Blog

My Artist's Life

Some days my life is quite black and white, on other days my life is full of color.
Some days I'm a little flippant, and on others...it's just all business.

A huge thanks for contributing your thoughts.
Enjoy your visit,
Marsha

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8/16/2012

Summer's First Rose

Marsha Robinett / 8 Comments

Summer's First Rose
Watercolor on 300# Arches
7 x 11
Original Watercolor
$100
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Roses are always so intricate and inspiring. Their blooms seem to come on slowly and dazzle the garden with their beauty. I didn't quite capture the true color of this one but am pleased with the look. Actually it is a little more peach than it is pink.

I originally had a softer more illusive background in place. But decided to go with the darker background, I think the dark background really makes the image of the single rose pop off the paper. Did you notice the 'almost hidden' bud peaking out from behind the stem?

This painting went quite smoothly for a change and I was quite upbeat when I declared it 'finished' and added my signature.

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Song of Solomon 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (in Context)

8/6/2012 8:45:11 PM

Sunlit Tulips

Marsha Robinett / 11 Comments

Sunlit Tulips

Watercolor on 300# Arches
17 1/2 x 11 1/2
Original Watercolor

This is one of my most recent watercolors. Spring is in the air...I know it's a bit early to see tulips in bloom, at least here in central Illinois. Yet, I simply couldn't resist. This photo has been in my files for a couple of years now and I figured it was time to see if I could do it justice with a watercolor painting.

I was particularly attracted to the angle of the photo and the way the light and shadows played around on the petals. I will admit, the colors you see here are a tad more vibrant than my reference...but that is our option as artists isn't it? I felt the title Sunlit Tulips was appropriate.

I always thought I would use this reference photo for a drawing...I'm glad I held off and chose to do a watercolor instead.

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Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:23-25 (in Context)

5/7/2012 2:16:07 PM

An Artist Lost a Sale Today...was it you?

Marsha Robinett / 8 Comments

"Red Grapes and Crystal"

Original Watercolor - on paper

$150

Click Here..to learn more

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I may not purchase enough fine art to be called a "Collector"...but I do purchase original pieces for myself and as gifts.

I found the perfect piece today for a friend. THERE WAS NO PRICE LISTED...I will not chase an artist down to find out the price of their work.

True, the price if listed, could have been more than I wanted to spend and the sale would have been lost anyway...but don't make me contact you and wait for an answer and don't make me embarrass my self if the price is more than I can afford. Pricing your work allows me to make this decision before I contact you.

Think about it. If you were car shopping and found what you thought to be the perfect vehicle...Would you want to chase down a salesman and then wait for him to contact you with the price.

How about those new shoes or the jacket you found at the boutique. Lets just say that the clerk said she would have to contact her boss to find out the price and would send you an email in a day or so.

Tell me, is this the way you would like to shop? The situation here is no different. If you are in the retail business...and want to sell your art...pleeeeease put a price on it.

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Do you still question whether you should post your prices? Are you having difficulty setting your prices? Check the links below.
Clint Watson's FineArtViews Blog..
Would You Buy Now without Knowing the Price?
A Pricing Question
Guidelines to Pricing Art

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FINAL THOUGHT: Will posting prices increase your sales? I can only say this...today, it would have increased the sales of one artist in particular. Were you that artist?

Just so you know, I'm still shopping for that gift for my friend.

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

2/1/2011 8:05:10 PM

Thinking Spring..."ok, I know it's a tad early but tired of snow"

Marsha Robinett / 7 Comments

African Violets

This is one of the latest from my "little paintbox". Yes, I've been splashing the paint around again. My framer is getting ready to do her Spring and Summer window. I paint and she frames and displays...a great relationship.

African Violets always remind me of my Grandmother. I remember how she would start new plants from a single leaf. I found the whole process quite fascinating as a child. When the plants were mature and had blooms...she would carefully wrap the pot in colorful cloth scraps and present them to others as gifts.

She took such care of them...and of course had all these little secret potions. I never learned what she put in the water and certainly did not inherit her green thumb.

African Violets

Original Watercolor
$125.00
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1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (in Context)

8/22/2010 10:57:09 PM

Lemons in Blue

Marsha Robinett / 7 Comments

I've been a painting fool of late. My blog and my newsletter have both suffered. As most of you know I'm under the gun to get 60 pieces together for my show in November. The creative juices seem to be flowing and need to make good use of it while it lasts.

