Changes........

My melancholy somewhat continues for the old house. My head knows it was the best decision, but my heart still wonders what if............ I am hoping we will finally get plans for the new place stamped, sealed, and delivered again today.
We picked up the plans on Christmas eve, and looked at them over the weekend. I delivered them to the city on Monday December 28th in hopes of getting a permit in the new year. I got a call December 30th from the inspector telling me that the plans were not properly stamped. I called the surveyor, told him of the problem and drove to Fairhope to pick up and deliver the plans and hopefully get them taken care of by the structural engineer. I then went over to the property and moved a ton of concrete rubble in hopes of making the mud pit by the shop easier to drive on!
I had plans to meet with a new AC man (ours is retiring and has no license in Fairhope). Our meeting was at 10 am. He called me at 9:45 and told me he was caught up in traffic and might be a little late. I was impressed that he took the time to call and keep me informed of his arrival. He did not know I was working at the property and really had no where else to go! I like him a lot~I think he will be easy to work with as he took the time to come up with a creative solution to putting in the vents for the house. He then told me he would work up a price and fax it to me by tomorrow. I had the estimate by that afternoon!
I continued working on the concrete until the rain ran me off at about 12:30. Back to Mobile, to work on mural mosaic pieces for the new bathroom. I am quite pleased with how the mural work is progressing! The first time I did mural work, I did it with regular ceramic tile cracking it into buckets for hours while the kids were at dance and baseball. Time flies by and mural work is so much easier working on a flat surface and with beautiful Italian glass I have been hoarding for about 14 years after I bought it!
This post was supposed to be on the house blog! NOW I can't figure out how to switch it over!

A Robin for Robin

One of our great customers at Paint and Pals requested this little guy. Several weeks back I had posted three bird paintings on the blog and this client requested a robin. Here he is in all his splendor, perched atop a vase full of dogwood blossoms. This painting is in Oil and was delightful to create. I had the vase painted from a previous USA class and added the bird and blossoms to show my students how to use their vase paintings.
Thanks Robin for the suggestion!
"A Robin for Robin" 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas Panel $125.00

King of the Keys

Everyone loves a Macaw! While I don't own one, I have friends that own several birds and I may have to photograph them for the Pet Portrait Show. I photographed this guy while on vacation in the Florida Keys. I can't wait to go back and Chris and I are planning a trip early next year. I painted him while guess where? People love to watch artists at work and I enjoy talking with them about their pets or stories of their past.
I had a friend send me something a while back. Heaven is the place where all the dogs you've ever had come to greet you. One can only hope that all the creatures we are blessed with in our lives come to greet us in heaven. I know my heaven will be crowded indeed with dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, snakes, and birds of all kinds that I used to rescue in the spring while growing up.
"King of the Keys" Watercolor 11 x 14 $65.00

Trixie Portrait

Trixie is our Double Dapple Dachshund and this portrait is of her as a puppy. She was following around the other dachshunds we have as they ran down the stairs of the gazebo. She still was a little frightened to attempt this trick and became frustrated. After several attempts to muster up her courage, she let out a big sigh and plopped down on the deck while I snapped the picture. I painted this picture while at the festival (are you seeing a trend here?) Several people asked how much for a portrait and I handed out lots of cards. If the portraits pan out, maybe the shrimp festival won't be a complete disappointment.
I am creating pet portraits for the upcoming show at Cathedral Square Gallery in November. I have done several pet portraits,but they are always for clients and I never get a good picture. Consequently, I am painting lots of animals for our show. My focus may be primarily on Dachshunds as they are what I own and are familiar with. I have access to a JR Terrier as well as chihuahuas. All are fun to paint!
Trixie Portrait (example only) watercolor 12 x 16 Not for sale
This size starts at $125.00 and up portraits can also be done in Oil or Acrylic

Shrimp Central

This set of shrimp was painted on bubble paper created during one of the watercolor workshops I have taught. Bubble painting never ceases to make adults giggle and fascinate children.
This year at the Shrimp Festival, I had several people ask how do you do that background? I have never had people ask this so many times before. I am always willing to educate and willingly told everyone that asked how to create the background how to do it. Painted on the second day of the Festival, Friday October 9th. People always love to watch and I don't mind them asking questions while I am painting.
"Shrimp Central" watercolor 12 x 16 $65.00

Come to me my Pretty!

