I started my 100 skyscape painting challenge this week and below are the the first three completed paintings. I am trying  to complete one every day but only four days in and I already skipped a day, I just could not get my painting on the third day completed. I feel a bit more organized today and think next week will be a bit easier to complete a painting each day, but if not that is ok too. I am in this to establish a regular painting schedule and improve my paintings of skies and clouds.

I plan on posting to my Facebook's page, Instgram and on Daily Paintworks.  Here is a link to my latest painting auction. Daily Paintworks. Thank you for stopping by.

Tiger in the Grass and meeting Robert Bateman

I painted this lovely tiger for a critique session with Robert Bateman at a six day workshop I recently attended. There were plenty of tips shared and the critique sessions helped me immensely. I feel so very lucky to have had the opportunity to spend that much time with someone I admire and respect who continues to have an amazing career and life while leaving a legacy and great example to follow in so many ways.

Here is a link to the Daily Paintworks auction for this painting.
Click here to bid.

Pine Martin

Who knew a pine martin could be so darn cute. I had fun painting this cute little face. Please contact me if you would like to commission a painting of your pet or favorite animal.

Boomer, a dog portrait.

I had a lot of fun painting this pet portrait of such a handsome yellow lab. I do take commissions so if you are interested please message me. Acrylic on 8x10 hardboard.

Little Beauty Auction on Daily Paintworks

This is my third auction this week, follow the link to check out the auction if you are interested. http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/staar-caswell-1579/artwork

My new Daily Paintworks site and auction.

I have just started using Daily Paintworks to sell my paintings and have set up an auction for this little gem SOLD. Come on over and check it out if you are interested Staar Caswell Daily Paintworks .

I have been working on some fantasy type art for the past 6 months and have really been enjoying the freedom of painting in this style. I think in this fast paced world, escaping to one of these islands seems like a nice reprieve.
 

Intuitive painting.

I really enjoy painting and have pretty much always painted in a realistic style but a couple of years ago I was introduced to intuitive painting. I have never been so happy or free while painting as I am when I paint intuitively. It is very liberating to smear, dab, spray and let paint run with not much though to an outcome or how much the paint or canvas cost (this canvas is 4 feet x 4 feet and cost me $16 to make). Just pick a colour and a spot and let it fly!

I have had a few "failures" while painting intuitively but you know,,,, I just gessoed over top and started a new one, cost maybe a dollar or two, price of a cup of coffee at most. I am not sure I always learn something when I paint this way but then again, for me it is more about the moment and the feeling than what is left on the canvass. That is the hard part, allowing any outcome and not judging it good or bad but more so how it felt, did you loose yourself in the process, were you able to relax and unwind?

For me it is always more about the energy that I want to communicate onto the canvas with paint, hard and soft edges, gradations and sudden colour changes. Contrasts in colour and colour harmony, it is all so interesting how it flows together and to just let go of what we think painting is or should be and just allow it to be whatever you need or want it to be.

I am gearing up to teach some workshops locally in the new year and plan also to have some online tutorials and meet ups to go over some of the techniques and ways to prepare to be able to just let go and leave the rules checked at the door. Instead to tap into intuition and allow it to flow and dominate the painting session.

The only close up pic I have with my sweet grandson who loves to paint with his Nana.

 

Finished Inktober day 5

Here is the finished ink and white jelly roll pen inktober drawing of a Japanese tree and landscape.

 

Inktober.

Here are a couple of my Inktober drawings. I have missed a few days but as I am studying for an exam in 8 weeks I decided I would just take the pressure off and just allow myself to participate however I can.
 

Adult colouring pages: Koi fish.

I am turning a few sketches into pdf colouring pages, I thought if people can benefit from the mindfulness of colouring why not. It also give me some subjects to hone my inking and illustrations skills.

Here is the link,  Adult colouring page of koi fish.

I just finished an owl study, my first attempt with prismacolor coloured pencils. I really liked using all the different greys instead of shading with graphite.

Floating island over burnt forest.

I did not plan this painting but as it developed I tried to keep colour to a min except to accentuate certain aspects. For example the bit of blue sky peeking through and the vegetation on the island,
both symbolizing hope. Hope you enjoy it. SOLD

Japanese wave.

 



This was a lot of fun but I did find it difficult. I did follow a computer generated tutorial to get most of this blocked in, in my sketch book.  If your interested I am posting almost every day on Instagram and I really like how easy it is and the interaction with other is a awesome feature. Here is the link to my account http://instagram.com/staarcaswell/.

Sunset Floating Island

I have been working on some fantasy type art for the past 6 months and have really been enjoying the freedom of painting in this style. I think in this fast paced world, escaping to one of these islands seems like a nice reprieve.

Summer Pear.

This is one of the few paintings I made time for this summer. Pretty sad that painting is something I love to do but I have not been disciplined enough to make it a regular practice. I am working at replacing some not so productive habits with some regularly scheduled painting time and see what I can produce