Lagoon Reflections with Process Shots and Workshop Info!

Lagoon Reflections (workshop demo), 8x10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2021

SOLD

Below are process shots of a demo I did for my May workshop in Austin (as mentioned before, I am hopelessly behind in my posting.) My next workshop is coming up in the fall, and will be on St. Simons Island, on the Georgia coast. If you are a painter, please join us! It is always so much fun to meet in person and discover the landscape together!

Click for Workshop Details:

Nov 3-5, 2021 - Autumn En Plein Air - Anderson Fine Art Gallery

Getting started - Block in large shapes and values of main masses.

Mass in Upright Planes (best average value and color).

Mass in Ground Plane (water/reflections in this case) and Sky Plane.

Break up masses with subtle value shifts and save highlights for the very end. 

Workshop fun! Join us for the next one!

Around the Bend and Upcoming Show!

Around the Bend, 36 x 60, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2020

My largest piece in the show... Sold in Pre-sale! :)

Dear Blog Friends,

When I disappeared at the end of August, the details of my show were calling for my complete attention. I am happy to report that my most recent body of work is now delivered to the gallery for final framing and hanging! WOO HOO! It feels good, let me tell you! I invite you to preview the show HERE.

If you are anywhere nearby, please come see the show...

EVIDENCE OF THE SEARCH 

New Work by Laurel Daniel 

October 24 - November 25

Davis Gallery, Austin, TX

Reception Oct 24, 4-8pm

Reception details in the time of Covid:

To keep everyone healthy, the gallery reception will be broken into 30 minute increments of no more than ten people at a time. Book a time slot to the reception through EventBrite HERE.

Three trips to the gallery later, the paintings were all delivered! :)

Marsh Hunter - upcoming solo show!

Marsh Hunter, 20 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2019

SOLD at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Solo Show: Beaches, Birds & Botanicals

I was transfixed by the architecture of this Egret (love that curvy neck), especially as he stalked his prey. These birds are fun to watch, because they stand completely still as they wait for a fish or an insect. Then, when a tidbit of food shimmies by, they pounce! I also loved the reflections... I always love reflections!

Show update: Paintings are at the framer in GA, being fitted right now. Opening reception: April 12, 2019 from 6-7:30 pm. SOOOO EXCITED!

Cypress Creek Reflections - Workshop Demo on Selection Process

Cypress Creek Reflections, 8x10, oil, L. Daniel © 2018

Workshop Demo - SOLD

On day two of my workshop, we painted the Cypress Creek next to Creekhaven Inn where we stayed. How great was it that we could walk out the door and down the hill to set up? The lessons that day were many... water, reflections, and mixing greens... but a big one had to do with the Selection Process. 

The scene was full of trunks and limbs and all kinds of tangled branches... what to choose? It's so important to have an "idea", and we can't have it all. (That never works!)

What caught my eye was that sunlit patch of grass next to the big cypress trunk (which widened nicely as the morning progressed), so I zoomed way in. My goal was to portray the feeling of the creek as simply as possible. 

Take what you need and leave the rest. 

Editing is EVERYTHING! 

More from the banks of Cypress Creek...

Regatta and Show Tip #15

Regatta, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

SOLD

One day last spring I was out plein air painting and suddenly this regatta sailed by. It was a most beautiful sight but didn't last long (no chance of catching it in the moment). Thank goodness for phone cameras. I ran to the dock and was able to snap off several shots that helped me preserve the memory for this painting. So much fun.

Show Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Whether you are having a solo show in a gallery or a group show at a restaurant, it's important to know who is doing what, and when. There is so much more involved than painting the canvases. It helps to make a list of all that needs to happen to produce the exhibit, and then make assignments with a detailed timeline. Getting everything done (and having it all come out even and on time) depends on early and constant communication with everyone on the team. And of course, it requires being diligent with those deadlines!

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Morning Playtime

Morning Playtime, 12 x 9, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Available - Click for information

This morning was a lovely playtime for me, AND playtime for lots of children in the botanical gardens here in Austin! Knowing I wanted to include figures today, I started painting and waited for my "subjects" to show up. When this little momma and her kids showed up, I knew they were mine. She is also a painter, so how fun is that? Many thanks to my new friends!

This is my quick pencil sketch of Mother and Baby...

it helped me make sense of things when I went at it with paint!

Azure Reflections - Hawaii

Azure Reflections, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

The light and colors of Hawaii are uniquely intense and very intoxicating. It's almost impossible to squelch the constant "oohs" and "ahhhs" that spill out of my mouth. I am very grateful to be here taking it all in. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

Waterfront Lanai - Hawaii

Waterfront Lanai, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Greetings from Hawaii! I am here in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, visiting my daughter and son-in-law for Thanksgiving. Of course, I just HAD to come a week early to get some painting in as well. :) It has been wonderful all around - having time with my kids and being inspired by the sights and scents of paradise. Each morning has greeted me with new and wonderful scenes that I will share with you over the next few days.

Can you imagine sitting on your lanai (back porch) and seeing this view every day? I don't know who lives here, but they sure are lucky!! Here was my view...

Morning Train - No Place Like Home

Morning Train - Mopac Bridge, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Can't you just hear Arlo Guthrie now... "Good morning, America, how are you?... I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done."

