Let There Be Light

My studio is getting a bit cramped these days. I've been working on a number of large paintings, one of which is an 8-1/2 foot wide commission. Other paintings include a variety of fields of flowers for my upcoming exhibit at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, MI. For that exhibit I need to fill a wall that is approximately 35 feet wide. The largest of the paintings that I will display there (so far) is one that is 5 ft x 3 ft. So... I apologize for not posting here lately, but I've been busy! And that doesn't include recovery from a year-long battle with an infected tooth that has finally met its doom. After two root canals and 12 weeks (on and off) of antibiotics, it's gone! And I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. My friend, Pam, recently posted a saying: "It's impossible," said pride. "It's risky," said experience. "It's pointless," said reason. "Give it a try," whispered the heart. My heart's whisper is getting louder. Look out, world!

In between larger works, I need to keep in practice with other projects, such as meeting deadlines and achieving goals for other commissions and exhibits. This "little" painting is 14 x 18. It reminds me of a warm summer's day. I call it "The Clearing." I hope it makes you smile!

I'll be teaching a one-day workshop at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI, on Saturday, April 27. This workshop will focus on painting oil portraits from a photograph. Almost all supplies will be provided. Call the museum for more information at 920-448-4460. Please join me!

And July 22-24 I'll be teaching a 3-day workshop at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County, WI. Now is the time to make your plans to attend! Call the Peninsula School of Art at 920-868-3455 for more information.

Experimentation

I am constantly challenging myself to try new and different ways of painting. I did a painting similar to this one several years ago. What I liked about it then was the "feeling" that it gave me. Something inside tugged at me to try it again, but in a dramatic, new way. As a representational artist, I need to force myself to be more painterly. I think this painting accomplished that goal. It has been accepted to the 26th Annual Women's Works Exhibit at the Old Courthouse Gallery in Woodstock, IL. The exhibit runs from March 7 to April 28, with a reception on March 16.

Life is Short - Pursue Your Passion

It was about six years ago that I gave up my life as a graphic designer to focus on fine art as a full-time and forever career. The road has not been easy, but I highly recommend it. Here are a few of the things I've learned:

1. It's not about the money. Ok, maybe it was in the beginning, when I was newly off the corporate bandwagon. I've come to realize that the sharing of my gifts is far more important than all the money in the world.

2. Beauty is everywhere. It's amazing when you begin to see the beauty in even the most mundane things.

3. Love what you do, and the rest will fall into place.

4. Be fearless. Continue to press on. Some people will like your work ... some people will not like your work. It doesn't matter as long as you are using the gifts God has given you in the best way you can.

5. Always be open to learning new things.

It was only a couple of months after I gave up my "regular income" as a graphic designer that my father passed away, and I took time out to help care for my ailing mother. It was time well-spent and I will never regret it, but it did cut into my focus on my art. Life is short. Pursue your passion!

Happy New Day!

I just returned from another wonderful adventure in the west. Having friends and family in Phoenix and Santa Fe is such a blessing! But the trip was not without peril. We chose to drive (rather than fly) for a variety of reasons. One is that I want to travel with my art supplies and the airlines have made it very difficult to travel with cadmium, lead, cobalt, and titanium paints. Another reason is that I have developed asthma in the last 15 years and it's much easier on my lungs to slowly climb the mountains rather than arriving at high altitude in an airplane.

On the way, our trusty Yukon (with over 180,000 miles on it) started showing its age and the alternator went. We were lucky to be near a little town in Oklahoma where some very friendly and skilled mechanics put us back on the road in about an hour and a half. While Zack worked on our vehicle, I did a pencil study of him at work and gave it to him as a "tip." We climbed what should have been the final hour of the trip in blinding snow as we ascended the mountains. Many of you have commented how fortunate we are to have family where it's warm, but Santa Fe's weather is very much like it is back in Michigan - only drier - because it is at 7500 ft above sea level.

It was great to see everyone, especially my grandchildren! There is nothing like being surrounded by youth during the holidays. But I was also inspired creatively. This was the first time I've been to Santa Fe at the holidays, and it was magical. We strolled on Canyon Road (famous for the many art galleries in Santa Fe) among what seemed to be a million other people. Luminarias lined the pathways, and beautiful Christmas lights were everywhere. And just about the time when I thought I had seen enough, it started to snow. You could hear the throng of joy build as the flakes got nearer, until everyone was cheering and singing Christmas carols. There were hot chocolate and fajita vendors, and everyone had a marvelous time.

