"100+ Faces, No. 113"

4 x 4"

oil on panel
sold

A new addition to my ongoing series BUST-ED, 100+ Faces painted from mugshots.  I picked this face because of the glasses.  I need practice on glasses.

If you'd like to see this painting 'in progress', I just posted it on my blog Karin Jurick Paints.

"Interest Group"

6 x 10"

oil on panel
sold

With Ellsworth Kelly's portion of the 'Chicago Panels' in the background, a museum tour group takes

"Alfred"

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold

I felt like nit-picking a little bit today.  I had time.  It's been a cold, cloudy day here and since I prepared to hole up (due to unrealized winter storms coming thru), I put my cozy clothes on and started painting.   I love days like this.

From the Art Institute of Chicago, a woman viewing Pierre-Auguste Renoir's portrait of Alfred Sisley.

"100+ Faces, No. 112"

4 x 4"

oil on panel
sold

This is No. 112 of my ongoing series BUST-ED, 100+ Faces painted from police mugshots.  In case you didn't know, I have a blog devoted to the series and a book featuring the first 100 faces.

Q & A Weekend

I've been playing around with paint this morning and almost forgot it was the weekend.  Ask away....

"Fond Memories"

5 x 7"

oil on panel
sold

Now that I'm back in 'Calorie Prison' (please refer to this post for a definition), I vicariously relived cherry cheesecake with oil paints.

And if you're interested in the process of this painting, I included a new post on my blog Karin Jurick Paints.  And thanks to all of you who commented on my new blog.

"Toledo" and a New Blog

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold

After reminiscing about our cross-country road trip last spring, browsing through the photos of the stretch on the Lincoln Highway through Iowa, I picked this little, sunlit homestead we spotted in a little town called Toledo.  I have this deep affection for little houses.

And.... I started a new blog called Karin Jurick Paints - a little insight to my approach to painting.  'Toledo' is my first post - please check it out if you're interested in the process.

Q & A Weekend

If there's something I can help with or answer, I'll do it.  Please leave your question in the comments and take a minute to read my FAQ's - you may find the answer there.

and another thing..... a fellow artist, Taryn Day,  runs a most-excellent blog called The Art Room - where you'll find artists' interviews and discussions.  Taryn invited me to contribute to today's post - asking me to choose two of my personal favorites from last year followed by her two favorites.  Take time to read past posts, it's so very interesting.  Thanks to Taryn for her time.

"H Street"

8 x 8"

oil on panel

sold

Last visit to Washington DC, after drooling over the art in the National Portrait Gallery, we took a walk around the neighborhood and I stopped in my tracks across from this old, painted-brick building on H Street.  The wall was a perfect backdrop for seeing figures clearly.  Love it. This gentleman was standing in front of that old building on H Street.

It also was a good lesson in how to paint a brick wall.  I usually avoid it.  This time I tried a hint at it, with thick paint behind him, put on with a palette knife and carved in loose grooves.  It's cool in person.  And a good solution I think

"George"

8 x 8"

oil on panel
nfs

I tried my hand on a more classic painting - an all-day cow affair.  What an awesome beast.  It is a gift.

"Book Club"

5 x 5"

oil on panel
sold

The surface you paint on can determine the outcome or effect.  Personally, I detest canvas.  I feel like I'm pushing the paint into the surface - it's like buttering a cold waffle.  So I prefer smooth, hard boards - like spreading warm butter on a warm pancake if you will.

I had this little panel I had painted black, but there was a bumpy texture, kinda sandpaper-like and I wanted that rougher texture for the steps and it worked out pretty well.

You certainly can't nit-pick with details and it kept me loose.  And I like that.

From Central Park in New York City on a summer day.

"Reading Up On"

7 x 8"

oil on panel
sold

I've been playing with this piece for a couple of days while watching multiple reruns of Cash Cab.  Obsessing really.  Sometimes I finish something and it's just too predictable, color-wise.  Bland.  So I mixed up some unexpected colors and played.  I like it now.  Time to start another one.

I spotted this young woman reading around Central Park, New York City.