Jennifer S. Conn: A Painting A Day

Painting Sale!!!!!

2010-06-02T09:34:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't been painting and posting on here--sorry!!! My life is interrupting my painting but I hope to get back to posting daily soon! In the meantime ebay was offering a special on listing fees so I took advantage of it and posted lots of original watercolors--small and large, as well as some prints. The starting bids are well below the prices listed on my web site so take advantage of the savings while it is available--because in one week it will be gone! :-) If you live in Greenville and want to pick up your painting you can save even more by not paying the shipping fee. To find me on ebay just search "JSConn" or click on the "eBay Auctions" tab on the right side of my blog!

Showing Grammy the Way!

2010-05-12T22:08:00.004-04:00

4" x 6"

I love the way children walk off so confidently without a care in the world! This little one was leading Grammy on a walk down the beach. Don't you just wonder what they are thinking?!

Bottoms Up!

2010-05-01T22:44:00.002-04:00

4"x6"

For the past several days my scanner hasn't scanned. I tried several things and looked up "troubleshooting" on the internet for this particular scanner--all to no avail. I thought I would try one more thing and it worked!! Woo Hoo!! My camera isn't a high-tech kind so I really didn't want to use it, so I'm very glad the scanner was just taking a couple days vacation! :-)

This little fella brought a smile to my face with his little yellow floating suit. I couldn't resist getting a photo to work from!

Feeling the Spray

2010-04-28T22:21:00.004-04:00

SOLD
4"x6"

Keeping Watch

2010-04-27T21:25:00.003-04:00

4" x 6"

I don't think there is a cat anywhere that doesn't have a distinct personality. Many years ago we had a white cat named "Trouble." He got into a lot of trouble in his wild stray days before deciding that we would make good owners--so he adopted us. :-)

This kitty chose the perch to keep an eye on another cat laying on the lawn.

The Blue Hydrangea

2010-04-26T22:48:00.003-04:00

4" x 6"

Loved this little splash of blue amid all the browns of dirt and wood. This building is among the many old homes, barns, out-buildings at Roper Mountain Science Center here in Greenville.

Rising to the Occasion

2010-04-24T22:19:00.002-04:00

4"x6"

With Their Backs to Each Other

2010-04-23T22:05:00.005-04:00

SOLD
4"x6"

I started this painting on Wednesday with the goal of finishing it to post that night, but I ended up helping one son with a project for school. So Thursday came and again I thought surely I will get it done . . . but it is a stubborn little painting and another son needed some advice on a report. I started early Friday, and glad I did!! :-) Some paintings just seem to paint themselves and in no time at all . . . others seem to linger indefinitely!

This little clump of daffodils were from my neighbors yard. I liked how a couple faced one direction while the others faced the opposite. I always love strong shadows.

Dwarf Asiatic Lilies

2010-04-20T22:31:00.002-04:00

4"x6"

I received these lilies several years ago for Mother's Day. Every spring I look forward to their bright red display!

Barnyard Chatter

2010-04-19T21:19:00.003-04:00

4"x6"

Wasn't sure I would make it with a painting tonight, but I did! So many errands to run that it took until mid-afternoon when I had an appointment that went until 5:00 pm--that didn't leave much time for painting, but I really like what I have. I'm sure my painting break and my fondness for roosters/chickens helped! :-)

Finally Back!

2010-04-18T18:50:00.005-04:00

I know I wrote on my last blog that I was taking one week off but the week ended and I hadn't quite finished up everything I needed to get done. Then I didn't want to post anything to ebay as I knew I would be out of town last week and unable to mail anything so I still didn't paint. Last week I was out of town at a watercolor workshop, which I absolutely LOVED and needed! Yes, these are all excuses--good ones, but never the less excuses! I'm sure if I wanted to paint I would have found a way to get everything done, posted, mailed, etc. but I really didn't want to paint. So the break was a good one for me.

