Out of the Blue

This was a demo I did in class yesterday, where they painted right along with me. I like to have a list of objectives to cover when we do this, rather than just painting. I give them the list so they can remember what we talked about (I don't STOP talking) as they painted theirs. On this list are: (in no order) perspective, warm vs cool colors, values, composition, negative painting, tools to experiment with, glazing, scumbling, adjusting, light, etc. I had a box of things I use to create texture. For example, dragging in an arc direction, the darks on the shaded side of the tree with my old business cards, index cards, cardboard.Also talked about using q tips, brayer, sponges, etc. We cover a lot with one painting! When I got home, I finished mine, and I'll try to remember to take pictures of all of the class  paintings on Monday. I also talk alot about "breaking the rules".  For example, you probably wouldn't normally see turquoise "spots" in a scene like this, but the minute I added them I knew it was finished! It was suggested again after the class that I create a video of a demo (a great compliment). It is on my to do list! The class is phenomenal. I still can't believe that some of these people have never picked up a paintbrush, and are creating beautiful paintings! They are awesome, and I appreciate their open-ness and willingness to just dig right in and banish the fear.  Not to mention the friends I meet along the way by teaching. Oh...and the laughter. It's pretty cool when you spend a few hours totally forgetting about everything except right here, right now, and having fun.

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Lobby Lust

Well, this started out as a simple woman, in a provocative pose waiting in a lobby. She had no idea she would attract a business man in a crisp dark suit. He seemed to show up out of nowhere. But she was intrigued, and they soon found themselves ogling each other shamelessly. And I may be getting tired. The puppy has kept us up at night, and these are the kind of people who show up on my canvas when I'm bleary-eyed.

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"What's Up With Him?"

This is a mixed media painting, done with inks, watercolor, acrylics, and alcohol inks. It's hard in the photo to see all the layers,as there are lots and lots of colors. It is painted on a 10x8 canvas with 1 1/2 inch deep gallery wrapped sides that will be painted a rich dark color. There is no need for a frame. It will be varnished, which brings out the depth of the layers. I have painted pears for years but not enough lately, because I realize every time that I love painting them!
Oh, and the title? It came after the fact, as usual. When I look at a finished painting, it's usually easy to come up with a title, depending on the "personality" of whatever it is. In this case, there was no doubt: they were having a discussion.....

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"Gone Fishin"

This is one of those paintings that started out as something totally different! Lots and lots of layers of color and just fun to paint. 

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That's Not What You Said Yesterday

Birds! What a surprise. I started this as a demo for the class yesterday, and finished it at home. Just fun to do. That's all I can say! 

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"On the Move" and a new little soul!

I haven't painted much because of our new addition......except for a commission piece which I'll post once the recipients have it. I always hold my breath when I do a commission (especially one that has to capture an essence of an animal) until I show a picture of the painting and they love it. It happened, so ......good! No tweaking. 

Anyways, this is a "one mark at a time" exercise, 

just to get my hand moving on the canvas, and I like it.  

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And below is the newest member of our family, "Luddie". Short for Colonel Ludlow. He's a trip, and keeps us on our toes every minute. Like children, the early foundation is critical, so we're giving it our all. Wade is skeptical. That part will take a while, I'm afraid.

A Noble Soul

I painted this from a photo I snapped of a beautiful police horse at our town's Christmas parade. I hope I did this majestic creature justice! It was such a perfect day. Sunny, cold, crisp, and we had our dogs with us. Christmas music was playing. It was one of those times where you feel lucky to be able to see and hear and laugh. A "memory lock" day, as we've always called that feeling.

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Still Feelin It and a quilt!

This used to look different. I liked it, but something was bugging me and I finally figured out what it was. It was too busy. So.....I reworked it by about 85%. I changed almost everything. Calmed it down, added lots of glazes for depth and now I'm happy! And you know what they say....when Mama's happy, everyone's happy! (p.s., another blog entry went out today of mine. It was from when my blog wasn't working I guess. It's an oldie!) but thanks for the comments!

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And speaking of Mama, this is a quilt I made recently for my daughter. I used to sew a lot, and have made lots and lots, but not lately. I wanted to show what I did with some of the patches. Spoonflower.com will print your artwork on fabric, wrapping paper, (which I've done- it was great!) and lots of other stuff. I know my art friend, Sheila Delgado has used them, too. Anyways, I usually use fabric that's a combination of new, and from old clothes, too. You can see the patches where my paintings are. It looks very nice!

Glad We're Still Cool

So this started out as just two ladies out and about. Suddenly the three behind them showed up! It's a swanky mall, and the two ladies feel good today. Those young and thin model types ain't got nothin on them!  These two women have come a long way. Long enough to know who they are, what they've learned, and mostly how the coolness factor is still there. At least that's what I tell myself.
Until all the times I've been busted by my kids......   

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Free Parking Two

I love daydreaming while doing a no reference painting. Just a spot here, a spot there. Rules are out the window. Just color, shapes, and random thoughts. A Twizzler or two, my Wade at my side, and my day is complete.  

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And my days are about to get even more complete, as these babies are almost ready to go to their new homes. I better get cleaning. My art studio isn't exactly puppy friendly!

