Saturday, January 3, 2015

"Promise of a New Day" - Oils 8 x 10"
Today is Day 3.
 Skyscapes are one of my favorite things, 
and it seemed fitting to do this in oils. 
I enjoyed painting this, although I had a headache 
most of the day.  (By the time of completion it was gone!) Probably the hardest thing was taking the photo of it, those texture highlights near the edges.
About 3/4 finished I took the photo below,
 before final colors added & blended. 


Friday, January 2, 2015

DAY TWO PAINTING CHALLENGE

"Sunflower Jungle" acrylics 8 x 10"

After the Black and White of yesterday's work,
I am happy to use some of brightest colors
on today's work!


Thursday, January 1, 2015

30 PAINTINGS in 30 DAYS Challenge

Day #1
"Goldie" 6 x 7" acrylics on wood. 
..took me all day, part of which I babysat 2 grand-boys!
But at last: results!

Mine is #445; one of many that were uploaded onto this site today: http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/   
Stay tuned for more, 29 to be exact!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

HOW DOES MY GARDEN GROW?


stage Two

stage One
Last year I began a 30" x 30" canvas, not quite sure of end result, including composition. Using acrylics over texturizing with modeling paste, I mainly wanted a pleasant garden feeling.  Not  quite pleased with it, though had fun nonetheless.  I kept it on the easel roughly 4 months till finally satisfied and title is "Garden of My Heart".
Final Complete!


Sunday, September 21, 2014

LAST WAR DANCE


SOME roughly 25 + years ago I painted a huge picture of this American Indian dancer, complete with feather shields, ankle bells & the whole bit.  I happened to hate the thing and wondered: "what am I to do with this monstrosity?" (Was approx. 24 x 36")
 I was talked into doing it by my at-the-time controlling husband. 
It sat in my studio for years amongst other works, so I one day covered it over with another painting.

 Glad, though to still have this small photo of it.

Native Art by Karen Roncari

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

COSMIC WORKS in PROGRESS

Cosmic Works in Progress

TREASURE ISLAND  oils & goldleaf
  I was going to use my drawing table to "draw" but could not bear to disturb the pieces stored on top of it.  Guess I'll just use my lap for my sketchbook and sit on the couch.  One by one they will be finished. Meanwhile, got these all titled..  :)


NEW MOON  gessoes & charcoal

LUNA MOONA  oils

NEZ MOON  gessoes, pastels

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

PLEIN AIR in the PARK

"Lake Cadillac"  16 x 20 oils
edges painted black
Late in July after 4 sessions at the local
park I completed this oil; details done at home in the studio. As can be seen in photo I chose to exclude the dock and people fishing. These sessions were happened during Jazz In The Park on Thursday evenings, adding to the enjoyment I had while working on it and talking to friendly locals. 
Available through my Etsy shop.
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/182220399/landscape-plein-air-oil-painting?ref=shop_home_active_10
left upper detail
Lake Cadillac






Monday, August 12, 2013

SCIENCE In ART

Spirit Wind in progress
As of lately I have discovered a world of easy techniques for softening what I consider too-hard edges on an already painted surface.  The painting must be dry and totally matte [achieved with matte spray and/or brush-on matte medium], the soft pastels are applied and sprayed. The process can be repeated til desired results, then a final brush-on or troweled on varnish or glazing medium is needed.
Done only on my acrylic pieces so far, I discovered it works for oils too, as this one is. 
The jist of this revelation is: as long as it works, it can be done.  I shall not forget, however the panic experienced upon applying acrylics over oils! That was something that did Not work, and lesson not to be forgotten!