Time Traveler

I frequently get asked about how I come up with a set up for still lifes. This is how I came up with the arrangement that I used for "Time Traveler" - one of my newest acrylic paintings.

I was faced with the deadline for a juried exhibit with a theme. I kinda love exhibitions with a theme - they tend to make me think a little outside of the box. The theme of this show is "The Art of Mapping" - the art had to be related to maps in some way.

So, into my mind pops the idea of using an really old, ornate map in a still life, along with an antique pocket watch I picked up at a flea market and a small old wood chest - with the whole thing just kind of talking about the past. Well, as I searched my prop shelf for the pocket watch, I ran across a tin toy version of a 40's woodie station wagon. I love tin toys - and I start thinking to myself, "why haven't I used this in a painting yet?" I've been thinking a lot lately about how much of my art is about 1940's and 50's era things - signs, diners, motels, toys, cars, etc. Then, with the car, my thoughts turn to the idea of a 50's road trip. I started looking for a 50's era map so that I could align with the mapping theme and I ran into the colorful United States kids' jigsaw puzzle from that same period. Perfect!

A little juggling around with the layout, and soon I come up with a layout that made me happy. Somewhat different from my standard still lifes, but a lot of fun to paint - and it gave me lots of ideas for more paintings.

Time Traveler

10 x 10 inches, acrylic on canvas

And - best of all - "Time Traveler" was accepted into the juried exhibition "The Art of Mapping" at the Newburyport Art Association in Newburyport, Massachusetts. It will be on display through March 19th.

Original Acrylic Potato Head Still Life Painting by Debbie Shirley

Gone Shopping

6 x 4 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

Having fun with Mrs. Potato Head....I always enjoy painting classic toys and Mr/Mrs Potato Head is definitely a favorite! This was for a fixed price sale that was held around the holidays at the Newburyport Art Association. I painted it with acrylic on watercolor paper - leaving the white of the paper around the image. I then spot varnished only the painted area - the varnish really  makes the image pop!

Duck Down and New Berry - Original ACEO Paintings

Duck Down

3-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches

acrylic  on watercolor paper

New Berry

2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

Every now and then I like to go back to the ACEO format. I used to paint and sell a lot of these little pieces, but then started to work larger. Once in a while I go back to the smaller size - they are relatively quick and fun to paint, and give me a break from whatever else I am working on. They are also nice to have at shows - people appreciate smaller pieces at lower price points that they can give as gifts.

These two little gems are still available - follow these links to purchase from my DailyPaintworks gallery if you are interested:  Duck Down   and   New Berry

Bill - ACEO Acrylic Painting of Toy Man

Bill

3-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches

acrylic on watercolor paper

Back to my Lego friends.....hadn't done one in a little while, so I thought I would do a quick one in an ACEO size to add to my display at the West Village Provisions.

Police - Small Still Life Painting of Lego Toys

Police

5 x 7 inches

acrylic on canvas panel

This little piece was donated to the O+ Haverhill Silent Auction to help them raise money for their festival that promotes art and wellness. For more information, check out their face book page here.

I stopped by the event on Saturday night to hear some music and bid on a few pieces of art. And I am excited that won this lovely piece by Linda Germain:

Rocket Fighter - Acrylic painting of Vintage Painted Tin Toy by Debbie Shirley

Rocket Fighter

12 x 12 inches

acrylic on canvas

I had a lot of fun with this one - can you tell?
Love this cute little printed tin toy. I hope to have the time to squeeze in more toy paintings soon!

Yes, things are still crazy. If you take a look on the right side of this page, you will see my ever-growing list of upcoming events - and I am not even close to being done entering them there! If you are local, you will have lots of opportunities to come see my work in person. Stop by and introduce yourself - I'd love to meet you!

Mischief - Small Acrylic Painting of Mr Potatohead

Mischief

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on mdf panel

Doing a mix of little pieces for shops and some bigger pieces for exhibitions. Keeps me on my toes!
This little piece is available at Zenobia in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Gotta keep going back to the Mr. Potatohead. Each one has such a distinct personality - makes it so much fun to paint!

I am pretty much moved into my new studio - still some little things to be done, but I am pretty swamped with work, so I can't take any more down time. It will all get done eventually - right?!!

