"Time and Unforeseen Occurence"

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

Photograph by Carol Reynolds

Do you ever wonder where time goes and why everything does not always get done?   Things have been happening to keep me from my time painting at the easel.   My lower back has been outta-whack for several days, and movements are painful.   I will get back to painting in general very soon, I hope, and first of all to finish the oil shown in my last post of "Aloha Tower" .   Please stay tuned.  

Thank you for your support and patience.   

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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What's On The Easel - "Aloha Tower" - Work in progress (Honolulu Harbor)

Aloha Tower 

Stage 3 - Work in progress

oil on gallery wrap canvas

18" x 24"

Aloha Tower is at Honolulu Harbor on Oahu, and cruise ships dock here frequently.  This oil  harbor painting is still very rough; only the sky is pretty much finished.   Below are the very beginning stages:

Stage one

Stage two

Please return soon for more progress on this oil painting and to see it finished as well.

Thank you for viewing my art.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Magnificent Ko'olau Mountains from Kaneohe Bay - Oil Seascape by Carol Reynolds

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."  -  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Magnificent Ko'olau Mountains"

8" x 16" oil on canvas

$1295

This oil seascape of the Ko'olau Mountains and Mokolii Island, or Chinaman's Hat as it is locally called (in the background in the far right) is a scene of Windward Oahu (the east coast) from Kaneohe Bay.   The Ko'olau mountains run from Oahu's South Shore to the island's North Shore beaches.   Though beautiful and impressive, these mountains are only 3100 feet at the tallest point.   It is breathtaking to see waterfalls cascading down these mountains during a heavy storm.  

I admit, when I first arrived in Hawaii I was not that impressed with the mountains here.  I had been used to seeing the mainland's Rocky Mountains as well as other gorgeous areas like Sedona, Arizona.

But these green mountains rather grew on me and I now appreciate their unique beauty.

For inquiries or to purchase, please contact me at  reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Harbor Morning" - Oil Seascape

"Study nature.  Exaggerate light; overstate - the less inhibited you are the better."  - Sergei Bongart

"Harbor Morning"

8" x 16" oil on canvas

$ 1295

This oil harbor scene was completed this afternoon.  Quite some time ago I painted a miniature study of this harbor with the intention of working on a larger painting of this scene in the future.   I changed things considerably in this work, so it is like new to me.    

For inquiries or to purchase contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Zebra Stripes" - Oil Still Life Painting

"Zebra Stripes"

12" x 12" oil on gallery wrap canvas

$1275

I had a lot of fun with this still life oil painting.   I purchased the cup and plate some time back and now I am happy I finally incorporated them into a painting.  That is a moth in the lower left hand section.

To inquire or to purchase, please contact me at  reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Thank you for viewing my art !

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New Art Prints at Fine Art America (Gardenias, Red Tulips, and Red Barn)

"Red Blast"

8"x 10" oil on canvas

$525

This original oil of red and white tulips is still available from the artist.   However, tonight I also made it available at Fine Art America where you may purchase various types of prints (framed and unframed) as well as other items with this image on them.

"Bold and Beautiful"

8" x 10" oil on panel

$525

This painting of gardenias is also available at Fine Art America as prints and other items.   For prices please go to my website at FAA  

"The Heavens Declare"

12" x 16" oil on canvas

$1595

This recently completed painting is also at Fine Art America as a fine art print.  Please check it out .

Fine Art America is a top name in the print industry with excellent image reproductions.  

I have begun 3 new paintings so please check back real soon.  Thank you for viewing my art.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Wet Panel or Wet Canvas Drying Racks

Yesterday I began a painting using the above reference photograph I took of a harbor not far from where I live in Honolulu.   The painting is such a rough lay-in right now that I am not posting it yet. 

