PAINTING PROGRESSION: happy camper at the height of land

This next painting progression has two of my favorites in it--the Happy Camper Mobile Art Gallery and the Height of Land. Located in Maine on Route 17 between Rumford and Oquossoc--the Height of Land offers incomparable views of the lakes and mountains of western Maine. I've stopped here every year since I was a child on my way to visit my family in Rangeley.

The snappy green car pulling the Happy Camper is wishful thinking--I actually pull it with a silver minivan.

happy camper at the height of land, oil on canvas, 24x30 inches. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

PAINTING PROGRESSIONS: poppy profusion

Poppies! That riot of warm reds and oranges that makes everyone smile. 

This is a more stylized version of poppies than my other paintings. I really enjoy playing with the negative shapes that the stems, pods, and blossoms make as the weave together in one piece.

I start with a charcoal drawing on the painted canvas so I can rework the composition until I get it just right. Next step is to paint in the lines with a dark color--my favorite is a mixture of ultramarine and cadmium orange.

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SERIES FEATURE: poppies

I sing the Poppy! The frail snowy weed! The flower of Mercy! that within its heart Doth keep "a drop serene" for human need, A drowsy balm for every bitter smart. For happy hours the Rose will idly blow-- The Poppy hath a charm for pain and woe.  - Mary A Barr

So true! I paint poppies to help get me through these long, dark northern winters.  Poppies are happy and vibrant and can't help but make one think of bright days and sunshine.

poppies on blue, ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

wild poppies, ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

poppy profusion, 20x60 inches, acrylic. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

kippy's poppies, 12x 18 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2009 Kristina Wentzell

poppy field, 24x30 inches. ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

poppies on blue, 12x12 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

poppy field, 11x9 inches, oil on canvas. ©2009 Kristina Wentzell

poppy duo, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

scarlet bouquet, 8x8 inches, acrylic & paper. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

poppy meadow, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

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PAINTING PROGRESSION: blue ridge

Continuing with my series of progression demonstrations...I present "blue ridge"

Inspired by my hike along the Appalachian Trail with my sweetie, I wanted to this piece to be very simple in composition as I tried to capture the cool and serene landscape of those southern mountains that seem to go on forever in an endless sea of blue.

blue ridge, oil on canvas, 12x36 inches.  ©2013Kristina Wentzell

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SERIES FEATURE: sunflowers

Come with me into the field of sunflowers starts the wonderful poem by Mary Oliver. 

 Listen here to Oliver giving a reading of her poem.


I've driven coast to coast many times--back when my sweetheart and I were driving West for him to attend graduate school and most recently on my family's summer adventure. One of the most striking memories from these travels is the fields of sunflowers we've come across--usually somewhere in the heartland--acres and acres and thousands and thousands of sunflowers, all with their faces turned in unison towards the sun.  I like to think the farmer who grows that crop is a little happier than the average guy.

And why not? Sunflowers are a ridiculously happy blossom--one that always brings happiness to my studio. Here is a selection of my sunflower creations from the last several years.  Click here to view available paintings.

facing the sun, oil on canvas, 20x60 inches. ©2013 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers, 20x60 inches, oil on canvas. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

summer bouquet, acrylic & collage, 8x8 inches. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in a glass vase, 8x8 inches, oil on canvas.  ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

facing the sun, triptych 40x60 inches. ©2012 Kristina Wentzell

Commission: August's sunflowers, oil on canvas, triptych 48x72 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

bud, oil on canvas, 8x8 inches. ©2010 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in a cream pitcher, oil on canvas, 8x8 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers in tall vase, oil on canvas, 12x6 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

sunflowers is a green vase, oil on canvas, 8x10 inches. ©2011 Kristina Wentzell

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