As I mentioned I was at a watercolor workshop last week in Hendersonville, NC at Kanuga Camp and Conference. My instructor was figurative watercolorist, Ted Nuttal. His work is simply beautiful! My favorite piece was of an older Jewish man in Central Park that was watching his family a little distance away. Ted captured the tender love in the man's face as he watched his family. Unfortunately I didn't find this particular painting on his website-- www.tednuttal.com (at least not at the time of this writing) so you won't be able to take a look at it. Anyway many artists can paint but they can't teach . . . Ted is a great painter and teacher! If you are a watercolor artist and interested in doing some figurative paintings/portraits, I would highly recommend him. Below is a painting that I started at the workshop. I still may do a bit more on it, but it is very close to being finished.
I hope to get back to posting a painting a day tomorrow, but I don't make any promises! :-) After being gone a week my house isn't exactly clean and my kitchen isn't exactly stocked with food. That is what happens with a husband, two teenage guys, and a dog that sheds! :-D Hopefully I can at least get some food and start a painting tomorrow and start the cleaning Tues . . . that is if I can stand to look at it that long!

Spring Break

2010-03-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

I have struggled all day to motivate myself to get a painting done and here it is 9:45 pm and I don't really have a thing to show for the struggle. :-)

My husband is on Spring Break this week and that combined with some jobs around the house that I really want to get done are keeping my mind from being focused on painting. So I have decided to not fight it any more--I am taking the rest of the week off as far as painting goes. Hopefully then I can make some real headway on the other jobs and come back with a brain that isn't being pulled in several different directions!

So see you next week!

A Royal Combination

2010-03-29T21:46:00.005-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Poppies may be my favorite flower--although that is very hard to say because I do love many different flowers--but for sure this is my favorite color of poppy. Maybe it rises to the top of the list because I have not been able to get/keep it in my garden. I bought it one Fall and carefully planted it within the brick-edged limits of my garden so the "weed eater" wouldn't get it the next spring. I waited with excitement as it began to grow the following spring until I went out one day and all that was left was a shredded stalk. The weed eater had struck! When questioned the reply was "I didn't weed eat any of your flowers. I only took out the biggest weed I've ever seen."--my poppy. It didn't survive. :-/ Several years later I saw the same variety in a major gardening catalog, and it was on sale no less!! I placed my order and planted it within the picket fence this time. The next spring however brought disappointment once again as the poppy bloomed it wasn't the deep purple red it was supposed to be, it was a salmon orange!! So it has not been my lot in life to have this beauty grace my garden, but I enjoyed this one surrounded by another favorite--yarrow at a local garden.

Amid the Tulips

2010-03-25T21:05:00.004-04:00

4" x 6"

Nestled amid the tulips is a garden retreat shaded by crepe myrtles with their smooth, colorful bark. Definitely a place to sit and ponder.

Blanket Flower Vignette

2010-03-23T22:31:00.001-04:00

4" x 6"

Window Box II

2010-03-22T21:44:00.005-04:00

SOLD

4" x 6"

This is another view of the window box in Mary's Restaurant, Greenville, SC. It is such a beautiful box and always brings a smile to my face.

Daffodil Duo

2010-03-21T21:42:00.003-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I love the shape of daffodils with their ruffle-edged trumpets surrounding by their showy petals. I think they are perfect reflections of the warm sun chasing away the cold, colorless winter.

Royal Troupe

2010-03-20T19:51:00.004-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Crocuses and daffodils are in full bloom in Greenville, but I can't wait for the tulips! I called this Royal Troupe because the colors are rich and remind me of royalty and "troupe" because they are beautiful entertainers! :-)

Pink Camellia II

2010-03-18T21:39:00.004-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

This pink camellia was hanging down and I loved the shape that was created.

I worked some more in my yard this morning. By the end of the morning I decided to turn the mulch pile a little and found that it apparently has been the breeding ground for termites this winter! Last fall I put a little layer of dirt in since that is supposed to help things decompose quicker but there must have been a termite in that dirt because now there are tons!! UGH! I wanted to start spreading some of the mulch in my flower beds this spring . . . guess that won't be happening until I get rid of them . . . just not sure how best to do that!

