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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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.
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

Hydrangeas on Dots

Love the light and the challenge of the dots!

10x10 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com

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
www.halliekohnart.com