A Painting Day - Sun and Clouds - Ruth Andre

"Sun and Clouds"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge 100 Painting Thirty-Three

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Today the temperature is soaring outside at 109.5  and it is an energy saving day so we are not allowed to run the air-conditioner. I am sneaking a session on the computer to write this blog. It is darn hot, too hot and I know it gets hotter in other parts of the country so I am not really complaining but I am not able to paint since it is way too hot in my studio. I feel tied down with no place to go. Yesterday it was  hot and then clouds formed and we had a bit of much needed sky shade. It was so nice and made the temperatures almost tolerable. I do like the painting today, "Sun and Clouds". The lively yellow and white has a lovely contrast on the dark background. Hopefully the clouds will find their way into the valley again today. It may be too much to ask for but a quiet rain would be very welcome. 

 

A Painting Day - Fence Rails - Ruth Andre

"Fence Rails"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Two

by Ruth Andre
$125.00

This painting, "Fence Rails", is a painting that seems to be a step forward. The feeling of place is there along with a vibrant buzz of color. It is a favorite painting for me in the Challenge 100 Series. It also has meaning since the valley is lined with fences to either keep livestock enclosed or to keep wildlife at bay with gardens protected. My neighbor, Peggy, is an amazing woman and takes pride caring for her ranch. She has cattle and with cattle  she has fences that are constantly being watched and repaired. During my daily walk I passed Peggy digging postholes and stretching fencing. The dry grasses were spitting out here and there between the fence rails. The job took several days but it had to be very satisfying for her to see the fencing completed standing straight and strong. Peggy is a good neighbor and a woman to admire.

 

A Painting Day - Rising Moon - Ruth Andre

"Rising Moon"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-One

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Today's painting, "Rising Moon", brings back memories of a long cold night watching and praying my head mare, Angel, would survive the night and be back to her old self. The vet was called late in the afternoon and she left with instructions to watch Angel through the night. It was a moon filled night but it was cold so my husband and I watched from the truck's front seat and then would go out and walk Angel every hour doing our best to keep her on her feet. Angel was a proud mare and took her position as the head mare seriously. The other mares all took a wide birth when Angel showed her disapproval. She was my dream horse and the one that I loved to ride through the back country of Missouri. We spent many miles together and she treated me as her equal. When I brushed Angel she would rest her nose on my arm as if to say, Thank-You. She and I had a communication that made us close. The night ended with the morning bringing the vet and finally I had to let her go.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It hurt then and it hurts now just to remember that night. When the moon is full my memories go back to that night, a night of loss of a good friend, my horse Angel. 

A Painting Day - The Creek II - Ruth Andre

"The Creek II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty 

by Ruth Andre
$125.00

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This is the second painting for "The Creek". If you have been following my blog you know the creek that runs through the valley is very special to me. It is the heart of the valley nourishing the land and the wildlife. I hope you are enjoying the Challenge 100 Series as much as I am painting each small painting. It has been, "A Painting Day".

4.5"x4.5" oil and cold wax Painting and 12"x12" hand cut mat $125

A Painting Day - The Creek I - Ruth Andre

"The Creek I"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper
12"x12" Mat

Challenge Painting Twenty-Nine

by Ruth Andre
$125.00

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The Rancheria Creek is still with pools of water surrounded by rocks and grasses. The wildlife in the area still find their way to the creek at dusk and through the night for the grass and a much needed drink of water. It is very hot and the wild grasses on the hills have dried. Summer is a time of transition. 

The Challenge 100 Series of paintings continues to be a wonderful time for me to be painting in the studio. It is my time to reflect and paint. It has been, "A Painting Day".

 

A Painting Day - Summer Rain II - Ruth Andre

"Summer Rain II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold wax on paper

Challenge Painting Twenty-Eight

by Ruth Andre

We are experiencing a heat wave today and it is supposed to extend on for a few days. There is a slight chance a summer rain might pass through the valley giving a short respite from the heat. We are also on an energy alert plan limiting use of anything using electricity and that includes the air-conditioner. So far so good. 

The painting today is the second Summer Rain painting. I love the warm and cool feeling in these paintings. They have their own energy.

