Thursday, March 12, 2009

Challenge Painting~ Sushi

Sushi
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

WhooHOOO~ I have finished my "Different Strokes from Different Folks" painting early! I missed the last challenge while I was away (I am still going to finish "Wigs"and you will get to see it). This painting is available for purchase in my EBSQart.com online gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

I am still answering emails, hopefully will get caught up soon! The large paintings for the upcoming Heart Gala are almost finished. I have until next Friday~ Everyone patiently waiting for your commissioned paintings...Thank you, thank you~

To help stay caught up with email, calls, and websites....I just bought a Blackberry, a pretty pink one, now if I can just figure out how to use it! I wonder if there is a "Blackberry for Dummies" book with lots of pictures!

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Finally~ A new painting!

Mad Green Pear
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

Finally! ~ A new painting~ yes, it is another pear. After a week off, I am getting back into the swing of things. Mad Green Pear is available for purchase in my online EBSQart.com gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

I have so many things in the works, it is hard to list them all. Keep checking in and I will keep painting fast and furiously to get caught up!

Big ideas coming up~ I am way behind on my March Madness paintings, there will always be new Tar Heel art!

Being in Texas for a week, I am in the mood for southwest landscapes and maybe a few cow paintings.

Well, off to the studio~ enjoy the American Idol and vote for ANOOP!

Torrie

Home!

Buffalo Gap, Texas

Mom would kill me if I put her picture on my blog, so this is a picture I took while walking her dog near her home. Mom is back! She has recovered her ability to speak and has come out of her "postsurgical fog". She has no memory of her time in the ICU since the surgery ~ which is a good thing. She has improved so much, hopefully, today she will be moved out of ICU and back to the surgical floor. My sister will be staying with her until the end of the month.

Thank you all for your prayers, support, and virtual hugs during this very difficult time for our family, it has been very much appreciated.


Dallas

It is so nice to be back home with my children and Sadie and Stella. There is so much to do to get caught up. I am still reading a backlog of emails. Shipment of paintings that sold in my absence is Wednesday. Keep checking back for updates on new paintings that are long overdue.

Thanks again to everyone~

Torrie

Friday, March 06, 2009

Update from Texas~

Mom is fabulous! The surgery went very well. Her brain tumor was removed successfully yesterday afternoon. She is sitting up in bed, eating cookies from Snow White Bakery, and watching "E" entertainment television. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.


I will be enjoying a few more days of West Texas weather and wind before heading home. I have been taking pictures and sketching~ there will be a series of West Texas paintings when I get home.


Thanks again everyone~


Torrie

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Spending time in Texas

My Mom is ill and I have gone to be with her in Texas. I will be home and painting again March 10, 2009. I will check in when I can and leave updates on Twitter when I can find access to the Internet.


Keep us in your prayers~


Have a wonderful week!


Torrie
http://twitter.com/TorrieSmiley

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Golden Pear II ~ Yes, another pear painting!

The Golden Pear II
8" x 10"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Yes, it is yet another pear! Things have been absolutely crazy! But, I am catching up~ I don't know where the week went, but I hope I enjoyed it....because it has been a blurrrrrr......
I am going to put my paintbrushes to the grindstone...sort of, and try to get caught up~

On a more personal note, have you tried the Krispy Kreme minis (the tiny little versions of the originals). I have decided they are small~ so the calories don't count~ so eat as many as you like, I did! I swear KK cures everything from the common cold, allergies, and headaches. Just have a hot glazed donut and tell me if you don't feel better. Yep, you guessed it~~there will be a donut painting in the near future.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Torrie


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Pomegranate on Black ~ Oil on Canvas

Pomegranate on Black
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

I am currently painting a series of pomegranate paintings in preparation for several pomegranate commissions. This painting is currently available for purchase in my EBSQart.com gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

Paintings currently commissioned and in the planning stages are: Boat paintings, Bird's nests, Lily ponds, a new Emu painting, floral and poppy paintings, martinis, and of course, more pears. Coming soon: Tar Heel art! I love basketball season!

