Life

 

This is one of the flinging water and paint creations. You never know what the result is going to be. That makes it intriguing to start one of these paintings. This one spoke to me right away but it needed some help toward finish. I washed out some paint using a magic sponge so I could add one large flower to be the focal point. When I downloaded the digital photo I chose the name "Life". I don't know why, perhaps because it is so lively?

Watercolor 10x14 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Mountain Reflections

 

Painting reflections in still water is challenging. It generally is not quite a mirror image although it may seem that way at first glance. Depending how far the objects on land are from the water determines the size of their reflection in the water. For example a tall mountain's reflection will look shorter in the water if the mountain is further away on land. If that's not clear please just enjoy this painting!

Watercolor 10x13 $110
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Gracious Living

 

This watercolor was painted while we were driving from Eastern Washington state back to the Portland area. It's about a 3 hour drive and not very scenic until the Columbia River widens. Then it's the gorge area and absolutely magnificent. Using my tiny travel watercolor set and a cup of water, I was able to concentrate on creating this very small painting. It only measures about 5" by 6" but was the perfect size to fit on my lap as we traveled along. A really nice way to pass the time and feel accomplished.

Watercolor 5x6 $45
email sferina222@yahoo.com

37 Minute Tulips

 

Notice the title. One day when my good artist friends and I gathered to paint together, I developed artists block. Just couldn't get started.....Sally told me to set the timer and paint anything BUT I had to finish in 37 minutes. She said it would cure my being stuck. She was right. Taking a fast look at the vase of tulips in front of me on the table, I skipped any idea of drawing and set to work immediately. The clock was ticking! This is my very quick study of fresh spring tulips. Guess what? I was able to move on and paint easily after that. Try it if you can't get your creative engine going.

Watercolor 8x12 $190
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Charm

 

This charming vase of flowers was created with the flinging technique I learned from Helga Flower's workshop. In this painting I also incorporated some of Shirley Trevena's use of tape to block off sections of paper to create line interest and tension. If only you could've seen it before! You wouldn't believe this 'start' was capable of being anything at all. It really was just a blur of fused colors without form or shape. It was a challenge to bring it forward and then, even enjoy the ending. I like it.

Watercolor 10x14 $180
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Coastal Waters

 

I am delighted with this watercolor. It is entirely original, conceived from my mind. I did a 'start' putting in the sky, water and land with one palm standing straight up. Then I really didn't know what to do! It took me weeks of occasionally glancing at it to finally decide how to finish it. Actually the sky was too pretty for me to let it go without at least trying something. After adding two more palms, I slowly built up the foliage until I realized it was finished. Knowing when to stop is also a gift.

Watercolor 9x12 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Cozy Nest

 

I created this mixed media collage piece at a Helga Flower workshop. She is a very successful artist who resides in Michigan and has a snowbird home in Martin County. Her specialty is to create nest paintings which are each unique and never able to be duplicated. This one was started by painting a large nest shape and then flinging different colors of paint to create the background. By scraping with a pallette knife I was able to achieve the appearance of twigs. To enhance this I added collage material to the nest, giving it texture and interest. The last step is to add the eggs.

Watercolor 10x14 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Cockfight

 

This is a colorful and almost cartoon like watercolor of several Mexicans preparing for a cockfight. It captures the seriousness of their quest, to have the winning bird. Notice the money purse, an important item that will probably hold their much anticipated winnings. Looks like a joint venture with everyone intent on taming the bird before the fight begins.

Watercolor 10x14 $135
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Tracy's Roses

 

When I arrived at our hotel in Vancouver WA, the most beautiful vase of flowers was in our room. My daughter Tracy had asked the management if she could surprise us this way. They were very accomodating and it felt great to be greeted with such beauty. In NY I was a member of the Long Island Rose Society and would enter their annual rose show. I earned ribbons for best of show in several categories so you know I put my heart and soul into growning roses.
Naturally I sat down the next day and painted these wonderful, lush, colorful roses.

Not for sale

Island Paradise

 

This is a mini painting, about 2" by 3". Every year there is a mini show at a local gallery. We are offered the chance to have our paintings framed at a reasonable cost to be part of a month long show. I truly enjoy doing these little watercolors. They must fit some need in me to be precise and work with a small brush. You can't be loose and watery on a tiny scrap of paper! So far I've sold at least one every year giving me the impetus to continue.

Mini Framed & Matted Watercolor $75
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Big Brushwork

 

You may think this is an odd title for this watercolor but I assure you it fits perfectly! One day I got it in my head to try to paint using just my wash brush which is 1 1/2 inches across. Just a whim that I decided to follow. I'm really not sure if this is finished yet. I've been toying with the idea of adding some large birds, like Pelicans, which would then compliment the compostion thru balance.

Tuscan Vineyard

 

Who doesn't love Italy? And especially Tuscany? I think it is probably the dream destination for many people, particularly for honeymooners. It's truly a romantic location permeated with the sweet smell of lavendar, the hills covered with marching rows of grapevines, the fields filled with sunflowers. The food is delicious, the wine more so making it a place to relax and just enjoy. This is a typical farmhouse and vineyard, close to harvest time.

Watercolor 16x20 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com