Watercolor Seascape And Recommended Art Books

"North Shore Surf"

5" x 7" watercolor study

In the past I painted many watercolors of a variety of subject matter, even street scenes with people.  I prefer oils and do my best work in that medium, although I sometimes paint in acrylics.    However, I enjoy other artists watercolors more than I do my own   :-)      There is one watercolor book I highly recommend for those artists that love to paint flowers and that is "Glorious Garden Flowers in Watercolor" by Susan Harrison-Tustain .

I paid $22.99 for this book (softcover) in 2003 and the price since has skyrocketed .   If you check on Amazon  a new paperback is now $125.74 and used ones start at $59.94 as of today.   Amazon does have the hardcover edition available .... new $158.80 and used from $30.00 as of today.     However, it is a wonderful book for the more intermediate artist, although beginners can learn from it as well of course.   Susan Harrison-Tustain also has some excellent teaching DVD's out there.    

For those artists who paint landscapes, I recommend "Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" by John F. Carlson.  It has been in print a long time with the first copyright in 1929.  As a teenager I found this book in the library and I literally devoured it and constantly poured over it as it has lessons on perspective, design, light, color, composition and more.   It taught me a lot.   My very first oil painting was of a landscape. I was living in Germany at the time with family and that was where my love for the landscape was born.  Around the early 1970's I purchased the book and still have it in my possession.    The only drawback is most of the photos in this book are in black and white, but that can be a good thing because it teaches you values. Carlson believed that if all your values in a painting were correct, the work would look good no matter what colors you used.   You can also find this book on Amazon and it is very inexpensive.

I am busy working on a still life painting right now .  Please check back soon and Mahalo for visiting with me  today.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Work In Progress - Forget Me Not- Stage Two

"Forget Me Not"  

Work In Progress - Stage Two

12" x 16" Oil 

This is progressing just fine and perhaps next time I work on it I will finish this painting.  The teacup has forget-me-not flowers on it and the yellow rose is known as the Peace rose.  When I lived in Texas I owned this rose along with about 50 others which thrived in my yard. I posted the "Stage One"  of this painting on April 9 and here is that photo again below.

Stage One

Just for fun, here is a picture of me and some of my roses around 1997 or so.   

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The Color Red

"Perhaps blue, red, and yellow strike the mind more forcibly from there not being any great union between them, as martial music, which is intended to rouse the nobler passions." - Sir Joshua Reynolds 

"Tropical Delight"

12" x 16" oil on gallery wrap canvas

$1500

I have to admit it, red is my favorite color.  Red represents beauty in many languages and cultures.  I read somewhere that the color red increases enthusiasm and gives a person energy.  Supposedly,  red can also increase blood pressure and heart beat.  Maybe all that is why when I use a lot of red in a painting, it just seems to flow and I have lots of enthusiasm for the work.   Or maybe,  I just love red....period !   ;-)   Below are some more of my "red phase" paintings.

"We Four"

6" x 12" oil on canvas

$500

"Seeing Red"

6" x 8" oil on canvas on panel

$350

"Tomato Sandwich Half"

8" x 8" oil on canvas

$375

I told you red was my favorite color !   Did I mention I use to have a red station wagon?  But that is another story.     

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Descanso Gardens Flower Cart

"Descanso Gardens Flower Cart"

8 x 10 Oil on panel

$500

This is fresh on the easel today and what a joy to bring it to completion.  I just felt like completing a smaller painting today instead of working on one of my larger works in progress.   I am sure I will be painting more garden pictures soon, rather than and including ones of Descanso Gardens which is in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California.  Those are primroses in the flower cart and spring flowers, including tulips, around the cart.

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From Albuquerque Window to Still Life (Works In Progress)

Albuquerque Window (Old Town)

Work in progress  16" x 20" oil

This one is off to a good start; still have a lot of work to do on it as you can see from my reference photo below.  

This is not my best photography; either that or the window was really that slanted   ;-)

I am also working on a still life, photo below.