Pink Camellia

2010-03-17T21:10:00.003-04:00

4" x 6"

Another sign of Spring is the camellia. They are simple yet very elegant beauties!

I have started working in my garden. I wish I could say their isn't a lot to do, but I haven't been able to really work in it for a couple years so there is much to do. Good thing I enjoy being outside--hope to reclaim it this year!

Daffodil Vignette

2010-03-15T22:08:00.004-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Daffodils have arrived in Greenville, SC! Spring is definitely on it's way!

The Window Box

2010-03-14T22:42:00.004-04:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

This window box is nestled in a window of Falls Cottage, Greenville, SC. The cottage was built in 1893 and today houses Mary's Restaurant.

White Azaleas

2010-03-13T22:28:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I do like painting white flowers--to get those deep shadows, and azaleas are a very delicate petal that really highlights those shadows. Hope you enjoy!

Shaded Drive

2010-03-11T21:55:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

I saw my first daffodils of the season today! Spring is on it's way to the south--maybe some more daffodil paintings will be coming. Now to today's painting--the things I liked about this scene were the dark shadows on the road, the strength of the pines, and the curve in the road gives a sense of mystery of what is around the bend.

Garden Bench

2010-03-10T23:03:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

There is something very inviting about a garden bench. It just seems to call you to sit, relax, and forget all the issues of the day!

Forgotten Entrance

2010-03-09T22:04:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

This garden gate near the back of a Greenville property seems to have been forgotten. The English ivy has claimed a fair section of the brick and had started in on the gate and across the dirt path.

Tudor Home

2010-03-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

This is the back corner of a large Tudor-style home. I do like architecture, and this home is beautiful!

Bridge Over Tranquil Waters

2010-03-06T21:10:00.003-05:00

2.5" x 3.5"

There are days when I really struggle to paint . . . it is just plain hard work. Every brushstroke is painful it seems. I go through periods where I really don't like the way my paintings are turning out or it was so hard getting there that I can barely look at the painting! :-) When I'm going through times like that I just keep telling myself "It will pass. Painting will be fun again." and I force myself to keep going. This week was somewhat of a struggle; however, I really like today's painting. Yay! I survived another period of struggle. :-)

This stream runs through a large estate in Greenville. The bridge is part of the long drive that winds up to a very large Tudor home. The home is set up on a hill, and this little stream is near the bottom between it and the home are thousands of daffodils in the spring. This spot is so peaceful and even though it is near the downtown it is very quiet and tranquil--just the sound of the water as it flows over the rocks.

Twin Beauty

2010-03-05T22:35:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

I like the strong white petals of the magnolia. This particular variety has a pink blush at the center--very pretty.

Pink Peony

2010-03-04T22:34:00.003-05:00

2.5" x 3.5"

I have several peony plants in my garden--they aren't the "usual" kind but rather have fewer petals and a yellow center. They are a more simple variety but still beautiful!

Lily Pond

2010-03-03T22:39:00.004-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

This beautiful lily pond is located at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville. The area to the left is a butterfly garden. Once you cross the bridge and follow the path you will come to a "settlement" of old homes, barns, and out-buildings. There is a vegetable and flower garden, chickens, horse, and cow--a great place for local schools to visit and learn about nature and history.

Ice Plant

2010-03-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

This low-growing succulent is an ice plant. It was blooming here in Greenville in the springtime. It cascaded over a rocky ledge.

(In the painting the flowers are a little more vibrant and the rock a bit darker--at least for my computer monitor.) :-)

Pink Magenta Tulips

2010-03-01T22:15:00.002-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Daffodil Trio

2010-02-28T22:34:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

All in a Row

2010-02-27T22:20:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Bridge over Reedy

2010-02-25T22:45:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

This bridge is located near the Greenville Zoo in Cleveland Park.