Lemons in Blue was painted earlier this summer and framed before I could get a good photo. Actually, if totally honest I was going to throw it away because I didn't think it was good enough. Everyone had a fit so I said "fine, frame it and we will see what happens." Well...guess what, It sold this week and my framer kindly removed it from the frame so I could get this shot.

As any artist, I'm always excited when a piece sells...but at the moment the word 'sold' has a double edge to it. Between now and November, when a piece sells it means I need to paint another to replace it.

The moral of the story...don't judge your art so harshly.

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John 8:15
You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.
John 8:14-16 (in Context)

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7/31/2010 11:34:35 AM

An Afternoon at the Races

Marsha Robinett / 3 Comments

Christina Xamis

Watercolor on paper
7.5 x 10

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait
_________________________

My First Watercolor Portrait... The photo used for this painting was actually given to me to use as reference for a commissioned pencil drawing. I thought it was a perfectly captured moment in time. Christina and a friend were on a European Holiday and took in the horse races...fancy hats and all.

Her friend took this photo as Christina learned her horse had just won the race. You can see the racing card and pen still in her hand and you can almost feel her spontaneous surprise and excitement. Christina has the most beautiful eyes...and yes, all those lashes are hers.

Stepping out into a new medium or technique is always a bit scary. Our 'comfort zone' is secure place to live but stretching our wings to reach for new heights is always an emotional trip. It's easy to become complacent when we are comfortable and confident in what we do. Art is no different...doing something different shows us what we are made of or NOT.

I've 'dabbled' in watercolor over the years and laid it down for the more familiar pencil work that comes naturally. I made a pact with myself to 'whip' this illusive medium this year and feel I made a real dent in getting there with this portrait. Still a long ways to go but am pleased with the progress.

I've been antsy of late to try a watercolor portrait. One of my big challenges with watercolor is to not always try to control it. I keep wanting to correct those little watercolor mishaps...you know, the stuff that makes watercolors beautiful. (it must be the realistic pencil artist residing inside me). It's really difficult to just walk away from the painting and QUIT..before I muddy it up.

*You can see a larger version of this watercolor portrait in My Little Paint Box collection

For my first portrait I'm happy...only hope I can do another one before I forget what I did here:)

Christina's parents and their family are out of town on a holiday of their own and have not yet seen this painting yet. If they want, I will still do a pencil drawing...in fact I may do one anyway as my pencils have been screaming at me for some time now.

In closing: I would encourage you to not become too comfortable in what you do. Don't be afraid to 'step out' and try something a little different. It doesn't need to be a new medium...how about just a new subject for starters?

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Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:10-11

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6/27/2010 10:12:54 AM

New Watercolor...Last of my Floral Collection

Marsha Robinett / 7 Comments

This Pink Gladiolus has been sitting in my file for sometime...just waiting it's turn. The painting has quite a story behind it or perhaps had "quite a story ON it".

I had just about finished the painting when a friend stopped by with her 3 year old granddaughter. Her granddaughter had to go 'potty' and since the bathroom is just across from my studio grandma and I went in to admire my latest painting.

Grandma had coffee and was standing a couple of feet back so as not to take a chance of spilling anything. All the sudden...the bathroom door flew open and in came Jessy...running full force and grabbed grandma by the legs.

What happened next was like a slow motion movie. The coffee cup went up...coffee flew into the air...and on to the painting. She was mortified. I wasn't happy but truly think I felt worse for her than for me. I took the painting immediately to the sink and rinsed it. Even at that I lost a good third of the painting.

I let the painting sit for a week...pondering what could be done with it. I cut off the worst damage on the right and fiddled with what remained until I had what you see now. The background was much lighter but for the most part, what I have here is good. Love the large flower...there were two more to the right and a couple of buds.

Oh well, a lesson learned...keep a closer eye on children when in the studio. It was such a child like happening who could really be mad at anyone. Grandma WAS standing cautiously back and Jessy....she did what children do...ran to give her grandma a hug.

