"Rocky Mountain Sunset: Clouds in Motion", unframed palette knife oil painting

Well, it's time of year again, amazing northern Colorado sunsets to view.  It's easier with Daylight Savings Time, dinner's finished and I can out my front door and see incredible sights.  The clouds move quickly some evenings and that's inspiring -- can me if you can!  

"Rocky Mountain Sunset:  Clouds in Motion", 8"x24" unframed palette knife oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas, $395 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com

www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com

www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Inspired by the Hydrangeas of Wales", unframed palette knife oil painting

Yes, I AM part Welsh!  My mother's family came from a tiny town near Aberystwyth, a university town, and my husband, two daughters and I have been to visit our distant relatives, one time meeting my father there, also, he loved the Welsh relatives...with good reason.  Whilst there (don't I sound fancy!), I had the pleasure of viewing many beautifully hued hydrangeas blooming in a garden in Tenby, in the month of July, no less.  It was much cooler than we had anticipated, the weather was much like that of Scotland, cool, misty, foggy, and green, with a great deal of sheep and lambs about..  I loved it!  And my relatives there are wonderful, I hope we do get to see them again.  (I am also Jewish, so you can imagine how difficult life is with the native languages, Hebrew and Welsh, virtually impossible for me to learn either.  Oh well.)  

"Inspired by the Hydrangeas of Wales", 11"x14" unframed palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

 

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com

www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com

www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Ode to the Glass Menagerie I", framed painting on glass

Do you recall reading "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams in high school?  I do and I was taken with the imagery he presented when the main character had pleurisy -- she call it "blue roses".  That phrase has always remained with me, it was so novel then and still is now.  I know that there are many different blue flowers, even a blue poppy, but I have yet to see a true blue rose!  This is my ode to his phrasing.

"Ode to the Glass Menagerie I", 4"x4" framed painting on glass, available at Wile Hands, Jackson, Wyoming (wildhands.com)

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com

www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com

www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Six Red Poppies Sitting in the Sun", 20"x10" unframed palette knife oil painting

I guess this is what happens when one has grandchildren -- you start doing a sing song bit!  I could just hear myself telling them about these poppies, reaching towards the warmth of the sun -- in fact, we just planted poppy seeds in four trays around the garden.  Here's to hoping for good growth, both with grandchildren and poppy flowers! 

"Six Red Poppies Sitting in the Sun", 20"x10" unframed palette knife oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas, $395 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com

www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com

www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Spring in Colorado, Shooting Stars", palette knife oil painting

 

 

Finally!  It has been forever since I have blogged, due to neck and arm problems, along with failing computer issues.  So, back to it, already!  These are my sweet shooting stars that will bloom shortly in our back yard.  I first saw these magnificent wildflowers hiking in the foothills and mountains many years ago and at that time I had no idea that you could purchase them at a nursery or garden store.  Well, I'm glad I discovered this, as they will cheer up any day here in northern Colorado.  Happy Spring! 

 

"Spring in Colorado, Shooting Stars", 10"x8" unframed palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $160 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com

www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Early Spring Lightning and Thunderstorm", unframed palette knife oil painting on gesso board

Well, you know the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers"?  It happens here in Northern Colorado, that's for sure, those thunder and lightning storms bring the much needed moisture to the foothills, mountains, and plains.  This is a bit of a dramatic stretch as I'm not an art literalist, but a firm believer in artistic license.  It's more fun!

"Early Spring Lightning and Thunderstorm", 8"x10" unframed palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $160 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Seattle Sunset Reflections", unframed palette knife oil painting

Visiting Seattle, Washington, a number of years ago was a real treat.  I'd never been to the Northwest portion of the U.S., and I loved the waterfront views.  The clouds at sunset were still vibrant, it was early summertime, and catching the reflections of the clouds just over the mountains but in the water, before the sun was too far West, was challenging to paint.  Knowing when to stop painting is always difficult, hopefully these reflections weren't taken too far!

"Seattle Sunset Reflections", 8"x10" unframed palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $160 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Moon Rise", unframed palette knife oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas

I found some 4"x12" ready made canvases recently and have just gone to town with them.  They don't need to be framed, necessarily, have light colored painted borders, but would look great in a frame, also.  The moon just shows up in the sky sometimes around dusk, thought it'd be fun to capture that.  And who can resist a sunset over the mountains?  I can't! 

