The Perfect Pick

Found this beautiful pumpkin that was standing out in front of the others, casting the most wonderful shadow. It was hoping to be taken home I think, so that's what we did.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Round Bouquet

My favorite thing lately has been just following my own intuition and instincts so much more, even when selecting what I'm going to paint. I look through my recent photos or what I have around the house, grab whatever excites me at that moment, and get right to work on it. It's amazing, but I think I've learned that it's just not that serious. It's fun, carefree, and intuitive once you tap into that. There will be some good ones, some amazing ones, and some so-so ones, even some junk... It's all about just being on the journey and I'm definitely enjoying that.

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Cosmos & Zinnias

I may have been a bit of a scavenger in searching for these flowers. We've had frost, and am happy to say, clipped these beauties and brought them in before any damage was done. There were a lot of buds left, but their days were numbered and here they will be forever immortalized. :)

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Ornamental Kale

Found this beauty in my mom's yard and loved how the light was touching it.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Acoustic Guitar

We hung a few of my husband's guitars on special hooks next to the piano. This one had an interesting shadow on the wall, and I finally found an angle that was exciting to paint. Love the golden colors of the guitar contrasted against the light blue/green wall.

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Keys

I knew this one would be a challenge, and it was! I find it so interesting to look at something in a different way like this. I'm happy with the result--although the keys are straight and exact, they're painted pretty loosely.

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Elephant

I think painting elephants is one thing I will always come back to. Did this one on a smaller panel and kept it really loose.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Indian Corn

Had a wonderful field trip with my 5-year-old this week. I feel so blessed to be able to have this time with my children while they are young; don't think I would trade staying home with them for anything. Caught a glimpse of this beautiful Indian Corn as we were walking to the bus and was completely drawn to the red among the other husks and autumn colors.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Pomegranate

Thrilled to say the pomegranates are showing up in the stores again. When I first switched from palette knife to brush, I had the idea to challenge myself with painting the pomegranate seeds--see the painting here. No idea what I was thinking, but I was so proud of that at the time, although there is a lot I would do differently now. This one was somehow just as challenging!

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Opie

My dad was visiting from Nevada a few weeks ago. It was hard for him to be away from his dog because they spend a lot of time together hiking and going on long walks. There were a few photos on his phone of Opie, and the light on this one was really good. I had a great time painting this nice and loose.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Old School Skates

These skates were a photo that my friend took, and instantly tapped into my childhood. Skates like these were practically my second shoes. There was nothing better than going round and around the roller rink... skating backwards, dancing to the music, and having fun with friends.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Slow & Steady

These are some of the very last flowers from our yard. We're having such beautiful weather this week, I was torn about leaving them or bringing them inside. In the end, the desire to paint them won out!

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Autumn at the Lake

Heading home from Minnesota, my husband and I passed Lake Pepin again in the early morning. As we drove past my jaw dropped in awe; my sweet husband stopped the car. The lake looked just like a mirror, reflecting the many glowing boats and all the color in the trees. Seems we happened past at the perfect moment, as everything was completely still and quiet.

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Calico Kitten

I have always been a dog person, and my husband is allergic to cats, however, there is something pretty adorable about a soft, cuddly kitten. We found this little one at a pumpkin patch and both of the boys got to hold him. We went back a few weeks later and it was a full grown cat already!

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

All Aglow

It's been a tough past few days and so I was having some trouble getting excited about what to paint. Decided to use this old photo that I love. It ended up feeling like if one were to do some self-therapy and love of the child within. This little girl is all aglow and completely in her element--sunshine, water... nature in general, a light heart and sweet spirit.

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Torture Device

Does anyone else dislike their eyelash curler as much as I do? I'm envious of the ladies (and men!) fortunate enough to have eyelashes that curl up to the heavens. Still, although I dislike the tool and my stick-straight eyelashes, I sure do love the painting!

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Gift at the Door

I always get really cold when I paint. No idea why... The other day my front step was in full sun, so I walked out the front door with hot coffee in hand. There was a c-r-u-n-c-h sound and I looked down to see two pinecones, some flowers, and a rock on the doormat. The joys of having children and neighborhood friends. :) When I sat down, I noticed the way the light was hitting all of the scales and the way the shadow fell. Decided it could make a beautiful painting.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com