See My Art on Your Wall, VIRTUALLY

 Websites are so amazing these days and mine has a new fabulous feature where you can view what MY artwork would look like on YOUR wall! Amazing!

Here is how it works, so you can try and buy!

Steps to take to view my work virtually on the wall:

1. Go to my website. www.greenhandleart.com
2. Click on the image of work that you like. 
   
3. Then click (under the image) MORE INFO.

4. Next, click "ROOM"  where you can see my art on the wall. Here you can select which type of room (living room) and wall color. So easy, LOVE!

How great is that? My only wish was that you could see a frame on the art, then this feature would be perfection!

Be sure to check out this fantastic virtual room feature on my website! Go on give it a try!

Bone Chilling Cold & The Studio Painter

Landscape Potential in the winter months

It is snowing right now and while I love being outside and plein air painting, it is now officially (my opinion) too cold to plein air paint. The forecast is highs in 30s, lows in teens--without accounting for wind chill. BRR! Now that Winter is here, it is time to start thinking about studio painting.This is when I will sit down and scroll through my photographs, searching for those that have landscape potential.

All throughout the year, I take pics with my iphone, always looking for landscape potential paintings and images wherever I go. And often when I am out plein air painting I take multiple pics just in case I want to paint another view later. I have a big file folder on my computer for my landscape potential pics. It is always fun to scroll through looking for my next great studio painting.

There are pretty much two kinds of photos in my landscape potential folder, one is park and greenery (mostly tree and water pics) -- the other is urban landscapes which are buildings and storefronts. I have many more park pics than building pics because I feel that I still need to learn to paint urban landscapes.

I really want to take a painting urban landscapes workshop--but I have not found any workshops near me! Bummer!  I like the little towns and main streets near here, but I need to learn the painting rules for urban landscapes.

Last week my husband and I were out to dinner and we drove by this storefront that I have been wanting to paint for awhile. I love the building and storefront--but since this is on a main street there is not a good way to stand across from the building and paint--without blocking a small sidewalk. So, after dinner (and it was dark), I stopped by for some photographs. Hey, I love a good nocturne and the light and dark on this was fascinating. I painted this in the studio at home and am happy with how it turned out.

Reflections Of 2019

A Time to Reflect and to Start 2020 Goals

to help me: Time Tracking Journal & Pens

Looking back on my art for 2019, I feel that this has been a good professional art year for me. I stayed focused on painting more and on using more paint, my biggest overall goal. My art group and I had two large shows (back to back) -we had to create and frame and schedule it all. And, I balanced the portrait painting with painting en plein air.

A Review of  my Art 2019:

• I won an award early on at a juried show: Poetry And Art Night (PAN)
• I was juried into a Week Long plein Air Event in Texas
• I discovered a new professional organization - Portrait Society of America (PSA)
• I discovered new amazing national artists to aspire to at the PSA 
• I discovered a new favorite art tool - Oil Sticks
• Oil sticks are a turning point as it has changed my approach to art, and I am more inspired, more creative, and laying down more paint
• I have 4 smallworks landscapes juried into a show - Northville Art House
• I attended one portrait workshop and one plein air workshop. But I did not find an art workshop with an "Aspire To" artist. I identified my Aspire To Artists last year and have kept an eye on their websites in hopes that they post workshops.
• I sold paintings at two different shows! I had artwork in 8 shows this year (most juried)

Met Goals 

• Paint more/use more paint -- this has been number one for awhile. And yes, I still want to PAINT MORE!
• More plein air painting
• Consistent blog and website updating
• Sell larger work - sold a 12X16 portrait! 

Un-Met Goals:
Time Tracking App - hmm. My hubby helped me find a free time tracker app --that I tried to use, really!  My life gets so interrupted (Senoir dogs who had cancer and diabetes this year)!  I would forget to start the app timer and forget to stop it. Literally the minute I sit down at the easel, a dog barks to go outside or has a diabetes issue -every time! Since I am still a list maker (pen and paper), I just ordered supplies from amazon - a daily journal and some pens--  gonna try this 'manual time tracker'-- gotta figure out what works for me!

As I look back, I note happily that I  am getting stronger and more confident in the art world. And, I have lots of thoughts for my 2020 goals to improve as an artist...stay tuned...