I am almost finished with the larger paintings and then I will be back to the little 6" x 6" canvas that I love!

Thanks so much for stopping by~

Torrie

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Rooster IV ~ New Painting!

Rooster IV
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel

Painting away~

This is the newest Rooster painting. Rooster IV is available for purchase in my EBSQart online gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

I am in the middle of painting huge (18" x 24") ballerina feet as requested by the American Heart Association for the upcoming Gala and silent auction. I will also be finishing up the Poppy Landscape they requested.

Well, off to finish the big feet~

Stop by again soon,

Torrie

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Tar Heel Born, Tar Heel Bred III ~ New Painting Today!

Tar Heel Born, Tar Heel Bred
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

I'm a Tar Heel Born, I'm a Tar Heel Bred, and when I die, I'm a Tar Heel Dead! ~ I am a Tar Heel Mom, and this is my newest version of Tar Heel Born, Tar Heel Bred. It seems during basketball season, I am inspired to paint by UNC Chapel Hill themed art. I have several more "Tar Heel" paintings in my head that I can't wait to get on canvas. As soon as I am finished with all the current commissioned pieces, I will be painting basketballs! This painting is available for purchase in my EBSQart.com online gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

I am taking the baby out for her birthday, she is home from Chapel Hill this weekend. Then back to more painting.

Check back again soon, up next is big ballerina feet!

Torrie

Sunday, February 15, 2009

My Favorite Pear~ New LARGE Pear Painting!

My Favorite Pear
16" x 20"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

I paint a lot of pears and I always think the one I just finished is my favorite, but this time I titled it my favorite. I usually paint small, but an artist friend of mine told me I needed to go BIGGER....well, this is big for me. "My Favorite Pear" is currently available for purchase in my online gallery at EBSQart.com and in my Etsy.com store.

My shipment of new canvas arrived yesterday. I am so excited it was delivered so quickly, thanks Dick Blick! I am still playing catch up with all my commissioned paintings. I will be adding new paintings to the galleries in between the commissioned pieces. There are several new basketball-themed paintings on the way....after all, it is basketball season! Go 'HEELs!

Thanks for stopping by~ check back again soon!

Torrie

Friday, February 13, 2009

Little Gold Pear ~ New Pear Painting!


Little Gold Pear
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

I know I paint a lot of pears, but I really like how this one turned out. I am taking short breaks between the commissions and painting whatever comes into my head for the day. Today, it was a small golden pear, loosely painted. This painting is available for purchase in my online EBSQart gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

Tomorrow, off to Lowes....painting a huge project....the bathroom!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Torrie

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Summer Poppies, New Small Landscape Painting!

Summer Poppies
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

This is a new small poppy landscape painting. I have been working on a large (18" x 24") commissioned poppy painting and took a break last night and painted a small version. I knew I would be distracted by the basketball game, so I didn't want to work on a large scale.

GO 'Heels!

This painting is available for purchase in my Etsy.com store and in my Online Gallery at EBSQart.com

Up next~

I am very fortunate to be very busy! I have requests for pomegranate paintings, blue flow china paintings, bird's nest paintings, and even more UNC Tar Heel art! I will be slipping in a few small studies for sale in my online gallery and stores in between the special orders.

Thanks for stopping by and check back again soon. There is no telling what I will be up to!

Torrie

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

New Paintings~ Pears, Pears, and More Pears!


Two Golden Red Pears
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas



The Lazy Golden Pear
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas


Pears! I love painting pears, which is a good thing~ I will be completing "Another Two Red Pears" this evening. I have been commissioned to do a number of small pear paintings. This will temporarily put an end to the small pear paintings until the new shipment of canvas arrives.

The new poppy landscape painting is almost complete. It, too, was a commissioned painting. It would have been finished a while ago....but I tend to be a bit picky.

