Finally, after six weeks of interruptions, I have finished the latest in my bee series. This bee is feasting on the blossoms of a miniature palm tree. I never realized palm trees had flowers. Liquid Sunshine is 24" x 30"w oil on gallery-wrap canvas.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Liquid Sunshine
Finally, after six weeks of interruptions, I have finished the latest in my bee series. This bee is feasting on the blossoms of a miniature palm tree. I never realized palm trees had flowers. Liquid Sunshine is 24" x 30"w oil on gallery-wrap canvas.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Joshua Tree Bee accepted in Oil Painters of America Exhibition
Joshua Tree Bee, 24 x 30" oil on canvas was accepted in the 2010 OPA Western Regional exhibition. The show runs from Oct 9 - Nov 10 at the Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson Hole WY. I'm on cloud 10. I was a little worried because I had entered both the lady bug and the bee in two competitions. Lady's Day got in the Paint the Parks and this one got in OPA. I don't know what I would have done if both competitions had wanted the same painting. What luck! In addition to these great events, I sold a large watercolor that a lady had seen way back in January, I sold 5 minis on eBay and I picked up a greeting card account. Our local National Monument Visitors Center is carrying an assortment of 15 of my images depicting local scenes, which include watercolors, oils and photographs. It is not consignment. They buy them outright. Make that cloud 11.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Artistic Touch 4 fine art book now available
This is the latest book in the Artistic Touch series by Chris Unwin. The book is 9 x 12" 172 pages, with 164 full-color plates. My "Heaven is a '57" watercolor is a full-page image on page 44. The book lists for $35. I'm offering at $29 including shipping and a personalized autograph by me. The book may be purchased on my website
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
OvationTV seeking Nude Art for September show
Three minute sketch with live model. OvationTV is featuring the human form in September. Upload your nude images by August 9th for a chance to be showcased on air during The Body by OvationTV event. To enter join The Community at http://www.ovationtv.com/
Saturday, July 31, 2010
More Small Oils on eBay today
I've listed another group of my mini oils. 
"Vampire Repellent" 6" x 8" oil on gallery-wrap canvas.
SOLD
"Strawberry Cheesecake"
"Vampire Repellent" 6" x 8" oil on gallery-wrap canvas.
SOLD
"Strawberry Cheesecake"
Friday, July 30, 2010
Mini Oils on eBay auction
Just listed some mini oils on eBay starting as low as $9. It was fun last time, so thought I try it again. I you like one it could be a real bargain. Will be listing more throughout the weekend. SOLD
Friday, July 23, 2010
Watercolor Workshop at the Gallery
Most of my students had never painted with watercolor before. They did fantastic. We had fun learning and laughing. I have scheduled four new classes for August....the 4th and 18th... 1:30-5:00 and 5:30-9:00PM Go to www.IncredibleArtist.com for more info
Thursday, July 22, 2010
"Lady's Day" makes Paint the Parks Top 100
Woohoo! Just found out that my painting "Lady's Day" 24x30" oil on canvas made the Top 100 of the 2010 Paint the Parks competition. I have 2 watercolors on tour with their sister competition PaintAmerica Top100. Paint the Parks art may be seen at PaintAmerica.org
My PaintAmerica Top100 watercolors may be seen here
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July Semper Fi
This is a portrait I did of my dear friend Rick. He never had his picture taken in uniform when he served, so he sent me a current photo of him in uniform and the b&w headshot from the high school yearbook to put his young head on the body :-}
Watercolor, 20"x 27" on 300# cold-press
Thursday, July 1, 2010
International Artist magazine ranks as favorite magazine
Artist and author, Katherine Tyrell publishes the very informative
http://www.makingamark.blogspot.com/ Her most recent article relates that International Artist ranked as the favorite magazine in her survey. Well YAY! because.... International Artist just contacted me to write an 8-page feature story about me. Now, I'm even more excited.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Finalist in Watercolor magazine Cover Competition
"Bird in Paradise" was selected as one of only nine finalists in the 2010 Watercolor magazine cover competition. My work is featured on page 27 of the Summer issue on newsstands now. This art was the poster art for the 2009 Indian Wells Arts Festival and the original is currently on display in the State Capitol as part of the Senate's Eighth Annual California Contemporary Art Collection.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Top Down Day
Saw this wonderful 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible while walking in my neighborhood the other day. I just had to capture the wonderful colors and reflections.
