December art challenge

As everyone else, Pamela and I are very busy this time of year. We almost decided to take a break until February 2013 but alas . . . I searched through my image files and found this wonderful cupcake. I think it has a festive feel to it, just in time for the holidays!

Personally I love painting cupcakes.

If you prefer to paint a different cupcake or dress this one up a bit, go for it! We hope you'll enjoy the process also!

Roger Akesson

Sharon Whitley

Judy - De Draad Aquarellen

Donna Shortt

Pamela White Murphy

Ria Hills

Mico

November art challenge

There's less than a month left of autumn colors so we decided to continue our autumn theme into November. Autumn brings such brilliant colors but for a very short time. You can paint our leaves or go out for a walk and take photos of what inspires you. Paint a single leaf, a group or an entire landscape. The only "rule" this month is to include autumn leaves in your painting.

Ria will be on vacation through November 7th so please mail the images of your paintings after that date.

Have fun and create!

Hanneke Bronwasser

Krystyna Szczepanowski Watercolours

October art challenge

right click to view larger image

We thought it would fun to have a seasonal theme and what symbolizes Autumn more than a pumpkin?
You can use our image or use your own pumpkin photo. Have another favorite of the season? We'd love to see a painting of it!

The only requirement is a still life representing Autumn.
As always we look forward to your paintings!

acrylic by Judi D'allessandro

Carlene Dingman Atwater

watercolor by Pamela White Murphy

watercolor by Cora

pastel by Ria Hills

acrylic by Cheri Homaee

watercolor by Judy - De Draad Aquarellen

oil painting by Mico

“coffee” watercolor by Renate

September art challenge

crumpled index card

This month challenge is a value practice. Values are key in a successful painting. 

It's very important to really look at the reference so as not to miss an important edge or shadow.

You may use our photo or set up your own still life to work from. As always have fun! We are looking forward to your interpretations.

Pamela White Murphy

Mico

Ria Hills

August art challenge

Pheew . . where did the time go?!
We thought it might be fun to paint self portraits this month. Every artist at some point in their lifetime, usually more than once, paints a self portrait. Your challenge is to paint yourself within 30 minutes. In other words keep it really simple and get the essence of your likeness. You can sit in the front of the mirror or grab a photo but do not over think or overwork your painting.
Have fun and we can't wait to "see" you!

Nigel Short
Nigel didn't send us his painting because he worked
beyond the 30 minute limit but we felt a need to share
his painting. This is the excellence that we all hopefully
aspire to attain on our paths as artists!

Judi D'allessandro

Renate Arends

Pamela White Murphy

Mico Soleil

Ria Hills

July art challenge

Pamela and a couple of her students thought the American flag would be a good challenge for the month of July. Apparently a couple of the girls have already started on it. Send your images in!

 The photo was taken in the domed entry to the Boston Harbor Hotel on Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston.  

As always we are looking forward to your interpretations!
(right click the image to download)
For descriptions of the works click on the artist's blog.

Mico Soleil

Nigel Short

Renate Arends

Gloria J. Zucaro

June art challenge

Summer is almost here in Massachusetts and I'm sure that most of us have already been wearing sandals and flip-flops for a couple of weeks. Pamela and I were talking about using this photo in the summer but I couldn't wait.
I took this photo a couple of years ago when Pamela and I went up to New Hampshire for a weekend with my daughter Melissa and Linda. It was such a fun time!
It's not the greatest photo but often as painters we don't always have the best images to work with. That's where the artist steps in.

“Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot; others transform a yellow spot into the sun.” Pablo Picasso

We hope you'll get your feet wet and accept the challenge!
~ Ria

Gloria J Zucaro

Susan E. Johnson

Judi D'allessandro

Pamela White Murphy

Christa Forrest

May art challenge

"Oh That Bloomin' Tree"
It's May and everything is blooming after a really boring winter here in New England. 

We'd love to see your interpretation of this months art challenge.
Have fun and try not to focus too much on details!

Judi D'Allessandro

Nigel Short

Gloria Zucaro

Claudia Meyer

Ria Hills

Denna Kadavy

Pamela White Murphy