Monday, May 12, 2008

Gentle Slopes


Gentle Slopes
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Finding emotion in your work. Relating the experience of the day as I stood alone overlooking this gentle slope. As I paint I find my way back to the scene which filled senses and caused me to pause at it's beauty.

12" X 24" Oil Painting

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Girl in a Green Chair


Girl in a Green Chair
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Sometimes you start out with a plan and direction for your painting
and some influence occurs that can change your whole approach.
My direction shifted course this afternoon when my attitude became
freer, lighter, almost giving into the present moment and not trying
so hard.

Over the next 3 days I will be in an intense figure and portrait painting workshop, so I decided to relax a little and just enjoy painting. Perhaps the casual gesture and easy brushwork came through.

14" x 18" Figure Study from Live Model

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Tawney Eyes


Tawney Eyes
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Today I painted from life . I hope to do this on a more regular basis
as I find my way back to the figure and my love of human expression.
This young woman had a certain emptiness in her eyes. I will be working
from this model again in the near future. It will be interesting to see how
my paintings change and grow with this new added opportunity.

11" x 14" Life Study in Oils

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Nature Walk


Nature Walk
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This adventuresome little trio was
taking in the sites and sounds of the nearby
nature preserve. It is wonderful to see children appreciating
the natural world. Here in the fresh air where they can run
and just be kids.

5" x 5" Oil Painting

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Tall Visions


Tall Visions
Originally uploaded by elle3b
I came across this vision of eucalyptus against brilliant morning light one day when I was out plein air painting. I have been anticipating the opportunity to finally paint all the color and light that came streaming through this grand old grove of trees.

18" x 24" Oil Painting

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Afternoon on the Veranda


Afternoon on the Veranda
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This painting was a color study done in 1 hour on site at Rancho Camulos with a live model. I was very happy to find someone willing to sit for me while I worked.

With such a time limit you work decisively. I hope to do a larger studio painting from this quick sketch. I like the fresh feeling that came across here, but I do see areas I hope to improve upon when I do the final piece.

9" x 12" Plein Air Study

Monday, March 31, 2008

Canyon Country Crest


Canyon Country Crest
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Today's Plein Air Painting was done at our new Community College Campus in Canyon Country. Often the challenge is to find something in an ordinary scene that you can embrace.

The scene provided the structure and design, while the process lead me to these incredible color choices and finally the pleasant harmony of all things working together. There were moments of struggle and concern, but in the end I feel I brought it together. It was a good day.

9" x 12" Plein Air Painting

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Sweet Colors of Overcast


Sweet Colors of Overcast
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Today I plein air painted at Eaton Canyon. I wondered how everything would work out with the overcast sky. The blanket of soft grays brought a subtle richness to the color in the mountains. The soft bank of clouds touching the peaks. Occasionally the color would intensify when the sun would sneak out for a moment.

The experience felt fresh, revitalizing.

12" x 16" Plein Air Oil Painting

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Lasting Effects


Lasting Effects
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Lasting Effects reveals a journey of loss.

That journey began when I was young girl with the loss of my father, then many years later the loss of my brother David, and more recently the passing away of my mom on Christmas Eve.

Something inside me sought to bare my wounds and express this sadness that is part of my very fabric. I do this in an effort to move on, beyond those wounds. Only by looking at my grief squarely in the face can I get beyond it.

Loss is part of our life, whether it be great disappointment or the honest after effects of death itself. I have found strength in my endurance. Not to become a hollow shell, unfeeling, but to admit the sadness while reaching forward and living fully.

Though this piece has taken many years to complete, I am glad it is over with. I feel a sense of completion here, like the end of a sad tale. Though the road will wind by other difficult passages, I will hold on and move through it as I had done when I was a young girl holding on desperately to the only comfort I could find.

30" x 41" Pastel

Monday, March 17, 2008

Hillside Color


Hillside Color
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This painting is an experiment with a new palette and a differing approach. Usually I try to plan my paintings out pretty well. This one I let lead the way. A bit frustrating to shift like this, but I just wanted to try something different. An approach which drifts a little towards the abstract
letting the painting give direction. The lovely color of the hillside was right out my window but I moved with the color and design I found in nature to come up with this final composition.

8" x 10" Plein Air Oil Painting

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Ridges of Light- Malibu Creek State Park

Walking along the trail at Malibu State Park you can see amazing scenes at every turn. This view in particular stopped me in my tracks. I was so struck by this vision, it held my gaze until I got to just the right place to record it. After one study in plein air, I decided to continue with a studio painting. When I look at this piece it still holds my gaze as if looking upon it for the very first time, entranced by the ridges of pure light and color.

