Just Say Yes!

Get Thee Outside

I have not felt this busy, this overscheduled in a long time! All of our weekends are full - each and every weekend we have something which we must attend. And, the deadlines have all stacked up as well, everything is due (seemingly) tomorrow! I seriously cannot remember the last time that I had so much going on.

Spicer House, painting light and shadows

Last Sunday, I should have stayed home to clean the house - it needs it and we had a home inspection on Monday, for which it needed to be sparkle. House cleaning should be a priority right? Well, spiritually and artistically I decided to take a few hours for myself! Yep, some "Me Time"; I said Yes to myself.

So, when an art friend wanted to meet to plein air paint on Sunday, despite all of my busy goings ons, I said yes. I went to the park and spent 4 hours in Plein Air Bliss, it was worth it! I was refreshed!

Yes, after painting, I did go home and clean - the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room-- to satisfaction. No, I did not get to cleaning the "scary room"--the storage room that has gotten out of hand (yes it needs a cleaning BAD). Someday I will get to it, I don't like it, but I can live with the scary room a little longer!

My advice, say "Yes" to you every once in awhile.

SHOW PREP - 2 Weeks Until The SHOW

Deadlines & a huge list of things to do - Oh My!

It is an honor to be asked to be a Solo Artist for a venue - if you get the opportunity you should go for it! Next month I will have a Solo Show in a delicious little bistro. I was thrilled to be asked; however, getting a show together means much behind the scenes work! I had quite a bit of work to do to be show ready!

My To Do List:
Visit Venue
Create a Website
Order New Business Cards (with new website URL)
Business Card Holder
PR- Emails to Art Friends and Art Associations & Social Media

A Big Box O'Frames! Too Exciting!

Art for Venue (What works should be in show?)
Inventory  List
Price and Title Cards
Frames for all artworks/ framed art!



Having found the venue to be a little dark (not many windows or natural light), I decided to show lighter works in brighter frames. While I paint many portraits, I felt this venue might be nice for landscapes. This meant that I had to challenge myself to create more landscapes. I will have a few portraits in the show, but it will mostly be rich colorful landscapes.

As of now, I have finished much of my to do list - website, biz cards, artwork, and card holder. Whew! I have also ordered all of my frames.

Now  I need to focus on framing my art and create my inventory list and title cards! Oh wait that seems like a lot! Off to frame I go...

Leave The Stress, Take the Paints

The Rare 4 Day Weekend Getaway

At the very last minute, we decided to leave town for the 4 day weekend (time off is so rare). The weather was nice & we live near beautiful drivable scenery - lucky us! I deliberated taking my paints on this short jaunt, but I am glad that I did.

Old Mission Point, 9x12

Our first day, we walked through town, had breakfast and then decided to take a drive up to the old lighthouse. We didn't exactly know what to expect, I had hoped to paint the lighthouse but it was surrounded by trees! I took some pictures anyway, but there was no great spot to set up and paint. The sandy shore in front of the lighthouse was low and full of mid-day sun -- not the best circumstances. However, off to the left of the sunny shoreline, was a nice shady spot, close to the water with a lovely peninsula vista against a dreamy blue sky. We followed a path through the woods to the car, gathered our beach chairs and my painting gear. The weather was 70's, sunny and breezy with low humidity - comfortable!

I set up my paints while my husband sat with me in the shade and read. It was quiet and we were able to relax on the shore, not too far from the lighthouse, undisturbed. We had two delicious hours of calm meditative reading and painting. I was very thankful that I had brought my painting gear on the trip.

Betsie Bay, 9x12

The next day was busy! We had breakfast, read the paper on the front porch, walked to the Farmers Market, shopped downtown a bit, visited an art studio and post-lunch decided to find a place to paint! The weather was still lovely 70s breezy but the beach was too sunny, no shade at all. We ended up at the park under shady trees, the trees were close to the street with a view of the bay. We parked very close to where we would set up-- a plus. Again my husband read while I set up and painted for a few hours in the late afternoon.

My "Vaca Takeaway" was that somehow even with a busy schedule, I found time to paint several hours each day. Preparation was key - I had the supplies in the car and it was relatively easy to pick a place and set up! Of course the weather cooperated, but after this adventure, I encourage you to take your paints with you!