An Artist's Journal

Lots of news that many already know but I'm excited to say we successfully moved our home and my studio to the Midwest. It is a new job for my husband and new vistas for me to paint! I was thrilled to complete a large commission in my former studio in Happy Valley, OR before having the sad job of dismantling that wonderful studio space.  I look forward to creating my next home studio.  For now I am making due in our rental space and finding lots of subjects of interest to put to canvas.  Travels have also interrupted my usual painting time but this all adds to my repertoire of photos, colors, and inspiration!

I miss my painting pals from Orgeon and am currently looking for any plein air painters in this IL area to paint outdoors (as weather permits). I have found an Art League in the nearby town of Ottawa in order to get to know local artists.  Still much to get used to and hope to keep adding to my blog as a journal of this experience.  My first entry is the painting above that I recently painted during a studio rental in Door County, WI.  The Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek, WI allows artists to rent space during the break between workshops.  There is also a wonderful art exhibit currently at their Guenzel Salon Gallery.  See details on their website.  

My recent studio paintings were done alongside art colleagues from WI. Many are part of the Cedarburg Artists' Guild in Cedarburg,WI.  It is so great to be reunited again.  The room we rented upstairs is called the "Garret" Room.  These artists have been painting together for years and have a current exhibit called "10x10 Paint, Color, Blend by the Garret Girls" at Plymouth Arts Center in Plymouth Wisconsin. Jan.25- March 29.  Check it out if you are in the area!

Door County is a vacation destination and a haven for art, artists, and galleries.  There is so much to see and do in every season so please check out the many websites you will find about this area.  It's also widely known for it's tasty tart and sweet cherries and cherry orchards thus my alla prima oil painting above entitled "The Door County Ten" 3x12, in honor of my friends.  What a fun time painting it too!  I'll be back...

Coping with Change

I chose to share a calm painting I did of the coast this year.  It gets me in the best mood to write today.  I have been concentrating on smaller studio works lately.  I could add a number of quotes dealing with the subject of change but for sake of brevity pictures will have to do.  Circumstances have brought on the necessity to sell our home we've loved so dearly which of course includes my wonderful studio space.  I have found it quite a challenge to be in my "zone" when the business of selling a house seems like a full time job in itself and includes scheduled Open Houses and last minute showings.  All necessary of course, but difficult just the same.  I'm missing the quiet concentration time which allows for the process of planning and executing a fine studio painting.  On a positive note it actually has been enlightening for me to evaluate my own process as a painter and I appreciate that new knowledge.

However, little consistency affects my normal routines and exercises which is another reason I have been short on blogging time and have had to forgo future painting events and shows not knowing if I will actually be in the NW to participate. I still enjoy exhibiting my current works at Aurora Gallery in Vancouver.

In the meantime, I would like to share our YouTube video developed by a photographer and our Realty company listed on the video.  It has been a fun professional relationship accomplishing this video.  It  feels like a collaborative work of art in itself.  For those of you familiar with artists and the art process you understand the amount of "stuff" artists accumulate in their surroundings to inspire and encourage creative works.  Knowing this you will appreciate all the work and time it took to clear clutter in order to make the house the main subject of the creative work produced!  Until more quiet painting times I'm enjoying other pieces of my art life that change requires; sorting through art magazines, files, reference photos, etc. For now I leave you with our temporary collaborative video and promises of more updates as my art life evolves...(any artists out there looking for a new home with the perfect studio space?) http://www.youtube.com/embed/IjOAyLW8eA4?rel=0

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

 

I love this message a friend shared with me today and am passing it along to all my blogging friends today.

 

Will leave you with your own thoughts and activities to celebrate the day that makes us aware we are not alone on this planet.

 

I for one have the opportunity to paint today so hope it adds some pizzazz rather than just "EH"

 

 

Also want to add a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who helped, visited, purchased, and/or otherwise enjoyed my Art Studio Sale with me last weekend. I appreciate each and everyone of you!

Congratulations to the winner of the painting "Moored for the Night" which was raffled at the sale.  The winner was notified Mon.
 

Studio Sale Invitation!

New Vision  +  Full Studio =  Buyer's Benefit

Studio Sale Invitation...

I am not a machine!

