tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56729071741091019882011-12-30T20:07:46.020-05:00A Gallery of Pictorial Explanations - the art of Cheryl Louise Johnson. Paintings, drawings and graphic design.Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.comBlogger1111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-4029948871972954672011-12-03T18:57:00.003-05:002011-12-03T18:57:56.521-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-65281690337411672402011-12-03T18:57:00.000-05:002011-12-03T18:57:18.049-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-3699031534342445572011-12-01T14:36:00.002-05:002011-12-01T14:36:46.750-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-89450911006033038892011-11-30T19:08:00.000-05:002011-11-30T19:08:11.328-05:00

Today's sketch:

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-90518871386584707972011-11-29T14:56:00.000-05:002011-11-29T14:56:12.428-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-12476730913638176932011-11-28T17:00:00.000-05:002011-11-28T17:00:49.106-05:00

Today, with very limited time, I sketched this guy.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-41931606124458455232011-11-27T18:04:00.000-05:002011-11-27T18:04:08.957-05:00

This is a painting of mine done a few years ago called "Portland Rose". Today I added text to a jpeg of it to compliment the artwork.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-14908400058681707282011-11-27T10:30:00.002-05:002011-11-27T10:30:43.671-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-4069656371236741502011-11-26T09:28:00.002-05:002011-11-26T09:28:58.835-05:00

Sketch with Photoshop Lens Flare added.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-22374222202786714792011-11-25T11:03:00.002-05:002011-11-25T11:03:55.867-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-51412818639294007152011-11-24T10:50:00.002-05:002011-11-24T10:50:37.805-05:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-29741558018718829702011-11-23T17:15:00.000-05:002011-11-23T17:15:57.057-05:00

Woke up this morning to this view. My first reaction was that of a tired grown-up: "ugh". My next reaction was that of a child: "snow is pure magic".

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-84432784298600869362011-11-22T16:26:00.002-05:002011-11-22T16:26:52.523-05:00

Okay, pigs must have flown... I made an angel. :-)

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-66812520223026550982011-11-21T16:18:00.000-05:002011-11-21T16:18:15.097-05:00

I wanted to sketch an angel, but honestly have never seen one... I have seen a pig, though, and the little ceramic one my daughter made years ago with wings that hangs on my wall. So I decided to make a pig with wings. It's been done before, nothing new, but he was fun... maybe someday I'll paint a real angel... probably when pigs fly.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-69366045953587586352011-11-20T16:19:00.002-05:002011-11-20T16:19:28.520-05:00

Today's sketch:

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-69789249015412711652011-11-19T23:54:00.000-05:002011-11-19T23:54:36.345-05:00

A simple sketch today...

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-25028508948723913922011-11-19T23:53:00.000-05:002011-11-19T23:53:28.458-05:00

totally not my style... BUT I liked it right where it was so stopped!  You can barely make out the man holding onto his hat....

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-46037992943970875272011-11-17T17:47:00.000-05:002011-11-17T17:47:46.734-05:00

My sketch today:

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-57014881968142591552011-11-16T14:42:00.002-05:002011-11-16T14:42:50.461-05:00

Today's sketch. Can't wait to get back near the ocean!

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-7148070830526408652011-11-16T14:41:00.000-05:002011-11-16T14:41:17.095-05:00

A facebook friend named this for me: "Tree of Life".  I based the sketch on something I heard:  "Grace stems from love. A pardon stems from justice. Both are visible on the cross."

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-41089382773344394592011-11-14T19:58:00.000-05:002011-11-14T19:58:44.820-05:00

Almost forgot to post today's sketch....

