Friday, December 30, 2016

Daily Painting, Small Oil Painting, VanGogh landscape, "Tribute to Vincent" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil

Each week our art group appoints one member as leader.  The leader, decides what type of project we will work on that day.  A few weeks ago, Faye was our leader, and as her project, she brought it images of VanGogh and Monet paintings for us to re-create.

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 I chose his very famous "Wheatfield with Cypresses" . Actually, I chose one of three similar paintings that carry that name.

 I have always wanted to give his famous and distinctive swirling brushwork a try.  It was an interesting experiment, one that I will probably do again.


Years ago, I spent some time studying the masters  and duplicating some of their works.  I found it to be very informative.  Here is one of my attempts at Degas' work, "Woman Bathing"

pastel
SOLD
And Cezanne






oil
SOLD

And Gauguin........



oil

Sold

Thanks for reading my blog today.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Florida Landscape | Small Oil Painting | Daily Painting | Palm Grove by Carol Schiff | 8x6" Oil | SOLD

I was on a photo shoot one late afternoon, walking though wetlands and knee high grasses.  I was getting a little anxious as the wildlife and creepy crawlies get more active as the sun goes down.  When I came home, I found several reference photos that I was interested in painting, which made it all worth while.

SOLD




I liked the way the early evening light was hitting these palms, turning them from gray to gold.  This is a little study for a much larger piece that I am interested in trying.  Hopefully, I can get to it soon.


www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Monday, December 26, 2016

Dandelion Painting, Daily Painting, Small Oil Painting, "Blowing in the Breeze", 6x8" Oil

Still painting flowers, and still painting dandelions.  I think the reason I have been so inspired to paint flowers this spring is my month long trip to the mountains.  As an Ohio girl, living in Florida, it has been a long time since I have experienced a "real" spring....and I missed it!

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The area was covered in blooming crabapple, pear, and dogwood trees.  Flowers were bursting out everywhere....tulips, azeala, daffodils, lilac, rhododendron and more.  Why then did a choose to paint dandelions....why not!  I think they deserve a little respect.

detail




Thanks for reading my blog today.


www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 25, 2016

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!




I hope you all enjoy your holidays and find peace and love in the upcoming year!  I want to thank all my online friends who visit this blog and follow my art.

Carol Schiff
www.CarolschiffStudio.blogspot.com

Friday, December 23, 2016

Northwest Landscape, Daily Painting, Small Oil Painting, "The Great Northwest" by Carol Schiff, 12x16" Oil


My husband and I took our first trip to the Northwest this summer. We were stunned by the gorgeous scenery in every direction.

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Obviously, we have pine trees and ocean views in Florida, but, how could they be so very different in Washington and British Columbia?  Everything seemed larger than life with trees towering into the sky and waterfalls tumbling down the sides of mountains.  It was a fabulous trip that we hope to repeat some day.

I painted this, in my studio, on linen attached to board.  As much as I like the idea of painting plein aire, it's not me.  I was taught to paint from images and still do it to this day.



Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Cindy's View

Today, I am sharing a blog post from my fellow artist and friend, Cindy Michaud.


Have you ever listened to music and had
a line just jump out?  Often I am in the car and think
to myself "what would that lyric look like painted?"
I rarely go further as I can't make a note
while driving but every now and then...

Does the Title Affect Your Viewing?

Titles for paintings are funny things.  To some artists they are merely a locale, to others they become a marketing gimmick; sometimes one struggles for a title and once in a while the piece instantly names itself.  Purchasing a piece, I once asked the artist where it was. "Oh," he answered, "that was from Siena, Italy."  I paused writing the check and looked up. "Shoot, it reminded me of a place my husband and I stayed in Provence, France," I replied.  He grinned, "yes, that is just what I meant to say!"  We both laughed, I finished the purchase and simply re-christianed the piece.  All the same...

What does a title mean to you?

