Diane Morgan Paints

New Gallery for me up in the mountains in Idyllwild, CA

2012-01-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

My watercolors, small oils and giclee prints are now available at Artspresso Gallery, in Idyllwild, that lovely little mile-high art town in the mountains up Hwy 74. Owned by well-known artist Gerry High and Celeste Cuomo it's a must-visit on any trip to Idyllwild. 54380 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA. Phone 951-659-6162 This is "Silver Platter Pears" watercolor 11" x 16" one of several of my watercolors in the gallery.

NPR story on Antoine de Bougainville

2012-01-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Just got a request from NPR to use my "Bougainvillea Blossoms" for a story about botanist Louis Antoine de Bougainville on their blog. My image must have come up in a Google search. I'm very happy to contribute to NPR in any way I can. This 6" x 8" oil on canvas is available on my website. Maybe this will stir up some interest in it. http://dianemorganpaints.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=3066&subkeyvalue=195447&page=WorksZoom

Watercolor Demo at Venus Studios new Art Space for classes

2012-01-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Had fun doing a watercolor demo this morning at the local art supply store's new space for workshops. My Coachella Valley Watercolor group came out in full force which made it really fun for me. We went to lunch after, then came back to watch Frank Eber paint. He is a master, and what a nice man. What a treat to watch him work. He is in town for a two-day workshop on Monday and Tuesday. Wish I had time to take it. My classes start Friday in the new space. I have classes scheduled for Thurs, Fri and Sat starting next week and running through March so far. Will schedule through the summer if there is continued interest. Schedule of classes available on my website http://www.dianemorganpaints.com

Wednesday's watercolor workshop

2012-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Had a great workshop yesterday with 14 students at Rancho Casa Blanca. It's a great group of gals that meets every month to paint and bring in different instructors each month. They are real workers. They worked all day with hardly a peep. I presented two demos. One of an acorn and leaves and a lemon. Most of them worked on both. And, dang....I forgot to take a photo of their finished pieces! I spent more time walking around and helping so didn't finish my two pieces. Work in progress "Lemon Scent" watercolor 12" x 12"

Watercolor classes now forming

2012-01-15T20:47:00.001-08:00

I've just been invited to teach classes at a great new space right in the heart of town (Palm Desert, CA) The only locally owned art supply store has just leased a whole new space just for classes. The owner is having an Art Expo next weekend to kick it off with lots of product give-aways and demos. She has asked me to demo, and I will be right before or after Frank Eber! Woohoo! I've scheduled classes for almost every Friday and Saturday for the next 3 months and sent out an email blast. Hoping to get lots of new and returning students. This will be fun! Here's the link to the store's website http://www.venusstudiosartsupply.com/art-classes.html

St. George's BDA watercolor

2012-01-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Bermuda has always been one of my favorite places to vacation. The beautiful beaches, the wonderfully colored houses and the frogs singing at night make it such a romantic retreat. This scene is one of the back streets in the town of St. George's, Bermuda's oldest community. Watercolor 12" x 16" SOLD

Splash 13 Best of Watercolor book available for pre-order

2012-01-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Amazon now has Splash 13 available for pre-order. http://www.amazon.com/Splash-13-Alternative-Approaches-Watercolor/dp/1440310351/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321481095&sr=1-2

I'm so thrilled to be included with my "Raindrops on Roses"

And, no surprise, my friend Jane Freeman is in it too! The list of artists reads like a who's who of watercolors. A few names you might recognize...Thomas Schaller, John Salminen, Ted Nuttall, Judi Betts, Prafull Sawant, Soon Y. Warren. Like Sonny Bono when he said, "I can't believe I'm a Congressman." I say, "I can't believe I'm in the book!" What an honor. Can't wait to get my copy. "Raindrops on Roses" is available for $3900. It is currently in the traveling exhibition of the Blossom: Art of the Flowers competition. To purchase email skb@blossomartcompetition.com

To see it in the Blossom virtual gallery go to: http://www.skbmuseum.com/BlossomGallery/blossom10/gallery13.html

Eric Weigardt demo

2012-01-10T10:28:00.001-08:00

Our Coachella Valley Watercolor Society brought Eric Weigardt in for a 5-day workshop this week. We had him do a one-hour demo at our monthly Monday evening meeting last night. Amazing that he does a value sketch, draws and finishes an entire full-sheet painting in one hour. He says, "The less you show the more the viewer sees." Good advice! He also said he used to do more tight and detailed work, but now he's having way more fun.

"Stop and Smell the Details" photo

2012-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

I found this gorgeous rose today. So many wonderful color variations and intricacies. Can't wait to paint this!

"Licking Roses"

2012-01-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

Licking Roses......what a pleasant pastime for such a beautiful day. Photo shot in normal daylight. I hope soon to get back to more bee paintings!