Plein Air MY Heart

Fall 2019

The weather this fall has not been warm and lovely as it has in the past and yet I made a huge effort to get outside and plein air paint as I know that Winter is Coming! Being outside this fall I have mostly had issues with “breezy” as seriously weather forecasters, let’s call it what it is – gusty! Gusts are not conducive to plein air painting! In the past, there have been sunny calm 70s fall days, but that is not the case this year - bummer! Still, I know it will only get colder and greyer, I gotta get out while I can! 

One art friend and I have been trying to get together to plein air paint, she is a busy lady with many social commitments, its been tough. Finally, we made some time and some plans. We headed to downtown and the houses being hit with sunlight were so pretty! We each painted a different house on the street and it was really fun. Then we went back and painted one street over, where I found my skeleton in front of a cute little house. Love him! Always in this little town they decorate with skeletons in the fall, this time I had saw more skeletons than ever!

Then, I found a new plein air group and they meet twice a month which is thrilling! I was so glad to have found them. The first time I met them, the weather was not great, it frosted that morning and was breezy and cold! It was in the 40s—colder than I like to paint in. So I put on my thermal underwear, long sleeves, scarf, sweater, puffy coat, fingerless gloves, hand and feet warmers. I felt overdressed but with the breeze I was warm enough. And, I feel that I got a great painting and made new art friends!

In Gratitude

Dear Artists,

Thank you for being positive, giving, intelligent, determined, strong, prolific, energetic, thoughtful, talented artists and friends! You help me to grow and to want to improve as an artist. Your strengths and dedication to art help keep me going and inspired.  

I am so happy to have found such a wonderful art community, I love that you are all willing to share information, to mentor, to talk about art and art books, to critique. I love that you are all professional artists – art is more than a passion, it is a dedication, a willingness to learn and to grow and share and a determination to present your art to the world.

I have struggled hard to become an artist (I know we all have). When I moved here I felt very alone-- particularly in searching for like-minded people. I searched online looking for art classes, workshops and events (not finding much) and I attended community classes where I focused on art but it was hard making art friends. I was happy to have found the community center but it did not fulfill me. I needed MORE--more art discussion, more camaraderie, more inclusion, more ART! I have become more serious and stronger as an artist since I have found our art group.  

And, ‘M’ has keenly and quietly guided us to be stronger better artists who paint from life. Every time I go to a workshop or art event I hear the “Paint from life” mantra. I know artists who do not have access to a studio, who are not lucky enough to have the opportunities to paint from life (and it shows). Thank you ‘M’ for allowing the artists to descend on your studio every week. Thank you ‘M’ for always being a calm and gracious host. Thank you ‘M’ for sharing your art knowledge and your art library truly we are lucky to have such a tremendous and giving art resource.

Thank you for all that you bring to the studio each week. I value each of you and encourage you to keep making art and entering shows!

Working Toward a Moment

Me & my SOLD painting at the reception! 

My Moment: Gallery Art Reception 

I am sure I have mentioned this before, my art group and I have been working for the last year an a half for an art exhibit, all of us artists were working toward a moment. The exhibit is currently at the Padzieski Gallery in Dearborn until October 13th. I hope you get a chance to see it!

It was much time and dedication in order to create a a volume of work for our show. We worked extremely hard. As an artist, you want to show your very best work. Not every painting will be worthy of a show. I think I created about 40 works in anticipation of this show and 9 went into the show. Many of my paintings were iterations of the same pose. I have at least 2 versions of each pose. For the pose that I set up (my inspiration), it took me 4 paintings to get it right. Four! Also, after a year and a half, I was changing as an artist. I did not like my early works as much as I liked my later works; in several instances I worked from photos and earlier works to create newer more modern works in my more current style.

Once artwork is painted it almost is another beginning as the work still needs to be varnished, signed, and framed. Frame choice is very important, as display is critical. Lately I am loving a black frame with gold trim, but that doesn't work for all of my art. I had a lighter painting -lots of bright white and pastel colors and it needed a gold frame.

Finally, the moment arrived. The Opening Reception for our show at the gallery! I was beyond thrilled, not only at showing my work but also at seeing the works created by my fellow artists. Amazing, I was so impressed! I spent the entire Opening Reception meeting and greeting and talking to those who came to the gallery. Thank you all for showing up, I loved chatting with you! And, I was very pleased that our show had several sales--unusual but wonderful! Toward the end of the night, one of my paintings was purchased too! One of my best, newer paintings (in my mind) so I was very very happy that it sold! The Parisian sold and it is a proud moment for me as this was my painting from the pose that I set up -- my inspiration!

