Allium Obliquum

My parents told my husband and me about the most awesome gardens called Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington. We took our boys there one afternoon and had an amazing time exploring the paths through the different gardens and ponds. There were huge golden frogs, plants galore, antiques, geese, donkeys, chicken, swallow nests--lots of little places and things to explore for two little boys and a great place for us too. 

I took plenty of photos that day and was of course drawn to these awesome yellow alliums--had to look them up to learn their name. Loved the little purple flowers scattered behind them, with their contrasting color, shape, and size. So, I might just turn into an allium collector, or at least see how many different varieties I can paint!

8x10 Oil on Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

The First Ripe Raspberry

Took this photo about two weeks ago and loved it! I never in a million years thought I would attempt to paint this with the palette knife. It was a complete experiment, so I decided to underpaint with the brush so that I could establish all of the shadows and "stuff" behind the subject. This proved to be very helpful and mind you, this is the second time I've used a brush in at least a year!

It was really fun and at one point I questioned introducing the knife at all... Then, just as I said to my husband that I wasn't sure how far to take it with the brush, the brush broke! I completely believe in signs, so decided that was a pretty good time to stop. (Kind of like when I've been on the computer for too long and the iPad just turns off...)

I'm so glad I pushed myself and did some playing because I love the way the painting turned out. Let me know what you think!

8x8 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Orange Tulip

My collection of photos is growing by the day. The plan is to have a huge stock-pile to get me through the less inspirational winter months. I captured many great photos of some orange tulips this spring, and had always intended to do a close-up on a square panel. It called to me this week and felt great to paint something so bright and happy. Enjoy!

8x8 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Lighthouse Reflection

Lately I have been feeling a bit frustrated with my knives. I love the thick application, but I'm struggling with atmosphere or all of the "stuff" behind a subject in a photo or painting. I have committed to using knives exclusively (for the time being anyway!) and so am hoping to find a solution that works for me.

This painting makes me happy to look at--love the water and all the blues. The lighthouse was an added bonus. Enjoy!

12x16 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Hydrangeas

A few months ago I never would have attempted to paint hydrangeas! I went into this painting trying my very best to be loose... Just know I did have to scrape off the first four smaller flowers and repaint them as my brain wanted to paint every petal! I'm really happy with the entire process though and thrilled with the way it turned out. Hope you like it!

12x12 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Free Painting Contest

Congratulations to Heidi Mannion, winner of the July painting giveaway pictured below. I would have loved to have had 30 winners, so... If any of you who signed up for my blog before July 8th are heart-broken and still interested in an original painting, email me your information (including the email you registered with) at halliekohn@gmail.com and I will issue you 20% off any painting on my website www.halliekohnart.com.

The 20% coupon will be valid through August, 2013. Thanks again to all participants!

Dandelions Personified

The dandelion paintings happen in stages, so I thought I would try and do more than one this week. Originally I was trying to do size options and had two bigger ones going also. I wasn't happy with the way they set up, so I went on with the two below which I think look great. They started to develop personalities, and I was trying for clever titles to match. Hope you like them. To purchase or see other pieces, visit www.halliekohnart.com

8x10 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

"Watching One Go"

6x6 Oil on Museum Quality Panel
"Still Standing"

A Boat on Lake Geneva

We have made a few day trips to Lake Geneva already this summer. It is kind of nice to be surrounded by people who are on a vacation, enjoying this lovely town full of quaint shops, local restaurants and cafes, and of course the lake views. On one of our visits we took our boys on the lake shore path for a nice hike with not only views of the lake, but also the sprawling mansions which we literally walk through the backyards of. Captured a lot of great photos, including this boat resting in the calm water.

8x10 Oil on Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com