After the commissioned paintings are completed, I may venture out to something new and different....a change of pace.

Happy Birthday Courtney!

On a more personal note, my baby girl is 21 today! Have a wonderful day and stay out of trouble!

Thanks for stopping by~

Torrie

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Interview with Jill Smith

Torrie
In the studio

Jill Smith, a professional artist from Lincolnshire England, interviewed me for her Artist blog this past week. You can read the interview at Jill Smith Art.

Later today, I will be listing "The Red Sugar Bowl" in my online stores. But for now, it is off to shop for the baby's birthday present, she will be 21 this week. The time has flown by~

Thanks for checking in!

Torrie

Friday, February 06, 2009

Green Pear and Red Grapes~ New Pear Painting!

Green Pear with Red Grapes
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

The newest little pear painting is Green Pear with Red Grapes. Green Pear with Red Grapes is currently available for purchase in my Etsy.com store and my EBSQart.com online gallery.

I will be busy all weekend with so many projects. I will be finishing several commissioned pieces. I will also be finishing up a new painting in the ballerina series. There is a two week break with the Different Strokes for Different Folks painting challenge, this will give me some extra time to catch up on paintings that are trapped in my head before I forget them.

Enjoy your beautiful weekend!

Torrie



Thursday, February 05, 2009

Red Pear ~ New Painting!

Red Pear
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

I am currently working on several commissioned paintings. In between the commissions, I have one more Ballerina painting sketched on canvas. I also have begun several "Tar Heel Basketball" sketches that will be paintings by the time the season is over.

Well, off to the studio, there will be more new paintings tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

San Francisco Victorian ~ DSFDF Challenge

San Francisco Victorian
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel

Different Strokes from Different Folks is a Painting Challenge blog where a photograph is provided and artists are encouraged to paint or draw their own interpretations. What started as a weekly challenge has grown to include so many artists, we are now doing a painting every two weeks instead giving more artists the opportunity to participate.

Challenge for this week: San Francisco Victorian

This week we were asked to paint a San Francisco Victorian structure/home. I am having the time of my life participating with the painting group at "Different Strokes from Different Folks" . It is challenging me to paint subjects I would not have ordinarily tried to paint.

This painting is available for purchase in my EBSQart.com Online Gallery and in my Etsy.com Store.

In the studio tonight, I will be finishing the Red Sugar Bowl and working on the large Field of Poppies commissioned painting.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful evening and stay warm!

Torrie

Sunday, February 01, 2009

The Swan ~

The Swan
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

This is the newest in the series of Ballet-themed paintings I have been doing. This is Courtney's favorite. After almost 400 paintings, she has picked a favorite. The Swan is currently available for purchase in my EBSQart Online Gallery and in my Etsy.com store. This concludes the ballerina paintings for a while. I have more I plan to do, but I will be concentrating on commissioned pieces for a while.

Almost complete and will be probably finished by tomorrow is the Red Sugar Bowl painting. I am also continuing with the large poppy landscape painting. I will be starting a new series of pears that have been commissioned.

I have several "Tar Heel Basketball" ideas swirling in my head that I am dying to get on canvas. After previous commitments...those will be next!

Thanks to everyone who has been so kind to comment on my blog~I appreciate you all so much...you seem to instinctively know when I need a "lift"~

Now, off to work.....Happy Superbowl Sunday! (I will be watching the commercials!)

Torrie

Saturday, January 31, 2009

On Point - New Ballet Painting~

On Point
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel

On Point is a new Ballerina painting. I have two daughters and have tripped over toe shoes many times.....This painting is available for purchase in my EBSQart online gallery and in my Etsy.com store. I will be finishing another ballerina painting this evening. "The Swan" will also be a 5" x 7" oil on canvas panel.

I will be finished the sugar bowl painting this evening and working on the large Field of Poppies commission. After that, expect to see "Tar Heel Art". I have been watching Tar Heel basketball lately and feel some new Tar Heel Art will be listed soon.