“Where the Spirit does not work with the hand there is no art”

-Leonardo da Vinci

How true this statement is to me. I had a period of time this past summer when I was not able to work at my art. Instead I dealt with a brush of another kind; Breast Cancer. It just came out of nowhere and hit me like a brick. Initially an entire team of health care professionals swooped in and guided my way through the process. After going through the necessary steps to rid the body, treat the body, and heal the body, the emotional impact of the experience surfaced. My life became a maze of scheduled surgeries, treatments, and procedures. Just as suddenly as the news was given to me, so too was the suddenness of a halt of activity. Next came a time to wait, to heal, to rest, to think. Later the follow up appointments once again. In the meantime; stillness, self talk, sleep, slow down, prayer, inner connections, peace, quiet, reflections, introspection, contemplation, meditation. This is where “Spirit” entered the picture-the bright side of this experience. Much simmered beneath the surface as I let that source guide me. Not a time for action. No outings, no blogging, no painting. But much learning no less. A lot of imagined brush strokes, dreams of colors and shapes different from my usual realism. Mental sketches of images that I was unfamiliar with but somehow felt calming to me and right. I did a lot of reading and guided imagery meditation in order to find meaning in what I was experiencing. Many thanks to my friends and family who supported me through this period of time.

A small gathering around Christmas made me realize how much I had missed my friends near and far which impacted my need to get back in the saddle again. But so like my “old self,” I immediately started explaining and apologizing to others about not painting, blogging, or keeping up with social media. A friend put his arm around my shoulders and said: “Pam, it’s OK, you are an Artist, you are NOT a Machine...it is a process to create.” What a heavy weight off my shoulders once again. All artists are different in their approach to their work. We are all affected by outside forces but each has a unique way of incorporating and utilizing what is happening inside. For me, the connection with my inner source or spirit was so necessary that it was worth the time to process the meaning of what life was throwing my way. I also learned that I don’t have to feel badly about taking time for myself or not having daily paintings to show for it. What I need to remember is that paintings don’t begin with the hand or the brush but rather the inner guidance of Spirit.

So however the Spirit moves me....

Looking For New Homes

As I look back at my last post I realize how time flies when you're having fun. Working in the studio makes time fly faster than seeing your children all grown up and wondering when that happened! Art works are like your family. You live with them all around you, some you know are ready to fly out the door, some still need a little 'tweaking' here and there, and others are so precious you don't want to part with them. But no holding back, my paintings are ready to find fresh new walls! That said, I have two concurrent solo shows in the Portland area to share with you.

Thanks to Providence Health and Services and Clackamas County Arts Alliance, I will be the exhibiting artist at Providence Milwaukie Hospital Gallery from Tues. Apr 19th through Tues. July 19th, 2011. Directions for the hospital can be found on the Providence site. The Hospital Gallery is in the first hallway on the right after entering the building from lot D. Hopefully you will enjoy the works as a visitor, patron or employee. I have heard so many good things about the gallery space from other artist friends and health care professionals.

I am also pleased to have been invited to exhibit at the beautiful new location for Dwell Realty at 5625 NE MLK Jr. Blvd in Portland. The offices have plenty of windows to enjoy an artistic view inside and out. As a participant in Portland's Last Thursday Art Event please consider this your invite to join in the festivities Thurs. April 28th at their new digs and enjoy music, snacks, beverages, fine art, and great company! The exhibit will be up through the end of May. Hope to see you there to celebrate with professional (and fun loving) owners, Tracy Hicks and Chris Guinn. Check out their Face book page. There you will find a descriptive post card announcing this event. You can also see fun photos from their grand opening party in the new neighborhood. Maybe my paintings will literally find NEW HOMES! With a few dozen works leaving my studio space, I am already enjoying the elbow room for working on larger canvases! So this is what an empty nest is all about.

As always I appreciate you taking the time to peruse my blog, events, and artworks on my website as well. The image above "Window Box Geraniums" is one of 14 art works at Providence Milwaukie. Click here for one of the images appearing at Dwell Realty.

Have an art filled month, a Happy Easter, and hopefully SUNNY SPRING WEATHER SOON!

Winds of Change or Where I want to be?

"You're always on your way somewhere. The key is: find a way to be happy wherever you now are on your way to where you really want to be."

--- Abraham (Excerpted from the workshop in Detroit, MI)

Having just returned from a fabulous family vacation this inspirational message arrived in my email in-box. I realize it has many levels of meaning but having just been basking on a tropical beach in Mexico for the first time in my life, I am honestly feeling like I WANT TO GO BACK! Especially looking ahead at our weather forecast in the NW. I felt so happy and warm on that beach, and the ocean was so clear and inviting...OK, but that was vacation. Back to reality!

