Lavender Fields

Lavender Fields

Oil on canvas

The lavender fields of Ojai California seemed like a good subject for this time of year.   

Walking among the flowers calming fragrance you can almost imagine yourself in the fields of Provence France.

Far Vista

Far Vista

My painting "Far Vista" is an impression of what I saw on a recent hike.     

The painting was done entirely with palette knives on a toned canvas.   

I made a short video showing "How I start my palette knife paintings"
and hope to have it up on Instagram  Far Vista once it is finished!     

Wish me Luck!

Warm Hearts

The original oil painting of "Warm Hearts" has sold, but prints are available!

Please contact me if interested.

Print with mat and Free shipping $95.00

Good Times

Good Times

12X12  Oil Painting on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Summer fun times are recalled with this Retro VW bus!
Heading out for a fun adventure
and making memories is what this oil painting is all about!

Moonpie

Moonpie

ALL We Need Is LOVE

ALL We Need Is LOVE

12x12 Acrylic

I haven't blogged in a long time because I moved to a New House!  
It hasn't been "just" a move a crossed the country, but also a Renovation!  
( Which means my New Studio was used as a storeroom for everything! ) 
Now that I can see the light at-the-end-of-the-tunnel, or should I say "the renovation" it's time to get back to making ART and blogging.
I am re-posting this to get started. 
Thank You for staying with me!

I said I would tell you my thoughts about abstracts at the end of this month long experiment.   To make it even harder, I used acrylic which is a new medium for me!
What I learned was abstracts SHOW your emotions and your state of mind while painting!   So when you approach your canvas just know that your painting is going to tell on you!   

It's now time I returned to oil painting, pack my gear and get outside and Paint!

Favorite Acrylic Brand

Favorite Acrylic Brand

12x12   "Gerber Daisies"  Acrylic on paper  SOLD

Working in acrylics is very different from oils, but I have found a brand that lets me mix and paint with a similar outcome!  The brand is Interactive Artists Acrylic by Chroma.   These acrylic colors still dry fast like traditional acrylics but the working time is forgivable!  I like that the colors stay true and clean up is easy. 

Acrylic tips using Night Garden

Acrylic Tips using "Night Garden"

      The Journey 12x12                   Night Garden 20x20

My big tip for working with acrylics is, try it, before you buy it!   Here's what I mean by that:  when I am stumped about what-to-do next, I get a sheet of wax paper and lay it over the dried painting and work on that.   As you can see be the photos below it took many tries to reach my final painting.

The upper left-hand corner is the painting I was working on.
The upper right-hand corner shows the wax paper placed over the painting.
On squares 3, 4, 5 and 6  I show the many ideas and stages the painting went through without harming the painting.
I hope by using this tip to use waxed paper to try out an idea first,
is something you will find useful.

Night Garden

Night Garden

(With updated tips and how to do it!)

Night Garden by Jacklyn Karabaich

20x20  Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas

My big tip for working with acrylics is, try it, before you buy it!   Here's what I mean by that:  when I am stumped about what-to-do next, I get a sheet of wax paper and lay it over the dried painting and work on that.   As you can see be the photos below it took many tries to reach my final painting.

The upper left-hand corner is the painting I was working on.
The upper right-hand corner shows the wax paper placed over the painting.
On squares 3, 4, 5 and 6  I show the many ideas and stages the painting went through without harming the painting.
I hope by using this tip to use waxed paper to try out an idea first,
is something you will find useful.

Are We There Yet

Are We There Yet

12x36   Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas   $300

This a close up of one 12 inch section.

SOLD

This painting took me longer than I thought it would, but than it was 3 times bigger than what I had been working on!  The colors are a fun mix and would brighten any room.



As you can see, it can be hung both ways and added bonus!

(This is an exercise to see what I can learn by doing non-objective paintings for 30 days.  At the end of 30 days I will be writing about what I have learned.)

Stars in the Sky

Stars in the Sky

Original 10x7 1/2 mixed media

This painting reminds me of the Milky Way high above us. 

  I live a mile above sea level and it's always fascinating to look up at night and be able to see the Milky Way.

OR

it could be a chicken?

Be Mine

Be Mine

12x12 Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas  $200 + shipping

Graduation

Graduation

12x12  acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

$200 + shipping

Even our brightest days can have a cloud or two, just keep believing they will pass.

(This is an exercise to see what I can learn by doing non-objective paintings for 30 days.  

At the end of 30 days I will be writing about what I have learned.)

