Palette Knife Landscape, Tree Painting, "BFF" by Carol Schiff

I just returned from a few weeks in the mountains of western North Carolina. We have an October trip planned, to take in the beautiful fall colors, which I am really anticipating. Until then, I will have to be satisfied with our Florida type of tree. They have a beauty of their own....not really big leaves or bright colors, but graceful palms and huge live oaks draped in Spanish moss and with limbs that seem to be a mile long.

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These don't have Spanish moss, but I was taken by their entwined limbs, like they are giving each other a hug and will be best friends forever.

I painted this with a palette knife and I used a technique I call "color weaving".  It gives me lots of texture and I can get really subtle color changes.  I have a nice wide molding in a dark wood tone that I will use to frame this one.  I think it will make it pop off the wall!

I hope to get many photos of fall color in the mountains next month....it's my favorite time of the year!

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Still Life Painting, Bottle Painting, "Cross Bottle II" by Carol Schiff, 10x8x1.5" Oil

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Time to Visit the Zoo

By Kathy Garvey

Now that the weather is cooling off, it's time to visit our wonderful local zoo. It's a constant source of inspiration and a fun affordable place to visit, especially if you invest in a membership. I've been able to go early in the morning and walk the zoo when there are hardly any visitors. Sometimes you have to wait for the animals to be let out on exhibit, but it's worth the wait. On my last visit, the giraffes were all out, young and old alike and they are magnificent! Above is a photo from my last visit, modified a little in Photoshop. And below is series from prior visits, all created with both Photoshop and Illustrator.  From gators to flamingos there's something for everyone.

Abstract Sunrise Painting, by Carol Schiff, 14x18" Palette Knife Painting in Oil, " God's Glory"

We were driving through the fields of Georgia one morning, on one of our many journeys from Florida to North Carolina, when the sun burst over the horizon.  I was so happy I had my camera handy.

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Does it show that I had a ball painting this one?

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Maybe I went a little crazy with the colors.

Speaking of journeys, this is my second attempt at painting this image.  The first attempt was several years ago and is residing in Paris these days.

 It's a little more subdued.

Au Revoir

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Tropical Landscape Painting, Florida Painting, "Florida Morning" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil

I work up eary, grabbed a cup of coffee and my camera, and headed to Florida's intracoastal waterway.  In our area, it is the Indian River, and I arrived there just in time to see the sun break over the horizon.

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 When I had finished my photos, I drank my coffee and enjoyed that wonderful early morning atmosphere.  You know the one, where it seems that only you and maybe a few birds are up and around.  It is so still, the birds are starting to feed, and a small pod of dolphins are fishing off shore.  Heaven!

I am often asked where I find my small frames.  The answer is my favorite framer.  Apparently it is standard procedure for framers to throw away the end pieces of moldings.  My framer, who has a large following of artists, started using those end pieces to make  up small standard sized frames.  He always has a good selection and sells them for next to nothing.  Perfect for starving artists!

If you are in Melbourne, FL area, his store is Ridley's Frames on Palm Bay Road and Troutman Ave. in Palm Bay.  Stop in and load up on his treasures and tell him I sent you in :)

Happy Day!



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Baby Rachel, 6x6 Graphite Drawing by Carmen Beecher

I did this drawing of my granddaughter years ago, and now she is studying Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt. Time flies! This sweet little baby grew into a sweet, smart and accomplished grownup and we are all very proud of her.

posted by Carmen Beecher

Wild and Wacky Wednesday by Carol Schiff Studio

Another Wild and Wacky Wednesday and another very special price on an original oil painting.

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39.95 less 10.00 rebate

This adorable little radish is sitting on my kitchen window sill, light streaming in, and a  with a sweet shadow.  I always liked the brushwork on this piece.  Put it in a black frame and it will brighten that dreary corner of your kitchen and pop off the wall!

It's already a bargin at $39.95 as the original price was $59.95, but today only, you may purchase it with an additional saving of $10.00.  All you have to do to receive the rebate, is note "WILD AND WACKY" on the order.  If you don't do this, I will not know to send you the rebate, so that is very important.
Offer good through midnight October 2, 2013.