"Top Down Day" 21"h x 16"w on Arches 300# cold press.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Lady's Day
My final entry for Paint the Parks. "Lady's Day," Oil on Canvas, 24" x 30." Entries must be postmarked June 2nd. I have two whole days to spare!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Joshua Tree Bee
One down; one to go. I'm trying to finish another by next Monday. I've been up til 2AM for the last 3 nights finishing this one. Started the second and hope to complete in time for a May 31st competition deadline. "Joshua Tree Bee," oil on canvas, 24" x 30"
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Love in the Afternoon
This is one of several pieces I'm working on for all the competitions that have May and June deadlines. Deadlines sure are great motivators. This was an amazing shot I was lucky enough to capture on one of my sunset walks. Watercolor, 14" x 18" on Arches 300# cold press
Saturday, May 15, 2010
This one's for Dana
Dana Cooper posted some Palm Trees the other day which reminded me that I had some that were almost identical....great minds think alike. You may see Dana's on her blogMine may be purchased through my website DianeMorganPaints.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
Need your vote in National Geographic competition
If you like my bug photos please vote for one of my images in the National Geographic photo competition, insect category. Email address is required and you can only vote once. Thank you. http://www.greatoutdoorscontest.com/bin/Rate?searc
Friday, May 7, 2010
PaintAmerica Top 100 winners now on view
My two watercolors "Autumn Delights" and "Heaven is a '57" were chosen for exhibition in this year's PaintAmerica Top 100. It's a great honor to be in this select group. My paintings may be seen on page 8 of the website http://www.paintamerica.org/2009PATOP100html/09top100Page8.html
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My answers to a 5th graders interview questions
Kyra is a 5th grader interested in becoming an artist. These are the questions she asked me. It's a little long, but several people asked to see my responses.
I tried to keep the answers short and not too complicated.
When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?
I've wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember.
As soon as I could hold a pencil I started drawing.
I started drawing members of my family and teachers.
Art was always my favorite subject in school.
I started college as a French major, but found I enjoyed drawing my books more than
reading them, so switched to art my Junior year. I'm so glad I did because if you do what you love for a living, it never feels like work.
What brushes and paints do you like painting the best?
I paint with both oil and watercolor. I like each for different reasons.
Watercolor gives such a fresh, vibrant look. When I paint with watercolor I do very
detailed drawings first. That takes a lot of time and concentration. When I paint with oil I just start painting. The oils are a little more relaxing because you can paint over mistakes. With watercolor you have to plan ahead because any white in the painting is the paper showing through. You have to paint so that you don't cover up the white. As far as brands I use several different brands of brushes, some synthetic and some sable. For paints I prefer Windsor & Newton for both watercolor and oil. For oil I use water soluble paints, which means you can mix the paint with water and wash the brushes with soap and water, rather than turpentine.
What type of picture do you like painting the most?
I like to paint everything, but probably prefer still life over landscape.
I paint very detailed so it's easier for me to focus on a close up of simple objects, rather than an entire landscape.
Are there things you dislike in some of your paintings?
Most of the time I am satisfied with my finished paintings. I think all artists could find something they would like to change or improve. I suspect that the average viewer would probably not notice what the artist would call a mistake. Sometimes I go back much later and decide to do more work on a piece. Sometimes, it's just better to start a new one.
Do professional artists use different techniques than beginners?
Everyone uses different techniques. I would say professionals have narrowed down the choices to what works best for them. There isn't a right or wrong way to do anything. Just use what feels the most comfortable and creates the effect you are trying to achieve. It is important to read and take classes to learn about technique. There are many shortcuts that can make the job easier.
What artist do you admire? What have you learned from them?
I greatly admire two artists in particular, among many. Georgia O'Keeffe and Leonardo da Vinci.
Leonardo was so much more than an artist. He was an explorer and an inventor.
He was always trying to learn more about the world and had a limitless curiosity about life. His quest for knowledge inspires me to keep learning and improving.
Georgia O'Keeffe was always true to herself. She did not let trends or popular convention limit her view of the world. She took simple flowers and painted them larger than life when no one else was doing that. She invented her own style and was a pioneer for women artists. I love painting flowers because of her work.
What watercolor techniques do you use most often?
I don't use any tricks or gimmicks. I strictly apply paint with a brush. I apply many layers of paint to achieve the color I want, rather than one thick, dark layer. I lightly wet my paper and then paint with a fairly thin mixture of paint. This would be called painting wet-in-wet. That means wet paper, wet brush. For very detailed areas I paint with thinned paint on a dry surface. That would be called wet on dry. The wetter the surface, the more the paint runs creating a blurry image. I prefer a more controlled, in-focus image.