4.5"x4.5" oil and cold wax Painting
 12"x12" hand cut mat

$125.00

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A Painting Day - Summer Rain I - Ruth Andre

"Summer Rain I"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Twenty-Seven

by Ruth Andre

I have been away from home for a few days and spent two days without the Internet. I am back home and so very happy to be home. I saw the town I grew up in Southern California look overwhelmed with people and houses and it all made me feel very sad. The quiet beauty is gone and replaced with the constant whirl of cars and more cars. Maybe what they say is true about not being able to go home again. Turning down our country road here in Sutter Creek, California made me feel happy to back in the valley. My growing up years are now just a memory. The painting today, "Summer Rain I" is one of my favorite paintings in the Challenge 100 series. I will post its companion tomorrow. Summer rains are gifts from the heavens that need to be savored and enjoyed. 

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper 
 12"x12" hand cut mat 

$125.00

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A Painting Day - Shadows - Ruth Andre

"Shadows"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper
12"x12" Mat

Challenge Painting Twenty-Six

by Ruth Andre
$125.00

Today I am in southern California meeting up with old friends. The trip from the Los Angeles area took my breath away. There were seven lanes of traffic racing down the highway. Too many cars for me but here I am in the lovely Temecula Valley thinking it is not so bad after all. There is a strong breeze and the surrounding mountains remind me of my childhood home just a few miles away. As I walked down a pathway the shadows swayed back and forth as the trees caught the afternoon breeze.

The Challenge 100 has been very interesting and one that I would recommend for those artists wanting to find more in their art. Give it a go and see what happens. I would love to hear about your experiences. Enjoy!

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A Painting Day - The Land - Ruth Andre

"The Land"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Twenty-Five

by Ruth Andre

I am blogging from out of town. A trip to celebrate a big birthday for my daughter. Leaving the valley and the land for the big city is always an experience. So many people and so much going on at a break neck pace. It feels so different to me even though I once lived in the city for several years. Today's painting, "The Land" is meant to feel serene and full. Walking on the land as a caretaker means so much to me. There is the quiet to land but filled with stories as well. It speaks of those that walked the land many years ago and how it has changed hands over the years. Farmers know the value of  good fertile  soil. Their livelihood depends on the riches of the land. I mostly know what it feels like to walk the open land and enjoy its beauty. 

4.5"x4.5" oil and cold wax painting 
12"x12" hand cut mat 

$125.00

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16x16

Option 1 $95.00 USD Option 2 $100.00 USD Option 3 $0.00 USD

Ruth Andre - Follow The Path - Ruth Andre

"Follow the Path"

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax on paper

12"x12" hand cut mat

Challenge Painting Twenty-Four

by Ruth Andre

There are many paths in life but sometimes it is just smart to take the path most worn, the path that has history for being a good and easy path to follow. I see the neighbor cows travel along the same paths year after year when traversing their hillside pastures. The path has been used over and over again making easy access to and from the creek where they get their water. The cows have a natural instinct for finding the best path and sticking to it. Finding the right path also makes me think about staying the course and sticking to what needs to be done and getting it done. So for today I will "Stay On the Path".

4.5"x4.5" oil and cold wax Painting
12"x12" hand cut mat 

$125.00

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A Painting Day - Summer Slumber - Ruth Andre

"Summer Slumber"

4.5"x4.5" oil &  cold wax on paper

by Ruth Andre

Challenge Painting

The heat of summer makes me think of cats sleeping their lives away on a front porch swing. It seems cats have the right idea and relaxing during the heat of the day is what is needed. Today's painting brings thoughts of a lazy summer day.

4.5"x4.5" oil and cold wax Painting
 12"x12" hand cut mat

$125.00

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Ruth's Website

A Painting Day - Storm - Ruth Andre

"Storm"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper 

12"x12" Handcut Mat

Challenge Painting Twenty-Two

by Ruth Andre

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The rainy weather that passed through the valley so impressed me that I have made several paintings using the inspiration from those special days. This, "Storm" painting was painted as the thunder rumbled through the valley. The loud booming sound was loud and strong and then faded away.