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-73395450501768200872011-11-13T16:31:00.000-05:002011-11-13T16:31:42.214-05:00

Today's sketch - a sunrise scene in my cousin's backyard.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-60462444393285539092011-11-12T15:39:00.000-05:002011-11-12T15:39:41.928-05:00

For my friend Laura, a breast cancer survivor. This is what I pictured in my head when she described the scene in hers. Also, for my niece Aly who has been struggling with brain cancer, which now appears gone,  and all my other relatives and friends who have struggled with cancer and have beat it in this life, or the next.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-79784651915068866182011-11-11T16:22:00.002-05:002011-11-11T16:34:12.965-05:00

Today is 11/11/11. An interesting date.... a time for reflection.... fall has set in and winter will be here soon. The sun has set on summer, the cool autumn moon reflects what little warmth that is left. In the arms of love, facing the same direction, all is safe and calm.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-27725938711380443062011-11-10T17:29:00.001-05:002011-11-10T20:20:26.994-05:00

My sister-in-law Marlene asked me to do a sketch of Guanajuato, Mexico, a place we had been to visit, and near where they live. I have photos, and know this was not an accomplishment for one afternoon.  SOOOO I pulled out Photoshop and the programs brushes, and "painted" one of my own photographs. I like the paint effect.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-40362847218556912862011-11-09T20:01:00.000-05:002011-11-09T20:01:51.355-05:00

Today's sketch - a friend suggested a sailboat in a sunset.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-3815787917894560002011-11-08T12:39:00.002-05:002011-11-08T14:32:11.920-05:00

Today I drew a snail at a friend’s request. As a surprise, I added holiday lights to his “house”. :)

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-89048202240291488872011-11-07T17:00:00.000-05:002011-11-07T17:00:26.982-05:00

Drawn from a friend's photo of a squirrel in Washington DC eating a french fry, this is #21 in my free download sketches for fans of my facebook page.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-7861314507490074942011-11-06T17:49:00.000-05:002011-11-06T17:49:20.963-05:00

Today's sketch is of my "grand daughter" - a cat named Scrambles. I have pictures from when she was a cute little kitten and created this. I took liberties and enlarged her head a bit and colored her eyes to match the green of the background (hers are a bit more hazel/gold...?) If you click on it, you will get the enlarged photo.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-30192097771861168002011-11-06T17:40:00.000-05:002011-11-06T17:40:46.645-05:00

I started a new thing, which has been going on for 20 days now. I thought I had mentioned it on here before, but obviously have not since I am not seeing the post... hmmm. Everyday I am creating a new piece of artwork that I post in an album on my Sunny Pea facebook page. These are random sketches of various things, uploaded in high res and I am offering them to any fan of this page who may want

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-5089310790029004142011-10-25T00:27:00.003-04:002011-10-25T00:30:40.307-04:00

If you don't follow me on Facebook, I have a couple updates to share with you. For one, I have a new landing "welcome" page. Below is a link to the page, and here is a snapshot of it. The Sunny Pea I have also started a FREE image promotion. Everyday I am uploading a jpeg of a sketch I did that day, in the largest format Facebook allows. These are downloadable for you to use any way you possibly

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-92055401930438430472011-07-28T16:50:00.001-04:002011-07-28T16:52:36.263-04:00

I am setting up a shop on Zazzle. When I get good photos of my artwork, I will upload a few things that I will have available as prints (some full size on canvas) and other various items with my artwork printed on it. As I am discovering this outlet, I am getting excited about the possibilities! For example, here is the first item in my store. A greeting card wishing all your dreams to come true

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-51377982847945078912011-07-01T15:11:00.002-04:002011-07-01T16:39:26.222-04:00

(click on image above)I finally have revised my mish-mashed website to a cleaner look. I will be adding purchasing links for many of the pieces later. This is a sampling of work I have done over the years. Unfortunately, much of my graphic design work is missing, but what I show kinda gives a bit of an idea of what I can do. 

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-31120544469260438632011-06-13T23:43:00.002-04:002011-06-14T11:42:08.100-04:00

New logo... new blog design... I had grown attached to the old logo I'd created, the one with the goose and the fish in an M.C. Escher style, but it was time for a change. The old logo tied in the elements of Sunapee, NH - sky and water ("sunapee" means goose lake in the words of the Algonquian Indian), but I no longer live in Sunapee and it does not actually portray that I am an artist.  I

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-37278369608711816302011-05-17T17:22:00.001-04:002011-05-17T17:30:51.729-04:00