"Drawn and Quartered" watercolor

2012-01-02T21:28:00.000-08:00

Another piece worked from a real model rather than a photo. I'm really enjoying the process. Watercolor on Arches 300# hot press paper. I usually work on cold press paper which has more texture. Trying a new paper. Whoa! It's a slick as ice. Almost like working on Yupo. Colors lift very easily, but they really slide around...almost as if the paper is coated. Maybe there is a slight coating. Watercolor 8" x 6" Available at www.dailypainters.com

Simple Pleasures Apple 1 watercolor from life

2012-01-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

To stir things up a bit I threw an apple on my work table and painted it from life. Felt good to work from a three-dimensional model rather than a photo. This is more an exercise in trying to quickly capture the essence of something rather than worrying about creating a masterpiece. Feels good! Hope to do more of this, maybe even some plein air. You never know what the new year might bring. Watercolor 6" x 7" Available at www.DailyPainters.com

"Raindrops on Roses" moves to Florida next week

2011-12-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is the last week of the Blossom Art of the Flowers show in Chicago. The Garfield Park Conservatory show ends Dec 31st. The traveling Blossom show then goes to Bradenton, Florida for the Jan 18 - Feb 20 show at the Art Center Manatee. "Raindrops on Roses" watercolor 22" x 27" framed $3900 available through Blossom Art of the Flower organization
Jan 18- Feb 20, 2012 Art Center Manatee, Bradenton, FL
March 19-May20, 2012 Greenacres Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH
June10 - July 22, 2012 Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur, TX
For purchase information contact:
skb@blossomartcompetition.com
website: http://www.blossomartcompetition.com/

"Sky Ornaments" Christmas Card

2011-12-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

Original sold but cards are available. Inside...

"Wishing you Peace, Health, Happiness and

an Incredible New Year"

quantity

"Sky Apples" 30" x 40" oil on canvas

2011-11-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

"Sky Apples" 30" x 40" oil on gallery wrap canvas. Last of 5 new larges pieces for Danskin Galleries unveiling reception Thursday, December 1st. Many smaller pieces available also.

"Sky Goldens" another oil for gallery reception on Thursday

2011-11-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

"Sky Goldens" oil on canvas 30" x 40." I will be painting live at Richard Danskin Galleries on Thursday 5-9PM for the unveiling of 5 new large oils plus more. Contact gallery to purchase DanskinGalleries.com

Work as a Puzzle

"Rose Parade" oil for the gallery reception on Thursday

2011-11-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

"Rose Parade" oil on canvas 30" x 40." I will be painting live at Richard Danskin Galleries on Thursday 5-9PM for the unveiling of 5 new large oils plus more. Contact gallery to purchase DanskinGalleries.com

Work as a Puzzle

My latest work of art

2011-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

My new QR code. Thanks to artist friend Suzy Pal Powell who's so up-to-the-minute on the latest tech-y things. I saw this on her blog and went to the link to create my own. Now, anyone with a code reader app on their phone can point their phone at this at it will take them directly to my website. Thank you Suzy. Okay, all you low-techies. Here's the link www.mobile-barcodes.com. It's really easy. Just type your website address or anything you want to link to in the create code line and it will make one for you. I used the app called Upcode to put a reader on my phone. There are many reader apps. You'll have to choose one.

"Morning Glorious" finished for Danskin Galleries

2011-11-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

"Morning Glorious" 36" x 36" oil on gallery-wrap canvas. This one was very fun to paint. I'd love to do more like this. The center was the hardest part....always is....especially when the reference photo's not very detailed. Delivered four paintings to the gallery this morning. www.Danskin Galleries.com This one has to dry for a few days. I added me to give you an idea of scale. Work it as a puzzle

Five new paintings for Richard Danskin Galleries

2011-11-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

"Desert Sunset" 30" x 24" oil on gallery-wrap canvas. I've been painting madly for the past four weeks. Finished four new oils and almost another. Getting ready for a show at my new gallery. I am now represented by Richard Danskin Galleries in Palm Desert, CA. I will be painting live in the gallery for my "opening" night when they introduce me as their newest artist. Thursday, December 1st from 5PM - 9PM. "Desert Sunset" is the first of five new works that will be unveiled at the December 1st reception.

"Purple Heart"

2011-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Honoring our Veterans and all who serve our country on this day.
8"x 6" oil on canvas SOLD

Sunflowers class demo

2011-11-09T19:03:00.001-08:00

I taught a class today. I just love it when I get paid to paint and get to go home with a painting, too :-} Plus, they are all such nice ladies. Only 5 made it out of 10 expected, but I get paid the same no matter what so it was a real treat to only have 5 students...much more one-on-one time.