Today is the beginning of the second 100 days.
100 Days~100 Paintings Two!
I painted this at the National Shrimp Festival while awaiting customers at my booth on Thursday October 8th. The Shrimp Festival was a disappointment this year because the crowds were much smaller than expected. I have been to this festival 2 years before and there were times that you could not see across the walkway. This year, there was not one time that I observed this amount of people. Every day the complaint was the same, it is so hot! The heat index on Thursday alone was 107. Very few people were purchasing anything as well. This show is traditionally the biggest one I go to as far as income is concerned but not this year. I will still continue to paint every day as it has made me a better painter as well as a happier artist!
Come to me my Pretty! Watercolor 12 x 16 $65.00

"Rescued and Released"

100 Days~100 Paintings!
I still cannot believe I actually undertook this challenge and completed it! The painting a day has been interesting at best, frustrating at it's worst. All in all, I am quite pleased with the series that has taken me from July to the present.

I know that I will keep painting because the response to the painting a day challenge has been terrific! I have had at least three other artists talk to me about why should they do this type of project. People are buying the paintings as well! to date I have sold no less than 10 of them with 2~4 more pending!

My goals were all met, I am friendlier with my computer, my digital camera, downloading and importing, being able to price reasonably, blogging, and most of all Painting! I am making faster decisions and doing more with less paint and time. The downloading process has gotten faster as well, When I began, it took me over an hour to photograph, download, edit, import, and blog. The whole process is now down to about 20 minutes!

I really wish to thanks my beloved husband of 30 plus years for supporting this project and offering additional challenges along the way! Many was the night he went to bed with me either finishing a painting or in the process of blogging. I also want to thank those of you that are not registered followers for commenting along the way. To my registered followers, many thanks as well! Your comments and encouragement have kept me going to the finish line frenzy! To those who started the inspiration with their own blogs a deep and respectful Thanks!

The next few days find us at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I will be painting at the festival of that I am certain. Someone asked me recently if I ever slow down. There are so many paintings in my head I doubt I will ever be able to paint them all!

"Rescued and Released" 16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas $125.00

Next up, I don't quite know at this moment. I only know that I have enjoyed the journey and I will continue with a painting a day....................

"Denizen of the Deep"

This marks number 99 of the 100 days paintings. I have received many requests for a shark so here is "Denizen of the Deep". I always enjoy blues and greens in my paintings, I feel really relaxed when painting deep water. I still can remember as a child going over the edge of a reef and being fascinated by all the creatures in and amongst the coral. It seems to me that I also remember my mother being very nervous, much like Nemo's father when he went close to the edge. The sharks always received a deep respect from my mother, especially the black tips and their unpredictability. For this reason, she would never night dive with my father and she always chain smoked while waiting for him to return with the other divers.
I miss the deep water and it's beautiful rich blue. I never dove down into it, I only saw it from the surface because that is where I stayed not knowing how to dive.
"Denizen of the Deep" 16 x 20 Acrylic $125.00

Not just another Crab

I painted this one while at the Ohr Fall Festival of the Arts in Biloxi Mississippi. This beauty is in Watercolor and a bubble background. It measures about 11 x 15 and will mat out to a 16 x 20
We leave tomorrow for the National Shrimp Festival by then, I hopefully will have finished number 99 and 100!
This painting marks number 98 of the 100 days. Yes it really is number 98! Wow!
"Not just another Crab"
Watercolor $ 65.00

One Shrimp,Two Shrimp

Can you tell I am getting in a shrimply place of mind? We leave for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores Alabama tomorrow. I would like to leave today, but this gives us more time to pack, frame, load, wash, and get ready for the next journey. The National Shrimp Festival is from 9~5 Thursday through Sunday. I sincerely hope the weather holds out so that people will come! Thursday and Friday are considered "local" days and the crowds are lighter. Maybe I'll see you there!

"Porch Swing" Paint and Pals

Last Thursday I was able to help out with a fundraiser for the Court Appointed Child advocacy. We had several ladies that painted the swing and a lot were first timers. People really seem to enjoy painting with us and we really make an effort to not let anyone leave with a painting they are not happy with! Lots of food, fun, and fundraising!

"Bama" A Paint And Pals Original

Yet another in the series of mascots offered at Paint and Pals. Just like "Tiger" these won't be offered until the November calendar. She is really fun to paint!
I am so grateful to be able to make a living doing what I love! Thanks to all who have helped me on my "journey". The best is yet to come!