"Forget Me Not"  Work In Progress

12" x 16" Oil

The teacup has forget me not flowers on it and will really take some time to paint.   It is one of my favorite teacups in my possession.  I intend to paint a series of teacups in the future.

I have three other paintings I am working on in addition to the ones shown here.   Please check back again soon for completed works.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Take Me There! (Places To Visit And Paint Before I Expire)

Been there, done that!  But I want to go back again to these Cathedral Rocks at Sedona, Arizona, and take more photographs and maybe do some plein air painting in the area.   This particular photo was taken by my ex-husband  (who is still my friend) when we made a trip to Sedona while we were still married.  Somehow my photos of the area are missing and any excuse to go back to Sedona will do!  I lived in Phoenix for five years, so I have visited Sedona numerous times; one can never tire of the beauty and the stunning red rocks there. 

"Contentment In Wyoming"

6" x 6" oil on canvas on panel

Available

"Take Me Back" (Wyoming)

6" x 6" oil on canvas on panel

Available 

Wyoming is another state I would love to visit again, particularly around Jackson.  Also, I have never been to Yellowstone National Park even though I was near there.   It would be heaven to photograph that park and its wildlife.   Yellowstone is America's first National Park, established in 1872, and is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.  For a link to view webcams of this park, please click here

Glacier National Park is on my must do list as well.   It is located in the Northwest corner of Montana and has over 700 miles of trails.  For webcams of this park, go here

Yosemite National Park would be a dream to visit.  It covers about 1200 square miles and is about 4 hours from Sacremento, California.   I was near there as well a few years ago, but never made it to the park.   

I lived for a few months in Seattle, Washington, and was awe-struck by the magnificance of Mt. Ranier.  However, I never made it to the park area of Mt. Ranier ;  just viewed the mountain from the Seattle skyline.   That would be a fantastic place for me to visit and take reference photographs.  I understand there is a wildlife park near there as well that would be a "must-do" for me.

If any of you have photographs of these areas you would like to share with me, it would be most appreciated.   Also, you could commission me to paint on canvas from your favorite photograph.

It is true that I live in Hawaii, a paradise with its own unique and beautiful scenery, so you may wonder why I want to travel to so many other places.   Just for the fact that I love to travel and see new sights; it is quite inspiring to me as an artist.   There are other places I have been (like Taos and Sante Fe) that would be wonderful to visit again as well.  

Currently I am busy working away on 3 new paintings; please visit here again soon!

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

African Violets And More African Violets

16" x 12" oil on canvas

Sold

The above painting of mine is of a chimera african violet which sold to a member of an african violet club who hyberdized  this particular variety.   A few years ago I did a series of paintings depicting various african violets in still life set-ups which told a "story".   

"The Agony, The Ecstasy"

12" x 16" oil on canvas

Available

This painting tells a story about the artist Michelangelo:  the african violet's name is "Michelangelo" and the book is about his life.   I had a wonderful time setting up these african violet props and of course painting them.   It is about time I paint some more african violets.   If any of you african violet lovers out there would like to commission a painting of your favorite violet (or any other flower, for that matter) please feel free to contact me.    Below are some of my photographs of violets I have blooming in my studio at the present time.

This is an "oldie" and a great favorite of mine, Maverick's Faded Jeans.  I need to put down some new leaves to start some babies of this plant as this plant is rather old and I only have the one.   

The above two photos are of the african violet "Salmon Ella" , a new favorite of mine.  It is not a true pink or a red, but truly a salmon color.   I have babies of it I need to re-pot like right now.  

Watermelon Bay

Semi-miniature by Lyndon Lyon 

I hope to paint some of these before too long,  but at the present time I am working on some larger, major works.  Maybe I can squeeze in a small african violet painting as time goes on.

Thank you for viewing my art !

Beauty And Age - Descanso Gardens

"Beauty And Age" - Descanso Gardens

16" x 20" oil on canvas

The ancient Wisteria vine almost takes center stage in this completed oil painting of a scene at Descanso Gardens, which is about a twenty minute drive from Los Angeles, California.   I spent many hours at these beautiful gardens.   