I've been working on this painting for the past week or so.  I still have work to do on it, but since I haven't posted anything recently, I decided to share my progress so far.  I neglected to take pics along the way so have nothing before this point to show you. Spring in New Hampshire  (click to enlarge)

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-60160298365451626152011-02-18T00:19:00.005-05:002011-02-21T13:31:08.387-05:00

I just discovered something new that has been around for a few years now.  There is a new fad going on of people are collecting artist trading cards (like baseball cards).  People are collecting them and putting them in sleeves, trading them and framing them as larger works of fine art.  If you Google ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) you can read all about them.  Search on ebay and / or

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-79212970441998998672011-02-11T13:09:00.023-05:002011-02-17T19:09:10.596-05:00

22 x 28" Oil There is nothing like sitting at the water's edge, listening to the ocean rush in and crash upon the rocks... the feel of the cool crisp air, the smell of the sea.  My hope is that you experience that atmosphere in this 22 x 28" oil painting on stretched canvas. The great Pacific Ocean on the central coast of Oregon, ever changing the rocks that it hews with time, yet ever remaining

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-17879657778390417072011-01-25T02:21:00.005-05:002011-01-25T13:29:35.705-05:00

I graduated HS in Elk River, MN, yet never saw a live elk.  Now where we live they are prolific and I see them everywhere!  Usually late at night, standing along side the road, they watch as cars go by. I drew this quick sketch in honor of them.  It is a digital sketch.  It is also, going full circle, in honor of all my fellow "Elks" from Elk River, MN, many of which I have just recently in the

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-45629898596681213032011-01-10T18:53:00.004-05:002011-02-17T13:55:19.082-05:00

24 x 36"There is something magical about walking along the beach, an exercise usually done in warmer weather, and walking amongst frozen frosty beach grass and driftwood covered with white crystals in the cool of winter.  The living and the dead of nature, brought together in a fascinating dance of winter splendor.  Both exciting and calming at the same time, this scene is on the shores of Bay

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-33394549087869124442010-12-18T00:47:00.000-05:002010-12-18T00:47:15.722-05:00

I used to make Christmas cards.  Every year we sent cards that I designed, either hand made or printed to our loved ones.  The last few years, for some reason, I fell away from doing this.  It's not that Christmas means any less to me, in fact it means even more to me than ever before....  but maybe I am seeing more the importance of sharing the Christmas spirit all year long, not just at

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-48629455790386656952010-12-13T14:12:00.002-05:002011-02-17T15:12:12.143-05:00

I used "Google Translate"... so to my Finnish friends and family, correct me if I have the title wrong!  I know sometimes the word might be right but not the correct choice, the meaning be off if the wrong word is chosen. 10 x 30" Acrylic on linen The coastline here is fascinating.  We have discovered things washed up on the beach from soles of shoes to an elk that met its demise.   More

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-3633115927949741792010-12-08T12:36:00.003-05:002011-02-17T14:19:19.517-05:00

The sunsets here on the bay have been nothing short of glorious!  The other night, Dec 4th was the best so far.  Here is a painting I created from one of my photos, adapting it to the size of the canvas so nothing much more than sky and water are showing. 10 x 30" Acrylic on linen canvas I was asked today on my Sunny Pea Facebook page how long this painting took.  Here was my answer, and more

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-75375593400239540302010-11-30T21:20:00.000-05:002010-11-30T21:20:57.508-05:00

This past Thanksgiving weekend, my daughter and her husband went out clamming.  They ordered clamming licenses on-line, studied up and learned all about how to dig for clams, and then went when the tide was out and brought back several clams which they then proceeded to make clam chowder out of.  I don't like seafood, but felt I needed to at least try it... surprisingly the bite I had was yummy!

