Beautiful Fall Colors

Red Up Front, 10x8 SOLD!

 Yellow Orange and Red--I love the beautiful fall trees and they are fun to paint! In the past I have experienced falls where the weather cooperated perfectly for plein air painting -  times when  it was sunny and 60s or 70s. Not this year! This year has been cold and grey and cold again! 

Recently there was one day with bright blue skies (but it was still freezing outside), I went out and took some reference photos. I adore the blue skies against the colorful trees. I love this tree corner in my neighborhood where there are plenty of fun trees. I snapped a pic and it ended up being a perfect reference photo. 

My favorite tree is the orange red tree that is out in the front, I just loved the shape and color. I also loved the tree layers of red and yellow then green. This was so much fun to paint, my art friends call this a happy dancing painting and said that the yellow tree is leaning out to say hello. So funny!

When I posted this painting to Instagram a follower immediately stated "I want that." I could not be more pleased that this painting spoke to someone and led to a sale for me! A happy painting headed to a happy home (once it is signed and varnished). Thank you to my art followers and FYI there are lots of happy paintings awaiting new homes! 

But It Didn't Rain!

 A Chilly Fall Paint Out Weekend

Last weekend was FRESH 2020, a plein air paint out that I signed up for in September. Typically this Paint Out is in June but this year it was postponed/rescheduled to the first weekend in October. The weekend before it was 80s and sunny --oh I would have loved that weather for a paint out. 

Orange Pop 8x10

Right before our paint out there was a cold snap, the coldest weather of the Fall with FROST warnings! I wore thermals, layers, fingerless gloves, handwarmers, scarf and hat yet still my hand and bum were cold! Days started in the low 40s and it was chilly and breezy at the park--Brrrr!!!!!!! But it didn't rain and there were no bugs.

While I didn't like the weather,  I did love the pop of fall colors so that I could add touches of red orange and yellow to my typically green trees. The first day I struggled (which I did not like as I had prepared)-- I have been painting one hour 8x10 plein air paintings for weeks now. I'd assumed that quick paintings would really help me get the paint down at this event. I started with a 9x12 canvas and it took me some time to get the canvas covered--admittedly it was a complex scene of multiple trees, and a shoreline with water reflection. Still, I didn't like that it took me awhile to get the painting down--have I mentioned how cold and breezy it was? At the end of the day, because I was waiting for another painter, I took out a 5x7 canvas and did a quick sky painting. The sky painting was fast and fun with tons of wet paint on the clouds. Framing the cloud painting was tough as it was wet wet with tons of paint!

The next day dawned frosty and super chilly-- it was ridiculously cold when we started painting. However, I was more inspired because there was a fabulous orange tree reflection in the water and I loved that. The orange tree against the dark trees with orange reflection really spoke to me. 

In the afternoon I turned my chair and decided to paint a colorful island. I really liked the orange and red trees against the green trees and blue waters. I felt good about this painting too, particularly the reflections. This painting I did not put into this show, but I have entered it into another show (only 3 paintings could be entered in this event).

The critical keys to surviving this cold weather paint out included daytime layers, hot soups at home with hot tea followed by warm showers before bed... We artists can be thankful that despite the cold, it did not rain on us! Of course this coming weekend the weather will be back in the 70s-- I'm off to plein air paint! Yay sunshine and warmth!

Kudos to my fellow FRESH plein air art friends, you did some amazing works! All of the wonderful FRESH paint out paintings  can be seen here, take a look! 

http://milfordvfaa.org/fresh2020/

Ordinary Days of Beauty

With all of our vacations and travels cancelled this year we have been spending time alone at home.  I believe we all need little breaks from work - days that we stop and breathe, stepping away from computers and social media, even if its just one day. This fall my husband had to take 'use or lose' vacation days--and due to COVID we spent them at home.  In these odd times with restaurants closed and not many places to go, we decided to spend our ordinary day, a Monday, at the park. 

The weather cooperated and we spent the afternoon in the sunshine. I packed a picnic lunch and then I set up my painting gear while my hubby set up his hammock. My husband would read/nap and I would paint. It was sunny cool and lovely. Since it was a school day, it was not crowded - we had wonderful quiet lake space to ourselves.

