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...

Studio Sale Invitation!

New Vision  +  Full Studio =  Buyer's Benefit

Studio Sale Invitation...

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.

"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.

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/

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

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.

Kicking it up a notch

Sometimes timing is perfect...just when I was feeling like I needed a little punch in my work and a little nudge from above along comes the perfect workshop. The first instructor I sought when I moved to OR was an artist I admired, Eric Jacobsen. His oil landscapes were breathtaking to see first hand. At the time he was exhibiting and teaching through a gallery in Troutdale which later moved to the Pearl. Now through Art on the Boulevard in Vancouver, Eric is offering two still life classes in oils on Saturdays from 10-4PM. The next class will be Sat March 20th. Sign up if you have the chance. He has a gift for putting students at ease no matter what their level and to zero in on specific needs identified by each. It is so refreshing to have such a talented artist willing to share his knowledge and experience to anyone willing to learn. In the 4 hour class period he managed to demonstrate his own painting style, give an overall review of basics, share a wealth of resources, and guide each painter's abilities at their easel. He makes it fun to reach for the next level or as Emeril would call it "kicking it up a notch"! What a great shot in the arm for me to finish up my studio series before heading outdoors soon. For further information on Eric's workshops go to Celeste's Blog "Celeste Paints" or to "Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters" both on blogspot.com.

nostalgic moments

This past weekend was a health scare for someone very important to me and I began reflecting on some special shared moments together. In the fall of 2008 I was very lucky to be able to travel to Italy for painting and for a vacation with my husband. There were some magnificent landscapes in our favorite area of Tuscany that are so memorable but also city scenes that were so different from our day to day lives in the states. This rich variety of colors, textures, foreign sights and sounds, transported us into a dream world that seemed surreal. The cafe scene that I chose to share here was an incredible splash of color as we rounded a turn in the maze of streets in Venice. My camera did not do it justice but it is a vivid memory for me that I wanted to capture on canvas. Not just because of the autumn colors of the arbor foliage or the light and shadow that usually draws me into a scene, but more so the quiet early morning conversations among the locals who gathered there. Before the bustling crowds hit the piazza a simple cappuccino was sipped slowly and quietly; shared with a friend or loved one. I felt like we had come upon a private moment yet this was a public place which revolved around their daily routine so different from the one we left behind. I realized these were the moments cherished by my husband; the peaceful simplicity that we hope to find in our mornings when we reach retirement "someday". I recognized how precious this trip was for him as a vision for simply 'being' rather than always working, moving, doing. I have been able to find that in my second career as an artist and painter. He finds it in these quiet moments during our time away that he can dream about experiencing again when he leaves his first career behind. I look forward to that time for him too. This painting became a commission piece for friends of ours who frequently mention how much they love it and how it fits into their home and lifestyle. I not only agree but know as fellow travelers they have discovered this same value of quiet moments that enrich our lives and become dreams and nostalgic moments.

Milestone Day

Today is a milestone birthday for a friend of mine. I won't give away which birthday but this painting brings back an unforgettable day many years ago as if it were just yesterday. At the time I had just been accepted into the gallery. My FIRST gallery. Most people have heard about the heat and humidity of mid summer in the Midwest. This particular day was a scorcher. I was one of the artists invited to paint en plein air at her home. This was just one of the many beautiful window boxes that she tended. This lady has a green thumb and I wanted to do her proud! Of course in those days we had been out celebrating the night before. (Don't ask me why, it was a while ago.) I was feeling a bit "sluggish" while working in the direct sunlight but I really wanted to nail this one. Ever feel that pressure? It seemed I had no problem remembering to squint that day. With all the finesse I could muster I announced I would take a break in the shade. Things were just not coming together if you know what I mean. When I got back to my easel I found a cool drink, a little note of encouragement and a little packet of life savors which saved mine! That note was the thing that put the day into perspective. What a turn around for me to realize what art, painting, and friendship were all about. Having fun doing what you love to do no matter what the end result. Needless to say I still keep that painting around to remind me of that milestone for me and of of course today's birthday girl...Happy Birthday Blonde!