WISHING YOU ALL 

A FESTIVE THANKSGIVING HOLLIDAY 

FROM 

KEYART STUDIO,

AND

SONJA AND BILL

BEHIND THE LENS from the series CONCEALMENT

BEHIND THE LENS from the series CONCEALMENT

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

There were six paintings in this series. I had planed to post the last one from my sisters home in Poulsbo, but she didn't have Y Fy.  So once again I am out of sink.  This is the last one of the series.

IN THE SHADOWS from the series CONCEALMENT

IN THE SHADOWS from the series CONCEALMENT
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

BEHIND THE CURTAIN from the series CONCEALMENT

BEHIND THE CURTAIN from the series CONCEALMENT
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

BEHIND THE FAN from the series CONCEALMENT

BEHIND THE FAN from the series CONCEALMENT

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

BEHIND THE MASK from the series CONCEALMENT

BEHIND THE MASK from the series CONCEALMENT
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite.

I have a lot of trouble getting the color exactly as they are in the painting. The gold in the mask seem to show with a lot of green. That might be because there is some blue under it. The flesh tones never reproduce just as they are either.  And to make it even more complicated each computer produces an image just a little different. Nothing can take the place of viewing the actual work. But I do the best I can.

UNDER THE VEIL from the series CONCEALMENT

UNDER THE VEIL from the series CONCEALMENT
6" X 8"  acrylic on canvas on Masonite

I have added a couple of things for your convenience. First  two URLs one to my photo blog and the other to my website. You will find them in the column to the Right at the top. Just click on them and , zap you will go there. on my photo blog you can get back the same way. I haven't figured out yet how to get them on my website. I have also made it easier for you to leave a comment. I hope it all works and you find it helpful.
Look for the beauty in the little things,
Sonja

GROUND COVER from the series OCTOBER LEAVES

GROUND COVER from the series OCTOBER LEAVES
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on massonite

SCENTING THE AIR from the series OCTOBER LEAVES

SCENTING THE AIR from the series OCTOBER LEAVES
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

WIND DANCE from the series OCTOBER LEAVES

WIND DANCE from the series OCTOBER LEAVES
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

BLUSTERY NIGHTS from the series OCTOBER LEAVES

BLUSTERY NIGHTS from the series OCTOBER LEAVES
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

The wind and rain blow the leaves about. We have filled barrels and bags and still there are more on the trees waiting to fall.

WAITING TO FALL from the series OCTOBER LEAVES

WAITING TO FALL from the series OCTOBER LEAVES
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

This is a hole new color pallet for me and much softer. Also I have been using a lot of metallic in my paintings lately. This series uses a lot of gold bronze and copper metallic. They are almost impossible to duplicate in a photo.
I am working with my tiny point and shoot, as well, to photograph them, and still trying to discover how to get the most accurate representation of the work. I will be happy when I can get a new SLR camera. But even that will not solve the problem of shooting metallics.

NEW PHOTO BLOG

I have just started a new blog. ( SONJADONNELLYPHOTO )

I love taking pictures and seeing the world through the eye of a camera. Since this blog is devoted to my daily paintings I decided to open a new one just for my photography. So check it out and let me know what you think.

I WILL CONTINUE TO DO MY DAILY PAINTING POSTS HERE AS WELL.

This is me with my camera......

Sitka Art Invitational

At Miller Hall , World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyou Rd, Portland OR

This show is worth attending. I am not in it but a good friend, Arletha Ryan is.The wonderful crow on the invitation is hers.

Public Exhibit and sale:

Fri. Nov.12 ....10am-10am

Sat. 13....10am-6pm

Sun. 14....10am-4pm

THE KISS from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

THE KISS from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE
6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

I bet you can guess who preformed the wedding............
You guessed it , the bishop.

TUG OF WAR from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

TUG OF WAR from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE
6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

WISH BONE from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

WISH BONE from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

BLOW from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

BLOW from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRID
6" X 8" acrylic on 100 rag illustration board


Just to let you know that a friend of my niece Katherine found the plant for the nameless painting. So it is officially now "EUONYMUS BERRIES" Thanks for your help!

THE WISH from the series LUCKY IN LOVE AND THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE

This week I decided to post one of the first mini series that I did. My sister couldn't figure it out. so if you can't either you are not alone.

It was inspired by a portion that I had cut away from a mask I was making. Just a nose and mouth. I had it hanging on my bulletin board. I decided to use it in a painting of all white objects, which also included a chess bishop and an egg. I then thought it would be fun to make a silly fantasy story to go along with it. So here it is.

THE WISH .... 6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

from the series:

LUCKY IN LOVE,
AND THE
MAIL ORDER BRIDE
.
HANGING ON A WALL AND
LONELY FOR LOVE, THE
NOSE CONCOCTS A CLEVER
PLAN.
THE NEARBY CHESS BISHOP
AND THE EGG,
UNSUSPECTINGLY, WILL
PLAY A VITAL PART IN HIS
SHREWD SCHEME.
BUT A LOT DEPENDS ON LUCK.
SO………….
HE TAKES HIS CHANCES.