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1 Peter 1:24
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,
1 Peter 1:23-25 (in Context)

4/20/2010 6:47:14 AM

Lilly and Friends

Marsha Robinett / 6 Comments

Lilly and Friends
Watercolor on 300# Arches
9.5 x10.5
Original Watercolor
$100
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Lilly and Friends is one of the latest of the 'floral collection' I'm putting together for my framer's window. I found this photo in my photo collection, it's been there a while...just waiting to be painted! I really enjoyed this one. The colors are rich and vibrent, standing out against the dark background.

I painted the background a bit differently...using a 'lifting technique'. I first applied the dark greens then when completely dry painted clear water where I wanted the 'hint' of foliage...laid a paper towel on top and applied pressure. This process lifted off just enough color to indicate the leaves you see here in the background. I then added a bit of 'yellow'...presto, we have leaves.

I hope to soon have pictures of the window display...they really outdid themselves this time. It is so rewarding to see such a display with all my paintings hanging so beautifully framed.

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Song of Solomon 2:12
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (in Context)

Read More

3/14/2010 3:32:23 PM

Spring Blossoms...new watercolor

Marsha Robinett / 4 Comments

This is the latest from 'My Little Paint Box'... my framer is getting ready to do her spring window so trying feverishly to get some new spring inspired watercolors done. Spring Blossoms is just one of two done thus far. This photo was taken of a tree in bloom...I wish I knew what kind of tree it was. I couldn't find out then and still have no idea!

The photo is fairly accurate except for the left side. There are subtle leaves within the dark background that the camera just did not capture. You can see more of my watercolors in "My Little Paint Box" collection on my website.

On a different subject...I have a HEALTH UPDATE:

I'm not going into detail...but I have been 'issue free' for 14 days now. I'm believing that I'm on the mend. This has been a long ordeal (almost a year)...I feel like for the first time in months I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I just want to say thank you for the encouraging emails and prayers. God does listen and does answer if we just believe.

Bless you for caring,
Marsha

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Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:23-25 (in Context)

1/11/2010 9:02:02 AM

Just Thinking...what can I do next?

Marsha Robinett / 5 Comments

"Grandma's Boy"

Watercolor on Paper

8x7

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait

_________________

This is Wil...the first grandson of one of my friends. I'm not sure this is quite as good as my last watercolor portrait. It seems a tad overworked in a couple of places yet it does resemble him nicely.

Will has the most beautiful little 'pursed' mouth and gorgeous hazel eyes. There was so many colors in his eyes that it was hard to get them all in. I really struggled with his hair...you know me and my thing for detail. I almost blew it here!!

*You can see a larger version of this Watercolor Portrait in My Little Paint Box Collection

Anyway...here it is, one more portrait for you to take a look at. Enjoy

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Psalm 37:25
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Psalm 37:24-26 (in Context)

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1/10/2010 11:05:12 PM

Red Apples with Green Grapes

Marsha Robinett / Comment on this

"Red Apple with Green Grapes"

Watercolor on 300# Arches
7 x 8.5

Original Watercolor
$65.00
Free Shipping
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Secure Purchase...with PayPal
____________________________

This is my latest watercolor effort. When I say Effort, it was a definitely an effort because of my paper choice. I ordered a 'sample' package of watercolor paper and this was one of the rough sheets. I've never worked on rough watercolor paper before...don't think it was really suitable for this subject. Perhaps it would be better suited for landscape or perhaps architecture.

As you can see, I'm working on those dark backgrounds again. Each time it comes out a little better. As usual, the colors don't show up great here. The background looks rather flat in color here, when in fact it has many subtle colors in it.

My biggest challenge with this 'rough' paper was trying to get smooth edges and make the surfaces appear shiny...I decided that this paper would probably be better when you want to show more texture.

*To see a larger version of this commissioned portrait visit "My Little Paint Box" collection.

So...anyway, up for critique here.

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John 15:4
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:3-5 (in Context)

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7/26/2009 5:58:28 PM

The Arrangement

Marsha Robinett / 3 Comments

"The Arrangement"

Watercolor on paper...9 1/2 x 15

This is another one for the 'wine window' my framer is doing in August. I attended a wedding some time ago where the wine for each table was incorporated into the center piece. It was really quite well done.