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-37561432269374560612010-11-09T17:05:00.000-05:002010-11-09T17:05:27.214-05:00

In this painting I worked out what's been in my head and in my heart lately.  The weather here has been reflecting how I feel. "A Soggy, Rainy New Hampshire November" 10" x 30" acrylic

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-71095574476562384552010-10-08T13:54:00.001-04:002010-10-08T17:03:49.982-04:00

Watercolors are a love / hate thing for me.  I love seeing other people's work in watercolor, but hate using them myself because they have way too much a mind of their own. Inspired by my walk in the woods yesterday, I did this set of small 3 x 4" paintings,  and let the paint have its way with just a little bit of guidance from me .... Autumn Abstract #1 Autumn Abstract #2 Autumn Abstract #3

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-60001413673090725752010-09-08T17:26:00.001-04:002010-09-08T17:28:37.097-04:00

18 x 24" acrylic This is a piece I was working out from my head today.  Tomorrow it might be a blank canvas again.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-67660543998054793152010-08-20T14:15:00.002-04:002010-08-20T23:08:34.808-04:00

"Clouds Over Lake Sunapee"acrylic on 3 separate 12 x 12" canvases 

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-86549317861997017652010-08-12T12:10:00.000-04:002010-08-12T12:10:42.166-04:00

"An August Afternoon"24 x 48" acrylic on masonite

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-7310423564811806732010-07-28T15:09:00.002-04:002010-08-18T20:10:46.150-04:00

It appears I have run into a dilemma that has been plaguing me for months now.  I have a Facebook account profile and a separate Facebook page for my art... both by the same name (except that subtle difference of the picture and added middle name).  The problem being, when I post artwork (to the public page), people think that I am posting it on my regular account wall or vise-versa.  I have even

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-90601001006135494362010-06-21T19:07:00.001-04:002010-06-21T20:29:44.184-04:00

Speaking of nakedness. In one of my early blogs, I had mentioned that one of the hardest things for me to do, and always has been, is share a work in progress.  Even if someone would walk into the room when I was creating, I would tell them not to look - as if I was getting undressed or something.  A lot of soul goes into my paintings, maybe I feared there was something there someone might see

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-49401978534482684962010-06-20T22:39:00.002-04:002010-06-20T22:43:23.169-04:00

Sometimes paintings just don't work... so you either do something drastic, or toss them in the pile of tears.  This one was not working for me... so I took one last ditch effort on it and slopped on some paint.... I removed the rocks in the river and added some along the side.   I also removed the bridge.  As I am progressing on this, I am finding it's becoming more of a New Hampshire scene

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-65285031538989007662010-06-16T17:07:00.002-04:002010-06-16T17:09:51.787-04:00

The Columbia River Gorge is full of gorgeous sights from majestic waterfalls to the plants and wild life along trickling streams ... all on their way down the mountains to the grand Columbia River which rushes on to the Pacific Ocean. I am working on a painting of a scene from one of our road side stops the last time we were out there.   If you are ever out in Oregon /Washington I highly

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-20070068479384388532010-06-14T14:10:00.014-04:002010-07-28T11:05:33.551-04:00

I am taking this blog into a new direction... or a more direct course.  I will strictly be adding artwork, and letting the art speak for itself, with maybe a few words to explain what I did to create it. As for my old posts,  I have removed all of them.  I will be revisiting them and adding again as I discriminately decide which to use and what artwork to include.  I have exported all the

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-57368471156004538382010-04-28T00:08:00.008-04:002010-06-16T10:19:05.182-04:00

This past week I did some new drawings on my computer using my Bamboo tablet.  The three I did were the birth month flowers of my three kids.The first one was March daffodils: joy • happiness • rebirth • new beginnings ....The second was May lily of the valley: purity of heart • humility • sweetness • happiness...The third was chrysanthemum: cheerfulness • optimism • truth • long life • joy....

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-43633572434576777882010-04-06T13:52:00.016-04:002010-06-16T11:34:31.341-04:00

Today I have pulled out a painting that was just sitting around being boring, predictable and almost cartoonish to me.  It is a scene oft painted and more so photographed:  Cape Neddick ("Nubble") Lighthouse, in York, Maine. The first photo is how it was (it looks better in this picture than it did in real life).  The photo is greatly reduced in size from approx. 24 x 36". The next two

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-30795802746587735462010-04-01T09:45:00.019-04:002010-06-16T10:26:16.325-04:00

