"Foreign" girls just wanna paint challenge 8"x8" acrylic on panel

I painted this one early this morning- it's my new Italian espresso pot . I did it in one sitting- as I drank a luscious large tankard of brew from this puppy.
It tastes so gooooood, I do  love  my coffee!

It struck my as I was uploading this from my camera how the shape reminds me of other things...
this shot was one my daughter Maddie got at a recent Boston event...

Magical evening

Last night's garden party was so fun!
I didn't finish this little "doghouse" painting, but will- it was crazy with a down-pour ending just as the first guests arrived- and sun came out- simply delightful!

still unfinished ... and a new beginning

I wailed on this in the studio-the middle tree area was killing me so I went at it with the palette knife-and added the chairs( thanks Carol J for that idea)
I might need to put this one away-  too much of a struggle. All of your suggestions were great though and helped me a lot.
Mostly its great to not feel all alone- thanks to the blogosphere!

Heres the painting I started the other day and might use as my demo piece- It's an adorable garden shed on the property.

It's raining now- my plants are very happy.

Thanks!

Everyone's emails and comments helped SO much- constructive, encouraging and some great ideas- I was in a funk all day about this painting ( I know- seems silly- ) but with the garden party looming and me having to be a demo artist in front of 250 people I am feeling less than adequate. I love how the minute I sat down at my computer I felt immediately bolstered and revved. I have  a new painting to use as a demo- went back to the place at 4:30 yesterday and my friend Mary Sheehan Winn sat and chatted with me as I worked- it was just what I needed. Thanks Mary for your coaching!
THANK  YOU  SO MUCH to all who wrote to me - it was such a great help! I am so lucky to have you all in my corner.
Can't upload an image today- for some reason.
Oh- and I made a typo ( surprise) that painting yesterday is 16 by 20 (not 2!)

out of my element 16"x2" oil

Can't seem to get this to work.

so much green! 

I would love some  constructive criticism- don't hold back!

Tomorrow the Art Complex will have a gala from 6-8PM
We are celebrating our 40th. Music, food and spirits- all free!
Come join us for our celebration!
I used a scan of this woodblock print from the collection to design a t shirt.
They look cool- the image is black and white on a cedar colored shirt.
Git one!

sun is out

get out and grab some!

8"x8" oil on panel...
for the upcoming garden party for the North River Arts!