PAINTING PROGRESSION: Bloom

Here's another painting progression in photos-- Bloom.

My aim was to pump up the color vibrancy even more than usual on this piece to create a magical realism feel. Inspired by memories of being a very small girl standing among the tall stands of sunflowers & delphiniums in the family garden.

"Bloom" diptych, 40x40 inches, acrylic on canvas. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

Art, Wine & Fun Night at Ramunto's in Keene

Looking for something fun and different to chase 

away the winter blues?

Spend a night sharing some laughs and wine with your friends while creating something beautiful.

 

Go HERE to register.

Art, Wine & Fun Night puts the emphasis on FUN!  Art Nights are stress-free & casual where beginners are encouraged.  Kristina will guide you step by step through the process of creating your own work of art.  All materials are provided and everyone will go home with a painting they can be proud of.







Schedule:
5-6pm happy hour meet and greet (drink and food specials)
6-9pm art making

Artwork
Kristina will provide step by step instructions on creating a springtime bouquet in a green vase. The poppies, cosmos & delphinium will surely get you in the mood for springtime. This is a made in two parts: first the acrylic painting and then collage elements are added.

What is included
-full set up and clean up
-all materials & art supplies
- 3 hours of instruction
-everyone goes home with an 11x14 inch painting
-cost is $50 per person (food & drink not included)






FAQ
What if I’ve never painted before?
Beginners are encouraged! I will guide you step by step on how to create a beautiful piece of art. I strongly believe that everyone is capable of making art—come relax and enjoy the creative process.

What if I want to paint something different?
I would never want to squash anyone’s creativity! While I do encourage beginners to follow along with my instructions, if you would like to paint something else you are welcome to do so! I am still happy to provide critique and advice if you like.





Go HERE to register or call Kristina at 603-903-5902

Stay tuned for upcoming classes.

SERIES FEATURE: poppies

I sing the Poppy! The frail snowy weed! The flower of Mercy! that within its heart Doth keep "a drop serene" for human need, A drowsy balm for every bitter smart. For happy hours the Rose will idly blow-- The Poppy hath a charm for pain and woe.  - Mary A Barr

So true! I paint poppies to help get me through these long, dark northern winters.  Poppies are happy and vibrant and can't help but make one think of bright days and sunshine.

poppies on blue, ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

wild poppies, ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

poppy profusion, 20x60 inches, acrylic. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

kippy's poppies, 12x 18 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2009 Kristina Wentzell

poppy field, 24x30 inches. ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

poppies on blue, 12x12 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

poppy field, 11x9 inches, oil on canvas. ©2009 Kristina Wentzell

poppy duo, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

scarlet bouquet, 8x8 inches, acrylic & paper. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

poppy meadow, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

Go here to view available paintings

SERIES FEATURE: sunflowers

Come with me into the field of sunflowers starts the wonderful poem by Mary Oliver. 

 Listen here to Oliver giving a reading of her poem.


I've driven coast to coast many times--back when my sweetheart and I were driving West for him to attend graduate school and most recently on my family's summer adventure. One of the most striking memories from these travels is the fields of sunflowers we've come across--usually somewhere in the heartland--acres and acres and thousands and thousands of sunflowers, all with their faces turned in unison towards the sun.  I like to think the farmer who grows that crop is a little happier than the average guy.

And why not? Sunflowers are a ridiculously happy blossom--one that always brings happiness to my studio. Here is a selection of my sunflower creations from the last several years.  Click here to view available paintings.

facing the sun, oil on canvas, 20x60 inches. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers, 20x60 inches, oil on canvas. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

summer bouquet, acrylic & collage, 8x8 inches. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in a glass vase, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

facing the sun, triptych 40x60 inches. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

Commission: August's sunflowers, oil on canvas, triptych 48x72 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

bud, oil on canvas, 8x8 inches. ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in a cream pitcher, oil on canvas, 8x8 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in tall vase, oil on canvas, 12x6 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers is a green vase, oil on canvas, 8x10 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

Go here to view available paintings







 

PAINTING PROGRESSION: facing the sun

Ever wonder how a painting comes together? 

If you follow my facebook page, you'll know that I occasionally post snapshots of paintings in progress with little snippets about my techniques. These posts are always a big hit and so I've been secretly photographing progressions all year to start a new feature on my blog.

Starting today, every Monday I'll post a new painting--and you can watch it come to life.  Find them all by clicking on the "progressions" label on the right hand column of this page.

To start things off, I present "facing the sun", a huge 20x60 inch sunflower creation.  I always start my paintings with an undercoating of magenta or cadmium orange. It takes away the white of the canvas (and a bit of that hesitation to mar a lovely, pristine surface) and gives dimension and sparkle to the finished piece.

facing the sun, oil on canvas, 20x60 inches. ©2013Kristina Wentzell

Go here to view available paintings

series feature: peonies...glorious peonies!

Ah...peonies! That most luscious, glorious of flower.

My first experience of peonies was as a little girl--every summer we would travel from New Hampshire to the north woods of Maine to visit my grandparents. My grandfather, a tough, hard working woodsmen, had a soft spot for flowers and had one of the most beautiful gardens in town. The garden was highlighted by a massive hedge of peonies in the back--I would stroll through the garden and bury my face in the huge blossoms in garnet, pale pink, drinking in their heavenly scent.

I've been hooked on them ever since and love to gather them by the armload to fill my home every spring--and of course to paint!

peonies in a glass vase, oil on canvas, 20x16 inches. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

To purchase peony prints visit my Etsy Shop.

To purchase peony originals visit my website.