I want to be a professional artist someday. Do you have any advice for me?
The most important thing for an artist to do is draw and paint everyday. The more you practice, the faster you will achieve success. Take classes. Read and study about other artists to learn how they work. In the beginning it even helps to try to paint like them until you can develop your own style. Go to museums and art galleries. Talk to artists. Ask questions. I would say you're off to a great start with this interview project. Good luck to you, Kyra.
I tried to keep the answers short and not too complicated.
When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?
I've wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember.
As soon as I could hold a pencil I started drawing.
I started drawing members of my family and teachers.
Art was always my favorite subject in school.
I started college as a French major, but found I enjoyed drawing my books more than
reading them, so switched to art my Junior year. I'm so glad I did because if you do what you love for a living, it never feels like work.
What brushes and paints do you like painting the best?
I paint with both oil and watercolor. I like each for different reasons.
Watercolor gives such a fresh, vibrant look. When I paint with watercolor I do very
detailed drawings first. That takes a lot of time and concentration. When I paint with oil I just start painting. The oils are a little more relaxing because you can paint over mistakes. With watercolor you have to plan ahead because any white in the painting is the paper showing through. You have to paint so that you don't cover up the white. As far as brands I use several different brands of brushes, some synthetic and some sable. For paints I prefer Windsor & Newton for both watercolor and oil. For oil I use water soluble paints, which means you can mix the paint with water and wash the brushes with soap and water, rather than turpentine.
What type of picture do you like painting the most?
I like to paint everything, but probably prefer still life over landscape.
I paint very detailed so it's easier for me to focus on a close up of simple objects, rather than an entire landscape.
Are there things you dislike in some of your paintings?
Most of the time I am satisfied with my finished paintings. I think all artists could find something they would like to change or improve. I suspect that the average viewer would probably not notice what the artist would call a mistake. Sometimes I go back much later and decide to do more work on a piece. Sometimes, it's just better to start a new one.
Do professional artists use different techniques than beginners?
Everyone uses different techniques. I would say professionals have narrowed down the choices to what works best for them. There isn't a right or wrong way to do anything. Just use what feels the most comfortable and creates the effect you are trying to achieve. It is important to read and take classes to learn about technique. There are many shortcuts that can make the job easier.
What artist do you admire? What have you learned from them?
I greatly admire two artists in particular, among many. Georgia O'Keeffe and Leonardo da Vinci.
Leonardo was so much more than an artist. He was an explorer and an inventor.
He was always trying to learn more about the world and had a limitless curiosity about life. His quest for knowledge inspires me to keep learning and improving.
Georgia O'Keeffe was always true to herself. She did not let trends or popular convention limit her view of the world. She took simple flowers and painted them larger than life when no one else was doing that. She invented her own style and was a pioneer for women artists. I love painting flowers because of her work.
What watercolor techniques do you use most often?
I don't use any tricks or gimmicks. I strictly apply paint with a brush. I apply many layers of paint to achieve the color I want, rather than one thick, dark layer. I lightly wet my paper and then paint with a fairly thin mixture of paint. This would be called painting wet-in-wet. That means wet paper, wet brush. For very detailed areas I paint with thinned paint on a dry surface. That would be called wet on dry. The wetter the surface, the more the paint runs creating a blurry image. I prefer a more controlled, in-focus image.
I want to be a professional artist someday. Do you have any advice for me?
The most important thing for an artist to do is draw and paint everyday. The more you practice, the faster you will achieve success. Take classes. Read and study about other artists to learn how they work. In the beginning it even helps to try to paint like them until you can develop your own style. Go to museums and art galleries. Talk to artists. Ask questions. I would say you're off to a great start with this interview project. Good luck to you, Kyra.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?
I received a request from a 5th Grader in Salt Lake City through my website. She wants to interview me for a school project. Here are her questions. It's a good exercise for me to think about why and how I do what I do.
Answers tomorrow :-}
When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?
What brushes and paints do you like painting the best?
What type of picture do you like painting the most?
Are there things you dislike in some of your paintings?
Do professional artists use different techniques than beginners?
What artist do you admire? What have you learned from them?
What watercolor techniques do you use most often?
I want to be a professional artist someday. Do you have any advice for me?
Answers tomorrow :-}
When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?
What brushes and paints do you like painting the best?
