Bird's nest = sticks + ______________?

This new painting is titled "Contemplation: Woven Nest" and is an oil on canvas which measures 12"x16".  It is currently for sale through ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC.   The original nest actually had bits of bubble wrap amongst the sticks.  My attempts to paint the bubble wrap ended up looking like an octopus tentacle was woven into the nest - which wasn't the comforting bed for baby birds I was striving for - and thus I decided to omit it.    Thus.... no bubble wrap in this painting, but a charming little nest still the same :)

Contemplation: Woven Nest

oil on canvas, 12"x16"

SOLD

This painting is currently for sale through ArtSource Fine Art 

in Raleigh, NC.  Email sarah@artsourcefineart.com for purchase information

On their way!

Seven new paintings will be making their way to ArtSource Fine Art Gallery & Consultants, in Raleigh, NC, this weekend.  I've been spending time getting them ready to go - varnishing, framing, attaching hanging wire, updating my inventory lists, etc..  Though these tasks are routine and somewhat boring, this time round I have thoroughly enjoyed the work thanks to the spring-like weather we are having.  I have had the windows open and a gentle breeze has been blowing through my studio.   Having such a comfortable environment helps to banish any irritable feelings that arise from doing routine work.   Getting work ready for a show or to deliver to a gallery is always a process, but feels very good when it's all through and they're packed up and ready to go!

Here are a few of the ones on their way:

Quiet Moment from Across the Field

oil on canvas, 24"x30"

Contemplation: Tiger Swallowtail Wings

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Contemplation: Jewel Box Shells Take Flight

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Contemplation: Memory of Tiger Swallowtail

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

If you are interested in purchasing any of these paintings, please contact ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, at 919-787-9533 or email sarah@artsourcefineart.com. 

I have also recently updated my website with new work and would love to have you visit my online gallery at www.SusannaPantas.com.  

Hours and hours painting the sisal rug

The cold weather is still outside these days, so it is fitting that I seem to be spending a lot of my time painting blankets and heavy rugs.  Hours and hours have been spent working on a large 30"x40" figurative piece, and I have spent the last few sessions focusing on the sisal rug (shown above).   I call it an exercise in patience!  Slowly but surely, though, the rug starts to take shape and will eventually come together.  

Little Cows, Coming into Focus

The cow painting is coming along...

Here is a recent photo of one of their faces that I am working on:

above: detail of work in progress

Grays from the Ocean Blue

This painting is of a Florida Surf Clam on a worn wooden background.  This clam is from my mother's vast collection of seashells collected over her lifetime.  This one in particular was found along the white sand beaches of Naples, Florida.  It was so interesting to paint all of the striations of color.   Slate blue gray is one of my favorite colors, and it works well with the warm tans and beiges of the clam's ridged and dappled surface.

Contemplation: Surf Clam in Grays

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

email info@susannapantas.com for more information

Three Recent Commissions -

The following three paintings were recently commissioned as Christmas presents. Each small oil painting only measured 5"x7" - I used lots of tiny little brushes!

 Luna Moth

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD

Olive Shells

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD

Pansies in Silver Cup

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD

Tiger Swallowtails Alight

Remnants of Flight

oil on canvas, 11"x14"

email info@susannapantas.com for more info

When my friend found this Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in the grill of her little mini-cooper automobile, the incident prompted a bystander to proclaim "you killed magic!"  I find this hilarious. My friend urged me to title the painting, "The Death of Magic," but not being in the mood for the melodramatic.... I have chosen the title "Remnants of Flight"


I have also begun work on two other Tiger Swallowtail-inspired paintings:

The iridescent aqua color on each wing is absolutely spectacular. I hope I can accurately capture it, but iridescence is tricky!   Each little aqua speck appearing against the deep velvety black is like a dusting of chipped gemstones.  Will I be able to capture this in paint? Well, I'll try!

Bundles of twigs, horsehair, and bubble wrap = baby bird abode

Ah, winter.

Here are two in the works:

This painting, above, is the larger of the two paintings.  Woven within is actually a bit of bubble wrap amidst all of the pine tree twigs!

This second little nest includes a few strands of horse hair.

Pine needles, horsehair, and a few bits of fuzz make quite the welcoming bed for baby birds I'd say.