Being away for a month from my paint supplies was a bit more trying than I thought it would be.  When I slopped the paint of the canvas this morning, by body let out a big ahhhhhhh, I am home!  What I have started here is going to carve itself into a portrait of a family member my sister Sheila, her husband Sam and their two daughters lost a couple months ago, their beloved dog Nex.  Nex had

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-40778739788210427842010-03-22T18:35:00.012-04:002010-06-16T11:29:32.973-04:00

Cleo Daisiesdigital painting *************

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-13892376169945686972010-02-27T15:29:00.010-05:002010-08-12T13:56:24.485-04:00

18 x 24" Acrylic on canvas"Winter White Lace" We ... well, I... complain so much about the seasons.  When it is hot I want cool.  When it is cold I want warm.  Well, I went away from the cold last week to where it was HOT.  Made me appreciate the beauty I came back to (well, it was 55 when my plane landed so it wasn't hard to appreciate!)  Since I got home, we've had snow.  A LOT of snow.  The 55

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-29707940359733862632010-02-22T16:40:00.057-05:002010-08-12T13:59:46.092-04:00

Life's Fragility12 x 16" Prismacolor Drawing------------------------------ This a Prismacolor drawing I did several years ago when my son was still very young (he's now 27).  It is called "Life's Fragility".  I purposely focused on his hands so they look large and clumsy holding the fragile orchid.  On one hand he is admiring its beauty and on the other hand he, being a child, could get bored and

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-75836645416554631752010-02-11T19:38:00.006-05:002010-06-16T10:37:07.909-04:00

This weekend is Valentines Day.  I will be in Puerto Rico with my sister so I won't be celebrating the day with my sweetie-pie.    We never really do anyway, as we both feel it is just a holiday made up for the card companies (plus candy, flower and now jewelry companies!).  It's just a silly holiday.In honor of silliness, I made this cartoon "valentine" for Terry.  Whether anyone else "gets it"

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-1068341904133279682010-01-31T15:07:00.007-05:002010-06-16T10:37:07.911-04:00

Acrylic on 18 x 24 canvas"Going Against the Flow"I will come back to this blog later to add my thoughts.  I may also be adding to the painting.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-82056390120144169872010-01-30T22:48:00.017-05:002010-06-16T10:30:41.461-04:00

I need to explain a little bit about the process I used on the last two digital "paintings" posted here.  I don't mean to bore anyone, but it may be a process not everyone knows about.I created these in a program called Photoshop, which was designed for photo editing, but I use it to create artwork from scratch also.  I draw like normal drawings, but without paper, and instead I open a window in

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-77603852167885013182010-01-30T00:26:00.003-05:002010-06-16T10:21:47.746-04:00

13 x 19" Digital Painting

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-33831039215345325072010-01-28T12:11:00.005-05:002010-06-16T10:28:33.001-04:00

"Caitlin"Digital Painting Caitlin gave me Bamboo pen and touch tablet for my computer this past Christmas.   At first I was just sketching on it and having fun.  Last night I decided to try "painting" with it.  This is what I created, looking at a photograph of Caitlin, not a manipulated photo image, paying homage to her for giving me such a cool gift.  :-) This is awesome - no mess, no cleanup.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-16673477706630597062010-01-08T10:18:00.003-05:002010-06-16T10:02:27.913-04:00

18 x 24" Acrylic

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-5986580633112715852010-01-07T16:26:00.009-05:002010-06-16T11:35:31.166-04:00

The Musician18 x 24" Acrylic I have run out of good daylight to take a decent picture, but I am posting this anyway because I wanted to be done.  Maybe tomorrow I will post a better image. PS - All 6 steps are included on this blog if you want to read about the process behind this painting and see the different layers (click on the SunnyPea logo and they all will show.  Also, you can click

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-61967318802960363832010-01-07T16:23:00.004-05:002010-06-21T19:51:17.860-04:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-28061185058577343782010-01-06T15:19:00.005-05:002010-06-16T10:02:27.919-04:00

I have added red.  Now I will go back and add more light / highlight and shadow... since I didn't start with black and white, it appears some of my shadows (blues) are disappearing.  I've already added a blue glaze to the trim on the door.  I want to bring out the detail with the next layer that was showing better in the first sketch.  Also, it is my plan to tone down the red on the face.  I do

