Eat, Drink, Zone Out!

"Searching for Shells"

6x6      $95

An exhausting but productive week.  Hired an assistant, taught a workshop (which included the eating & drinking portion of today's program), painted a commission, started another, and then did all the necessary things in my "other" life.  Not complaining just explaining while I zoned out last night.  I was going to post some paintings from yesterday's workshop but just couldn't manage to push a button to upload a photo.  So sad.  Both pieces were demos during the workshop and then "tweaked" a little bit.  Thanks to my wonderful workshop students who worked hard and ended on a high note.  Now I'm off to "Eat, Drink & Zone Out".  Happy weekend!

"Carol, study"

8x10   $150

Out of Brushes

"Orange Daisies"

10x10  oil on canvas

Not painting at my studio always presents challenges.  I had to paint at home today so that meant working under less than ideal conditions.  I never have all the paints I need, lucky if I have canvas and today out of brushes with the exception of 2 caked with paint brushes because my "assistant" didn't wash them.  But I was determined to paint something and in the end I had to step out of my comfort zone and use what was at hand.  So between paper towel, my palette knife and the less than desirable brushes, I painted with thicker paint and somewhat less control.  All in All, a good thing.   But before I hit the easel in the morning, I will have had a talk with myself assistant about the proper care of brushes. 

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?

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.