Love ya, get out!

"Studying Tomatoes"

Sometimes you have to go back in order to go forward.  Today was my last day of teaching art classes until September.  I'm lucky enough to have a great group of funny, sweet & talented students.  I didn't think I would be sad to see them go but I was (sorta).  Some I will see over the summer with workshops but will miss the weekly laughter & "ah ha" moments.  As the last group departed today, I thought I love ya but GET OUT!  It's time for your teacher & you to spend some "alone" time at the easel.  See what developes, experiment, see what trouble you can get into & hopefully work yourself out of it.  I know you can do it.  The painting posted today was one that I did as a class demo last fall.  I'm going to take a two week break and revisit some familiar subjects that I painted over the last 9 months in a different manner.   So to all my wonderful students, don't call me until July 12th!  Now go paint!!!!!

Happy Blogiversary to Caroline!!

Hi, everybody.  No painting today but I wanted to let you know that a friend, Caroline Simas, is hitting her one year anniversary of blogging.  She's celebrating by giving away 4 great prizes.  Caroline has a wonderful site called Designing for the Soul, so go check it out and you might be a lucky recipient.  You have until July 8th, 5 pm and she will announce the winner on Friday, July 9th.  Congratulations, Caroline. 

Where's Agatha?

Lemons & Cup

6x6  oil on paper/mounted

$95

It's amazing what I discovered once I cleaned out my studio.  Never remember this cup. Not a clue whether it came from & not something I would buy.  Don't suppose the still life fairy popped in over the weekend and left it for me?  It feels like when you drive somewhere & you don't remember how you got there.  But what would life be like without a little mystery?  Where's Agatha Christie when you need her?

My Favorite Saturday Job

"Full Color"

6x4  oil on paper

$95

Most important errand many Saturday mornings is to visit my favorite flower shop.  Over the course of time, I've gotten to know the "Saturday Girl" to the point that when I walk in & she just points me to their refrigerated flower area.  I get to run "amok" amongst the gorgeous flowers.  I came away with a bucketful of flowers and at a very nice discount.  Saturdays are the day they clean out in preparation of Monday's fresh delivery.  I would give a plug for my favorite florist but this is a secret that I'm not quite willing to share.

Go to Plan "B"

"In Full Bloom"

18 x12 (approx.)   oil on paper

Went to dinner at my favorite French restaurant last night (thanks,"V") and brought a chocolate almond croissant home to paint today.  Actually, I brought it for my Mom but I told her I had to paint it first.  So, first it was 98 degrees today, second, chocolate in croissant melted making mess, not very interesting to paint.  So time for  Plan B.  One of my students brought these beautiful flowers to try painting oil on paper.  I did a demo for them, since they hadn't painting on paper before.  And voila, here's the painting.  It was another fun exercise on this slick paper but I liked it.  Enjoy the bouquet! I'm going to drink a glass of wine and offer the croissant to my mom. 

Play Time - NFS

"Raspberry Cake Galore"

6x6    Oil on Paper/Mounted

$95

This week a student & I are going to doing an oil painting on paper.  Since it had been a "few" years since I had done this, I took the opportunity to try it again.  This is my first attempt.  Holy cow, how slick is this?  I had a blast but it was like learning to ice skate.  First stroke was like hitting the ice and landing on your butt.  Pick yourself up and try again.  It was total play time because I had no control but loving every minute of it.  All I can say is, stay tuned, you might see a big fall or a fancy spin.  Either way there should be some fun along the way.

Back in Time

"Lago di Como"  8x6

$95

This time 10 years ago, I was just getting back from a 5 week trip to Italy.  From Tuscany to the Lake Como region and areas in between, it was a wonderful trip.  Just recently, I received an invitation from a friend, who was on this trip, to go back with her next spring.  We made a fast friendship with a crazy, fun lady (Kaz) from Australia who is going to be there in the spring also.  A reunion, of sorts, unfortunately, I don't think I will be able to make the trip.  But good memories will keep me in the "Italian Spirit" until I can get back.  In the meantime, enjoy the view of the beautiful Lake Como region. Vita Felice!

Top of To Do List

"Favorite Brush"

8x6  $95

I'm moving "learn how to take a decent photo" to the top of the list.  Being in a hurry, gotta go to the grocery, get gas, go to the bank,etc. is no excuse for taking a "wonky" photo.  I quickly took this pix this morning and thought I had a pretty good image until I uploaded it.  Staring at me on my screen is a somewhat leaning painting.  I will vouch that the brush was painted straight but you'll just to take my word for it. I straightened it the best I could. This is probably a good time to post that I'm looking for an assistant, who doesn't need to be paid, will do all the things I don't want to do, do it with a smile, also added duty, taking non-wonky photos.  I'll let you know when the assistant is on the job.  Is that mocking laughter I hear?