Well, I had better get to the studio, I have so many things I want to paint!

Thanks for dropping by!

Torrie

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Vodka Martini, New Daily Painting

Vodka Martini
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~SOLD~

This is a new daily painting. I admit I am struggling trying to keep up with daily painting, commissions, and the real job. But, things will get better once I get into the routine. There are so many things I want to paint, inspiration is not the problem...it is the "only 24-hours in a day" thing. I really need about five more!

The new Vodka Martini painting is currently available for purchase in my online gallery at EBSQart.com and in my Etsy.com store.

I am currently finishing up the Red Sugar Bowl painting and I am in the process of a large poppy landscape. I have not neglected my Different Strokes for Different Folks, it is in the beginning stages.

Well, off to the studio!

Torrie

Monday, January 26, 2009

The Ballerina

The Ballerina
8" x 10"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~SOLD~

There are not enough hours in the day! Pretend it is Monday morning.....I have been trying to get to this all day! There was so much to do today, including taking the babies to the Vet to get a check up and their nails done. The keys are still sticking on the computer keyboard....don't know why, I spilled diet coke.....so, why are the keys sticking....there is probably a diet coke conspiracy and they are putting real sugar in it......

The Ballerina is currently listed for sale in my Etsy.com store and my online Gallery. I love painting ballerinas, I need to paint more of them.

Well, I better get to the studio, there are paintings that need to be finished. I bought Krispy Kreme donuts using the excuse to use them in a painting.....I better get some reference photos before I eat all of them!

Until the next post~

Torrie

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Afternoon Tea and Small Gold Pear

Afternoon Tea
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

~Sold~


Small Gold Pear
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

I have been playing catch up, I have had the place all to myself and what do I do~~~ waste time enjoying the peace and quiet and sleeping. The dogs have enjoyed my laziness, relaxing with them and doing nothing.....but back to the real world! There is house cleaning, laundry, and last but not least, painting to do. I am so behind on emails and updates!

I have finished my Afternoon Tea painting and I am very happy with the results! I was on a roll and decided to followup with another gold pear painting. I have almost finished a new ballerina painting. I have a feeling that one will disappear when the girls get home!

Afternoon Tea and Small Gold Pear are both currently available for purchase in my EBSQart Gallery and my Etsy.com store.

I will be finishing up the ballerina painting and working on a large commissioned poppy painting this evening.

Thanks so much for stopping by, please forgive my recent laziness with painting and updates, hopefully that is out of my system for a while~~ I have things to do!

Torrie




Thursday, January 22, 2009

Lemons on Red ~ Available for Purchase

Lemons on Red
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

I have recently joined Daily Painter's Marketplace showcasing the work of daily painters. I have done really well with keeping my commitment with daily painting. The only day I did not post~ the painting was so bad, I threw it away. I sure in the upcoming year of daily painting, that may happen from time to time.

I love the new lemon painting. My two favorite things lemons and red! This painting is available for purchase currently in my EBSQart.com Gallery and in my Etsy.com. It is listed in the Daily Painter's Marketplace with links for purchase.

I have no clue what I will be painting tonight...I guess I will surprise myself when I get in the studio. I have been doing some pastel drawing. Another artist and I were commenting the other night how we don't really draw...just paint. I am going to try to find time to spend more time with drawing in the very near future.

Well, better get busy, there is much to do!

Thanks so much for stopping by~

Torrie

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New painting listed today! The Bird's Nest

The Bird's Nest
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

The Bird's Nest is a new painting for today. This painting is available for purchase in my EBSQart.com Gallery and in my Etsy.com store.

The hardest part of daily painting for me is deciding what to paint next! I am currently working on some commissioned paintings as well, so maybe before the day is over I will think of something. ~~Maybe a floral still life....

Well, I have to straighten up the house, then to the studio to paint!

Check back tomorrow, there will be something new.