Duck Down - Small Acrylic Painting of a Rubber Ducky

Duck Down

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF board

available at Zenobia 

A few little cuties for one of my gallery shops. The rubber ducks have been popular!

My computer is giving me fits, hence I have been blogging less, but I am still painting lots and will have some larger pieces to show very soon......

Along for the Ride - Acrylic Painting of a Classic Toy by Debbie Shirley

Along for the Ride

12 x 12 inches

acrylic on canvas

I liked the little 3x3" painting of these Fisher-Price Little People so much, that I needed to do a larger one! It was great fun to paint. Now I am thinking I need to do more large Little People paintings. I love the irony - Little People who aren't so little. A child's toy becomes almost threatening when its head is bigger than your own. Too crazy?

Pokey - Small Acrylic Still LIfe Painting of a Toy

Pokey

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

It's Pokey - Gumby's skeptical little friend. I am having fun with these - I will be sad when the month is over!

Greeting - Mini Potatohead Still Life Painting

Greeting

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

Yes, I keep going back to Mr. Potatohead. I actually debated doing my entire challenge just Mr. Potatohead - really, 31 days of Potatoheads! But I figured even my MOST loyal followers would give up long before that was over with.....

This painting is part of my Fun-a-Day project and 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Here are the first 6 being varnished:

Downstream - Mini Painting of a Rubber Ducky

Downstream

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

Another rubber ducky for my Fun-A-Day project! Gotta keep on swimming.....

Joe - Small Still Life Painting from a Classic Board Game

Joe

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

A smaller, squarer version of the "Cowboy Joe" painting from a few days back. This one is part of my Fun-a-Day project where I am painting a 3x3" painting of a classic toy or game. Cowboy Joe is a piece from the old Chutes and Ladders game. I borrowed a couple of vintage board games from a friend - the graphics on the ones from the 60's-70's are far better than the modern version!

Cowboy Joe - Small Acrylic Painting from a Classic Board Game

Cowboy Joe

7 x 5 inches

acrylic on cradled panel

available at Newburyport Art Association Gift Shop

Do you recognize this classic game? One of my favorites as a child!
I am currently working on a little 3x3" version of Cowboy Joe for my Fun-a-Day project.

Ric - Mini Still Life Painting of Classic Toy

Ric

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

I have fallen behind on my Fun-A-Day posts.... I will have to get caught up here somewhere...

And if you follow me at all, you know that this "Fun & Games" series will have to contain not only many Mr. Potatoheads, but a number of Lego guys as well! I have a Cars song stuck in my head tonight, hence the name "Ric" (yes, I have odd ways of coming up with my titles!)

Double Ducky - Original Acrylic Painting of Rubber Ducks

Double Ducky

8 x 8 inches

acrylic on canvas

Because two ducks are better than one, right?
This painting is framed in a nice black floater frame is is available here.

Downward Duck - Mini Painting of Rubber Ducky

Downward Duck

4 x 4 inches

acrylic on cradled panel

available at the Newburyport Art Association Gift Shop

I found a couple of little rubber duckies when I was cleaning out some of my kids' stuff recently, This painting started an entire round of rubber ducky paintings (and ornaments!). Lots of fun to paint. This one is available at the Newburyport Art Association Gift Shop.

Surrender - Small Acrylic Painting of Mr. Potatohead

Surrender

4 x 5 inches

acrylic on cradled panel

I still can't get enough of Mr. Potatohead! I like playing with the edges of the panels, and the negative space - makes the image more dynamic.
This fun little piece is available at the Newburyport Art Association's Gift Shop.

Drive - Small Acrylic Painting of Classic Toys

Drive

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

Day 6. I tell you - this month is going to fly by! I have a larger painting due in a few days, so I am splitting my time here a bit. And, yes, this painting of Fisher Price Little People will be done as a larger paint....I've already sketched it out!

St. James - Mini Painting from Vintage Game Board

St. James

3 x 3 inches

acrylic on 1/2" MDF block

Hey, I don't know about you guys, but I am sure having fun with this Fun-A-Day series! This is for Day 5, and I am getting all kinds of ideas for larger paintings from these....