Lilacs in Vintage Vase

Lilacs in Vintage Vase

12x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This painting features a vintage vase with a bouquet of lilacs  that I saw on a blog post about a year ago. I contacted the blogger who posted it, and it was her photo (http://giddyappony.blogspot.com/).  She agreed to let me use her excellent photograph for inspiration for this painting.  The beautiful lilacs are arranged in a yellowish and fluted vintage vase that has delicate florets on the side. 

White Tulips I

White Tulips

8x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Pansies in Copper Pot

Pansies in Copper Pot

12x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Pansies are so hearty.  Hearty flowers are for folks like me.  One of my goals in life is to become a great gardener.  I plan to spend some time raising these favorite flowers one day and have gorgeous flower beds.....goals or dreams, maybe a little of each.  I have grown pansies though, and they stayed beautiful for months at a time.  Since they can endure a lot of cool weather they seem to relish in the spots that I have placed them in the past.  This still life includes one of my favorite copper items, a blue pottery vase that was given to me by a sweet little friend in art school, a white rice bowl and pansies of whites and purples that I had in a large garden pot this fall. 

Onions and Green Beans

Onions and Green Beans

6x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

Finally finished this little painting!  It had been roughed in since last summer.  I sometimes get ahead of my paintings (with other paintings).  This painting reminds me of years of having gardens and the harvest that comes with it.  We raised wheat for years and when it came off for harvest so did my green beans.  I always planted too many and therefore I was overwhelmed with doing beans at that time of the year.   Finally, I guess after many open complaints of frustration, my sweet husband told me something like this one day, "Cheri, don't worry with those beans anymore.  If you just have to have fresh green beans, there are enough vegetable stands around here to keep us eating for weeks."  Right now this little painting is featured on an etsy sight that you can follow by clicking this link: 

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d10491f672f8eefb3cae82c/down-home-country-elegance

Pink Roses and Copper Plate

Pink Roses and Copper Plate

12x12 Original Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Roses, roses, roses......I never tire of painting them.  I hope to master them one day. 

This painting may be purchased by clicking: Pink Roses

Apples and Glass Compote

Apples and Glass Compote

by

Cheri Wollenberg

When my friend Pam brings apples from her tree in the late summer and early fall, we always have such fun painting them.  This painting is from one of the images I made of the still life set ups with the apples.  This year was a bad year and she only made a  few...they were very green when she brought them in, so I'm thinking the photograph I used here was from a year ago....still had a good time.

This painting can be purchase by clicking:  Apples 

White Peonies 2010

White Peonies

by

Cheri Wollenberg

My husband and I grew up in Oklahoma.  We live in a different state now.  We live in a university town where we are blessed with many diversified cultures and wonderful people.  We love living here; however, we have found that the differences in how we pronounce words are not only with people who are from foreign countries.  I have to laugh as I write this because I have had to learn how to pronounce the flower (above), the peony as "pea-a-knee" rather than the "country" or "Oklahoman" way.  I had always called them "pea-o-knee" ....with an exaggerated accent on the "o" (laugh).  But, one thing I know....they are a beautiful flower and these were my yearly bouquet to emulate into a painting.  Their excellence of beauty is hard to capture, but I am satisfied that I painted it with energy and love.

Christmas Painting 2010

Christmas Painting 2010

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Each year I try to get a painting done for Christmas cards.  This is one that I am using this Christmas.  I set this still up for a couple of paintings classes that I teach every  week. 

Piggy Pudding

Piggy Pudding

8x8 Fine Art Print of Original Oil Painting

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Occasionally I get some crazy ideas that I have to try and this is one of them. 

Merry Christmas Everyone.

To purchase this print just click Piggy Pudding.

Blue Enamel Pot and Red Tomatoes

Blue Enamel Pot and Red Tomatoes

12x12 Original Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This painting is from an image I photographed several years ago.  An artist friend brought in a basket full of very ripe tomatoes, green beans, and black-eyed susan flowers.  My goodness did we ever have a "photo shoot".  We arranged them in baskets, pots, and in every possible way  that we could imagine in a matter of very little time.  The experience we had was in itself beautiful.  The delights that artists have are so playful and childlike.  To my knowlege, I think the tomatoes were the only things I actually painted from life.  What a shame!  But, I have countless resources and sometimes I open that folder and remember my dear little friend - who has since moved away to another state.  I enjoyed painting Blue Enamel Pot and Red Tomatoes.  It has a real country mood to it.  Reminds me of other times in my past.

