Peonies in the Yard

We have two varieties of peonies which have the most beautiful and fragrant blossoms. Although they are full of ants, I can never resist clipping some to bring in the house. They last quite a while in water and definitely bring the summer in.

Took this photo in our yard and thought it had great light. 

8x8 on 1/8" Museum Quality Panel/Brush

www.halliekohnart.com

Some detail photos:

Minneapolis Skyline

I often use Dr. Pic, which is a site that allows me to blur an image. I find this extremely useful when I am painting something where maybe the details feel overwhelming. It's a perfect tool for artists because it allows one to focus on color and form in the beginning, without getting lost in all of those details. 

Took this photo while on a family visit to Minnesota. Some of my husbands family is there, and on this trip we also drove into the city to visit my youngest brother who was living there. What an awesome, awesome city--great restaurants and so much to do in Minneapolis!

12x12 on 1/8" Museum Quality Panel

www.halliekohnart.com

A close-up of the textured knife work.

Mermaid Moment

I adore this mermaid and her serene moment. She looks so tucked in, carefree with her relaxed pose, spiritual and knowing, just lazing the day away. Found her at the Northwind Perennial Gardens in Lake Geneva, one of my favorite places to visit.

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel/brush

www.halliekohnart.com

Abstract with Oil Pigment Sticks

Here was a moment of loss of fear, when good things happen. Using the oil pigment sticks again, but this time larger and looser. For this one it was about emotion and letting go--kind of therapeutic if you want to know the truth. I love all of the movement and color, something I'm drawn to when I think of art I like. 

I'm curious to know your thoughts about this painting. Each person who has seen it thus far has told me something completely different. That's what makes abstract art so cool!

20x24 on 1-1/2" gallery wrapped canvas

www.halliekohnart.com

Here are some close-ups of the thick, juicy colors and movement:

Donkey with R & F Pigment Sticks

I purchased these R&F oil pigment sticks a few weeks ago, but have only used them to experiment by adding some finishing touches to paintings. I originally purchased and love the black and gold, then went on to order a transparent starter set. It was time for me to try doing an entire painting with them and because I was playing, this silly donkey photo I had just taken called out to me. The sticks are thick, so loose it was!

After painting the donkey, which was difficult in itself with only dark transparent colors, I remembered these could be mixed with tube paints! So... I grabbed my titanium white and cad yellow light and squeezed some on the panel to help with the background and just mixed as I went with the oil sticks. It was a blast! I'd love to know what you think of the painting!

10x10 oil on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

R & F Pigment Sticks
(about the size of a thick Crayola marker)