"Ominous" and "Twister" abstract watercolor

2011-10-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

"Ominous" abstract watercolor 3-3/4" x 5-3/4"

"Twister" abstract watercolor 3-3/4" x 5-3/4"
We were supposed to paint an abstract for our watercolor society summer challenge to present at our October meeting. I never paint abstracts and didn't get around to it. Then I remembered that I had these which I matted and framed. Most of our members are realistic painters, but we had tons of entries and they were all really fun to see. These were fun to do. Can you guess what technique I used to create them?
Available at www.dailypainters.com

"51 Chevy" daily painting

2011-10-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a big classic car show in Palm Springs this weekend. Can't wait to get tons of new photos for my car series. "51 Chevy" 6"x 8" oil on gallery-wrap canvas. SOLD

Shelby Cobra GT 500 (1967 Mustang)

2011-09-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

One more down, gazillions to go. Can't believe how many cars I want to paint. This is one fast Mustang (1967). Available at DailyPaintworks auction.
I'm very pleased to announce that I have been invited to be a member of the DailyPainters group. I am proud to be a part of the group which also includes my friends Kay Smith and Vernita Bridges-Hoyt. You can see the Daily Painters at DailyPainters.com

"I Actually Had a V-8" daily painting

2011-09-24T15:21:00.001-07:00

Since one of my recent car paintings was titled "I Coulda Had a V-8" I decided to actually have one. Oil on canvas, 6"x 8" Available at DailyPaintworks

Chocolate Covered Cherry daily painting

2011-09-22T15:00:00.001-07:00

As a kid, for Christmas we gave my grandfather a box of chocolate covered cherries and a carton of Lucky Strike cigarettes every year. He said that's what he wanted. I still love chocolate covered cherries because they remind me of him. I don't think I'll be painting the cigarettes. 6"x 8" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

"Red Hot Vette" daily painting

2011-09-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Boy, would I love to be driving this today. Who wants to go for a ride? "Red Hot Vette" 6"x 8" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

Windy Palms

2011-09-18T14:23:00.001-07:00

Living in the land of palm trees has always made me feel like I'm on vacation all the time. I love it here. "Windy Palms" 5-3/4"x 8" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

"Old Fat 40" daily painting

2011-09-17T11:56:00.001-07:00

Today's painting. A 1940 Ford Deluxe. "Old Fat 40" 6"x 8" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

Summer Delight daily painting

2011-09-16T12:00:00.001-07:00

I had originally painted this with a black background. It just didn't seem right for this subject. Didn't look appetizing or fun. Ice cream cones are supposed to be fun. For those of you with summer fading, hope this extends it a little. It took some getting used to when I first moved to southern California, but so nice not to dread winter. Here, we look forward to winter. "Summer Delight" 8"x 6" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

"Route 66 Patrol" (55 Ford) daily painting

2011-09-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

The 50's, Route 66, Classic Car, California......what's better than that? Oil on canvas, 6"x 8" Available at DailyPaintworks

"57 Chevy" daily painting

2011-09-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today's painting. 6"x 8" oil on canvas "57 Chevy" Available at Daily Paintworks

Golden Pears watercolor

2011-09-08T16:21:00.001-07:00

9"x 11" watercolor on Arches #300 cold press. Matted with linen and framed with a simple black frame. Available at Daily Paintworks $475 starting auction price with free shipping.

"Red Rocket Caddy" daily painting

2011-09-04T15:57:00.000-07:00

I love old classic cars. This one certainly has some great fins. 8" x 6" oil on gallery-wrap canvas.
Available at DailyPaintworks

"Cadillac Sky" daily painting

2011-08-26T17:13:00.001-07:00

Today's little painting. Oil on canvas, 8"x 6" SOLD

"Fuzzy Dice 56" daily painting

2011-08-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

This little devil took forever...three days, actually. Instead of a daily I'm going to call it a thraily. I could have painted a full-size watercolor in the same amount of time. Any of you who do miniatures have my deepest sympathies. Painting small is much harder than large. "Fuzzy Dice 56" oil on canvas, 6"x 8" This one is SOLD , but you can find others at DailyPaintworks

"Dipped and Swirled" daily painting

2011-08-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today's daily painting. "Dipped and Swirled" oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8"x 6" Available at Richard Danskin Galleries.com Contact gallery to purchase

Etude #5 "Palm Reflections" daily painting

2011-08-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Fifth in the series of mini 5"x 7" oils on Raymal panel.

"I coulda had a V-8" daily painting

2011-08-18T18:06:00.001-07:00

I'm back painting cars again. Thought I'd do a few quick oils first before tackling some larger watercolors. I've got about 10 images selected. Now, to find the time. "I coulda had a V-8"Oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8"x 6" Available at DailyPaintworks

Etude #4 Sunset Reflections daily painting

2011-08-17T16:36:00.001-07:00

I just love the sunsets here. Can't paint them enough. "Sunset Reflections" 5"x 7" oil on Raymar panel. Available at Daily Paintworks
Also available as a free online puzzle

Sunflower to be published in book on Joy

2011-08-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

My watercolor "Sunkissed" has been selected for inclusion in a book about joy written by Mary O'Connor. The book's working title is Five-Star Joy, a Travel Guide to the Best Places for Finding Joy. My image will be used for the profile of a woman who used gardening and the joy of sunflowers to deal with incarceration and other obstacles in her life. The book gives inspiration and ideas on how to find joy. Mary is a poet and published author and also paints in watercolor. She is currently seeking a publisher for the book on joy. You can read more about her at www.mary-oconnor.com
"Sunkissed" 10"x 10" watercolor on Arches #300 cold press.

