Reminiscing...

#1  Rendering of "Out of the Blue"  Acrylic

#2  Rendering of the bridge over Bode River,  West Germany   Acrylic

Trying to find inspiration, I recently started thinking about when I began painting.  My first two paintings were renderings of other artists works, taken from books.  But I had such fun doing them that I was hooked.  I quickly moved on to painting my own subjects, either from photographs or, preferably, from life.

Not having ever painted, I thought perhaps I could try decorative painting on furniture.  I found an instructor in acrylic painting and signed up for a four-week class.  When I arrived at the class, she put a canvas in front of me and told me to choose a painting from one of her books and do a rendering.  Not expecting this, I explained that I thought I would be learning decorative painting, and she explained that she taught fine art.  Fortunately, I decided to stay and give it a try.

My very first painting was the rendering of "Out of the Blue" which is in a lovely book by Carolyn Blish.  I had admired her art for many years, and felt honored to be doing a rendering of one of her paintings.

My second painting was taken from a book on How to Draw and Paint Beautiful Landscapes/2 by Walter Foster.  Believe me, it was a challenge getting the atmospheric effects correct and painting the rocks accurately.

Then my four classes were over and I was on my own.  I have since experimented with various media and different styles of painting.  I enjoy the process of learning and playing with color.  It's truly a journey.

Thinking of Spring

"The Garden"  Oil

It is such a lovely day today...February 29 and it's 70 degrees in Brunswick, Ohio!  I've been enjoying the weather, but just received an email from my sister-in-law, from California, saying that we are under a tornado watch...in February!  I think I'll just continue to enjoy the weather and look ahead to the blooming flowers, and plein air painting. 

Happy New Year!

"Winston"  Watercolor

Our beloved Winston!  Winston is 16-years-old and is just as happy and spirited today as he was when the photo for this painting was taken, several years ago.  Truly a loving and gentle soul, he brings sunshine into our lives every day.

Season's Greetings!

"Poinsettias"  Watercolor

Tying up Loose Ends...

"Behind the Gazebo"  Pastel

"Reflecting"  Pastel

"On the Edge"  Pastel

"Camouflage"  Pastel

We just finished having our kitchen remodeled and while the work was being done, I spent a lot of time in my studio finishing paintings that I started on location, but had never finished.

River Styx Park

"Into the Woods"  Watercolor

Last Wednesday was this season's first meeting of Art at the Center Painting Group.  Working from a photograph I had taken some time ago at River Styx Park in Medina County, I painted my interpretation of the area.  After finishing, I was less than happy with the outcome, but it is much improved with some creative cropping suggested by a painter friend.

Albert Handell workshop...long overdue!!!

"Trees"  Pastel by Albert Handell

In September, I had the privilege of attending a six-day pastel/oil workshop with Albert Handell.  Eighteen artists gathered each day to watch as Albert worked his magic.  Albert sold every painting he did at the workshop that week!  Although I was unable to participate in the on-location part of the workshop each day, I did paint at home and have included one of the paintings  in this post.  Bet'cha won't have any trouble figuring out which one it is!

Albert and me.  Yep, I bought it!

Albert's sky demo

Albert painting

"Out in My Own Backyard"  Pastel by Yours Truly

Two workshops, two paintings!

"North Park Saturday"  Pastel

Collage, Mel Grunau workshop

Brunswick Art Works recently offered two excellent workshops.  The first was a Charles Basham, plein air landscape workshop at North Park in Brunswick, followed the next week by a Mel Grunau collage workshop at the Brunswick Recreation Center.  Great fun!

Still Life

"Tulips on Thursday"  Pastel

I had fun with this one!

A Good Day!

"Lake Medina"  Pastel (sold)

 This was one of those days when it just really felt good to be out there painting. 

One more time...

"Allardale III"  Oil

 Yet another painting of Allardale Park in Medina County.  I am so drawn to this park, to the beauty, the serenity, and the infinite opportunities for paintings.

Old Friends

"Old Friends"  Watercolor

This painting was begun at Art at the Center and finished at Fred's workshop.  Thanks to Fred for offering a few suggestions that helped make this work.

Fred Graff Chandler Farm workshop

"Posing Posies"  Watercolor

"The Shed"  Watercolor on Yupo

"Ladders"  Watercolor

Three paintings I completed at the Fred Graff workshop I attended recently at Chandler Farm.  A great experience, as usual.

Spring...it's official

"Springtime in the Park"  Oil

Now that it is officially spring, I'm just waiting for the weather to catch up!

Struggles...

"The Brass Chalice"  watercolor

I guess we all struggle... I've been struggling with one for some time.  I'm still not sure it's quite right, but I'm setting it aside for awhile and moving on to other things.

Just plain fun!

Watercolor on massa paper

At yesterday's painting session, I was introduced to massa paper.  Never having heard of it, I was intrigued and decided to try it.  It is really neat to paint on because of all the texture and I'm looking forward to trying it with flowers and other subjects.  Yep, it's just plain fun!

Marie's Cafe

"Narcissus"  Encaustic

For the month's of February through April, Bill and I are exhibiting our artwork at Marie's Cafe along with Katra Peck.  Marie's Cafe is a charming little restaurant located on the North side of historic Medina Square.  Locals frequent the restaurant to enjoy the creative menu of owner Brian Hillberg.  It is worth a trip down to Medina to enjoy lunch or breakfast at Marie's.  Oh, and don't forget to take a look at the art that is exhibited on the walls of the restaurant...all the way down the back hall.

I decided to submit only encaustic paintings for this show, with "Narcissus," posted above, being one of them.

Another Opening, Another Show!

"By the Side of the Road"  Oil

Excitement was high for today's opening reception for the Medina County Art League's 7th Annual Aquarius Exhibition (despite the snow).  The quality of the art was outstanding and I was thrilled to win an Honorable Mention for my oil painting, "By the Side of the Road."  This painting was done on location in Fortier Park in North Olmsted.  I struggled with just about every aspect of it, and was about to toss it when I remembered words of wisdom from one of my painting friends:  "If it's not working, scrape it off!"  And, I did...which left an interesting background to set off the enhanced foreground flowers and grasses.

This exhibit is being held on the third floor of the Medina County District Library, 210 South Broadway, Medina.  It runs through February 25, 2011 and is open during library hours.  If you visit the show, you are invited to vote for your favorite piece of art, and the artist receiving the most votes by the end of the exhibit is awarded the People's Choice Award.

Timely...

"February"  Watercolor

As I looked outside at the weather this morning, I thought of this older painting of mine that seemed quite appropriate for today!

One view from Marblehead

"Marblehead Blues"  Colored Pencil

One of my rare attempts at colored pencil, this scene is overlooking Lake Erie near the Marblehead Lighthouse.

Another Encaustic

"From Above"  Encaustic

Encaustic painting has opened a new world for me.  It is very freeing, and I absolutely love experimenting with various ways of applying the wax, and maneuvering it around the surface to create interesting patterns.  This is one of my favorites because of the light, happy feel and, the vibrant colors, and of course, the textures.