Living Artfully

This past week, I had a session with a private student. His wife wanted to gift him with a session for a special birthday. " Persimmons", oil, 9x12. As I often do with a beginning student, I suggested starting in oil, and I would set up a simple still life. This isn't the one I used, but it was this simple. I always like to have new students start off by working directly from life. I also know that taking out an inexperienced painter to work en plein air would be quite overwhelming. so, in the studio it was, and oils are a medium that most people are interested in trying; branching out to other media can come later. I suspected that my student was brand new to painting...and I was glad that I had planned to explain materials,  good use of brush, and getting the feel of the paint before even starting. I provided a small panel, and wrote pigment names, then had him paint spots of corresponding paint, and then more spots, using added white. We then proceeded to...

Over the paste several weeks, I have NOT been painting! This is after having done a couple of workshops, the Sedona Plein Air Festival, a private student, some plein air excursions,  and hosting an open studios tour at my workspace. Needless to say I was feeling a little burned out, and I took some time to catch up on home projects, my exercise routines, a lot of reading, course work ( I am taking an on line business course) , and other things that I had turned my attention away from. Yesterday I set up a still life, and completed the painting today, from life. It is what I like to do after a painting break, to get the juices flowing, and back in the saddle. It is different from plein air work in that in the studio, I am afforded a prolonged, sustained study with a focus that is not possible when I am out chasing light and shadow. Today, I went for a delightful ride with my husband to the top of Mingus mountain. Being out in nature has always been rejuvenating, and I ...

Today is Veteran's Day. I always think of my Dad, who served in WWII. When growing up, I never asked him what it was like during the war. He served in England, even spending one Christmas over there. He did tell us that a British family did invite him to spend the day, and he was always grateful for the warm invitation. A simple thank you to all who are serving, and who have served. We are grateful for your service. This painting is from the little town where I live, in Arizona. During major US holidays, there is a display of flags along main street, maintained and placed by volunteers. Happy Veteran's Day.

As a big part of my career, I have entered numerous exhibitions, juried shows and competitions. I have been very fortunate in winning my share of awards and prizes. This is a selection of ribbons that I keep in my studio, in a basket. I have always seen it as a way to gain exposure, publicity, and even cash awards and some sales over the years. When I started painting seriously, I entered local and regional shows. The acceptance and sometimes ribbons were a big help to my blossoming career ...and to my fragile confidence. The occasional awards became more frequent, and then I entered regional and national competitions. Since I lived in a rural area, and do now, I also felt that it was a way to reach a bigger market. When I relocated to Arizona, I actually got rid of a whole drawer full, and only kept a few. Since then , I have added many more  Certain organizations are considered prestigious, and I felt it was important to add those shows to my resume. It has se...