Screech!

Another little screech owl in progress. They are so cute! And it's fun to learn more about each bird as you do research as well.

Thoughts Whirling...

Owl painted in painting group today.  He's coming along and very fun to do.


I must be having a very philosophical day; so many things made me pause for thought about what painting is meaning to me now compared to when I started.
Drawing and painting has always been a big part of my life, it was just something that constantly called me, saying "Just do it! Doodle! Cartoon! Just pick up a pencil and get it moving!"  The thought of people buying my art someday sounded really attractive and maybe out of my reach.  One day -years later-joy!- someone bought my first notecards which were made up into little zip-lock Baggies from the grocery store.  That was fun, but what about the framed originals?  Why don't more people buy those? I need money to pay for this hobby and more would be nice.  I was constantly pricing and re-pricing, trying to save money framing, anything to make it price friendly enough for people to buy. Now, it is a few more years later, and now I sell prints and notecards, and originals as well at a few shows and galleries. I'm still under the radar with a website in mind, but what means the most to me now is that the people buying the artwork really love it and it makes them feel good.  They can feel whatever emotion and joy I put into the piece.  They're not buying it because it goes with their couch in the living room.   Nothing is more satisfying than that.

When I went to my painting group today, my favorite muse artist came and worded precisely what I've been feeling but hadn't put into words yet. It was something her son had said to her; "Mom, your painting is your worship".  Bing! Suddenly it all makes sense.  The paintings that others like are the ones where I barely remember moving the brush.  Call it a zone, a higher power, or whatever you like, but it's your talent and desire and hours of practice that have led to these moments of zen-like action.  I hope it lasts forever.  The money may come as a result, but the emotion must always be there first.

Below is a link to a great article with many ideas that convey the whole picture of art and what needs to be thought about first, if indeed you would like to sell your art.

http://www.redlemonclub.com/brand-you/why-no-one-likes-your-art-26-reasons/

Love those Daffodils

     Hello, it's nice to get back to the blog.  Thank you all who have been following and checking in even though I haven't posted in a while.
    My dear mom passed away in January just as I was getting the brushes moving again, and life took a while to get sorted out.  Painting is such a strong calling though, and will probably be a great venue for all the feelings that have been whirling around.  I'd like to explore some images with her spirit in mind.  She loved birds, animals, and wildlife so that will be fun to experiment with.  Of course, she liked a glass of bourbon once in a while too, but I'm not getting inspired about that!
    The urge to paint with yellow has resulted in some lively work and I had to order more tubes!  Here I've used cad yellow pale and new gamboge with some Winsor orange.  I just ordered Winsor yellow deep so can't wait to try a new one.  These daffodils were picked up at the local flower shop because it will be many weeks before the real things pop up.
Used a lot of negative painting to form the petals, ala Jean Haines' method after I took her workshop last fall.
   Thanks for taking a peek-think spring!

January Work

Ahhhhh, back to the studio after weeks of absence.  December duties called, and by the time  January rolled around and the brushes could be picked up again, I felt quite rusty.  Here are some examples of exercises I did to warm up again.  

A variety of studies: some sketches of winter scenes, color charts, playing with paint to remember color combinations, and some ideas from Maggie Latham's studio blog to get the wheels turning.  The most important thing is to just get the brush moving, even if you have no idea what you want to do or where to start.  It's only paper and paint!

Decided to try some snow covered teasels; something I attempted when I very first started painting in earnest a few years ago.  It went pretty badly back then, but I really love them and I've learned a lot since that time, so am giving it another go!  I took pictures, did sketches, painted color charts and small  studies.  If anybody wonders "how long" does it take for an artist to do a painting, these are some examples of what goes on behind the work.

 First attempt at a finished painting.  Better than my first tries, but I will try some more as my little color studies that didn't mean anything are looser and more innocent somehow.  Luckily this winter has provided some gorgeous snow and beautiful scenery to keep practicing and painting!

Rheingau Vineyard

Finally have the paint and brushes out again since the Christmas madness has quieted down.
I'm so looking forward to cleaning up the studio space, and experimenting with colors and techniques before starting any projects.  January is a good time to rest and play!
This is a scene that was started a month ago of a vineyard in Germany. It looked very somber at first, reflecting the cool cloudy rainy weather of the day; I diffused some pinks and yellows here and there to try and liven it up.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

May your season be filled with bright moments and beauty.

A little snowman card painted several years ago-I'm a bit behind on this year's but wanted to make sure Christmas wishes and sentiments were sent.  I am so grateful for all of your visits and lovely comments throughout the year.  Much love and my best to everyone!

Cool news!  My rooster painting from last post got the most "likes" on Lori McNee's Fine Art Tips Favorite Friday contest.  That means I get a free 15 minute phone consultation with her on art, business,  and social media tips.She is so generous with her time, and such a great artist too.
I've posted her link below if you'd like to copy and paste and check out her site.  (It's on Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/FineArtTips?fref=ts

I will probably have to put the brush down for a couple of weeks here while I help out my husband at the family business for the holidays.
Hope you all have a blessed and merry season!  See you soon!