May Blossoms

Posted on May 13, 2023

“The flower offers a removed beauty that exists only for beauty, more abstract than it can be in the human being, even more exquisite. One may begin with the human figure at the logical and realistic, but in painting the flower one must even begin at the exquisite and distinguished.”

—Maria Oakey Dewing

 

After the dreary colorless winter, I too am a “ garden thirsty soul.”

May brings its own exquisite beauty in the garden. I love how my little corner of earth bursts forth with a riot of color and a profusion of subtle scents. The roses first bloom happen all at once and they are untouched from any Japanese Beetles. The peonies add to the marvelous chorus of blooms and their round blossoms are a fascination. Each flower in my garden in May seems to be a little diva demanding my attention!

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May Blossoms
(16 x 20 inches, oil on panel, collection of the artist.)

Keeping a Sketchbook

Posted on April 25, 2023

In January of this year, I joined other artists in participating in the Strada Easel 31-day Challenge of creating from life. This time I wanted to have some fun with watercolor. I love the fluid and freeing nature of this medium and I often take advantage of some of the spontaneous “accidents” that add beauty to a work.

Keeping a sketchbook is a great way to explore ideas and different media as an artist. It can also capture thumbnails and color schemes to help solve problems before painting a larger piece. Working every day, even for minutes, can help pay dividends as an artist. There is always something more to learn and explore!

Below is a sampling of some of the floral creations I created in watercolor for the Strada Easel Challenge.

 

Art in Bloom

Posted on March 22, 2023

 I am excited to share that juror Glen Kessler awarded Summer Symphony third place in the Art in Bloom show at the Martha Spak Gallery.

This wonderful floral inspired show runs from March 22 to April 30th and coincides with the Cherry Blossom Festival in Downtown D. C.

Martha Spak Gallery
The Wharf, 60 District Square, SW, Washington, DC 20024Summer Symphony
(16 x 20 inches, oil on panel)

 

Romance

Posted on February 14, 2023

Roses are the perfect gift to say “I love you!”

These blooms seem extravagant due to their fleeting nature and the soft petals and subtle scent just hint of romance. According to mythology, Aphrodite’s beauty was so intoxicating that roses sprang up where ever she walked.

Romance
● Sold  (12 x 12 inches, oil on panel)

January Strada Easel Challenge

Posted on January 1, 2023

One of my new year’s resolutions is to keep a daily sketchbook. I signed up for the January 2023  Strada Easel Challenge and this will help me to stay on track!

For each day in the month of January artists are to create in any medium working from life (no photos, computer screens or zoom) and post the image to instagram.  And the added bonus is, if an artist completes all the days in the challenge, he or she is entered into a drawing to win a Strada Easel.

For day one, I chose white carnations because they represent hope and renewal. If you would life to follow along check out my new instagram account at: @jillbrabantartist

 

Winter Walk

Posted on December 24, 2022

“Snow was falling so much like stars,
filling the dark trees, one could easily imagine that its reason for being was nothing more than prettiness.”

— Mary Oliver

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Christmas season! May His light shine through and bring you renewal and happiness in the new year!

Winter Walk
● Sold (11 x 14 inches, pastel on panel)

 

Sunflowers and Carnations

Posted on November 16, 2022

“And the yellow sunflower by the brook,
in autumn beauty stood.”

— William Cullen Bryant

Sunflowers symbolize gratitude and are the perfect flower of autumn. The burgundy carnations pulled out some of the darker color notes I found in the Sunflowers and added a bit of contrast.

This November, I am thankful for family, friends and all of you who appreciate my humble art!

Sunflowers and Carnations
Framed painting: $1,100 plus shipping
(12 x 20 inches, oil on panel)

 

Peonies and Provence

Posted on October 23, 2022

This large green vase was fun to paint with the reflections and the color was the perfect compliment to offset the gorgeous pink peonies from my garden.

These flowers were almost too pretty to cut! The debris of strewn ribbon and leaves added a spark of color to the grey table top.

Peonies and Provence
● Sold  (16 x 20 inches, oil on panel)

30 Day Painting Challenge

Posted on September 2, 2022

This month, I will be painting from life every day and posting to instagram.

This will be a fun challenge as I see 740 elementary art students weekly (so not much easel time and usually late night painting)! My goal is to create quick sketches to simplify my compositions and nail the correct values. I paint and create daily because it fills my cup and is something just for me. My paintings may not always be successful, but my time at the easel is precious!

Thanks for following along. You can view all of these painting at my Study Sale page.

Below is my block-in from day one and the completed painting from day two.

 

Potomac Nights

Posted on August 24, 2022

 

“I often think the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”

— Vincent van Gogh

Reflections of lights from the Kennedy Center and the Watergate grace this impressionistic view of the city. A modern black floater frame compliments this painting.

Potomac Nights
Framed painting: $850 plus shipping
(18 x 18 inches, oil on panel)