LEGACY from the series FABLED DAMSEL

LEGACY from the series FABLED DAMSEL
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

How quickly the week roles around, It's Friday already. I was going to try to do a poem for this series but as you can see, I didn't get it done.
One fun thing you might notice on a couple of these paintings, and this one in particular, is that I have used a bit of collage in the painting.
It is an interesting process where you paint clear acrylic over the magazine picture. In this case type. When it is dry you wet it and rub the paper off of the back until all that is left is the printing. Then you can adhere it to the painting surface.
I was surprised when an artist friend of mine saw this painting and picked up on that right away and was able to read part of it and appreciate that it was a beautiful description of a horse.

FOLKLORE from the series FABLED DAMSEL

FOLKLORE from he series FABLED DAMSEL
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

MYSTIC from the series FABLED DAMSELS

MYSTIC from the series FABLED DAMSELS
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on masonite

LEGEND from the series FABLED DAMSEL

LEGEND from the series FABLED DAMSEL
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

Thank you Katherine for your nice comments on yesterdays post. This series was a lot of fun to do. As always some I like better than others but I really got playful in painting them.

MYTH from the series FABLED DAMSEL

MYTH from the series FABLED DAMSEL
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

Friday I asked for your help in naming the last painting of that series. I didn't hear from any one. I can draw from that one of two conclusions; either no one is following my blog or no one knew what the plant was. I do hope it was the later. If you have any ideas how I might find out the name of the plant let me know.
Sonja keyart@comcast.net or comment on the blog

( I need your help on this one) from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

(I need your help on this one) from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

I have no idea what this plant is. I hope you can help me identify it.

I found these cute little orange berries on my walk one day. they have a little white pod that opens up to reveal the little berries underneath. It was on a small shrub with small leaves. I think it had little thorns. If you know what it is please send me an Email at keyart@comcast.net so I can name the painting.

PORCELAIN BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

PORCELAIN BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

6" X 8" acrylic on 100%rag illustration board

GLORY BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

GLORY BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES
6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board
_______________________
AUTUMN BERRIES

The fall colors start to glow,
There brilliance seems to steal the show.

But pause a moment….look closer yet,
A magical treasure you won’t forget.

The Autumn Berries, dainty and small,
Are surprisingly pretty in the fall.

With unexpected color and charm,
Like a beaded bracelet on ones arm.

These hidden details that sparkle and shine,
A delightful discovery, a favorite of mine.

So keep a close eye for these colorful jewels,
As leaves fall away and the temperature cools.
________________________________
Sonja

ROSE HIPS from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

ROSE HIPS from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

6" X 8" acrylic on 100%rag illustration board

Once you break the routine it is hard to get back into the morning ritual of posting, but the day isn't over yet. So here you are.

SNOW BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES

SNOW BERRIES from the series AUTUMN BERRIES
6" X 8" acrylic on 100% rag illustration board

It's good to be back posting my daily blog again. We had a wonderful trip to the coast. It was cool and crisp and Autumn filled the air. I read "Cutting for Stone" and I will be doing a painting inspired by the book, for Lake Oswego reads. I will give you more details as time goes along. It is always nice to be back to my studio and paint.

SEA OF GOLD

SEA OF GOLD: I thought this might get you in the mood for the beautiful fall season. I took this last year, but the trees are already starting to shed there leaves this year. More photos of color just waiting to be taken.

Hi my friends,

I have been spending the day packing up our neighbors motor home which they kindly loaned us. We are leaving in the morning for a few days at the coast. I don't think that we will be where there is Yfi, So you will get a week reprieve from my daily paintings. If I do have Yfi, I may just send you a photo or two. I will continue my daily paintings when we return next week. So as I head out with camera and tripod I will be looking for an interesting shot to send you.

MYSTIC from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

MYSTIC from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. This Indian summer is just glorious!

DREAM CATCHER from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

DREAM CATCHER from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

GYPSY from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

GYPSY from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite.

________________

Evanescent offering



Catch the dream, the illusion that is here and then so quickly gone.
Tuck it in your memory where it can grow and spawn.


This minute, this feeling, that breath from deep within,
The here and now is only that, and shall not repeat again.


observe, feel and live as if denied a single chance,
to replicate the the moment or take another glance.


The wonder of it all, each tiny speck of sand,
the instant comes as quickly as it slips from in your hand.


see beyond the bounds of comfort, look at others point of view,
the familiar is but just a tiny part of what's awaiting you.


Give life to what you learn and use it as you will,
each time it re appears, it's new and different still.


so listen to the jester, the mystic and the dream,
they may be just an illusion, but more than what they seem.


____________

ILLUSIONIST from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

ILLUSIONIST from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

JESTER from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS

JESTER from the series EVANESCENT OFFERINGS
6'' X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

I prefer to post in the morning but having just completed this series, it took me a while to title them. I loved the combination of the bright yellow and blue, perfect for the whimsical nature of the subjects. I was able to completely let my imagination play and have fun with these paintings

SPIRALING GALAXY from the series LUSTROUS SILVER

SPIRALING GALAXY from the series LUSTROUS SILVER

6" X 8" acrylic and plaster on 100% rag illustration board

It took me a while to get this picture taken for my blog today. My poor camera is really sick. I don't know how much longer I can baby it along to take good pictures of my paintings. I hope I can keep it going until I can afford to get a new one. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Good pictures are so important to show the art at it's best.

