The assignment was straight forward, Ms. E wanted me to paint herself with her beloved dog Isaac.  I always ask the client about their pet; how they got them, the personality, etc.   It really helps me get the feeling of the pet and the relationship between the two.  Ms. E shared a very touching story about her "pet", which was much more than that simple word's general meaning.  

So basically, my job here was to paint the love between them, which was more than obvious.  

This makes my job both extremely simple yet amazingly complex.   And I loved every minute of it.

Hey gang, I hope you are having a wonderful day!  I am struggling greatly to keep myself on track, the weather is soo nice, I even have sheets on the line--in January?!  whoot whoot!  

I did manage to set up my new email with my FASO website and want you all to have it.   I managed to acquire a pretty simple one that'seasy to remember ....

[email protected]  

so if you want to ask about a current painting, classes, or questions at all, give me a jingle on my new line!

Now its time for me to get some sun!  In January?!  

Fall didn't last near long enough for my liking.  I tried making use of each day though, and I enjoyed seeing other's photos online of their excursions.  This painting was inspired by such a photo from someone from my hometown area.   In fact, I used to babysit her and her sisters!   She now has her own family and they were on the water one of those fine fall afternoons.  I am guessing its the Maquoketa river, but don't hold me to that.

I also was trying a new paper, Lux.  Its a sanded surface, very white and very flat.   It took my underpainting without a hitch.   The grit however is very aggressive, not my usual liking.  I won't mind using up the pack I bought but might not rush to get more.  

I also played with my old value markers, after some youtube surfing.   Good stuff over there.   Anyhow, I was making quick value studies using these and have found new joy in it.   I like the idea that I can get in some practice in just a few minutes with little effort, and it breaks the ideas down into the most basic of forms.   A form that holds strong at its most simplified image usually does well as a painting.    So when I worked with my friends image I was very excited to paint my vision of it.  

Good Day!   Our weather went from perfect to, for me, hot!   But I did manage to take in some of those fine days and do a couple for my series, 5 Miles from Home.   I did do some small pencil sketching also, but those were just 'notes' and sometimes I keep them to myself.   I am happy with both paintings though and feel like I'm not as rusty as last month.    I aim to paint a bit larger before I'm done with this, but I do love my mini kit and working small!   Its so immediate, and as anyone who knows me, I'm a bit lacking in patience!  
       



AND.....I am going to be teaching at 2 workshops coming up very soon!  

The first is in Bassett, NE on Sunday, June 14.    10 til 4, when we'll break for a final Q n A and possible critique. 

This class is geared towards those who've been or have worked in another medium but really would like to get a boost working with pastels.    I will show you a large amount of information, prepare to take notes!   Lots of hands on, some samples to try and personal help at each easel thru the day.  

******Pastel Jump Start, June 14,   10 am      at the Bassett Art Center, which is the Old Feed Store, Main Street.*****

We'll  go thru everything from brands, storage, papers and other surfaces;  then into framing, travel with pastels, safety tips and more.     This is NOT the class to run out and buy lots of new stuff, wait til after!   This is NOT the class that is for taking home a brilliant masterpiece, but instead, you'll have an arsenal of ideas and things to try to find your own voice.    

One day only!   There will be precautions for our current health issues, and class will be outdoors.   Restroom available.  A half hour lunch break will be around 12:30, bring your own or there is a possibility for the cafe down the street. (good eats!)  Come join in!!

I will announce the second workshop in an upcoming blog, so keep watchin!  

Last time I told you of my new plan, doing plein airs within the radius of 5 miles from my home.   There are a multitude of benefits in doing a series like this.     Usually there are a lot of lessons learned.    Already I have learned I really need to do some time management adjustments! 

I will tell you a secret....this time of year is one of the hardest to stay in the studio!  Its just so very nice outside right now, I can barely stay in for any time.   And I like a garden, so I've been doing lots of 'dirt work',  and other homesteady jobs. 

  Plein air is a major help to be out in these gorgeous days and still get a painting done.    I plan to use my garden for some works, and I'm having a grand time designing it with sketching in mind.

So my first month has already been a success, as I did manage these,  and I've learned what I need to work on.    These were all done in April, and now to get busy doing some work for May.    

Hello Everyone!   Early in the year I plan the summer/fall months for art events.  I had a really awesome plan for this year, and then IT happened.   This blasted virus has now smashed some plans, most noted is the plein air convention and it about broke my lil heart!!     The others may come around as they are later in the year but what for now??

I come up with ideas when I hike or ride.   Sometimes I'm even clever enough to write them down!   I post these on my studio wall, some later look pretty dorky, some stay up until the day its time to launch.   And here we are....

Since we're all suppose to be hanging close to home, and since I live where that's not a bad thing, I am going to launch my post-it idea of

                                                                                                "5 Miles from Home"

For the next year, starting today, I will make at least 1-2 paintings per month, from life only, with the perimeter of being only 5 miles or less from my home.  From my front door even!     It may be scenery or still life or from my garden or barnyard.    

So watch here and on my facebook pages, and see what I find "5 Miles from Home"   

Hello and welcome!  I've blogged before, but with my new website I am going to blog here now.   I like keeping it all in one spot, easy to work for both of us!   For openers I'll post this little piece I just finished the other day, of a place I like to go riding.   The farm is no longer inhabited, which is a shame, such a pretty view they have!   Its on those huge hills and I bet that made for some tough days working cattle in the lots....of which I didn't include in my painting.   Too fiddly and I only wanted to show the farm as a backdrop to those flowers, there were SO many!   They look like sunflowers, but smaller, and several per stem.  No idea what they are but I love their bright cheery colors.