"Moon Rise", 4"x12" unframed palette knife oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas, $100 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Impromptu Ballerina Rose Bouquet", 14"x11" unframed palette knife oil painting

I studied oil painting with Daniel Edmondson some time ago, a marvelous teacher and fine person.  He paints the most beautiful still life paintings, something I never felt I could even approach with a brush or palette knife.  I was inspired, however, more than I knew, to attempt a more "rugged" or less refined painting recently, with the thought of the pink ballerina rose bush planted in front of our house as the subject matter.  Dan has a more representational approach and I just tend to abstract my realism, as you can see!  (I might add here, he teaches some amazing painting classes via DVDs, you might want to check into these....he's on Facebook with more information....)

"Impromptu Ballerina Rose Bouquet", 14"x11" unframed palette knife oil painting on gessoed panel, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kauai, Where Sky Meets Ocean", unframed 11"x14" palette knife oil painting

I just recently rediscovered this artwork in my husband's office (aha!) and decided to post it here today because I finally realized that I was proud of how it turned out.  That could sound strange, I suppose, but sometimes when I attack the loaded palette knife to the panel, I'm not sure whether I will like the completed product.  That was the case here.  This was painted in 2009 after we had gone to Kauai and hiked the said trail in the title.  It was a form of torture both up and down that trail because it was tedious in both aspects.  Going down was dangerous, the fear of slipping and falling.  Returning to the top was agonizing because it was so steep and seemingly never ending.  Either way, here it is for you gaze upon, I hope you enjoy that incredible view!  Wow! 

"Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kauai, Where Sky Meets Ocean" 11"x14" unframed palette knife oil painting on gessoed panel, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Poppy Progression", unframed 6"x6" miniature palette knife oil painting

From bud to just open to completely smiling at the sun, here are the red poppies once again.  Mother Nature does have a way with flowers, doesn't she?  Poppy seeds are so small, it's more than a miracle we have such lovely blooms!

"Poppy Progression", unframed 6"x6" miniature palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $72 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Seattle Sunset Sail", unframed 4"x6" miniature palette knife oil painting

Another take on Seattle, this time at dusk with the sailboats out on the water.  I guess I could easily drive up the road to Horsetooth Reservoir this summer and see a similar sight, however it certainly wouldn't be near the ocean, would it?  We are basically landlocked here.  That's okay, it gives me a good excuse to travel to the ocean once in a while, and I really do appreciate those opportunities.  Doesn't it look like fun out there? 

"Seattle Sunset Sail", unframed 4"x6" miniature palette knife oil painting on linen panel, $48 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Yellow Water Lilies in Yellowstone National Park" by Karla Nolan, framed painting on glass

Well, this is kind of different, isn't it?  We were in Yellowstone a number of years ago, just driving along, looking at all the marvelous sights when I saw something that just didn't quite seem to fit in with what I expected to see in Wyoming.  Hawaii, yes, Wyoming, no.  Water lilies were in bloom in water near the road -- I got out of the car, went over, looked at almost black water, and there they were, floating on the pads, in that water.  I was amazed, and bright yellow, to boot!  We have been back to Yellowstone National Park since then, drove to the same spot, and, voila, they weren't anywhere to found.  Another amazing nature story from the mysterious planet called Earth!

"Yellow Water Lilies in Yellowstone National Park", 11"x14" measured edge to edge glass, framed painting on glass, $465 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Winning Threesome", 10"x8" framed painting on glass

It has been quite a while since I've posted any paintings on glass, so here is one for you to take in.  I've been concentrating on palette knife oil paintings lately but still enjoy the look of the glass works.  This particular piece comes framed up, the bottom photo is a close up of the poppies.  

"Winning Threesome", 10"x8" framed painting on glass, $240 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Glowing Clouds Near Seattle", 6"x4" miniature palette knife oil painting

I've only been to the northwestern part of the United States one time, but it was an impressive region to visit.  Luckily, it was springtime so there were some warm days.  I did notice how the clouds could just hang on one in Seattle, very unlike my beloved Colorado.  I'm so accustomed to blue skies and reddish/brown earth -- well, this terrain had floaty light grey or blue skies and the waters of the Pacific Ocean.  Delightful seafood, great sounds -- and, oh, by the way, did I mention some beautiful and inspiring sunsets?  

"Glowing Clouds Near Seattle", unframed 6"x4" miniature palette knife oil painting on linen panel, $48 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Crackling Sky", miniature palette knife oil painting

I can almost smell it in the air, springtime is around the corner, although you may not believe it today in my part of the woods -- it's gray and cloudy but warmer than it has been -- I'm just waiting for the sky to open up with rain, get a few bolts of lightning up there, roar of thunder.  Of course, I am jumping the gun, the official date is three weeks away for the season change and here in Colorado, the real date may as well be May.  I am such a dreamer!  (The top photo is the original painting, the bottom is an example of it framed.)

