Sun Kissed Cottage

This is a commission that will end up being one of two house paintings that will be a gift. I have to say I really like how this one has turned out and it really is better in person.

Sometimes,in those early stages of a painting, I often wonder how this mess of paint strokes will ever come together to look like something. Most of the time they do and we have a painting. Even I am amazed at how I manage to pull it off.

And then there are the other times. Like this morning. As I was sitting on my porch I became fascinated with the way the morning light was coming through the leaves and hitting the branches of the tree, so I ran in and hauled out my paint gear and set to painting. well.... this time the mess stayed a mess - three times. I wiped it.(3 times) Plein Air painting is hard. For one, I feel like I am always in a race to finish before everything changes. Between the light changing, the wind blowing everything around and the complicated perspective I chose, it just wasn't meant to be, although it really makes me even more determined to find the right approach for achieving success. While I love the idea of it, I seem to spend a lot of time with no material results - at least none that I would show. I know it will certainly help me grow as an artist but I do find it difficult, frustrating and glorious all at the same time.

Sun Kissed Cottage
8x10 oil on canvas panel
SOLD

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©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

'Geranium Glow' - oil painting of Geranium

As I sat on my deck the other night I couldn't help but notice how the sun made this geranium just glow. It just begged to be painted and I couldn't resist.

Geranium Glow
8x6 oil on canvas panel


Thanks for your visit!
©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Lovely Lily

I've been sitting here for several minutes trying to come up with something insightful and profound to say - I guess it ain't happenin'. That's the way it goes sometimes.

What I can say to all of you who visit, comment, look and read this...is Thank You. I really do appreciate you taking the time to do so. It means a lot.

Lovely Lily
6x8 oil on canvas panel
$135 + $12 S/H

Let me know if you just have to have this one!
©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Bohn's Point - Lake Minnetonka plein air

This is my 2nd painting form Saturday's outing. The view across the bay of Bohn's Point om Lake Minnetonka. Being at the lake reminds me of childhood vacations. We would make the annual drive in the station wagon from Dayton Ohio to Minnesota to visit my aunt and uncle and cousins. We would spend the week at the lake camping, fishing, rides in the boat. Eventually my family moved here because they loved it so much. My grandparents eventually followed and there were many visits to their lake home in the Brainerd area. The smells of the lake always bring back those memories - that odd mixture of lake and boat motors - I now cringe when I think of what goes into the water with all the motors, but it always brings back those sweet memories.

Bohn's Point Plein air
8x16 oil on canvas panel


Please contact if interested in purchase.
Thanks for your visit.
©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Joyous Perfection

This weekend was wonderful. One of those times where I felt I was very much in alignment with the vision of my life as an artist. Among other things in the last three days, I spent Saturday painting with the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota. We painted at Noremburg Gardens on Lake Minnetonka. Even though I am a member I really haven't gone to the paint outs too much. It was great, connecting with and getting to know some new artists, knocking out two paintings that I feel pretty good about, chatting with passersby and even a little show and tell in the parking lot with a couple who happened to ask about the group. Weather wise we couldn't have had a better day and as I painted all day overlooking the lake I couldn't help but feel grateful for this joyous perfection. To absolutely know you are doing the thing that you are meant to be doing. I accomplished a lot this weekend, finished three paintings, started a commission, sold three more to a collector who just bought two a couple weeks ago, got those ready for shipping, designed, printed and delivered some last minute promotional cards for a shop that just recently started showing my paintings and found them displayed prominently where everyone is sure to see them. As james Brown would say..."I feel good...." you know what I mean?

Morning Light, Plein Air Nuremburg Gardens
8x6 oil on canvas panel

Contact me for purchase. Thanks for your visit!
©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Raven Flight - raven painting

One of my favorite subjects. I like how this turned out. The edges of orange surrounding the bird against the sky gives it an energetic aura and sense of magic to it. That's what I see anyway.
This is inspired from some fabulous photos taken by Ontario photographer Paul Lantz who kindly gave me permission to use his photos for reference. Thanks Paul.

Raven Flight
10 x 20 oil on canvas
$300 + $15 S/H

Please contact me if interested in purchase. kirkeeide@mac.com
Thanks for your visit!

©Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Boston

Could these last two posts be anymore unrelated??
As you can tell I like a variety in my subjects. Keeps me on my toes and keeps it interesting. I found this face at a local art fair and couldn't resist. My versions of Boston Terriers end up looking a bit like a caricature, but they are so happy and full of personality I think it somehow catches their spirit. And how can you not look at that face and smile?

Boston
6x8 oil on stretched canvas
SOLD


Thanks for your visit!
©2008 Deb Kirkeeide. all rights reserved.