"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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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

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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

My Website

"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

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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

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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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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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Blue Water Lily and Bee - Oil Painting Work In Progress

"One day's happiness often predicts the next day's creativity."  -  Teresa Amabile

Blue Water Lily and Bee

Photograph by Carol Reynolds

I posted this photograph of a blue water lily previously, but wanted to show it again to give you a better idea where I am going with the oil painting in progress from this reference photo.  Below is the painting as it stands now.

Work in Progress

9" x 12" oil on gallery wrap canvas

I made some changes, not going by the reference photograph exactly.   Please keep in mind this is a beginning stage and that much work needs to be done.   

Would you like to see what happiness looks like?   Look below !

This is my grandson, Dash, right after turning 9 months old the end of March; the photo was taken the beginning of  April.  What a happy fellow !  This is my only grandchild that is living in Hawaii; my others are all on the mainland USA.

Many of you have probably read this quote or heard it spoken:  "Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."  - Joseph Addison.

That certainly holds true where children and grandchildren are concerned, but it can involve many things: first and foremost of spiritual things and the hope of eternity.   "Happiness is the highest good, being a realization and perfect practice of virtue, which some can attain, while others have little or none of it."    -  Aristotle

Would you like to see a happy cat?  Below is my calico cat, Lika.

This photograph was taken 3 days ago.   Did you notice the heart shape coloration on Lika?  She has another "heart" on her left shoulder which obviously is not showing in this photo.   Guess that means she is double-hearted.    She is truly full of mischief  but she can be very lovey dovey as well.

The cactus in the photo only blooms once a year, as a rule, and it bloomed first in January this year and again in April.   That was a nice unexpected  treat. !!

  

This is a close-up shot of the salmon and white cactus blossoms. I hope to paint from this photo or from another close-up shot of it as I have never painted a Christmas cactus.  I have had this plant about 3 years.

Thank you for visiting my blog !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Wyoming Oil Landscapes (Works In Progress) and WY Reference Photos by Landscape Artist Carol Reynolds

Wind River at Dubois WY

Reference photo by Carol Reynolds

I could not resist painting this scene of the Wind River in Dubois, Wyoming; I particularly like the broken tree log in the foreground.   Below is the beginning stage of the painting.

Work In Progress Wind River #2

8" x 10" oil on gessobord

This is obviously the very first lay-in of color.   I "sketch" on the panel with the brush and general color instead of drawing lines or painting it in grey or sepia.   I have always worked in this manner.

Below is another reference photo I posted previously, but today I began an oil painting of the scene below so I am showing the photo again.

Pinnacle Buttes WY

Reference photo by Carol Reynolds

And below is the beginning stage of the painting from the above photo:

Pinnacle Buttes WY  16" x 20" 

Oil Work In Progress by Carol Reynolds

To be honest, I hesitated to show these two paintings in the very very very beginning stage, but then it occurred to me that you might like to see how they progress as time goes on.   Sometimes, in my anticipation to begin work on them, I forget to take photographs of each stage.   But with these two works I will make an extra effort to remember to record each stage by photos.  

Below are some more of my Wyoming reference photographs you might enjoy.

Grand Tetons Wyoming

Reference Photos by Carol Reynolds 

The photograph directly above just screams out to add buffalo grazing, as many other artists would  do. 

Hope you enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  Looking again at my above reference photographs gets my enthusiasm to a great big high and I want to paint all of the above images at once !

Thank you for viewing my art !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Twilight At Wind River (Wyoming Oil Landscape by Landscape Artist Carol Reynolds)

"Twilight At Wind River"  - John 7:37-39

12" x 16" oil on gessobord

$1575

This oil landscape shows the Wind River in Dubois, Wyoming, as it was over 10 years ago.   This scene is right in the town, behind the motel I was staying in.   Still, it is rather a romantic painting; I toned it down somewhat from when I first began painting it, but my love of color shows here in that I should have toned it down even more, maybe.

Scroll down to view the reference photograph I took and to see the painting in its beginning stage.   Or just click here .

For inquiries or to purchase this landscape painting - reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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Work in Progress - Oil Landscape Painting (Dubois WY) by Landscape Artist Carol Reynolds

Reference Photograph by Carol Reynolds

Wind River Bank in Dubois, Wyoming

This reference photograph above was taken on the banks of the Wind River in Dubois, Wyoming, several years ago and below is a photo of  my work in progress oil painting of this scene.

WIP   Wind River Bank - Dubois, WY

12" x 16" oil on panel

The color is a bit exaggerated in the above image, but I often do that at the beginning of a new work.  I will tone it down some as I continue with the painting.   Besides,  I tend to want to exaggerate color somewhat for beauty's sake and my own personal preferences.

I work in stages; this stage will have to dry completely before I begin work on it again.   Which is not a bad thing, as I am considering painting another Wyoming landscape soon and may begin work on the new one while the present painting is in the process of drying.    Below is the reference photo I took over a decade ago, which is true also of the photo of the above scene on Wind River.

Wyoming Reference Photo by Carol Reynolds

Thank you for viewing my art !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

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"Endurance" - Windswept Tree on Beach (Oil Seascape Painting by Hawaii Seascape Artist Carol Reynolds)

"Endurance"  (Matthew 24:13)

6" x 12" oil on gallery wrap canvas

$425

This oil seascape of a windswept tree on the beach in Kapaa, Kauai, has been on my mind to paint for a long time.   I admire trees and their character; each tree is unique and has a different story to tell.   This particular one could really tell some whoppers, judging from its weather formed shape.   

It is painted with exceptional artist oils and, since it is on gallery wrap canvas and the sides are also painted, you need not frame it.    However, I always recommend a nice frame for a more elegant presentation.

Please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com to purchase this new work.

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Fishermen At Kailua Bay For Halalu Run - Oil Seascape by Hawaii artist Carol Reynolds

"Fishermen at Kailua Bay - Halalu Run"

8" x 16" oil on canvas

$1275

This oil seascape shows fishermen with their net anticipating a good catch of Halalu, which are juvenile akule, a fish indigenous to Hawaii and often called "Big Eyed" scad.   They can be eaten or used for bait for much larger fish.    I was at the right place at the right time to snap reference photos of the fishermen at Kailua Beach on Oahu.    

The peninsula in the background is known as Mokapu peninsula, as well as King Kamehameha's Turtle.   Legend says that the "Turtle" hides a secret underwater tunnel that King Kamehameha  used to travel to the island of Molokai.  This peninsula is now home to Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.

To purchase this painting, please contact me at reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Below is a video of  people fishing for halalu at Waimea Bay, another beach on Oahu.

Thank you for viewing my art.

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