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-88010276136003738932010-01-06T14:02:00.007-05:002010-06-16T10:02:27.921-04:00

Today I added a yellow layer.  Here it is important to make sure each layer dries before adding more.  If you go back and try to even add more of the same color on top while it is still tacky, you risk peeling off that layer.  This technique works wonderfully in oils (glazing) but waiting can be all so much longer since oils can take months to dry.  I am doing this in acrylic.  If I want to speed

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-60939446959768661522010-01-05T15:37:00.004-05:002010-06-16T10:02:27.922-04:00

This is a painting I am doing in layers of glazes.  Since I started with a blue base coat, I am doing my blue layer.  I would normally have a black and white layer and then add color to that, but this time will begin with a blue and white layer.   I am enjoying this painting.  I think the thing that drew me to this subject is that his hair seemed to be singing and dancing to the music he was

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-28142441736677832482010-01-05T13:47:00.003-05:002010-06-16T10:02:27.924-04:00

With the paint dry, it was time to chalk in an outline of the painting's layout.  Sometimes I sketch my paintings, sometimes I just paint.  I chose to create a drawing for this one, based on the composition I had already designed previously from a photo I took.  

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-1226939953575171402010-01-05T12:52:00.004-05:002010-06-16T11:34:15.046-04:00

I am going to post these paintings in parts, to share the journey from blank canvas to creation. Shown here is the beginning.  I have painted the background my favorite color, a deep, blue-violet.  I believe it is my favorite because of its moodiness.  Hopefully your browser shows it correctly, or the same as mine - a cross between a dark purple / violet and a cobalt blue. I wanted to start

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-78448203958276675652010-01-03T23:37:00.012-05:002010-06-16T11:31:40.680-04:00

I drew these on my new Bamboo drawing tablet that I got for Christmas from Caitlin (awesome fun!).  Some, such as the first one were drawn more deliberately and from a reference photo I took.  I plan to make this into a painting so am working out the details.  The others I sketched from my mind and some with the aid of photo references to convey what's in my head.   I have been having strong

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-21645145114604065192009-12-28T10:36:00.005-05:002010-06-16T10:21:47.749-04:00

8 x 10" acrylic

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-78273922094345520992009-10-22T21:25:00.024-04:002010-06-16T11:30:56.197-04:00

I stayed home again today.  Still not feeling 100% great.  Seems I caught what everyone else seems to be "enjoying" - some kind of head crud that has made me dizzy with a swimming head. I was a bit restless, though, and felt inspired so decided to paint.  When I finally got my rear in gear and got into my studio, I just stared at the paper.  So much for inspiration!  I looked out the window

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-22277143223679995322009-09-27T12:27:00.014-04:002010-06-16T17:12:17.211-04:00

Bridge to the Other Side 18 x 24" Oil I posted this painting when I first started my blog over a year ago, declared it unfinished, and said I would get back to it one day. It is an oil palette knife painting on canvas.

 After looking at it again after much time, I have decided "it is finished"! ... and I didn't add another drop of paint.

Funny how that happens. I can work on a painting,

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-84082059250504019792009-09-25T10:22:00.008-04:002010-06-16T12:03:37.552-04:00

18 x 24" Acrylic (Click to enlarge) We went to LymeRock Park in Lakeville, CT (where Paul Newman used to race) last month to see Terry's brother, Roger, race one of his Porsches. Supposedly he is retiring after a race in Daytona in November, where all of his brothers and sisters (a family of eight kids) will get together all at once for the first time ever seeing him race. So the race at

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-71071385025033768592009-09-24T11:43:00.018-04:002010-06-16T11:37:45.413-04:00

Waiting for Inspiration 8 x 10" Gouache (Click to enlarge) Last night I came home, threw on my pjs and cuddly soft robe, grabbed my gouache, brushes and paper and plopped into my favorite chair. I don't usually paint sitting in front of the tv, with no good lighting, but I decided since I don't do needlepoint or knit like some do to be "productive", I would sketch with paint. And so I did

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-52157490040820266242009-08-22T11:26:00.008-04:002010-08-12T14:05:29.288-04:00

