cutie

Gloomy days are good days to paint bright things.  I love orange and deep pink together.  This is painted on a 6 x 12" canvas.sold

let it fly

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This was a warm up painting I did before teaching my last workshop.  We were focusing on painting animals loosely so I was practicing what I was about to preach.  I was happy that I was able to portray his cocky personality with bold and minimal brushwork.  That comes from lots and lots of practice. I do not often get it right.  This one made me happy. It is painted on an 8 x 8" canvas.

comfort

Today was a good day to paint something bright and up lifting.  It is a little gloomy here in Birmingham so I needed some brightness.  Deep pink is my favorite color. This is painted on an 8 x 8" canvas. The color of the background is not very accurate.  It is a little warmer than this photo portrays.  Sold

forgiveness

I am preparing to paint a 36 x 48” canvas that includes tulips so this was a nice warm up. White tulips symbolize forgiveness and worthiness. Google told me so it is true. This is painted on a 15 x 30” canvas.

since you said goodbye

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One of my favorite things to paint.  Glad some others like it too. This is painted on a 16 x 20".  Hope you have a great weekend.  It is sunny here in Birmingham so that makes me happy!

I have a spot left in my February 7 and 8 workshop here in Birmingham if you are interested.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.

tah dah

This little chick looks like he just finished his chicken dance and is taking a bow.  My imagination? :)
Trying to stay loose while painting and focus more on expression than exactness.  I painted this chick with one larger brush and stayed way back from my easel.  If you want to paint loosely you have to implement these practices. I painted this on a 6 x 6" canvas.

I feel fine

This was the demo I did at my workshop last Friday.  We focused on painting simple still life pieces. I titled this painting after a James Taylor lyric. It is funny how it coincides with the short story I would like to tell.  Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning before the workshop participants arrived, I was doing a little practice / warm up painting.  I painted two scrapers.  ( I scrubbed them out) Not a good feeling when these folks were paying to come learn from me.  I was pretty shaken but felt that if I slowed down and listened to the the information I was sharing with them that I would be fine.  I was teaching to the teacher. It all worked out and I had a very talented group.  I am not able to show you how well they did because we had a rainy Saturday and did not go out and take photos.  Glad we got a group photo on Friday.

This piece is painted on an 11 x 14" canvas.

warm up

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I am teaching a workshop at my home studio this Friday and Saturday.  We paint from live set ups and talk about color, composition and brushwork.  I think still life is a great way to start your painting education.  I was doing a little practicing today.  This is painted on an 8 x 8" canvas.
This workshop is full but I have one opening in my February 7 and 8 class.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.

A cup of sunshine

Painted on an 8 x 10”.
I have a couple of spots that have  opened up in my workshop next Friday and Saturday. January 17 and 18. Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information. 

Stormy

Painting a rooster is good therapy for me. This is painted on a 12 x 12” canvas. Not that I need therapy. :)

counting sheep

I am not sure if this video is going to work but I thought I would give it a shot.  This painting is a 20 x 60" so it is extremely hard for me to get a good photo.  I painted this over a third of an old tryptic. I like this much better than what was underneath.sold
Happy New Years!! 2020!!

out with the old

I painted this over an old painting that I never felt good about. I do this fairly often and it is very rewarding. The old painting alway adds interest from the colors and textures that show through. This is painted on a 24 x 24” canvas.
Hoping this year brings you all lots of good things!

feeling thankful

Loving the freedom to paint what ever strikes my fancy.  This girl did.  She is painted on a 12 x 24" canvas. 
I am trying to get organized enough to share some of the many commissions I have done in the last several weeks.  Today I just felt like painting.

Lemony

I painted something bright on a wet and gloomy day here in Alabama. Lemons and paper whites brighten up any spot. Hope you are finding some time to enjoy this season. I am slowing down and enjoying time with family.
This is painted on an 8 x 10” linen canvas.

winter wonders

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A couple of items that make this time of year special.  Paper whites and juicy oranges.  This is painted on a 6 x 12"linen canvas.
It may seem that I have not been painting much lately but that is far from the case.  I have spent the last month or more painting commissions that I can not share.  I am going to concentrate on painting from life for a while.  I have everything painted that I had to have ready by Christmas.  Feels good!

sweeten's cove

This is a commissioned piece for my cousin.  It was fun to challenge myself with a landscape.  I tried to keep it representational, but loose.  That is my favorite type to look at.  This is painted on a 36 x 48" canvas.  I hope he will enjoy looking at it over the years.  My husband kind of wants to keep it. :)

small things

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I have been painting tons in the last week but not posting things because many are Christmas surprises.  I am also painting for my annual Open Studio this Thursday night.  My home studio will be open from 5-8 November 21.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.
This is painted on a 6 x 8" canvas.

let hope fly

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Painted on a 4 x 6" canvas.  Red!  Have to love it!

