Despite the rain today, I was able to get outside and do a small painting. It's another study of reflections and I spent about an hour on it.  I used a limited palette for this one and I've started to think about what colors I need instead of laying out a bunch of colors; this method saves colors and forces you to think about more creatively about color.  Also, if you suddenly realize that you need a red or whatever color, then just put some of that color on your palette.  The colors I used for this painting were the following: Silver White, Chrome Yellow Deep, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Van Dyke Brown and Ivory Black.
  I'm practicing my art as much as I can and I'm feeling happier.  I think of these paintings as capturing moments that I want to remember in the future.  I've always felt that good paintings capture moments much better than any photo could.
 I'm getting back on track with my art and I've been reading a lot recently also.  I'm currently almost done reading a great book called "The Republic of Pirates" by Colin Woodard; the book covers the golden age of piracy (1715 - 1725)-- I highly recommend it as a great read.  The other big component in my life is that I'm going to the gym very consistently, which has been helping me a lot.

  I just painted a small (7" X 5") oil painting and it was really enjoyable.  I always love painting reflections and I enjoy drawing and painting the ones that are in my fish's bowl.  It felt good to paint again.

  I've been in touch recently with a good friend of mine who is also an amazing artist.  He's inspired me to get back to work on some finished oil paintings.  Yesterday, I toned a bunch of panels and a new canvas.  I've been too lazy about painting lately and I really am feeling inspired now to make some new paintings.  I want to do some portraits of my friends and family specifically.  
  I've still been sketching a lot recently, but I miss oil painting so much.  I'm feeling more myself again lately and I owe everything to my friends.  You have to have friends in life to make it through.

Current Full Oil Painting Palette:
 - Silver White
 - Naples Yellow
 - Lemon Yellow
 - Chrome Yellow Light 
 - Chrome Yellow Deep
 - Cadmium Orange
 - Yellow Ochre
 - Raw Sienna
 - Cadmium Red Light
 - Vermillion
 - Rose Madder
 - Alizarin Crimson
 - Brun Rouge
 - Burnt Sienna
 - Emerald Green
 - Viridian
 - Cobalt Blue
 - Ultramarine Blue
 - Prussian Blue
 - Cobalt Violet
 - Raw Umber
 - Burnt Umber
 - Van Dyke Brown
 - Ivory Black

  Putting a nice frame on a finished painting is an amazing feeling and can really make a painting look even better.  Anyone looking for custom frames should check out Art To Frames, which has great custom sized frames in a wide variety of styles.  Most of the frames pictured below came from Art To Frames, except the last frame in gold, which I got lucky and found at a local goodwill.  
  I used to make my own frames so I really enjoy the hands on aspect of framing also.  It's pretty simple to put a canvas in a frame, you'll just need some basic supplies, such as hanging wire, hanging hardware and some offset clips (sometimes called mirror holders); these are important to hold the canvas into the frame.  I've seen some people drive a nail through the stretcher bar into the frame, DON'T DO THAT because it weakens the stretcher bar and cause some serious problems.
  Have a great week everyone!