.




For the time being, I have hung this on my studio wall.  It transports me to the sea each time I see it.
Isn't art wonderful?!

Thanks for viewing my art today.

www.CarolSchiffStudo.blogspot.com




Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Teapot Painting | Still Life Oil Painting | Antique French Teapot by Carol Schiff | 16x16x1.5" Oil

 Today, I have something special for you.


Purchase here
450 minus 40 rebate
It is painted on gallery wrap canvas, with the sides painted black, which gives the option of hanging with or without a frame.

To purchase this painting, click on the link above and you will be charged $450. plus shipping charges.


Thanks for reading my blog today.




www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Monday, November 14, 2016

An Autumn Drive Up the Blue Ridge Parkway

Today's post is not about art....well not about my art.  It is the art of Mother Nature.  I want to show you some of the sights in the mountains this time of year.


 Who can resist these colors?


The Methodist Curch in Waynesville has the best pumpkin patch every year.





 Beauty is everywhere.

Even tiny little trees catch your eye.



We enter Smoky Mt Natl Park.


Now were are on the Blue Ridge Parkway.



As we climb in elevation, the show gets more intense.


Ohhhs and  ahwws  in every direction.


It is a photographer's delight.






My husband and I.

The show that never ends!



Back in Waynesville, the show is equally stunning!



Nature at it's best.  I much prefer this to the other show of nature we saw a few weeks ago....Hurricane Matthew!

I hope you enjoyed this little trip.

Thanks for viewing my blog today.

Carol Schiff

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Sky Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 8x8x1.5" Oil Painting

An early morning beach photo shoot was the inspiration for this piece.  Thank you to Pat Garvey for sharing his image with me.

Purchase here
 One of the biggest problems of selling art online, is representing your art with correct colors.  I didn't realize how big a problem this would be.

I tried for over an hour to edit this piece correctly, and was only partially successful.    Blues seem to be the colors that always give me problems in my photography.

The image above is washed out compared to the actual piece, which is sitting here next to me.  My problem was trying to get the blue gray on the lower right corner to read correctly...which is right on with my monitor.  But that means I have lost some beautiful warm rust and mauve hues in the dark cloud.



In this detail, the mauves and orangey rust shades are correct, but the blue on the right side is way too strong. Also the pale yellows are not warm enough.  What to do?  I have no answers.

Even if I am able to get the colors correct on my monitor, they may not be what you are seeing on your monitor.

So I do my best to represent what I see and offer my customers a full refund if they are unhappy.

I think most buyers understand this issue as fortunately, I have not had a painting returned in almost 10 years.

If any of you have a solution, I would love to hear it.

After writing this post, I tried again to edit my image, and finally have settled on this as the best representation of the painting.  It is better, but still does not reflect all the color variations.

Still missing mauve and purple colors in the dark cloud area and aqua tints behind the pelican.


Thanks for reading my blog today.

Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudiio.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Apple on Tree Landscape, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 9x12x.75" Oil Painting SOLD

During our stay in the mountains last month, we visited the apple orchard several times.  The apples are great, but the bakery is my favorite.......apple cider doughnuts, apple cake and apple fritters...YUM!

I like to think this apple ended up in one of my favorite goodies.








The weather is beautiful and we really appreciate the sunny, cool days.  Perfect fall weather.  We really appreciate it after spending a week in Florida with humid weather and a major hurricane.

Have a great day.

Carol  Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com



Saturday, November 5, 2016

Italian Girl With Flowers, 11x14 Oil on Canvas, after Sorolla by Carmen Beecher



Sold

I've had no time for painting this week, so I am posting a throwback to 2008, when our painting group, Pieces of Eight, decided to copy Impressionist masters as a learning exercise. I love Sorolla, so I copied one of my favorites, with the above result. Below is the original by Sorolla.


I also copied John Singer Sargent, the master portrait artist. The best thing I've ever done is team up with seven women with the same passion for painting that I have. It has been such an enriching experience in so many ways, and I have learned so much.

I'm working on a huge project that is going to take months, and I'll tell you all about it when it's done.

Carmen

Ballard Park, Original Oil on Canvas

  I had not painted outside in two years, so this was quite a challenge. It was one of those paintings I had to improve upon in the studio. ...