 But this post is about something new for artists that you all might be interested in, especially if you travel frequently to plein air events.   They are called Dryangles and are made to hold and store several paintings up to 16 inches high.    You can choose either the rack for panels, or the rack that holds 3/4" canvases.....several artworks at once on one rack.   They are good for the studio as well as to display works on a table at outdoor art shows.  They fold flat so fit into your backpack or suitcase.   

For more information, go to Dryangle.com .   

Stay tuned for progress on my oil harbor scene.  

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Beside Still Waters" - Oil Landscape With Sunset

"Beside Still Waters"

6" x 6" oil on panel

$395

This morning I completed this small oil landscape study which shows the sun about to set.   When I say study, I mean I may do a larger work later similar to this one.   This is a completed painting in itself.

Thank you for viewing my art.

To inquire or purchase, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

My Website

Flower Reference Photographs for Artists (Cereus, Plumeria, Tulips, Orchid)

"Flowers are those little colorful beacons of the sun from which we get sunshine when dark, somber skies blanket our thoughts."  -  Dodensky

This green and magenta orchid really caught my eye.   All of the flowers posted here are free for artists to use as reference material for their paintings.  You do not have to worry about copyright infringement and there is no need to give me the credit for a reference photograph.   Just keep in mind that I may eventually paint from the same photograph; but, let's face it, out of the thousands of reference photos I have, I will never be able to paint them all in my lifetime.   I thought it would be nice to share.     

For those of you who are not artists, keep in mind that I do commissioned paintings; if you see a photo here you like or if you have pictures of your own that you would like me to paint from for you, contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Cereus or Night Blooming Cactus

There are a couple of spots here on Oahu where there are many night blooming cactus showing off every July.  I have many more photographs of these if you are interested in seeing several.

Being a tropical climate in Hawaii, tulips do not grow here.   I have to purchase store bought tulips when I want to  paint them.    Below are photographs of plumeria tree blossoms which are found on all the main Hawaiian Islands in abundance.   Also known as frangipani, they put on quite a show here.   

I have an enormous collection of plumeria/frangipani photographs.  If you are interested in seeing more, just let me know.

Happy painting!

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Peace Like A River" - Oil Sunset Landscape Painting

"Peace Like A River"

6" x 6" oil on panel

$395

I completed this oil landscape painting with a sunset this morning.   I intended it to be a small study for a future larger painting, but that may or may not happen.   There are so many subjects I hope to paint !  

To inquire or purchase, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Barn Reference Photographs for Artists

The photograph above of a Michigan barn was taken by me a few years back and I am making it available as a reference for artists to paint from.   The same is true of my barn photos below.   Feel free to use them without me raising any objections...... you do not have to worry about copyright infringement.    Just remember that I may end up painting the same barn myself in the near future.  Giving me credit for the reference photograph would be nice but is not necessary.   For you viewers who are not artists, enjoy the scenery and if you have a particular barn or other reference photo that you would like me to  paint for you a commission in oils or acrylics, just email me at   reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com.   I can also paint you a commissioned work from one of these barns on this post.

Below is an old barn photograph which I took over 40 years ago in Massachusetts with a very inexpensive camera.   The original photo only measures 3.5 inches square.   I just thought I would include it for the fun of it and to also save it on my computer for future reference.

Please stay tuned as I am still painting away !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"A Special Time And Place" - Oil Seascape Painting with Sunset

"A Special Time And Place"

9" x 12" oil on canvas

$725

This oil seascape painting at sunset just cries out loud, "Hawaii".    I painted it from my imagination, however, but it is typical of what you see in the Hawaiian Islands.    This work is a revised version of a painting I did quite some time ago and I had been intending for a long time to rework it and liven up the color a bit.   Below is the original version.

For inquiries and to purchase please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"The Heavens Declare" - Oil Landscape Painting with Sunset and Barn

"The heavens declare the glory of God......." - Psalm 19:1

"The Heavens Declare"

12" x 16" oil on canvas

$1595

For the most part, I finished this oil landscape of a sunset and barn last night, and then put a few finishing touches on it a little while ago this morning.  Hope you enjoy !