I am serious.  My husband and I go round and round (I won't say out loud that he likes trite references which he thinks are literary....oh, did I say trite??) and I wax and wane between what I feel and what I see.  Frankly I have rarely bought something for which the title was a critical component, yet I usually ask.    The selection is often a point of reference or at least starts a conversation with the maker.

Which brings me to the piece I share today.


We stopped by an amazing "You-Pic-Em" flower farm in Oregon which also had a winery and a gourmet food truck.  It was a spontaneous stop on a long but spectacular drive and with one eye on the dark clouds rolling in we stood in awe of the acres of flowers ready to be picked.  Wine, lunch, flowers...a few photos and we happily resumed our drive.

Can one ever re-capture that experience?  I think not.  The dark, mountainous backdrop and the swaths of floral color are perhaps better rendered in the abstract of masses.  But on another rainy day in the studio I can play and remember.  So I did.  And then to title, humming...I will borrow, with respect for Joni Mitchell's endless talent,  a line that is laden with meaning...for me.


"The Dizzy, Dancing Way You Feel"
24 x 18, oil
available

How do you feel about titles?  Do they influence your view of the art?  Or do you prefer a numbering system? I am really curious, so please share.

contact me at: art@cindymichaud.com
see more work at: www.cindymichaud.com

Dancing in Color,
Cindy

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Daily Painting, Small Oil Painting, Marsh Landscape Painting, Georgia Wetlands by Carol Schiff, 6x12x.5" Original

I have been trying to understand why I am so drawn to the marsh landscape, I finally realized, it is the way the water seems to drift lazily around the mounds of earth and plant life, the way it changes color from  season to season.  It is all just too soothing.

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The vegetation is so lush.  As you can see, this part was painted with a knife.
Oops!  Sorry for the glare on this image.
Thanks for reading my blog today.


www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Daily Painting, Painting for Sale, Small Oil Painting, Tropical Landscape Painting, 6x8" Oil SOLD

As you know, I like to have a sale item on Wednesdays....a little middle of the week pick me up.  Today I am posting a small tropical landscape for your pleasure.

SOLD

This sweet 6x8" oil on canvas panel has that tropical mojo.If you have ever dreamed about that little house next to the sea, now it can be yous.

Unlike most of my sales, this does not require a rebate.  Just follow the link above and purchase it for only $30.00.  Original price $89.95

Have a very tropical day!


Friday, December 9, 2016

Daily Painting, Sunset Painting, Small Oil Painting, "Marsh Sky", 11x14x1.5" Landscape Oil Painting

Life here in the mountains, of North Carolina, is a slower pace for me,  But the days are quickly getting shorter and shorter.  The leaves are beautiful, my favorite time of year!  It reminds me of my childhood days in northern Ohio, burning leaves, apple cider, hay rides.  I wonder if people still do those things.

I am still busy, painting commissions, but I managed to paint this 11x14x1.5" landscape,  It is a study for a commission.

275. + shipping
It is not easy capturing that "glow" from a beautiful sunset, and I am not sure I succeded here. but it is a start.

Thanks for reading my blog today.

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www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

A Surprise from from the Holy Land

The internet is fantastic and has become a necessary part of our lives.  I sit here on my computer in Florida and magically my artwork is seen worldwide.   How lucky are we to have the fantastic ability in our lives.

A few days ago, I received some wonderful and unexpected news from Israel.  An Israeli fashion designer, Assaf Pelleg,  contacted me with an offer I cannot refuse.  He has chosen one of my paintings to be printed on fabric and featured in his Spring 2017 collection.  I cannot show you the painting he will be using (top secret!) but, I can show you a dress he did last year, using the same technique.


Isn't it wonderful?

The new dress will be ready in March and he will be sending me one of his samples.  I am so excited, I can hardly wait!

This has been a fabulous year for me, with new and unexpected art opportunities coming my way.  A DVD cover, a wine label,and other new venues for my work.....all because of the internet.  How blessed am I?

I cannot wait to show you the dress with my design as soon as it comes!