I Fall To Pieces

I never throw away anything that has my paint on it, and this is no exception. I found pieces of painted fabric (silk or satin type fabric) from many years ago. So I was in the mood for a collage.  Dotty Seiter, (http://dottyseiter.blogspot.com) and Sheila Delgado (http://www.sheiladelgado.com)

 have both inspired me to do another collage. I watch both of them trying anything at all, each in unique ways; layers and layers, paints, ink, paper,cardboard, etc. So thanks, guys! I used those pieces and then filled in the rest with paint, while trying to keep the original parts as is.

I'll seal it with a varnish. It's painted on the 1 1/2 inch sides and is ready to hang. I always have a degree of satisfaction when I've recycled something. Oh, and I love that Patsy Cline song!

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Full Plate

This bird is checking out his environment to make sure it's safe to dig in to his dinner. I got my oils out again. Thanks to my friends, I had purchased some Vasari paints to add to my supplies. Talk about a horse of a different color. It's like painting with very soft butter and the colors are so beautiful. Really fun!

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Open Spaces

I don't know why, but I have felt strongly, and have voiced it, that I need to be out in a big open field or meadow, or somewhere out in nature. Where the only sounds are birds and grass in the wind.  Weird! Maybe it's all the "stuff" going on in the world. Maybe it's the long winter. But I will find a way to achieve it. And soon. I'm going to ask Wade if he'll go run in a random field with me today. 

Anyway, this painting came from my imagination as I was daydreaming about the whole thing. I used lots of glazes, so there are lots of color layers.

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Her Own Pace

 

Does your brain ever say to you, "should do this, should do that, shouldn't do this, shouldn't do that, move faster, slow down, be more productive, be nicer, be smarter, be wiser, don't eat those Twizzlers, exercise more", and the list goes on. Well this woman has decided that she is done with it all! And it can happen at any age. 

She isn't worrying about what others think, or if she's less than perfect, or if she's not keeping up with the pace of the world. She just ate a Twizzler, she's happily moving along, she's important and valuable to the people she cares about. She's taking care of the important stuff, she says no when she needs to, and doesn't waste valuable time any more (time that she'll never get back, as my daughter has said), she doesn't have to go to any more Tupperware parties or the like! 

(no offense to Tupperware, but I think most women will get that!) 

 This woman is in a good place! Am I there yet? No. But moving closer. I should be closer..haha

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Stay Near

This is 16x20 and was painted quickly at one of the "Canvas and Corks" classes I teach. I finished it at home. I just had fun with big colorful brushstrokes........."Don't Worry, be Happy" is kinda what I was thinking. 

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You Know Who

This big boy (or girl) was spotted by my Meg in Saugatuck last week-end. As I've said, we go there for Mother/Daughter trips at least once a year. The highlight is the dog parade, where they are all dressed up. This was a beautiful sight to see, so I tried to capture the characterful face. The poor soul has no name yet, as he/she is hoping to be adopted and given one!   

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 And speaking of dogs, my beautiful Wade is going to have a little brother in May! Here is one of 2 litters that he will come from! More to follow!

Last Class (for now!)

Today was the last day of class for Winter term 2016. I am so very lucky to have met the people in these classes (this and past classes), and several were returning students! And to see such amazing creations coming from people, some of whom have never even painted! This was an "assignment" to re-create a painting by a famous artist. Each person showed their painting and also shared a little bio of that artist to share with the class. These are so, so cool. But mostly, everyone was so supportive of each other. Thank you guys and those from my past classes, too. I learn so much from you, and of course I love the laughter! The next class starts April 11th and I can't wait!

Red and Cisco and eternal love

I was asked to create a painting for a birthday gift. It would somehow incorporate a new puppy in the family with one they had lost. What a challenge! But this is what I came up with. Cisco, a big beautiful black lab passed away in 2015. Devastating for the family. And recently they got a beautiful red lab puppy.  So I tried to convey with Cisco a certain ethereal or spirit like look by blending the background right into the highlights on his face, maybe as if he was already safe and sound in Heaven, and watching over us. But then Red is at the beginning of his journey here on earth. So I wanted to convey enthusiasm and "puppyhood". I was thrilled to watch them open it and see how they were touched!

"Impromptu" and a loyal friend

I'm not sure what the story is here, but I know it was a "one mark at a time" situation! 

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 And after a really nice time in my studio, out we came. This is behind our house. My Wade is waiting for me as we take a walk in the woods. Geez, what a great day. Blue sky, sun's out, my best buddy with me, and life is good!

Don't Even Think About It

This was inspired by a photo I took in Saugatuk, Michigan last year (although it looks nothing like the photo now. Typical) My daughter and I go there every year (sometimes twice). But one of the trips is always during St Patty's day weekend. We go there that weekend to see their annual St. Patty's day dog parade! We laugh, we eat, we shop, and we go to the dog parade. The dogs are all dressed up, there is candy being tossed to the bystanders, and we are like children scooping up an occasional Tootsie roll or two. The poor little children who have to scramble to get to the candy before we do! We both love dogs. I sometimes get distracted away from the dogs by being so enthralled at looking at the people's faces. There usually is not ONE face without a smile on it when watching these dogs. I love that. All the troubles in the world can melt away for a while, just by watching these characterful dogs in costumes. Amazing!  These trips with Meg are among my happiest times in life. And it's coming up soon-woohoo!! 

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