What type of picture do you like painting the most?
Are there things you dislike in some of your paintings?
Do professional artists use different techniques than beginners?
What artist do you admire? What have you learned from them?
What watercolor techniques do you use most often?
I want to be a professional artist someday. Do you have any advice for me?
Friday, April 23, 2010
"Organized Chaos" hits the road with NWS traveling show
Bob Nash, executive director of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, hangs “Organized Chaos” for the first stop of the 2010 traveling exhibit of the National Watercolor Society. The society received over 1,100 submissions for the national show. Prominent jurors narrowed the number to 100, and 27 are part of the traveling show. When the exhibit closes on May 23, the cultural center will send it on to the next venue, the Zanesville Art Center in Ohio. From there it will travel to Kerrville, Texas and then Pleasanton, California.
"Organized Chaos," 12" x 18" watercolor on 300# Arches cold press
Monday, April 5, 2010
Indian Wells Arts Festival was fantastic
I won first place in watercolor for "Hot as a Heartbeat." I also won a ribbon for Best Local Artist presented by a local chain of high-end gourmet grocery stores called Jensen's. In addition to the ribbon, Jensen's wants to sell my cards in their stores. Yay! I sold lots of my mini oils. I sold prints and note cards and a watercolor. I got a commission to paint a BMW and was asked to design a logo for a car company. Saw lots of friends, made new ones and had a wonderful weekend. From another source I got a request today from the Chairman of a Date Growers Group to do a painting for him....date related I'm sure...waiting to hear back. This is going to be a great year!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"I Love Bees" sold at Museum auction
“I Love Bees” sold at auction today at the Palm Springs Art Museum. It was on display in the Artists Council’s annual juried exhibition February 14 - March 28. All art was for sale via online silent auction. I guess the buyer of my 24” x 30” oil waited till the last minute to avoid encouraging other bidders :-}
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Finalist in Watercolor Magazine cover competition
I think I'm going to faint. I'd forgotten that I'd entered, but just got an email that "Bird in Paradise" is a finalist in American Artist Watercolor Magazine's 2010 Cover Competition. The painting and a story about my work will appear in the Summer issue. This was the poster art for last year's Indian Wells Arts Festival and is currently on display in the State Capitol through 2010. Watercolor magazine hasn't chosen the winner yet. They will let us know. Oh my.... wouldn't that be something to be on the cover!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
And, Miles to Go
Just for fun.....a little side trip from the bee series. Watercolor 12.5 x 18.5 on Arches 300# cold press.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
VroomVroom Camaro Racer
Finally finished this in time for the classic car show on Sunday. "Hot as a Hearbeat" is a watercolor on a full-sheet 21" x 28" Arches cold press. The car belongs to a friend (and neighbor) from high school. He races Camaros for a hobby and this is his street legal car.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wine and Cupcakes
A fantastic cupcake store "Sisters Cupcakes" is next to the IncredibleArtist.com gallery where I exhibit my art. The owner saw my cupcake paintings and wants me to paint her cupcakes. She will display and sell them in her store. She has wine tastings that she pairs with cupcakes. The gallery will also work together with her on wine tastings. She is a great marketer. She just got a great write up in AAA's March/April Westways magazine pg 23. 
Friday, February 19, 2010
Another sale in 4 days and the gallery isn't really open yet
"Sunny Flowers" watercolor, 27" x 20" The man who bought the hydrangeas loved the sunflowers so much he sent a photo of it to his friend in Florida. Mr. Florida bought it immediately. Looks like the new location for IncredibleArtist.com gallery is going to be great!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Karin Jurick portrait
Karin had a portrait exchange on her blog for December. 180 people swapped photos and did each others portraits, then exchanged the finished portraits with each other.
One of the artists, Jill Pollsby decided to thank Karin for all her efforts by organizing a portrait painting of Karin. 118 of us painted her from the same photo and Jill put all the portraits together in a book and sent it to Karin. It was a total surprise for Karin so we all had to keep it a secret for almost 2 months. You can see Karin's reaction on her blog
and you can see all 118 portraits here
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Gallery opening sells my watercolor
Mygallery....IncredibleArtist.com had a soft opening tonight to get ready for the grand opening next Saturday. It was more of a get-together for the artists and to fine tune everything. Quite a few people stopped in noticing all the activity and 5 pieces of art sold in just a couple hours. My "Moonlight Shadows" watercolor of hydrangeas sold! We're off to a great start :-)
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