Caught in the act.  I was eating a salad, and watercoloring while also watching the news!  I do look innocent..  

Sticks and Stones was accepted in the MVIS annual show this year.  I will post the other one accepted tomorrow.  I am delighted I was accepted.

Frans Mortelmans copy

Occasionally I copy a master.  This is a copy of a painting by Frans Motrelmans. It is a little difficult to find a lot of information on him.  I can't find information on this painting either.

FRANS MORTELMANS
Belgian (1865-1936)

Frans Mortelmans was born in Antwerp, Belgium on May 1, 1865. He was the brother of the famous composer, Lodewijk Mortelmans. He was the son of a printer, Karel and his mother’s name was Francisca Isabella. He married Marie Fontaine in June 1897.

Mortelmans was a painter of still-life, landscapes, flowers and portraits. He was also a watercolorist. However, his most collectible and sought after pictures are his still-life, and flower oil paintings.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Art in Antwerp from 1876 through 1886 and at the High Institute of Fine Arts from 1887 through 1891. He was the student of the famed artists and master teachers, L. Schaefels and C. Verlat.

 He ultimately became a professor at the Berchem School of Fine Arts in 1901. Two of his most famous students were Joris Minne and Antoon Mastboom.  He became an Honorary Director of the Berchem School of Art and Painting in Antwerp.

Today, Frans Mortelmans paintings can be found in many private collections worldwide.  Public collections include The Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, The Museum of Fine Arts in Courtrai, Saint-Nichols and Ostend, Belgium. His works can also be found in the Antwerp Town Hall, and the Museum of Flemish Cultural Life.

Luann's Orchid

Fortunately I painted the flower.  LONG gone…...

Sushi

Hands down, the best Sushi in Kansas City.  Just up the street on North Oak. The Sushi bar is where I always sit.  This Master Sushi Chef knows what I order before I say it!  816 please.  YUM!
Plastic gloves were FUN to paint!

mini studies

I paint these little mini studies all the time.  Roses are very complex, and the more I paint the more I appreciate their beauty.  God is amazing to create these beauties.

My best friend Luann gave me this lovely mini orchid.  I decided I would use it for a still life before I killed it!  I can not grow these plants successfully.  

I set up the booth with the plant, some silver and fruit.

Color blocking

As you see I added a flowering branch for balance.

The difference a photo makes.  Neither one is true to the color or value, but hopefully you can get the jest of  it.