Painting | ElaineFogel Art

Roses are Red – Some are Yellow

Leave a Comment / Still Life Painting / elainefogelart

Sometimes, art doesn’t quite turn out the way one envisions. That’s exactly what happened with this one. The reference photo I used was lovely – with muted colors in a minimalist style. But, I didn’t like the painting I created from it.

So, I changed it! That’s the benefit of paint. One can simply paint over what’s on the canvas.

I added a two-toned, striped, yellow wallpaper to give the background some life using paint and colored pencil. Then I changed the vase from white to red.

Now, it’s bolder and more colorful. It pops.

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What Do Her Eyes Say to You?

Leave a Comment / Figurative Painting / elainefogelart

The free photo I used to create this painting captured my attention. Not only is this young girl physically beautiful, she is also mysterious.

What’s going through her mind? Is she scared, anxious, or simply lost in thought?

When I asked my friends to help me title this painting, they recommended several similar words: pensive, wary, forlorn, uncertain, apprehensive, contemplative, and observant. I see all these emotions in this young girl’s eyes. Perhaps, she’s thinking about her future with trepidation or is unsettled about an incident. Either way, her eyes draw you in to wonder.

So, tell me. What do her eyes say to you?

Take a peek at the painting’s details here.

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Lake Tahoe (Before the Smoke)

Nature Painting / elainefogelart

In July of this year (2021), my husband and I visited one of his ski buddy’s homes in Lake Tahoe. I had never been there before and discovered a stunning place! (This was prior to the wildfires billowing toxic smoke throughout the region.)

The town was brimming with covid-frustrated visitors, eager to get out of their homes to explore domestic tourist sites. At every site-seeing spot, cars lined highway shoulders while other eagerly waited for someone to pull out of the few parking lots.

The lake itself, is quite large, dotted with small islands. In its bays, colors are reminiscent of the Caribbean with bright turquoise, blue, and green hues. This painting is based on a photo I took of Emerald Bay.

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Do Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner Live Here?

Leave a Comment / Nature Painting / elainefogelart

Doesn’t this painting look like a scene from a Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner cartoon? It wasn’t intentional, I assure you. 😉

It wasn’t until after I painted “Yellow Desert Sky” that it dawned on me. I can visualize Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner through this scene.

On the other hand, if I hadn’t mentioned this, you probably would have thought it a picturesque desert landscape, right? Did I just shoot myself in the foot?

Living in the Sonoran Desert gives me boundless, brilliant sunset skies and this one is no exception. The yellows and golds are not only soothing, they present a feeling of peace.

Check out the painting details here.

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A Whimsical Tree of Life

Leave a Comment / Whimsical Painting / elainefogelart

Over the years, I’ve admired some whimsical Judaic art – so much so, that I decided to attempt a similar style for my “Tree of Life” painting.

The Tree of Life, sometimes referred to as the World Tree, appears in the mythology and folklore of cultures around the world. Tree of Life meanings vary slightly from culture to culture. However, a common theme they all share is the idea that a mystical tree connects the physical and spiritual worlds. In addition, the Tree of Life is foundational to supporting all life.
https://www.uniguide.com/tree-of-life/

I began by texturing the canvas with a neutral color to give it some depth. I then painted the tree and its limbs using metallic paint. For the leaves and flowers, I used earth tones with a glitter medium to give it zazzle!

Although I liked it once it was finished, I decided to add the neutral small leaves in the background to complete the “look.” Admittedly, the dark brown dove silhouette was an afterthought. 😉

Update: I donated this painting to the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix.

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Abstract Art is Freedom!

Leave a Comment / Abstract Painting / elainefogelart

This piece represents my first “official” abstract painting. And, what fun it was to create! As opposed to being inspired by a photo image, abstract art gives me the license to do whatever comes to mind. Such freedom!

I started with a textured dark navy/purple background. Once dried, I added the flowers and greenery, followed by colored dots to simulate other garden flowers. I wanted to create a contemporary dream-like scene, hence the title, “Wistful Garden.”

Here’s an excellent explanation of what abstract art is.

Check out this painting here.

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The Red Boat on the Shore

Leave a Comment / Nature Painting / elainefogelart

When I first discovered the photo that inspired this painting, I immediately thought of my summer camp days singing, “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore.” The only difference is that our camp was situated on a frigid lake in Quebec, not on any seashore.

Admittedly, I re-painted the boat from its first iteration, trying to get the dimensions and angle right. I also decided to paint it red instead of the aqua color of the original photo. I prefer it when the boat stands out, rather than look like it fades into the background of the sea blues.

Anyone for a round of the song now? 😉

Check out this painting here.

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Dream of Hanalei Bay in Winter

Leave a Comment / Nature Painting / elainefogelart

My daughter and son-in-law spent their honeymoon in Kaui – nicknamed the “Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. This painting of Hanalei Bay (based on their photo) is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island and consists of nearly two miles of beach, surrounded by mountains.

I wanted to capture the movement of the waves as they approached the shore. As the water mixed with the sand, the final wave gets browner until it calms into a shallow pool.

This painting will hang in their Minneapolis home where they can reminisce during their cold winters!

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Little Sailor Girl Exudes Mystery and Innocence

Leave a Comment / Figurative Painting / elainefogelart

The photo of this young girl in a sailor dress attracted my attention because her gaze captivated me and she has a beautiful face. But, I struggled with a good title.

So, I asked my Facebook friends to help with the title and several words appeared: innocence, mystery, deep in thought, and a sense of being lost. It’s interesting how they saw different expressions in her face.

Once I finalized the details, I didn’t like her set against a solid background, so I stippled white on top and it softened the effect considerably.

What do you think she’s thinking?

You can view the painting’s details here.

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Painting of a saguaro cactus at sunset by Elaine Fogel

Saguaro Cactus in a Glorious Sunset

Leave a Comment / Nature Painting / elainefogelart

Living in the Sonoran Desert gives me access to the most beautiful sunsets. Add in the stature of a saguaro cactus and you’ve got a painting!

People often ask why I don’t paint more desert scenes, but frankly, so many artists down here are doing just that. Yet, when I discovered the photo that inspired this piece, I was so blown away, I had to paint it!

I love the way the clouds wisp into the sunset colors. The cactus stands proud in a black silhouette against the sky, demanding attention.

When I first showed this one to family and friends, they initially thought that the saguaro didn’t look realistic. Then, I showed them the photo and they now believe!

Check it out.

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