Turnips - You Either Like Them or Hate Them

Turnips

9x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Recently I found some beautifully colored turnips at the nearby market and I decided that I was going to do a painting of them.  I remember a time as a child that turnips were being cooked in our home, and the aroma was very repulsive to me.  I had tasted raw ones before as my mother peeled them, and didn't mind the taste too much; however, the cooked ones really turned me off.   Today, I still can't appreciate the taste of the cooked turnip.  It is one vegetable that I do not like the taste; however,  I do appreciate the beauty of them!  I love the crisp texture, the purple, green, and creamy white colors and their circular shapes.   I had this sensational desire to paint them larger than life so I did!

Maude - A Cow Painting

Maude - A Cow Painiting

16x16 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This painting may be purchased by following this link:  Maude

Geese Klatsch

Geese Klatsch

9x12 Oil on Canvas

by Geese Klatsch

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

Painting everyday can be a challenge some of the time!  Life challenges don't get in the way....they just detain an artist a bit!  So, I am going to have to get back in the swing of things.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Besides all these wonderful inspirations for paintings that have been going around in my head lately, I have pumpkin pie on my mind too.  

This painting can be purchased at my etsy store by following this link: Geese Klatsch

Nameless Has Been Named!

The contest is over!!!   I promised that my husband and I would pick the name that would fit this gentleman (or gentlecow:) by November 14, 2010.  I must confess that I knew a few of the participants personally because I posted on Facebook....so I had to back out of the decision making process.  When I saw all the creative names and titles coming in, I was so pleased and it was great fun, but I knew I wouldn't be able to choose.   I decided to bless my husband with all the responsibility in making the choice!  He does not read my blog anyway!  So I felt he wouldn't be biased and would have no problem.  Well.....I gave the names and comments to him this afternoon as we traveled back from a trip to our farm home in Oklahoma.  He had 4 1/2 hours to decide:)  He narrowed it down to four and finally decided.   I asked him to explain why he picked this name.  He said, "Having had a few cattle (hundreds) in his lifetime, he recognized a look out of this guy's eye.  This look means handle with care and caution.  If things don't work out between 'me and thee', give that fella an opportunity to get to know someone else (laugh)."  The winner is Mary Jahn, comment posted on October 25, 2010 - SALE BARN SAM.  Thanks Mary for entering.  Will you please contact me through email to give me your address...............and by the way folks, this is the real guy.

Heidi

Heidi

16x16 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

This painting is another one of the "exotics" in my son's pasture. I took some pictures one morning about 8:30 am and oh my, what beautiful lighting. I thoroughly enjoyed painting this hereford with the rusty reds of her coat highlighted with yellow oranges and oranges in the morning light.  To purchase this painting, click Heidi.

Name My Bovine (CONTEST), Ends November 14, 2010

Nameless

9x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This truly is a contest!!!  I need a name for this painting.  First, you must hear the story of this cow.  Actually he is a bull.  He has been painted a few times because he has a charming look about him, but looks are deceiving!  He kind of looks innocent in this painting, doesn't he? This is probably the interpretation of my brush.  Is he (she) saying something?  Is there an underlying attitude?  He is a troublemaker!  He is wild, unruly, rebellious, undisciplined, and stubborn.  He has leaped the fence more than a half-dozen times, and he is not happy with his home!  He is one of my sons adopted "exotics" as he likes to call them.  I thought about calling her "Flower" and my husband thought about calling him "Leaper".  Free spirit or not......this bovine has caused us all a lot of trouble.

Now, this is what you can do.......In the comment section of my blog tell me what you think his or her name should be.  As you can see he(she) is animated a bit.  Perhaps this will give you a creative spark.  

The PRIZE?  It will be a giclee canvas print of this painting.

The TIME FRAME?  I will let the comments come in until November 14.  My husband and I will judge which one best fits this guy (gal).  I will announce the winner on my blog on November 15.  The winner will have to allow me to contact them by email so that I can get their mailing address. Thanks for participating!  I think this will be great fun.  I trust that all entries will be made with a good, fun heart, and no inappropriate language or connotation will be posted.  Any inappropriate entries will not be published.

THANKS, Cheri.

Meadow

Meadow

6x6 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

The inspiration for this little painting came from my daughter-in-law who sent an image to me from her iphone.  She had been out feeding their cattle.  I have a difficult time painting landscapes on small canvases.  I am determined to do some plein air painting this fall.  Painting from life is always more invigorating and satisfying.  I am spoiled with still lifes because I can set them up in the setting of a comfortable studio and they are "still".  I will challenge myself this autumn to paint outdoors!

