Talking With My Paintbrush

Juicy Couture

2010-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of the largest watermelons in my garden, (so far) get their portrait painted! Lots of green..maybe too much. I can't wait to taste!
The side view shows what I'm doing to the wood panels. I love the look of the gold leaf...kind of distressed.

Not Quite Ready

2010-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I struggled with this a little. So much was going on in the background with all the leaves and vines. Finding a focal point was a challenge. I hope I was able to achieve it. The best part is: the tomatoes were so delicious in my omelette!

Summer is Bittersweet but I'm in a "Gardening Mood"!

2010-07-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

This Summer has been bittersweet for those of us who live on the Gulf Coast. The oil spill still hasn't been capped and our summer fun has been dampened by this tragedy.
I just returned from Orange Beach to celebrate the 4th of July, and it's hard to realize the Gulf Coast cities have been hit hard because the traffic was just terrible!! People were all along the beach, the pools were crowded and the Wharf was buzzing with locals and tourists! Yes, it's a good thing!
Getting back to the reason for this blog update: I've been gardening to help curb my urge to garden and to give me a painting subject! I had no idea that would happen, but my garden has given me a plethora of painting material along with ingredients for great, healthy meals. Tomatoes, Squash, Basil and Watermelon.... Amazing!
Pumpkins are on their way, so still lifes in September and October are SET!
One more little update: I've decided to put my paintings in the Fairhope Artist's Gallery on Section St. starting the month of August. Great people watch over the little gallery and it's a buzzing place for tourists! Wish me luck!

Painting of this little guy coming soon!

Grape tomatoes

Song of Songs 2:12

2010-03-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Song of Songs 2:12 oil on panel 4x4

This small painting was a Spring blessing! I usually do not paint this small, but I thought a field of poppies would be an enjoyable change for me. The shadows of the white poppies were very interesting and placing the details into the background made me use my tiniest brushes, but it was fun! I might do it again, but a little bigger next time.

I found a verse I thought fit perfectly with the painting:

"Flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves

is heard in our land."

Song of Songs 2:12

Too Small to Ride

2010-03-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Too Small to Ride 40x30 oil sold

Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore for Thomas Hospital, Fairhope AL

When the Junior Auxiliary commissioned me to paint a pasture scene for their children's waiting room in Thomas Hospital, I felt honored and excited! I knew it had to be serene and calming, with an equestrian "feel" without actually painting a horse! I could've taken many different routes to achieve the goal, but my heart told me to "take little Ladd and go outside". That's exactly what I did! In my front yard was the most beautiful view for the perfect painting. Yes, I'm a little partial to the adorable little boy, but I couldn't have asked for a sweeter model!

The "Tack Room" should be open in April 2010.

Ready for the Play

2010-02-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

oil on panel 30x40

I've started a new series called "Children at Play"! I'm so excited about these works! The paintings are an embodiment of my old and new styles and they also express my love for children, especially children at play!

This particular painting is of my daughter, Summerlyn, right before her debute in the play "Mulan Jr."

Juicy Oysters

2009-11-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

Juicy Oysters

6"x6" oil on panel

$125 +s/h

It's a beautiful day when I'm painting!! Obviously, I haven't been a regular artist OR blogger, but I'm getting a little work done now. Other than my juicy oysters, I'm working on a large commission for Baldwin County's Junior Auxillary for a children's waiting room in Thomas Hospital. I'm very excited about it and the painting is coming along nicely! I can't wait to post it when I'm finished. I hope to finish by Dec. 1, but I'm not promising anything!

This painting is celebrating NOT having a ban on raw oysters in Alabama!

Her Violin

2009-08-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

Her Violin 5x7 oil on canvas
Yes, I know this is unlike my usual style, but I'm on an abstract kick! More stylized, more fragmented, sketchy. I hope it looks more free-ing......because it feels that way!

Aspen Stream

2009-08-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Aspen Stream 6x6 oil on panel

Aspens are my all-time favorite trees! While we were in Utah, most of my pictures were of aspen trees!

This painting is a little more of my abstract-style. There WILL be more in this style! I'm pulling away from realism! Here goes!!

Sketch by the pool

2009-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Vacationing in Park City, Utah was such an eye-opener for me. I was able to sketch by the pool, take long hikes with my hubby and really study the mountain scenes and wild flowers of this beautiful place! Granted, I stayed chilled most of the time, but sitting by the pool at the Dakota Lodge inspired me to do a little sketch and watercolor of this brand new hotel.