Science has found that the earth is humming! It was in the news last year, but I just found this interesting article today: Earth's Hum Sounds More Mysterious Than Ever

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-31178542678694150682009-07-15T18:13:00.010-04:002010-06-16T12:02:44.587-04:00

8" x 14" Serenity on Sunapee I tried painting in miniature today, in hopes of scanning the artwork instead of taking a photo. In my planning, I didn't measure my scanner and the painting was a bit too wide. As a result, I had to take two scans and piece them together. Here is a painting of Lake Sunapee in Burkhaven. It is where our boat is docked, a very peaceful, serene setting. I

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-14812886924814442312009-06-26T13:34:00.014-04:002010-06-16T12:02:13.943-04:00

A combination of abstract with realism and symbolism ... a mesh of growing, learning to fly, sometimes a muddled mess, this is my life (click on image to enlarge). "My Life" 36 x 24" Acrylic "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (I was listening

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-13700963333210302692009-06-11T14:16:00.019-04:002010-06-16T12:01:46.701-04:00

Its been a bit since I last painted. I've been back in the office pretty much full time. By the time I get home I don't want to do anything... I did take today off, though, since it appeared it was going to be slow. I decided to paint a rose... This rose is from one of the photos I took in Portland, OR, the City of Roses. I was also inspired visiting the Currier Art Gallery in Manchester

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-8535130522538227452009-05-15T19:11:00.010-04:002010-06-16T11:58:44.003-04:00

18 x 24" Waking Up Spring Spring has hit full force. Leaves have popped, the grass is growing, the deer have emerged for their regular feeding in our backyard. Most times these amazingly agile animals, bound off into the woods if they see us, even when they know we won't hurt them. The other night we almost ran into one in our driveway coming home. He ran across the driveway, we stopped,

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-31000215125428233792009-05-08T10:36:00.011-04:002010-06-16T12:00:33.139-04:00

(Maybe you can think of more? Join in and add to this list!) dump negative thoughts, love for things, anxieties and worries bury the dead past but don't lose its memory and the lessons learned incinerate / burn any hatred you feel, proud looks, lustful thoughts, angry words, hurtful gestures recycle hugs, smiles, handshakes, nods or waves of hello as well as the common courtesies and

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-86094250986733762662009-05-02T17:23:00.009-04:002010-06-16T12:00:59.786-04:00

New York City, 24 x 36" As I did with "Eye Over London", in this painting I tried to create the illusion of a lot of detail without really using much. I wanted the design to be a bit more on the abstract side and simple so I used a larger brush for the majority of the painting, blocking in color and generally capturing the essence of New York City. New York is a bustling city, but I wanted to

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-54479227611171801002009-05-01T16:11:00.014-04:002010-06-16T12:01:19.092-04:00

OK... so New York wasn't built in a day.... Here is the progress of my painting of NYC for Kevin & Jayne. So far I have spent two days on it, though several weeks in between. It is a 24 x 36" acrylic on canvas. Jayne didn't specify what size she wanted.... so hopefully this is not too big for her! It's what I wanted to work with, though, considering the detail. With no one else in the house

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-84524152636519253612009-04-29T18:56:00.017-04:002010-06-16T11:58:11.645-04:00

I saw myself today. Three little-ones in tow, one on each hand, one in a front carrier, all under the age of four. I smiled at myself as I allowed myself to pass by, across the busy parking lot, and smiled with a nod of "you understand" and a nod back of "I've been there". I watched myself with a lilt in my step as I headed inside for another adventure in grocery shopping with my babies,

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-24259773180340611842009-03-29T11:07:00.007-04:002010-06-16T11:57:20.214-04:00

Eye over London 30 x 48" I've included this painting of mine from a few years ago because I have a similar painting that I am about to get started on for a family member. This painting (Eye Over London) was done from a photo I took while high above London (443 ft)in the "London Eye", the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe. My brother and sister-in-law visited NYC recently and took pictures from

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-56076228466656918252009-03-09T16:36:00.013-04:002010-06-15T10:09:12.178-04:00

