Kaia Thomas - A path with ART

"Blackstone Sunflowers" 10" x 8" oil on canvas panel Contact me for pricing and availability During a recent trip to one of my favorite places on Earth - The Blackstone Hotsprings Hotel , I was struck by grounds keeper Dorthy's amazing sunflowers that were growing there. Having brought my painting gear along, I set up and produced this plein air piece. I am always deeply inspired whenever I stay there!

Here is the progression of my newly completed painting "Sunflower Medley".  This was a joy to paint - minus the miserable heat wave that had to be endured during it's creation! Enjoy... "Sunflower Medley" 24" x 20" oil on linen $1200 www.kaiathomas.com

   I decided to document this latest still life painting from beginning to end. I was trying out this newly discovered style - a much looser, "get the paint on there", kind of style.       F or much of my artistic life, you probably could of called me a "Miss Meticulous" type of painter. I loved to spend hours on one spot and often leaned towards painting fine detail type stuff (cultural designs, mandalas). There has been a shift in me lately where I have learned to let go and just paint! I truly believe that this has been my missing link, mainly with my oil painting.    T his past workshop that I took is where I discovered this new style and ever since then, my painting style has become looser and more expressive. So, here we go...    I n the beginning I chose not to draw out my idea first, I usually would use charcoal or pencil or even a sketch with paint - this was about a three minute, throw some "thin"paint on there, ...