Torrie

Monday, January 19, 2009

Jefferson Memorial ~ DSFDF Challenge Painting

Jefferson Memorial
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel

Different Strokes from Different Folks is a Painting Challenge blog where a photograph is provided and artists are encouraged to paint or draw their own interpretations. What started as a weekly challenge has grown to include so many artists, we are now doing a painting every two weeks instead giving more artists the opportunity to participate.

Weekly Challenge for this week: Jefferson Memorial at Night.

This week we were asked to paint the Jefferson Memorial at night. I am having the time of my life participating with the painting group at "Different Strokes from Different Folks" . It is challenging me to paint subjects I would not have ordinarily tried to paint. I am very happy with the way the painting turned out. It was very difficult to get an accurate digital photo, but I tried to get close.

This painting is currently available for purchase in my Gallery at EBSQart.com and in my Etsy.com Store.

UP NEXT!

So many things coming up...I have a commission for a large poppy landscape (18 x 24). I have not painted large in a while, it should be fun. I will be finished up the Red Sugar Bowl painting. Also on the list is a new Bird Nest painting and maybe still life paintings including lemons and cantaloupe.

I am also thinking about working with pastel and figure drawing. ~I haven't done "nekked" people....this should be fun!

Well, off to the grocery store and then paint, Paint, PAINT!

Until next time~

Torrie

Friday, January 16, 2009

Pomegranate Martini~~

Pomegranate Martini
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel

Continuing with the pomegranates~~ Pomegranate Martini. I have had so much fun with the pomegranate paintings. This will be the last one for now. I have some commissions to complete. One just happens to be a pomegranate, then I will finish the Red Sugar Bowl to go with the Red Creamer. Pomegranate Martini is available for purchase in all the same places including my Etsy Store and my online gallery.

I have recently joined with Daily Painters Marketplace. It is a blog with several other artists who are painting daily and selling the paintings online. This is a huge step for me, a commitment to paint everyday. I am going to try my best! If I can just keep the "real life" out of the way.

Well, Happy Friday to everyone! I am going to play catch up this weekend and try to get everything done.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Rooster III 6" x 6" Oil on Canvas Panel

The Rooster III
6" x 6"
Oil on Canvas Panel

I was supposed to be painting the Jefferson Memorial and I got side tracked. It was a long day at the real job yesterday and I did not feel like working on a painting with so many straight lines! Painting a rooster was much more fun. So, here is The Rooster III, available for purchase in my Etsy.com store and in my EBSQart.com gallery.

The girls are making me cook tonight! Well, after that, maybe I'll paint!

Thanks for stopping by~

Torrie

Monday, January 12, 2009

Different Strokes from Different Folks Portrait Challenge

Torrie Smiley
Painted by Chelsie Brady

I have been having a wonderful time participating in the "Different Strokes from Different Folks" painting challenge blog. At the end of the year, our photos were anonymously matched with another artist and we were asked to paint a portrait from the supplied picture. I was a bit hesitant, not being a portrait artist and not wanting to embarrass myself or disappoint the artist I was painting. I must say, I am so glad I decided to participate. I received the most lovely portrait from a fabulous young artist that I would have never met otherwise. I feel fortunate to have been matched with Chelsie Brady. She is a talented young artist with many years of success to come! Chelsie's work can be seen at her website Chelsie Brady and you can purchase her paintings from her Etsy.com store.


New Different Strokes from Different Folks Challenge

Jefferson Memorial at Night
photo by
Karin Jurick

New Year and new DSFDF painting challenge. This is going to be a challenge. I have not done many "night time" paintings. I will be painting this on a small canvas in either oil or acrylic.

Well, off to the studio to get a bit accomplished before bed!

Torrie

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Pomegranates! Another new painting!

Pomegranates
6" x 6"
Oil on Canvas Panel
***Sold***

This is the second pomegranate painting this weekend....I was on a roll. I have had fun with the deep red color. This painting is currently available for purchase at my Etsy.com store and my EBSQart.com gallery.