Snow-Laden Fir

2010-02-24T21:55:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

The blue spruce may be my favorite evergreen but a very close second would be the more delicate Douglas Fir. This one laden with snow is in my backyard.

Pine Cone

2010-02-23T22:17:00.005-05:00

SOLD

4"x6"

Loved the way the snow was piled on top of the pine needles!

Yellow House

2010-02-22T22:45:00.004-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I am beat. I has been a busy day and I can't think of one thing to write about this painting other than the usual--The white is the white of the paper. I don't use any type of resist material. :-)

Snow Day

2010-02-21T20:46:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

There are two large parks in downtown Greenville. Cleveland Park starts at the Greenville Zoo and winds along the river till it meets the Falls Park in the center of the downtown. There are many bike paths, benches, jungle gyms along the way. It is a huge draw for walkers, runners, and bikers. Even with the snow recently there were still a number of people out walking.

The Pines

2010-02-20T13:09:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Last Saturday we had several inches of snow hear in Greenville, which is pretty much a rarity! I walked around our neighborhood for about an hour taking photos, and then my husband and I went through the downtown taking more pictures. I ended up with a little over 400! You may be thinking that is excessive, but we never get snow so I don't have any photos to work from. Having grown up in an area that recently got 30+" I miss the snow. I also grew up on a Christmas tree farm so I miss the smell of pines and the way the snow blankets the branches.

These pines are actually very close to my home in Greenville, and I am very happy with the results. Hope you will also enjoy it!

Olympic Gold

2010-02-19T21:32:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

I have enjoyed watching the Olympic men's downhill skiing tonight. I love skiing and enjoy watching it as well. While many gold medals are being awarded in Vancouver you can also win "gold"!

Red Water Lily

2010-02-18T21:24:00.004-05:00

2.75" x 5"

There is something about water lilies that I find to be very peaceful, and I couldn't resist the rich red of this one.

This one will be offered on ebay with a creme mat (outer dimensions are 5"x 7") included.

Blue Day

2010-02-17T21:50:00.002-05:00

4" x 6"

Recently we drove through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. It was a blue-gray day with some rain, but the clouds were starting to open up and clear.

Cups of Gold

2010-02-15T18:50:00.004-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Another cheery sign of Spring are tulips. These cups of gold lift their heads to reflect the warm sunshine with a happiness that will bring a smile to most faces!

Daffodils

2010-02-14T19:55:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

After a cold and basically colorless winter I am thankful that God created daffodils to cheerfully herald in the spring. In the south the stems are started to push up through the soil . . . for those of you in the snowy north--hang in there! Spring is coming!

Sunrise

2010-02-12T21:32:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

This isn't actually an appropriate picture for today--South Carolina is getting snow!!! For those of you in the north that isn't big news, but this is the most snow I have seen in South Carolina for at least 20 years!!! However, I started the painting before the snow started, and we have come to be somewhat skeptical of weather reports that it will snow here. :-) Anyway if I lived at the beach this is how I would start every day--watching the sun rise. Amazing!

Early Morning at the Beach

2010-02-11T21:54:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

I worked from a photo I took last summer at the beach. I believe it must have been close to sunset and the clouds filled most of the sky just leaving little sections of lighter sky and some pink areas. It really was beautiful. I hope I captured a bit of that beauty!

White Peony

2010-02-10T20:25:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I still have not had any success landing a job and going back to school doesn't look too promising either! But I still keep applying and in the meantime I am enjoying being home. Too bad I can't find someone who is willing to pay me to stay at home! Haha! I am trying to get caught on things. I'm also going through my cookbooks and trying new recipes. Today's new recipes were Pork with Roasted Peppers and Potatoes and Devil Doggies. The pork was not bad--just needed a little more seasoning. The Devil Doggies are to die for!!!!! Two small cookie-sized chocolate cakes with creme in the middle. Yum!