I mentioned it being an eye-opener...I've come to realize that my art is not about me. Yes, it's something I do FOR me (therapy), but God gives us gifts and I want to give back to Him. I also realized how realistic my paintings are evolving. I really want to get away from that and concentrate more on color ,atmosphere and drawing. I'm trying to say , is from now on, the paintings I create will pull away from realism, concentrate more on drawing and the atmosphere of the subject. Now, let's see if I can do it!

Urban Renewal

2009-07-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

SOLD
Urban Renewal
24x36 oil on canvas

The RSA Tower is added plus for Mobile's skyline! I love crossing the bay at night to see the glowing lights atop the RSA Tower ! It's a beauty!

Pier Chat

2008-11-05T17:52:00.001-08:00

Pier Chat 12x9 oil on canvas panel

These little ladies were catching up on the daily gossip at the Fairhope Pier! The lady with the glasses reminds me of the cartoon Maxine!!

New Orleans- Cafe du Monde

2008-10-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Back for More Beignets oil on canvas 16x20

When we visit New Orleans, my favorite stop is at Cafe du Monde. It never fails, four people with four orders of beignets, four cups of cafe au lait......NEVER fits well on those tiny tables! Ever notice that? Regardless, I LOVE going there to get those yummy beignets!

My New Website!

2008-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Please check out my new website!!

http://www.tinapowersfineart.com

Clint Watson does an amazing job of keeping artists looking very professional! I hope to keep my blog and website updated with my latest works.

Jesse's on Magnolia River

2008-10-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Jesse's on Magnolia River 6x6 oil on panel

Paintings and more paintings! I've had so much fun the past few days in a workshop led by Jo Patton! She is a walking encylopedia of amazing information and techniques. I can only hope I will continue to explore and experiment with everything I learned in her workshop. She emphasizes color surprise. Let me know if you can find my color surprise!

This painting was done in about 30 minutes. I started it the last few minutes of day 2 in the workshop. The next morning, I started back on it, thinking it was going to be a "paint over". I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a much better painting than I thought. I concentrated on using an analogous color scheme I would not normally use. I need to try that again!

A King's Feast

2008-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

A King's Feast- Oil on board- 6x6

The Fishing Rodeo held in Dauphin Island is a huge draw every year for fishing teams and spectators. This was my first year to observe the hoopla! I took pictures of everything that moved that day and also things that quit moving that day...like these King Mackerals. This was a fast, enjoyable painting (love that kind). I wanted to call it "The King is Dead", but I thought it sounded too morbid.

Momma's Fishin' for Supper

2008-09-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Momma's Fishin' for Supper -8x8 Oil on board- Lyons Share Gallery

One night at Fairhope Pier, I observed many people enjoying the evening fishing off the pier. Fairhope Pier is extremely long, jutting into the Mobile Bay. When Hurrican Ivan came through a few years ago, some of the pier was washed out, but now rebuilt and enjoyed by all. I had so much fun snapping pictures this beautiful summer evening. The fish were biting and everyone was happy! I'm not so sure Momma caught too many that night, but she was styling in her new hat!

My Inconsistency

2008-09-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

I realize that people have full time jobs, take care of their children and go to school all at the same time while painting 12 paintings a week! Well, that's not me and never could be me. I will not get any sympathy, but we've been traveling and my painting time in the studio has suffered. I cannot say that my paintings have suffered because I've been gathering info for paintings. St. Thomas and St. Maarten were breath-taking islands that inspired me deeply to adhere to a painting schedule. I am working on a few commissions (a good thing), but my small daily paintings that keep me happy are what I need most. I'll admit, today, I laid the commission aside to quietly start a painting that's been yelling my name for weeks! I can't wait to share it with you when I'm finished. I used a technique Karen Jurick uses....starting with a black background. It's a challenging technique for me. Maybe because it's new for me, who knows?

I'll try to promise to blog more often...will you promise to visit?

Wrangler

2008-08-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

Wrangler 8x8 oil on board --For Auction "Gimme Shelter" benifitting Baldwin Animal Rescue Center SOLD

I cannot express how happy I am to be painting again! Yippee! Ok, that's out...now about Wrangler. I chose Wrangler among numerous dogs who need homes in Baldwin County. Wrangler, who is an Austrailian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix, has a very sad story. She was found with a belt tied around her neck. The belt had embedded itself in her skin because she had grown up with it around her neck. The vet's had to surgically remove the belt and now she has to wear a harness instead of a collar. Wrangler is well taken care of at a boarding shelter, but she needs a good home. This painting will be a part of the "Gimme Shelter" Exhibit at the Eastern Shore Art Center benefitting the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center (BARC) in September. I hope this painting gets a great home along with Wrangler! I enjoyed painting this with a palette knife and brushes too.