This painting may be purchased at:  Meadow

Pete and RePete

Pete and RePete

18x18 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Golden Pears II

Golden Pears II

11x14 Oil on Canvasby

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

This painting may be purchased by clicking this link:  Golden Pears II

Last of Mom's Zinnias 2010

Last of Mom's Zinnias 2010

6x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

When we made our trip to Oklahoma last we worked on my mother's lawn.  She has lovely flowers that she grooms faithfully spring, summer and fall.  In one corner she keeps  a bed of zinnias.  The plants themselves were beginning to appear straggly (if this is a word).  The last few blooms were still so brilliant and colorful I asked her if I could have them for a painting.  Of course she clipped them for me and I set them up in a blue and white vase that has a frogged cover.  A beautiful primary color scheme began to appear.  This painting can be purchased here: 

 Last of Mom's Zinnias 2010

Turquoise Pitcher and Gourd VI

Turquoise Pitcher and Gourd IV

8x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Gourds are still calling me to paint them.  I have this little turquoise pitcher that seems to scream at me every time I look at my still life items.  Depending on the light source and the other items that are reflected into it determines it's color.  It never ceases to fascinate me.  I haven't got to paint for over a week and I found myself doing this painting rather quickly....almost as if I was gorging food (laugh).  I like some of the attributes of the painting, but if I were to do it again.  I might hone a few things.  I like it though so I'm done with this one!  To buy this painting click here:  Turquoise Pitcher and Gourd IV

Aspen Windows

Aspen Windows

18x24 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

 This painting was created in my studio from a photograph taken in Glorieta, New Mexico.  I was drawn to this view because of the sections between the trees. They reminded me of windows.  I thought it very interesting how each natural window had its' own composition.  New Mexico is one of my favorite states.  I probably have as many photos taken in that state as all others I've traveled combined.  I use to want my husband and I to retire there, but as grandchildren began to enter the picture I began to rethink my desires.  From an artist's point of view every state of the United States of America has a certain beauty.  We are indeed a blessed people to live in such a great place in the world.

Lovell's Barn

Lovell's Barn

16x20 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Pink Roses in Antique Vase

Pink Roses in Antique Vase

11x14 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

  I think there is a lot to be said of discovering the pleasure of something....learning can be a pleasure.  I experience several sensations when I'm thinking about what I want to paint.  First, what is it that interests me or inspires me?  Inspiration can come from curiosity, admiration, excitement, exploration, challenge, experimentation.....oh my, the list goes on.  Next, the decision making process brings intuitive sensations.  How will I present what interests me.   I plan, compose, decide what size of support I want to use and I begin thinking about the color palette and/or other designing principles.  Third, I proceed, express, and act out the plan.  Oh my, what pleasure there is to painting.  Words cannot express the pleasurable sensations in each step of the painting process.  What a gift we receive in the process!  This painting is one that I finished several years ago when I had a great desire to explore pink.  It can be purchased in my etsy shop by clicking: Pink Roses in Antique Vase

Ducks Waddling Home

Ducks Waddling Home

9x12 Oil on Stretched Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

(SOLD)

This painting was quite fun for me to do.  When we go to our farm in Oklahoma I am so inspired to do animals.  There are horses, steers (cows) and so many different types of fowl going south this time of the year not to mention the dogs and barn cats, possums, armadillos and the cats of "white and black" that are not so welcome!  The ponds are a retreating place for geese and ducks on their journey south. 

I had one of those artists' moments while we there this last time.....one that all of you artists friends can relate to....  One morning as I was drinking coffee on our back porch, a huge group of egrets were surrounding the cows in the pasture at the bottom of a hill behind our house.  Something startled them and they began flying and they all flew toward our house into the trees in our back yard.  As they were flying in to land on the branches their legs straight behind their bodies, necks forged ahead, and their large wings spanning out like airplanes, they were so interesting and exciting and............you guessed it.........I was without my camera!  It was one of those moments that all us think to ourselves that we need our cameras to  record such a wonderful moment, to capture a shape or position, to catch an exhilarating feeling of awe!  They were gone almost as fast as they flew into my presence and all I have is one vision that sticks in my mind, but one that will inspire me to do some research on those magnificent birds that companion the cattle this time of the year. 

Maybe I will paint them someday....but in the meantime I will paint the duck pictures I have (laugh).  I think I may be chattering!  I haven't posted in a while and for any readers that have actually made it to the end of my story.....now you know why my father's family called me "chatterbox".