You can compare the painting above that I did in the rain last spring across from the Woodburn Tulip Festival , and compare it to the photograph below that I took in Mexico last week. Which would you choose? Silly question. However, there is a lot to this message considering what is going on in our world today. For example one year ago I entitled my painting "Winds of Change". How could I have even dreamed of the current 'winds of change' in world news originating in Egypt, Libya, or even WI?? Look at what people are feeling and doing for the sake of freedom and happiness. It is exciting, exhilarating, and a little scary too. As an artist I feel so privileged to be able to create a work of art that can be beautiful and meaningful and inspired by any of these happenings; my feelings during vacation, my emotional reaction to world events, whatever. These could all influence my mood when I'm at the easel. At any given moment depending upon what is happening around me I may feel happiness, sadness, elation, fear, etc. But as the saying goes, life moves on and so do our emotions and reactions to the experiences around us. As an artist I want to be able to leave others with the joyful, warm feelings I love to experience. Like when I'm actually in the zone of creating a piece of art. It in itself makes me happy and that's a beautiful thing. I realize having taken a vacation recently I came home refreshed and renewed with such a light feeling that I want to savor it as long as possible. By visualizing it, reliving it and painting in that 'space' my paintings should in essence convey that same message to the viewer. So I decided to CHOOSE to paint that which makes me feel so. It seems while being in that mood other externals, like the news or politics, etc. seem less intense, serious, or morbid. I will see how long I can hang on to this 'vacation' space that I'm feeling now and try to carry it forward with me. After all, I'm "always on my way somewhere." On another level, it also means that even though I may be happy where I am now in my art process, I am still on my way to where I want to be! Great concept; rather than being disappointed with where I am (not far enough for that inner critique for instance) I can just remember I'm already on my way! To that next level? Of course, that's where I want to be! (Or maybe the next vacation? Better stick to my imagination there in order to keep it financially realistic!) After all artists have to have enough cash for those paints, canvases and frames that make us happy too.

PhotoshopPromo2.mov

I found this great offer on ScottBurdick's website today. It is a download all about using photoshop for artists. He gives some great tips and it is a video that is user friendly. It is only $20 which is affordable for most artists and covers a lot of options for creative use. Since we could always use more hints with technology I'm passing it on to others who might be interested. Have fun with your art photo references or sprucing up photos of your paintings. There are other offers for drawing lessons from artist Susan Lyon. It is a one talented husband/wife team! Check out the site.

"People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it's simply necessary to love."
-Claude Monet

I must agree with Monet. Even though I love analyzing and discussing artworks and enjoy critiques, when it comes right down to it I always ask myself, "do I really like it?" When it comes to my own artwork I also know I wouldn't have done it if I didn't care for the subject matter or couldn't relate to it. My truck painting entitled "I think I Can" was one I could easily relate to. I have entered it into the Mathew's Galleries CompeteArt2011 competition. When I saw this truck overloaded and tilting as it made its way over the hills between Joseph and Enterprise, OR I was inspired immediately to follow that truck! It was probably much to the dismay of my husband who was driving behind it for several photographs! However we can't always explain what trips our trigger when we see something we know we just have to paint. The way the sunlight was hitting the tops of the hay bales just right and the curve in the road with light and shadow sweeping down the hillside just lent itself to my excitement of getting home to paint it. Like Claude Monet I just Loved it. Maybe because it touched my inner child, my sense of humor, a lightness of being, or a need to find some joy in the moment. I know it flowed from my inner art soul as I painted it, silly as that may sound. Sometimes I take myself too seriously at the easel and forget to have fun during the process. This particular work helped me do just that. Please note that I would never compare my hay bales to Monet's haystacks (if you haven't seen them, look him up and see how many different versions he painted based on various light sources). I hope he had some fun with those studies too. In my last blog I was letting myself off the hook of perfectionism and now getting in touch with humor and fun. This is looking like a great start to 2011 wouldn't you say? By the way anyone who hasn't visited the show CompeteArt2011 really should get to the Mathew's gallery before Feb 16th to vote for their favorite piece. The prizes for artists are based on the public vote. Very ingenious. There are 75 local artist's works available for sale as well as the Mathew's Galleries' extensive collection of early American Artists, many from our area. A percentage of sales will also benefit FISH of Portland. So make February "Love Art Month" and remember to keep supporting the arts in 2011, we artists enjoy making a living almost as much as making art.