"Tiger" A Paint and Pals Original

I hope everyone enjoys painting Tiger as much as I did. Our Paintings at Paint and Pals are fun and easy to create. Tiger may not be available until November on our website because the October Calender has already gone out. I am going to talk with Alexis about people being able to pre-sign up for the Tiger and Bama night. We will probably also develop a cat version for you cat lovers out there! I hope to have the Bama dog up soon as well. She is already painted (last Thursday night)but I still have to photograph her.

NEMO!

I can usually tell when a small child is in the booth. I may not see them because I am in the back but I will hear the cry of NEMO! I always hang my one clownfish painting at a childs eye level. Now I will have two clownfish paintings. I have heard NEMO so much that is what I decided to name these little guys. I have also developed a card to hand to children when they find NEMO. I hope they like the card with a picture of clownfish. I know I enjoy the children finding him in my booth!
NEMO! 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord $ 95.00

Bahia Honda~Florida Keys

Bahia Honda was a beautiful place to stay and I look forward to going there again. Chris and I are going again in the beginning of next year just like we did this year. We are supposed to be going with friends, but I don't know if they will make it. We need to make reservations now! The snowbirds are coming in and they take all the campsites and rentals up quickly.
Bahia Honda~Florida Keys Watercolor
11 x 14 $ 65.00

Palm Trees a Plenty!

More inspirations from trees! I have already sold the backlit palms with the variegated backgrounds Tequila Sunrise 1 & 2 at the Pensacola show. These are a bit more realistic. I have put them in a common frame that I dry brushed with copper acrylic. They really look nice and I look forward to seeing them together at the Shrimp Festival.
Palms Trees a Plenty 1 & 2
Oil 12 x 16
$95.00 each or Pair for $ 175.00

Palm tree inspirations

I have always enjoyed the beauty of palms and their fronds. Maybe it goes back to the Philippines and the island atmosphere. I was struck on the second morning of the Pensacola show by the light hitting the palm tree at the front of the hotel. I painted this at the show in between talking to people and sales. I can never sit still at a show as I am so active all the time that when I sit still I go to sleep! So I paint.
The one a day paintings are going great! I have already sold several and anticipate more going home with people at the later shows.
I was also approached by a couple out of Sarasota Florida about them possibly carrying my artwork. They seemed very excited to represent me to their companies but were concerned about the size of my runs. (150) I told them we could change the size and make the run whatever they needed. Me and wholesale art going nationwide. Hmmmm.....
More on this later.
Palm tree inspirations Watercolor approx. 11 x 14 $45.00

Crabs are here to stay

Time is getting away from me! Obviously, I have not been here for a while!
The Pensacola show was a terrible load-in and Out. I am a rule follower and the paperwork said it was a 3 pm check in. After fighting with the trailer, (I won of course) we headed off to Pensacola and the show in Seville Quarter. When we arrived, I have never seen such a jam up of cars, trucks, trailers, and hot sweaty people. (I found out later as I was trucking stuff in that some of the vendors had been there since 8 am! I normally don't sweat, but that load in had me dripping! We had to truck in all of the equipment. The police started pushing people to move their vehicles and I found an officer to tell him we had just arrived and the location of my vehicle at the end of the street. I also told him my parking pass was in the front windshield and my cell phone # was on it to reach me if he needed to do so. He looked dead at me and said, I wish everyone would do that! We finally finished loading in as the sun was setting and we could no longer see.
To those of you that check and read this blog Thanks! The shows are in full swing now and I am really enjoying them! The painting a day series has been very well received both for their beauty and pricing.
Crabs are here to stay Oil 12 x 16 $95.00

Morning Glory

This is the third in the bird series. I really enjoyed painting these little guys. This will take care of the Friday entry.
I hope to paint this weekend at the Seafood Festival in Pensacola.
Painting at the festivals is always an adventure because you never know if people are scared to talk to you while you are painting and they are watching. I can't tell you the number of times I have stopped painting and people have said "Oh no! I did not want to disturb you!' I assure you, dear readers I enjoy talking with everyone that comes into my booth and welcome each and every one of you! I make an effort to greet every person that comes into my booth. These shows are so big it is hard to decide on artwork and which booth to spend time in. I love it when people stop by and chat!
On that note, I wanted to tell you that I am so excited to report that I have new Giclee's to offer at the shows! Misty Waves, Headed for Home too!, Bonding, and Pelican Morning are all just gorgeous! I am looking forward to seeing the reactions to the 100 days~100 Paintings series.
Oh well, I am off to the backyard to pack, pack and pack! My goal this year of getting into a major show in Florida has come to pass!
Pensacola here we come!
"Morning Glory" 15 x 30 Acrylic on Canvas $ 195.00
Call if you want the whole set for better pricing.

Together Forever

This number two of the series of birds. I enjoy painting birds and these little beauties were no exception. They are so pretty flitting around with their quiet chirps. I have several at the new house in Fairhope. I will have to put out a feeder so they will stay when spring comes to nest in the Camellia bushes.
This painting takes care of today's entry in the 100 days.
"Together Forever" 10 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas $150.00

King of the Tulip tree

This painting was done for the Festival of flowers as part of the decorations for a booth in the vendors area. This one of a set of three and is painted in Acrylic.
Today we leave for the Pensacola Seafood Festival for set up. I am always eager to go to the shows, but with the economy and the weather both being uncertain, I am not holding my breath for huge sales. Normally, I consider a show that makes enough to cover the money I have already put out and a little extra to be successful.
My booth is on the outside edge so I will have to be extra certain to be careful in my choices for display of my work.
"King of the Tulip Tree" 10 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas $150.00

Shell Series together at last!

I promised a picture of this grouping a long time ago so here it is. They really look nice together, don't they? I don't anticipate holding on to these for all of these shows. The whole set is priced at less than $400.00.
Speaking of not holding on to paintings. I have to report a delightful experience at the Holiday show this past weekend. My friend Susan, had invited several of her family members to come to her showing at the Holiday place. I had several conversations with her family members and her cousin bought one of my prints as a birthday present for his wife. Later in the day I had the delightful experience of meeting two of Susan's aunts, they are both treasures and I can see why she loves them so much! Later that afternoon, One of her aunts came back and inquired about "The Last Gasp of Summer" August 8th. After some small negotiating, and size inquiry, she bought the piece! I am so happy to see it have a home where it will apparently be loved. Susan explained why she thinks that her aunt bought the piece, it probably reminds her of summers spent on the water and her sons as well. You never know what will strike a chord with people and speak to them on an emotional level.
I must go for now, the paint awaits!

Scallop

This is the last of the three paintings in the series. I painted these this summer before I started the 100 days and good thing too! I never realized just how much time is consumed with framing, matting, inventorying, bagging, pricing, packing, promoting and driving. I also scrubbed my display on Sunday, I did not realize how muddy it looked until I got it clean!
Speaking of driving, I am headed over to Jim Crampton today at Grapevine Graphics (251-928-5255 )to look at proofs for Giclees'. He is really awesome, cares about his work and is reasonably priced. He is just up the road from my new/old house in Fairhope and I am looking forward to working with him to get new prints up for the Pensacola Seafood Festival this weekend!
He will photograph, edit and print your images for sale (and I suspect, will also mat and bag them for you too!)
Because of his hard work, I hope to have Pensacola Lighthouse, Bonding (the whales), Headed for home too! (Shrimp Boat), Misty Waves (July 6th) and Pelican Morning (July 21st) all available for sale this weekend at the festival!
I am hoping and praying for good weather, setting up and breaking down in the rain is no picnic!
Scallop 10 x 10 Acrylic on canvas

Starfish

Wow! did not realize that the starfish was sideways until I put it on the blog! Is it me or is the program screwy again? I have learned so much these past weeks about my computer, my camera, and painting. It has been a great experience so far, with many lessons learned and mistakes made.
Are you keeping count? This makes day 84! I will still blog after the 100 days, I may also try to paint one a day still as well! The house is really chomping up my time between travel and just plain hard work! I know it will be worth it though, the house will be spectacular when we are finished!
Starfish 10 x 10 Acrylic on Canvas

Conch

I did not have a clue how hot the summer had become until I hung my show Friday for Art on Holiday. The colors in a particular group of paintings were extremely hot in temperature. Bright, warm, clear color is what a limited palette brings to me! I am looking forward to teaching the limited palette class, "Why wasn't I taught that!"at the Eastern Shore Art center starting next Monday, September 28th. You can use either oil or Acrylic as I am familiar with both. Class size is limited and it promises to be fun!
This is the first of three posts for today as I am playing catch up!
Conch 10 x 10 Acrylic on Canvas

I'm getting crabby too!

