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Glamour Girl

Went to a beautiful garden and shop this past weekend. The highlight for me was the lone chicken running around the plants. She stopped for a little photo session and was the most personable bird I'd ever worked with. :)

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Not a Goddess

I have been studying the history of some of my favorite artists--first saw Manet's work years ago at an amazing exhibit at The Art Institute of Chicago. My goal is to go back and study many of these artists who were so strongly influenced by each other. It has been a lot of fun so far and extremely motivating!

This painting was inspired by Edouard Manet's painting "The Luncheon on the Grass" (without the foreground). Manet was not dependent on the sales of his paintings, so was able to really push the boundaries of the time. Initially, I just thought she was really beautiful, but learning the stories behind paintings makes them so much better!

The process I used to paint this was different. Normally I sketch in my painting with light transparent paint, but this time I did a dark wash and wiped out the woman's form. It was interesting and felt strange, forcing an uncomfortable looseness.

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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White Daffodil

I remember painting a daffodil years ago, one of the first "palette knife paintings" I had done. I went on to ONLY paint with palette knife for an entire year. Really can't say how or why I did it, because I was never able to acquire the looseness that I have with the brush. Have since tried to bring it out, it's just not for me. However, I do like to see a lot of brushwork on my paintings, so maybe it stems from that time...

Anyway! More spring inspiration :)

6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Spring Inspiration

All of the magnolia trees are in full bloom! This one was painted from my neighbors tree.

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Ballet

The ballet shoes are the inspiration for many of the dancer paintings I have done lately. What girl doesn't want them when she's younger? I took ballet for a year just to own a pair myself. It was worth it! :)

Both paintings were done on black gessoed panels, my favorite way to paint.
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6x6

8x8

A Little Turn

I'm in unchartered territory, but that's where all the growth happens. I've been painting from vintage photos. This one was a dancer standing with her head craned at a strange angle. I decided to turn her, changed the face completely, and added what I thought was an interesting atmosphere.

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

That Light

This painting was inspired by a vintage photograph that I love. The image has a gentle and relaxing appeal to it. She looks to be resting in the warmth of the sunlight, one of my favorite things to do.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Judge's Pick

So proud to announce that I have been selected one of the "Judge's Pick" painters for the month of March on Daily Paintworks. Follow the link below to see my painting, as well as the other works submitted.

Degas Inspired Dancers

The fourth in my series of master's studies. This one was inspired by Edgar Degas and his many, many dancers paintings. Love his looseness and use of color, so considered to be one of my very favorite artists.

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Ballerina

It's me who is doing the stretching. :) My favorite art and long-term dream has been of painting quiet, vulnerable women. I have always surrounded myself with paintings of angels and other ladies--an energy healer told me they are my protectors. Working towards my goal with this one.

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

Little Me

When I'm stuck for inspiration or having a rough day, it can be very difficult to paint. My goal is to be doing my art every day, so I always look for a way to do that. Some days that might even be just getting out my camera or looking through old photos for inspiration, which is how I came across this old photo of myself. Something about the quiet nature of it spoke to me and I instantly wanted to spend time with her.

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Klimt Inspired Water Serpent

This is my third attempt at painting from a master's work. Here you will see a section of Gustav Klimt's Water Serpent II; I have only painted one face of the four. (See below for other studies.)

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Gustav Klimt 12x12"

John Atkinson Grimshaw 12x12"

Van Gogh 11x14"

Honey (Bee)

This was inspired by my son, who was part of a state wide championship this year. The group project was finding a solution to the decline in our bee population. They did an amazing job! I don't think most of us stop to think about how very important bees are to us!

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Radishes on Glass Plate

Found this gorgeous bunch of radishes while at the store. My older son loves them with salt, so I had an excuse to purchase (and paint)! Thought the glass plate added some nice shadow interest.

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Roses on Stripes

My mom sent me flowers the other day. So sweet, and double bonus! Not only do we get to enjoy their beauty, I also get to paint them.

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Little Piggies

I've decided that I love painting pigs! This baby was being held by my friend while on a field trip with my son's class. So fun :)

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Hydrangea's Large

Loved the smaller version of this, so decided to go larger.

30x30 on 7/8" gallery wrapped canvas
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Paint Tubes

My favorite colors have always been blues and greens. However, when it comes to painting, I just love using all of the juicy reds and oranges. My all-time favorite one is Williamsburg Oils alizarin orange. It is the perfect consistency, gorgeously transparent, and wonderful with cadmium yellow. Next in line are cadmium red medium and alizarin crimson--I adore them together. Decided they would make an excellent trio for a still life painting.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Hydrangeas on Dots

Love the light and the challenge of the dots!