Time to celebrate! Oh wait, our next show opening is in two weeks! Off to ensure all those artworks are ready to go!

Plein Air Event Organization & Artist Thoughts

I got an email this week from an artist who works at an art gallery. She and her gallery have been asked by the city to sponsor a plein air event (even though she has never participated in one).  She knows that I have participated in several plein air events and was asking for my thoughts. First and foremost she/her gallery will have much work to do!

Plein Air Organizers Needs:

Organization Item	Artist Note	Questions	My personal thoughts
Application for Artist	Online App preferred,	?Cost/Free? Limit # of Artists? ?Limit size of works	Do not charge a lot for entry & you will get more applicants. Is it open to all artists or will artists be juried in? Regarding limiting artists, you cannot control the quality of artist if it is open to all.
Prizes	IMPT!		Awards are good, prize $ is good. Will get artists interested.
Rules	This is impt, must be painted the day of, from life.	?Location	Rules for where (location) artists can paint/boundaries, rules for no photo ref must be from life, ?size rule (not bigger than), canvas/paper must be stamped, wet paint works must be framed
List/Map of Suggested locations/boundaries	location	What are the boundaries of city where are the parks, businesses etc where artists can paint?	I do expect a list of where I can paint when I participate – esp if I do not know the area. A map of boundaries is good, a suggestion of painting locations is a must. Are there parks, downtown businesses that will let artists paint there?
Printed timeline	VERY IMPT	One day event?	One day event may be a good place to start, but it will be hectic. Artists need an hour by hour schedule and rules print out at check in. ? One day one work? If more than one day, maybe more than 1 work?
Timeline & Organizers, Day of	You need multiple workers for all hours		If it’s a one day event, you will need people for check in and canvas stamp, to hand out printed rules/timeline, wet canvas check in and return<<<this will back up, if you stop at 4pm all artists will arrive around 4 to turn in work. You will need many there to take artist name, title and price of work. And to take the work from the tired hungry artists, framing screws and hammers may be nice to have on a table.
Stamp- for back of canvases and paper	Make it ARTY, not just a ‘date stamp’ – One org did a hummingbird	?Multiple stamps so multiple people can check in at once?	Artists will all show up at once for canvas stamping and waiting in line wastes valuable paint time, the organization must be fast and efficient. Artists will bring MORE than one canvas to stamp, prepare for that, multiple stamping per each artist (as once you get outside you need options). I would say if event is for one day, have check in and stamping from 8-12 (2-3 hours at least). Some will come early some will come late, many will arrive at SAME time magically… One idea – offer canvas stamping the day before the event – with clear rule requirement that painting cannot start until day of event.
Reception	Artists Reception/Show		Is this the same night as the paint out or at a later date? How long is the show?

For me the artist the application process is typically:

Apply for the event online, review rules and location requirements and timeline online, get email notification of acceptance. Yay! Put on calendar, day before pack car and pre-wire frame(s)

The day of the event: the artist process is typically: (my car is my studio)

1.     Pack car: Frames, framing gear, canvases, organization and timeline information, lunch, art supplies

2.     Check in, get 5 canvases stamped (need multiple organizers w stamps as the line will get long and artists need to get out to paint). FYI -- I always take more than one canvas to be stamped as you never know what size you need. Be prepared to stamp multiple canvases per person.

3.     Go to location to paint, hope for nice weather (what will you do if it rains, if weather is severe reschedule or keep event going?) 

4.     If same day event, Take wet painting and frame it from trunk of car (this is a process!!).

5.     Return to location to turn wet painting back in, with title and price (again, you will need multiple people to take in wet paintings and complete paperwork). 

6.     Attend reception, hope for a prize. #exhaustion

Enacting Good Ideas - Joy of Brushwork 2

My Book Cover

In my last post I talked about making a photo book for my old least favorite artworks. I uploaded images and created the book online, then waited for it to arrive! Ok it was more complex than that!

It’s one thing to hear a good idea, another to act on it. It took me several hours to review my thumbnail sketches, to identify early bad works. Then, it took me 4 hours in the basement to sort through the works and photograph them. Then it took time to move the images to my computer and sort them (hours). Then, it took me about a day to place the images and text into a book online. Then I had to wait 10 days for the print book that I ordered. This process took a lot of time, but I was inspired and willing to do it for the benefits and outcome.