On the way home we stopped in Cedar Rapids to visit the final day of the Alphonse Mucha exhibit at the National Czech and Slovak Museum. I've always loved the fun-loving, art-nouveau style that Mucha has been known for, but I didn't expect to come away with the powerful sense of purpose that he put into his work. I'll be posting some of his quotes from the exhibit on my facebook fan page in the coming weeks. Won't you please follow along?  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eaton-Art-Gallery/300614403296704

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement! It means so much to have family and friends who help keep me focused. I'm grateful for your comments, good or bad, that help me continue to grow as an artist. I keep you in my heart and prayers. May God Bless and keep you safe in His care. Wishing you and yours all the joys of the season!

Randy Higbee Gallery 6x6 Exhibit

I'm so excited to be included in this year's 6x6 Show in the Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, CA! This little painting is one of 670 paintings in the show. A gala artists' reception will be held this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 5-9pm (pacific time). Randy does a great job keeping you updated during this event on his Facebook page. You can see all of the works through a link on their website. Here's a link to my painting, The Thinker. And while I'm at it, here's a link to my husband's painting, which is also included in the show: Hugging the Wind. I encourage you to take some time to view these works! All paintings can be purchased through PayPal.

Things I'm Thankful For

It's one week before Thanksgiving here in the U.S.  Many of my friends have been making daily posts of things they are thankful for in their lives. It's so important to acknowledge the many gifts and blessings that we have! Today I'm thankful for supportive friends and family, who provide encouragement, laughter, and love. Thank you for your support!

This is one of the later paintings I did as artist-in-residence at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI. Although my time there is done, for now, I will hold on to the memories and all I learned in the process. Thank you to all my friends and family who bravely sat for me. I don't know who's job was harder -- mine in painting, or theirs in having to sit still for hours. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to do it again some day!

Things I have learned

How do artists know when they have "made it"? This has been a burning question for me lately. As I look back on the last year or so, I believe my growth as an artist has accelerated. I was very fortunate to spend 4 months as artist-in-residence at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI. That experience helped me to lose my fear of "performing" in public, and led to my being asked to teach a beginner workshop at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County next summer. I will also have a solo exhibit for two months in the main lobby at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, MI. These milestones in my career give me a sense of positive momentum and make me believe that I'm moving in the right direction.

I can also see improvement in the quality of my work. I believe that some artists are born prodigies, but I can attest to the years of work and sacrifice that it takes most of us to "make it" in the art world. And not only do I see the physical improvement in my work, but there's been a shift in my consciousness that has been enlightening. I am in awe of the many wonderful artists who are making a living selling their work. There have been many times I've wanted to quit and get a "real" job and a regular paycheck. But it's almost like having an addiction to create, and I can't stop.

The two images shown here are of the same model, painted about 6 months apart. The one on the left was done this spring and the one on the right was painted about a month ago. I felt pretty good about the first one when I had finished it. But the second shows the nuances that I've acquired by practice, practice, and more practice in painting from live models. My inconsistencies are still there, but I'm working to improve every day. Thank you for following my journey!

A Good Experience

I'm nearing the end of my term as artist-in-residence at the Neville Public Museum - Tuesday of next week is my last session. I'd like to thank the wonderful folks at the museum for making my stay memorable and enjoyable. I've been taking notes and will post some comments on what I've learned from this experience in a future message. If given the opportunity, I would definitely do it again. Sharing this time with good friends and family has been heart-warming. I've also gained valuable experience in painting from life. Thank you to all who have supported me in this process!

This is Chuck, my husband and hero.

Order Now for Christmas Gifting!

I haven't mentioned it in a while, so I wanted to post a reminder that I paint Pet Portraits. Everyone loves their furry friends! Give them a unique and everlasting gift of an original oil portrait of their pet. Big or small, I paint them all! I'll give you a great price if you order by November 2.

A Study in Differences

I painted these river scenes from the same spot on the same day -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The top one was the morning painting with the sun rising into my face. The lower one was painted the same afternoon with the sun at my back. They are quick studies, but a useful exercise in how I see my work with different light sources. In the morning, the shadows on the trees were all facing me, so I didn't see as much color as I did in the afternoon. The darks were much richer in the morning scene, while the color were more vibrant in the afternoon. I think I'll have to try this again some time!

Victorian Lady in Scarlet

My friend, Bonnie, came to sit for me again last week at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI. It was a joy to paint her in full Victorian attire. With the exception of a few minor tweaks when I got home, this painting was almost complete in 4 hours at the museum. There is some glare on this photo, so I'll try to get a better one when it's completely dry. Its actual size is 20x24, so not a huge painting, but it's very difficult for me to paint a full body pose in a short amount of time. I'll ponder it for a while and decide if I want to add anything to it. While I painted, we chatted about whether or not her great-great-grandchildren would wonder if she really dressed that way in everyday life.  :)

Shades of Gray

I arrived early to the Neville Museum last week, excited to face another afternoon of painting a portrait from life. I set up my easel and put paints on my palette as I waited for my model to get there. When she did, she looked at the palette and said "What are all those colors doing there?" I started to explain that those are the colors I use in painting portraits. She stopped me and said, "I thought you were going to paint me in black and white." You were serious??? I hadn't done a monochromatic portrait in a long time. The work is entirely about value, not color. It took me about an hour to start to feel like I was getting somewhere. Working in one color is really a challenge! I encourage my artist friends to do it every once in a while.

