Had An Epiphany

"Lake House View" 36x36 oil on gallery wrapped canvas...in progress... I had brought the colors into a more realistic realm, in this painting, but wasn't feeling the love. So, after a rousing get together with artist friends where we talked about color A LOT, I took my palette knife and a total devil-may-care attitude and went to town on the water. I liked what happened so much that the hills got the treatment as well. Thinking in terms of color vibrations instead of matching the hues to reality, I had a blast. Generally, you don't go trying experiments on a commission, but I had to throw caution to the wind and listen to the Muse. And I think I've gotten over a hump at last and can strike out on a new adventure.

Lake House (imaginary) View

Sad times have hit area lakes, here in Austin, due to the worst drought in decades. So, knowing that the lake house, whose view I am commissioned to paint, is sitting on a cove that is rapidly drying up, I am glad I went out early this Spring to get the inspiration photos I'm working from. Because, in essence, I am painting an imaginary view at present. Painting a point in time that has passed, for now. I'm hoping that all my thoughts of water in the lake, while painting on this, will conjure up some much needed rain for the area. If it works, folks, I will let you know!

They Is What They Is

"Barton Springs Bridge" 2011 CS Miller oil on gallery wrapped canvas 24x30x1 1/2" "Devil's Hole Waterfall II" 2011 CS Miller oil on gallery wrapped canvas 30x30x1 1/2" "River Trees" 2011 CS Miller oil on gallery wrapped canvas 30x40x1 1/2" I first picked up a paintbrush 4 1/2 years ago, after not touching one since the age of 13, so I'm pretty experienced in not declaring a painting done until I've touched every part of it many times. This can be good, this can be bad. And sometimes you have to decide that it is what it is and sign it. You can check these out on my website as well: www.conniemiller.net

2 Months Later...

"River Trees" 30x40 Got some work done, after two months of sitting. I am in that mode right now, where I feel that I can't start anything new (no matter how I yearn to get to Richmond scenes that inspire me) until I finally sign a few paintings and get a commission going well. "River Trees" has been sitting long enough, so I chanced it that I wouldn't destroy that which I liked about the painting. I took it from normal to colorful and think it's fun. I also did a blue wash on the background and like it better. I don't think it recedes enough yet, so that will get some work. And, yes, I'm aware that the middle tree is way too purple. I decided that I'd been working long enough yesterday, and it's always good for me to leave a painting in an awkward situation so I'll be prompted to get back to it as soon as possible. I hope it's today, but I am wiped out from my morning. We shall see...