I will be in Covington, LA this Saturday and Sunday for the Three Rivers Art Festival.  Nov 9 and 10. Come see me if you are in the area.

busy day

I was on the edge of of scraping this rooster out when I decided to be patient (rare) and go in a different direction with it.  I let loose and just moved a lot of paint around.  I like the way he ended up having lots of energy and interest.  Rooster paintings can be really interesting or really boring. This one is painted on a 10 x 20" canvas. 

I will be in Hoover, AL this weekend at the Moss Rock Eco and Art Festival. Nov 2 and 3, 10-5 Sat and 10-4 on Sun. 

My February workshop is at capacity now but I have a couple of spaces open in the Jan 17 and 18  one.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for the information.  It is a great way to treat yourself during a dreary winter month.

Late October

Painted on a 30 x 40” canvas. I am feeling a little under the weather so this was a push through painting. Hoping tomorrow will be better.

I will be at the Moss Rock Art Festival this weekend in Hoover, Al. Nov 2 and 3, 10-5 on Sat and 10-4 on Sunday. Come see me if you are in the area.

photobomb

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I added the lamb in the middle to this painting that I have had a few months.  It originally had the two lambs on either side and I felt like something was missing.  It was this lamb. My original idea was for them to be peeking in from each side of the painting.  I like this better!
Many times at shows when I have some down time I will study my pieces and try to decide if there are things I could do to improve them.  Painting with oils gives me the freedom to change my pieces at any time. This piece is painted on an 18 x 24" and will be with me next weekend at the Moss Rock Art Festival at the Preserve in Hoover, AL.  The show is Saturday, Nov 2,10-5 and Sunday, Nov 3, 10-4.  The next weekend I will be in Covington, LA at the Three Rivers Art festival. Nov 9 and 10.

used to be mine

I sold all my big white cows paintings so I got to paint another one.  This one is painted on a 36 x 36" canvas.  Truly one of my very favorite things to paint. 
I have begun working on some commission pieces so getting loose with a big cow was a treat for me. I just kind of feel my way through the painting and am not sure what colors might appear.
 
I have some room in my February 7 and 8 workshop.  Plan a treat for yourself during a dreary winter month and come learn with us.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.

all that

I just finished a round of art shows four weekends in a row.  Not an easy task but I met a lot of new patrons and artists that made it worth all the effort.  This 8 x 8" rooster is a commissioned painting for a new Louisville friend.  She got two other animals and needed a third.

I have three weeks to catch up on work and commissions before my next show in Birmingham, AL.  The Moss Rock Art Festival is Nov 2 and 3.  The following weekend will end my Fall show season in Covington, LA at the Three Rivers Art Festival November 9 and 10.

I have some openings in my Feb 7 and 8 workshop.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for the information.

getaway

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This rooster is painted on a 15 x 30” canvas. It will be with me this weekend at the Arts Festival in Carrollton, GA. The show is Saturday and Sunday, 10-5. Come see me if you are in the area. 

rest

I took a day off yesterday and boy was it nice. This is my very busy time of the year.  Four shows, four weekends in a row. Not so easy with the record heat in the South. I will be in Louisville, KY for the St James Court Art Festival this  Fri, Sat and Sun.  Oct 4-6.  My booth is SJ-359.  So thankful that the temperatures are going to be at least twenty degrees cooler than last weekend.  The following weekend I will be at the Arts Festival of Carrollton, GA.  These are both first time shows for me to attend so I am looking forward!

This painting is a 24 x 30".

a little jaunty

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Painting a rooster was just what the doctor ordered yesterday.  It was fun using such bright colors and mostly a palette knife . I love to start slinging the paint around and using quick, but thoughtful strokes to add interest and action.  This fellow is painted on a 15 x 30" canvas.

I will be in Atlanta tomorrow and Sunday for the Old Fourth Ward Art Festival.  Sept 28, 10-5 and the 29, 11-5. The following weekend I will be in Louisville, KY.  More about that and my other shows coming up later.

come along

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This is an 18 x 36" commissioned piece for a friend. I get in lots of discussions about cows when I am at art shows.  Of course you have the people who are original and moo when they pass my booth.  Never heard that before.  Don't be mean Carol! I am still not sure why I am so interested in cows.  I "think" it is because of the calming and curious looks they have.  All I know is that I can not get enough of them and am so glad that so many others feel the same way.

I will be in Atlanta this Saturday and Sunday for the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival.  Sept 28 and 29.  Come see me but please do not moo.  The following weekend I will be in Louisville, KY for the St James Court Art Festival. Oct 4-6.  First time in this show for me.  My parents lived in Louisville for eight years several years ago so I am looking forward to going back.