TOSSING SURF from the series LUSTROUS SILVER

TOSSING SURF from the series LUSTROUS SILVER
6" X 8" acrylic and plaster on 100% rag illustration board
_______________
LUSTROUS SILVER

Twinkle, twinkle little star,
Lustrous silver, there you are.

Dancing on the foamy sea,
Glinting in a rain drenched tree.

Drifting in the smoke filled air,
Lustrous silver everywhere.

Sliding on a beam of light,
Flirting with the moon at night.

You skate across an icy pond.
Transform it, with your magic wand.

Adding glitter, sparkle, flash and shine,
And bubbles in a glass of wine.

Clear as a bell tones, purest chime,
Your beauty lingers for all time.

DANCING SMOKE from the series LUSTROUS SILVER

DANCING SMOKE from the series LUSTROUS SILVER
6" X 8" acrylic and plaster on 100% rag illustration board

This painting is in the private collection of Erin & Andy Graham/Jones.
They picked this painting because it reminded them of camping, and sitting around the campfire in our beautiful north west outdoors. An activity they both enjoy.

I would like to thank my dear niece, Katherine Erickson, for the very nice blog endorsement she gave me on her facebook page.

FIVE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

FIVE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

Getting back to painting on a large canvas, after working on tiny ones for a while can be a bit daunting. But what I have worked on, on the little ones will undoubtedly transfer, if only in a small way, to the larger canvas. I find I am doing some rather playful experimentation. Successful or not remains to be seen. But I continue to push myself further into the recesses of my right brain and discover what is hidden there. I have no idea where the brushes will take me and that is much of the fun of painting.

FOUR O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

FOUR O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

THREE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

THREE O"CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

Lyn, Suzanne and me

I was off spending a couple of days with two artist friends that I met in my master art classes ten years ago in NM. After spending a week together three years in a row, we became best of friends. Suzanne McBride is touring the country from Wimberley TX, She is an accomplished bronze sculptor and painter. http://smcb.com Lyn Lasneski lives and teaches at the coast. She does magnificent seascapes. www.lynlasneski.com she is also starting a new business, Developing Creative Conceptual Thinking and Skills. www.rightbrainintegration.com There is nothing better than renewing friendships with laughter and fun.

TWO O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

TWO O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

ONE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

ONE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

TWELVE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH

TWELVE O'CLOCK WATCH from the series NIGHT WATCH
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on illustration board

This series started when I cut up a large painting. I liked the eyes and wondered how it would look as a small painting. I liked the eyes pearing into the darkness. So I painted another, then another. They were so much fun to do, I just kept going.

Apology

I wish to apologize for the title I gave this weeks series. It was not my intention to offend or shock anyone, It struck my seance of humor at the time but everyone did not see it that way. I have now changed the title of the series to Chicken Runway. I will not be so quick to jump into a decision in the future.
Sonja.

WATCHING THE SUNSET from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY also lovingly known as Chicken Sh*t

WATCHING THE SUN SET from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY also lovingly known as Chicken Sh*t
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

This was such an interesting debate over the naming of this series. Some loved the original Chicken Sh*t name, and were disipointed that I changed it and some don't. So right now it has both, with a little * added. Would love to hear your thoughts too. keyart@comcast.net or leave your comment here.

We just got back from our three crammed packed days in Los Vegas. We did a lot and a lot that we wanted to do, we didn't have time for. Laurie and Frank are the best and so much fun to be with. Laurie and I shot a lot of pictures. You should check out her blog ( http://www.laurieexcell.com/blog/ ) as I am sure she will be posting some of her beautiful shots in the near future. Although, she is really going to be on the fast track for a while. We caught up with her in Vegas at the close of her teaching at Photoshop World. and at the end of this week she will be conducting a Safari in Alaska to photograph brown bears, immediately followed by more classes she is teaching back in the lower 48. She barly has time to catch her breath. I am so privileged to have such a talented neighbor as a friend. Our guys patiently toted our tripods around for us and only asked for a little beer in return. Your ears your and eyes almost get sensory overload in that city.
Both Santana and the O were fantastic shows. We would be hard pressed to choose one over the other. I hope I too can post some of my pictures from the trip soon.

JUST HANGIN OUT from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY

JUST HANGIN OUT from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY also lovengly known as Chicken Shi*t

6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite

This gal has big tufts of fluffy feathers on her cheeks.

We are in Los Vegas having a wonderful time. taking lots of pictures of the wonderful architecture. We are going to go see Santana shortly.

BARN YARD GOSSIP from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY

BARN YARD GOSSIP from the series CHICKEN RUNWAY
6" X 8" acrylic on canvas on Masonite.


We are leaving tomorrow at the crack of dawn for a short trip to Los Vegas to see a couple of shows. We have tickets for the O and Santana. I am taking my camera so I hope I get some good shots to share with you when I get back.