I will be watching the pretty dresses on the Golden Globes and cleaning house tonight....having company tomorrow. Then, more painting!

I will have to finish my challenge painting of the Jefferson Memorial for the "Different Strokes from Different Folks" painting blog/challenge. Then on to something new. I had so much fun working with end of year portrait challenge, I think I might paint more people!

Well, better rush off, Stella and Sadie are ready for their evening stroll.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Saturday, January 10, 2009

My Pomegranate

My Pomegranate
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

I just finished the new pomegranate painting. Courtney Grace is hooked on pomegranate. Pomegranate lotion, shower gel, chapstick, chewing gum......she left pomegranate juice in my refrigerator when she went back to school......Pomegranate martinis for me!

The new painting is available in my Etsy.com store and at my Ebsqart.com gallery

I slept the morning away....(I never sleep late!) so, I am off to a late start! There will be lots of painting done this weekend, getting back into the swing of things since the Holidays. Check back again soon and see what I paint next.

Thanks for dropping by!

Torrie

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Strawberry Cupcake~~ A new painting!

Strawberry Cupcake
7" x 9"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

Strawberry Cupcake was inspired by my baby girl who baked me a chocolate cake with strawberry frosting before she went back to school at UNC. Smartest thing I ever did...teach the kids to cook! Strawberry Cupcake is currently available for purchase in my Etsy.com store and in my EBSQart.com gallery.

I have been so busy fussing over photo software. I had marvelous software that I new how to use and get good quality images of my paintings for the Internet. Well, nothing lasts forever.....especially software! I am not a big fan of change ~~mainly because of the learning curve that comes with new software, but I am slowly getting the hang of Paint Shop Pro. I think it will be fabulous once I figure out all the bells and whistles. Maybe now I can get back to painting instead of working on the computer.

Now back to painting! Cheap Joes had a canvas sale and I placed on order--it should be here any day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Torrie

Sunday, January 04, 2009

New Paintings!

Lemons with Silver
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

The Red Pear
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel

Field of Poppies IV
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel
***Sold***
There are three new paintings available for purchase. These are available in my EBSQart.com gallery, the Etsy.com store, and my eBay store. I have been busy~~trying not to dwell on the fact that Courtney is going back to school. We have had such a wonderful time during the holidays. But, I guess it is time to get back into the routine.
My revamped studio has been wonderful....I am getting so much done! It is probably because I now know where everything is!
Time to order more canvas! Hopefully it will get here before I run out of ideas! I am thinking of doing more portraits, Chelsie's portrait put me in the mood. More still life paintings of food and kitchen items are on the way.....I have my eye on a cupcake that is in the kitchen~~it will look good on canvas......or maybe I will just eat it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Torrie

Saturday, January 03, 2009

New "Little Big Bird" by request~

Little Big Bird
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~Sold~

This is a new little painting requested by a collector. It was fun to re-paint the original emu. I am continuing to work on commissioned paintings along with new paintings to be added to the online stores.

I have not painted a landscape in a while. I will be starting a new poppy landscape this week. I also have a lemon still life painting almost completed. There will be more pear paintings in the mix!

Check back tomorrow to see what I get accomplished, the girls are headed out to the movies so I will have some time in a nice quiet house for a couple of hours!


Torrie

Friday, January 02, 2009

Portrait of Chelsie Brady~

Chelsie Brady
10" x 14"
Pastel on Black Strathmore Paper

Reference photo of Chelsie Brady

First of all, my portraits are few and far between and usually done of my children. When the "Different Strokes from Different Folks" painting challenge announced that we would be doing portraits of each other, it took a long time for me to sign up. I knew I would struggle with the portrait. Karin sent me this wonderful dramatic photo and I felt I had gotten so lucky ~ I could do this. I did not know who the young artist was until she posted her painting of me. Chelsie Brady is very gifted and so lucky to have started painting so young. She will have many years of painting to enjoy! Thank you Chelsie for doing such beautiful work on my portrait! This was fun and I am so glad I participated.

