Flower Paintings – Katie Jeanne Wood

Narrowing my focus & changes I’m making

I still haven’t picked my work word for the year. Nothing jumped out at me, so I decided to keep “focus” as my word. It served me well last year, and kept me on track.

This year, I’m narrowing my focus even more by ending some of the series I’ve been working on for the past several years.

My landscape series ended a while ago, but until now, I’ve kept the door slightly ajar. My desire to paint plein air hasn’t returned, so I’m officially closing the door on this chapter. It was a fun experiment, but it’s not something I want to keep pursuing – other than maybe occasionally in my art journals. Same goes for the other series I’m ending.

I’m listing what’s left of this landscape series on eBay. Most of these were painted impasto with palette knives, using Gamblin oils & mediums. Auctions are starting at $25, and others you can buy immediately.

Next up – flower paintings. I have painted 400 to 500 floral paintings in this series. My passion for painting flowers has dissipated greatly over time. I like my floral paintings, but I can’t say I enjoy painting them. The fire in my belly died about 4 years ago. If it ever returns, you’ll be the first to know.

I’m no longer accepting custom orders for floral paintings. I’ve received a few requests lately, which I turned down. If you want what’s left of this flower painting series, you should get them while you can.

My 300+ bird painting series has almost sold out, thanks to my awesome collectors. I’m on the fence about continuing this series, so birds are going on my “maybe” list. Maybe if I need a break from portraits, I will paint birds. Or maybe I won’t. I will continue to create my humanoid bird paintings, however.

REST
Giclee print

I have a theory that by narrowing my focus, and creating only what I’m most passionate about, I will have more time to rest. Hm..maybe passion should be my work word for the year? I’ll give it some thought.

I hope you have a lovely creative day.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Floral Centerpiece – pink roses flower painting

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;
they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.

Luther Burbank

Flowers also bring an artist joy to create, I think. I had fun making this painting come to life. I hope it shows in my layout, color choices, and various drips and drops of paint.

I created this one using palette knives, acrylic heavy body & fluid paint, collage paper, oil paint markers, and varnish. I wanted to keep it loose, and playful. I think I achieved my goal, especially with the lopsided vase. I considered fixing the wonkiness, but decided against it. I just can’t take anything I create seriously these days. It’s just paint, and canvas. Why not make it fun?

I think “wonky” is my signature style..and if it’s not, then that’s what I’m working towards these days. More than ever, I just want to play when I’m in my studio. Life is serious enough, and studio time is my escape from all that. It’s not easy to leave all the issues of world behind when I go into my ~~bubble~~ studio each day, but it’s something I know I have to do..for myself. Trying to paint while fretting over every negative thing trending on Twitter isn’t going to make me a happier person. Creating wonky art makes me a happier person, and I hope I can pass that happiness on to someone else with my paintings.

May you have a peaceful, happy, healthy weekend. xo I’m going to be staying inside, and working because..

We’ve had a heat advisory now for what? 3 or more weeks. It’s not going away, but it looks like we might have a break coming in about 10 days. It’s kinda funny how 100F can feel cool when the temperature has been 110F this week.

Artists I’ve been admiring:

Edward Cucuel – American Impressionist artist. I’m so in love with his work.

Colley Whisson – LOVE his artwork, particularly A Sunny Sunday Morning – pink living room with pink walls. I can’t figure out how to directly link to it or I would.

Gina Gilmour – Creatively talented NY artist. I enjoy spending time looking at her paintings, and wondering where and how she comes up with her ideas. Quite imaginative.

If you like this blog post, please share it using the buttons below.

***

My artwork can be purchased here on my site, Etsy, and in my eBay store. I’m accepting orders for custom paintings, and drawings. As always, if you want to say hello or have any questions you can write me here. I love getting email, and hearing from you.

Although I mostly hang out here on my own website, there are other places to find me online. I’m most active on Twitter, so follow me there.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

25% off floral paintings

I’m back to work after taking a short break.
I thought I’d kick off my return
by having a huge sale on
floral paintings.

Get 25% off floral painting sale

Not all the florals pictured here are available
because many have sold.

I’d love for what’s remaining of this series to go to nice homes. I hate the thought of them being stuck in boxes in storage, so please get these while you can at an incredible discount.

The best thing about my floral paintings is they never wilt or die. Flowers from the florist or grocery store only last a week, if you’re lucky. The last bouquet I was gifted a couple weeks ago lasted only 3 days. 🙁

These floral paintings make lovely gifts or so I’ve been told.
🎁 🌸 🌼🥰
Get this awesome deal while you can.
SALE

Art Journaling Flowers

Creating flowers in my art journal

I’ve been thinking of offering this one as a print,
but I’d have to scan it first,
and edit out the center of the book in Photoshop.
Idk if it’d be worth all the trouble.

Lots of new items are available in my Etsy shop, and more are being added daily – coffee mugs, postcards, notebooks, iPhone cases, tote bags, throw pillows and blankets.

Although I mostly hang out here on my own website, there are other places to find me online.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

I’ve been art journaling

Like I said last week, I haven’t been painting many larger paintings, but I have mostly finished a new art journal I started in January.

