Feast of The Immaculate Conception

'Of Murillo's Immaculate Conception' . 20 x 13.5 . oil on linen panel .

copyright © kay eneim 2006

Today is the feast of The Immaculate Conception. As the angel Gabriel at the moment of the Annunciation saluted her, 'Hail Mary, full of grace!' we honor our Blessed Mother. She was conceived without the stain of original sin, making her the spotless tabernacle for Our Lord's coming.

As a side note... I am sorry I have had little new work to show you for the past six months. I have been recovering from a back injury, but it is, at last, so much better... I pray I have something new to show you soon.

Happy feast day!

Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Mother

"Barocci's 'The Immaculate Conception' . 5" x 3" . oil on linen panel

copyright © kay eneim 2010

Today is a great day!... the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I painted this little sketch as an adaptation study, taken from a wonderful painting done by Barocci titled 'The Immaculate Conception'. I have begun to paint this version in a larger scale.

A Year and a New Studio

copyright © kay eneim 2010

I can't believe it. It's been a year since beginning this blog... and I'm long overdue posting something new.

I thought I would show you my new 'digs' ... the temporary studio set-up.

Truth be told, I am struggling with this new environment... for lots of reasons... and paintings have been slower coming off the easel. It's nice to have beautiful, natural, north light, to be sure, but it's taking a bit to get used to this new spot.

More than anything I miss the dark walls... and not having the garden for inspiration and subject matter... but I'm working toward a solution for the garden.

... it's time to do some plein aire painting outside and 'blow out the cobwebs' in the mind.

Darby and Blueberries

'Darby and Blueberries' . 12 x 16 . oil on linen panel . 2010

copyright © kay eneim 2010

sold

More fun with light falling on blueberries and roses!

Amy's David Austin & Blueberries

"Amy's David Austin & Blueberries" . 8 x 10 . oil on panel . 2010

copyright © kay eneim 2010

Available

I am temporarily without a garden. For me, trying to paint without a garden is a bit of misery!

I have been searching for something to inspire a new painting. That inspiration hit when I went to the local nursery with my daughter who happens to be a Master Gardener and landscape designer.

We came across a new variety of blueberry that is supposed to do well here in Arizona... so there we go... it now sits in a pot in the patio, loaded with new unripened berries just beginning to blush with alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue. I had to, ...had to paint them!

Later that day, I was gifted a rose from my daughter's 'David Austin' in her garden... it was the last blossom left on that rosebush. It just may be my next favorite variety... it produces incredibly beautiful roses.

I sure love roses from the garden.

Artichoke and Tulips

'White Tulips' . 14 x 18 . oil on linen panel

copyright © kay eneim

Whew! At last I am back working in the studio after six weeks... I couldn't be happier to be back. The day this was painted I had feared it would be a long shot to put oil on canvas and have it work. As it turned-out... it was one of those days when everything came together. I am so happy to be back at the easel.

This painting will be included in the upcoming event...

Howard/Mandville Gallery Anniversary Show Celebrating 38 Years in Kirkland, WA. The opening reception is on May 8th.

Cheviot Sheep

photographs copyright © kay eneim 2010

I was allowed to visit and photograph some Cheviot sheep last week at the Desert Wind Ranch. Marlo and Bob Schuh were very kind to let me do so. I had a great time.

The Cheviots are a good bit smaller than most breeds.

These little guys were very curious about my being there, and were tame enough to let me get close. They were carrying a lot of wool... lots and LOTS of wool! They will be getting a good shearing when the nights warm-up a bit.

It was too cloudy a day for good resource photos for a painting, though. I hope to find the photos helpful, nonetheless.

FAV 15% Award!

'Early Dawn Peeks Into the Barn' . 9 x 12

copyright © kay eneim 2009

sold

I am pleased to announce that this painting was awarded the FAVORITE 15% Award for the FineArtViews Painting Competition for January 2010. The FAVORITE 15% Award is given to the top-favored 15% of paintings entered in the international online competition, with the awards being granted by a jury. This particular competition included over 650 entries... I am very happy this little painting received this recognition!

Rosie Day

'Rosie Day' . 6 x 8 . oil on linen panel . 2010

copyright © kay eneim 2010

sold

Abraham Darby roses are, to me, the most fragrant, most beautiful roses.

I have been pruning them back, as we must do here every January to give them a fresh start.

I will miss their blossoms very much and will be anxiously awaiting the Spring.

Rachel's Rose

'Rachel's Rose' . 7 x 5 . oil on linen panel . 2010

copyright © kay eneim

Click here to acquire

My daughter-in-law and son gave me this vase. I love it.

The rose is from the 'New Dawn' climbing rose in the garden. It has been rambling like mad! Though a prolific bloomer, each of its blossoms lasts on the bush no more than a day... two at the most. I have to stick to business to get them painted!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

photograph © Sarah Eneim 2008