Solitude

Meadow

16x20

I had a rare gift fall in my lap this weekend.  The gift of solitude.  I didn't plan it. The circumstances of my life just fell into place with my loved ones.  Everyone had other plans.  This is an event that only happens once in a blue moon.  My husband is on a fishing trip with my son, brothers and friends.  My daughter is caught up in the single scene in the city.  And my brother is diligently working on his sailboat.

Sometimes I just need to be alone.  To hear myself think.  To plan and dream.  Write in my journal without interruption.  I'm sure I'll be listening for footsteps coming up the steps by Sunday evening.  I'll be looking forward to hearing about how my husband's weekend went.  But for now, this is heaven.  Doesn't everyone need to be alone sometimes?

Am I Done Yet?

Sunrise

8x10

This study is one of the pieces I did as a result of taking Deborah Paris's online class.  It's purely for my own information.  I'm thinking of doing a much larger painting and I can use this one for reference or a jumping off point.

I'm still working to understand the tonalist style of painting.  I'm so used to working in a more impressionist style.  As all artists know, the only way to learn something new is to keep at it.  One needs to put in many, many hours of painting before becoming proficient in an area.

I've found that taking a digital photo, helps tremendously.  For some reason, I can stare at a painting, not sure if I'm completely satisfied or finished.  But if I take a photo, the areas that still need work become very apparent.  Has anyone else found this to be a useful tool? 

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls 

9x12

There are some places in my memory that are so much a part of me, that I feel the need to express them in my painting.  This place is one of them.  A few years ago my husband and I were visiting the Bayfield, Wisconsin area.  Since I'm always on the lookout for scenic photography as reference, we asked the locals where we could find some waterfalls.

That day we took a drive to a little town called Cornicopia.  People were so friendly and helpful.  They told us about a waterfall hidden in the forest about five miles in.  The only way to get there was to hike on the ATV trails.  No problem, right?  Well, we hiked back there and were rewarded by a beautiful, pristine waterfall.  I got lots of beautiful shots of the waterfall and river.  It was indeed worth the ten mile hike that day.  Except for the deer ticks! 

Awards, Yay!

I received two awards recently.  I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm extremely honored and humbled to be the recipient.  There are so many wonderful artists on the internet. Most of the artists I've come across are extremely passionate about their work.  And most go out of their way to give advice and be helpful.  Some artists actually give part of their proceeds to good causes.  I could go on and on.  The bottom line is that I've never met an artist blogger I didn't like.  

The Lemonade Award is for artists who show a positive attitude and gratitude.  I received this award from Kathleen Krucoff about a week ago.  She's an amazing glass artist, so you need to check out her blog to see for yourself.
A Passion for Painting Award speaks for itself.  I received this award from Trish Siegel.  Her work is beautiful and she's obviously a very passionate artist.  

I'm in the position, now, to award other artists with these coveted awards.  I've made lists of those who I think go above and beyond in the art world.  But deep down inside, I think we all deserve a part of these awards.  The fact that so many of you have blogs and/or websites speaks volumes for your passion, devotion and positive attitudes.  So I'm devoting these awards to all artists on the internet.  This may be unorthodox, but I guess, so am I!

Glazes

Strolling Along

5x7

You may recognize the above composition from a painting I posted two weeks ago.  In this little painting I used the transparent process using very bright, warm colors.  It didn't start out that way.  

Using the glazing process requires that the painting is completely dry before applying another layer of color.  That's the hard part for me.  Waiting for the paints to dry.  Sometimes it only takes a day.  Other times, depending how thick the underlayers are, it may take up to three days.  The beauty of this process is that the viewer can see two vibrating colors at one time.  Glazing a thin layer of say, orange, over an underlayer of blue gives a particular glow.  That's why I'm moving away from the alla prima process to this painstakingly, long process.  I love the results.  Too bad I'm not a patient person!

Okay, now I have a confession to make.  (It's so embarrassing)  I don't know how to upload, or copy and paste (whatever) two badges I've received lately.  My twentysomethings are in and out of the house like whirlwinds, so I forgot to ask them how to do it.  I was very honored to receive a Lemonade award from Kathleen Krucoff and a Passion for Painting award from Trish Siegel.  I don't want to seem like an ingrate, so can anyone give me some tech advice?   I'm such a right brainer.  No wonder I have bad technology days.