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

Click here to bid on eBay

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

Click here to bid on eBay

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

Click here to buy on eBay

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

Click here to bid on eBay