Etude #3 "Mountain Lake" daily painting

2011-08-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

This place was a beautiful lake alongside a bike path in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. I rode 60 miles in two days along this path. It's called the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes bike path and follows the Union Pacific Railroad's right-of-way. What a beautiful trip. "Mountain Lake" 5" x 7" on Raymar panel. Available at Daily Paintworks

"Sunset Palms" daily painting

2011-08-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

The latest in my series of little landscape studies. I have so many ideas for paintings in my head. It's so nice to be able to get them quickly on paper...or in this case, panel...and still have time to work on larger pieces each day. "Sunset Palms" oil on Raymar panel 7"x 5" SOLD Click HERE to work a jigsaw puzzle of this piece.
See all of my work at my website www.dianemorganpaints.com

Jigsaw puzzle of my art

2011-08-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've created an electronic jigsaw puzzle of my "Heaven is a '57" watercolor. Click HERE to go to the puzzle. It's easy to create your own profile and make puzzles of your art. Thanks Tom Brown for sharing this puzzle link. The site keeps track of how many people solve each puzzle. I just noticed that 82 people have solved my puzzle in the first hour of posting. Fastest solve was 2 minutes 5 seconds.

"Deserted Isle" daily painting

2011-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

The art of fun....or should it be.... the fun of art. I'm trying something completely different. I bought a ton of little 5" x 7" Raymar panels and am trying some quick studies. Since I took 7 years of French I'm going to call them etudes. All those lessons finally put to some use. For this landscape I used very liquid washes of oil and really enjoyed the freedom. Just made the scene up and called it quits after 20 minutes. Using a small panel instead of a stretched canvas removes some of the angst of feeling that you have to create a detailed masterpiece every time. This was very relaxing and satisfying. "Etude 1 Deserted Isle" oil on panel 5"x 7" Available at Daily Paintworks

Head On ('57 Chevy)

2011-08-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

I started this painting two years ago. Finally decided to finish it this week. Sometimes you just have to be in the mood. So, there is hope for unfinished work. Watercolor 21"x 16"on 300# Arches cold press. If you like it you can vote for it in the August BoldBrush Painting Competition.
Click HERE to vote. (on the site click "like" to vote)

"Along for the Ride" daily painting

2011-08-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

Had fun with this one. How can you not smile when looking at these little duckies? "Along for the Ride" 6"x 8" oil on canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

"Melon Reflections" daily painting

2011-08-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

"Melon Reflections" 6"x 8" Oil on gallery-wrap canvas. Available at DailyPaintworks

Tea Tart daily painting

2011-08-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

I redid the background on this painting 4 times. I didn't like the first three attempts. As I wiped off the 3rd attempt it took on sort of a tea-stained look which I liked, hence the title "Tea Tart" Oil on canvas, 6"x 8" Available at Daily Paintworks

"Two of a Kind" daily painting

2011-07-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Something a little healthier. "Two of a Kind" Oil on gallery-wrap canvas 6"x 8" Available at Daily Paintworks

"Cake Crumbs" daily painting

2011-07-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I was discussing making decisions with a friend yesterday. She was having trouble with a important choice she had to make. Decisions are much more difficult than the actual doing. I said my problem for the day was deciding which cupcake to paint. "Cake Crumbs" oil on gallery-wrap canvas 8"x 6."
Available at Richard Danskin Galleries
The contraption at the right is the light "tent" I use to photograph my little oils if I can't find a good spot without glare. It really comes in handy. It also came with two spot lights with glare filters. I got it at a camera store.

Chocolate Apples

2011-07-27T10:50:00.001-07:00

This is a companion piece to "In Line for Pie." It's another one that I had painted awhile ago and decided to redo. I enlarged the apple and punched up the color. It's nice to know that even after painting for so many years you can still improve. I think I'm seeing color and composition better. It sure helps to paint every day. Amazing....practice actually does lead to better work :-} "Chocolate Apples" 6"x 8" oil on gallery-wrap canvas. Available at Daily Paintworks.

Fast vs Slow.....Loose vs Detailed.

2011-07-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Update.....I've removed the birds. I like it much better. Sometimes you take a risk and it's spectacular. Sometimes it doesn't work out. I could never have removed the birds if I hadn't used 300# paper. The Paynes Grey that I used on them was very staining. I really had to scrub. It would have put a hole in #140 paper.

The top watercolor "Waiting for Breakfast" 21" x 18" is the class demo I started several months ago and finally finished this week. It took about 25 hours to paint. I added the gulls as an afterthought and wish I had left them off. I liked it better without them. I already removed about 4 birds and may just wash off the whole ocean and redo it. The second scene is from the same docks in Punte del Este, Uruguay. It is a full sheet 22"x 30" on Arches 300# cold press worked wet in wet that with drawing and painting took a total of two hours. I show the reference photo on the right to give you an idea of the scene I was trying to capture. So, which is better? Which is worth more? The one that took more time or the quick, loose painting? I don't think the amount of time spent has anything to do with how much a painting is worth. Personally, I like the loose one better. I think it's fresher, and certainly was more fun to paint. It's so difficult for me to loosen up, but it's so much fun.