So thin!

I just got my book in the mail and I love it. It is a 1/4 inch thick book and it turned out good if I do say so myself. I placed all images in the book, one full photo of my worst painting and then one to four photos (close up) of what I like about the painting. And, then I added ‘what I like’ comments to each page. It turned out well. However, everyone wants to see the book, but this a book of my least favorite works…I may only let a select few see the book.

The biggest plus is space, I will toss forty-something paintings (3 feet tall stack) and replace them with a .25 inch book. Storage savings! And this whole process enables me to let go of my old works that were not good. The first book covers 2 years, so I will have to create 2 more books just for all my portraits painted (least favorites).

And, now I may I want a book or books of my good works too! Something to think about…

Just a glimpse of good...

Pluses of enacting this good idea:

• Being organized makes me feel good
• Creating a book and then tossing old paintings leads to more storage space
• It was good to go through all my old works to remember where I have started and see how I have improved
• I was inspired, to get my artworks and artspace in order.
• I can see how I can do this process moving forward
• I may want to do books of my best works and have those books in my studio

Joy of Brushwork

A nice profile, like the light on the mouth.

And the Need to Stay Positive

I recently reviewed many of my artworks with my portrait and figure drawing instructor. It was great to get a review and analysis with another artist whom I greatly respect. While I cannot remember our exact conversation I did realize as we went through my art, that I was overly negative. My Instructor was positive and asked "What did you learn from this, what do you like?"

I confessed to my art instructor that I had about 450 paintings in my basement, that I held on to almost all portrait paintings that I created these last 5 years. Not all of the paintings are masterpieces, not all are complete. I just had no idea what to do with the art in the basement and no idea where to start and how to let go. Once again, (you are the best) my instructor had an idea for me. "What about taking photos and creating a book, keep the book and toss the paintings?" Such a great idea, I like it! And that will make for easier storage.

And so it begins:

Fabric folds, painted prettily.

Last week, I reviewed my documentation (thumbnail drawings of each painting, by date). Thank goodness I had documentation. I reviewed the early years of my portrait painting: 2014-2015, 150 works. I noted my thumbnails of works that I thought we less successful, and then had to cull through all my works to find those paintings. This took a bit of time, as I had identified about 50 paintings. I was unable to find a few, but most were lying there gathering dust. I decided to keep a few paintings-- those that had color touches or wonderful color blocking (just a few) got moved into small "keep" stack. The toss stack ended up being about 3 feet tall, and this is with mostly canvas boards! Eek!

Next, I used my phone to photograph each painting and then get a close up of any aspect of the painting that was good. This was a long but wonderful experience. It took many hours, but I was able to find something good in each work. I noticed that I had some great brushstrokes in each work, some great eyes (a few) and some lovely fabric folds.

Last, I got all the photos onto my computer and organized them. I ended up with 45 paintings that I should let go. Then I went to Shutterfly to create a photobook of those images. I decided on an 8x11 size photobook, with about 35 pages. I put multiple images on each page, especially if they were images of the same model. After I had tentatively placed the images, I went back in and added the positive text/comments about the paintings.

Yesterday, I placed the book order. I am excited about this small 1 inch book replacing 3 feet of paintings. Once I get the book, I plan to get rid of the works. Wow, if I keep this up I will have a better organized storage space in my basement -- it needs it! And, if this is successful, I still have 3 more years worth of work to go through and another book or two to create!

Steps to Let Go:

1. Review paintings
2. Stack the keepers and the not keepers
3. Photograph the not keepers (full images and close ups)
4. Organize photos on your computer
5. Create a photobook (I used Shutterfly)
6. Toss or paint over the not keeper paintings

Nothin' But Blue Skies

My husband is travelling for work this week and so are my friends and family. I recognized that this would be a hard and perhaps lonelier than usual week for me. What's a gal to do? I tried to organize lunches and dinners to no avail, everyone is busy or out of town--insert the frowny face emoji!

I got out my notepad and calendar and decided to organize some art outings for myself-- inviting 20 of my fellow artists along. High heat warnings and record temps and "feels like 107" dominated the news last week. Sunday night the heat wave broke via a rainy coolfront-- I could not be happier.

Yesterday and today the highs are in the upper 70s and the air feels wonderfully refreshing, the sun beautiful but not burning, the perfect weather for plein air painting.



