A Facebook (and real) friend of mine invited me to be part of “A Painting a Day 10-Day Challenge.” I jumped in. (If there was anybody else doing it, I never knew.)

Each day I posted the work of that day. There was no prize; the reward was the responses, the “Likes,” “Comments,” and sometimes “Shares.” It became somewhat interactive, always good for an artist working pretty much in isolation.

And, it provided at least a general sense of of what’s most appealing among my endeavors, always a curiosity.

So, for your interest (and possibly your own comment) here is a review . . . given in order of popularity, from 1st place to 10th-place winner.

Also, see info at the bottom about the next Facebook blast, and how to know about it.

You can click on each picture to enlarge.

Day 9
130 Likes
38 Comments

Us and the Bus, oil on canvas, 12”x16.”
It’s unusual subject matter for me, and I wasn’t sure it was good; but this one, posted on the second last day, received the most acclaim.

Day 1
135 Likes
22 Comments

Alstroemerias Red, oil on masonite, 12”x16.”
Sometimes, as here, I showed close-ups, small here, but large on FB, adding to the intrigue. (See the actual flowers, top right.)

Day 6
84 Likes
10 Comments

Senegal, oil on canvas, 24”x18.”
Stages of progression were included with this one, as well as a view of the studio, which proved popular. Lots of facial color here.

Day 4
78 Likes
4 Comments

Einstein, three takes. The drawing served two purpose as my other blog, Blank Slate, featured Einstein and his imagination that day.

That blog is here. It’s a separate mailing list with some overlap. My current theme is “Wonder,” in very succinct essays. If you’d like it you can subscribe on the blog itself (and unsubscribe).

Day 10
74 Likes
7 Comments

Daylilies, oil on canvas, 16”x12,” with stages of progression.
I ended the challenge as I began it, with a floral, emotionally charged, both from what Anne had brought home, “essential,” from Trader Joe’s.

Day 3
66 Likes
3 Comments

Lonely Night, oil on panel, 8”x10.”
Romantic, moody, and very feminine. For all that, I chose to do it almost exclusively with palette knife, adding to the challenge. And the look.

Day 7
59 Likes
6 Comments

Nice Earrings, 10″x8″ and Light from Window, 9″x12,” both in oil.
Again, though faces are smooth, my self-challenge was to do them with palette knife only, in these cases, working small.

Day 5
54 Likes
14 Comments

Beached Boats, oil on panel, 11”x14.”
I did two versions of this (only one shown here), this first in palette knife, the second, less rough and lighter sky, inviting comments for preference. The result was pretty much a tie.

Day 8
51 Likes
2 Comments

Flamenco Poised, acrylic and oil on canvas, 60”x27.”
A new rendition of an earlier work of mine, selected to be included at the new “Inn at the Mission” in San Juan Capistrano, opening soon.

Day 2
35 Likes
1 Comment

Tall Guy, oil on foam core, 12”x9.5.”
There was some confusion on how this one got posted, possibly throwing off the responses. I still give it a 10th place winning, rather liking it myself.

The whole 10-day experience was fun. I challenged myself in some new ways, and hearing back from people made it all the better. Staying connected; it’s important.

I’m glad to be connected with you.

.

Virtual Gallery Visits

Anne and I will be posting our art with some regularity on Facebook. Maybe we’ll call it, “Gallery Visits.” Seems fitting for the times, when people aren’t getting out much, and galleries are closed in any case. For the daily glance, friend me on Facebook here.

My Other Blog

Blank Slate is my writing blog (often also with art). It’s a separate mailing list, so if you’re not getting it, take a look, or sign up here. Either way, you’ll be welcome.

Storm be Still

For another look at the short video with the big wave, posted last time, it’s on YouTube here: Storm be Still. Always relevant.