For some unknown reason, this picture is turned in my computer and edited, but won't show up in the correct direction! I am at my wits end, trying to figure this one out and I am getting crabby too! Hence the name of the picture.
I hear the rain dripping on the tin roof at my back door adding to my frustration and worry for this weekends show. I am hoping to be able to promote myself this weekend as well as present some really nice art (and maybe make some sales!)
While hanging the show yesterday, I realized just how much color I have pushed so far this summer. One of the walls in the tent is really rather 'Hot' with bold clear color!
Those of you that follow the blog may realize this, but wow! I did not until I saw so many of the 100 Days~100 Paintings together. I will try to post a photo to show what I mean. I also got to see the series of 9 shells hung together for the first time. They make a great presentation. I will be very surprised if they don't sell quickly!
I'm getting crabby too! 4 x 6 watercolor on board $15.00 set of four $50.00

S is for Starfish and Seahorse Too!

This is two more of the small watercolors in the series of four. Blogging is going to get harder now, the show circuit is heating up for the fall. Today, starts 5 weekends of shows, along with meetings for Daughters of the Nile, (2 this coming week alone), working on the house in Fairhope, and teaching a beginning Oil painting class, (Why wasn't I taught that?) at the Eastern shore Art center starting the last Monday in September. The weather is really becoming a problem as well, I am so sick of rain! It caused us to be way behind in our set up on Friday for the Art on Holiday show being held today and last night. I can only pray that the weather does not become so much of an issue that a fellow artist, Susan Howell does not have a rotten show her first time out!
S is for Starfish and Seahorse Too! 4 x 6 Watercolor on board

Starfish Bliss

Starfish and the sea, ahhhhhhhh. I think of nothing but relaxation when I think of the sea and the waves. This makes this summer more frustrating because I have not spent any time at the beach or even gone sailing. This is part of a group of four little paintings done in watercolor on watercolor board.
Starfish Bliss 4 x 6 Watercolor on Board $15.00
The whole set will be $50.00.

"The Standoff"

Who is going to let go first? I don't know do you? These crabs were fun as usual to paint.
This blog puts me on time for a change! I have also figured out how to print out the postings so I can have them for people to read at the shows. I just have to put them in a book. This painting is number 77! At least, I think it is! I am still enjoying the journey of painting, photographing, blogging, and figuring out new things to paint!
Who knew in this short amount of time so much would happen? The house is definitely putting a little pressure on me to continue with what I have started, but I know that some people are actually reading the blog and keeping up with my musings. I really appreciate those of you who read and aren't a "follower",I know you read them because you tell me you do! Thanks!
"The Standoff" Watercolor on Paper 15 x 20 SOLD

Salty~Paint & Pals

Salty is another of the Paint & Pals classes I have taught this week. I taught this class last night, Monday so it will count toward the Monday post. This finally catches me up again on my paintings towards the 100 Days~100 Paintings.
Salty 12 X 16 acrylic
Donated to Ginger Woechan's fundraiser for this weekend Saturday September 19th, 2009~6 pm until? I will be at the fundraiser at our "New"Mobile Paint & Pals location Picadilly Square this weekend after my show at the Holiday is done and packed up! This fundraiser promises to put the FUN in Fundraising!

Van Gogh's Cafe Scene~Paint & Pals

This is the other painting I worked on last Friday night.
Again, it was a great experience working with the group getting ready for a wedding the following month. Alexis, the owner of Paint & Pals, donated the canvas for both of the paintings .
Van Gogh's Cafe Scene~Paint & Pals 16 x 20 Acrylic
Donated to Ginger Woechan's Fundraiser this weekend.

Beach Umbrellas~Paint & Pals

Those who know me know that I work for Paint & Pals as one of their instructors. Last Friday, after working at the house in Fairhope, I made a frantic trip home to take a shower and run to the studio to teach for a bachelorette party. I had a really great time, and this painting is one of two I painted. It was an interesting experience, trying to keep two groups of women focused and painting. We still did not get out of there until 10:30!
Beach Umbrellas~Paint & Pals 16 x 20 Acrylic
donated to Ginger Woechan's fundraiser this weekend.