10x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Medium Boiled

When you cut open an egg and all you see is pure beauty... Probably the single best thing about being an artist or an appreciator of art, seeing extraordinary in the ordinary.

6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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The Mill

When I want toast and coffee while at home in Wisconsin, I make it. If you want toast and coffee while in San Francisco, you go to The Mill. Delicious breads and coffees--I had some toast with almond butter and a latte; my sister had toast with blackberry jam and a cappuccino. All served on locally made stone dishes. It was a wet morning, but we sat outside and spilled our souls anyway. :)

(2) 6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Hog Island Oysters

This fun little painting was inspired by one of the best meals I've ever had. We went to Hog Island Oyster Co. and had 'em every way I think. Cold oysters are always my favorite, but the cooked ones are prettier to paint.

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Fire & Ice

Had a lot of fun making a video to go along with this one. Find it at my Instagram page or on Facebook here.

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

Daffodil Dreamin'

​We have had unseasonably warm weather here in Southern Wisconsin. The mid-60s in February, which as far as I can remember, is unheard of! Received some beautiful tulip and daffodil bulbs and completed the spring dream. 

6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

1920s Dancers

Have been having a lot of fun searching for new painting inspiration. I found myself in the vintage photos again, this time the 1920s. Painting people has never been my thing, but the style I'm painting in is very loose and more about limited brushstrokes. There aren't many details in my faces, but the features are all there... You know it's a face!

16x24 on a 1/8" panel
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Summer Floral

For one of my favorite clients. :)

7x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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"Spirit of the Night"

This painting was inspired by one of my favorite works of artist John Atkinson Grimshaw. There is a cheap print hanging in my home that I have never been able to part with; something about it really speaks to me. Decided to try my own rendition and made a time-lapse video of the process which is posted on my Instagram page here.

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

Hydrangeas

Went to a baby shower recently and brought home some blue hydrangeas and pink tulips. I've been enjoying having fresh flowers in the house! Such inspiration for painting. :) Love the glow of this top one and also the whimsy and fun of the one on stripes. 

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel

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8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel

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Vintage Vogue

Every once in a while I get stuck for inspiration. Whenever that happens, I find myself wanting to paint things that are outside of my comfort zone. What better way to stretch and grow as an artist, and also to keep things interesting!

This was painted from a vintage Vogue photograph. I love her classy, yet gypsy persona. And am especially drawn to the amazing jewelry and hair turban.

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

Seasons of a Tree

Took this great photo of a tree with a long shadow this past summer while hiking with my dad. I always loved just the quiet simplicity of the photo. Thought I'd have a little fun experimenting with seasons and also with application. 

All 6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Blood Oranges

Bought some blood oranges at the store; they are such a gorgeous dark red. I love when inspiration is so easy to find! This is the exact same set-up, from two different vantage points and with the light coming from different directions.

6x6 and 6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panels
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Raspberries

All things red (and juicy).

6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Poor Peacock

This guy was painted seven years ago and has hung on our wall ever since. For the last few years I had been wanting to redo him a bit, but couldn't remember how I was using mediums back then. Finally this weekend I decided that he was either coming down or getting a facelift; he definitely at least needed an eyeball! Nice to see and feel progress like this.

The "before" photo is below.

24x48 on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas
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Cherry Red

Good enough to eat (or put in a cocktail)!

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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True Love

Yes, I'm one of those saps that gets excited about Valentine's Day--all that pink and red together...!

11x14 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Beet Humor

“What did the carrot say to the wheat? Lettuce rest, I'm feeling beet.” 
Shel Silverstein

8x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel

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Bowl of Light

I couldn't resist painting these mandarins as they caught the light in my kitchen.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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Three Satsuma

Love how dramatic this looks.

6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
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White Ducks

Continuing on with my "Farm and Table" series. Found the inspiration for this latest painting while at one of my favorite perennial gardens. The white ducks are roaming around, catching the sun and seeming to glow. There were actually three, but one was shy.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com

Flowers Galore!

Well, I think I've gotten the florals out of my system--for now! There are about six total and all have been added to my brand new website. Check it out if you haven't yet.

I was feeling the round vase on these two and just love the freshness of the arrangements.

16x20 on 1/8" museum quality panel

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6x6 on 1/8" museum quality panel

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