February 15, 2013 MB Challenge 'Hat'

Wow! Once a month blog...tearing up the cloud sphere, for sure! Actually I've been acclimating to Twitter. Still haven't 'gotten' it yet.

This month's theme was 'Hat', chosen by Diana Moses Botkin. This little photo came to mind, and I thought I could whip it out. THAT's what I get for thinking...took 3 times longer than anticipated, and after it dries it may get another session. Don't ever think that just because a piece of art is small that it takes much less time. You'd be very wa-wrong. 

Suzanne is taking a short break this month, so it is just Diana and me. We've all gotten so much benefit from the once-a-month schedule that we're reluctant to quit. Some months we've all experienced the challenge being what gets us back in the painting groove...and that, my friends, is the name of the game!

ps: if anyone is interested in a very low key challenge that is always very fresh and fun, get in touch with Diana

"Mimi in the Red Hat"

12x6" Oil on Panel

© V.N.Ross

"Sound in the Ravine" 

Oil sketch 12"x9" 

©2013 Diana Moses Botkin 

January 15, 2013! MB challenge

I can hardly believe it is halfway through January already. Our challenge group started by Diana Moses Botkin still keeps chugging along. The current 3 of us are reluctant to give it up because it provides some semblance of structure to our studio time...and in many cases over the past few years has given us reason to even go into our studio!

This month was my choice, and it is...ta-daaa...Sunlit Space. Thought that sounded bright and happy for good thoughts in the middle of winter.

"Exhibition Hallway Late Afternoon"

12x6" Oil on Panel

© V.N.Ross

"Light" 

Oil on canvas, 6"x6" 

©2013 Suzanne Berry

"Party Balloon"
Original framed oil 8"x6"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin