Susie

January 31, 2016Barbara JoinesComment

12x12 inch Oil on Museum Quality Panel SOLD

"Susie" was a commission I completed on a beautiful black lab. This was a special piece, because my client happened to be someone I had known and babysat for when I was in high school. Many years later, through the power of social media, she found out I was an artist and commissioned this piece for her husband. I had so much fun working on this painting and reconnecting with a wonderful lady!

I'm working on another commission now, but as for now, I have to keep it under wraps. Shhhhh....it's a secret!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Blushing Iris

January 26, 2016Barbara Joines2 Comments

5x7 inch     Oil on Museum Quality Panel     SOLD — 5x7 inch Oil on Museum Quality Panel SOLD

Flowers have always seemed like a challenge to paint. As a Scorpio, or maybe it's a redhead thing, I tend to be a little stubborn. So, I will continue to return to flowers until I tackle this subject! I have to admit, I had fun painting this one.

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Daylilies in Jar

January 25, 2016Barbara JoinesComment

5x7 inch Oil on Museum Quality Panel

For purchase information, click here.

I started this still life this past summer when flowers were still blooming. With all of the snow that we've gotten this week...8 inches at my house the last time I measured...I enjoyed pulling out a little evidence of summer!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Pantone Puppy

January 22, 2016Barbara Joines3 Comments

6x6 inch Oil on Museum Quality Panel For Purchase Information, Click to Bid Below

Click to Bid

I found the photo of this sweet puppy on the morguefile website. Her somewhat sad eyes and curious tilt of her head drew me in. I saw these beautiful colors peeking through her face, which just happen to be shades of the 2016 Pantone colors of the year (Rose Quartz and Serenity)!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Blue Bottle in Orange

January 19, 2016Barbara JoinesComment

Click to Bid

I worked on this still life a while back, but it needed at little more love and attention. I love how the orange mixed with the beautiful blue of the glass. The warm orange almost seems like a nice blanket on a cold day, which is needed on a day like today!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Close Up

January 3, 2016Barbara Joines5 Comments

6x6 Oil on Museum Quality Panel     SOLD — 6x6 Oil on Museum Quality Panel **SOLD**

I've always loved dogs. They are one of my favorite things to paint. So, I am always searching for the right pup to catch my eye. I found a photo of this cute guy on the free photo stock site, called morgue file. The photo was a full body shot, but this little fellow seemed to be begging for a close-up!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Blue Holiday

January 2, 2016Barbara Joines8 Comments

Nutcracker in Blue 6x6 Original Oil on Museum Quality Panel SOLD

In honor of my bluegrass Kentucky roots, I usually put up a separate blue Christmas tree. Due to a chaotic life raising two young boys, that didn't happen this year. So, instead I pulled out some of my ornaments and this one "urged" me to paint it. I guess he was feeling left out :).

For some, holidays evoke a case of "the blues". "The blues" may be nudging us to remember lost loved ones, unfulfilled dreams, or our own lonely hearts. I always wondered, however, why they call it "the blues". In my opinion, blues aren't all bad. Beauty lies in blue, such as in blue skies, blue waters, blue eyes, bluegrass (right, my Kentucky friends?), blue peacocks, blue butterflies, and even blue nutcrackers:). See, there are always two sides to every argument! So, if "the blues" have snuck into your heart this holiday season, allow the beautiful side of blue to surround your heart in 2016!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Paint Anyway

January 19, 2015Barbara JoinesComment

Retriever Romp

Today I had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful artist by the name of Kim Barrick speak. She said many things which hit home, but one in particular related to a poem Mother Teresa had written on the wall of her home for children, which is as follows:

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

Kim added her own ending which was: People will critique and reject your paintings, but paint anyway.