Each table had two bottles of wine and a cork screw was included in the grouping along with the grapevines you see and an assortment of grapes. I took lots of photos and combined them for this painting. I wanted kind of a misty illusive background and am pleased with that...but as usual the subtle colors are not showing up well.

Hope to get one more done in time for framing.

The weather is beautiful here today. Should be painting but think I'm going to take my camera and go for a bike ride.

See you later and thanks for stopping by.

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John 2:9
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside
John 2:8-10 (in Context) Read More

7/22/2009 6:45:45 AM

After the Wine

Marsha Robinett / 4 Comments

"After the Wine"

Watercolor on paper...8x10

Here's another for the wine display coming up in August at Serendipity Framing. This one I REALLY like:) Please excuse me if I sound overjoyed with my last two pieces. I have struggled with watercolor for so long. Much longer than any of you realize.

I have walked away from the easel, beaten up, battered and 'emotionally' bruised so many times....swearing NEVER to paint again. Then my eye would catch a painting, sure enough it would be a watercolor. I just couldn't get past the desire to take control of this illusive medium.

For years now, I would pull out my pallet periodically, mess around a little....sometimes with a project in mind sometimes just playing with the colors. I would read books, watch DVD's. (Oops...watercolor started beating me up before DVD's existed.) THAT'S HOW LONG IT'S BEEN.

It's just great to finish a painting and actually still enjoy looking at it the next day!

So, here it is. I welcome your opinions and thank you for your continued encouragement.

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Isaiah 55:1
[ Invitation to the Thirsty ] "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Isaiah 55:1-3 (in Context) Read More

7/20/2009 12:55:03 AM

New Watercolor..."Hidden Inspiration"

Marsha Robinett / 2 Comments

Hidden Perfection

7x9 1/2 watercolor on paper

This is my latest watercolor painting and this time I am pleased. I just wish the colors were a little more accurate in the photo...going to have to work on that some (in my free time).

My framer and dear friend...has these wonderful huge display windows and is doing a 'Wine' themed window for August-September. I hope to get a couple more pieces done before the end of the month. After the 'Sea Shell' fiasco...I considered putting away my paints! Soooooo glad I didn't.

I promise, when the window is done I will post pictures. As always...I'm open to critique. I know it is difficult from the photo. The original has stronger burgundy tones on the leaves and grapes. There is even some in the background that seemed to 'take' more purple in the photo.

My camera will do a 'custom white balance'. If I have time I'll try to set that up next time. Love my camera...the lens is great at capturing detail. I think it's the lighting that's throwing off the color.

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John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-6 (in Context) Read More

7/4/2009 1:34:49 PM

OK...you've seen the good, here's the bad

Marsha Robinett / 3 Comments

"Just a Shell...of what he used to be"

This is my painting from last weekend. I'm not happy at all and wasn't going to post it but figured failure is part of the process. Someday perhaps when I look back...this one photo will show me how far I came. How's that for a positive start to the day.

Drawing is easy and natural for me and was from the start. Watercolor just beats me up. I think I try to control it too much instead of letting it do it's thing.

Anyway, here it is. Off to a new painting for this weekend. Hopefully it will turn out better.

Have a great July 4th and many blessings.

Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Read More

6/22/2009 11:05:39 AM

Mother's Pearls

Marsha Robinett / 2 Comments

..Mother's Pearls..
Watercolor on paper

What a challenge...I actually through away the first attempt at this painting. Second time around I got a little smarter by doing a few small practice paintings of the pearls and and the background before getting into the 'real' painting. Even at that, this was a real struggle.

The photo colors aren't real accurate and the highlights on the pearls are more subdued. I did a wash on them when I was done and scrubbed the edges to soften. The camera just wouldn't pick up these subtle changes.

My framer is doing her summer window in a beach theme this year...this painting will be part of the display. I hope to get a couple more done but time is getting short.

She has been a real blessing...framing and displaying my work (not charging me until it sells). All my other water colors have sold this spring except two. How good is that?

Anyway, here's my latest...open for critique.

3/22/2009 7:08:38 PM

First Colors of Spring

Marsha Robinett / 9 Comments

...First Colors of Spring...

