"In the Pink" (Monet's Villa) 20 X 20" Oil (c)Ann McCann 2017
It was a cool gray day in May (about 45 degrees) when we visited Monet's property in Giverny, France. However, the irises, wisteria and many other flowers were blooming, including this pink tree. And yes, his house is pink too with turquoise green shutters. It is a beautiful property that should be on your bucket list.
"Willow City Loop" 20 X 20 Oil (c)Ann McCann 2017
This was purchased by a dear friend whose family has been in Texas since the Texas Revolution (and probably before). So, It is fitting that she own this painting of a beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country.
Please come to my opening reception on October 6, 2017. I have many new paintings for you to see.
This is a work in progress. It is also the biggest canvas I have painted at 22 X 28". The blues in the front and back shadows are very different in color (cobalt vs cerulean) but look the same in the photo. Next I will work on the bold pine branches on the big trees and the rays of sunlight coming from the right. I really like all the pastel colors in the back.
"Smiling Faces" 8 X 16 Oil (c) Ann McCann 2017
I captured these pansies at the Dallas Arboretum. Pansies are so cheerful with their happy faces. Looking at these throughout the day would keep your spirits up.
"Flower Shadows" 20 X 20 Oil (c)Ann McCann 2017
I am creating some paintings for a local gallery that need to be somewhat abstract or have hidden images in them. This is my first one of pink flower blossoms against a wall with colorful shadows. This is pretty abstract for me, and it was fun to mush around with the paint and my knives.
"Blue Rose of Sharon" 8 X 8 Oil (c)Ann McCann 2017
My cousin shared some photos of his Rose of Sharon flowers. I really liked this blue one. So Dean, this one is for you! Thanks for sharing your flowers with me. I am planning on painting a more abstract closeup too.
"Vivian's Cape Cod Garden" 16 X 20" Oil (c) Ann McCann 2017
I took a plein air art class in Cape Cod a few summers ago and painted Vivian's (teacher) flowerbed with pastels (chalk). She had us do an exercise where we randomly made strokes on paper for 30 minutes. It was a really good loosening up exercise. The painting process then flowed more effortlessly. This second time, I painted the scene with oils for permanence but kept the brilliance of pastel colors with lots of bright, transparent oils. It is painted on the sides too so does not require framing.
"Orange Hibiscus Duo" 9 X 12 Oil (c) Ann McCann 2017
I passed by these lovely hibiscus flowers every day on my vacation in Cape Cod. While painting I noticed that I was creating the look of a pastel (chalk) with my oil paints. So, I made sure to keep that look.
"Rose of Sharon" 9 X 12 Oil (c) Ann McCann 2017
This white Rose of Sharon bush was blooming against a brick wall in Connecticut. The blue-violet shadows glowed against the orange-red brick. This is an old-fashioned flower loved by our grandmothers. My Mom loved her Rose of Sharon bush in our old house in Southfield, Michigan.
"Cape Cod House with Hydrangeas" 9 X 12 Oil (c) Ann McCann 2017
This 18th century home was on a little side street in Wellfleet, Cape Cod. The blue hydrangeas were blooming all round it and the home up the hill. I wish it were mine!
I pass by this building every day on the way to work. I loved the glowing crape myrtle but was drawn to the shadows on the building. The building was nothing special but the shadows were gorgeous. So, I snapped a picture one morning and painted it.
"Cobalt Hydrangea Interior" by Ann McCann 9 X 12 Oil on archival panel (c) 2017
This a hydrangea bouquet that I painted from our trip to Cape Cod in 2016. I keep changing it a bit, but I am pretty sure that I am done now. I liked the juxtaposition of the cobalt blue flowers against the turquoise sky.
The house that we rent in Cape Cod always has a bouquet of blue hydrangeas when we arrive. I snap photos, do water color sketches and then paint them when I get home. Here is the 2017 bouquet.