Now to painting . . . I found this peony in a neighbor's yard last summer while walking the dog. I later went back and got several pictures. The peony is another of my many flower favorites. The white is the white of the paper--didn't use any resist material--just painted leaving the whites.

Hope you enjoy it!

Gray Barn

2010-02-09T20:16:00.003-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I love old barns and am sad to see so many of them torn down or abandoned to fall down over time. They have so much more character than newer metal barns! This old guy is somewhere between South Carolina and Ohio.

Break

2010-01-31T15:02:00.001-05:00

I won't be painting or posting for a couple days as I sit with a dear friend who is in her last days.

Thinking of a Friend

2010-01-30T22:12:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

These beautiful irises remind me of a dear friend. Good friendships are hard to come by so when you find a kindred spirit, it is treasured all the more.

Pink Sky

2010-01-28T20:47:00.004-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Pictures like this remind me of home. I love the excitement and busyness of a big city, but I also like the peace and quiet of rural areas like this one.

The sky (blue and pink) is a little more vibrant in the painting. I wasn't able to get a better image of it; however, monitors can vary also. I think all the other colors look pretty close.

Green Grass Cafe

2010-01-27T15:13:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Green Grass Cafe--only the freshest of greens served here!

Inviting Entrances

2010-01-26T20:13:00.005-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I started this painting yesterday and really wanted to be able to post it but I just ran out of time to finish it. I loved the ornate cut work over the porch--however it was quite a challenge to do since it is all negatively painted.

SOLD
4" x 6"

I saw this home in December and fell in love with it! I like lots of windows and would love to have a porch like this one. Looks like a great place to paint!

Stately Southern Entry

2010-01-24T22:22:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

This beautiful entry leads into a small Southern home. I believe the home is about 100 years old. The door is extra wide and showcases a large brass knob in the center. It leads into a home rich with wide-planked wood floors and artful woodwork throughout. A true Greenville, SC treasure.

I won't be posting this one to eBay until Monday, January 25.

Hey! No Peeking!!

2010-01-23T21:10:00.003-05:00

4" x 6"

I thought this photo I got of the donkeys was very funny. The one totally hid his eyes while the other lowered his head to check out what was going on. Can't you just hear the first one saying "Hey! No peeking!"?

This will be my last miniature donkey painting for a bit. Going back to a few florals and some landscapes. Hope you enjoy!

White Oleander

2010-01-22T21:53:00.005-05:00

SOLD
3.5" x 5.75"

I love painting white flowers--the clean whites contrasted with the shadows. This beautiful white oleander's home is the coast of South Carolina . . . oh to be so lucky! :-)

Still not feeling so hot . . . but hope to be up and painting again tomorrow as I have no more back-up paintings!

Hope you will enjoy!

White Magnolia

2010-01-21T15:34:00.004-05:00

4" x 6"

Not feeling the greatest today so I'm taking a break from painting. It won't be long here in SC before these beautiful magnolias will be blooming again! I'm ready for Spring!

Grazing

2010-01-20T20:00:00.001-05:00

Into each life a little criticism must fall . . . and it is always best when it falls into someone else's life! Wait! Did I really write that??!! Just kidding!

Today I received some criticism about a recent painting. Some of the things commented on I am going to try to improve upon. Others I think I am limited by the paper I am using. While it is a reputable brand of watercolor paper it really isn't one I would choose to use due to the surface texture that often makes it difficult to keep the paint/water where you want it to go. However, the paper was given to me and since watercolor paper is quite expensive I am going to use every last sheet! :-) It just makes my job more challenging--and I just remind myself that I do like a good challenge! The remaining comments I think would have been averted if the person had seen the photo I was working from. Anyway, although it is somewhat discouraging to receive such comments, I am thankful for criticism (in small doses!) as that is how I will improve. And being members of the human race, we all have room to improve! :-)

---------

Today's painting is another one of the miniature donkey farm. It really is quite peaceful to watch them slowly move from spot to spot. I hope I was able to capture that peacefulness.

SOLD

4" x 6"

Quietness

2010-01-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

4" x 6"

There is a certain quiet, gentleness that can be seen in the eye of this miniature donkey. It drew me to him.

Again, all the white in this painting is the white of the paper. The white eyelashes were negatively painted--I don't use any type of resist material.

Hope you enjoy!!

Those Nosy Neighbors!

2010-01-18T16:21:00.001-05:00

SOLD
4"x 6"

I loved the photo I was able to get of the miniature donkeys! While some of the donkeys lingered out of reach these three couldn't get enough attention!

If you look closely you can see the eye lashes and whiskers. I do not use any type of resist material so all the white is the white of the paper that was negatively painted.

Uncertainty

2010-01-17T23:17:00.001-05:00

SOLD

4" x 6"

This little pair of miniature donkeys live on a farm in Ohio. While some of the other donkeys came right up to the fence this pair of siblings were a little suspicious and kept their distance.

Beach Walk

2010-01-16T21:59:00.001-05:00

SOLD

4" x 6"

I wasn't sure I would get a painting finished today. I worked for a bit in the yard, did the usual three loads of laundry, and enjoyed a high school basketball game. But I was able to squeeze in some painting time and decided to take a break from flowers for a bit.

This beautiful pair of Weimaraners were taking their owners for a walk on the beach when another dog running on the beach caught their eye. The male was definitely ready to follow suit but obediently just continued his stroll on the beach.

Red and Yellow Tulips

2010-01-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"
"Yellow Flow"

SOLD
4" x 6"
"Red Flow"

Here are some more tulips from Falls Park, Greenville, SC. Watercolorist Ed Whitney said "Purple and green is a love affair." I think I would have to agree--they are my two favorite colors to put together! Hope you will enjoy these two paintings!

Tulip Patch

2010-01-14T22:03:00.002-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

The Reedy River runs through Downtown Greenville, SC. There is a large waterfall with a beautiful park surrounding it and a suspension bridge overlooking it. Throughout the park there is a lot of stone walls and paths with garden areas. In the spring there are many tulips and pansies. If you have never been to Greenville you will have to take a look at the following web site, and then you'll have to plan a trip! (http://www.greenvillesc.gov/) Anyway, this is where I found this tulip patch. Tomorrow I am going to do another painting or 2 of tulips from there as well.

Hope you enjoy!!!

(The painting does not contain the gray edge . . . just there so you can see the edge of the painting.)

Spring's Sunshine

2010-01-13T19:17:00.002-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Here in the South it won't be long before the daffodils start poking through the hardened soil of winter. Their soft, delicate faces are in sharp contrast to the cold, dark days of winter. They bring a sunny warmth to the still cool temperatures and with it the promise of summer.

Christabel Iris

2010-01-12T21:08:00.001-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

This beautiful iris is somewhat popular here in Upstate South Carolina. I have done a little research and believe it is called "Christabel." A couple years ago I made the mistake of planting them temporarily between a rose garden and some shrubbery. Apparently there wasn't enough air circulation, and they are now succumbing to a fungus. I have been battling it for over a year now, and hope that it doesn't wipe out all my irises!

But for now the beauty lives on in this painting. Because I left much of the paper white I scanned it with a black card behind so the edges of the paper can be seen (I did not paint an edge around the painting!). :-)

Hope you enjoy!

Sunny Faces

2010-01-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Most years I plant mammoth sunflowers in my garden. I love their sunny faces and large, floppy leaves which remind me of elephant ears! After they have put on their show I gather what seeds I can steal away from the squirrels and put them aside for the birds during the winter months.

The year I took this photo the flowers didn't quite reach mammoth size due to a drought in the area, but they still brought some sunshine to the garden! Hopefully they will bring some sunshine to your home or office!

Painting available for purchase on eBay--just search "JSConn"!