"Mostly Sunny" daily painting

2011-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough, the day I post "Mostly Sunny" it's actually cloudy here today. It's always sunny here. I just had to do one more sunflower. Well, there will probably be more in the future. I actually ran out of 6"x 8" canvases, so this is an 8"x 10" What a wonderful relief to have a big box from Dick Blick arrive yesterday filled with 50 new canvases ready to paint. This is oil on gallery-wrap canvas. Available at Daily Paintworks

Cracked

2011-07-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

This was a fun one to paint. I'd like to do an egg series. Eggs are such beautiful little orbs. "Cracked" oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 6"x 8" available at Daily Paintworks

In Line for Pie daily painting

2011-07-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

This was one of the first mini oils I ever did. Originally, it was done very quickly with very crude, noticeable brush strokes, and the apples were smaller. I never really liked it and decided to rework it. I enlarged the apples and smoothed the brushwork to a much more refined treatment. I'm happy with it now. "In Line for Pie" oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8"x 6" Available at Daily Paintworks SOLD

Cute as a Bug daily painting

2011-07-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

I've seen crickets dipped in chocolate, but this guy is too cute for that. "Cute as a Bug" Oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 6"x 8" Available at Daily Paintworks

Hot Fudge Melon daily painting

2011-07-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Is this a strange combination, or would it be delicious? "Hot Fudge Melon" oil on canvas, 8"x 6"

BLOSSOM II Art of Flowers Virtual Gallery

2011-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Blossom II Art of Flowers exhibition is now viewable online in a virtual gallery. Very cool!

http://www.susankblackfoundation.com/BlossomGallery/blossom10/gallery13.html

I didn't realize that I was lucky to get a center column. I thought when you clicked on your name you were put front and center. Not so. ALSO!....if you click on the Honorable Mention section a pdf will come up. Another of my paintings "Sunny Day Cherries" is there. Scroll down to page 24 to see it. I didn't even know I got an honorable mention until I saw the show catalog.

"Stuffed" daily painting

2011-07-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, something a little healthier....just waiting to be corrupted with gin or vodka. "Stuffed" oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8"x 6" SOLD

Love Reese's to Pieces daily painting

2011-07-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

I'm working on several pieces at the moment, but thought I'd at least post this one for anyone having chocolate cravings. I'm so glad I took all these pix previously so I'm not forced to eat this stuff. It would be such a hardship. "Love Reese's to Pieces" oil on gallery-wrap canvas 6"x 8" available at Daily Paintworks

Lemon Fresh Scent daily painting

2011-07-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

The buyer of my grape painting bought two others and asked if I had any lemons. I quickly painted one yesterday and he bought this also. He's going to send me a picture of them hanging when he gets them all. This one's still freshly wet. "Lemon Fresh Scent" oil on canvas 6"x 8" SOLD

Chocolate Cherry Cupcake daily painting

2011-07-12T10:24:00.001-07:00

Talk about chocolate overload. You'd definitely need a glass of milk with this one. I took this photo quite awhile ago. I don't remember eating this cupcake. Maybe I was so buzzed by all that chocolate my mind just became a blur. Or, maybe I just threw it away. I'll never know. Oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8'x6" Available through Richard Danskin Galleries. Contact gallery to purchase.

Painted Poppies daily painting

2011-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

The original of this was a watercolor, full-sheet 22"x 30." It won Best of Show in the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society show two years ago and sold in the first hour of the show. This was one of those for me that I kinda hated to see go. I decided to have some fun and do a small quick oil in it's memory. "Painted Poppies II", oil on gallery wrap canvas 8"x10" available at Daily Paintworks
Follow up on my grapes that sold on eBay last week..... The buyer loves it and told me today he's bidding on two more for companions and hint, hint would like a "lemon." Guess I'd better go paint some lemons.

Joined at the Hip Olives daily painting

2011-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

I love painting olives. Some paintings are a struggle and some are a breeze. These olives were fun! I've painted these before, but was drawn to paint them again with a more muted color palette. When I first began painting I always worked from life. With the advent of digital photography and home printing I switched to working from photos. Painting from life feels more authentic. This time while using the photo as a composition reference I set out olives to view for color. It was great having the olive smell in the room. It made the painting feel more real. Upon completion I ate the olives...yum. Available at Daily Paintworks

Summer Treat daily painting

2011-07-08T11:34:00.001-07:00

Since Health Magazine lists McDonald's ice cream cone as a good lo-cal dessert at only 150 calories I think it's a good choice for a summer treat. "Summer Treat II" oil on canvas, 8 x 6" available at Daily Paintworks

18 paintings on display in government offices

2011-07-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Eighteen of my paintings have been selected for an art-in-public-places display. Two will be placed in CA State Senator Juan Vargas' 40th district Indio office..."Madison Street Produce" which is a vegetable stand in the district and "Hot as a Heartbeat" (Camaro). Sixteen other paintings representing various scenes and produce from the area will hang next door in the Enterprise Zone office. My work was chosen by Bill Schinsky the Director of ArtsOasis which is a non-profit, community-based initiative that promotes the visibility and growth of the creative communities in our area. I'm thrilled and honored to be selected for this display.