I have the journal, and my new water soluble oil pastels on my desk, and whenever I feel inspired or need a break from computer work, I can quickly grab it.

I love how playful,
and colorful this one is turning out.

I’ve started to add some flowers on top of the abstract paintings, and now I’m thinking this might turn into a book of florals. We’ll see.

Have a lovely Wednesday. I’m off to the studio to paint.

Revising a floral painting

Katie Jeanne Wood - 9x12 Bowl of cherries & cherry blossoms painting No 88

BEFORE

I think this is the third or fourth time I’ve revised this painting. The listing recently expired on Etsy, so I figured it was the perfect time to bring it back to my work table and fix it.

At first, I thought all I was going to change was the pink background. As much as I like the color pink, I didn’t think it went well with this painting. Turns out, I changed everything about the painting, including the flowers.

I started with the background, and made it light green, which I liked but it needed something more. I ended up using the green paint on the table, which I like better than the b&w in the before pic. As I was working on the background, the skinny vase started to bug me, so that also had to go.

The new larger vase went through a few color changes – bright blue, black, then white, and finally back to black again. As I’m looking at these photos, I like the white vase better, but yesterday, the white vase didn’t appeal to me. hm..I might have to change it back, and take another look.

The cherries mostly stayed the same, other than adding a few more to the bowl. I decided to keep the wonky shaped bowl after trying to “fix” it, and not liking the results.

This is as far as I got yesterday, and it took me most of the day. It felt good to work on a larger painting for a change. It’s been a while since I’ve done anything except work in my art journals lately, which is a post I need to write about soon. Stay tuned.

Hope you have a peaceful, happy weekend. I’ll see you next week.

******

Lots of new items are available in my Etsy shop, and more are being added daily – coffee mugs, postcards, notebooks, iPhone cases, tote bags, throw pillows and blankets.

Although I mostly hang out here on my own website, there are other places to find me online.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

I’ve become so obsessed with abstract painting I’m having work dreams

Caught a Bus Out of Town
Abstract painting prints
Available here

I had work dreams last night, and don’t feel all that rested today because of it. I was busy painting abstracts all night, so it’s no wonder. I was hustling and bustling around, working up a storm.

I think this new direction I’m going in with painting abstracts is the cause of my restless night. I haven’t had work dreams in years, and usually only do when I’m excited about a series I’m working on.

Wonderful Bonding Experience
Abstract painting print
Available here

I have fallen deeply in love with painting abstracts once again. So much so that I’m thinking of concentrating on abstracts and florals for much longer than just these summer months. I don’t want to rush, and it’s already almost August.

There Are Many Ways To Be Free
Purple abstract prints
Available here

There are so many color combinations that I haven’t tried yet. Like, I’m just starting to use purple in my abstracts, and unlike when I’m painting portraits, I’m finding the color quite lovely to work with now.

Floral No 105
The original painting has been sold.
Small to large prints
Available here

I also want to explore painting more florals. I only have painted 354 of them, and it doesn’t feel like enough. There’s so much more I need to experiment with..painting looser and more abstract are what I have in mind.

Clearing Ahead
Cool Blue and White Abstract Painting
Prints available

This cool blue abstract reminds me of winter. Maybe if I stare at it long enough today, it will lower my body temperature, and cool the room. At 8:30 this morning it was 80F, and the “feels like” temperature was 90. There should be a law against it being this hot before noon. The air was so thick with humidity, it was like a sauna out there. I watered the gardens quickly, and rushed back indoors. I can’t do summer today. I’ll be hiding in my darkened studio, trying not to melt, if anyone needs me.

PS: All my prints now have a canvas print option in the drop down menu on Etsy. Click any of the links under these photos, and choose canvas print before checkout. If you want to purchase a framed print, you’ll have to message me, and I’ll put up a listing for you.

The canvas paints itself

Large original circle painting on canvas
Prints

This painting is hanging in my living room, and whenever I’m sitting on that side of the room, my eyes are always moving and busy, examining this painting. It makes my brain super happy.

Framed bird painting
Live Music
Available here

Abstract No 153

I never know what I’m going to put on the canvas.
The canvas paints itself.
I’m just the middleman.
Peter Max

I didn’t know anything about Peter Max until I did a search, but wow! Pretty interesting life he has lived as an artist. 60s hippie art, plus so much more.

Profound Interactions
Acrylic portrait painting
Available here

Original blue rose flower painting
Floral No 319
& Prints

******

Artists I’m admiring: Carolyn Anderson, Louise Fletcher, Mike Brodie – photographer, Stephen Nolan

What I’m reading: Convenience Store Woman – I’m about half way through this book, and I like it. Not sure where’s it’s going, but I’ll find out later today, hopefully.

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors – George W Bush is a pretty awesome artist.

What I’m watching: Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath – It took me a while to watch this one. I knew about it, but wasn’t all that interested until a couple weeks ago when it started to hit a little closer to home. Now I can’t stop watching. Leah is a brave woman, but I totally get what she said about not being able to sit back and do nothing.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Share this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Share this:

Share this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Share this:

Share this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Share this:

Share this:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Share this: