"Jane's Favorite Cup"

7"x5" mixed media on canvas panel

This morning I received an email that just had a couple of photos of a coffee cup. Hmmm.... a nudge, I think so! The email was from my sister Jane, hmmm.... maybe this is her favorite cup? Or maybe this is just one of her favorite cups.... or maybe, this is the cup she was using this morning! Maybe she will tell...

Thanks Jane!

-jM

"Study this Mess"

6"x6" oil on canvas panel

How about this little messy pig. This painting is the beginning of something big... I hope, I joke, I mean I hope I will do better than this with a little more practice. I just had to get back into the saddle and just start making painting part of my daily routine, whether it's painful or not!

Patience, patience, patience! And I decided that it is only fair to share it all with you! "Full Monty", well... almost.... at least show you the beginnings of paintings that I feel I will definitely have to work back into some more.

I picked up a book from the library today, it is titled "Alla Prima" by Richard Schmid, have you heard of him?
I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to say, the book itself to purchase is quite expensive. I really want to find out... why.

Going away for the weekend, I will catch back up with you on Monday.

Have a lovely weekend!

-jM

"Apparently..."

8" x 6" oil on canvas panel

This little gem is from Saturday's time at the easel in the workshop. No cup in this painting, but the blue vase is one that I believe Connie said her son made. It is a beautiful turquoise color and sat completely still while the sunflower just moved it's little face all around the place. Guess it was following the sun!

This is the last of the paintings from this past weekend, guess it's time for me to get back into the studio and get to work!

-jM

"Strawberries and Tea"

6" x 8" oil on canvas panel

Well, I made it through a three day workshop and man am I mentally exhausted!

This is the painting I produced today and well, not like my typical stuff lately... but change is good. I did learn a lot of new and different ideas. Like the way a painting reads and the way you would like the viewer to read your painting(s). And setting up still life's and the lighting! I love good input.

This photo was shot quickly today, I will try to get a better photos of the studies I did this weekend, later this week.

It was nice to work in oil again. I really do like it.

Oh, yes, that is a coffee cup on the right, the handle is hidden on the back side.... or maybe this is a European cup? Hmmm.... take care!

-jM

"Sunflower in a Cup"

6"x8" oil on canvas panel

This weekend I am attending a painting workshop in Noblesville, Indiana, that is being taught by Qiang Huang. It is tricky trying to step outside the box and try something new, but I recommend it to any artist. It is good to always continue learning. He presented some really good information today and I am looking forward to tomorrow!

Fresh ideas!

Yes, there is a red cup in this painting, the sunflower is sitting in it! One of the easier cups I've painted lately... maybe because it is mostly hidden?!

-jM
Thanks Connie for letting borrow your camera!

"Tyger & Coffee"

Mixed media on old book page

This morning, Tyger and I were having our coffee. He asked if I could get some tuna flavored coffee. He is quite serious about this request, he really likes tuna.

Later, he asked if I was serious about inviting Myra and her dog Tiny for coffee. I didn't say anything. I'll let Tyger chew on this thought for a while, it is a long drive from Texas. And, I don't know if Tiny can drive a car!

From this image it looks like Tyger has the magical cup. It's floating! I may go back into this sketch or I just may do another... or both!

I'm enjoying this old book sketching. Who knows, one of these images may turn into a painting yet!

-jM

"Coffee Shop"

Mixed media on old book page

Looking for a good coffee shop. I'm pretty sure Myra told me about quite a few good ones to visit, but I've forgotten. I knew I should have written them down in my sketch book. Oh.... I'll find them, come on memory, kick in gear!

I think I'll just wonder around town and see what I find...

-jM

"Kathleen's Red Cup"

Mixed media on old book page

Here we are, another page out of the old book.

I received a nudge from Myra last Friday, asking me "where are you!". Basically, she was asking if I was still painting or just being a slug on a log!

I was in Cleveland, OH for a family reunion, in a hotel, but I had my book and a few painting materials with me. So! On Saturday night I did a quick start of this red coffee cup.
I found this cup in Kathleen's free stuff pile when she moved studio's last Spring. It has a little chip in it but I've glued the piece back in place and it's almost good as new.

I love that red. Kathleen has some pretty red hair too, so it only makes sense to me to be Kathleen's red cup. Well, this is a simple version for now but I have a feeling, things are going to get a little more involved and complicated here!

Thanks for the nudge Myra!!

-jM
PS: I received a gift cup today from Carol and it's her birthday! Hmmm... chocolate chips! Cookies...