Carol Schiff

Monday, December 5, 2016

Fall Landscape Tree Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 9x12 Autumn Painting

I might live in Florida, but in the fall, I want to see orange and red trees.   So I always head to North Carolina for my autumn fix.  Well technically, it is still autumn!



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I call this painting "Big Brother" for obvious reasons.  It was really the small dogwood tree that caught my eye.  How could I miss it....right outside my window?

detail


Fall colors can be so bright, it is easy to overdue them in paintings.  My goal here was to paint something believable even though my eyes and my brain we telling me it could be brighter.





Thanks for visiting today!

Carol Schiff

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Floral Landscape Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 8x8x1.5" Oil

Inspired by my recent stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

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This lovely garden was at Lake Junaluska, just five minutes from our home.  So sorry to say that it is the very area of western North Carolina that has been suffering from wildfires, burning for well over a month.  We left before they got too close, but we did have one day with heavy smoke in the air.

The area was very dry and had no rain for the two months I was there.  I am sad to say that most of the fires were purposely set.

What is happening to our country!

Thanks for visiting my blog today.




Carol Schiff

Thursday, December 1, 2016

A Painting Workshop with Elio Camacho

A few weeks ago, my friends Carmen and Donna and I drove to Fernandina Beach, FL to attend a 4 day workshop with Elio Camacho.   Elio is one of my favorite painters and my very favorite instructor and I have been lucky enough to attend with workshops twice a year for the past three years.



 I started each day with this beautiful sunrise over the ocean, while eating breakfast at the hotel.


 This is one of Elio's 36x48" demos that he paints in just three hours!




Here Elio met a challenge to paint without darks.  He often states a painting should bring it's own light.  I think this one meets that requirement


 Another of his larger than life paintings.


This was a 25 minute demo he did for us on foam core.  He pushed the color even more than usual and got wild and crazy.


His brushwork is very exciting...something I am hoping to bring to my work.


Elio spent a year painting blue studies, then moved on and studied yellows and reds.  He likes to set up still life, to challenge his students, all in a single color.  He believes red is the most difficult color to paint.  If you can do a red painting, you can really see color.  This is a 20 minute demo he did for us one day.


We hated to leave the workshop after 3.5 intense and fun days.  To console ourselves, we had a final lunch of fried shrimp at our favorite eatery.


A final photo of Carmen and Donna, de-stressing with  ice cream in front of Island Art Association.  We thank the members for hosting us once again.  Then we hop into our car for the drive home.



One last classic Elio demo that he painted in about 15 minutes, out of his head.  I almost cried when he scrapped it off the next morning.

Needless to say, we are excited to return for his next Florida workshop in the spring.  You can find his workshop schedule here.




Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Abstract Landscape Painting | Contemporary Art | Palette Knife Painting | HUES by Carol Schiff | 18x36x1.5" Oil

I wanted to do an abstract landscape in a larger size than I have worked with in the past.  I remembered driving through the fields of Georgia just as the sun broke over the horizon one morning, and decided to paint based on that memory.


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I enjoyed the experience of painting on a larger scale and tried hard to keep the freshness of my smaller abstracts.

We used to say that photos never lie, but as you know, that is not true these days.  I just returned from a short trip to New York City with my daughter and grandson.  He had lots of fun taking photos that lie.  This is one of my favorites.....




We also walked by a sports show being filmed on TV.  That is my grandson in the background, making like the circus strong man.  Hope they didn't mind!







www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Small Seascape Painting | Daily Painting | Small Oil Painting | Green Sea by Carol Schiff | 11x14 Original SOLD

This small seascape painting was worked with a palette knife and is full of texture.  Just as the sea has many faces, my art does too.  Some days I want to do a detailed piece and somedays I want to sling paint.  Today...I wanted to sling paint.

SOLD
 The textured sand and foliage.


Thank you for viewing my blog today!

