Sometimes You Just Gotta

Fight the tired and get outside

My painting, my view, close to parking.

 The other day, I knew the weather would be sunny and nice. I woke up tired and it was one of those days - I wasn't feeling like I could get out and paint and I knew my friends were working. I emailed a few people asking if they wanted to meet me at nearby parks, but this was last minute I did not get responses. I always try to invite others to paint with me as that forces me  to show up!

I put on my painting clothes, and sunscreen on my face, tossed my hair in a pony tail and gathered up my plein air gear. The more you do it, the easier it gets -- the plein air gear packing. But, it still takes a bit of time, brushes have to be cleaned and packed, clean turp or gamsol must be put in a container. Paints and canvases must go into the backpack. The pochode has to have a new sheet of palette paper. And, the painter has to have a water and a snack packed.

I put all my gear in the car and headed out, I ended up at a park just a few miles away. There was a great long view shot with lots of yellows and greens that I found in the park. However, the spot was a little walk from the car and I would have felt more comfortable there if I had a friend with me. Needless to say I ended up in a more populated spot.

The end result, I like it!

Right near my parking spot I found some nice shade from a tree and set up. It was afternoon already, yes I am that slow and tired! I decided that I would not spend too much time on this painting (in hindsight I think that helped me concentrate).

I set up and got to work. What I liked about this scene was the red and green - I love my complimentary colors! I also liked how the sunlight hit the barn side and the green grass. Additionally, I really liked the tree branch shadows on the roof and side of the barn. This painting is all about complimentary colors and afternoon light. I was also pleased that I completed this work in 1.5 hours. That is about all I had in me and I am happy with the result.

Five To Aspire To

I Admire so many Artists!

I am really excited about my upcoming art workshop and already I have homework (which I am totally fine with). One of the early assignments is finding 5 works of art and thereby an artist (or 5) to which I aspire. I love art and artists and have bookmarked way too many artist websites and works. How do I narrow it down?

What would your narrow down criteria be when you love them all?

There are so many amazing artists out there, but I am not a super realist, so perhaps not the artists whose images are more realistic. And perhaps not the tonalists because while I appreciate those low color qualities, I really love color.

Questions:

• Do I want scenes like what I currently paint?
  Lots of green park trees, lots of portraits but some of my favorite artists paint beachy/boaty scenes...
• Should my aspire to photos be similar to the landscape photos that I have?
  I love a good sailboat painting but I don't live too near many sailboats.
• What about structures in scenes?
  I do not currently paint many scenes that have structures in them but I love a barn view, house view etc.

What I need:

• Color
• Painterly brushwork
• Gesture or study portraits (unfinished in appearance)
• Painterly landscape (with not too many greens)
• Landscapes with light and shadow

And still, I had such a hard time choosing artists. For my approach, I reviewed all of my bookmarked art websites AND my saved Pinterest Portraits and Landscapes. And you know that while I have a plethora of artists saved there, it was still a challenge to narrow those down to my aspirations! Gosh darn it, there are so many good artists out there.

Last night, I finally narrowed down my final 20 images to my final 5! I chose two portraits (studies) and 3 landscapes -- one house and flowers, one trees and land, one long view of field and farm. The house and flowers was my first choice, I really love that particular artists modern impressionists work!

Start thinking, what five artists, what five works would you choose as your admire and aspire to? While it sounds like an easy task, it is tough to choose! My husband said it best, "This is a good challenge for you". Yes, so tough! I am relieved and glad to have turned in my homework!

Try Something New

 A great view.

We have some wonderful parks near where I live and I think I have painted them all. My "Go To" Parks have many trees which is a lot of green (and much sameness). I feel a little bad in that I wish they had more structures (more shapes more colors) to paint. For inspiration I am going to try someplace new!

I am not an adventurer and travelling far to paint is not for me, but I think I need to look around more and find some new great places or scenes, perhaps with more structures.

A goat on a walkway

my painting

Today I ventured someplace new--to a farm with a barn and animals. It was a lovely day if a bit warm in the sun. A few of us set up by the playground as that area had the best farm views. We heard constant chatter of kids playing and running. A few boys in bright tees even chased after the goats by the pond. 

It was a good day and I was happy with my red barn colors. Red against the green grass and green trees (complements) is so much fun. This photo of my painting on the right is as far as I got. My friend Candace suggested that I add a little tree before the small red barn, it was a good choice. I also didn't add all the fencing around the front and side of the barn. My whites were mixing with my reds, so I decided to let the painting dry and will go back and add the whites of the barn later.

Making the Best of It

My Plein Air Workshop in Traverse City was cancelled but we had reservations and vacation time!

Clinch Park Painting

For the third year in a row an Art workshop that I have signed up for has been cancelled.Each art workshop was at a different venue and featured a different art instructor, it leaves me wondering, 'Is it me?' #Seriously?

A cancelled workshop, well that may not be a big deal you say, but this was a destination workshop; we planned to travel--rented a place, husband took vacation days--we were impacted. We decided to keep our rental and my husband's much needed vacation, but now instead of me attending a workshop we had to figure out what to do.

I need to preface all of this with the fact that I am thankful for my patient husband.

Shelter From The Storm

We packed the car and headed up to Traverse City, I included all of my plein air gear. On the way my husband and I discussed where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see during the week.

Day 1: OPA Show & Plein Air Painting
One of my first choices was seeing the Oil Painters of America (OPA) show at the Crooked Tree Gallery in Traverse City, I found some new artists who inspire me. What a lovely venue.

The day was overcast and we feared it might rain. We found a great spot in the park by the bay and I painted for a few hours. Of course, less than a half hour after I started painting, the boat I was painting drove off... a real plein air experience. I saw people board the boat and I painted like a madwoman!

Pierce Stocking View

Day2: Pierce Stocking Drive & Glen Arbor & Fishtown

Bright Light White

Pierce Stocking Drive is gorgeous, I got many reference photos for future paintings (pack a picnic on this scenic drive). North of Glen Arbor was nice, again I got some great reference pics here and in Fishtown. This was a reference photo kind of day. That evening I painted from a photo that I took as we were on the road most of the day.

Day 3: Breakfast at our favorite place, Betsie Bay Lighthouse, Frankfort
I got some great pics of the Betsie Lighthouse and spent a few minutes looking in the rocks at the shore for Petoskey stones. Then we went to downtown Frankfort park and I set up in the shade and painted the Betsie Bay (boats). After painting, I promised my husband an early dinner at a new restaurant in town. Follwed by a search for barn reference photos (future studio paintings).

Frankfort Painting

Bay Beauties

Day 4: Suttons Bay plein air then Grand Traverse Lighthouse then Mawby & Shady Lane Wineries
Earlier in the week we drove by this farm and I knew I had to go back and paint there. We went back, parked on the side of the road and I painted! It was warm so I only painted a few hours, then I packed up and we went to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. After that we stopped in to two of my favorite wineries -delicious! We were hungry so we stopped off at a great restaurant in TC, nice view and great food! #tiredlongday

Pull Over to Paint

Day 5: Traverse City then Old Mission Point
My husband had an emergency work call so I had breakfast at our favorite cafe (while he sat in the hot car on a call). Then I walked downtown taking photo references and of course I ended up in a bookstore. Finally at noon, the emergency calls were over and we drove out to Old Mission Point. We found a nice beach spot near the water, and had our picnic and read...relaxing and beautiful.

Day 6: Traverse City Beach Day
We took our umbrellas, books and chairs to the beach, another nice day just reading and relaxing. I intentionally left the paints at home so we could just enjoy and relax together.

4 paintings +2 wineries+ 4 lighthouses = 1 great vacation.

I was happy that I got time with my husband & time painting--the weather was lovely...
Yes, I think we did make the best of it.

In Plein Air, Participating in a Plein Air Event

The finished work: A Beautiful Day, 8x10

#Exhausted
My post at the end of the Plein Air Event!

Saturday I participated in, 'In Plein Air', a one day plein air event at the Scarab Club in downtown Detroit.

A plein air event takes a lot of work and planning. If you think painting is all joy and fun, I challenge you to sign up for a one day plein air event!

THE DAY BEFORE:
I got groceries, chopped my salad fixings, packed my lunch and my plein air backpack and washed my brushes. And filled up the gas tank in my car.

THE DAY OF the event, I packed my car:
I packed my cooler (salads and waters) and snacks.
I put my plein air wagon, backpack, pochode, tripod, canvases, umbrella and chair in my trunk (and this is just my gear)! My large SUV was full of plein air gear as my friend brought her gear as well.

A good start, lovely day!

THE TIMELINE:
8 AM, start packing the car.
830 AM, we met at my house to drive downtown.

915 AM, we got our canvases stamped at the venue, once the canvases were stamped we headed to our painting location. We had not scouted the location, but knew we wanted to paint there. Luckily, I watched the news and learned that there would be a Walk-a-thon at our exact painting location. Oh my! We had to find a spot at the other end of the park, which I scouted with Google Satellite.

1015: Once we parked, we had to look around to decide where to set up to paint, we both loved the view across the water of the yacht club (water, boats, buildings).
1030: All set up and painting!
1245 PM: Lunch Break
3 PM: Pack up
315 PM: Frame wet painting
330 PM: Load car head back to venue
4 PM: Wet canvas check in at venue
5 PM: Art Show & Sale Reception
630 PM: Back home (tired), unpack car and gear, then relax on the couch.

UNUSUAL:

• We had to Title our paintings at check in. We did not know where we were going to paint, or what. Most artists title their work once they paint the work. This was a challenge!
• We could only stamp 2 canvases. Usually artists bring numerous canvases of shapes and sizes and there is no limit (artists may paint multiple subjects or paintings in a day).
• Only a few artists framed their paintings for the show and sale. I was surprised! Almost all paintings were nailed to the wall, unframed-- a very big surprise to me! Maybe 7 of us had frames on our paintings.
• About 60% of painters painted in the same park we did ( I expected more urban landscape painting, more locations but I guess others like us did not know where else to paint). This was less 'paint Downtown Detroit' and more 'painting at Belle Isle.'
• The original paint out was rescheduled due to weather (rain), I was grateful and the new day was sunny and bright, but it is rare for a rescheduled paint out. And, I think it brought participation down, there were not 70 paintings for the show and sale, I'd guess there were more like 40.

Overall, it was a great day and a great experience, sign up for a paint out if you can!

Plein Air Office on a Sunny Day

Getting the composition down

Today was sunny with low humidity, I had to take my art office outside!


It is important to note that my energy and motivation level was low, I had just learned that my plein air event was postponed. However, mentally knowing that this would be the last sunny day this week, I knew that I would have regrets if I didn't get outside.

My "GoTo" plein air place is a park near my house. The park is conveniently located and has flowers, water and greenery. However, today was a disappointment, I was surprised to see that the park is a bit neglected. The flowers should have been in bloom, but the rose garden and other gardens were dry and brown. The waters were all dried up, the paths rain-washed (and it hasn't rained here in awhile). What was a nice place is now sad, what should have been bright and green and full of color was not! After  a long loud sigh and after walking around for a few minutes, I decided to move on! Goodbye Sad Park!

Closer to done

Upon arrival in the next park I found my inspiration, a small windmill reflecting in the water. The sun was shining, the sky was bright and blue and the water reflected greens and a strong windmill image. I also loved the contrast of the pretty pink flowers against the green, leading into the scene toward the windmill. I intentionally laid out the composition so that the windmill was to the right of center. I excluded the blue sky as the pond reflections were more important to me today.

I enjoyed my time outside with my plein air kit, it was such a nice day. I left the park in good spirits even though my painting is unfinished. I need to work on the windmill a bit and maybe work in some light on the trees, or this painting may just become a study. Finished painting or not, today was a feel good day, in my sunny bright art office.

Art and Foodie Weekend

La Carmencita, the star of the show!

John Singer Sargent and Chicago's Gilded Age

We were so lucky to get away for a weekend to Chicago. We chose Chicago because I knew there was a special exhibit of Sargent's artwork, John Singer Sargent and Chicago's Gilded Age.**** (four out of four stars) at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Before we left for our trip, I downloaded the Art Institute of Chicago App (highly recommend) to my iphone. One advantage of the app is the ability to key in the numbers of the audio for the show artworks. We enjoyed the interesting insights the art specialists shared- bring your earbuds! Otherwise you have to pay for audio.

The Sargent show was fantastic, a must see! In person you can see the brushstrokes and the size of the works! La Carmencita is extra large, she seemed to be fifteen feet tall and she glowed! I took a million photos, but wanted only to show you a few of my favorites.  Also, there were works by Sargent contemporaries--I loved them! Boldini, Zorn, and Chase--oh how I loved their portraits and style, they called to me. Here are a few photos that I took from the exhibit, of course see it in person if you can!

Of course, the Art Institute Chicago has other fabulous famous works on exhibit too! We enjoyed seeing American Gothic, Nighthawks and other famous works--and I loved the enormous Georgia O'Keeffe! We enjoyed it all and spent most of the day at the museum.

In addition to art, Chicago has great food everywhere! Chicago is a foodie town, with deep dish pizza, Italian pasta, and weekend brunch!  I asked the concierge for a few recommendations  (I encourage you do to the same, most were within walking distance of our hotel). Also, aside from walking, we used Lyft to get around, it worked perfectly and I will say only call for a Lyft when you are at the waiting area, ready to go (typically they arrived within 3 minutes or less, once they were already in front of our hotel, so you have to be ready)!

Here is a link to a wonderful article about the Chicago Sargent Exhibit:
http://www.chicagomag.com/arts-culture/July-2018/How-John-Singer-Sargent-Made-Chicago-an-Art-Town/#/0

My photos from the exhibit and from touring the museum modern and impressionist age.

 

My recommendations:

• Download the Art Institute Chicago App (& take your headphones)
• Use Lyft to get around Chicago 
• Talk to the concierge at your hotel about restaurant recommendations
• Plan on spending half the day at the art museum (wearing comfy shoes)
• Don't Overpack, save a little room in your bag for the John Singer Sargent & Chicago's Gilded Age hardback book --available at the museum store, $40.
• Skip the Willis Tower, Sky Deck. It was packed packed with people and you could see city views, but the lines for the elevator and for the Window Tilt were outrageous, we stood in them forever and never moved. It felt like more than 600 people were in line. And, the line to get back down the elevator went halfway around the building and took over a half hour. We decided it was a waste of our time and money! Skip it!