Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.

I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.

I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.

I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Daily Painting, Oil, Animal, Sheep, 8x10

My friend, Donna Vines, took a trip to Northern England earlier this year.  She was kind enough to share her photos with me.  I have painted several of them and I could not resist this small lamb walking the moor.

Purchase here
170

I painted with palette knife and brush and tried to get lots of texture in it.  I liked the rugged  feel.  I have never been on the moors, but I think they would feel rugged and cold and windy.

I painted a ram a few months ago, which I like to think is this lamb's daddy.  You can view it here

Have a wonderful week!

Carol Schiff

www.CarolSchiffStudio.etsy.com

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Daily Painting, Oil, Animal, Sheep, 8x10

My friend, Donna Vines, took a trip to Northern England earlier this year.  She was kind enough to share her photos with me.  I have painted several of them and I could not resist this small lamb walking the moor.

Purchase here
170

I painted with palette knife and brush and tried to get lots of texture in it.  I liked the rugged  feel.  I have never been on the moors, but I think they would feel rugged and cold and windy.

I painted a ram a few months ago, which I like to think is this lamb's daddy.  You can view it here

Have a wonderful week!

Carol Schiff

www.CarolSchiffStudio.etsy.com

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Small Tree Painting, "My Morning Companion" 6x8" SOLD

When I spend time in the Smoky Mountains, I start many of my days on the porch, with a cup of coffee.  It's a special time of day as the sun streams in over the mountains and starts to burn off the protective layer of "smoke" from the night before.

SOLD

It's just me, my coffee, and this old dogwood tree that sits in our yard.  A very nice way to start the day.

Soon the sun will rise over the mountain tops and light will stream in behind the tree.  My little special moment of the morning is gone and it is time to start my day.

Do you have a special moment each morning?

Carol Schiff

Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.

I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.

I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Palette Knife Still Life, Bottle Still Life, "Pretty In Pink Cross Bottle" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil, Daily Painting

Are you a fan of cross bottles?  I recently discovered them and have become obsessed with them.   Cross bottles are vintage (usually) bottles that have been reclaimed.  A talented artist then designs a crystal cross or  other design as a top piece.  Many of the crystals come from discarded chandeliers.  I have also seen them with beautiful arrangements of sea shells, coral and sea fans.

Purchase here
100 + shipping

As with all good art, they can become quite pricey, so after purchasing several, I decided to try to feed by obsession by painting instead of buying, much to my husband's relief.

I don't know how long that will work for me, but at the moment, it does seem to help.

If you are not familiar with cross bottles, seach for them on Etsy or Ebay where you will find a nice selection.  Beware!!  It may be dangerous to the viewer!

www.CarolSchiffStudio.Etsy.com

Daily Painting, Landscape Painting, "In the Bamboo" 8x6" Oil Painting, SOLD

As a child living in rural Ohio, my grandmother would visit from Florida, bringing along an exotic collection of seashells and postcards. There was always one or two postcards from McKee Gardens in Vero Beach. She  awakened a deep desire in me.....to live in this strange and beautiful tropical land.

SOLD

Recently I made my first trip to McGee Gardens, a magical place filled with  tropical flora and  giant water lily pads.

I was fascinated with the bamboo stands, so abstract in their shapes.

It's always nice when a childhood dream comes true............Thank you Grandma.

Wildlife Painting, Egret Painting, "You cannot see me" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil

Purchase here
100 + shipping

www.CarolSchiffSudio.etsy.com

Floral Still Life Painting, Textured Floral Painting, "Pretty in Pink" by Carol Schiff, 11x14" Oil

Purchase Here
196. + shipping

www.CarolSchiffStudio.Etsy.com

Daily Painting, "Barnyard King" 6x8" palette knife painting SOLD

I have always wanted to paint a rooster.  Those colorful feathers are just too appealing.

SOLD

I was in the zone with this one, slinging paint everywhere.........some days I just feel like the more paint the better!

Now, can we talk, blogger to blogger?  I have gotten myself involved in so many websites, that I hardly have time to paint these days.  I have really stepped up posts on several facebook accounts too.  When I have a new painting, I post it on Etsy, Daily Painter's Gallery, Daily Paintworks, CFAI, several places on facebook, maybe on Pinterest. etc.  As a result, I never get around to the blogs I liked to read every morning.  I have found many of my blogger friends on facebook.  It is so much faster to make a quick comment there.  Am I the only one with this problem?  Are you posting and commenting less now than in the past?  I really would like some input on how others handle this issue.

