I Tried Something New and It Didn't Kill Me

Plein air painting, "Creekside Music" - acrylic original on gessoed panel, 7" x 10" 

Plein air painting, "Suzanne's Garden" - acrylic original on gessoed panel, 6" x 11"

"Autumn on Chalk Creek" - acrylic original on canvas, 40" x 30" x 1.5"

I love the title of this blog post!  Credit to our friends Ken and Wendy, who came up with this one re a B52's concert on the lawn at Denver Botanic Gardens.

My niece Jamie came for a visit this summer, and she wanted to paint, so we got some acrylics and got to playing around.  Now, I haven't painted with acrylics since I was 20, which was a little while ago . . . and I didn't like them much then.  Things have changed!

Low and behold, I gave them a try, and I loved them!  The acrylics feel a little different to me than oils, the colors look and mix a little differently, and the "action" of the paint on the canvas is different.

I am especially enjoying them for plein air painting.  The speed of the drying time, which a lot of artists think is a huge disadvantage, really suits me for painting on location.  I can build up paint layers quickly, paint negative shapes and overpaint and highlight quickly.  Cleanup  is easy, and by the time I have my simple painting materials packed, the acrylic study is dry and easy to transport.

I've been doing a lot of experiments with the acrylics, and a lot of research.  Like oils, there is great variation between manufacturers in paint body, lustre, pigments, drying time, mediums, etc . . . very satisfying for my need to understand all aspects of the chemistry and archival qualities of the materials I use to create my art.

This  foray into acrylics has opened up possibilities and potential, and enhanced my painting journey.  I think I like it - thanks Jamie!

Blue Serenade original oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Blue Serenade"

original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8"

Mini Masterpiece Collection

Two weeks ago, after the Waldo Canyon Fire, I sent an email newsletter to all of my wonderful friends and collectors, asking you to partner with me to help our Colorado  neighbors, with 10% of all art sales through Laura Reilly Fine Art to be donated to the charities of your choice.

I am delighted to say the response has been wonderful! Some of our community and neighbors we have helped so far are:

Colorado Springs Firefighters

Waldo Canyon Fire Victims

Howbert Elementary

Care and Share

Silver Key 

This will continue through the end of August - if you've been thinking about adding a new Laura Reilly painting to your collection, now is a great time!  I invite you to  help your friends and beautiful Colorado, and get some great art - for you or a friend.  

Here are all the details!

MY DONATION TO YOUR CHARITY:

Now through August, 10% of every painting sold through Laura Reilly Fine Art will be donated in your name, or in honor of your loved one, to any Colorado charity or non-profit of meaning to you – anywhere in Colorado. Red Cross, Firefighters, Arts Centers, Girl Scouts, Food Banks, Land Trusts, Children’s Literacy - you love it, you name it, and together we’ll help.

10% - from tiny acorns mighty oak trees grow!

Select your painting in person at my gallery, or shop online at www.LauraReilly.com - new paintings have just been posted to the website.

Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery

2522A W. Colorado Avenue,

Colorado Springs, CO  80904

719-650-1427

Pikes Peak Welcome - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

First Plein Air Painting of the Season

"Pikes Peak Welcome"

original oil on gessoed panel

6" x 12" x 3/8" 

painting continues arounds sides for a beautiful finish.

Can a landscape love you back?

This was the first plein air painting of the season.    The lure of the outdoors has been on me lately - the freshening breezes of spring, birds and bees humming in the blooming garden, sudden brightening of color - all have been sending the siren song - "come out, come out and play with us - and bring your paints!".  But here I was, rusty, awkward, and gawky -  unfamiliar with my outdoor equipment after months of studio painting.   I thought I'd better ease into this plein air thing, unsure as I was feeling, yet anxious and exhilarated, too, at the prospect of being out in the real world with my paints again!

So,  I thought I'd visit an old and trusted friend - I went to paint Pikes Peak and the Gateway Rocks.  We love the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, and I think they love us back. I sure felt welcomed by my old friends today!

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Open to the Sun - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

“Open to the Sun”   

Mini Masterpiece from the

Denver Botanic Gardens Series

Original oil on panel 12” x 6”

I’ve been  creating a series of paintings from a late season visit to the

Denver Botanic Gardens.  This painting is a humble homage to some of my favorite painters – of course, Monet, but also Gustav Klimt.  Why Klimt?  We always think of Monet, the master, when it comes to waterlilies, but for some reason Klimt kept coming to me as I contemplated this painting.  

