Original Paintings by Stacy Caldwell News

New Work in Progress

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:05:22 CDT

On Sunday I started a new painting, and I'm hoping to get some time to work on it again soon. Painting is always the easiest thing to put off until tomorrow whenever life gets messy. And right now there are a couple of major things interrupting the normal flow of things. Tonight just getting some laundry done will feel like an accomplishment.

I'm really liking this one...

The Mark and Beyond: Painting, A Doorway to Possibility

Sun, 13 May 2012 20:41:55 CDT

I've been winding down the semester at work and gearing up for an art-filled summer. A few days at the beach this past week provided the perfect segue. Now to keep the momentum going...

The most exciting thing I believe I've ever done for myself was to sign up for a week-long intensive painting workshop this summer in New England. This opportunity has real "life-event" potential. Although I'm trying to keep things in perspective, I also believe that having some pretty high expectations will lend to some genuine mind/soul stretching and eye opening, as long as I can remember that ultimately this originates from within me. The surroundings are only the catalyst.

Painting by Tim Hawkesworth

The Mark and Beyond: Painting, A Doorway to Possibility

Even the title of the workshop itself is nearly goosebump-inducing (although admittedly I get chicken skin at the mere mention of a breeze). And then there's the fact that the first day falls on my birthday. And then there's the whole weird story that led me to sign up in the first place. Spirit-guides, Destiny, Fate, God, whatever you want to call it - they're all having some fun with me on this one. I'm just going along for the ride.

Kenzie in da House (and Other Goings-On)

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:45:58 CDT

It's been a little crazy around... okay wait, I'm not gonna lie. Although work's been siphoning most of my energy these last couple of months, I've been enjoying a more relaxed pace at home. However, things are starting to percolate again, and there are a few exciting events coming up for which I'm beginning to gear up.

First allow me to introduce you the most recent addition to my family of dog paintings...Kenzie!

Kenzie, 12 x 12", Oil on Canvas

Click on the image/caption to view a high res in Picasa :)

The almost finished piece...

The initial sketch...

Kenzie was one of the commissioned paintings that was auctioned for Camp Can Do last month. I'll be finishing another one of those soon.

You might notice that the differences between the almost-finished and the final pieces are pretty subtle. It's difficult for me when I get to that point of being almost finished, and I wonder if I should leave it or push it further. Often times I decide to push it further, and then I regret it. This time, I'm glad I did because there were some definite areas that needed resolved and I was able to push the contrast in values a little further (thankfully without screwing it up!)

Celebration for Life Gala

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:57:44 CDT

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to donate art for the annual Celebration for Life gala event, "Night of 1000 Wishes," that raises money for Camp Can-Do's wish list. Celebration for Life is the brain child of my friend, Miriam Witmer, who is one of the most fun and amazing people I know. She, and a lot of people with her, have raised well over $200,000 to help fight cancer... and they have fun doing it!

My intention was to donate one custom original pet painting, but thanks to our award winning auction caller, I ended up donating three paintings for a total of $1,200, all for Camp Can-Do! Pictured here with me are my awesome bid winners.

Recognize any of these paintings? Right next to original paintings by Fred Rodger, Regina Martin, and Art Harrington of the Red Raven Art Company. (Plus, I'm the proud new owner of that gorgeous Art Harrington piece on the right!)

My dear friend, Miriam, displaying a sample painting and doing a great job of upping the bids.

Did I mention the part about fun?

Welcome 2012!

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:04:32 CST

I am super excited for 2012. Mostly because I was mentally done with 2011 back in September. I don't know what it is about the start of this new year that seems much more significant this time. After all, it's just another day. I suppose there were things - obligations, revelations, complications - that more closely coincided with the end of 2011, and I am so glad to be moving on.

Jack and Lucy
11 x 14"
Oil on Canvas

Already I've made some exciting plans for this year. In fact I would have to say the plans I've made would rank in the very top most adventurous and meaningful things I've ever done for myself. Now that you're on the edge of your seat, try not to be disappointed when I tell you I signed up for a painting workshop. But this isn't just any workshop. Since there is a lot more I'd like to say about it, I'll save it for its own post later on!

Since the new year, I've done two small commissions and have two more small ones lined up. There are a few commissioned paintings from December that didn't get posted on this blog. But they can be viewed in the pet portraits gallery. And now that I'm thinking of it, I haven't even posted an update about the December show at the Candy Factory. Needless to say, I have some catching up to do in the blogging department.

Allow me to start catching up with this little challenge (above) that I finished up yesterday. Painting portraits of people, for me, is way more intimidating than painting animals. But this has been a good exercise, and I enjoyed the chance to venture out of my comfort zone.

This is an image of the initial sketch or underpainting. Below are the pictures the purchaser sent to me to use as references. As you can see, the photographs don't need to be perfect or exactly like the finished painting. I usually edit them on my computer, adjusting the contrast and sometimes editing out the color and working from black and white, especially in the beginning.

If I were working larger for this project, I would have made this the painting! I love this picture :)