For many artists, myself included, painting is reflective, calming and meditative -- that is so very true particularly when the weather cooperates for plein air. Once I get all my plein air gear set up and get the paints laid out, I feel a calm zen take over. 

What I loved in this composition is the lone yellow tree--the one bright among the greens. The yellow reflection in the water was so very colorful and appealing, it caught my eye right away. I also loved that I could add depth to the painting with the dark trees in the background and the water which recedes behind the peninsula. 

As you know, lately I have been doing timed paintings. I set my one hour timer for this 8x10 painting.  I am happy with the results of this one hour painting. When outside and in my calm zone, I can really "see" the colors and shapes. Here, the focal point is easy--hello colorful yellow tree. The rest of the trees and water are the supporting players. Sky and trees and water reflections are not boring subjects yet. 

This was a beautiful tech-free day full of quality time with my husband and my easel--I am thankful for every moment in these ordinary days of beauty.

 

Introspection and Creative Challenges

 

Three One Hour Sunset Paintings

Lately my art friends and I have been sharing our art via Zoom meetings. In the last meeting, I proudly shared a larger painting that I had worked on over multiple days. I worked on this particular painting in the studio and was happy with the outcome-- the tree reflections, clouds in the sky,  trees on the shore-- I felt I captured it all.  Might this particular painting be show worthy? Imagine my surprise when my fellow artists Oohed and Ahhed-- but not over my studio painting but over a one hour plein air painting. This signaled that I had some introspection to do -- are my more painterly and less planned paintings are more appealing? Perhaps I need to focus more on those? One hour verses the 10+ hours of work leaves me questioning myself. Where should I dedicate my time and effort?  

I decided to put away my studio paintings and instead focus on one hour studies. I set my phone timer once I am set up (paint out, brushes ready, canvas on easel) and the countdown begins! I try to put down the paint quickly--laying out masses of color, typically darks first. And then I work into the masses and try to build up to the details. If I want a few minutes more I set another 10 minutes; although, often I let the painting end when the timer goes off. 

What I like about the small paintings is that they are not time consuming. I like to see how far I can get in an hour. How much paint and composition I can get down on the canvas? There is no second guessing when you only have an hour to paint. I think I will continue these little quick studies for a bit.  Someday I will have to get back to studio painting and larger painting--that is in the back of my mind. 

I painted the three sunsets over three different days. I chose the sunsets as they are photos of the same place the same night within a few minutes of each other. I really love how the color brightens in the last painting. Sometimes it is nice to get to know a subject and for me lately it's all about sunsets.

Just Look Around

 Finding Art Inspiration Where You Can

Summer Petunias 9x12

I was ill the other day and it was completely unexpected; I was down and out--definitely unable to paint. My heart was broken because it would have been an ideal plein air day (70s sunny) and alas I was stuck in bed!

Needless to say, the next day I was feeling better. I was determined to paint although I did not want to push myself, I had to take it easy. Sunny and cool it was another lovely summer day, just gorgeous, I had to paint outside. I thought about going to the green space in my neighborhood but the lawn and maintenance guys were there--those blowers are loud!

Ultimately, I just wanted to paint outside, to enjoy the sunshine. In the cool morning, I had sat outside on my back deck enjoying my coffee and the quiet. I have flower boxes along the back deck filled with light and bright flowers and I am on a greenbelt (lush trees). I just had to look around, my subject matter was there all along. 

I set up my art stuff on my deck table. A tabletop easel, a paper palette and my plein air backpack (brushes paint etc). I was ready to go! With my patio umbrella my easel (and I) could be in the shade. I painted my flowers-those hot pink and pale yellow petunias against the dark greens of the trees. The flowers were lit by sunlight and the dark trees behind really helped bring the bright flowers forward. I was so thrilled to be painting--to be painting outside on this glorious summer day. 

I didn't get the opportunity to go to the park or to find the perfect plein air location but that is not what mattered on this day. This day was about the beauty of painting outside and finding that bit of joy. 

Maybe we all need to hit pause and Just Look Around--inspiration could be closer thank we think.

Mid Year Art Goal Check In

It's July Already!

Tin Can Delight 11x14

The last few days I have not felt like painting, so I thought I would do some art admin and review my 2020 Art Goals. We are about halfway through the year, and I am surprised at how far along I am with my 2020 Art Goals-Yay! I would have thought with staying home and with the COVID, that I would be behind--but I actually feel that I am ahead.

Big Goals that I can mark as completed:

1. Review old artwork and make a Shutterfly book of unsuccessful works (not my best works) that I can let go of-- then trash/paint over the works/canvases.
2. Take a Workshop with an Aspire To Artist

The first completed goal helps me with art organization. I took a 2 foot stack of canvases and condensed them down to a quarter inch book-- this goal took some time but felt good to complete. It felt good to get that space back in the basement. 

The second goal was actually beneficial to me in multiple ways plus the COVID actually helped me get access to a national artist (One of My 'Aspire To Artists'). I identified that I wanted to study with one national artist who lives far from where I live. Pre-Covid for the art workshop I had planned on flying in, renting a car and staying in a hotel--the COVID changed those plans!  In Covid times, this wonderful national artist reached out to me and shared that she was starting online classes via Zoom, her workshop was ON, Online! I was hesitant; however, the class ended up being wonderful and I loved the instructor--and I signed up for the next class too! 

The Take a Workshop with an Aspire To Artist Goal benefited me in multiple ways:

I learned 

• how to paint skies and sky gradation
• how to paint clouds
• how to paint trees (to really look at the character of the tree)
• how to paint reflections

I have been plein air painting and landscape painting for years, but never had training as specific as this. It was incredibly valuable for me to learn the colors in the sky and the colors in the clouds. I have been wanting to learn how to paint clouds forever and until now could not get advice on how to do it. Also the class homework kept me in the studio painting (another goal) and with sky and clouds I used more paint--which was a goal for many years! I went through 200 ML white tube of paint in the class, so definitely I reached the USE MORE PAINT goal. I found all of this to be valuable and I feel that I am a better painter for it. And I learned it all online!

Goal that is in progress:

Enter Contests/Shows

One issue with the COVID is that my "from life" model sessions were cancelled-so I am automatically producing less portraits/paintings each week. I tried to paint from photos but I am not able to paint from a photo right now... I went through a serious struggle/not getting any good paintings in April and March --and then the COVID hit. Frustration city!

 So once again signing up for an art workshop online really helped me--the work I produced in class was good, better than what I had attempted on my own. The downside was that the work I produced in class cannot be entered into shows or competitions. The class helped me to get my creative and art motivation back as well as a strong desire to paint my own works.

Sadly, I didn't feel that I had a new fresh work to enter in the recent AIS Show and the deadline passed. Ugh! More recently, I did attempt to enter another national show (I just got my rejection notice). Now I am back painting again and feel that I have more works that are show ready. I am going to try to enter an online show this week and perhaps a regional show in August. I will get back on track with this and start entering more shows.

Dear Artists, now is the time to review your goals. And, if you are an artist friend of mine, you know that I have encouraged you to make goals earlier this year (January). What were your goals? Have you reviewed them lately? Take a look back and see what area you can work on and/or to think about how to adapt those goals for these times. Print them out, update them or mark them complete and think about the remaining goals as you move forward! You've Got this!

She's At It Again, Volume 2

Joy of Brushstrokes 

Purple & Pink Background

About a year ago, I got art declutter inspiration from my art figure instructor. For a recap, I had hundreds of portrait artworks taking up so much space! Her suggestion (and I love it) was to create a book of those images and then toss the paintings. I did it and then tossed a 3 foot pile of paintings-- that was about a year ago. Lately the clutter has been driving me crazy again--time to go through the process one more time!

The purpose of the book, volume 2, is the same as volume 1--to find joy in brushstrokes as I review my past works. This was a challenge for me as there were some paintings I was less than happy with. I really had to tell myself to look for the positive, to find the good IN EACH PAINTING. What I noticed about these particular works was that I had an interest in patterned backgrounds and those were often the best parts of the paintings! I really liked an orange and blue background and a deep purple with pink background...I think I need to continue along the fun background path...

Once again keeping track of paintings is extremely helpful with notes. That way I could look at my description and thumbnail sketch and compare it to the actual painting. I placed the paintings in order and went through to cull them out. Once I had my stack of paintings that I felt I could let go of, I documented them with my iphone--taking photos of the full painting and zooming in on the parts I liked whether it be background, brushstroke or eye detail. Then I got the images uploaded to my computer and then to Shutterfly. Yep its a process and takes a bit of time, but the end result is worth it.

Beautiful shirt pattern/strokes here!

Once I was in Shutterfly, I chose to make a book, an 8.5 x 11. Then I added in my images to the book pages. I chose to use about two images per painting, one of the full painting, one for the close up. And, I chose about 4 images per page in the book. I went to advanced editing so that I could control the image size and put borders on the edges of the paintings. Once I had all of the images placed in the book, I went back through and typed in an assessment of each painting, identifying in writing the joy. Lastly, I added my title on the cover, "The Joy of Brushstrokes vol 2". I did a final preview and then placed my book order! My advice--you can start your book anytime--but wait for a sale to place the order--a 40 -50% off really makes a big difference in book price. This book was about 25 pages and included 40 paintings. I am hoping it arrives next week!

Now that I have the book ordered, the next time the trash comes I can toss my 40 paintings. Bye bye 2 foot stack of paintings, hello 1/4 inch book! Storage savings abound!

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

Follow Your Heart

Making Tough Choices

Summer Reflections, 9x12

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I was taking several Zoom Art Classes these last few months. While the online classes were beneficial for me, I can attest that 'Zoom Fatigue' is real. Artists don't belong in front of the computer for extended periods of time! In class I was painting and creating (Yay!)-- but not from my own references (Boo!).  Ultimately, I had to tell two Instructors that I will not be taking more classes right now because I feel the need to go out and  make my own art. In my heart, my soul -- I feel strongly that I need to paint for ME-- from my references/with my own eyes from life! I feel this pull, this need, this desire--I've gotta do this!

To be clear, the classes were going well and I was learning -plus the instructors were amazing, giving, incredibly talented. My decision was not a refection of the instructors or classes but instead something I felt in my heart (good sunny weather outside may have also influenced this decision). The classes with one instructor fill quickly and leaving would mean losing my coveted spot in the class. Potentially this means that when I want to return (thinking Fall), the spot might not be open, class could be full. I had several discussions about this with my husband, and ultimately we both agreed that I need to give up the classes and fulfill my need paint on my own.

The classes have given me structure and have helped me to grow as an artist and now I must take that knowledge and apply it to my art. And, I plan to keep going into the studio on those class dates, using that time to paint and be creative.

Twice now, since my decision,  I have gone outside to plein air paint, and both times I feel more confident and honestly a little happier. Summer Reflections was created En Plein Air arlier this week when I went to the park- sunny and 70s, no complaints here. I am happy with the painting, I feel that I have learned so much about sky and reflections and now I am processing it all. While this painting is not perfect, I do think there are some great attributes as far as color, composition and reflections.

The classes have really worked for helping me grow and motivating me as an artist-- now it is time to apply all of that knowledge. For those who are perhaps hesitating, take a hard look inward and reflect.  I think it will be okay if you go out on your own for a bit. As for me, I say, "Lookout world!"

Getting Outdoors, Finally!

Tree Dancer, 9x12

We are now in week 11 of Stay At Home orders, and it seems as though I have been "stuck" at home forever. Probably it doesn't help that the weather here has not been great. We've not had many beautiful spring days this year and that lack of sunshine hurts my spirit too. Finally, last week we got a nice day, partly sunny 70s, time to get my plein air gear and get outside.

I went to a very unpopulated park, where I did not see many people--a historic old farm with many outbuildings. I found a nice spot on the grass (an acre to myself) and set up my gear. Man, it was so good to be outside with my paints, it has been way too long!

I was initially excited by all of the old white buildings which were being hit with sunlight. White in sunlight was exciting to me. And, soon I narrowed it down to this little house and the interesting tree behind it. I thought I could get both the house and tree onto the canvas--yes I was quite a distance away.

The beautiful dancing tree shape came easily to me while the house ended up being a challenge. Structures I think are their own beasts. The issue that I had with the house was that there were so many lines and it was hard to get straight lines outside. I ended up going back over the house at home, using a hard edge to get the house roof line and sides and window lines that I needed.

Recently and to my benefit I just finished an art (Zoom) tree painting class which was amazing. That really helped me to look at the tree and get the character down quickly. Now I need to find a sunlit structure painting class. There has got to be an easier way to get down a house on the canvas.

It felt great to be outside, to see the sun and to plein air paint. It was great to study the tree and the house structure. Perhaps one con was that there were no restrooms in the park;conversely it could be a positive--this limits the amount of time you can paint. After two hours, I had to pack it up and head home!

This week has been incredibly hot and humid, threatening rain so I have not plein air painted--but next week--well let's just say there are a few days that I am hoping to paint outside. Fingers crossed!

In An Art Slump

Week 7 of staying at home & I am unmotivated

Butter Sky, a tree class painting.

A few weeks before the stay at home order, I noticed that I was not producing good art. And in spite of my best efforts, making art in quarantine has not led to improvement. This has definitely got me in a funk and I know that I am not alone in that.

Here's the thing, I am taking three online classes and each class has homework. I am fairly art busy in the day and in the afternoons with homework. I am painting and attempting to learn. Its the days when I paint for myself on my own that I struggle and end up with wiped out paintings. Seriously I just want one good painting, this is a bit frustrating!

As an analytical person, the hard thing is the art slump doesn't make sense, why suddenly can I not paint a portrait or a still life? Why is the struggle so hard when I have been painting for years?

This week I am going to make a plan of what to paint with hopes that something will turn out okay. I have done this before and feel that I must do this again. On non-class days I have to get into the studio to paint - which I am doing its just that the paintings are not successful. I have listened to art teacher advice and tried painting a black and white study from life. And then painting a color painting from that. My black and white painting was way better than the color painting. I tried painting still life, as that is 'from life' and that was unsatisfying as well... this is not working out for me...

Perhaps this should just be a time for learning for me. I am taking many classes and have much thinking to do (thanks Anatomy)--so maybe I should just use this time for learning? I get it but I am going crazy not having anything to post to my website as to what I have been doing these last 7 weeks. I've been painting and been busy and have no results to show for it!

So what else I can I do about this motivation issue? I am reaching out to other artists for advice. Today I plan to sit on the back deck in the sun to read in order to feel more positive. I am so very glad to see the sun today! And I've been thinking about what I should read.

My reading list: The War of Art, Foster Caddell's Keys to Successful Landscape Painting, Fill Your Paintings with Light and Color  by MacPherson.

What else are your thoughts for staying motivated? What are your suggestions for art reading materials? Please end me a note or post a comment!

Art and Online Learning

In trying times, I've found a new outlook & outlet

Eucalyptus, started in one of my online classes

Hey, I get it it, learning online has never appealed to me before but these are trying times. I need my social interactions plus I love learning opportunities. Yes, I have always resisted the online art classes and courses--until now. Currently I am taking 3 online courses and I have been pleasantly surprised by how great each class is going.

First and foremost I realized that a teacher is a teacher. What do I mean? I mean that a good 'in person' teacher is still a good teacher online--the love of teaching still comes through. If there is a national or local art teacher you have taken with before or wanted to take with, I recommend looking her up and taking a course online. Artists are, after all, "Gig Workers." Invest in your self if you can and pay it forward to the artist teacher, win/win.

I am taking an online self-paced class (lots of videos and note taking), but this artist has been teaching online for many years so there is lots of great material. I like it and there are over 60 modules so plenty of information. My next class is from a national artist whom I was supposed to go see for a workshop in May. The current class with her is 3 hours a week and starts with a demo that we watch online, then we turn our computers and she watches us paint! We email her our completed artworks after each class and it's working, I am enjoying it.

Lastly, I am supporting my local art teacher, whom I have always studied with in person. She is a good teacher, so it was easy for me to sign up with her. Once again we all log in online and chat and watch her teach, she sets up her ipad /computer so that we can see her images and drawings.

Ultimately the online classes are working. The biggest thing is that I am enjoying having a schedule. Because I will be on video, I have to comb my hair and dress and prep for class. Plus classes give me some normalcy in my day. Also the classes fill the day, meaning that I am not sitting at home thinking about painting, I am actually doing. I highly recommend that you look up an art teacher --local or national and see what classes they are offering, and then sign up. What a great way to support the arts and truly, I found that it works.

I still prefer to meet in person, but who knows when that will happen again? Right now I think we should take the online art opportunities, I encourage you to sign up for an online art class today!

Staying Positive in Trying Times

My Fellow Artists,

We Have Got This, We are Prepared for This, We can do This

A 5x7 Quick Study, Sunset

My thoughts are these:

1. We have the perfect job for times like these. 
2. We have all of our work materials at home/studio (and I know you have a plethora of materials). We have or can make studio spaces in our homes. I have much of my art stuff in our sun-room and paint and work there. Your art space can be your kitchen table (that was my place for a long time), the point is that you can work from home. And my hope is that you pull out your supplies and start making art.
3. Technology is Our Friend (OK typically I would not say this, but please read on):

Art Supplies: Right now, Jerrys and Dick Blick continue to fill and mail online art supply orders. We can get supplies shipped to us if need be (however I suspect you may have enough supplies to sustain you a few weeks).
FaceTime/GroupFaceTime: We can use our phones to call our friends and see their faces, schedule some virtual time with friends! Also, you can now add a person and have 3 people on a FaceTime chat! Did you know that? I am not sure how many people can be added, but Group FaceTime is easy. Also, I did a FaceTime this week with an art friend and we showed each other our work. Do not isolate yourself from conversations. Phone Calls are fine, but try a FaceTime to see each other (messy hair and old tee shirts and all), it just feels good to see another face--even virtually.
FaceBook: Not my favorite venue, I get it. However as Artists this is a good way to stay in touch with friends. Post your artworks -what you are working on, what you need critique on. Post art challenges and interesting art articles.
The Internet: Want to try out something new artistically? Most likely you can find an online resource. Today I Googled 'Setting Up Still Life' and found a great article. Use technology to your ART Advantage.

There is much talk about regarding what we can control. I am not saying don't watch the news-- I am saying limit the amount of news you watch, don't do it all day. Try to get into the studio. Even sadness can be channeled into artwork.

What have you been meaning to do? Make a list and start checking it off! Ideas: Clean and organize your studio, set up and paint still lifes, organize your reference pics, plan what you are going to paint, finish old studies or unfinished works, start that big painting project, make a studio schedule.

I have friends who are not artists who are restless and struggling right now, being at home on Day Five of the "Stay Home" recommendation. I am not restless, I am not struggling because I have a schedule and have been turning off the TV, turning on the music and heading into the studio, I can work from home.

One last recommendation: Make A Schedule. Write down a simple daily schedule for the day by hour.
Sample: 8-9 Breakfast, 9-10 News/Shower, 10-12 Paint, 12-1 House Chores & Lunch, 1-3 Paint, 3-4 FaceTime Friends, 4-6 Paint, 7 Dinner. Simple! But it gives you something to do each day. I review and expound my schedule in the morning. For example, Paint then gets details of "finish still life painting on easel" and House Chores get specific like 'do laundry', etc.

Art Friends I encourage you to stay strong. I truly believe that artists can use this time to create, please consider turning off the news and getting into the studio. Play some fun music and paint!

Much love to all, I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way,
Sara

Let Me Think About It

Grey day painting, loved this shack!

As you know I have just returned from a week long art business trip. Yep, I am tired and still doing laundry and unpacking. I went right back to the studio yesterday to paint a portrait from life. My artist friends all asked for the best takeaway and lesson from my portrait art workshop--hmm...I need to think about it. I am analytical and in my workshop I listened, took many notes, and did much painting. I do need to think on the key takeaways. Let me think about it, let me process it all and write it up in a bit.


THE WET PAINT OUT in TX:

First I flew into town, then drove out to meet my friend. We scouted locations together, which was great, I loved every view. As you can imagine Texas landscape is much different from Michigan landscape. I loved all the brush, the terrain, and the animals. I live in the burbs and this was definitely the country, I saw potential paintings everywhere.

Gorgeous Hill Country, grey rain day

The first day of the paint out, we got up early, gathered our canvases and went to get them stamped. The weather was cool and rainy (such a bummer). We quickly reviewed the painting location list, but learned that we could go anywhere, yahoo. So my friend had a few places in mind, and yep I could work with that. One place was downtown where there were these seemingly abandoned buildings. Of course I loved the green trim around the door and window of the shack. We got lucky as while the skies were grey the rain stopped for the few hours we painted. Just as I finished my first painting, it starting raining hard.

We then chose to take cover near my friends house - which also had terrific views. I really loved the dark clouds that moved in. I was painting on the back patio and was fine painting in the rain until the wind shifted and the rain came at me sideways. I stopped painting for a bit, moved my easel and then went back to painting between rain bursts. Despite the rain, a good painting day, 2 paintings done.

Let It Rain, and it did! 9x12 available

The next day was clear sunny and beautiful. We had decided a location the night before and went directly there to set up. I loved a little shack that had lovely tree shadows on the roof. I enjoyed the sunshine but struggled with the painting, it proved to be complex and I did not capture the light. We moved to a new beautiful location in the afternoon, again so lovely. However, once again, I did not get a good painting--such a beautiful spot but I did not get a good painting. It sometimes goes that way. That evening I framed my painting and then packed up to head off to my workshop.

My friend took our paintings over to the event (one each) for display and show opening. We each felt we had created 2 good paintings over two days. Go us! Sadly I don't think either of us sold our paintings - although my friend knew someone who liked my painting but claimed she had no wall space. What? Go look in the gallery bathroom where art is stacked on the walls gallery style, make room!

I loved the wet paint out and painting possibilities, it was wonderful. And despite having a bad day with 2 not great paintings, it was a great experience. And I have many new landscape photo references and I was able to get outside and paint for 2 days.

Yes, I endorse the wet paint out experience, go for it. Meanwhile, I will think about and analyze my portrait workshop and get back to you soon with my thoughts.

Every Journey Starts with a First Step

ART-Ambitious?

One of my fave plein air paintings from last summer, 5x7

Planning makes me happy. Planning for an art trip and workshop makes me happy and a little anxious. Soon I embark on a week long art/work trip to Texas. As I start to think of all that I have to do to prepare for this trip, I also start to worry. What have I done, why did I sign myself up for this?

I would be thrilled if every master artist and workshop was within driving distance of my house (Oh Amazing Fantasy!). Reality is that I will have to travel if I want to study with my 'Aspire To' artists.

Initially, I had thought that the stars aligned so that I could participate in both a Paint Out AND then an art workshop (both about 900 miles from my house). I checked the dates and the Paint Out is a Weds/Thurs followed by the Workshop Fri through Sun. The paint out and workshop are 90 miles apart so there will be a bit of driving, but same state and good proximity to one another. As all of the events are 900 miles away, I will be flying--with my art supplies.

Now, as I start to go through logistics, I am thinking that I was a bit art ambitious. Did I take on too much? I am passionate about art and I love being with other artists. I am doing this because I think that both experiences will be beneficial to me but a part of me worries that I will be away from home too long. So why am I doing it? I am doing this because it is an art opportunity and I can do it.

I talked to my husband about my worry that perhaps I was too art ambitious. My calm and thoughtful husband said, "You enjoy socializing with other artists." He continued by saying, "Many believe that art is solitary, but you thrive around other artists"--and he is right. It is always good to have another perspective.

At the very least, I am taking that first step in the journey---making that effort and showing up. I have found that meeting and interacting with other artists is a wonderful way to grow. What have you been meaning and wanting to do as an artist? I encourage you to sign up, plan it and take that first step toward your journey.

An Uphill Battle - The Business of Art

Artist: That's My Job

What do you do for work? I'm an Artist.

My work is incredibly important to me. The other day, as I was painting in the studio with art friends, one artist asked what I did for work. "This this is what I do, I am an artist," I replied. I was, I confess, a little flummoxed and incredulous, how could an artist not understand? I am a Full-Time Professional Artist--that is my job. If an artist cannot understand my work/job how can I get others to understand?

What is my work?

Daily: painting/organizing/planning, sketching, reading art blogs or art books (trying to learn/to see to glean information from other artists), organizing my studio, washing brushes, and more. Painting could be starting a new studio painting or trying to finish a painting started from a model session. I have a large stack of unfinished paintings just waiting for me, these do take time to finish especially since finishing means often using a photo reference.
Weekly/Monthly: maintaining a studio, ordering art supplies, cataloging paintings, catalog/organizing photo references, maintaining a website and blog, entering local and national art shows, framing art, monthly art critique, promoting art business via Instagram & Social Media posts.
Yearly: Workshops, Conferences, museum visits, goal planning, show preparation, 1 time per year leading art critique discussions. I paint 75 portraits a year and about 50 plein air paintings, that is a ton of canvas and paint and a large volume of work!

Art is my business. My professional website is where I show and sell my work. My blog is where I talk about my work and art process. Images get uploaded to Instagram. Business cards and resumes are for networking and business purposes.

I relentlessly pursue self improvement to become a better artist. Acquiring art knowledge is never ending. Every year I take classes and workshops and paint 'from life' (3 days a week). I have mastered my color palette and know quite a bit about composition and design, proportions, Alla Prima portrait painting, figure painting, anatomy and plein air painting...In my mind, it is still not enough, there is more to learn. I have mastered painting trees and water reflections but still I struggle with sky-holes (those bits of sky that show through trees), paths, flowers, structures, cityscapes, hands. Truly there is so much to learn and absorb!

"You are Lucky to be an Artist" many have said to me. It's true, I love being an artist, but it is also hard and sometimes frustrating as there are show rejections (be strong) and things I haven't yet learned or mastered (painting urban landscapes). I dare and encourage you to take an art class --not only for your soul but also for a glimpse of how much there is to learn. 

Ultimately, I am serious and dedicated to my job. I'd love to hear how you've overcome art obstacles to be taken seriously in your art work and business... please share in comments below. 

Thank you,

Art Goal Creation, Opt In

A January Art Challenge...

This year in the studio we have monthly art challenges. The January challenge is Art Goals, where each artist creates and then shares her art goals. From my perspective this is a great challenge as many artists do not typically create personal art goals. However, I literally got an email from an artist that asked if MY goal was to make all of my art friends have goals. What? No, that is not my goal.  Goal creation is an optional exercise. My art goals are relevant to me, my art and my art business. Yes, you can opt out of art goals but why not opt in?

In order to lead an art goal discussion, I searched for art goals. I could not find many articles or professional art blog posts specific to art goals. Do most artists not have goals? Do they not talk or write about them? Hmm.

The main thing that I found online is that it is very important to write goals down; if it is not written down it is a HOPE. Somewhere I read that a person is 42 percent more likely to meet a goal if it is written down. Written goals give you something to work toward, to focus on, and should be used to motivate you. Goals should also be specific and have a timeline and deadline.

As I talked goals with my friends, we also talked about our inner critics, and how we are too hard on ourselves. One comment was “listen to constructive criticism not destructive,” an apt statement for artists.

My biggest art challenge and goal, yet again, is painting schedule--I need to get into the studio and paint more! I struggle with this and with tracking this, I am not getting in enough painting time. I tried a time tracker app last year to no avail. This year I am trying a notebook although I am open to ideas. How to best track my time and how to best get into the studio (room) and stay there?

I understand that many artists may resist goal creation or avoid goal creation --that is absolutely ok. I will not force you to make your goals, and I will not bug you about it! I enjoy thinking about what I what to accomplish this year, so I will opt in. And if you want to share, I would love to hear your art goals too!