The Anti Lonely Art Agenda:

1. Day 1, 77 partly sunny, plein air paint in the park
2. Day 2, 77 mostly sunny, plein air paint in the park(yesterday was so lovely a repeat)
3. Day 3 Plein air paint with the Plein Air Troupe, they just happen to be on my side of town this week. Forecast sunny and 79, perfection.
4. Day 4 Maybe plein air if good weather, but if not, need to work on some upcoming show works, Finishing touches from critique, varnishing, ensuring I have frames. 
5. Day 5 A trip to the art museum, there is an impressionist exhibit.

One special note, when I got home from plein air painting Monday, I had a wonderful surprise of flowers and chocolates. My husband had purchased me a "Blue Skies" inspired floral bouquet. And his note was to me to continue " dreaming of blue skies and nice plein air days." --WOW! Thank you!

For all plein air artists, here's to blue skies and supportive spouses today and tomorrow!

Loving Local Plein Air

Last weekend I participated in a local plein air paint out, it was a wonderful experience and we were so lucky with the weather. Early on it was supposed to rain, but it ended up being Sunny 70s and light breeze, gorgeous!

 Scouting the area before the paint out is critical, it is always good to know where you are going to paint so that you can get started right away. My friend and I know the park and area very well and yet we still spent a few hours scouting for painting locations.

Friday morning we got our canvases stamped. I always get too many canvases stamped, about 3 of each size from 5x7 to 9x12. This way once I get outside I can choose my size, it is just hard to know what will appeal on any given day.

Our first spot was on a little pedestrian bridge over a stream surrounded by green trees. It was a lovely location, but we both struggled as it was a lot of information on the eye and a lot of green.

After a lunch break we did a quick walkabout to find another view to paint. I had loved a little fence that was hit with sunlight. My friend had seen some trees that appealed to her. We both set out to paint our second paintings. The sunlight was lovely and our little spot was quiet and nice. I thought my second painting came out much better than my first.

I really wanted to get a sunset painting, and the sun doesn't set on the longest day of summer until 915 PM. So after we finished our second paintings, I went back home, refreshed my palette, and turp and washed my brushes, walked the dogs and rested for a bit. Then at 730, I gathered my things and a water and drove back to the park, I already knew where I wanted to paint my sunset painting. Interestingly, the sunset was over at about 845, because there were trees west facing. I did two sunset painting studies this night, fast! The colors and clouds change and move quickly.

The next morning we met up at my friends backyard, which looks onto a marsh/lake. We had fun painting on her neighbors deck, I painted a little boat that was docked there. I am unfamiliar with boats, but I was happy with my painting--I  had fun with the colors and shapes. We stopped our first painting at about 3 pm, I went home to rest and prep for my next sunset painting. I promised my husband dinner, so we left the house at 630 to have dinner near the park.Then after dinner, I took my paint gear and went back to capture the sunset. I used a lot of paint and was really happy with this quickly captured sunset.

When you do a sunset painting in summer you pretty much don't get home until 10 pm. It was tiring! And, once I got home, I had to pack my next day lunch, refresh my palette, wash brushes --all the next day prep. And, Saturday night I had to choose 2 of my 4 paintings that would be in the show and sign and frame them!

First this was a great experience, second we got so lucky with the weather. Third, I was happy with the paintings that I produced and confident in my creations. And boy a nice frame really does make a difference!

I did not win any awards, but still it was a wonderful fun experience.

Determination: You CAN Do This!

Last week I went up to Petoskey Michigan for an art workshop and the AIS* Small Works Show Opening Reception. It was one of my art goals to get into this show this year. Alas, I was rejected from the show, but I was among hundreds of others. I did not let the rejection deter me from my commitment to the organization. I will work to get accepted into the next SmallWorks show.

One wonderful note about the AIS Smallworks shows is that they typically have an All Member Paint Out  before the show. This means that Members can participate in the Paint Out and then have their wet paint works (framed) hung alongside the show--a nice opportunity as the shows are always in lovely galleries.

My husband and I were going to make this trip a little vacay--an art trip for me, a few days off work for him. I would plein air paint, attend a workshop and we both dine together and attend the show reception. To my chagrin, my husband had to travel to another state for work, meaning that I had to drive up alone. I could have let that depress me, but I tried VERY hard to stay positive. It was tough, I did miss him, especially when I went to eat at restaurants or when I was lugging all of my art supplies up the steep steps into the rental apartment...