18 x 24" acrylic ("Why is it I always seem to choose the wrong road?!") ---------------- I did this painting in a series of glazes. Below is the progression. I started with a monochrome underpainting using Paynes grey, black and white. Then I added a blue glaze where appropriate... a yellow glaze... and a red glaze... Lastly I added detail and a touch of green to the turtles as seen in

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-76973569314485598832009-03-04T18:21:00.014-05:002010-06-16T11:57:45.492-04:00

24 x 36" acrylic Today I worked on Mt Hood which I showed in a previous post (November 14). I changed the tar road into a dirt road and added a bunch of random color here and there as the painting was getting boring to me. This was done from a photo given to me by a friend (thanks Jeff). Not sure I asked his permission to paint it ...hmmmm. Oh well, I took the same picture at the same time (but

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-25506377513251307972009-02-28T16:30:00.009-05:002010-06-16T11:53:36.273-04:00

I just have to check for any flaws that need touch up another day, and coat it with a UV varnish and Alphonse Moocha is done. Here are the final pics (click on them to enlarge):

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-54671329503512045192009-02-16T16:47:00.010-05:002010-06-16T11:54:07.604-04:00

About the Artist that inspired the work, Alphonse Mucha: Alphonse Mucha is most often remembered for the prominent role he played in shaping the aesthetics of French Art Nouveau at the turn of the century. As a struggling artist of Czech origin living in Paris, Mucha achieved immediate fame when, in December 1894, he accepted a commission to create a poster for one of the greatest actresses of

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-9403582859224919862009-02-13T16:56:00.016-05:002010-06-16T11:55:33.490-04:00

SO! I spent quite a bit of today working on Alphonse. The paints arrived yesterday and to my delight they are the right color tones I wanted. Choosing paints in colors to coordinate with a sketch/ design was a process I haven't done before, as I usually just mix colors from a more limited pallet until I arrive at what I want. This time, though, I had to make sure the colors were lightfast and

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-30696844650322487522009-02-08T14:52:00.008-05:002010-06-16T11:55:58.090-04:00

Today I blocked in the design a bit by sketching it in with Payne's gray. Maybe tomorrow I will add a bit more detail, but it seems a bit unnecessary until my paints arrive. I tracked my order and for some reason they are (still?) in New Berlin, WI. Obviously, they didn't ship when they said they did... now arrival time is slated for Feb 14.... but FedEx is usually faster than that, so I am

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-76799117435505332782009-02-06T19:39:00.007-05:002010-06-16T11:56:26.105-04:00

Cleo checks out our new house guest while I take a snap shot.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-48966512512971284212009-02-02T10:04:00.015-05:002010-06-16T11:56:52.101-04:00

Well, I am back!   I have been working 24/7 on KNS' website, because our server died and I had to move it. It is now at Godaddy and hopefully they keep their servers up and running well. I'm not going to sweat it, though. At least computer hardware is not my concern any more! That is - other than this thing sitting on my lap right now. I have also been updating my gallery site:

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-17083966394986719322008-12-13T20:22:00.011-05:002010-06-16T11:52:17.746-04:00

Jess had me quickly throw a website up for her last year. Now that she has had a show and has pieces in a gallery, she is ready to have it refined. Stay tuned as we work together in collaboration to create a site that gives her the exposure that she wants and highlights her talent. If you want to preview it as it is right now and watch for future changes, you can find her site at: http://

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-54095732373303318522008-12-01T18:26:00.012-05:002010-06-16T11:53:01.057-04:00

18 x 24" Acrylic

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-84758548222278407582008-11-19T14:46:00.004-05:002010-06-16T11:25:13.580-04:00

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5672907174109101988.post-79066108100931578542008-11-14T17:00:00.006-05:002010-06-16T11:50:50.635-04:00

Mt. Hood, Oregon24 x 36" I plan to keep this painting simple, so I won't be adding a lot more detail, but will make sure it has a finished feel. I plan to use pallette knives as I already did on the mountain and sky. I want to retain to peacefulness of the scene. We live in a beautiful country. A beautiful world.

Cheryl L Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13539836323199773720noreply@blogger.com0