I loved that and totally agree! The point of painting is to release something inside you, to enjoy the process. When and if others enjoy the product, that is just icing on the cake. If you don't love my work today, there is always next time. If you do love it, thank you very much for providing the sweet topping on top of my already yummy cake!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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retriever-romp

Harbour Town Red

January 8, 2015Barbara Joines3 Comments

5x7 inch on Museum Quality Panel SOLD

I was needing a warm place to escape today, even if only in my mind. I consider myself a Southern girl, so below zero wind chill does not sit well with me! So, I let my mind wander to hot summer days on vacation in South Carolina. My toes were toasty warm and the sun was beaming across my warm skin as I walked along the marina in Harbour Town. I enjoyed the warmth while looking at the lighthouse...even if only on my easel:).

Stay warm!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Apples Squared

January 4, 2015Barbara Joines4 Comments

12x12 inch Original Oil Painting on Canvas

I just recently read Carol Marine's book, Daily Painting. Which, by the way, was a fabulous book with beautiful pictures and great instructional tips! An exercise she suggested was to take a canvas and section it off. Then, set up a simple apple still life and give yourself only 10 minutes to paint the apple. Move to the next square and repeat. After my timed still lives (confession time...I may or may not have given myself 15 minutes for each:)), I can see the progression from beginning to end. This exercise definitely made me think about each stroke and forced me to not "fuss" over the details. Believe me, when the timer got down to 5 minutes, the painting decisions got serious!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Apples Squared

Looking Up

January 2, 2015Barbara JoinesComment

6x6 inch Original Oil on Museum Quality Panel   SOLD — 6x6 inch Original Oil on Museum Quality Panel **SOLD**

As the New Year begins, I thought it appropriate to start by looking up. It is so easy to "put your nose to the grindstone," so to speak, and forget to look around. By looking up, I am reminded that we are a small part of a much larger universe. A universe containing so much beauty, given to us as a gift. So, in 2015, if you see me staring straight ahead and rushing to the next deadline, appointment, school event, kids practice, errand (you get the picture), please remind me to stop and "look up"! I hope your New Year is "looking up" and will be full of happy, beautiful moments.

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Secluded Cove

January 1, 2015Barbara Joines5 Comments

"Secluded Cove" 5x7 inch on Museum Quality Panel SOLD

This painting was a recent commission done as a gift for a couple that loves to go boating. I can imagine the fun times riding on the lake and relaxing in one of the many secluded coves. Since I live too far away to take a ride with them, I hope they'll take my painting for a spin:). If you would like your own favorite spot captured in paint, please send me a note.

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Every Hat Has Her Day

December 24, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

I recently watched the "Sound of Music" for the 937th time (just estimating:)). It's one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite Christmas traditions. This year, my boys (ages 8 and 10) watched it with me...from beginning to end! They have watched parts of it before, but this is the first time they actually sat still and intently watched it! My heart smiled wondering (hopefully) if they also would one day watch this movie with their own children. One of their favorite songs was "My Favorite Things."

I'm sure my boys were thinking of their favorite things that they hope made it on Santa's gift list. However, my thoughts of favorite things brought to mind my "hat ladies" painting, which definitely included some of my favorite Kentucky things. In particular, things such as the Kentucky derby, thoroughbred horses, big hats, colorful clothes, and one-of-a-kind people. Now,...if I could just get Julie Andrews to include those in her Sound of Music song "My Favorite Things", I'd be in heaven :).

I hope your hearts, homes, and stockings are filled with your favorite things this year! Merry Christmas everyone!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Kentucky Christmas

November 28, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

5x7 in Original Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Recently, I was reminiscing about my childhood Christmas' in Kentucky. A vivid image of a common decorative item can to mind - mason jar potpourri lights. Did anyone else have these? Well, I decided to do a little research on the most used (and addictive) home decorator's resource...Pinterest. And look what I found!

Click here to go to the Pinterest link — Click here to go to the Pinterest link

Now who remembers these?!?! I decided I would create a little different take on this oldie, but goody. I substituted one of my derby glasses (what Kentucky girl doesn't have a collection?) with a live red rose and green mint leaves. The old classic smelled really nice when the lights heated the potpourri. Could that have been a fire hazard? ...Sorry, rabbit trail... Anyway, my roses and fresh mint smelled like home as I was painting this still life.