Gratitude daily painting

2011-07-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

I found an envelope in the street awhile ago filled with my neighbor's income tax papers. It had fallen off the roof of her car as she was on the way to the accountant. She was rather panicked, needless to say, and was so grateful I had found them that she sent me this lovely bouquet of flowers. Now, I'm the grateful one. "Gratitude" oil on canvas 8" x 10" available at Daily Paintworks

Rustic Roses daily painting

2011-07-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to loosen up and do work that's a bit less detailed. Many of the paintings that I really admire have extremely loose brushstrokes. Not as easy at it looks. Seems it takes a lot of effort to look effortless. One of my favorite quotes is Thomas Jefferson's "If I had more time I'd write shorter letters." I think that translates to painting, also :-} "Rustic Roses" oil on canvas 8"x 6" available at Daily Paintworks

Sunset Rose daily painting

2011-07-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is another that I started for a demo. Finally finished it yesterday. Feels good to complete work that has been waiting in the wings. I have a few more I will tackle this week. "Sunset Rose" watercolor on 300# Arches cold press, 11 x 9" available on my website DianeMorganPaints.com

Sunkissed daily painting

2011-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is my third sunflower in 10 days. I'm in the mood. Plus, the first one sold so maybe more will follow. Went back to the watercolor piece I had started in one of my demos and decided to finish it yesterday. Getting back to watercolor was like being with an old friend. Felt good. I was afraid for a minute that I might have forgotten how. So nice not to have to wear latex gloves or breathe paint fumes while painting as I do with my oils. "Sunkissed" watercolor on #300 Arches cold press, 9x9" available at Daily Paintworks

Sunworshippers daily painting

2011-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Some paintings are a breeze to paint. This was not one of them. Took forever. Some people just suggest a flower petal with one stroke. Me, I've gotta do it the hard way....outline the shape, put on base color, create the shadow, blend, highlight, rework, blend some more. One of these days I'll learn to paint faster. "Sunworshippers" 8 x 6" oil on gallery-wrap canvas available at Daily Paintworks.

Bougainvillea daily painting

2011-07-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

I just love have bougainvillea in my garden. I always feel like I'm on vacation in a tropical paradise. "Bougainvillea" 8 x 6" oil on gallery-wrap canvas available at Daily Paintworks auction

Jolly Geranium daily painting

2011-06-30T10:33:00.001-07:00

This is a piece I finished awhile ago, but giving it a second look felt I could do better. So, I spent a couple hours yesterday completely reworking it, putting in more detail and contrast. I have a few more that I want to redo. "Jolly Geranium" 8" x 6" oil on gallery-wrap canvas available at Daily Paintworks auction

Danger...Chocolate Ahead daily painting

2011-06-29T14:56:00.001-07:00

My latest daily painting. 6" x 8" Oil on gallery-wrap canvas. Available at Daily Paintworks auction

Three Amigos daily painting

2011-06-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

I so admire all those artists who create a painting everyday. It really takes a commitment. I sold 10 of the 11 paintings I posted on eBay last week. Thanks in part to some of you. Thank you! I did alright money-wise on most considering the bidding started at 1 cent. One lucky buyer got in just at the last minute and won the potato painting for one penny. They told me I could cancel the sale if I would prefer. I told them a deal is a deal. They are writing a book and asked if I would doodle something on the envelope. The book is about all the mail they receive with artwork on the envelopes. They got a mini little potato painting on the envelope. So, they got two paintings for one penny. Sorry penny bidders.... I'll be raising the starting bid :-} "Three Amigos" oil on canvas, 5-3/4" x 7- 7/8" available Daily Paintworks auction.

Sunshine and Sweets daily painting

2011-06-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

"Sunshine Sisters" today's daily painting. Took a break yesterday to go to the La Jolla Arts Festival. Great to see so many artist friends who also exhibit at the Indian Wells Arts Festival. Wonderful ocean breezes and a slight sunburn made it a great day. Got home in time to finish the sunflowers. "Sunshine Sisters" oil on canvas 10" x 8" SOLD and "The Happy Doughnut" 6" x 8" oil on canvas available at Daily Paintworks auction

Connect the Dots daily painting

2011-06-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Another cupcake...no calories. This one took forever. I say again that it is easier to paint larger. I could have easily done a 12" x 12" in the time this 6" x 8" took. Painting alla prima...all in one session....sometimes makes it difficult to add shading, etc. When the paint is still wet it's difficult to layer. When trying to darken an area the brush can actually pick up the underlying color and blend for a not-so-dark result. Tricky business this business of art. This piece is available at Richard Danskin Galleries in Palm Desert. Contact gallery to purchase. "Connect the Dots" Oil on gallery-wrap canvas, 8" x 6.