First, rejection from the show, then having to attend events alone, lastly the weather! Without determination and perseverance I could not have done this, I could have let any one of those things get me down! Since I had signed up for a landscape workshop (Thurs and Fri), I had to paint for the wet wall on Wednesday. The weather was overcast, cold and threatening rain on Wednesday! Ugh! I would have paid for just a bit of sunshine! I painted from 10 AM until 830 PM, the sun did not come out until 830PM. Seriously!?!

It was grey, cool and in the 50s on Wednesday, and the skies were fairly dark. Yet, I went and got my canvases stamped, then went out searching for places to paint. That is another intimidating thing, trying to find a place to paint, alone. I had the list given to me of locations, but I still had to drive all over town looking for the place that would speak to me on this gloomy day. Luckily, I found a nice spot on the rocks near the water, and I painted. I painted trees and water and sand dunes across the way. I tried very hard to put in a focal point and make the painting interesting. I stopped painting before I was done as the sky turned black (this has happened before, I have gotten soaked). So later I was determined to go back in and work on the sky (more paint). Painting all day alone really made me miss my painting friends.

One error that I made was painting all day, it really wore me out. I should have stayed at the first location longer and worked harder to complete that initial painting, but I feared the weather and drove to other locations. The next few locations were not as successful for me. Next time, I will limit myself to half day of painting. As after that long day of painting, I had to go back and pack my lunch and get my gear ready for the next day workshop. I was not able to finish my wet paint painting and I did not frame it. And, I was tired the day of the first workshop.

Due to the Wet Paint deadline, I had to go back to my apartment after the Thursday workshop and paint to finish my painting. I wanted to add more sky--more paint and more color. I added in purples and blues and tons more paint, then 'ished' in some creamy clouds leading to the focal point, that leaning tree.  Then I added my Signature and  I gently placed my wet work into the frame and drilled it in tight, now it is ready for the wet paint wall. The Wet Paint works were due Friday afternoon between 3 and 5PM and my workshop ended at 4 (so my wet paint work had to be ready by the start of my workshop). WHEW! I was tired, but I made the deadline and my wet paint work, Weather Permitting, 8x10 made it to the AIS Wet Paint Wall for the Show! A nice opportunity, not to be missed, as I can still be a part of the show!

AIS = American Impressionist Society

Thinking Ahead

Oil Stick Start for one of my Inspired By paintings

My art group and I have been working toward a September art show in a fabulous gallery. We have been creating and tracking poses as well as tracking the number of completed poses and completed paintings. The gallery is large and we want to have enough completed works to fill the gallery. The great news is that we are on target for completed works!

For this particular show, each artist chose their Inspiration which could be anything: an artist, a pose, a photo, anything. Then the artist created a pose with a live model and costumes. I was Inspired by an artist's work at the Sargent show in Chicago last year. Boldini was a Sargent contemporary, a portrait painter who exaggerated figures and painted expressively, I adore his works.

I have completed 8 out of 14 poses and I am happy with this number. What does completed mean? To me, that means that I have a finished painting - one that I like and will be happy to put in the gallery show; one which is ready for a signature, varnish and a frame. Why don't I have 14 poses? Well, not every painting is a winner, I did attempt each pose but not every thing that I painted is show worthy, we all have good and bad days.

Even though the show will not be hung for several months, I have started signing and varnishing works. Additionally, I have purchased several frames - this is also an important decision. What looks best with the work--gold, silver, black? For four paintings thus far, I have chosen a gold rimmed black frame. Yes, it does seem as though I was early in ordering frames; however some frames that I looked at are on back order, and a frame does complete a work.

I am particularly excited about a bright gold frame that I just ordered for my Degas Inspired By painting. The painting is of a ballerina in a light bright tutu and I thought a black frame may be perhaps too dark. I wanted to try ordering frames from a new company, so fingers crossed it all works out!

Plein Air Events - FAR From Home

Display One

Lessons Learned

I just finished my second plein air event that was far from home, too far for me to drive (1,400 miles). I wanted to share the lessons that I learned in traveling/flying so far for a plein air event.

Logistics and Shipping:

• Organization was critical, there was a lot to do even before I left the house. I had to ship (Fedex) the finished framed works that I wanted to display and sell (in this event I had TWO large 7ft x 3ft panels for work). 
• I also shipped canvases and paint to my sister's house. 
• I weighed all of my art supplies and knew they would fit in my luggage - pochode, tripod and umbrella. 
• I printed all event information and put it in folders in my backpack! I needed to be aware of the schedule!