"Crackling Sky", unframed 4"x4" miniature palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $48 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Sand and Surf at Second Beach (RI)", palette knife oil painting

I have a dear friend who lives in Middletown, Rhode Island, right next to Newport.  She is so fortunate to have a house right around the corner from this particular beach, "Second Beach".  Am I envious?  You bet I am!  Every day she can go to the beach and listen to the pounding surf, view the changing skies, the ebb and flow of the waters.  There are fewer experiences more soothing than the sound and feel of the ocean.  I think I'm due for another visit!  

"Sand and Surf at Second Beach (RI)", 11"x14" palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Lightning From the Heavens", palette knife oil painting

The power of Mother Nature is enormous.  Looking above to the skies, there are multiple layers of energy and color, simultaneously beckoning to our eyes -- just take a look, realize how huge the skies are, the atmosphere above, the earth below.  Sky paintings are easily among my favorites to paint.  As a friend of mine from Virginia says:  "Pow! Zap! Kaboom!"  I say hooray for the elements...they are a blast to work with!

"Lightning From the Heavens", 11"x14" palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Just Before the Rain Falls", miniature palette knife oil painting

Okay, I know that I'm jumping the gun a little bit, it's still winter and we have snow on the ground to prove it, but Spring is just around the corner and that means rainfall.  I love that period of time just before the precipitation starts, just before the rain falls, that "ozone" smell in the air.  Don't you?  

"Just Before the Rain Falls", 5"x7" miniature palette knife oil painting on linen panel, $70 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Windswept Lightning Over the Rockies", miniature palette knife oil painting

A miniature palette knife oil painting, this little gem was more difficult to paint than one might think.  Trying to get a "wind" feeling, add in the lightning bolts and still imply snow on the top of mountains plus an impending storm -- all at once, of course -- well, I think I may have pulled it off!  I had a blast painting this one....

"Windswept Lightning Over the Rockies", 4"x4"" miniature palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $48 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Snow Trees at Night", palette knife oil painting

Okay, it's winter here in my sweet Colorado, it's really cold here and there are two or three feet of snow or more in the nearby foothills.  What does this look like at night, pitch black, maybe just a hint of moonlight?  I don't honestly depict Nature as it actually is, I'd be a photographer if I did that, but this is my creative imagination at work....looks sort of inviting if you have warm clothing, huh? 

"Snow Trees at Night", 14"x11" palette knife oil painting on canvas panel, $300 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Walk Into the Poppy Fields" by Karla Nolan, palette knife oil painting

I usually don't paint large artworks.  They take forever and try my patience.  However, I do want to paint large paintings more frequently.  Finding the right subject matter can be difficult and planning the whole scene just as trying.  However, I have worked on this painting off and on over a couple of years and am finally reasonably satisfied.  Who doesn't enjoy a walk into an Italian poppy field in Tuscany? 

"Walk Into the Poppy Fields", 24"x36" palette knife oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas, $1295 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Ireland's Rocky Coastline", palette knife oil painting

This scene is near Dingle, Slea Head, in Ireland.  It is a larger Irish painting than I've done in a while and it took a bit of forever to paint it -- I went back many, many times to get the shadows and rocks done to my satisfaction.  I'm happy with the results, all it needs now is a good frame and a good home.  Don't forget, St. Patrick's Day is next month, we're all Irish for a day! 

"Ireland's Rocky Coastline", 12"x16" palette knife oil painting on gesso board, $385 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan

"Orange Spark", unframed miniature palette knife oil painting, colorado, broncos, sunset, rocky mountains

Okay, okay, the Broncos lost.  I'm not a gung-ho football fan by any means, but many relatives and friends who are near and dear to me really did look forward to the Super Bowl and the idea of the Broncos winning.  I know they're disappointed, so this art blog is for them -- there's always next year!  (The lower photo is an example of the artwork framed, please note that it's sold unframed.)

"Orange Spark", 4"x6" unframed miniature palette knife oil painting on linen panel, $48 includes s/h in continental U.S., click Paypal button below or write me at KarlaNolan@gmail.com for more information

Thanks for viewing my art!  Greetings from Fort Collins, Colorado

http://www.KarlaNolan.com

www.dailypainters.com
www.KarlaNolan.blogspot.com
www.artforconservation.org/artists/karlanolan