For inquiries or to purchase, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

My Website

New On The Easel - Oil Landscape of Sunset and Barn (Work In Progress) plus Sunset Photos

Barn with Sunset

12" x 16" oil - Work in progress

This is the third stage of this oil landscape with a barn and sunset sky.   Hopefully it will be finished in the next painting session.   It needs more work everywhere and it needs a more exciting and colorful foreground grassy area; but not too colorful as it is sunset time.   This scene is mostly from my imagination, although I had a reference photograph I had taken of the barn in which the sky was a mid-day blue with all white clouds.    I have taken many photographs of sunrises and sunsets, and below are 4 of my sunset reference photos.

From the beach, Kauai Hawaii

Leeward Oahu, Hawaii

MacArthur Park at Sunset

Los Angeles, California

I have meant to paint this scene pretty much as depicted in the photograph, but I have never gotten around to doing it.   Notice the ducks in the water.

Mississippi River, New Orleans, Louisiana

Now that I think about it, I believe this was taken at sunrise but I thought I would include it here anyway as the sky is so fantastic.  It is a little blurry but the sky is still good reference for a painting. I took it from the window in our hotel room.   

Please return to view the completed barn painting shown above. 

Thank you for visiting !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Handy Containers For Damaged Paint Tubes

It occurred to me that artists might be interested in how to save and store damaged paint tubes and the above picture shows you my solution.   It would help to remove the spice labels and add a label with the color of the paint inside.   It also might help to keep them free of cat fur !   I didn't realize the fur was on the outside of the containers until I took the above photo.

This is a good idea when the lid won't fit on the paint tube anymore, or the side of the tube is slit or has a hole in it.   I have had oil paint last for years this way.    For those readers who are not artists, these spice containers are good to hold small nails or tacks, as well as paper clips and buttons, and you name it.   

I store all my watercolor  paints in these plastic containers.   They keep fresh.   I have not painted a watercolor in about 4 years, if I remember correctly.   Sometimes I think I ought to sell these w/c tubes or donate them to an art association or a teacher or a student in need.   But then I think, what if I go back to painting watercolors again?

As you can see, these are top brands of paint and are in excellent condition.   The back container is full of all Daniel Smith watercolors.  Just thought I would share this little tip, especially the spice containers.

I am busy working on an oil sunset painting right now.   Please check back soon to see the progress.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Sweet Hour" Oil Landscape (Utah Country Scene)

"Sweet Hour"

16" x 20" oil on canvas

This morning I completed this oil landscape of a country scene in Utah.  I may need to work on the brown fence a bit more, but then again, the fence has a rustic charm to it.  It has been awhile since I made a post so I wanted to show you what I have been up to even though I may tweak this painting a little more.

For inquiries, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

My Website

Utah Oil Landscape - Stage 3 (Work In Progress)

Utah Landscape - Stage 3

16" x 20" Work In Progress

This oil landscape of a scene in Utah is progressing well; but it still is not where it needs to be as yet.

There is more green grass in the background, which is good, but to the natural eye under natural light there is not that much yellow in the foreground..... I believe my camera has a tendency to exaggerate the yellow.  There will be more orange in the foreground and I am still considering adding the fence as well as a woman and her dog.   The next post will be of the completed painting.

Thank you for visiting !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Utah Oil Landscape - Stage Two Work In Progress

Utah Oil Landscape - Stage Two

Work In Progress  16" x 20"

This oil landscape of a scene in Utah with the Wasatch Mountains in the background still has a ways to go to be completed.   I will tone down and mute the yellow grass more and define the trees and shrubs in more detail.   I intend for that shrub in the left foreground to be a Rose of Sharon, if I leave it in place.   If you scroll down to the previous post, you will see that there will be a fence in the foreground with a woman and her dog at the fence.   That is, unless I change my mind.   That is the fun of creating, rather going with the flow and sometimes letting the painting (and not my mind) dictate which direction to follow.   I do plan things out when I begin a new work; or I at least have a general idea or concept in mind.   I may do a series of Utah pioneer scenes and interiors.  