This painting is available to buy by following this link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57483362/ducks-waddling-home-original-oil

Gourd III

Gourd III

6x6 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Oh my.... I do get a little stuck on subject matter, but I'm having such a good time painting these beautiful gourds.  This painting may be purchased by clicking here:  Gourd III

Red Vase and Gourds

Red Vase and Gourds

6x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Decorative gourds have a long shelf life so I can count on using them as subjects for several weeks.  The possibilities for creative and different compositions are endless.  I enjoyed placing this red vase with these two particular gourds.  The "warts" on gourds are a lot of fun to paint too.  I scooped up a lot of paint for each one of them....sort of like frosting a cake with thick icing.....enjoyed myself immensely! 

This painting can be purchased by clicking Red Vase and Gourds

Autumn Gourds II

Autumn Gourds II

6x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This little composition of beautiful gourds of orange, green whites, and teaberries was very exciting to paint.   I wanted the colors to be brilliant and energetic against a dramatic dark background.  I became curious before this post about gourds so I decided to do a little research.  There are so many colors and varieties.  It is quite an art to raise these beautiful decorative "vegetables".  Yes, they are considered vegetables.  The meat from them can be eaten early; however, as they grow they are not edible because the meat becomes very bitter.  I always wondered about this!   I found this blog that I thought some of you might be interested in visiting sometime.  Besides I liked the name of the site:  http://www.thegourdfather.com/.

To purchase this painting click here:  Autumn Gourds II

Have a fabulous weekend!

Autumn Gourd I

Autumn Gourd I

6x6 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This is one of my first gourd paintings of the year. They come in so many different shapes, sizes and colors. They have fantastic texture, and create such a mood of harvest. They are a delight to paint. This painting can be purchased here:  Autumn Gourd I

Autumn Reminders

Autumn Reminders

12x16 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

It is that time of year isn't it? As an artist my eyes see the leaves beginning to turn, the gourds in various colors and designs are showing up at the super markets, and pumpkins are appearing at the farmers' markets on the weekends here at Fayetteville, Arkansas.   It is a beautiful time of the year. The colors are fabulous and dazzle my eyes. I just have to set up some arrangements and get to painting! If I wait too long it will be winter and there will be other things to inspire me. I can't wait to capture some of the beauty of these items. This is one of my first posts. It was the last one I finished last year. I will start in the next few days on smaller daily paintings and gradually work to a larger arrangement. This painting may be purchased at: //www.chatterboxart.etsy.com.

Blue Flowers in White Basket

Blue Flowers in White Basket

8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This little painting is sold, but is still one of my favorite ones. 

Sunflower Bouquet in Turquoise Vase

Sunflower Bouquet in Turquoise Vase

8x10 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This will probably be the last sunflower painting for a while.  I think I'm ready to move on.  I need to put a glaze over the reflection in the table.  It is a bit too harsh and bright.  I had trouble getting the colors true in the image with my camera.  The vase actually has a little more green in it.  I thought my light was too cold so I moved it to some warmer artificial lighting, but it still came out too blue.  I'm thinking I'm going to have to get my camera instructions out again and see if I have done something with the settings. 

This painting can be bought on etsy by following this link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55945693/sunflower-bouquet-in-turquoise-vase

Sunflowers II

Sunflower I

6x8 Original Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Sunflowers defined are tall plants with yellow-petaled blossoms.  They are much more to artists!  They capture our eyes with their extremely warm and brilliant yellow petals that range from green yellows to rusty golden yellows.  They are in no way timid...they are wild and boldly attractive to us.  They tease us with different anatomy and design.  Their petals are sometimes wide and overlapped as opposed to slender and sparse.  Some of them have very dark, almost black, seedy centers while others have brown, green, or gold centers.  They all seem to have those grabby rough leaves which somehow reflect the sky as we examine them from a distance.  In Oklahoma the sunflowers grow up from red dirt which makes them more attractive than ever.  The reds complement the greens so beautifully.  We artists, like Van Gogh cannot help from trying to capture and express their image.   Oh my, what a privilege we have as painters to try to emulate with brush on canvas this excellent natural plant,

a gift from God the Creator.

Sunflowers II

Sunflowers II

12x24 Original Oil on Stretched Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

I have been stuck on sunflowers lately. I painted some from life and then I had so many reference pictures that I kept on painting them.   If you are interested in purchasing this painting, follow this link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55946160/sunflower-ii-12x24-original-oil-painting 

Little Daisy Bouquet

Little Daisy Bouquet

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Pink Peonies

Pink Peonies

12x12 Wrap Around Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Raspberries in Rice Bowl

Raspberries in Rice Bowl

8x8 Original Oil on Canvas Board

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Last summer my husband and I were playing golf. We were at the 6th Tee and it is alongside an old farm fence at the golf course. I spotted these wonderful raspberries growing wild over and through the fence and I exclaimed to my husband that I had to have a few. He ducked his head (laugh) because he is a serious golfer. I think he was hoping that I was teasing. While no one was looking I slipped over, chopped some of them away, stickers and all....placed them in my golf bag and as soon as I got home I set them up in a still life. I kept this painting a long time because I couldn't let go of it, but recently listed it online and it sold quickly.