On A Roll

"Strolling Along"

9x4    $95

I like to say that I'm on a roll in a good way but actually I feel like a cartoon character that you see clinging to a boulder as it rolls along a bumpy hillside.  Life sometimes tests you in ways that you'd never imagine.  Evidently it's my turn.  Most of it isn't bad, it's just learning to currently juggle about 40 balls in the air at a time.  It's kinda like walking down a street and not always being sure what will come at you from the side streets.  I just need to get through these next three weeks and life will get manageable again.  In the meantime, I will endeavor to post new paintings as often as possible.  Come the first of July, watch out, I'll be ready to break out.  That's when the fun will began. 

Problem Solving SOLD

"The Thinker"

$95 + $10 s/h

While visiting Italy's Lake Como region, I found myself watching the people as much as the beautiful lakes and picturesque villages.  The "promenade" provided daily delights of mothers with children, people on their lunch breaks and the older generation taking it all in.  These gentlemen appeared to be solving the world's problems but in reality they were probably contemplating  dinner or dessert.  Whichever it was, they provided me endless entertainment and subject matter.  Ciao!

Yellow House, Beaufort SOLD!

"Yellow House, Beaufort"

6x6  $95 + $10 s/h

If you have never ridden with an artist, then you haven't felt real fear.  Artists are always looking for potential subject matter even when we drive.  After dropping off paintings at my gallery in Beaufort, I cut down a side street and found this.  The light was spilling over this home and I had to have a picture.  I quickly grabbed my camera and took a shot thru the front windshield.  I was so excited until I realized that my car had come to a stop in the middle of an intersection.  Thank goodness there were no other cars only 2 tourists (I hope not locals) looking at me like I was crazy.  I rolled down my window and said "I'm an artist, just had to have that picture".  They politely smiled and no doubt thought there goes another crazy artist.  Yep!  That's me.

Overwhelmed SOLD

"At the Market"

7x5  $95

Watching people is just so much fun.  This poor fellow intrigued me.  This was a small farmers market and so I was behind him as we went through the different vendors.  He never bought anything, never picked up a piece of fruit or vegetable.  I finally surmised that his wife sent him to get something for dinner and he was just overwhelmed.  He left just I did without buying anything.  I imagine he called his wife, said he didn't have time & went to grab a beer somewhere.  At least that's the story I'm going with.  Just for the record, I left with enough fruits & vegetables for both of us.  Also, tomorrow I'm sending out my first monthly newsletter.  If you're interesting in receiving it, there is a sign up button on the right side of my blog.  I'll be giving away a painting to one lucky person who signs up this month. 

Update: Still learning to use my phone (didn't cut anyone off today), camera still on the fritz but my newsletter is safe and ready to be sent.  One down, two to go.  Thanks for asking!!!!!!

Is It Just Me? SOLD!!!!!

"Seeing Red"

6x8 $95

Is it just me or is technology out to get me?  Within this past week my phone died, today my camera (mid-shot) died & while editing my first newsletter my computer locked me out.  All in the 7 days that some exciting things were happening & I needed these "gadgets" more than usual.  But I've persevered.  I got a new phone (didn't have time for the tutorial), cut off more than a few friends mid-sentence & text unintelligible messages.  So forgive me if today my painting posted is one that I did a few months ago.  It's one of my favorites that I've kept for myself and evidently for these wonderful moments in life when you're in that boat without an oar.  Tomorrow is a new day and I guess I might be going camera shopping.  Let's see what life can throw at me tomorrow, until then, happy,happy thoughts.

Who said Monday's were boring?

"All Aglow"

7x5  $95

There has been lots happening this past week, mainly the Daily Painter Originals.  Late last week, I received an invitation to become a member of a newly formed group of daily painters.  The site was launched today.  I'm very honored to be part of these extremely talented painters.  So between all the other crazy things in my life, I've taken on this wonderful opportunity.  This is fair warning that some future postings might be a bit incoherent, just chalk it up to my crazy & wonderful life.  Unfortunately, it can't explain the bad spelling.  Also, I have reached 100 Followers.  That's exciting.  Thanks to all of you for your encouragement, kind remarks and keeping me straight.  That's a hard task.  Looking forward to hitting my 100 posts, it's not too far away.  I'll have to plan something fun for that. Have a great week.

Chewing Gum & Walking at the Same Time

Oyster Gatherers of Cancale

John Singer Sargent

Okay, so I've been kinda quiet for the last week or so.  But I have been busy reworking my studio. Cleaning out about 6 yrs. worth of old canvases, moving furniture, getting still life props organized, etc. and then trying to get out my first newsletter, added 2 new classes for June & scheduling my summer workshops.  Hence the title.  But never fear, I'll be back at the easel tomorrow, can't wait.  And in  the mist of the craziness, some exciting news but you'll have to wait until Monday.  In the meantime, enjoy one of my all time favorite paintings, the Oyster Gatherers by John Singer Sargent.