Please return soon to see the completed painting .

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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New on the Easel - Utah Oil Landscape - Work In Progress

Work In Progress

16" x 20" Oil Landscape

This is the beginning stage of a Utah oil landscape.   It is based on a photograph I took while visiting that state.   That is a woman and her dog at the fence which will have hollyhocks and other flowers around them and the fence.    Please check back soon to view more stages of this work in progress.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Peace In The Valley" - Oil Landscape Painting of Pinnacle Buttes, Wyoming

"An artist's job is to surprise himself.  Use all means possible."  -  Robert Henri

"Peace In The Valley"

16" x 20" oil on archival panel 

This oil landscape painting is of Pinnacle Buttes in the Absaroka mountain range of Wyoming, which is in the Shoshone National Forest.  The mountain range is about 24 miles Northwest of Dubois, Wyoming.    After taking in all the beauty of Jackson Hole, WY, I spent a few days in the charming cowboy town of Dubois, WY.   This scene was before I reached Dubois.   

I considered adding elk or bison to this scene, but since I decided on "Peace in the Valley" as the title of the painting, I thought it more "peaceful" to leave out the wildlife. The Pinnacle Buttes area is known as grizzly bear country, by the way.   

If you are interested in acquiring this painting, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Wyoming Oil Landscape (Work In Progress - Third Stage)

Pinnacle Buttes Wyoming

Work In Progress - Third Stage

This Wyoming oil landscape painting was photographed indoors and the lighting makes it look a bit different in color than the previous post  (scroll down).   Sometimes the lighting outdoors gives a "pasty" look to paint that is not quite dry.    I believe that photographing a painting can be more difficult at times than the actual painting of it.  At any rate, this photo image is more accurate than the previous one in the post directly below this.   Much more detail needs to be added to complete this work.   

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On The Easel - Wyoming Oil Landscape (Second Stage - Work In Progress)

Pinnacle Buttes Wyoming

2nd Stage - Work in Progress

16" x 20" oil on panel

This oil landscape of Pinnacle Buttes in Wyoming is coming along and this is the second stage of its progress.   I intend to finish this painting this week.   I have also been working on other projects.  The evergreens need more work and, as you can see, so does the foreground.   

To view the reference photograph I took and the painting in its first stage go here . 

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Photographs of Kualoa Ranch - Oahu, Hawaii

Entrance to Kualoa Ranch

The center building has a nice gift shop as well as tasty food at their cafe.   In the not shown foreground is the beach across the road at Kaneohe Bay.

See the ATV's in the middle ground?   I was not adventurous enough to try them, but I have taken their jeep tours (which go more in the jungle) and also their bus tours.   The tour guides keep you informed and entertained as you travel along, and they are generous about stopping to let you take photographs.    Some shots I took from the windows as well.   

From the two photographs above you can see they have horseback riding at the ranch as well.   By the way, you can find out more information about the ranch and their tours at www.kualoa.com .   At more than one tour listed, they have short videos of beautiful scenery on their site. 

You can also have a wedding ceremony in different areas of the ranch.   This is a sixth generation working ranch complete with cattle and it was first established in 1850.

Above is yours truly when I took the Kualoa Ranch's catamaran boat tour.   Behind me is Chinaman's Hat Island, or Mokoli'i;, and behind that is the Koolau Mountain Range.   

Desert rose plant on the property

Above is what is left of the movie set "Mighty Joe Young".    Many movies have been filmed here; like 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park, and Godzilla.  And of course most of the TV show  "Lost" scenes were filmed at Kualoa Ranch.   The ranch has a special "Movie Tour" you can choose if you wish. 

For more photographs and information on Kualoa Ranch, please visit my photography blog .

I am still painting so check back again soon.   

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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