Gustav Klimt, known for his gorgeous mosaic-like masterworks such as “the Kiss”, also created many landscape, lake and garden paintings.  Many of these paintings were created in a long vertical format. The  composition, mosaic-like brushstrokes and water all remind me of  Klimt’s ethereal paintings.    As artists, we are often  inspired by those who have come before us –  whose hand and eye have translated the world into unique expressions of beauty and grace.

MY WEBSITE

Small Moments

"Starlit Night" SOLD

 original oil on canvas, 20" x 10" x 1.5"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

Sometimes it's not the big events that make the best memories and moments in life, but the small ones - like a walk on a starry night of the new moon.  It's dark and crystal clear, and the stars and planets shimmer and glow in the deep winter night because the moon isn't stealing the show. 

Jack and I and Piper saw this view a few weeks ago on a night time walk, and I carried the sight carefully all the way home, a vision of stillness and quiet and starlight.  Once home,  I made a sketch before the memory faded, and created this painting in acknowledgement of small, beautiful, precious moments like this. 

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK!

April 6, 5:00 - 8:00pm

at my gallery here in Old Colorado City

The Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery

2522 W. Colorado Avenue

Come on out, enjoy a beautiful spring evening, and come by and say hello -

I'd love to see you!

Summer's Mosaic original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Summer's Mosaic" - original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8" 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

Mini Masterpiece Collection

 It's been wonderful to be at my new little "petite galerie" here in Old Colorado City -

I love looking out my door, and seeing the changing light over the mountains, just south and west a little - and "hanging out on the ave", I've gotten to visit with friends I haven't seen in a good long while, and met new friends too.  

 The comments I've gotten about the new space are "this is such a charming space!" - "this is so cute" and "wow - it's a lot bigger inside than it looks from outside!"  and "do you paint here?!?" 

- you'll just have to come and see for yourself, and see the new additions to my 

Mini Masterpiece collection too.

 I'll be at the gallery  Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 - 5:00 

Stop by and say hi, and see what new "Mini Masterpiece"  I have in process on the easel. 

I'd love to see you!  

Laura 

Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery

2522A W. Colorado Avenue, 80904

in Old Colorado City (next to the Soap Box)

719-650-1427

"100 for $100" Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery Grand Opening Show and Sale!

Dear Friends - 

I have exciting news!

Please come and help me celebrate the Grand Opening of my newest artventure,

the Laura Reilly Fine Art Gallery - 
the Biggest Little Gallery in the southwest!

  

My new gallery is located at 2522A W. Colorado Avenue,

in Old Colorado City, (next to the Soap Box)

We just don't always know what fate or heaven might have planned for us, 

and what leaps of faith we just might take  - 

  

I was looking for a temporary location to present  my Mini Masterpiece "100 for $100" show when I saw the space at 2522A W. Colorado Avenue, in Old Colorado City.     When I peeked in the window, it was love at first sight!  I am so looking forward to having a gallery again, and sharing my paintings with you in person.   I plan on being open most afternoons, but don't have a set schedule just yet.  In the meantime, please come next weekend to see my show!  

"100 for $100"

Grand Opening Show and Sale

100 Mini Masterpiece original oil paintings for $100 each

Friday, February 24, 4 - 7 pm

Saturday, February 25, 11 am - 4 pm 

Sunday, February 26, 11 am - 4 pm

Here's a couple of "sneak peaks" of some of the Mini Masterpieces for you to preview.

SOLD

"Autumn Snow - Pikes Peak" 

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8", 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

SOLD

"Now You See It"

original oil on gessoed panel, 10" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

"Twilight in Gothic" - SOLD

original oil painting on gessoed panel

6" x 12" x 3/8", painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

When I Think of You original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"When I Think of You"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 10" x 3/8"

paintings continue around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

I love to paint poppies - the beautiful reds are so vibrant and alive and a great excuse to play with red paint!  I feel a little poetry comes on too - like "when I think of you".

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Georgetown Window original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Georgetown Window"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction

A painting from Georgetown, Colorado.  This lovely little town is full of charming vignettes like this one!

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Hilltop Sunrise - 36" x 36" Work in Progress - Underpainting

A Larger Studio Painting

 

SOLD

"Up on the Hill", original oil on panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

I often find that some of my smaller paintings and studies inspire me to create larger studio

 paintings.  I like to think of these explorations as perhaps a 

short story - the small painting  - and a full length novel - the larger studio painting. 