We have a pedestrian bridge in Austin that crosses Lady Bird Lake, and it's a perfect spot to watch the sun rise on the city. On this particular morning, a train happened to be crossing the Mopac Bridge in the distance (named for Missouri-Pacific Railroad). Trains are always fuel for the imagination and I loved the boxy silhouette this one made. 

No Place Like Home 

Davis Gallery Group Show - 837 W. 12th, Austin

Opening reception - Saturday, April 20, 2013, 7-9pm

Morning Sky

Morning Sky (study), 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

SOLD

Another beautiful morning on the Kaneohe Bay... A wild cloud coverage masked the morning light in a moment of true drama. To stop everything and simply watch was the only proper response. I never cease to wonder and be amazed.

River Secrets - Auction for Hurricane Sandy Victims

River Secrets, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Victims

Friends, please join me in a fund raising effort for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. I will donate the proceeds of this painting through an auction over at Daily Paintworks. The process is easy, you bid (and keep bidding), and at the end of the 7-day auction I will send the full amount of the sale to the Red Cross. The painting will go to the highest bidder... It's win/win! 

Update: this painting sold and proceeds have been donated to the Red Cross. Thank you K and B!

This cause is near and dear to my heart. My son and his new wife live in Brooklyn and my sister's family lives near Albany. (Thankfully, they are safe and sound). My thoughts and prayers are with each of them, and with all who were hit by this devastating storm. 

Coincidentally, I was just in New England this past weekend and painted this plein air piece beside the Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. My husband and I were at Dartmouth College (his alma mater) for homecoming.... truly the "calm before the storm" in that part of the country. 

Beside Still Waters, 12 x 12, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This weekend, my son will marry his true love. It is such a happy occasion for both families and we are celebrating with all our hearts! Such joy! Right before I left Austin for the wedding, I was able to squeeze in a morning to paint at the lake. It was a good way for me to avoid the obsessive nature of all things "wedding"... to just get outside and take a breath and reflect on this most glorious event. I am one happy mom. :)

Summer Morning

Summer Morning, 9x12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

This is one of my favorite places to paint here in Austin. It's near my home; it's deliciously quiet; and it offers up new delights with each changing season. So, here's to summer mornings on the lake... to the colors and sights and sounds!!! 

Blue Dusk Reflection - Salon International 2012!!!

Blue Dusk Reflection, L. Daniel, 18 x 18

SOLD

I am so excited to announce that this painting was juried into the Salon International 2012 show at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. It is a great privilege to be able to participate in this exhibit alongside a host of incredible artists whose work I adore. The show opens April 14 and runs through May 4. If you are anywhere nearby, please plan to come! WOO HOO!! 

Evening Pause (study)

Evening Pause (study), L. Daniel, 8 x 6

End of day. I love the feeling, smells and light. I love it in real time and I love painting it. :) This small study was done in preparation for a larger canvas I will post later in the spring (in conjunction with a show it will be in). As I have shared before, these small works are a great place for me to work out color relationships and composition challenges of an image before diving into a big one.

Click to purchase "Evening Pause (study)" $120 + $10 s/h

See more Small Works 

PS - I had a number of readers request that I post my Woodland Series altogether. Here they are, in sequence... Further In, Farther Up and Circle Back...

Woodland Series, L. Daniel, 8 x 18

This series is SOLD

Blue Dusk

Blue Dusk, L. Daniel, 6 x 6, SOLD

Have you ever noticed that light is most spectacular as it enters and exits the sky? Dawn and dusk are my favorite times of day because they always give such a great show. The soft colors of this blue evening took my breath away.

See more Small Works

Autumn Symphony

Autumn Symphony, L. Daniel, 8 x 16, oil on panel - SOLD

A recent day on Lake Austin... a reminder to give thanks for all things.

H A P P Y   T H A N K S G I V I N G   T O   A L L !

Turning Leaves

Turning Leaves, L. Daniel, 8 x 6, oil on panel, SOLD

Fall color comes a little late to Austin, and it usually has a pretty short window before peaking and flaming out. It's best to keep painting gear in the trunk and be ever "at the ready" for the perfect confluence of color and light. Well, that happened last week and you can bet I was out there trying to capture the magic! Watching the leaves turn multiple shades of red, orange and yellow is a spectacular show that never gets old. 


See more Small Works

Marsh's Edge (enlarged)

Marsh's Edge, L. Daniel, 24 x 24

This is another large piece that is in my current show. I guess it's pretty obvious that I love the marshes on the east coast - and I love to paint them. Next week, after my opening at the gallery, I will be heading back to Georgia for a few weeks of painting and relaxation. I will drive by this spot every day while I am there. :)


Please visit my website to preview all my work in the Davis Gallery show - opening reception Saturday, April 9.

On another note, I want to thank Andrea Erins for including me in her top 15 painting blog list! Read the article and see her other favorites: “Inspiration Meets Canvas: The Top 15 Oil Painting Blogs” (click title to view). What an honor - thank you Andrea!

Reflections Blue

Reflections Blue, L. Daniel, 6 x 8, SOLD

It's a quiet morning at my house... misty outside and warm inside. The holidays are coming to a close, another new year is about to begin, and it's time to think about goals for 2011.  That came fast, didn't it? I know my "List" will come (I am a bit obsessive about identifying and writing down my hopes and dreams very year) but for now, I am just enjoying this peaceful interlude. Happy New Year, everyone, and thank you for following my work!


See more Small Works


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