Game Day at Clear Water

2008-07-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Game Day at Clear Water oil on canvas panel 6x6

Lyons Share Gallery

Living next to a polo field has it's advantages when it comes to watching a beautiful sport and getting amazing photos. In the spring, they have matches about 3 days a week. I love to crawl over the fence and watch in amazement how fast most games are executed! In this painting are my neighbors Chip and his son Camp. They love the game and it shows in how they play.

Dad, Can I Try to Catch a Fish?

2008-07-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Dad, Can I Try to Catch a Fish? 9x12
Lyons Share Gallery Fairhope, AL ....SOLD

Walking down the beach, I enjoyed all the many activities enjoyed by beachgoers. I guess this guy thought he was going to catch bait, but his son couldn't wait to have his turn. It's so enjoyable freezing the moment you can never get back. I look forward to finding more moments like these to share.

I Bought This Cap at a Surf Shop

2008-07-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

You know when you leave your ballcap at home and have to stop by the nearest "Surf Shop"? I am notorious for buying new caps because I forgot to pack one! I'm not saying that's where this girl got her's, but I thought it would be a funny title because we all can relate.
I'm still enjoying my July 4th photos at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, AL. I may explore some beach shots I took of my husband and children. They had so much fun until the jellyfish started stinging. Ashlyn (5) vowed to never enter the ocean again!! It won't last.

I Bought This Cap at a Surf Shop 6x6 Oil on Canvas Panel Available at LyonsShare Gallery Fairhope, AL

Scenes from the Beach

2008-07-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

She Likes Her Drinks Cold

6x6 oil on canvas panel

Available at Lyons Share Gallery Fairhope, AL

I'm happy to say, we're home from the beach and I'm ready to paint! The girls are taking a tennis camp, so I have a little more time this week. I love painting from vacation photos, but I've decided to focus on life on the Gulf Coast. Having vacationed in one of the most beautiful places in the country...Yellowstone...I can't forget about the beauty we have here on the Gulf Coast. We may not have amazing mountains or paradise valleys, but we do have gorgeous beaches, bayways and ancient oaks!

The reason for this blog was to start painting more and to find my focus area. I may not focus on the Gulf Coast forever, but right now, I want to explore this beautiful area I live in and people's lives around me.

Coming Back From the Beach

2008-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

We're on our way back from Orange Beach, AL. I've enjoyed taking lots of pictures to record memories of this July 4th. Waiting back home are blank canvases, waiting to be covered in those memories. I don't promise them fireworks or hot dogs, but instead, people on the beach and playing in the pool! Of course I took many pictures of my family, but I also took pictures of random people to include in my paintings. It felt strange taking pictures of strangers, but it made for a much better design. Look for those paintings coming soon!

Prelim & Finished Painting of Mount Moran/ Tetons

2008-06-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

(above) Preliminary Painting
9x12 oil on panel $250

The girl's went to see WALL-E. Didn't sound too excited about it. I took care of baby and finished a painting. I feel better now. Like I said before, mountains aren't my thing, but it's a memory of our fabulous vacation this summer. I struggled with the whites because they weren't white at all. They were blue/greyish whites. I guess because of the big cloud hovering above. I try to paint what's there, elaborating a little as I go. I think it needs a moose at the water's edge. What do you think?

Plans for today:

2008-06-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

The kids are headed to the movies, so I plan to paint today. I started a sketch of Mount Moran in Grand Tetons. We just returned from Yellowstone (an AMAZING place), so I have a plethora of painting material! It may not be the water/marsh scenes I planned, but it doesn't matter to me. Paint is paint and I'm itching to paint! Mountains are very new to me, living on the Gulf Coast, but I'll make a stab at it and see how it works! Prelim sketch due today.

Ecor Rouge

2008-06-25T20:59:00.001-07:00

A plein aire painting done in a workshop led by my artist friend Erin Fitzhugh Gregory http://www.efgart.com/ . We followed her to this beautiful home on Ecor Rouge (I think it means Red Hill) which is the highest point on the Eastern Shore. We combed the lush landscape for the perfect painting composition and I chose the view of the 120 steps leading down to Mobile Bay. I didn't think I would enjoy painting in the Alabama sun for 6 hours, but I really loved it!

Fishing on Bon Secour

2008-06-25T20:55:00.001-07:00

9x12 oil on panel Available at Lyons Share Gallery Fairhope, AL .....SOLD

Wanting to start a waterway series, my husband & I cruised around the Intercoastal Waterway looking for the perfect scene to start my series. I had to take pictures because of the lack of time we had in Bon Secour. The man I picture of was much more buff than the man I painted, but I didn't think the muscles worked with the environment! I did not plan on even painting this scene,but it kept calling me and I'm glad I heard it! I'm pleased with the way the reflections dance on the water.