For purchase information please contact me at  reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Hanalei Valley, Kauai - Photos

After posting my painting earlier today of "Spring In Hanalei Valley", I thought perhaps I should have included some of my reference photographs of the scene.    Here they are :

The above photos were both taken from the overlook just before you enter the charming town of Hanalei on Kauai.   The top photo area is in reality to the right of the bottom photo. Those are taro fields in various stages of growth and wetness; makes delightful patterns to try to capture on canvas.    Below is yours truly at the overlook.

Tomorrow it is back at the easel  to work on two larger oils I need to finish.   I don't believe I have introduced you to my studio assistant; here is a photo of her on my patio outside the studio door. Her name is Callie.

Thank you for stopping by to visit today!

reynoldrenditions@gmail.com

Spring In Hanalei Valley

"Spring In Hanalei Valley"

12" x 24" Oil on canvas

$3200

This painting won an "Honorable Mention" award in the 2010 Paint America Top 100 competition.  I thought I would post it here because my niche is primarily painting scenes of Hawaii.   The above landscape is a scenic overlook on the island of Kauai right before entering the quaint town of Hanalei.   Those are taro fields in the painting.   

Prints are available of this painting through Fine Art America and may be found at my site there by clicking here or checking out the link above on this blog under "Prints" below the painting of horses in my header.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Hanalei Bay Resort on Dwellable

Getting There !

Work In Progress

Descanso Gardens Third Stage

16" x 20" oil on canvas

I was in oil  painter's heaven today working on this painting I posted previously (go here) .  This photograph does not pick up all the color properly, but hopefully next time I show this painting it will be finished and I can photograph it outside.   It was late at night when I took this photo.   I still have a lot of work to do on this piece.      

Thank you for stopping by and visiting !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

The Oil Is Flowing

"Hawaiian Sunset"

4" x 6" oil on panel

$225

The oil is flowing again - at the easel that is.   I switched back to using oils today and it felt wonderful.  This miniature seascape is a "warm up" for the larger oil (of a different subject) that I will work on tomorrow.   I may tweak this seascape a little more, but I rather like its simplicity and slightly impressionistic look.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

White Rooster

"White Rooster"

5" x 7" acrylic on canvas

This work is on 3/4 inch stretched canvas and has its sides painted as well.

This is the last rooster painting for awhile, unless someone commissions me to paint another.   I am anxious to work on some larger oils that I have started and that are in various stages of development.   

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

All Puffed Up (Rooster)

"All Puffed Up"  

5" x 7" Acrylic on canvas

This rooster is rather full of himself !  He puffed up his head feathers just as I snapped a photo of him; perfect timing.   This painting is on 3/4 inch stretched canvas and painted on the sides.  If you are interested in purchasing this painting please send me an email.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Beauty And Age - Descanso Gardens Second Stage

Work In Progress - Second Stage

"Beauty And Age" Descanso Gardens

16" x 20"

I worked on this again in the wee hours this morning, using acrylic paints.   It is time to begin going over it and finishing it in oils.   To view the reference photograph and the first stage of this painting go here   .  I used Open Golden Acrylics while working on this, so I may give it more time to dry before beginning in oils and start work on another miniature in the meantime.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com 

Dinard Blue Heaven Cattleya Orchid (Photos)

Photos of the Dinard Blue Heaven cattleya orchid have attracted a lot of attention on my photography blog...... (go here) ... and I thought I would share a few reference photos of that beautiful orchid with you here as I intend to paint it very soon.  I did make a post with one photo of "Blue Heaven" some time back on this blog, but thought I would share it again with more photographs.

Dinard Blue Heaven Cattleya Orchid

This orchid only had two blooms on it when I bought it and two very tiny buds.  Below is a photo taken of the buds as they were opening.  I took several shots of the buds and the flowers.   

I am pretty sure I will paint this orchid large, like on a 18" x 24" canvas or 24" x 24".   Below is a photo of all four flowers open in all their glory.

To me, Dinard's Blue Heaven is more of a lavender color than pale blue.   Alas, the plant died shortly after blooming because I have trouble growing orchids; African Violets and most other flowers thrive under my care, but not orchids.    