Daily Landscape Painting, "Blue Ridge Switchback" 6x8 SOLD

Today's daily painting is one of my favorites.  We decided to take a drive to Water Rock Knob, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in beautiful North Carolina.

SOLD

It was a beautiful, clear October day and I tried hard to capture the clear skies and gorgeous fall foliage.

Living in Florida for 40 years, I miss the fall colors and smells I remember from my childhood in Ohio.  It is  the best part of my visits to North Carolina and I try to get there in mid-October every year.

As a child I loved to rake the leaves into a pile and take a running jump right into the middle.  In those days we would rake the yard and then burn the leaves.  There was nothing better than walking to school on a sidewalk covered with leaves, crackling under my feet as I shuffled along.  Evenings conjure up memories of hay rides followed by warm donuts and cider.  That's before the days of Dunkin Donuts, these were home made and covered in sugar and cinnamon.

I am sorry my grandchildren will never have those memories, but I know when they think back on their childhoods they will find something equally as pleasing to remember.

Daily Painting "Morning Sail" 6x8 Oil Landscape SOLD

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. 
--Mark Twain 







Purchase Here
SOLD

The thing about sailing, is that it looks like a lot more fun than it actually is.  I know, I know, that's just my opinion, so please don't get upset!  I enjoyed my days on the boat and I still love to spend an afternoon sailing.

Now, when I see a sail boat heading out on a beautiful sunny day, it seems like a little piece of paradise.
The real thing  almost never beats out imagination.  It's easy to forget the day the sail ripped or the day we sailed home in a raging storm with lightening strikes all around us.

Today, I will imagine....and paint about it.

Happy Birthday to my baby girl, Shelly!

Floral, Still Life, Sunflower, Daily Painting, Oil, SOLD

A couple of years ago, I spent a wonderful week at Seven Devils, North Carolina with my group of art buddies, Pieces of Eight.  Cindy, who hosted us that year, proved once again to be the perfect hostess.  She had many art related activities planned for us.   We toured museums, galleries and several artist's  studios.  I didn't get much painting done, but I made up for it with plenty of inspiration from my photos.

SOLD

I photographed this sunflower at Grandfather Vineyard, and painted from it in my comfortable studio.  I hope someday I get to the point of knowing what a painting will look like before I start it.  I am not there now.  I started this with something completely different in mind, but I am happy with the results.

I enjoy doing works with plenty of texture.  I think it brings an additional quality to the piece and I like the way viewers want to reach out and touch it.

Are you able to choreograph where you want your painting to go, or are you flying by the seat of your pants like me?

Daily Painting "Nature's Smiley Face" 6x8", Oil SOLD

Summer is finally here....and so are the sunflowers!

SOLD

I had a good time with this one, just layering on plenty of paint with my palette knife and not getting too upset about where it landed.

I find it impossible to look at this painting without having a smile on my face.  Now if I could just pull that off every day!

Enjoy!

Landscape Tree Painting "Reach for the Sun" 6x8" Oil SOLD

This massive oak tree lives on a neighboring farm in North Carolina.  It is beautiful any time of the day, but seemed even more so with the sun setting behind it.

SOLD

I have been on a tree painting frenzy this past few days, fueled and influenced by a small painting I purchased from Robert Kimball.  If you are not familiar with his work, I hope you will check out his blog.  His color choices are excellent.

I have wanted to do some tree studies for quite some time, but never seemed to get around to it.  This week I did several and will be posting them soon.

Daily Painting, Oil, Animal, Sheep, 8x10

My friend, Donna Vines, took a trip to Northern England earlier this year.  She was kind enough to share her photos with me.  I have painted several of them and I could not resist this small lamb walking the moor.

Purchase here
170

I painted with palette knife and brush and tried to get lots of texture in it.  I liked the rugged  feel.  I have never been on the moors, but I think they would feel rugged and cold and windy.

I painted a ram a few months ago, which I like to think is this lamb's daddy.  You can view it here

Have a wonderful week!