Rose on Top daily painting

2011-06-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

I painted this while watching "Cupcake Wars" They invented that show just for me. I just signed up for a new auction site created just for Daily Painters by Carol Marine. The charge is only 3% for sales compared to eBay's 9%. eBay is now even adding your shipping costs to the total amount they use to calculate the percentage. Carol is a very successful daily painter whose works sells daily for well over $150. You can see my auction here. To see other art in the auction click here. I think the quality of work is higher in general than eBay
"Rose on Top" oil on canvas 8" x 6"

Wrath of Grapes daily painting

2011-06-14T12:23:00.001-07:00

If you recognize these grapes it's because I redid a previous piece. I wasn't quite happy with the original so worked on it more. I'm going to do that with several pieces that I now feel could be better. The dragonfly was done on request. I didn't have a very good photo to work from so I'm not happy with it. Also, my smallest brushes for the detail just didn't have enough stiffness to paint a line. Very frustrating. I'm going to try another dragonfly later. For those of you who paint miniatures I applaud your detail work. I think it's much easier and maybe even faster to paint large. In studying how to be successful on eBay I've read that it's important to have the listing end at a time when most people are home. I'm listing at 6PM PDT so it's not too late for the east coast. It's also better to have the auction end on weekends, I believe. I'll probably limit my listings to Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. endings. SOLD For other work Click here to go to eBay auction

Two, Potato, Three ......one painting a day

2011-06-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm doing the daily paintings again. I so enjoyed it when I did them before. Don't know why I stopped. It's good to get the creative juices flowing and stir up some business. I'm listing them again on eBay at the scarily low listing price of $.01 ....Marketing articles I've read said it's a good way to get people to start bidding. It may result in some low sales at first, but eventually will pay off. Let's hope so :--) "Two Potato, Three" 5-3/4" x 7-7/8" oil on gallery-wrap canvas. To see the listings go here on eBAY

BMW commission

2011-05-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

Finished the BMW this morning. Now, I will put it aside for a few days and look at it with fresh eyes later. Helps to determine if anything needs tweeking. Hope my dentist likes it. Watercolor, 18" x 21" on Arches 300# cold press.

Would you like fries with that?

2011-05-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm Lovin' It. Free art with your Big Mac. With each food purchase you get a copy of the May newsletter with my oil "Big Mac and Fries" on the cover at the eleven Western Coachella Valley McDonalds.

Work-in-progress BMW commission

2011-04-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is a commission for my dentist....his cherished BMW. He took me for a 0-60 speed ride in an empty parking lot that scared the socks off me. FAST car! This is in exchange for two crowns. Dollar-wise a decent payment. However, for him that's about 4 hours work....for me maybe 30 hours. Oh well...I should have been a dentist. This is 18" x 21" watercolor on Arches 300#. I'm probably one-third done. Right now it kinda looks like a moonlight scene on the moon...many washes and details to go.

OvationTV art book Volume 11

2011-04-24T12:54:00.001-07:00

My oil "Just Glorious" was selected for the cover of the latest OvationTV art collection book. To preview and see my work on pages 28-29 click www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2123277 (The expanding arrow box, lower right corner will enlarge the book to full screen) The OvationTV Community is a wonderful online group where artists can share work and get feedback.

Big Mac with Fries

2011-04-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

I painted this for the owner of our local chain of eleven McDonald's restaurants. It will be on the cover of 150,000 newsletters coming out in May. Been awhile since I've had a Big Mac....yum, tasted pretty darn good. 12" x 12" Oil on canvas.

BLOSSOM Art of Flowers national tour

2011-04-08T11:10:00.001-07:00

Just found out that my "Raindrops on Roses" has been selected to be included in the National Tour of the BLOSSOM exhibit. Woohoo!
It will be shown at the following venues
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM ART INSTITUTE Tucson AZ April 30 - June 26, 2011
THE R.W. NORTON ART GALLERY Shreveport, LA July 12 - October 16, 2011
GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY Chicago, IL November 5 - December 31, 2011
ARTCENTER MANATEE Bradenton, FL January 18 - February 29, 2012
GREENACRES ARTS CENTER Cinicinnati, OH March 19 - May 20, 2012

Splash 13: Alternative Approaches

2011-03-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is my watercolor that got accepted into Splash 13..."Raindrops on Roses" 22" x 29." It's currently in the Blossom show at the Naples Museum in Florida. My feeling about what is "alternative" about this is that its closeup aspect verges on the abstract. Stephen Doherty even mentioned that to me at the Blossom reception. Splash sent out the complete list of accepted paintings this afternoon. Out of 115 people ten got two pieces accepted, two got three, and one got four....Thomas Schaller. He's quite the rising star...well, already risen I'd say. My dear friend Jane Freeman is also in the book with her wonderful piece "Monday's Wash."

Cactus Flower

2011-03-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

One more for the road.... "Cactus Flower" oil on canvas, 8" x 10" This will be the last one for a few days. I've got lots of prep work to do in the next 3 days getting all my art selected, matted, wired, more cards printed, signs made, price tags...all the many little details needed for a 3-day outdoor art show....Indian Wells Arts Festival, April 1,2,3.