Window Reflections

2010-01-08T16:54:00.001-05:00

SOLD
4.5" x 6"

This home sits at the crest of a small hill, but it is just high enough that this window over a garage is quite elevated adding to the architectural impact. The deep shadows give it a little extra punch. Behind the window is an art studio belonging to a friend of mine. From the window you can see a well-manicured lawn, flower and water garden, as well as a tree-lined alley with neighboring rooftops.

Pear Pair

2010-01-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

Hmm . . . it has been a very long day so this is going to be quite short!

Today I offer you a pair of pears. I do love pears. One of my favorite desserts is one my husband came across--warm gingerbread with raspberry-pear sauce! YUM!!

So if you share my affection for this fruit--this painting is for you! Hope you enjoy!

Show of Red

2010-01-06T19:23:00.001-05:00

SOLD

4" x 6"

For today's subject matter I chose a vibrant red rose. I love pretty much all flowers--especially wild flowers, but I do have a small rose garden with about a dozen roses. I have found that when you use the right products growing roses can be quite easy and so very rewarding. I enjoy making arrangements for others, and that little rose garden has supplied me with many a bouquet. While I do have two beautiful red rose bushes this particular painting is from a rose that was grown by my mother-in-law. It was so brilliant in the warm summer sun that I had to take the photo knowing that one day it would be a painting! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did looking at it while painting it!

Brrr! It's cold outside!

2010-01-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

SOLD

4" x 6"

Living in South Carolina means that you really don't get any snow to speak of. If it does happen to snow it usually melts within 24 hours; however, it can get pretty cold! Having grown up in an area that was solidly white for a couple months of the year, I can say emphatically "I miss snow!!" (I have family that still live in an area like that, and I'm sure their thoughts of snow aren't as positive as mine!)

For me, snow is what makes the cold worthwhile. But alas all I have right now is cold, so I had to make my own snow in a painting!

This home is nestled in Ohio's rich farmland. The corn stubble has yet to be plowed under, but the dusting of snow gives a quiet, peaceful feel.

A Bit of History

2010-01-04T22:10:00.001-05:00

SOLD
4" x 6"

I love old doors. They hold a bit of mystery--you want to know what is behind them, who has passed over their threshold, what secrets they could tell . . . . This particular door could tell quite a story I'm sure. The home it is part of was built in 1838--much has passed its way before. Apparently it survived the destruction of the Civil War . . . perhaps important people, famous people have found their way inside, but it stands quietly there never to reveal its secrets.

Beach Breezes

2010-01-02T21:24:00.001-05:00

SOLD

I love the soft warm breeze of the beach, the rustle of the grasses, the calling of the seagulls, the slow steady rhythm of the ocean. Always a peaceful place to be . . .

January 1, 2010 New Endeavor

2010-01-01T22:04:00.001-05:00

SOLD

I decided to start my Painting a Day career with a personal favorite--tulips. It seems that no matter how difficult your circumstances may be tulips can bring a smile to your face!

I will be posting all my paintings on eBay--just search "JSConn"!

Hope your day has been a good beginning for a new year!

Beginning

2009-12-31T19:39:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Jennifer Conn and I am an artist painting mainly in watercolor. I began painting about 5 years ago, under the instruction of my mom, fine artist Grace Scherer.

A couple years ago I became familiar with a group of artists on ebay--daily painters or painting a day artists. As you can surmise from their name they try to complete a painting every day. It was something I definitely wanted to try but with a job and family it seemed unlikely to happen. I am not the type of person to do something half-heartedly or second-rate, and I didn't want to start something I couldn't finish so I never attempted a painting a day. In the meantime I have enjoyed reading daily painter's blogs, seeing their work, and tried to produce a few paintings of my own each week.

As the economy has soured I found myself among the many across America being laid-off from my job. As the months have passed, and my job hunt has been to no avail my thoughts have turned back to trying the "painting a day." So here I am at the day before a brand new year . . . one that no one knows what it will bring but for me it is a new start--an adventure. I must admit that I am a little nervous as anyone is when they start something new and want it to be good and want it to be a success. However, I have to give it a try!

And so tomorrow for me is the beginning.