The smaller study may be a simple, spare and elegant statement.  The larger studio painting is a richer, deeper exploration of the original theme, with nuances and resonances not possible in the smaller format.  

Each painting is a work of art on it's own, with it's own story to tell.

In the studio, with "Up on the Hill", the original small painting.

Many of these daily paintings I've been working on intrigue me, 

and could be the start of larger paintings, as this one is.

"Hilltop Sunrise" - first layers.  

I'll keep you posted as the painting progresses - can't wait to see the rest of the story!

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Reflections on a Pond original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Reflections on a Pond"

original oil on gessoed panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8"

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This painting is one of a series created from a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens in October.  It's amazing how much beautiful color still appears in late autumn, in the dry grasses and turning leaves.

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Email Me

"A Poem for the Fall" - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"A Poem for the Fall"

original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8"

 painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This painting is from one of my favorite locations here in Colorado Springs, to hike, paint, and enjoy the serenity of nature - Sondermann Park.  There's a creek that wanders through a protected wetlands, full of wildlife and birds.  I've come across walkers and bikers and classes of kids experiencing science in the wild.    I've often painted here, delighting  in the brilliant hues of the fall foliage.  

A Note About My Daily Painting Practice

    This is a significant creative challenge, painting a small work of art  every day or so.  It's upped the ante for me as an artist and as a creative professional - how best to make a profound and meaningful statement, visually, about my chosen subject - make it good, make it meaningful, make it the best painting I am capable of - and not as easy as one might think,  to create a compelling work of  art on a small scale. I am loving it!  Thanks for sharing my journey.

My Website

"Glints of Autumn" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Glints of Autumn"

original oil on panel, 12" x 6" x 3/8",

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

Jack said  this painting reminds him of all the times we've spent on warm fall afternoons, 

hanging out by the creek, enjoying the fall sunshine and breezes, just messing around.  

Spent many an enjoyable afternoon that way, with various kids, friends, and dogs!

"Path to the River" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

"Path to the River"

original oil on panel, 8" x 8" x 3/8" 

 painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction

There's a path I often take with my dog Piper. 

It winds through the tall grass, offering tempting glimpses of the silver river along the way.  

The warm golden grasses are especially appealing this time of year.  Piper likes the grasses too - she's sure she's going to get a mouse one of these days - no luck so far, but hope springs eternal!

"Winterset" - original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Winterset"
original oil on panel, 6" x 12" x 3/8"
painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.
click to bid in the auction


Welcome! to all the new subscribers  
 to my blog, and Thank you! to everyone of you for your continued interest in my paintings. 
 I look forward to sharing my creative journey with you, and perhaps surprising and delighting you too.  


 Before I really learned to look at the landscape, to be able to paint it, I used to find winter very dull and uninspiring.  Now, since I've learned to really look,  I find the color that appears at this time of year has a quality of magic and mystery to it - very evocative and poetic.  

"Lavender Rest" original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Lavender Rest" 

8" x 8" x 3/8" original oil on gessoed panel, 

painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction

This is another painting from my Lavender Fields  series - 

 Paola's young nieces were taking a little break from their work harvesting the fragrant blooming lavender - they looked so charming I had to paint them - but waited til now, when the memory of the sun and warmth and fragrance could warm the winter studio!

"Lavender Memories" original impressionist oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Lavender Memories" 

8" x 8" x 3/8" original oil on gessoed panel, 

painting continues arounds sides for a beautiful finish

click to bid in the auction!

 I still smell the fragrant scent of the lavender as it heats up in the sun. 

This painting is one of a continuing series of paintings from 

my trip in 2010 to Palisade, Colorado to paint 

in the blooming lavender fields.

Thank you, Lavender Association of Western Colorado!

My Daily Paintworks Auctions

My Website

Autumn's Shining Path original oil painting by Laura Reilly

SOLD

"Autumn's Shining Path" 

 original oil on gessoed panel

12" x 6" x 3/8" - painting continues around sides for a beautiful finish.

click to bid in the auction!

I've started something new for 2012, and am having so much fun with it!  I am now a member of Daily Paintworks, and have joined the "painting a day" artists' movement  - a new, small original oil painting created about every day, and posted to this wonderful art-only auction site.  This is something I've wanted to do for a long time - as you may know, I have always been charmed by the magic of small things.  There's a special  intimacy to the scale of smaller paintings,  and also a significant challenge for the painter - can a small work of art be as compelling or dramatic or moving as something created on a larger scale?  Also, as an avid art collector myself, I can always find a spot for another small gem!  Enjoy!