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Friday, November 25, 2016

Abstract Landscape, Daily Painting, "Fire in the Sky" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil

Whenever I feel the need to push my art, I turn to abstract.  This time,  I wanted some representation in the piece.
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125 + ahipping
 I started with an old reference photo and worked hard to bring movement and heat to the piece.


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I really enjoyed working on this piece...I hope you enjoy it too!
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Tropical Landscape Art | Small Oil Painting | Daily Painting | Boat Painting | Retirement Dream by Carol Schiff | 6x8" Oil

We all have dreams....right?  Well, this is not my dream, but a client's.  It's a really nice dream, but I am already retired and no boat in sight!

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 My client dreamed about living in the tropics, on the water, a nice toy nearby and a pretty tropical garden.   If you have ever been in Florida, you will see these Poinciana trees everywhere in the central and southern portion of the state.  Of course, you have to be here at the right time of the year to see the beautiful blooms.


I hope all your dreams come true!

Thanks for reading my blog today.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Daily Painting, Abstract Landscape, "Lighting the Heavens" by Carol Schiff, 12x24x.75" Oil SOLD

In this painting, my goal was to capture that magic moment when the sun just peeks through the horizon and night turns to day.


SOLD
For me, that is the best moment.......knowing I have a brand new day to enjoy.

I did my favorite palette knife technique (which I have labeled color weaving) on this.  I find it gives me a great way to blend from one color to another.

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I hope your day is fabulous and if you have not seen a sunrise lately...set your alarm for tomorrow, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the show!

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Tropical Landscape Painting, Daily Painting, Small Oil Painting, "Sunset in the Wetlands", 6x8" Oil Painting


This tropical landscape painting depicts the sinking sun and reflections on one of Florida's many waterways. This particular wetland is located between Florida's intracoastal waterway to the west and the Atlantic on the east, on the barrier island that runs down the east coast of Florida. It's a particularly fascinating place as the two bodies of water are less than 1/2 mile apart.

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I am just returned from a month in our North Carolina mountain home.  We usually don't stay that long, so, this time I took all my painting supplies and was determined to paint while there.  I finally accomplished this painting, but let me tell you it was not easy.  I could not find the perfect lighting, the perfect place to work (we just put in all new flooring which would not look good with oil paint splattered all over it).  All in all, I did not feel comfortable and was sooooo happy to return to my studio in Florida.  This is something I will have to get used to as we will be spending much more time in the mountains than in past years.  Studio painters (like me) get so spoiled.....I almost wish I were a plein aire painter who can paint anywhere and under any conditions.




Have a happy day today!

Thanks for reading my blog.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Friday, November 11, 2016

Sky Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 8x8x1.5" Oil Painting

An early morning beach photo shoot was the inspiration for this piece.  Thank you to Pat Garvey for sharing his image with me.

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 One of the biggest problems of selling art online, is representing your art with correct colors.  I didn't realize how big a problem this would be.

I tried for over an hour to edit this piece correctly, and was only partially successful.    Blues seem to be the colors that always give me problems in my photography.

The image above is washed out compared to the actual piece, which is sitting here next to me.  My problem was trying to get the blue gray on the lower right corner to read correctly...which is right on with my monitor.  But that means I have lost some beautiful warm rust and mauve hues in the dark cloud.



In this detail, the mauves and orangey rust shades are correct, but the blue on the right side is way too strong. Also the pale yellows are not warm enough.  What to do?  I have no answers.

Even if I am able to get the colors correct on my monitor, they may not be what you are seeing on your monitor.

So I do my best to represent what I see and offer my customers a full refund if they are unhappy.

I think most buyers understand this issue as fortunately, I have not had a painting returned in almost 10 years.

If any of you have a solution, I would love to hear it.

After writing this post, I tried again to edit my image, and finally have settled on this as the best representation of the painting.  It is better, but still does not reflect all the color variations.

Still missing mauve and purple colors in the dark cloud area and aqua tints behind the pelican.


Thanks for reading my blog today.

Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudiio.blogspot.com