BRANCH OF BLACK CHERRIES (SOLD)

SOLD

6x6 inches oil on panel

This is my first experience working on a smooth panel versus canvas. I’m particularly pleased with the resultant appearance as this surface more readily reveals the details I’ve always included in my work. While the details are easier to achieve, my smooth, subtly gradient backgrounds are a little more challenging, since I personally do not like to see brushstrokes. The second variation here for me was the use of a square format which I employed only twice before, as well as lightening my background and incorporating more blue (both background and secondary highlights in cherries), all of which I resolved to do this year in order to begin the transition from classical realism to contemporary realism.

POCKET WATCH: ELEVEN O'CLOCK (SOLD)

SOLD

This is another painting conforming to the aceo 2.5 x 3.5 inch size. It was inspired by a photograph that my husband took of my grandfather's gold pocket watch while testing how close he could get with my new camera. He got so close as to see the dust under the lens. Needless to say, I've not included that much detail! I actually worked from life on this painting and kept my husband's concept to zoom in extremely close and create a more deliberately abstract composition. I'm pleased with this deviation from my classical still lifes that I'm accustomed to painting. I chose to set it at eleven O'clock thinking that it might hold a particular significance for someone...perhaps the time of a wedding, graduation, etc.

English Roses in Crystal Tumbler (SOLD)

SOLD

It is a privilege to have this painting selected for the February, 2007 cover of On-the-Town magazine, a guide to arts and entertainment in Western Michigan. The editor had been considering several of my paintings and asked me to add one more to the list. Merely as an afterthought, I included this painting which was ultimately selected. Presented here is a luscious combination of colors with deep burgundy and butter yellow roses against a neutral taupe background...overall a warm and pleasant palette.

Pink Kisses: Love You (SOLD)

SOLD

Here is another charming little painting conforming to the ACEO size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches, which marks the second in my new "Chocolate Series" paintings. This was quite an enjoyable subject to paint; upon closer inspection I realized that these kisses were not only dressed in pink for Valentine's Day, but they also had love notes printed on their tabs. Another subject I just had to try, as I'd wondered if I could achieve the shine of the foil wrappers...how did I do? Happy Valentine's Day!

Cherry Cordials

SOLD

This is a small painting measuring only 2.5 x 3.5 inches, thus fitting into the ACEO category. Being so small, I knew it needed a little pungency so added the hot pink to make it pop! It was the first of its kind for me, in terms of size and subject. In fact, I'm so thrilled with the concept of painting chocolate, I've decided to produce a new category entitled "Chocolate Series" paintings which will be available for viewing on my website as well as here, and all will be periodically offerred for sale on ebay. These delightful cherry cordials will remain calorie free for you, but I had to sample rather a few to get it just right! Happy Valentine's Day!

Cherries Spilling from Spode Teacup (SOLD)

8x8 inches oil on canvas

SOLD

This was another of the square format paintings, using the same idea to break from tradition and try something different. While the subjects are still classical, the presentation of same is a little surprising for those who know my previous work. I am thoroughly enjoying painting from life now as opposed to painting predominantly from memory; there's more to cherries than I'd remembered!

Antique Wood Pull Toy Rabbit (SOLD)

8x8 inches oil on canvas panel

SOLD

This is my first use of the square format, which I do like as it forces me to rethink my compositional space. Here I carefully placed the single subject in a position which contradicted my previous experience of constructing elaborate, fluid floral paintings. Painting this adorable antique pull toy rabbit was the most fun I've had in a long time! I found it very satisfying to break the mold and go for something artistically daring...for me. (Please see my website www.jeanneillenye.com to understand from what I base these comments.)

old world style painting rustic farmhouse table harvest fruit realism classical Overturned Pints of Blueberries (SOLD)

8x10 inches oil on canvas

SOLD

Always enchanted by the beauty of simpler, more rustic subjects, I created another painting of wood farmstand pints toppled over in a casual arrangement, almost contemporary in its composition of squared shapes. One of my goals this year is to incorporate more blue into my work as opposed to using so many warmer tones which I've traditionally done. What better way than to paint all the subtle shades of blueberries?