King of the Golf Cart

Chris and I were out bike riding during our Keys trip and found this gorgeous bird. I actually heard him before I saw him on a back road near a restaurant we were planning to eat dinner at that evening. I also found an Osprey with a nest high in a pine tree nearby.
This Blue Macaw was out just sitting on a golf cart munching on fruit it had been given for a snack. He was curious about us and I was certainly willing to photograph him.
Animals are one of my favorite things to paint because of their innocent qualities and ability to be natural while being photographed.
"King of the Golf Cart" 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord SOLD

Serenity

I am wishing I was feeling serene right now. I am 1 week away from 5 weekends of shows ranging from Biloxi, Mississippi to Pensacola, Florida. I am still trying to create one painting a day, work on the house in Fairhope and run our local Daughters of the Nile chapter (I am president this year, an office I never would have taken on 3 years ago if I knew what my art career would do!).
Fortunately, the first show is here in Mobile and basically just a small forerunner to the big ones to follow. It will be a chance to work the bugs out of the show, wrap my head around travel, camping, set ups, break downs, selling, calculating, inventorying, talking, promoting, packing, unpacking, framing, mats, cutting mats, etc. etc. etc.......
I am getting tired just thinking about it all.
This is the life I have chosen~the life of an artist and I love it!
Serenity 5 x 7 Oil on Canvas SOLD

Raspberry

This Raccoon shows how we felt after dealing with Government regulations. Because we will live in a 130 mph wind zone, we must have a roof that won't come off. DUH! The last thing I want during a major storm is to have my roof make a fast exit!
We have consulted with the Building Inspector for Fairhope (who by the way is great to work with!) He told me we needed a structural engineer to work up plans for the re~build. Keep in mind we still did not know if the building was sound enough to save. This week we contacted two engineers~one I don't think was happy that we were talking to another(I think he thought he had the job locked in!) They both told me the building was sound and the cracks I was concerned with were not going to be a problem. After getting engineering lessons from one, and much enthusiasm from the other, We are happily getting plans drawn up that use our original ideas to put a new block wall in back,(EXPANDING my studio by four feet! Hurrah!) We also will be putting a Porch all the way across the front of our little bungalow. This means we have all new construction to tie the roof on with!
This also means I am now in search of Masonry/Concrete workers. More phone calls...................
Raspberry 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord SOLD

Red Sky at Night~Sailors Delight

I don't know if you've heard the old saying, Red Sky at night~Sailors Delight.....Red Sky at Morning~Sailor take warning. This is such a good indicator of weather that all sailors remember this warning and take heed. While the photo is somewhat dark compared to the actual painting, the intensity and richness of color is really there. The sailboat paintings are really fun to paint and remind me of the sea.
I am working on the house tomorrow and meeting with structural engineers to determine if we can feasibly (and financially) save the little house. I really hope so, the structure would be heart breaking to tear down after all the work that the owner put into it so many years ago. Not to mention the solid week and 1/2 we have put into it ourselves cleaning it up! Anyway here's hoping for a red sky at night as far as the Raccoon Retreat goes!
Red Sky at Night~Sailors Delight 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas $125.00

Sunshine and Coffee

This is another painting started at the workshop in North Carolina. I really enjoyed painting it! There is a lot of texture on this one because we laid the paint on really thick at the end. The workshop was fun because in the latter part of the week we were bringing in items to paint and Chris and I found this honor box farmer with fresh vegetables and flowers. It was a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
By the way, if you have not seen the movie Julie Julia by all means go! It is a delightful tale of two women with their lives forever entwined. It has a lot about blogging worked into the movie,especially about the following that Julie gets during the blog.
Sunshine and Coffee~14 x 18 Oil on Linen

I'm a little Teapot!

This painting was fun to complete! It is another of the paintings started in a workshop to be finished at home. We averaged two paintings a day for a week and boy was it intense! I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop although I did not agree with her color choices. I am fiercely adamant about using non~fugitive colors and a limited palette. She had us using colors that I did not agree with but I tried them anyway (after checking to see if they were lightfast!) I still have some of them in a drawer in my studio and sometimes I drag them out in an attempt to use them up!
I'm a Little Teapot! 14 x 18 Oil on Linen

Ready for the Salad~Fruit, that is!