Three new landscapes

2011-03-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Tranquility," "Trailhead" and "The Bridge." I may be painting landscapes, but I sure haven't seen the real outdoors for awhile....chained to my easel. Trying to beef up the inventory for next weekend's Indian Wells Arts Festival. I'll have to stop painting tomorrow as I need at least 5 days for the pieces to be dry enough to touch. They're all out in the sunroom with a fan blowing on them. Oil on canvas 8" x 10"

Splash 13: Alternative Approaches

2011-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

115 artists were selected to appear in Splash 13: Alternative Approaches This year’s winners were selected by Rachel Wolf and the team of judges from over 1600 beautiful watercolor entries. And.....drum roll please.....Diane Morgan and some of my friends (Jane Freeman and Tom Schaller) are on the list. The complete list is on the website at www.splashwatercolor.com
I will post the selected painting as soon as they notify me. I submitted two and don't know which one yet.

Allusions of Grandeur II

2011-03-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

My niece had commissioned me one Christmas to paint an acorn as a companion piece for a pine cone that I had painted for my sister. I took many photos prepping for the painting. I decided to paint one of the other arrangements and may paint several more.
"Allusions of Grandeur II" oil on canvas 6" x 8"

Evening Sun

2011-03-24T11:06:00.001-07:00

Here's the latest landscape. As you can see I took a little license from the reference photo. It's so much fun to just play and make things up....a little vacation from the very detailed drawings of my watercolors and working so tightly from a reference photo. For this I painted the entire canvas orange first and let it set overnight. I learned in a workshop with Elin Pendleton that a quick color wash before starting an oil eliminates having those annoying white spots showing through if you've not covered the canvas with enough paint. I really wanted the orange to show through as one would want the white to show through on a watercolor. Many of the daily painters do this with their quick studies that are so effective. Also, while the paint was still wet I was able to take a toothpick and a palette knife and scrap off areas to let the orange become an edge or a flower. "Evening Sun" 8 x 10" oil on canvas.

Painting of the Day

2011-03-23T10:49:00.004-07:00

"Strawberry Reflection" 6 x 8" oil on canvas. It's much easier to do landscapes. Much harder to tell if you make a mistake.

Another Day Another Sunset

2011-03-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Another little 8" x 10" oil on canvas. I actually finished this one yesterday, making two for the day. Who knows what today will bring. I forgot how much fun it is to do a daily painting. You can't wait to get up and get going knowing that you will actually finish a painting that day. There are many, many daily painters now.....thanks to Duane Keiser who started it all. He even now sells little 2 x 3" pieces that he calls oddments. He's up to number 237 of those and you have to preorder sight unseen to get one. The price of those is now up to $175 each. I believe I paid $125 for mine back at number 69. You can see those at his blog. Carol Marine is another big daily painting seller. You can see her daily's on her blog. Hers sell on eBay for over $200 each. That's a pretty nice little side income, I'd say. She also does larger work and teaches many workshops. Artists are pretty busy people.

Desert Sunset

2011-03-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I did a painting a day for 4 months. It was really quite energizing, though kept me from larger pieces. Those small 6 x 8" oils were some of my best sellers. I'm trying to do a few of them for the upcoming Indian Wells Arts Festival.
This one is 8" x 10" and just fell off the brushes. It was really fun to do something loose and quick. Let's see how disciplined I can be for the next 10 days.

Elevator Art

2011-03-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Elevator music is unobtrusive arrangements of popular songs that are designed to be played as background music. I say "elevator art" is unobtrusive art that people buy to fit in with their decor. When I look at model homes, etc. that seems to be what you see. No great masterpieces....just "decor art." I found these heavy wooden frames at a home decor store and thought I'd reuse them sans art. However, the art was permanently attached to the frames. Sooooo, I painted over the art with a gold metallic paint creating a basket weave pattern and then added the white flowers.
Sometimes elevator art is just the ticket to enhance a certain space rather than a "masterpiece" :-}

Golden Sunset

2011-03-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Fresh off the easel. I started this last year, but quit before I finished the mountains. I wasn't sure what to do with them. Still wasn't sure, but did them today anyhow. It's oil on gallery-wrap canvas 30" x 36" $1990 free shipping.

Art Auction for Japan Relief

2011-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am joining my artist friends who are auctioning their paintings, with all proceeds to go to the Japanese Red Cross. You may see the work of other painters who are participating by going to Art Auctions for Japanese Disaster Relief. Thanks to Iain Stewart for getting
this started

To place a bid, email me at dianem1111@aol.com -- please put Japan Art Auction in the subject line.

Bidding starts at $75. I will post bids as I receive them.

Bidding will close at 8 pm PDT on Wednesday, March 30 and the winner will be notified by email as soon as possible. Shipping included in the price.
At the close of auction I will place the painting with the winning bid price on my website www.dianemorganpaints.com and the winner can simply pay with Paypal.