Cabbage Roses in Pink

Cabbage Roses in Pink

11x14 Original Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This painting may be purchased at the following link:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54962610/pink-cabbage-roses-11x14-original-oil-on

Part III - THE END

Unexpected Company

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Since I had been called a name all my life that was pronounced wrong, how do I suddenly change it? Well, my "knight in shining armor" did it!!!! When I met my husband-to-be I told him of my little dilemma, and he started calling me Cheri Lynne. Humorous again, because he is a country boy who was raised in a rural area also, not far from my hometown, and he pronounced my name "sherry" Lynne rather than Cheri' Lynne. We attended college together (as a married couple), and immediately my name was changed! Our new friends never knew any difference. I am known now as "sherry" Lynne……………..Still not right, but...... Wouldn't it be wonderful if this was the only problem in life (laugh). Now I answer to anything....sharon,shelly,shara,shari...what does it matter? As an older and hopefully much wiser woman, I know that the person behind the name, what he/she does and is to others is what counts most. So, when I paint these little cheries', or "darlings" I remember with fondness that I was a little "cherry" at one time long ago and never knew the difference. THE END (TaDah!)

Part II

Chocolate Cupcake with Cherry on Top

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Cherry Amigos

by

Cheri Wollenberg

I was a post WWII baby in a rural, country setting. My father had come back from the war after being on tour in France. He loved the French names and brought back the intention that his children would have them. A great idea, but I think my friends must have wondered why anyone in the world would have spelled "cherry" like my parents did. As I grew into my teens and became dissatisfied with "unimportant" things, I decided that I was disappointed that my name was pronounced "cherry" Lynne. After all, I had a French last name too. It was DeA... Now this creates a dilemma for a teenager! To be continued…..

To purchase either of these small paintings you can go to my etsy shop:  http://www.chatterboxart.etsy.com/.

Cherries - Part I

Cupcake with Cherry on Top

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Cherry Amigos

by

Cheri Wollenberg

As a child my friends and family called me "cherry" Lynne.  I always thought that it sounded like a country music singer.   I guess I was around seven years of age when my mother and father began to explain that my name was French and it meant darling.  I was satisfied with being a darling!  A few years later after English classes and learning phonetics I realized the reason that everyone pronounced my name the way they did....they pronounced it like it was spelled!  To be continued....... 

Robin's Nest

Robin's Nest

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Recently my sister and I have become really interested in bird's nests.  We both have wrens that make their nests in what seems to be the most inappropriate places around our homes.  I have taken my ferns down to water them only to have a little wren scamper out so quickly I thought a hummingbird was leaving the fern.  My sister has a potted plant outside her kitchen that a little wren has possessed.  I am also interested in the robin's nests as well.  One of my students recently brought in a picture of a robin's nest that her cousin had taken in a tree in her yard.  She shared the picture with me and as I painted this one, I used a little "artistic license" to accomplish a nice little decorative nest.

This painting may be purchased in my etsy store.  Follow this link:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54134711/robins-nest-original-oil-painting

Behind Our Country Home

Behind Our Country Home

by

Cheri Wollenberg

We have a farm home in Oklahoma.  On a recent trip there it was haying time....which by the way has been constant during this spring and summer due to the consistant rains!  I couldn't resist doing this painting.  Everytime I go out the back door from our home I have new inspiration for paintings.  I will be posting other paintings of this great place as they are finished.  A friend recently exclaimed, "Why, that isn't about the barn, is it?"

Cherries and Cream

Cherries and Cream

by

Cheri Wollenberg

To purchase this painting you can follow this link:

http://www.chatterboxart.etsy.com/

Lemons in Vintage Saucer

Lemons in Vintage Saucer

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Another lemon painting as a result of being challenged by Van Gogh's Pitcher with Lemons.

Daisies and Lemons

Daisies and Lemons

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Inspiration came for this painting from a art challenge provided by another etsy member, http://www.danamarieart.etsy.com/. Originally we were challenged to be inspired by Van Gogh's painting, Still Life with Pitcher and Lemons. I met the challenge, posted it, and while I had those beautiful lemons I began to arrange them in different compositions. I have been painting lemons for the last week! Please enjoy these lemons as I have and visit Dana Marie's art. She is a fantastic etsy artist and very special person.  To purchase this painting you may go to my etsy shop, http://www.chatterboxart.etsy.com/.