Robie Benve Art

It has been a while since the last time I ventured outside to paint, and last week I did it two days in a row, attracted by a lovely view of sunflowers at a local farm. I had to go back twice because the first day it was super hot and I had to escape after an hour or so. Note to self: don't wear long jeans on a hot day! I got captivated by the view of the farm building through the sunflowers. After laying down some general shapes with the brush, I switched to palette knife painting, I love the texture that it creates.   Lots of bugs around me, this one seemed to particularly enjoy the painting. At a good point, almost done, but needs still some work. I'll post a photo of the final painting in a few days. I have the feeling that when I'll look at it with fresh eyes, it might needs a few small adjustments here and there.

"Cloud Study with Mowed Field" Daily Painting Oil on panel, 9"x12" Here is another study of clouds, this time a little bigger (9"x12"). I kept the same palette of colors as the previous one, I figured if they came out well they'd look good next to each other. :) I made this a few days ago, then fell behind with the postings. I am also falling behind with the daily paintings, but I have this grand plan of catching up at some point this month.

Sometimes not much is asked of us. There are times when we just need to B e . Be there and enjoy the moments. "Guarding" 5"x7" Oil on masonite NFS We all have a purpose in life, and that purpose is usually not obvious. It may take stillness and inaction to be able to understand it. Focusing on feelings helps. A lot. Listening to my instincts and gut feelings has been helping me in my major decisions. I learned that... If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Not seeing a better solution in sight is not a good reason for making wrong choices. (Feeling inspired and pensive today :)   “Painting is an attempt to come to terms with life.  There are as many solutions as there are human beings.”      ~ George Tooker 

Me next to my painting right after the award ceremony. Third prize at the Dublin Area Art League annual fall show. Available $460 What a wonderful surprise!  I was awarded the third prize in the fine art category of the Dublin Area Art League fall show "Color My World". Sometimes I paint with other artists, in an open studio environment. Other times I take painting classes. When you are surrounded by painters it's pretty useful to give each other critiques and suggestions. Several times I have asked a fellow painter or a teacher for input on how to solve a problem or make a composition better. However, I'm particularly proud of this award because Glimpse is a painting that I have completed in my studio, all on my own, without anyone's advice. I don't remember anyone (other than my family) even seeing it before it was done. It's all my own planning and troubleshooting. And I got a prize for it! :)) At the award ceremony, being the current preside...

"Field of Poppies" 6"x6" Oil on Gessoboard SOLD Red, a powerful color. It can really set the mood, and it's a good, vibrant, joyful mood. : )