by Mickey Baxter-Spade on March 7, 2010
Grapevine Embellishment Over Arched Door
Grapevines close-up
One sunny afternoon I was designing a new note card when I received a call from a client who had purchased a loft in a downtown Denver sky rise. He had no idea what subject matter he wanted, just something painted over the arched entry door to the wine cellar.
Although the expansive loft had no furnishings, at that time, the floors, walls and contemporary cabinetry were finished. The views of the city were spectacular. Based solely on the style of cabinets and moldings and having no fabric samples it was risky to choose colors with so little to go on but my client wanted it finished in about four days so my gut feelings would have to suffice. I had painted another home for him so he trusted I would come up with the right look.
The ten foot ceilings were accented by deep mahogany crown molding ten inches wide which had a smooth, graceful profile. The massive ceilings and room sizes warranted an over-sized design. One and one half inch grapes and large eight inch leaves would add a ton of character to the area. My sense was that stylized grapevines would suit the area better than something realistic/traditional.
Arched Wine Cellar Door
Seldom do I use opaque colors on walls, except to afford me a white background for my painting elements. Over the years I have found that working in four to ten translucent layers of color offers much more depth to the design. These walls were light enough that I didn’t need to base coat with white. This also saved an enormous amount of time.
Bumble Bee on Grape leaf
by Mickey Baxter-Spade on February 24, 2010
A Curious Cat Mural
Trompe L’oeil in french means ‘to fool the eye’. In small rooms it can make the area feel larger than it actually is. This mural was painted in a laundry room. Directly below the mural sat the family dog’s dish which makes this even more fun.
Curious Cat, mat opening 10.5" x 8", $49
Outside this window is a flower garden, pines and hardwood trees. The windows are slightly open allowing for fresh air and, as it seems, a black and white, green-eyed cat has found it’s way in. You never know what kind of critter might find it’s way through an open window in Colorado Springs. (OK, you are going to have to use your imagination here)
Fortunately the cat moves gingerly enough that it didn’t disturb the hanging fern or the potted tulips on the window sill. The woodwork for the window matched the woodwork in the rest of the home.
This artwork can be ordered ready for framing/$49 or as note cards/Box of 8 for $15.
I don’t give a lot of technical information when I write these blogs but I am willing to share info on technique, composition, colors, paints or any other inquiries you might have. Just drop me a line in the comment box.
by Mickey Baxter-Spade on February 10, 2010
Wildflowers in Watercolor
I’ve seen it a thousand times but today it’s different. It is as though I see each delicate snow flake falling gracefully onto the already snow-dusted ground. A foggy haze covers the city views. It looks so pristine, even the deer haven’t sauntered by to leave their tracks in the snow.
Today is different because late last night I finished a commissioned painting. After turning off the fireplace and the lights I retired for the evening with a cup of tea, a glass of water and paper and pen in hand to do some Mind Mapping before drifting off to sleep. If you are interested in knowing more about Mind Mapping check out business writer Daphne Grey-Grant’s website.
What made this morning so special are the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction we all strive for as well as the anticipation of beginning my next painting. Part of preparing for 2010 was deciding on a painting schedule and actually planning what I would be painting each month. These plans are not written in stone and that’s a good thing because a couple of weeks ago I had a vivid dream of a painting I feel compelled to paint. Upon awakening that morning I did a quick sketch of what had come to me in my dream - even the title was clear. Today I will set that into motion by ordering a custom stretched canvas. More to come on that. All I will say now is, believe it or not, the subject is not flowers.
However, the watercolor I finished last night is of wildflowers. Columbines and poppies in a grassy outdoor setting with a bug and my infamous bumble bee partially hidden from site on one of the columbines.
Portion of "Among the Wild Flowers", Columbines & Poppies in watercolor, finished size before framing is 24.5" x 18.5"
This painting was commissioned by a client who has purchased other paintings from me but this was different in that she requested a painting to coordinate to her living room in color and size. My client is a dear friend who loves the out-of-doors and she has beautiful gardens surrounding her home. So considering her surroundings and the colors in her living room Columbines and Poppies seemed appropriate.
Do you have a favorite wildflower? I’m open to ideas for more wildflower paintings.
