Blue Hydrangea in Fruit Jar

Blue Hydrangea in Fruit Jar

12x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri wollenberg

One of the great things about being an artist is getting to know more about flowers.  I have to admit there is so much "science" in raising beautiful flowers that I am sometimes overwhelmed when I put my "gardener's hat" on.  I have this crazy desire to raise my own flowers for floral paintings.  I have a lot of wonderful friends who have shared starts and seedlings of plants and flowers with me, and I am successful occasionally in following through with the discipline in caring for these prized gifts!  Hydrangea is one type of flower that I have become interested in during the last several years.  I found out that soil is usually what dictates the color of these gorgeous florals.  I have to admit that painting them is still my favorite thing even though it is absolutely delightful to cut some live flowers for a bouquet from my own flower beds.  There is defintely a connection in arts and sciences!

Green Apples

Green Apples

9x12 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

'Going green' can mean several things I suppose.  In this case I am painting green apples instead of the red ones that my brush has been actively producing lately (laugh).  I have finished a total of seven apple paintings in the last week.  A few of them I'm contented with....a few of them not so much, but I've experienced great enjoyment and my brush has danced! 

Apples and White Enamelware Pitcher

Apples and White Enamelware Pitcher

9x12

by

Cheri Wollenberg

I don't know about the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", but I know that apples are exceptionally fun to arrange in still lifes to paint, and I don't think I am speaking out of turn when I say that artists can't do enough of them.  I bought these Granny Smith apples at the neighborhood market, and I have placed them in many different and interesting compositions.  I have this desire to paint each composition before going on to some other subject!  Obsessive?  I suppose so, but there is a certain (if not - temporary) satisfaction in obsession.....at least, until it is played out!  This painting can be purchased by clicking Apples or the Title anywhere on this post.

Pansy in Rice Bowl

Pansy in Rice Bowl

8x10 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Pansies are such charming little garden flowers.  I guess they are most known for their "faces".  They are related to the violet and are very hearty.  My favorite color combination is the purple on white.  They are a joy topaint.  This little pansy can be purchased by clicking pansy.

Apples and Crock

Apples and Crock

8x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

Painting apples has been the subject I have explored for over a week now.  It is sort of like eating one thing until I'm really tired or burned out of that particular food group.  This may be a condition.....I don't know (laugh)!  I have grandchildren who do this,  and we worry about them and their nutrition.  My ability to be consumed with things drives me as inspiration until it is played out to my satisfaction.  Then I have to go on to the next thing.  Since I've created all these apple paintings, I have started pansy paintings!  I'll begin posting them as soon as all the apple ones are "blogged".  

To purchase this painting you can click Apples and Crock.

Red Apples and Cup Towel

Red Apples and Cup Towel

8x8 Oil on Canvas

by

Cheri Wollenberg

This painting features two bright, juicy, red apples resting on a colorful print cup towel.   I was inspired to paint this daily painting by the cup towel that somehow shows up in my paintings once in a while (grin).  It is funny how we have our favorite items and paint them over and over.  I just happened to have some bright, red and juicy apples to place on the cup towel and they became my focal point.  My fabric still may be a little intense.  I tried to subdue it somewhat, but all and all I am pleased.