CUPS and SAUCERS

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Recently I read a comment made by one of my favorite artists, Gwen Bell. She said that she posts her good paintings and her not so good paintings (although I have yet to see one!). I debated whether or not to post this. I decided that I would in hopes that I would get some honest critique. I chose to paint these cups and saucers to work on ellipses. My first couple of tries were wipe outs so I tried doing the diamond shape and connecting. Well, instead of roundness I painted squares. Yikes! Any comments on ellipses or anything else is VERY welcome.

BIG YELLOW TRUCK

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

This is my submission to Virtual Paintout. This month we are exploring the Canary Islands. I wanted to do something a little different from landscapes or seascapes. When I saw this yellow truck I knew it was for me. I can see some changes I would make, but overall I am pleased with it. This is really a great challenge and lots of fun. Bill Guffey is the host and he does a fantastic job. Thank you, Bill!!

CAROL MARINE'S WORKSHOP

Carol's 2nd day demo.

Carol's 3rd day demo.

Well, my 3 day workshop with Carol Marine is over. It was 3 days of learning, meeting new friends and having a great time! I am sooo excited about returning home and heading to the studio to paint, paint, paint!! If you ever have an opportunity to take Carol's workshop take it. She is amazing!

I apologize for my photographs of Carol's demo paintings. They certainly don't do them justice.

I may not be able to post for the next few days as WIFI comes and goes. But I will return - hopefully with a new and improved painting!!

CAROL MARINE'S WORKSHOP

Carol Marine

Carol's demo painting.

How lucky can one person be? I feel so fortunate to be able to attend Carol's workshop! Just in this one day I have learned so much and in a fun way. Carol simplifies information and is so organized. She is a gifted artist and a wonderful teacher!

BOARDING HOUSE BED

11x14 Oil on Stretched Canvas

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This was one of three beds in the sunroom of Thomas Wolfe's mother's boarding house located in Asheville, NC. This house was one of the most interesting historical homes that my sister, Julie, and I visited last fall on our annual trip. Thomas Wolfe had a very interesting family and life that began in Asheville. If you are ever in Asheville take some time to visit this yellow house and hear all the stories.

I will leave tomorrow for Jacksonville, FL to visit Julie and David, her husband. I will also be attending Carol Marine's workshop. :-) I hope to continue to blog while I am gone, but I never know where I can get WIFI. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

TRUMPET PLAYER

I am having problems painting something that is worth posting. My brush just sort of does its own thing and we are not in sync! This is a painting I did about two years ago. I was initially drawn to his red jacket and he also reminded me of New Orleans - one of my favorite places.

PRAIRIE FEST

APRIL 24, 2010

Prairie Fest is a fun event in Fort Worth! Not only will there be live music, food, and crafts, but also many plein air artists painting in beautiful Tandy Hills. You may know a few of these fine artists - Sherri Jones, Sunnie Le Blanc, Doug Clark, Margie Whittington, Darnell Jones, Carol Ivey, Chris Galvin, Terri Moore, Joyce Thomas, Blair Currin, Cecilia Robertson, Alicia Templin, and Rachel Bounds. I just know it is going to be a wonderful spring day full of sun and fun times!

GERBERA DAISIES

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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I bought a beautiful bouquet of red Gerbera daisies last week from Central Market and I had to paint them. Such vivid red just made me smile! I did a little research and discovered that Gerbera daisies are the 5th most popular flower in the world. They rank behind the rose, carnation, chrysanthemum and tulip. I understand why these flowers are so popular with all their colors and the cut flower lasts quite some time. These daisies symbolize innocence, purity, cheerfullness and are the classic symbol of beauty. If you are interested in learning more about this flower click here.

MICHELANGELO

7X5 Oil on Ray Mar Canvas Board

Another challenge! This time Following the Masters. Michelangelo I am not! This was tough and it was wiped a couple of times. However, I learned a lot and despite all my problems, I liked painting it. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome. One of the many things I love about painting is that learning never stops! It is a wonderful journey!!

STAVANGER, NORWAY

7x5

Oil on Canvas Board

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Another challenge! These are really fun. This challenge is Virtual Paintout and is hosted by Bill Guffey, a very nice and patient person (I had problems getting my image to him). Bill chooses an area in the world and artists can go there via Google Maps and paint from the photographs provided in Google Street View. This month it is Stavanger, Norway. Take a tour of this blog and you will discover some good art work and some interesting places all over the globe.

EARLY SPRING

7x5

Oil on Gessobord

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This is the first challenge I have entered. James Parker (a fellow Texan!) - Windows to the Words - is a fun challenge. This month there are photos of birds to inspire us. I had fun with this and will try again next month.

THE TORMENT OF SAINT ANTHONY

Last week a friend and I went to the Kimbell Art Museum here in Fort Worth. The museum has acquired the first known painting of Michelangelo, believed to have been done when he was 12 or 13 years old. This work was painted with egg tempera and oil on a wood panel. The beautiful colors, depth and form have been revealed after a cleaning by the Metropolitan.

In addition to this fantastic work of art, the Kimbell has an amazing permanent collection and exhibits throughout the year. The current exhibit - From the Private Collections of Texas - is incredible with paintings from ancient to modern. Come to Fort Worth and visit the Kimbell, the Modern, Amon Carter and Community Art Center all within easy walking distance of each other. We are so fortunate to have all this in our city!

BOARDING HOUSE BATH

Framed by Phil, my husband.

11x14 Oil on Canvas

This is a painting I did for the 2010 FWCAC (Fort Worth Community Arts Center) Biennial Show. I painted it from a photograph I took at the Thomas Wolfe house and a smaller study I did last year. I took it to CAC this afternoon. It was a busy place with several people hanging paintings and photographs. Lots and lots of good work. I'm looking forward to going back in a couple of days when everything is up.

Last night I discovered a wonderful podcast! Karen Appleton and friends spent 2 days in New York City and in those 2 days went to an unbelievable number of galleries. Her photographs are good, as well as her comments. Take a minute and visit her blog to listen to her enthusiastic description of her trip.

Click here.

SHOES

8x8 Oil on Gessobord

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