The Eyes Have It

The old saying, "the eyes are the windows to the soul," holds a lot of weight for me when I'm working on a portrait. A person's eyes are so revealing, but can be very mysterious too. The eyes are often one of the first things I work on when starting a portrait because it sets the tone for the rest of the work. I probably shouldn't admit this, but on occasion I imagine the painting winked at me to let me know that I'm on the right track. (My creative mind is so active when I paint!) I've been so fortunate to have good friends and family to provide many opportunities to hone my skills at painting from life during my time as artist-in-residence at the Neville Public Museum. I'm already past the half-way mark of my work there. If you're in the area, please come and watch me paint on a Tuesday afternoon until the end of October. Or, better yet, volunteer to be one of my victims, er, models. (hee-hee) I have a line-up of people scheduled to sit for me there so please send a message letting me know what days you're available and I'll try to work it into my schedule.

Painting from Life

I've been blessed to have a variety of volunteers who are willing and able to sit for me at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI during my time as artist-in-residence on Tuesday afternoons. I paint much more quickly when I'm able to do it with a live model or in the open air, as in landscape painting (plein air). The paintings shown here were completed in about 4 hours. Painting from life puts the color and atmospheric conditions right in front of me. I don't have to second guess what a photograph is telling me to interpret. But painting from life also gives me the much-needed practice of seeing the reality that allows me to get a stronger interpretation of what I'm seeing in a photograph when I have to paint from a printed image or from my computer screen.

When I first decided to pursue portraiture, I began by taking week-long workshops with established portrait and figurative artists. In the first workshop I attended, the artist told me that I would have to paint 200 portraits from life before I would begin to feel like I was making progress. If that didn't discourage me, nothing will! I still have a few openings left in September and October if you have the time and are interested in sitting for me at the museum on a Tuesday afternoon.

Milwaukee Domes Arts Festival

I'll be showing my work and plein air painting this Friday-Sunday at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy Domes, aka The Milwaukee Domes. This will be my third year at this well-run arts festival. It's a beautiful venue, and there are many talented artists and musicians there. For more information check out their website at http://www.milwaukeedomesartfestival.com/. Shown here is one of many paintings that I recently finished. Come out and see them for yourself!

In honor of Alphonse Mucha

This painting only resembles the work of Mucha in the way I've handled the background. I had every intention of creating a Mucha-like image, but as I progressed, I didn't want to lose the likeness of my lovely model. So this will go on the books as an experiment. I hope to be able to view the Mucha exhibit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before it closes. Perhaps I'll be newly inspired!  http://www.muchafoundation.org/exhibitions/current-future-exhibitions/exhibition/alphonse-mucha-inspirations-of-art-nouveau 

Dressed to the Nines

A few minor tweaks, and voila! As promised here is the final painting of Bonnie from this week's effort at the Neville Public Museum. I'm happy to have several weeks in a row of live models offering to sit for me at the museum. My niece will be there next week (Aug 14), and my sister on Aug 21. If you are interested in sitting for a few hours on a Tuesday afternoon, please contact me. I paint every Tuesday afternoon as artist-in-residence until the end of October.

Painting a Victorian Lady

This is the result of my efforts today at the Neville Public Museum. If you are new to my blog, I was given the opportunity to paint there as artist-in-residence every Tuesday afternoon until the end of October. I am so blessed to have supportive friends who are willing to sit for me as I paint and talk to visitors. And just as blessed to have friends come there to support my efforts. I'll be "tweaking" this painting a bit, and will post the final image soon!

Pick Me!

I painted these sunflowers last week during my time as artist-in-residence at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, WI. It's completely palette knife painted, with paint so thick I was worried about getting it to my vehicle, let alone all the way home. The actual size of this piece is 30 x 36.  Despite what preconceptions you may have, the life of an artist is never easy. I have my highs and lows, as everyone does. I'm always thankful for the little "joys" that come my way that remind me to keep trying. I've grown dramatically in recent months, and will be forever grateful to my mentors and friends who have been so encouraging. And, of course, to God, for this gift. I'm painting more than ever, and I see development in every piece I finish. But times are tough. And not only for me, but for many artists I know and love. To all the established artists who are able to make a living doing what they love, I salute you! I'm selling more art than ever, but with my husband's unexpected unemployment and both of us now trying to make it as artists, an uncertain income is difficult to get used to. As I try to consider a closing line, I think of all the people who need prayers now. I've been so fortunate. Please take a moment of silence for all who are hurting or in need.