This painting was one I started while teaching a class at the Mobile Museum of Art in Oils. I am increasingly aware of the harm we are doing our environment so I have been trying to use what I have instead of purchasing more! I decided to finish it and put into the 100 Days~100 Paintings exhibit and blog. The new computer and I are friends now and I cruise along with a lot more ease than I used to be able to do! The new PC is also able to download from my flash in the front of the computer! I have not had a USB port that worked in a long, long time!
Ready for the Salad~Fruit that is!
11 x 14 Oil on Canvas

Dancer in "Quatrie`me Derrie`re, Pointe Tendue" from a drawing by Degas

I forgot the last dancer! This was number six of the series. I will have them framed at the Art on Holiday show September 18th and 19th. The show is behind Holiday Place on Old Shell Road. I will have several new pieces there for the first time. Friday night is a show to benefit Penelope House and tickets are $25.00. Saturday is from 10 until 5pm and is free. Come see the new works in person that are part of the 100 days~100 paintings! Dancer in "Quatrie`me Derrie`re, Pointe Tendue" From a drawing by Degas 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord.

Wish I was here!

We began restoring the house in earnest this past week so getting to the easel and my blog has been impossible at best. This painting is part of a series of boats and sunsets I plan to do in the coming days. I am doing a 4 day "catch up blog" tonight!
Sometimes we all want to run away from life in general and enjoy the peace and quiet. My husband and I have spent time away on a boat and it is indeed peaceful and serene. I don't know if I could live in such close confines though, there is nowhere to paint!
Wish I was here! 16 x 20 Oil on canvas

Standing Dancer, Seen from Behind~from a drawing by Degas

These little paintings are just fun! I am enjoying the paint and the subject matter. It makes me remember the many hours spent waiting for the children to get out of dance classes. During recital practice we were there 7 days a week! Fond memories and Jessica got her first job because of dance. She toured for two summers with Children's Musical Theater. I even performed for them one week while they were waiting for a new actress to come in from out of town.
Standing Dancer, Seen from Behind~from a drawing by Degas 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

"Porte de Bras" Dancer seen from behind~from a drawing by Degas

What a day! Long and tiring, trip to Fairhope to work on the house, pay for a dumpster dropped off and commit to getting the property surveyed. Myself, my son, Jere' and another young man by the name of Taylor tore down ceilings, insulation, cabinets, and closets for 6 hours. We are all dreading the bathroom~the tub is full of black water! We've run out of contractors bags, ~we have used 50 so far, and by the end of the day, we are stumbling tired, but happy with the progress. The house seems larger without the garbage and furniture in it taking so much space. I came home this afternoon and got a shower to get ready to teach here at the house. Class went smoothly, and I got to finish this painting within the hour.
"Porte de Bras" Dancer seen from behind~from a drawing by Degas 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

"Ronds de Jambe 'a Terre" at the Barre from a drawing by Degas

Another pretty little painting and the downloading is getting easier again. I had to learn a new program on the computer when I replaced it last night! What a delight to paint again! I have missed it so much these past few days!
"Ronds de Jambe 'a Terre" at the Barre
from a drawing by Degas 8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord $75.00

"Battements" on the toes at the Barre from a drawing by Degas

This young girl was fun to paint. After being away from the easel and behind a hammer for a couple of days, my hands are adjusting to painting. Just call me a general "Factotum" ~someone used in a household, small business etc. for jobs of many kinds. Funny how words like that stick with you from childhood.
"Battements" on the Toes at the Barre~from a drawing by Degas
8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord $75.00

Seated Dancer. Melina Darde from a drawing by Degas

Today will be catch up day I guess. Between the computer dying, the house in Fairhope, and teaching for Paint and Pals, I have not blogged or painted for four straight days! I was getting grumpy too! We worked hard at the house in Fairhope and still don't know if we can save it. We need to find an engineer to draw plans for the roof so we can come up to code.
From a drawing by Degas~Seated Dancer. Melina Darde
8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord $75.00

Paint & Pals Ballerina

I taught yesterday at Paint and Pals Studio. I absolutely love the new place located near Buffalo Wild Wings on Airport Blvd. in the Picadilly Square. I was helping with two girls that wanted to paint this little ballerina for themselves. Ginger Woechan designed this precious painting especially for Paint and Pals and it is rapidly becoming a favorite. I f you want to paint one, call Alexis at 251-654-2313 to save your spot. I had such a ball that I got inspired to paint some Degas's Ballerinas from his drawings. This one is 11 x 14 Acrylic on Canvas. Isn't she just so sweet!
This past week has been rather hectic, hence I have not blogged since Thursday! I also had to purchase a new computer because the old one absolutely gave up the ghost. Oh well, hopefully the Racoon Retreat won't get in the way as well. By the way, if you have been keeping up, the house in Fairhope was ours as of 10:15 Friday morning!