Shipping Art:

• A fellow artist and plein air pro did not have a lot of work for display. What she did do was frame and display the wet works she had created during the event. I thought that was smart as I had many works that I had to bring back home. Next time, I will ship less art and will live with having less art on the walls, I shipped too much!
• Some paintings that I shipped (well packed) were in gold frames, and several frames had chipped in shipping meaning that I could not use them!



Display Two

• I will not buy gold frames (plastic ones) from a certain company again. They chip and they are difficult to wire for hanging (putting screws into the plastic molding)--- this was tough as I had to wire a lot of wet paintings in the course of a week. 

Larger Canvas for Quick Draw:

• We started painting on Monday and the last day of the event was Saturday, The Quick Draw. For the Quick Draw, we had a mere 80 minutes! I was so impressed with the works produced, wow the talent here was amazing. 
• Save a larger canvas and frame for this event. I had only a 5x7 left as I had used my 8x10 frames (to replace those that had chipped) earlier in the week when I hung my works. 

Mental Strength: Prepare Yourself for No Sales:

• I loved that all 40 artists had two 7x3 foot panels. That was a lot of generous space! I stood near my art corner and talked to all visitors for hours, without any sales. I knew that salses might not happen, but I struggled with the mental aspect of having no sales, it was tough. Try to prepare yourself to accept not having sales. 

Limited Palette:

5x7 Aglow, nocturne

• My limited palette (weighs 3 pounds, all my tube paints). I took my standard palette and it worked beautifully: Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cad Yellow Medium, Permanent Red, Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulian Blue, Pthalo Green and Ivory Black. The only additional color that I took and used was Cobalt blue because I knew I was going to be painting bluebonnets!

Small Works:

• I painted 5x7s, 8x10s, 9x12 and 11x14. I painted about 3 works each day (starting with a 5x7 study). My favorite paintings were the 8x10s. My 11x14 painting did not turn out. I have now accepted that I love smaller works and have more fun with those. More 8x10 canvases and frames next time!
• My successes: Personally my most successful paintings were the 8x10s--- I painted a tractor and bike which I thought were good. And, I had a sweet little 5x7 nocturne which I also received complements on--it was one of my best in the show. 

Biggest Lesson Learned:

• Drive if you can, your car can be your mobile studio (and then you can take more canvases and frames).

It Just Makes Sense:

Go to the Artist centered events! Stay as long as you can at the Artist Reception, meet new artists, talk to them! I met many new faces --both hosts and artists at the Artist Reception. It was wonderful to talk to and meet new people--we are all artists, all participating in events together. I met some lovely people with whom I hope to maintain friendships.

Paint The Town, Marble Falls TX

Juried Plein Air Competition Show & Sale

My plein air set up from last summer

I am so thrilled to have been juried into this art event in
Texas April 1st-6th!

Please come out to see me and my 40 new artist friends as we Paint the Town in Marble Falls next week!

Here is my schedule for the TX paint out next week! Come out, enjoy the art, buy a painting! The Art gallery opens Thursday April 4th and will feature 40 artists works for the week! I know the works produced will be AMAZING! I cannot wait to see these wet paint works!

Marble Falls Paint The Town Schedule:

• Sunday March 31 - Canvas Stamp and Artist Check In!
• Monday April 1 - I have to find a place to paint! (You may see me driving around in circles on Sunday searching for a painting location).
• Tuesday April 2 - Artists Paint at SpiceWood Vineyards
• Wednesday April 3 -I have to find a place to paint! In the PM I will hang my art in the gallery!
• Thursday April 4 - Gallery Open 11 AM - 5 PM
• Friday April 5 - Gallery Open 11 AM - 5 PM
  VIP Reception & Awards 530-9 PM* 
• Saturday April 6 - 10 AM QuickDraw and Paint the Town Family Day 10 AM- 5 PM

Currently I am planning and prepping as I will be in Texas this weekend! There is much to do and it is difficult to plan from 1400 miles away. Painted and framed art for the gallery has been shipped. Canvas and paints have been shipped. My tripod and pochode and umbrella are being packed in a suitcase. I am doing laundry and planning outfits for daily paint outs.  Distance logistics abound and there is much to do and think about!

Hello TX, Hello Sunshine!

*Tickets may be purchased online