One more thing!  I am doing a workshop at my home studio in Birmingham, AL Feb 7 and 8.  The January workshop is filled so this is for folks who could not make it.  January and February are great months to treat yourself to something fun.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for information.

late season

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I brought some cotton back from my trip up to Huntsville, AL for the Monte Sano Art Show.  My sister lives on some acreage several miles from Huntsville and there is cotton planted on their land.  It is beautiful and mostly open now.  There are some buds that are still trying to bloom.  It is a beautiful plant.  This is painted on an 18 x 24" canvas.

I had a great show in Huntsville and am looking forward to my next one this weekend in Atlanta.  It is the Old Fourth Ward Arts festival held in Old 4th Ward park.  It is Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-5.  The following weekend I will be in Louisville, KY for the Saint James Court  Art Show.  Friday, Sat and Sunday, Oct 4, 5 and 6. Then I will be in Carrollton, GA the following weekend.  I know!  Sounds crazy and yes I am.

my sunshine

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I had one of those days today where painting did not come easily.  Not a great feeling since I am teaching a workshop in a couple of days.  I have only known one artist to say while attending his workshop that he never messed up while painting.  Um hum....I learned some from him but left a day early.  A little too proud of himself.  Well.... I mess up plenty.  I kept working through this until I was happy with it.  It is painted on a 16 x 20" canvas.

in sync

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I got back in the studio today after traveling for a couple of weeks.  Not very sure why I painted this but I am happy with it.  I am teaching a workshop Sept 13 and 14 and day two is using palette knives so maybe that is why this happened.  I was trying to be very thoughtful about what I included.  I am a bit of an impatient person so it is not easy for me.  This is painted on a 15 x 30" canvas.

scamp

Scamp belongs to a couple that I am friends with.  Mrs commissioned it for Mr for a birthday surprise.  I was very happy for "live" photos on my i phone because Scamp does not like to look at the camera.  I was able to edit it with him looking at me unbeknownst to Scamp.  This is painted on an 8 x 8" canvas.  He typically has one ear up and one ear down.  So cute!

wild flower season

I recently had an opportunity to go to Crested Butte, CO to visit friends.  It was indescribably beautiful.  The wild flowers were up to your waist. I do not claim to know much about landscape painting but I gave it my all.  This piece is large.  It is painted on a 40 x 60" canvas.  sold

unconditional

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This is an example of how I will paint over another painting. I liked the bottle painting below but it just did not fit in with my current work that well. I like the way the under painting adds color and texture to the new painting. This is painted on a 24 x 36” canvas. 

Breezy

Back to my studio after taking some time off to visit friends in beautiful Colorado. I have some pretty scenes I will try to paint but for now I was in the mood to paint a horse. This one is painted on a 36 x 48” canvas.
Have a great weekend!

Better together

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This piece started out with one figure. She looked a bit lonely and the painting was lacking so I added the second, smaller girl. Better together. 18 x 36”.

good cast

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This little guy makes me happy.  I had a video so I chose another interesting shot.  This is painted on a 20 x 20" canvas.
Hope some good and happy things happen for you this week!

happiness

A friend commissioned me to do this as a gift for a family she is close to. The family was apprehensive about getting a dog but soon found they had made a great decision.  This is one of their daughters and the pooch.  It is painted on an 8 x 8" canvas.

best of days

Painted on a 20 x 20" canvas. Hope this makes you smile.sold

I have two spots left in my September 13 and 14 workshop.  Contact me at carolcarmike@att.net for information.

day dreaming

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I am trying to remember the techniques I need to practice to make a successful painting.  I am trying to simplify things and leave some of the detail to the viewers imagination.  Easily said but not easily accomplished. There is always tomorrow and more practice.
I have two or three more spots available in my Sept 13 and 14 workshop here at my home studio in Birmingham, AL.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.  

show and tell

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Painted on a 24 x 36" canvas.  

all good

"all good" was the demo I did for the second day of the workshop.  Our goal was to paint loosely and thoughtfully.  I really need to be reminded of all the tips I shared with the participants. I should read the handouts every day before I begin painting.  They are just a culmination of the things I have learned from teachers I admire. Below are all of my peeps with some of their work.  We worked hard and they all took home several pieces.  I cracked the whip after a forty five minute lunch and made them get back at it.  My wonderful Mom prepared the lunches for us so they were well fed.  

If you are interested in doing a workshop with me I have another one planned for Sept 13 and 14 at my home studio in Birmingham, AL. Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for the information.  sold

Cow lick

”cow lick” was my demo piece for day one of my workshop. It is painted on an 8 x 8” canvas. We had a great group from all over. It is so nice when everyone clicks and there is lots of laughter and hard work going on. We worked on animals the first day and still life the second. The main focus was on painting loosely. I strive everyday to produce works that look much more effortless than they were. It does not come easily but through lots of hard work. 

I will share some more pictures of their work tomorrow. Such a fun, kind and talented group. My studio is all cleaned up and lonely now.

I am planning one more workshop for now. Sept 13 and 14. One day we work on still life and the next day will focus on loose figuratives with the palette knife. Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more info.