"Red & Green"

Does it take anyone else almost forever to set up a still life? So how many ways can one rearrange radishes? This little arrangement took me most of a morning to create and then I had to run out and buy more radishes because the leaves wilted. As you can see I'm having fun playing around with what is a different aesthetics for me; using a lot of white clothes and cropping.

This 8"x8" was painted in oils with a palette knife. $149.

"Everyone Needs Roots"

I've been experiment with non-traditional Susan compositions. This is the first one I felt happy with so much so I'm willing to blog it. Normally, I don't crop in my still lifes. This whole idea of cropping is really a "shake-up" for my world of paint - I know I'm pathetic. And!,... look at all that negative space. I'm still using my favorite painting tool = palette knife and I'm loving this 8"x8" format.

(available at http://www.susanhongsammons.etsy.com/ for $145.)

Kari (2.5 hr head study)

Last night I joined a figure class at the Palette and Chisel. Romel de la Torre is the instructor. If you're not familiar with his beautiful paintings go to http://www.romeldelatorre.com/. You will not be sorry you spent a few more minutes on your computer. I like Romel's very laid back approach to teaching. He wanders around and gives everyone a few comments but mostly he just watches our results and doesn't rush us. Most of the people have studied with him before but I'm a new-comer to his group.

I did not think I could even get a block-in finished in +2 hours. Just goes to show what can happen when I focus. But I did fail to nail my block-in more concretely/with conviction. I think had I done so I could have ended with a less "spotty" look and perhaps some decent brush strokes. My brush strokes suck, pardon my language. So I can't wait to get to open studio and work on a more confident block-in and BRUSH STROKES!!!!!!!!

just in case you haven't notice my blatant flashing banners, I started an Etsy store (Etsy is an on-line site selling handmade items only) I recently posted some 5"x7" cards inspired by my love of making quilts. I cut fabric, not paint, to create each shape. I'm also showing some smaller paintings. If you've time and need some cards, please consider mine - Thank you http://www.susanhongsammons.etsy.com/

hmmmmmmmm, what can I say, it was a cold cold day but we decided to try and paint snow anyways. I mean, when else can one learn to paint snow

12x12 oil

head study - Jessie

So great to get back to the Palette and Chisel and work with a model. Saturday there isn't a lunch break, which I prefer, so we can paint from 9-1:30 on one pose. Of course I was late (because I went with Karen and worked from 7-9 on a cold corner painting a street scene) but I still got to work on; simplify to big shapes, value, and then the time was up.