Watercolor on paper 7x10

Here is another look at my progress with watercolor. I actually took the photo last summer at a friends house with the idea of using it for a drawing. Every painting is a 'new' struggle. I'm still 'fiddling' too much...in my fiddling, I'm loosing highlights. The background is a little darker and the leaves not quite as prominent as they show here. Yet, the colors of the tulips are fairly accurate...interesting.

I've always wanted to do really 'loose' watercolors...I think I'm stuck on the detail. When you figure I came from drawing, I guess it's only natural. So...I guess I'm going to quit fighting it and settle for the realistic style of watercolor you see here. Maybe I can loosen up later.

When walking in my own garden this week I noticed that my tulips were bursting through the ground. It always fascinates me...once they stick their heads up, it's like they grow in front of your eyes. My tulips aren't nearly this pretty. Possibly because my flower garden doesn't get the care it should.

My friend is a 'master gardener'...I just love visiting (with my camera) and sitting on the patio with a glass of wine. She doesn't even have mosquitoes! We have a deal...she provides the wine, the grill, and the 'extras'...and I bring the steak. Such a deal. We get together several times during the summer months. She is just as a good a cook as she is a gardener.

I'm open for critique...I look forward to your comments Read More

3/14/2009 10:37:14 PM

Saturday's Watercolor..."Standing Together"

Marsha Robinett / Comment on this

...Standing Together...
Watercolor 140# Arches

Well guys, I'm posting this only because I said I would. The painting does look a little better than the photo. The background and foreground are fairly accurate. The cherries are considerable brighter when looking at the actual painting.

This painting is waaaaaay different than the first ones I did. I've seen the really dark backgrounds used and liked the contrast...obviously I need more practice at this. It looks a little muddy here, but when looking at the original...I think that is actually one thing I managed to avoid.

Obviously...unlike many of you thought, I have not found my 'style' yet:(

One lesson (of many) learned here...Friskit does not last 10 years! I had planned to use friskit on the stems so I could do smoother washes on the background. Got my brush all soaped up and when I opened the friskit jar...it was a mucky mess. Absolutely unusable.

Trying to paint this dark around those skinny stems did not give the look I wanted.

I also REALLY had a difficult time staying out of this one...it is definitely overworked in a few places. I learned that I had to have more paint on my brush than I expected or the painting lightened up on me. And, if I used the paint too thick (not enough water) it tried shiny!

I wish the cherries popped in the photo like they do on the original...they're actually the coolest part of the painting. I'm going to also have to learn how to do a little better on my photo editing.

Anyway...I'm open for critique and advise. I look forward to your opinions. Read More

3/9/2009 9:39:56 PM

I've Been Unfaithful...to my first love

Marsha Robinett / 2 Comments

I cleared my drawing table, put away my pencils...and got out my watercolors, brushes, and paper. As I neatly placed my drawing stuff on the shelf and closed the door...I did feel just a little 'unfaithful' to the thing I love, but I did promise to return.

I started trying to paint water color maybe 10 years ago and my instructor stressed so strongly the importance of drawing and composition and being able to 'see' light and shadow that I laid the watercolors down and took a drawing class. The drawing class rekindled my childhood love...and you know the rest.

I've written often in my comments on other blogs and in the things I write here that I am a "watercolor want-a-be". I have never lost my desire to conquer 'watercolor'...I'm always drawn to the medium as I look at your websites and blogs.

OK...you said you wanted to see. I wasn't going to post anything until I was satisfied but thought my 'journey' might be an inspiration to others who want to try a new medium.

My love is of course Portraits and Still Life...and would love to someday be able to paint some street scenes. Yet I chose to start with flowers because I thought they would be less complicated and help me practice the layering of colors and once again learn my pallet.

I probably struggle most with watercolor styles that I like and what I am able to do now. I'm not a patient person and very critical of my work. Right now...I tend to rework too much and wow, staying away from the wet areas was a challenge. In my drawings I start on one side of the paper and move to the other...this jumping around to stay out of the wet areas so the paint didn't run together was a challenge.

My plan is to paint again next weekend. Most likely more of the same 'simple' subjects. I'm still trying to learn my pallet and get a feel for the process.

Be kind. Remember '"I'm still just a watercolor want-to-be"....with much to learn.

Sincerely...I'm very open to critique and would love to here what you have to say. This is a learning process and I'm no where near where I want to be.

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques