Memories of Summer ~ Palette Knife Art

Did you spend the weekend saying a proper farewell to summer?  Our vacation to Seaside, Florida, was one of the highlights for us. It's hard to capture the emotion and light of the water, sand and sky reflecting off one another, but it's a view I carry in my heart and use as inspiration for little painted love letters to the ocean.

Over the years, I've started a personal collection of palette knife paintings inspired by the beaches of Florida, The Outer Banks and California. This 5x7 board is the most recent addition.

 I don't take this too seriously,and have never had lessons, but I do enjoy it. Most times I just use paint I have on hand, including house paint, "oops" paint or craft paint.  I love the texture and layers of palette knife painting, so that's my signature style :)

Paintings resting on the ledge were painted by me. The lily pad painting is vintage.

I've even recycled old book covers to use as a canvas if I don't have one in my craft closet:

The thrift store is a great place to find large size canvases at a much lower price than the art store. For just a few dollars this 36" canvas provides lots of summer color. 

Detail of the above painting

While our weather won't be cooling down for another month or so, our schedules have made the shift to fall school activities. Summer was wonderful...so sad to see it go.