Ringing in the New Year

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in

Leonard Cohen

Happy New Year! Many people would be surprised I have quoted Leonard Cohen in the spirit of celebration and happiness. At times his works can impart a heavy message. Songs and poetry allow room for individual interpretation just as our visual art does. This verse speaks to me as I begin to look ahead in 2011. When I look back on my past works, not all turned out as I imagined they would when I first set my brush to the canvas. I get frustrated at times, even though intellectually I know I'm learning something from the experience. However, in the spirit of ringing in the New Year, I realize I should be celebrating each time I finish any painting. Why Not? Maybe it isn't perfect, maybe it has a little crack in it but isn't the bright side of that, as Leonard Cohen so brilliantly states, "that's how the light gets in?" Each work has its own uniqueness whether it followed my initial plan or not. The piece shown here is one of several small works (9x8) that a friend commissioned me to do last year. Her request started with a vision; several original oils inlaid on the front of an antique cabinet. We collaborated on subject matter but had no idea how it was all going to come together. One idea led to the next and eventually created something beautiful. I have decided to begin 2011 with that same outlook; taking one idea at a time, one piece at a time, each building upon the other. Not to form a perfect offering but to start ringing some bells with all that I've got. Celebrating the fact that any cracks I see are guiding me along my path. I feel lighter already. Do you hear the bells ringing?

It has been a busy art time since my last post. While I have a brief break in the action it is time to post some of the upcoming art activities in which I'm participating: The Wild Arts Festival is going on through tomorrow at Montgomery Park in NW Portland. A wonderful event supporting the Audubon Center. My 6x6 donation sold early this morning along with many others! It was very well attended with other wonderful artists who exhibit annually. Two of my favorites were Sue Allen and Robert Schlegel. I have a link to the exhibit on my website events.

I am participating in Art Media's 10x10 project "Think Outside the Box, Think Inside the Frame" which benefits a very worthwhile cause in our community, p:ear. A photo of my painting and information about this exhibit and p:ear can be found on my website by clicking on EVENTS.

The Caswell Gallery in Troutdale, OR is featuring an ongoing exhibit entitled "It's the Little Things" through the end of the year. The idea is to have pieces that appeal to Holiday Gift Giving at affordable prices. I have over 20 pieces in the show and will be present for the First Friday Art Walk event December 3rd. Everyone is invited to attend. As in November, there will be great food, wine, and music provided. Rip Caswell has his wonderful selection of bronzes displayed in this marvelous gallery space.

The Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, WA has my current work on display along with the featured artists for this month. I have a link for the gallery on my site.

I am also privileged to be invited as one of seven NW artists to display works at the Pittock Mansion's Holiday Exhibit this year. The painting above is one of the paintings on display which speaks to the theme "The Natural Beauty and Bounty of Oregon." An art friend, Celeste Bergin, has more information on her blog along with a list of the participating artists and their websites. This season is bright with original fine art everywhere for all to enjoy. Please feel welcome to join in the festivities and support the arts in our great NW.

Musing

I haven't found the time to blog lately. However, this is my favorite season for personal reflection, introspection, and contemplation. So I decided to share my thoughts today rather than keep them private. It seems a fitting time of year to take stock and count my blessings. I guess I get a jump on Thanksgiving Day this way. As an artist I look at the works I've created both en plein air and in my studio. Have I continued to challenge myself? I consider subject matter, technique, size, paint application, and all the other aspects of painting. But deeper still lies a voice that I need to stay in tuned to which reminds me of why I paint, what motivates me to get to the easel with the brush in my hand and joy in my heart. I may listen to music to set the mood, or choose a sunny day for the perfect scenario of light and shadow, but deep inside I'm looking for the beauty or essence of an object that speaks for itself as much it speaks to me. Daily interruptions, unpleasant circumstances, losses, health issues, all affect me. I tend to think I will have a better time to work on paintings as these things slow down or subside in my life. Then I realize this is my life. I realize my work has still been accomplished between and around all the craziness of this past year. I count the paintings I have accomplished along with my many blessings especially having the love of my husband and children. One special project has been a commission of several smaller oil paintings about 9x8 inches which will eventually be part of an antique cabinet belonging to a good friend of mine in the Midwest. I look forward to seeing it all put together. In the meantime I know she has been patient waiting for the final works. As I was communicating my progress recently she sent me the most beautiful response. It is a poem by Mary Oliver called "Messenger" which speaks to my musings of late. I share it with you here:

"My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird-
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?

Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect?
Let me keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,
which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.

The phoebe, the delphinium.
The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all ingredients are here,
which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body clothes,
a mouth with which to give shouts of joy
to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,
telling them all, over and over, how it is that we live forever.

Plein Air Events not to be missed

This view of Mt. Hood is from the WA side. In fact I painted it a couple of weeks ago overlooking Hood River where a plein air show is about to take place at the Columbia Art Gallery, the Pacific NW Plein Air 2010. I participated in the first event but for some reason the family in the Midwest seemed to come first thereafter. I was hoping to be a participant this year again but it wasn't meant to be. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise with all that has happened in my life of late. Funny how things have a way of working out the way they are meant to without us knowing the reasons why. I will start trusting in that more as time goes on. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to paint when and where I did ... and the weather was a bit warmer! Anyone remember the weather a couple of weeks ago? What a difference a day can make for our plein air painting experiences! I've been watching the blogs of a few fellow artists, Celeste and Eric Bowman among others. Each should give you a good indication of the event. I want to commend all my colleagues "in the field" for their talents and of course their fortitude this windy week in the Columbia Gorge. Hopefully many fellow artists and patrons will come out to support these wonderful painters and their testimony to the elements as they captured the essence of outdoor painting in the NW. I for one can't wait to see the results of their efforts!

If anyone should venture to Central OR this weekend and/or through the month of September there is another Plein Air Event at the Clearwater Gallery in Sisters, OR which hosts the Plein Air Painters of OR (PAPO) 3rd Annual Juried Exhibit 2010 called "Impressions of the Seasons" juried by Richard McKinley. An event I did participate in this month. It features over 40 works by artists from all over the state. The opening reception on Sat Sept 4th will surely be worth the journey! Enjoy the bountiful plein air paintings and activities available this season!

Our Daily Gift

I have been traveling this past month and have been reflecting on many things that have happened in such a short period of time. More than I could have imagined in terms of life and death involving both family and friends. The painting at left is entitled "Quiet Solitude" and it is good to go back to that moment now and remember how life seemed to me in that moment. My parents were so proud of my new career as an artist. They looked at it as a wonderful gift to be able to capture the beauty of an ordinary day with paints and brushes. It didn't matter to them if the paintings sold or not. I may not have understood how important that was for them at the time but I think I understand it a little better now. Having lost my dad who was one of my earliest influences, and a good art friend very recently, I realize what a gift each day can be. As an artist, I've been asking myself; Do we always have to look beyond what we have created and feel we have to make it better? Are we led to believe our work has no worth unless it won an award, sold for a great price, or that it has been given approval by others? I look back at this painting and remember this glorious week that I was asked to come along to Puget Sound to paint with a few artists who were in pursuit of kicking back and painting for fun. I had second thoughts knowing I had deadlines coming up but went along on a whim. I am so glad I did. Closer friendships were forged, I learned a lot, some of my best work was achieved on that trip, and I had FUN! There was no competition, no gallery to fill, no awards to achieve. We just painted for the sake of painting. It is a great memory that I will always cherish. Those memories are worth a lot in a lifetime. So, having a recent brush with life's uncertainty, I'd like to say to all my art friends, "yes, as professionals we need to work on our skills, but life's too short, let's not forget to occasionally have fun doing it too." For a recent example see Celeste's blog .

That said, another art friend asked if I could plug an upcoming plein air event in WA this coming week. It takes place on Whidbey Island. Yes there is a competition and yes, awards are involved but hey, think of it as a bonus. It isn't thee reason we paint...it doesn't change how and why we see what we see as artists...it doesn't determine what we want to capture on canvas. So...Go with your gift! OR maybe...go on a whim! Check out: http://www.pleinairopen.com/