This painting and a few more will soon be available as Giclee Prints. I am excited to soon be offering some of my favorite paintings as prints. More information to follow soon.

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax Painting & 12"x12" hand cut mat $95

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax Painting & 16"x16" hand cut mat $100

16x16

Option 1 $95.00 USD Option 2 $100.00 USD Option 3 $0.00 USD

A Painting Day - Rain - Ruth Andre

"Rain"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Twenty-One

by Ruth Andre

It is hot today but just a few days ago we had a lovely afternoon rain. The summer shower                                                                                                                                                did not last long but it was very welcome. The rain may have been our last storm for the season. The creek is now still and will not flow again until the fall season's rain showers begin. Enjoy.

16x16

Option 1 $95.00 USD Option 2 $100.00 USD Option 3 $100.00 USD

A Painting Day - Sunrise - Ruth Andre

"Sunrise"

4.5"x4.5" Oil &  Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Twenty

by Ruth Andre

The morning light is always a special event. The valley is dark and then the sun starts to show itself peeking behind the mountain. The sun reaches our neighbors high on the mountain first and when the valley is finally alive with light our little ranch house is warmed by the sun. In winter we are jealous of course that our neighbors are basking in the sun's rays but in summer it is a nice reprieve from the coming heat of the day. 

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax Painting & 12"x12" hand cut mat $95

(available upon request Painting & 16"x16" hand cut mat $100) Contact

Hand Cut Archival Mats 12"x12" & 16"x16"

Painting Image - 4.5"x4.5"

16x16

Option 1 $95.00 USD Option 2 $100.00 USD Option 3 $0.00 USD

"Moonlight II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Nineteen

by Ruth Andre

Private Collection

The painting above, "Moonlight II" is the second painting inspired by the moonlight nights in the valley. The full moon brings an added beauty that is usually hidden. The painting has a home but I will soon be offering this work and a few other paintings as prints. I will post details in a future post. I hope you are enjoying this Challenge 100 Series of paintings. Each painting represents something very special to me. Enjoy.

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A Painting Day - Moonlight - Ruth Andre

"Moonlight"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Eighteen

by Ruth Andre

There are no street lamps where I live and no stop signs either. You travel with your own welfare in mind since there is also limited cell phone service. And if that is not enough once it is dark and if you have car problems, you might need to stay in your car due to the mountain lion population. I really did  not think there was much of a worry about mountain lions until I heard a young lion jumped from a neighbor's roof to chase his cat. That got my attention and now I watch my step when the sun goes down. The moonlight nights are beautiful and have inspired this painting, "Moonlight" Enjoy.

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax Painting & 12"x12" hand cut mat $95

4.5"x4.5" oil & cold wax Painting & 16"x16" hand cut mat $100

16x16

Option 1 $95.00 USD Option 2 $100.00 USD Option 3 $0.00 USD

A Painting Day - Storm Warnings I, II, III - Ruth Andre

"Storm Warnings III"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

Hand Cut Mat 12"x12"

Challenge Painting Seventeen

by Ruth Andre

Today's post is "Storm Warnings III" number three. The "Storm Warning" paintings are being grouped together as a triptych. Each painting has a hand cut 12"x12" mat as shown below. The paintings, "Storm Warnings I & II" are also shown below. These paintings are full of energy from the sky and I loved painting each of them.

"Storm Warnings I" by Ruth Andre

"Storm Warnings II" by Ruth Andre

The three paintings are available as a triptych set.

A Painting Day - Storm Warnings II - Ruth Andre

"Storm Warnings II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Sixteen

by Ruth Andre

This is "Storm Warnings II" that will be shown within a triptych. One more to go and the piece will be complete. This has been a most interesting summer with cloudy skies and gentle rains. I am enjoying every moment of this stormy weather since the heat of summer cannot be far away. 

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A Painting Day - Storm Warnings I - Ruth Andre

"Storm Warnings I"

4.5"x4.5" Oil & Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Fifteen

by Ruth Andre

Today and for a few days to come I will be posting paintings that have been inspired by the rainy weather we have been having. I love these special weather days. The painting above is one of three that will display as a triptych. Follow along to see paintings two and three as I post on the blog. These paintings will be available as a triptych. 

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