Thought of You Today

Thought of You Today

12x12  Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas

$200 + shipping

(This is an exercise to see what I can learn by doing non-objective paintings for 30 days.  

At the end of 30 days I will be writing about what I have learned.)

The Journey

The Journey

12x12 Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas 

$200 + shipping  Contact me if interested

                The colors of this work reminded me of an old map with stories to tell.   The writing isn't a language or words, but a form of auto writing that just happens when I'm in-the-zone.

(This is an exercise to see what I can learn by doing non-objective paintings for 30 days.  

At the end of 30 days I will be writing about what I have learned.)

Restful

Restful

12x12 Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas $200   

(This is an exercise to see what I can learn by doing non-objective paintings for 30 days.  

At the end of 30 days I will be writing about what I have learned.)

Granite Walk

Granite Walk     8x10     Oil

I had so much fun painting this,  Plein Air!  

 It's a walking trail very close to my house,  

so I didn't have far to go to find an interesting subject. 

 The ground and weeds were very sun bleached  

so the colors I chose are pastel to convey that feeling.

Art Center

If you ever get the chance to take a workshop in a different part of the country, do it!  

There is something about being surrounded by totally different scenery, that really makes you look at what you're painting.

Winterberries

The move to Arizona is complete, and I'm loving it!  

I live high up on the edge of a national forest, with a mountain in my backyard!  

This painting is a large bush nearby in the snow - I told you I live high up!  

There weren't any berries on the bush, 

but I used artistic license and let the toned panel show through more than usual.

Winterberries   8x8    Oil on panel    ($120 unframed)

Good Day Sunshine

Good Day Sunshine

I don't know about you, but I love this time of year!

Halloween, Fall decorations in orange and gold, 

pumpkins everywhere, and the store shelves are filled with candy!

The holidays are right around the corner and

you can almost feel the excitement in the air!

8x8   Oil        SOLD

Hanging Out

Hanging Out

(14x11 Oil)

This is my daughters Cairn Terrier, Casey.

   She loves to stretch out as big as she can,  in the softest spot in the room.

I painted this trying to capture the many grey's in Casey's coat.   

She also changes colors with the seasons and you never know what color she will be next!

Ready for a Dip

Ready for a Dip

8X8      Oil on Canvas

I have been struggling with my light source.   I paint in a room with windows and have to block some of the light to get a readable painting.   Its confusing to have too many light sources!   My solution is to put my still life props into a box.   I then put one strong light on my subject and that seems to work.

The title of this painting came to me after I finished painting it.   The spoons seemed to be lined up waiting their turn to dive into a pool!

What"s Hanging in Your House?

I have been asked this question a lot lately. 

   My favorite paintings are spread through out my house,
and "yes" it does get out of hand at times!
They become like old friends, and it is nice to recall where and how they were painted.

This stockpile of paintings also keeps me ready for upcoming shows.

   Now it's your turn, what do you have on your wall?

What You Might Not Know or A Little About Me

There is a back story to most events in a persons life.  
How did they get where they are now?   I guess this is my short answer?

As a military wife,  I had the opportunity to study classical oil painting while living in Europe.

These studies lasted three years while being surrounded by the Belgium countryside.
Returning to the States,  I re-enrolled in college to major in Fine Art.

I have always been fascinated with painting.   I remember being in a artist's home when I was about six, and "really looking" at the paintings wondering "how" they were made?   This sense of wonder about painting has held my attention all my life. 

Today I still study painting daily, and continuously look for inspiration for that next painting!

Visit my website at: JacklynKarabaich.com

New Direction

Getting ready for the  New Year! 

Last year had some real highs and lows.  The lows took me away from painting while dealing with a parent with Alzheimer's.  The high was hiking in Arizona, seeing Sedona and taking a painting workshop.

Now after a long absence from painting I am faced with the nagging "how long will it take to get back to were I was?"   My plan is to start with value studies first and do Notan drills.   I think it is more of a head thing right now, once I get rested and unpacked things should start to fall into place.

Thank You for your support.
Happy Painting!

Merry Christmas 2014

Starry Night Pears

I "should" have called this, "Don't Paint in the Dark!"  

When I really get into a painting, I'm not aware of anything else! 

  It was late in the afternoon when I started painting and the sun was setting fast.   I had my still life setup of the pears lite, but didn't have a light on my palette because I was using the daylight.  When I finished,  I brought my light stand around to light my panel and was surprised at not only the colors, but the knife strokes as well!  

So my lesson learned for today is, light both your subject and your palette. 