Kentucky tradition coupled with a little Christmas sparkle.

To view Purchase Information on the online auction, click the link below:

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If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Cali

November 14, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

"Cali" 6x6 Original Oil on Museum Quality Panel Private Collection

As a kid, I always told everyone that I wanted to be a Veterinarian when I grew up. As a young adult, I finally fulfilled my dream (well, somewhat). I worked as a Vet Assistant while in graduate school. What I quickly figured out was that I was much too clumsy to master the skills needed to become a vet! I spilled things, got my hands dirty, and did NOT master the art of precision. A clumsy surgeon/doctor...NOT how most people would describe their ideal Vet, huh?!?!

Well, I still love animals and have found that I love painting them just as much! And with paint, it's ok to get a little messy :).

This painting is of my dog Cali. My first adopted pet as an adult. She would sometimes come to work with me at the Vet's office. I loved her dearly, especially her sweet smile and soulful eyes. I miss her still, but painting this brought back such happy memories of my sweet girl!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Stare Down

November 10, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

5x7in Original Oil Painting on Panel     SOLD — 5x7in Original Oil Painting on Panel **SOLD**

One of my favorite things to do when I'm visiting my hometown in Kentucky is drive around the thoroughbred farms. I "visited" with this beautiful stud on one such day. He was adamant on getting a close-up shot :).

If I'm lucky, I'll get to see this guy and maybe some of his "stall"mates the next time I'm in town.

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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Puppy Love

September 16, 2014Barbara Joines1 Comment

I love watching dogs run on the beach in the afternoon. This little dog had wide open space to roam, but lovingly stayed right behind his owner. You can't buy that kinda love!

If you would like your favorite memory or pet captured in paint, please send me a note about a commission:)!

For a look at some of my other paintings, click here.

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What a Dream...Painting with Dreama!

September 14, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

12x12 in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Private Collection

I recently got the wonderful joy of painting for 3 days with Dreama Tolle Perry. She has a wonderful spirit that encourages all artists to paint from the heart. This painting was from the first day of the workshop and allowed me to experiment with color. I had so much fun that on my way home my car actually got on the interstate heading back toward the studio. Sadly, I had to get off the exit and head back toward home, but told my car not to worry...we'll be back one day!

To see more of my artwork or contact me about a commission, visit my website at www.barbaragillisjoines.com

"Odd Chair Out" Day 3 of Thirty in 30 Challenge

September 3, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

"Odd Chair Out"     SOLD — "Odd Chair Out" **SOLD**

5x7 in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Contact the Artist to Commison a Similar Piece

I was at the beach in South Carolina this summer and saw this row of chairs. Most of them were the same size, same color, and many even the same brand. One chair, however, was noticeably different.

Did it not receive the memo? Was it not part of the "in" crowd?

Or possibly, just possibly, did it have enough confidence and originality that it didn't mind standing out in the crowd, unafraid of being different or unique?

I, for one, prefer to believe the latter :)!

My wish for each of you is that you too may feel the joy of being one of a kind!

What a Challenge!

September 1, 2014Barbara JoinesComment

An artist named Leslie Saeta has challenged her fellow artists to get into the studio and paint more. When I say more, I mean... lots more! The September 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge starts today.

The challenge asks each artist to make a conscious effort to remove distractions (and procrastination) and let the canvas get doused in luscious, wonderful paint! Not all days will result in a finished piece nor will each painting be a masterpiece.

Well, it's a nice thought. Well, it's a demanding exercise. Well, it's about 800 fellow artists from around the world. Well, what can I say...I accept!

On Day #1, as the summer drifts away, my daydreams drift off to the beach. Last winter, I enjoyed walking on this beach with my mom during my parents' stay as temporary snowbirds. The wind was blowing, the air was unusually cool, but the walk and talk was warm:).

8x10in Original Oil on Canvas "A Walk on The Beach" SOLD