SC State Fair Paintings

 Happy Sunday,

Ahhh, I just put the finishing touches on the two paintings I’m submitting to the SC State Fair! As always, each piece has been on its own little journey. 


For Little Feet, I carved a stamp to create the birds and their tiny footprints. I love weaving in techniques I’ve picked up over time—it always adds a fresh layer of dimension. I also experimented with mixing soap into the paint to create bubbly textures along the shoreline. So fun! 


There are other playful details too: bits of seaweed, a crab, and even a sand dollar tucked into the water. A whole little world lives beneath the surface.



The trees in Calming Whispers started out fine but felt… well, boring. Once I added some color, they came alive. I did tone it back a little, but the whole painting feels so much more vibrant now.
 
At first, I imagined the two canvases working together as one large piece. But since they might not be displayed side by side at the fair, I reworked them so they can also stand alone.
Little Feet, Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 30"
Calming Whispers, Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 30"
   
    

Finished pieces:

  • Little Feet, Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 30"

  • Calming Whispers, Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 30"

I’ll take more photos at the reception. Jules’ piece is absolutely gorgeous this year. Having him around while he studies art has been such a gift—he and Mark give me the kind of thoughtful critiques every artist needs.

Cheers and hugs,
Eileen