Of note, I did not realize how hard it was to get a good quality photo of a pastel portrait on black paper. I tried several different lighting situations to get a good quality photo without much success. I can't wait for Chelsie to see it in person (it is not so fuzzy).

Up next! I am finishing a requested small Big Bird painting and then I will be painting everything that pops into my head!

Thanks so much for stopping by~ visit the Different Strokes from Different Strokes blog to see the 130 artists who participated.

Torrie


Thursday, January 01, 2009

New Painting ~~ New Year!

Happy New Year!

Pink Flamingo III
12" x 16"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
~SOLD~

I am so excited about the new year ~ this will be the best year ever! Thank you to everyone who helped make my 2008 fabulous!

I have just finished Pink Flamingo III and it is available for purchase directly from me at my EBSQart.com gallery, the Etsy.com store, and eBay.

I will be finishing my portrait for the weekly challenge blog "Different Strokes From Different Folks." Then, there are requests that need to be filled. I am painting a smaller version of my logo painting "Big Bird" and I have another pink flamingo painting started. I will be painting a companion piece to go with the Red Creamer~~The Red Sugar Bowl. I have so many paintings swimming around in my head, I will be painting for a while!

Thanks for stopping by~best wishes to you for 2009, make it your best year ever!

Torrie

Monday, December 29, 2008

New Pear Painting! The Golden Pear

The Golden Pear
8" x 10"
Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Available for Purchase
***Sold***

Painting, painting, painting! It is a beautiful Monday, the sun is shinning and it is very warm outside. I should be cleaning up the yard~but, painting is more fun. This is the newest pear painting. I wanted an elegant vintage-type appearance with a muted background. I am very pleased how it turned out. This painting is available for purchase directly from the artist at my gallery at EBSQart.com and in my Etsy.com store.

Up next, pink Flamingos! Check back again soon to see how they are coming along.

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Torrie

Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Avocado ~~ New painting today!


The Avocado
6" x 8" Oil on Canvas Panel

I was able between fog and rain to get a good picture of my newest painting The Avocado. The Avocado is available for purchase directly from the artist at my EBSQart.com gallery or my Etsy.com store.

It has been nice to get back to painting after the Christmas holiday. I have a new pear painting almost complete and I will be finishing up two flamingo paintings as requested. I will be painting a smaller version of "Big Bird" and finishing up the portrait for the "Different Strokes from Different Folks" portrait challenge. It is so nice to be busy painting!

Check back tomorrow to see the finished gold pear painting!

Torrie

Art of the Day!

Sunday Pears
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel
~Sold~

How exciting! My Sunday Pears was selected as "Art of the Day" at EBSQart.com It is such an honor for one of my paintings to be on the front page. Sunday Pears has found a new home in Massachusetts.

We had a wonderful Christmas! My collectors were very good to me and my family, now I have to get busy replacing the paintings in my online stores. I have finished a new avocado painting that will be listed today~~ as soon as the weather clears and I can get a good digital photo. I am almost finished with a new gold pear painting that is very muted and coming along nicely. Check back later today to see if the weather cooperated and the avocado painting can make it to the blog.

I am still working on the pastel portrait for the "Different Strokes from Different Folks " portrait challenge. I am very excited about the opportunity to participate. I do not paint many portraits, so this is a stretch for me. I love the reference photo Karin Jurick sent to me. I can't wait to find out who the artist is and check out her portfolio, she seems very interesting! Miranda told me I was "doing really great with the use of the negative space" Huh? It is times like these when the difference between a college-educated artist (Miranda) and a self-taught, checked-out-every-art-book in the library artist (me) starts to show.

Well, back to the studio!

Thanks for stopping by~

Torrie

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!



From our house to yours~

Merry Christmas!


Miranda, Torrie, Courtney,
Sadie and Stella