Miss Piggy as Carmen Miranda

Miss Piggy as Carmen Miranda, a photo by Gayle Bell on Flickr.

This is the oil painting I submitted for the weekly challenge on Daily Paintworks.

The DPW challenge this week: Reflections

"Reflections", 12" x 9" oil on canvas

My entry into the painting challenge this week at Daily Paintworks.  The idea was to paint reflections and it definitely took some work.  I'm always curious to see what the challenge will be from week to week and I know if I'm having an artistic block, there will be an idea there for painting.  Plus it's fun to see how everyone else approaches the subject.  Thanks DPW!

My entry into the weekly painting challenge

"Three Paint Tubes"  10" x 8"  oil on canvas

Here's my entry into the weekly painting challenge at DPW.  It's good practice to try and do the challenges and great to see how other artists approach a similar subject.  Great site! 

Morandi, still life painter

Interesting site about still life painter Morandi.

Oil study of three apples

Three apples
Originally uploaded by Gayle Bell

In an effort to simplify and focus, I'm thinking about doing a series of still life studies of three objects. I did this a few weeks ago and now I've got three pumpkins to work on. I'm also trying to decide what Frans Hals painting to copy. My painting instructor wants me to loosen up my brush strokes (something I've wanted to do for some time now) and he felt I could learn a lot from Hals. Hals is an outstanding master and I've been marveling at his technique while trying to decide what picture I could possibly come close to being able to paint. I'm not sure if I could come close to any of them.

New still life painting of three candles

Three candles
Originally uploaded by Gayle Bell

I think I'm finished with this still life painting, although the picture turned out darker than the original.  I've been looking around at still life paintings on the internet for inspiration and found a really great artist here.  I have quite a ways to go before I'll ever be that good!

Still life painting--Apples and Moroccan pot

Apples and Moroccan pot
Originally uploaded by Gayle Bell

Another still life painting in oil. I'm working on reflections and also wanted to incorporate this cool pot my neighbor brought back from Morocco.