18" x 24" Oil Painting

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Three Sisters


Three Sisters
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Today I set out to go plein air painting and almost let myself get pulled away by the issues of the day. Instead of giving up I pushed on until I regrouped and made the decision to go to a familiar place that has never disappointed me. Placerita Nature Center is being remodeled, but even with so much in disarray, I could hear all the sounds of nature, the red-tail hawk, the wind, the children playing in the stream. All the while I am deep in my own world trying my hardest to get this picture right.

Sometimes the struggles lend the best rewards.

Afterwards while sitting on the ledge of my old blue Aerostar having my lunch, I felt a release from all the pressures, all the expectations. I hid away in my own town beneath the trees and left the world carry on without me.

9" x 12" Plein Air Oil Painting

Monday, March 03, 2008

Morning Triumph


Morning Triumph
Originally uploaded by elle3b
After not Plein Air Painting for several weeks this really felt like a true work out. I felt a complete sense of release by the end of painting as though I had really been through something. Like exercising after sitting around too long. What a relief.

9" x 12" Plein Air Oil Painting

Monday, February 11, 2008

The Red Shawl


The Red Shawl
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Painting this young woman from life was a wonderful experience.
When you are working from a living breathing human being, your interaction with the painting itself seems to be heightened.
Here we have Densie and the Red Shawl.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Whisper in Paradise


Whisper in Paradise
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Sometimes you go to a place and simply soak up the quiet.
The stillness, the coolness of the air, all the harmony of the day present for you in that moment. Like a dream that you wish would never end.
Whisper in Paradise and wish for time to stand still.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Beach Towel


The Beach Towel
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This image has been on my mind for sometime now. This seemingly serious boy standing almost at attention, adorned by this brilliantly colored beach towel. It seemed a contrast of effects which caught my eye.

5" x 7" Oil on Panel

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Young Thoughts


Young Thoughts
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Climbing out on to the outer most rocks near Burney Falls, my son sits
watching the turbulent water pass around his rocky perch. Alone with his thoughts and I alone with mine. I notice how this young man has grown. I look out as he sits there hoping for his safety. I let him explore and take in the rapids surrounding him. The time has come to let go a little more. It is what a mother must do, as my child moves towards becoming a man.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

River in the Deep Woods


River in the Deep Woods
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Mixing reality and fantasy I wander through the forest with my paint and palette knife. A sense of mystery is what I felt while walking here.

How do you paint a feeling? A question we often face, yet here on this canvas I returned to the feeling of this place. The rich mystery found in the deep wood.

9" x 12" Oil Painting

Monday, January 07, 2008

Shoreline View (Big Bear)


Shoreline View (Big Bear)
Originally uploaded by elle3b
SometimesI think back to a place that struck me with its
momentary perfection. This was one of those places.
I brought even more of my desire and fantasy about this scene into the painting as I worked on it. A place I revisit in my mind's eye whenever the
the calling strikes me.

5" x 7" Oil Painting

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Boulder Bound


Boulder Bound
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Sun baked boulders piled high.
I can feel the warmth emanating from the rough surface of these giant rocks. I can feel my foot searching for the next foot hold. How I love rocks, touching them, leaning upon them and clinging like a child to its mother.

9" x 12" Oil Painting

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Reading for Pleasure


Reading for Pleasure
Originally uploaded by elle3b
I was on my way home one day and happened by this
scene in my neighborhood. It seemed so nice to see this young boy reading and relaxing with his grandmother. I think moments like these
are so rare. A certain feeling of comfort found in family. She probably read to him as a very little boy.

8" x 10" Oil Painting

Friday, December 28, 2007

Kaleidoscope of Color


Kaleidoscope of Color
Originally uploaded by elle3b
An example of how beautiful our Earth can be. After the holidays
I found Peace on Earth on this little piece of canvas. A place of focus, richness and ease.
5" x 7" Oil Painting

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Boulder Bay Cottage


Boulder Bay Cottage
Originally uploaded by elle3b
I have worked on this painting for a few weeks now, enjoying the feeling of this place . The cool feel of the rocks, the misty air and vision of a cabin set by itself among the boulders. Hearing the gently lapping of the water against the shore's edge. I could escape to this place everyday in my mind. A place to hideaway and simply be.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Thursday, December 06, 2007

The Arrangement


The Arrangement
Originally uploaded by elle3b
A profile captured during a wedding ceremony.
The contemplative inward gesture of a bride's maid.

