The Anderson Family Painters
Mandarin Oranges, redux
This piece is a commission, revisiting the subject of a painting from a few years ago that was destroyed in a fire. I love how color bounces around on these white plates.
Watercolor Painting: Moon Over the Ridge
We just returned from a road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. I did a little plein air painting and sketching, also hiking, rock climbing and relaxing :).
Here are two more sketches, one watercolor and one quick oil, and two watercolor paintings by the girls. I’ve nearly finished two studio paintings based on our trip, so check back soon for more Rocky Mountain goodness.
Oil painting: Orange with Steel Bowl
I got so caught up in the reflections and colors in the bowl. Like glass, reflective metals are a fun puzzle to paint. Is that really what I’m seeing?!
I’ve been working with live setups rather than photos lately. I’ve always done some of each. Working from life motivates me to finish – more time pressure since things wilt or droop or get eaten or moved. The paintings I’ve had a hard time finishing are all from photos, and it’s just easier to walk away from, knowing I can come back to it later, but by then the paint is drying and the focus is interrupted. Painting from life has a different look, too.
The girls joined me for the painting session last night. I love it when we paint together. Meredith started a scene with a train, but hasn’t finished it yet. Here is Holly’s nest.
Family Plein Air Painting Session
Memorial Day – the girls wanted to try plein air painting in the backyard, in the heat. I felt a bit wilted by the time they got going. I am not happy with my very quick cloud study, but I love the girls’ paintings. This is Meredith’s first try with oil paints. Holly says hers is a sculpture. I’ve been admiring the paintings of Roos Schuring, a plein air painter in the Netherlands. I’m amazed by her work, and I love watching her video demos.
100th Post: Painting with Friends
Meredith and I painted with our good friend Annika yesterday. We started out painting fruit. Annika and I did a pear and an apple, and Meredith did a banana and an orange. While I worked on my fruit, the girls finished and started on abstract designs. I had so much fun and I love how everything turned out. Annika’s younger brother Jonas started painted after we were through – the last four are his. Look how he painted two designs, each in two different color schemes. I enjoyed watching him work.
This is my 100th post! It’s been fun and motivational to record our art adventures this way. Thanks for the visits and comments.
For the next three months my paintings are on display at an amazing store in Glenview called Lyzart. If you’re in the area, definitely check it out. I was fascinated with all the artwork, handmade items and crafts. Jewelry, ceramics, woodworking – I took some beautiful things home with me :). Thanks to everyone at Lyzart for all your help today, and for partnering with the Glenview Art League!
Family Paintings of Pine Cones and a Candle
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Today the girls and I got ’round to a good old-fashioned ladies painting session. Meredith and I had many ideas of what to paint, and we agreed on one :).
Meredith used to ask for a lot of advice and help when we’d paint together, but she’s independent these days. She has one proud mama. Once again she rocked the background. I kept peeking to see what color she’d choose. I love it.
Holly refused to paint until bribed with chocolate. She quickly indicated the candle, replaced the pinecones with a portrait of her bearded Opa, and spent the rest of three chocolates worth of time signing her name.
Girl in Pink, Batman, Evil Queen and a Storm House
Cold rainy weather – perfect for a group art session. I tried out a few of Rose Frantzen’s methods, she has a great way of explaining what she’s doing when she paints. Painting and sketching from summer vacation photos brings me back to those fun times. We love and miss you guys!
Meredith has been drawing a lot, and doing a great job of it. Here are two pictures – one of batman and one of an evil queen. She likes her drawings to have a lot of story worked into them.
I should take pictures of Holly’s paintings in progress. For this one, she did a lovely rainbow house, and then a terrible storm with a huge flood with giant waves. Then, just in time, she painted a strong protective shell over the house to keep all the rain and wind and water out.
Oil Painting of Hosta and Hybiscus
6 by 6 inches, oil on hardboard 
- 8 by 10 inches, acrylic on hardboard
The girls and I painted together today, first thing! For this week’s Daily Paintworks Challenge, we hauled our supplies outside and found some flowers blooming in the yard. Holly and Meredith chose the Rose of Sharon (hybiscus). I started there, too, but wiped that painting out in frustration. Later on, refreshed and caffeinated, I sat down in the shade by this trusty hosta and tried again.
Meredith made another bold choice with her background color, and I love it. Holly just reminded me she did NOT want her painting on the blog. She insists on showing it only in person – I’ll respect that. It’s lovely, though, so come on over.
Paintings of Violets, our Weekend and Family
If we make it 10 days without someone in this household getting sick, I’ll be encouraged. We did get some painting in this weekend. These are violets my sweet neighbor gave to the girls. She’s also given us bouquets of lily of the valley, daffodils and apple blossoms – I can’t paint fast enough to keep up. Meredith painted the events of the last few days, including a band retreat for Sten and a midnight trip to the ER for the rest of us (all is well now). Holly painted our family and cousins.
I have an announcement! I’m excited to be taking part in an art show at Westminster Place in Evanston on June 3 and 4. It will be a indoor exhibit and sale of art by artists with ties to the North Shore. On the 4th the show is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so if you’re in the area please stop by!
A Self Portrait, a Painting of Artichokes, and Abstracts
Last night’s painting session felt messy, crazy and crowded. And I was crabby. But it ended well, or will, if I get the art room cleaned up. Merry pulled off a lovely self portrait. Holly painted three very different, very colorful abstracts. She says the first one is a “very, very big, very purple people”. And I painted artichokes.
Meredith and I are entering these into the DPW Self Portrait and Paint a Vegetable Challenges.
Deb Anderson, painting 