I hate when I have to learn things over and over!

 So you might say, "why don't you fix it?"  

I don't like to go back into a painting, 

I have found it rarely works for me, and just becomes fussy.

30 Day Challenge

I started the 30 Day Painting Challenge on-the-road, and had to paint in a hotel room!  

I used watercolor for the "first time" so I wouldn't have to bring my oils with me.   

I thought Abstracts would be easy and fun?   Easy, NO!   Fun?   When they worked, they were fun, but I painted many abstracts that didn't get posted!

I learned that Abstract or Representational Art needs a good design to work.   

Color will help, but will only take you so far, 

than it is the job of the focal point to hold the painting together.

I want to Thank Leslie Saeta for hosting this challenge once again, 

and Thank You for looking!

Just the Two of Us

Today's painting was done with a  palette knife.   

Painting pears can be tricky! 

They have all of these angles unlike a round fruit, so I concentrated on 

values only to tell the story.

6x8   Oil on panel

Patchwork Pears

Continued the pear theme today!  

Pears are fun and challenging to paint.  

They have angles and sides, light and dark, and sometimes spots too!

8x10     Acrylic on Gessoboard

Thanks for Looking!

Too much Football

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational, and 

I have only painted with oil paints.

 

 OK, I'm the first to blow the whistle on myself.  This is an oil painting.

Green Apples

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational, and 

I have only painted with oil paints.

"Green Apples"

7.5x10 inches  Acrylic on paper

Thank You for looking!

Junk Drawer

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational, and 

I have only painted with oil paints.

 

"Junk Drawer"

 

12x12    Acrylic on 300lb paper

Place

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational, and 

I have only painted with oil paints.

 

 "Place"

12x12   Acrylic and Gesso on paper

Why did I name my painting "Place"?   

Because I wanted the viewer to decide if it was morning or evening?  

And, whether it was a cityscape or trees and field, or maybe even a lake?

I tried putting in a reflection that would describe water, but thought it took away from the focus.

Through this challenge, I am finding design the most important element.

Thank You for looking!

 

From Up Here

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational and 

I have only painted with oil paints.

 

"From Up Here"

        

6x6      Acrylic on panel   $75

We're Out of Here!

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational 

and I have only painted 

with oil paints.

 

"We're Out of Here"

12x12      Acrylic and Gesso on 300lb. paper

 

Above it All

I am in the " 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge" once again! 

For this challenge I want to try something different, and perhaps learn a few things along the way?  My challenge is to paint 30 abstract paintings using water soluble paints, if possible?  

This will be a challenge for me because my painting style is representational and I have only painted 

with oil paints.

 
 "Above it All"  
12x12            Acrylic and Gesso         300lb. paper

Secret Garden

I think I was in information overload today? 

 I watched a few hours of How-to videos, to understand "how to" work with acrylics?  

It didn't dawn on me that everyone is using fluid acrylics, and I am using heavy body acrylics! 

 So that is why they aren't responding the way they do in the video! 

"Secret Garden"      12x12  Acrylic on Gessoed 300lb. paper

Just Another Day

Working with Abstracts would have been enough of a stretch for me.  

I usually work in oil and do representational paintings, 

but then I added working in water media also! 

"Just Another Day"     WC and Ink on paper

Thinking of You

It's interesting to see what kind of reoccurring marks we make, when doing free-style drawing.  

Before I start, I will do some warm-up line work, to get into the right frame of mind.   

The watercolors that came in the box was a limited palette, and not colors I would normally use on their own.   Mixing the watercolors made a shade I was happier with than just out-of-the-box.  

For today's painting I did the background first, than the line work, than finished with added color.  

" Thinking of You"     WC and Pen on 93lb. paper

Sealed with a Kiss

 I have been on the road, so I had to paint this in my Hotel room.  My supplies are VERY limited and I am still learning what they do!  Using a limited palette and free style drawing seems to work best for me, for now.   I will get more adventurous as I learn more about Abstracts and water soluble paints. 

 Or, I may go screaming, back to the comfort of my oils!

Sealed with a Kiss     WC and Pen on paper

Something a little Different

The  "Thirty paintings in thirty days Challenge" seemed like just-the-right-time for me to learn more about abstracts using water solvable paints.   Yikes!  What a learning curve!  

I have ONLY worked in oils, so this should be Fun or Frustrating!!

I will be writing about What I Learn along the way.
Hope YOU follow along!

 Watercolor and Pen


This shows the beginning of the painting with just the WC background.