5" x 7" Oil Painting

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Crowning Glory


Crowning Glory
Originally uploaded by elle3b
The Brilliance of Autumn's colors abound
on this crislp December morning. Iluminated golden leaves
sing out into the subtle fields of tawny grasses.

8" x 10" Plien Air Oil Painting

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Plein Gold


Plein Gold
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This one was sort of a quicky!
Simple, bold, direct, maybe to a fault, but the colors where like a kaleidoscope or a mozaic. Very Fun.

8" x 10" Plein Air Oil Painting


By the way I will be in two upcoming exhibits. Please go to my website at www.lorellemiller.com under exhibits for details.

Happy Holidays!!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Shoreline Huts of Big Bear


Shoreline Huts of Big Bear
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Along the shoreline of Big Bear Lake were these colorful little cottages. I kept thinking of the song "Love Shack". They were so charming, I could see myself sitting on the edge of the shore with my feet in the water.

12" x 16" Oil Painting

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Watchful Eyes and Butterflies


Watchful Eyes and Butterflies
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Here amongst the deep green garden in the house of butterflies, a delicate beauty keeps a watchful eye. I catch a glance that I cannot forget.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Monday, November 05, 2007

Corriganville


Corriganville
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Be free
be spontaneous
settle down
focus
forgotton brushes
did it anyway
Viva paper towels
eyeshadow brush
floundering
focusing
remembering
finsihing

How many things can go into an small 8 x 10

This was today's plein air attempt

I need to get out more.

And if honestly is what you are looking for here it is.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Malibu Creek


Malibu Creek
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This painting is from Malibu State Park about a year ago or so.
Over the last couple of years I have been studying
compositional design and landscape painting.

It has been a real learning curve for me as
I usually paint from an emotional base rather than
a technical one. I hope to bring these two schools of thought together.
As I continue my studies with my teacher she reassures me that the emotion is still present in the work, but I should continue to concentrate on these devices to make my paintings even more appealing.

It is so hard but I will continue. I want to grow, as most artists do. Patience is also a big part of this process. I did enjoy figuring this puppy out.

18" x 24" Oil Painting

Monday, October 15, 2007

Utah Mesa


Utah Mesa
Originally uploaded by elle3b
On my way to Colorado for a sculpture symposium I stopped to take a look at this magnificent vista. It was early morning and I felt as though I was experiencing a dream. Someplace beyond the everyday, a little closer to God.

18" x 24" Oil Painting

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Malibu Creek


Malibu Creek
Originally uploaded by elle3b
An afternoon some time ago. It is interesting to reach back in your mind and remember the sensations of the day. It was a very beautiful afternoon as you can see.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Twilight Practice


Twilight Practice
Originally uploaded by elle3b
This was just for fun. The city is having an
art contest. The theme is the 20th anniversary of
Santa Clarita. Here is Santa Clarita at it's
best. Beautiful sunset, familys watching
kids play football, perfect weather, what
more could you ask for. It all seemed to come
together when I saw this twight practice at
Central Park.

11" x 14" Oil Painting

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Blue Range


Blue Range
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Far off in the distance was this little scene.
It was almost unoticable. I tuned into its beauty
and captured it. This tiny scene brought
into our view through an artists eye.

8" x 10" Oil Painting

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Val Verde Barn


Val Verde Barn
Originally uploaded by elle3b
I painted this scene about a year or so ago as a
plein air painting. Here I have recreated the
scene as a more finished studio painting.
It seems to have a completely different feel to it.
There is a serenity this time, where before
I was on site in the wild and quite concerned about
an approaching coyote. It was interesting to compare the two paintings

16" x20" Oil Painting

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Gathered Greens All a Glow


Gathered Greens All a Glow
Originally uploaded by elle3b
A grouping of Trees I found in the
Wine Country of Southern California.
The light illuminated them so beautifully. I feel very satisfied
with this little painting. To me I feel I caught the colors
and the spirit of the moment.

5" x 7" Oil Painting

Monday, August 27, 2007

Distant Gold


Distant Gold
Originally uploaded by elle3b
A new teacher adds influence here. I am reaching
to elevate and furthur my understanding of
design. I am committing myself to this effort
as I want to get better at what I do. I see a definite
difference in this painting.

16" x 20" Oil Painting

Friday, August 24, 2007

Fountain Shadows


Fountain Shadows
Originally uploaded by elle3b
Quick, direct painting. Not allowing much time to
linger and wonder about decisions. That was the
tempo of this painting.

It is a garden in Redding California which
was very quiet, no one around.

9" x 12" Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting