Creative Space

My space is slowly evolving. It's still in disarray, but I found a small 

spot to paint a small watercolor of a mockingbird today!

Workshops for growth...

In all things, we must constantly strive to grow.
Art is no different.
Aside from school, local sketch clubs, art schools,
I think that workshops help you grow and learn skills
 from successful artist in the field. Of course cost can
be a factor, but I believe in getting the best bang for my buck.
So I try to focus on workshops given by those I most respect
and also try to attend workshops of local artists I admire as well.
Even better when an artist you love comes for a workshop locally
like Mary Whyte did last year here in Florida.

Here's a few of the workshops I've been fortunate
to have gone to in recent years.

Scott Christensen Workshop in Wyoming...

An amazing trip and experience.

one of the quick plein air paintings done in Wyoming...

Scott Burdick workshop in NC, 

I've been fortunate to take a landscape class

and a portrait class with Scott.

Mary Whyte workshop in North Florida

 one of my studies in the workshop...

I've also taken a workshop with Scott Wadell who held a class locally.


However...this year... a workshop in Ga with
a local favorite artist of mine, Larry Moore.

Moving forward in life and learning is a necessity, less you die, or feel dead!

Still Life #2 White Pitcher

White Pitcher


The Process:

So, since I decided to go a little larger for the new still life.

I've completed the drawing, transferred it to my canvas

and have completed an initial wash.

 

I'm still using the little wooden box that I found at an antique store

for my still life setups.  I wanted one that had wood with a warm glow.

I also bought the old book and little oil tin can, but the white pitcher

was an something I already had. The leaf was complements of the oak

outside my door.

 

Lots more work to do....
 

 

Day 3

moving forward.... continuing to build layers of paint
to create depth I focused on the pitcher...
really trying to keep in mind the light source,
the reflected shapes/colors,
and modeling the convex curve of the
pitchers shape as it turns away from the light.

I'm anxious to get that leaf going...
I hear fall calling me!

Day 5

details, details, details

working on the wood grain and more details...

 

final touches...

I worked on this painting about three weeks...
finished on September 28th...
My favorite part is the little red knot on the
top right corner of the wood box.
I'm ready to move on to the next project...
and ready for the fall...
my favorite time of the year!!!!
 

Art Giveaway- Win one of My Original Watercolors!!!!

On my sister blog, Beautifulandblessed.com,
I'm giving away an Original Watercolor!!!

If you are interested, hop on over and find out how

you can sign up to win ONE of these!

Tell all your art loving friends!!!!

A Commissioned Portrait for Christmas

I received a commission for Christmas...

a watercolor of a lovely family!

Here's the result...

for details on ordering commissions

go to the commissions and portraits tab.

Fresh Paint

I'm currently working on a scarecrow for my favorite season, Fall!  This one began life as a watercolor and now currently as a grisaille underpainting...

FMWA 2011 Opening Night

Last Friday was wonderful! The show went really well with a good turn out. The FMWA museum went all out and had an acoustic guitarist, catered food that was yummy and a full bar! It was a beautiful night...here's some previews....

Florida Museum of Women Artists- 2011 Juried Show

I have been fortunate enough to be accepted in the 2011 Juried Show at the FLORIDA MUSEUM OF WOMEN ARTISTS in Deland, Florida. Along with many other talented women artists, I'll be at the opening this Friday from 5-7:00 p.m. I hope you'll stop by if you are in the area, or view the exhibit, which will be from Sept 10-October 23, 2011.  "American Summer", which is my depiction of a sunburned, rubenesque beauty jumping into a pool, is the accepted painting. I'm very honored.

Portrait Doodles

In attemt to do a PORTRAIT...

My friend has offered herself as my first

official VICTIM!

Here is the first, somewhat over done,

DOODLE...more to come!

A quick sketch

If you haven't noticed yet, MY SUBJECT INTERESTS ARE DIVERSE!

Regardless, I believe, no, I know, that drawing is at the heart of the matter!

If you don't spend time drawing and studying from life you will never fully evolve

as an artist, no matter your subject. I could be wrong, but I know many who agree.

Even I realize, it's time to start getting back to some life drawing classes!

I've been taking too long of a break! More to come, soon, I hope!

and below...one more sketch for a painting I'm starting....

Lil' Group Journal Peek

old country barn