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Beauty And Age - Descanso Gardens (work in progress)

Work in progress

"Beauty And Age"

16" x 20" on canvas

I laid this out very quickly a few minutes ago in acrylics.  My intention is to finish it in oils.   This is a scene at Descanso Gardens a few years ago. These gardens are in a suburb of Los Angeles, California.  I have always meant to paint it, and it feels good to finally begin work on it and also to do a larger canvas for a change.   I can see I need to work on the angle of the bench; like I said, this is a very rough quick lay-in of color and shapes.   Below is my reference photograph.

I believe that twisting vine is a wisteria plant not yet in bloom.   Please correct me if I am wrong.  

Now back to the easel !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Peach Elegance (Orchid)

"Peach Elegance" 

4" x 6" Acrylic on canvas on panel

$195.00

This orchid had many subtle shades of pink, peach, and orange but I believe I captured it pretty close.

Thank you for visiting !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Everything's Peachy (Waterlilies)

"Everything's Peachy"

4" x 6" acrylic on canvas on panel

$195

Waterlilies are a favorite subject of mine to paint.   This is a study for a larger painting in the future.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Orchids and Waterlilies - Works In Progress

I have been painting, but other obligations are making the going slow.   I am working on 3 miniatures right now; here are two of them.

Both of these 4" x 6" acrylic miniatures on canvas on Raymar panel are still very rough, especially the orchids.    I still have much more work to do on them, but wanted to make a post today to let you know I am still busy painting.   Thank you for visiting !

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com

Hamakua Marsh - Kailua, Oahu (photos)

A few minutes ago I made a new post on my photography blog with photos of Hamakua Marsh and some of the birds found there.  For you bird lovers, go here to check it out.  Below are a couple of photos I did not post at that site.

The top photograph is of the Black-Necked Stilt or Ae'o and the bottom shot is of the Common Moorhen or 'Alae'ula which are both endemic to the Hawaiian islands.   I recently made another trip to Hamakua Marsh and got some great reference photos for future paintings.   All this makes me want to paint wildlife right now(!!), but I need to finish some other work I have started first.  

Hope to have completed some new work to post by tonight so check back soon.

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com 

Taking It All In - Makapu'u Lighthouse (completed)

"Taking It All In"

(completed work)

6" x 4" acrylic on canvas on panel

$225

I finished this today and the color in this image is much truer than my first post the other day.  There are no seagulls in Hawaii but we do have, among other seabirds, the White Fairy Tern and I added the terns in the painting for more interest.  The white fairy tern , or  Manu-o-ku in Hawaiian, are very lovely and when I am able to finally get some good close-up photos of them I will paint "portraits" of them.

Below is my reference photograph for this painting.

 Other paintings are in the works, so please return often.  Thank you for your visit today!

Taking It All In - Makapu'u Lighthouse Oahu

"Taking It All In"

6" x 4" Acrylic on canvas on panel

$225

This painting needs some more work- after I go tomorrow and buy some new smaller brushes !  It is almost there, however.   Makapu'u Lighthouse is on the Windward side or East side of Oahu.  It was built in 1909 and automated in 1974.  There is a 2 mile path to the lighthouse and in the winter months it is an excellent spot to watch Humpback whales. 

The man was really sitting there in a chair when I took the reference photo for this painting.  There needs to be some slight color correction in this work; I will post the image again after tweaking it a bit.   

reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com 

Diamond Head Beach Hotel on Dwellable

Glory On The Beach

"Glory On The Beach"

8" x 10" oil on gessobord

$500

The Hawaii Beach Morning Glory comes in a variety of colors and is a relative of the sweet potato.  The Hawaiian name for it is "Pohuehue".  For the reference photo I deliberately took off my slippers and put them by the flowers.  That dark spot in the lower left side of the painting is a hole for little sand crabs to scurry into.  I think the reference photo was taken at Sandy Beach on Oahu, which is very popular with surfers.   

For purchase information, please contact reynoldsrenditions@gmail.com