With Gratitude

After months of Porltand's cool damp weather and indoor paining, a refreshing opportunity arose for some much needed R&R in the sun. Last week I was able to visit the Columbia Gorge with an art friend. We left our normal daily distractions behind and painted whatever suited us in the moment. Of course it wouldn't have been possible if not for some new friends who generously offered a couple of nights at their own respite. Our lodging was strategically located on the WA side of the Columbia across from Hood River, OR. The views were incredible and the weather was quite warm, 104 degrees as a matter of fact the last day of our visit. With grand vistas of the Gorge and Mt Hood just across from us, I still became captivated with this little vignette of a nearby home along the bluffs as the sun was moving westward along the river. I'm always intrigued by the movement of light as it sweeps across the landscape, kissing the tips of the foliage that reach up to greet the sun while the remainder awaits a more subtle embrace. The distant hills appeared cool yet a warm haze hung in the air mid morning warning of the heat index we would meet head on by noon. What a glorious reminder of what Mother Nature has to offer if we just reach out to greet her. It was a supreme treat to be permitted these moments of solitude: to be present, to observe, to listen, to capture shapes, patterns, and colors with paints and brushes and no other earthly responsibilities. I've come to the conclusion that while I want to think I capture a moment in time on canvas, it is the moment in time that captures me. I will always cherish this random gift from strangers who recognized an artist's longing for such an experience and generously and cheerfully provided it with open arms. With gratitude to J&D.

Things as the are

A wonderful person and fine artist, William (Bill) Reese left this earth recently. Bill was a 'salt of the earth' type of man and will be sorely missed in life and in the art world. You would recognize him if you happened to be in the same room with him. He would be at the center of the group of people having the most fun discussing art and sharing stories and gregarious laughter. What a generous soul and an inspirational painter. The last time I saw him he was at a large table at an OPA event in Kirkland, WA. Even with his oxygen flowing to aid his breathing he would be telling stories that made everyone else laugh until they were out of breath. He and his family welcomed strangers as if family. You may have been one of his many students over the years, shared some stories, or visited his website. In any case he is a memorable painter who lived up to his reputation as a fine artist. An API member, Susan Greaves who attended Bill's funeral shared the poem that he had requested be read at his service. Yesterday a good friend of mine was able to recite this poem from memory when I mentioned the title: "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted." I would like to share it with those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of hearing it. What a fitting tribute to one sitting in a golden chair....

When Earth's last picture is painted

And the tubes are twisted and dried,

When the oldest colors have faded

And the youngest critic has died,

We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it

Lie down for an eon or two

'Til the master of all good workmen

Shall put us to work anew.

And those that were good shall be happy.

They'll sit in a golden chair.

They'll splash at a ten league canvas

With brushes of comet's hair.

They'll find real saints to draw from,

Magdalene, Peter, and Paul.

They'll work for an age at a sitting

And never be tired at all.

And only the Master shall praise us.

And only the master shall blame.

And no one will work for money.

And no one will work for fame.

But each one for the joy of working,

And each, in his separate star,

Will draw the thing as he sees it

For the God of things as they are.

--Rudyard Kipling

The Artist Who Lived Twice

For those of you who love art and especially figurative work I hope you have been introduced to this fine artist from the past (ESJ). Elizabeth Sparhawk Jones lived to paint and after reading her story you will find out how she lived twice! Author Barbara Lehman Smith became interested in learning more about ESJ after stumbling upon her scrapbooks that were almost lost forever. You can read the circumstances that drew these two amazing women together across time. Barbara's book will be available this summer. Hopefully she will be visiting our area so please watch for announcements of her tour, book signings, or sign up for notifications on her website.

On a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago many years ago I stood in front of this very painting of "The Shoe Shop" (courtesy of AIC) by ESJ. I was mesmerized and wanted to know more about this artist. The museum gift shop had artist's images on everything from books to T-shirts but nothing with works from ESJ. Disappointed, I began my quest to find as much as I could about this artist who inspired me to pursue my own passion for painting. I did learn she was one of the early plein air artists (1889-1968) and part of a group of Urban Realists sometimes refered to as the "Ashcan School" since they painted outdoors, in streets and alleys of the city. The book covers her story as well as her friendships with other renowned artists of that time such as Marsden Hartley, Morton Schamberg, Charles Sheeler, and of course her reliance on William Merritt Chase during her studies with him. At the time I was searching the web there was very little information available. However, I discovered I was not alone in my search and touched base with many inspired artists looking for the whole story including author Barbara Lehman Smith. I am so grateful for her persistence to tell Elizabeth's story. As an artist I can relate to her struggle to find her own voice but in the strict social mores of the past it must have been significantly more difficult. Part of her story includes those family responsibilities she was expected to put before her own passions. Have any of you heard of this gifted artist who was christened by New York critics as its "find of the year" in 1908? You will be able to learn what transpired to allow her to become " ESJ: The Artist who lived twice". Her story is a wonderful reminder of the importance of listening to our own artist's voice.

