TMI

Once again life has pulled me away from painting.  But today, I'm happy to share that a wonderful artist, Carrie Waller, posted an interview with me today on her blog.  She is a fabulous watercolorist, so check out her work and she what tidbits she enticed me to share.  It was fun.   Thanks, Carrie.  Happy Easter!

TGIF

"Low Country Sundown"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

At Auction on DPW, click to bid here

I've painted so many marshes, that you'd think I'd be tired of them.  Nope!  There is always a surprise somewhere along the way.  Be it in the grasses (they change seasonally) or the beauty of the skies.  I just feel blessed to be close enough to the marshes to have ample inspiration.  Happy weekend.

New Workshops

It's been too long since I last posted but I've been busy with my art career just not painting.  I'll be sharing some of the exciting news over the next few weeks.   Been painting a little over the last 2 days but not quiet ready to post.  Wow, not painting for more than a month makes diving back in a little scary!

In the meantime, I have 3 new workshops to announce.  If you are interested in taking a 1 or 2 day workshop, hit link below for more information or to sign up.
http://kelleysanford.blogspot.com/p/workshops.html

As One Door Closes, Another One Opens

"A New Day"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Transition comes sometimes whether you want it or are ready for it.  About 5 years ago, I started the journey as the primary care giver for my parents, not what I expected to happen but as the saying goes...it is what it is.  In some ways it was an amazing time and the hardest thing I've had to do.  This journey is about to move into a new phase, the time to turn the care giving over to others more qualified.  The next few months will be the transition and my posts may continue to be a bit sporadic but I hope you will continue to follow what's on my easel.  Art has been my escape and I look forward to settling down in the very near future in front of the easel on a daily basis.  Thanks for the support of my students, family & friends.  

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. 

It's Me

So some of you asked for me to post a photo of myself.  Don't blame me.  My friend/student/marketing guru/photographer came to the studio today and this is the result.  Started out somewhat serious and quickly ended in a "gigglefest".  I won't post the end of the session.  Some things never need to be on the internet.  Now the art.  I'm working on a couple of larger low country marsh paintings. You'll see those sometime next week. I'm also pushing myself into a bit of a new direction and very excited to see what happens.  Will share at some point.  Also, I'm going to paint a self portrait.  That should be worth a giggle or two.  Enjoy the weekend.

Low Country Time

"Charleston Beauty"

6x6 $95 + $10 s/h

What a beautiful giant oak in Charleston.  It's such a graceful tree and was fun painting it with a palette knife.  Using the knife allows the gentle suggestion of the moss hanging from the tree.  It looks like the perfect location to spread a blanket, grab a book and enjoy the afternoon. 

P.S.  Thanks to Joan Perry for the use of her beautiful photo & sorry it took so long.

Marshes On! - SOLD!

"Casting Colors"

6x6  $95 + $10 s/h

Another study for a series of marsh paintings that I will be working on for the next few weeks.  Always excited in the beginning and halfway through can't wait to paint something else.  What's up with that?  Attention deficit or just too many paintings to paint and never enough time?!

I Got Nothing!

5x7  $95 + $10 s/h

I've officially run out of names for paintings and evidently I can't photograph this marsh so it doesn't look like  it's running down hill & to the right.  And here I thought the morning had gone so well.  Despite the "technical" setbacks, I happy with painting.  Spent the morning playing with this marsh scene in preparation for a 24x36 painting.  Will post another study of the sun rising over the marsh.  Can't quite decide which one will make it to the larger canvas. Well, enough about painting, my next pressing matter is what "drink" to have while watching the Preakness. In the meantime, anyone got any titles in mind for this painting?

Kissing Up

"Silver Cup"

NFS

I have the best students but one in particular.  She has the most beautiful flowers and all I have to do is call and say..."Whatcha got today"?  Amazingly, she shows up with perfectly arranged flowers in a vase, mason jar or beautiful container.  Now I just have to paint these wonderful gifts with as much love and passion as Patti puts into growing and arranging them.  So now hopefully, I have kissed up enough to ensure that the supply continues.  Oh, by the way, she's an amazing graphic artist & marketing guru.  Was that last sentence too much?!  Thanks, Patti.

Back to the Coast

"Edge of the Marsh_

5x7  $95 + $10 s/h

Time to start painting some marsh scenes for my Beaufort gallery, so I did this quick study to get my palette and brain going in the right direction.  This was done from a photo that I had taken a few years ago.  If you had read my post about taking photos, you'll be glad to know that I stopped my car prior to reaching the water's edge.  My two favorite things about delivering art to the coast is another supply of photos & sketches and of course, shrimp & grits. 

Get your own Taboret!

Several visitors to my studio have been "eyeing" my fabulous taboret a bit too closely.  I know it's to die for but I'm sensing some "unusual" thoughts about dismantling mine and reassembling it in your studio.  All I have to say is "get your own".  Just kidding, sort of.  If you are interested in having Michael Haun (the taboret genius) custom design your own, you can contact him michaelhaun@mac.com.  Now back to painting.  Happy Weekend!!!!

Doctor, Doctor

5x7

For all the "clueless" painters of peonies, they die fast.  A student brought me some yesterday afternoon, this morning when I came in they had "wilted" some.  In this morning's class, I painted along.  I had just scrubbed in the flowers when a student pointed out how they were dying in front of us.  So how do you demo peonies (I've never painted them before) while with each breath they rapidly lose their original shape... whatever that was.  All I can say is that a emergency "boob" job is needed on these poor flowers and a doctor is needed for my painting.   As least my students can now believe that I can mess up and mess up huge!  I might need to rethink describing myself as a still life painter.  I'm just saying...........!

"Strutting"

6x4 

This is a study I did before doing the large "Still Life" painting.  The lady in orange had such an attitude that you couldn't help but pay attention to her.  This piece is a bit unfinished but I'm feeling a bit lost in my painting direction so I don't have anything new yet.  I'm just going to go with my instincts and see where it takes me.  Let me know when I hit the nail on the head or when I go astray.  Forging ahead fearlessly and will post a painting in a day or so.