Reflections on art and heart

In memory of "Survivor" special friend and art critic 1994-2010


I am back in my studio and have been reflecting on a wonderful painting trip with my API group. We had wild weather in CA but it was worth the challenge of high winds, cool temps, and frequent rain to be together to paint, share art news, and visit the many gorgeous locations both public and those privately arranged by our host. I'm sharing one of our views in nearby San Simeon which was one of my favorite spots. The photo at right is the 9x12 plein air painting I did on site. The photo below is the digital image I took for reference. I may or may not tweak the painting. I like to let it sit for awhile before deciding if it needs further work or if it will be a study for a larger piece later on. Lighting was never the same day to day so we took advantage of finding new locations frequently (there were so many choices!). Painting the crashing waves and rocks were a new challenge and very exciting to do alla prima. Many of those will be used as studies or color notes along with photo references. This was a memorable trip and proved to me how inspiring it is to be part of a talented group that takes their painting seriously but knows how to have fun in the process. You can check individual group members' works and accomplishments on the API link above.

It was a bittersweet return home when I learned my favorite pet had "hung on" for me to return in order to say good-bye after almost 16 years in our family. Appropriately named years ago by a small town newspaper after being rescued, "Survivor" has given and received lots of love from our family and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to others who have had to deal with such a loss. I have done a lot of reflecting since returning home, obviously not just in regard to painting. After hearing so many similar family, career, and health related stories this past month, I realize how much our life experiences impacts the heart of our art.

California Dream'n

I have been preparing for a painting road trip. It is almost here! It is exciting to be reuniting with members of API a very talented group of plein air painters from across the United States. Our destination is the coastal area near Cambria, CA. The painting to the left was done when we last met in this area. We were painting on the beach near Morro Bay but as I looked upward the sun was hitting the front of this beach house so brilliantly it captured my complete attention. The misty atmosphere was lifting along the tree line and masking the distant hillside. Soft ocean breezes were refreshing us as we painted in that liquid sunshine. Over the years stonger breezes have shaped these rugged trees giving the coastline its unique silhouette. There is as much variety in this landscape as there is in this multitalented API group. One of the events planned is an informal panel discussion by select API members in Paso Robles at Studios on the Park. The topic will be "Finding Your Voice" as artists, Friday April 23rd at 5 PM. It will be an inspiring evening complete with a reception for artists and guests. I am looking forward to the California sunshine and hope it follows me to my doorstep in Oregon. My return will be just in time for the Columbia Art & Agriculture Exhibit in Hood River, OR. I am hoping to be blogging during this trip and sharing some of my plein air adventures as time permits.

Getting in touch with my roots

I realize I haven't blogged for a bit. I took a little time off for celebrating a special occasion with family. Which got me thinking about my roots. But for the sake of time...I'll move right along to the canvas. Let's just say root vegetables are easier to visualize and understand sometimes than family. And where else would I find my root vegetables than at New Seasons . You're getting the picture now! Also by actually painting root vegetables I can dig into my topic tangibly. Sometimes the act of painting allows both sides of my brain to function simultaneously... One physically and the other subconsciously. I found this small 8x8 square canvas and thought I'd just see where it would take me. I've heard that a square canvas tends toward a more intimate composition or that the artist is taking an intimate look at their subject, something like that. I just happen to like that size for certain objects I am painting. The colors again that I chose to use were warm and the fresh beets; one red, and two golden led to the title: "Two Plus One". I couldn't believe how hard and heavy these three beets were when I carried them into my studio. They were difficult at first to arrange close together without them fighting for dominance in the composition. Yet while painting them with my juicy oils and soft brushes, they took on another look and feel to me. Quick strokes became slower, softer strokes, edges became blurred, some very interesting reflections surfaced from the table, and for some reason the blemishes on the surface seemed to also be an important part of the whole. All the imperfections, the hairy stubble, the remainders of the stems and leaves that were cut off before I purchased them, seemed to give each one its own identity and texture. As this painting emerged from my canvas I accepted it as it was. I kind of liked it just the way it was and didn't fuss over it. It is drying in the other room now and I'll leave it be until I feel like revisiting it again. Hmmmm.....maybe this painting session was a reflection on my own roots! If so it will be a continuing saga.