Forging Ahead

 

Still moving on, using previous small paintings as a reference to painting larger. This one is only 12 X 12, but still larger that my usual 6 X 6, and 6 X 6's. I'm enjoying the challenge!
 

Still Working Larger

 

Still working larger. I've been using my smaller paintings as reference material to create bigger pieces.  This is actually a 12' X12', that is made up of 4, 6' X 6' little paintings. The original is taken from an exercise originally shown on Carol Marine's blog.
 

Working Larger

 

I have been pushing myself to paint larger,which has kept me very busy these last few weeks. This painting was done on unstretched canvas, the final size, yet to be determined. I have been using my earlier small pieces as a reference. This has been an adventure!  Painting larger brings in a whole new series of challenges.  It is fun to get out of the comfort zone!

More New Ideas from Karin

Karin Jurick's workshop was a great opportunity to try her painting methods, which include painting on a black ground, and using lots and lots of colors. I loved both of those ideas,especially the one about using lots of colors, so much easier than mixing colors, time saving, and lots more fun. This was a fun painting, using colors from the tube, and showing the interior of the beautiful building where we painted.

New Ideas

Yesterday, I pointed out that taking a workshop is a great way to try new ideas. This little portrait was done from a mug shot, as an exercise, in Karen's class. It was lots of fun to paint, and again, something that I would have never tried on my own.

Last Week with Karin

Last week I spent five days in a workshop, taught by Karin Jurick. She is a very inspiring artist,with lots of great ideas. One of the best things about taking a workshop is expanding your horizons. A workshop really forces you to try new things. This subject matter, is something that I would never had considered, but had lots of fun with. More to come.

The Sunshine Vitamin

Still having fun with the oranges! Working larger, and enjoying the expanse of canvas, a whole new feeling of more spaciouness, and lightness!

More Vitamin C

I am enjoying these oranges, more than words can say! Having fun working a little larger.

Slices of Vitamin C

Having fun wtih oranges, and so happy to be painting!

Lots of Vitamin C

I've been away for such a long time, I don't know where to begin, so I will start with now. Finally, so happy to have some time to paint! It is wonderful to be back. During the past few months we have been traveling a lot, which means, I have lots of inspiring photos, just waiting to be painted. More to come!

All Cuddled Up

This is something that I've done before, that is fun to do again. Orange slices , all very close.

More from Santa Fe

One more photo, that I finally was able to post, from our time in Santa Fe. Here I am with the fabulous artist, Diane White, in front of the Mill Fine Art Gallery. We were so lucky that Diane, and her husband, Lance, happened to be in Santa Fe at the same time that we were. They were able to come to the reception, and get together with us! This made our trip even more special. Thank you Diane and Lance!

Exciting News From Mill Fine Art

Last week I received some exciting news from Mill Fine Art, at 530 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, NM. My work was accepted for the Holiday Small Works exhibit, all 6 small paintings. Over 200 artists applied. I was one of the lucky 25 that were accepted. I was beyond thrilled! This past Friday night was the opening reception. It was a perfect night, wonderful people, and beautiful art. I feel so grateful and so happy to be part of this exhibit. Thank you to the great people at Mill Fine Art, Verne, Mary and Meg!

Out the Door, and Up the Street

This is the view from our front door, looking up the street, towards the opposite end of the court, in the late afternoon. I'm having fun taking photos of what's right in front of me. Hoping to do more like this.

October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The past few weeks I have not been MIA, instead I have joined the 1 out of 8 women affected by breast cancer. Thanks to wonderful doctors, and very early detection, I am extremely lucky. For me, breast cancer has been an adventure like no other, and the journey continues.
This adventure began last month with a simple mammogram. I was told that there were no visible problems on the mammogram. The radiologist went on to say that actually nothing at all could be seen on this mammogram, or any prior ones, because of my very dense breast tissue. He told me to look at the website, Are you Dense, and schedule an ultrasound.
I had no idea what he was talking about. After looking at the, Are you Dense website, I was shocked to find out that women with dense breast tissue are 5 times more likely to get breast cancer. I had never heard of this before. Dr Fish, my radiologist, saved my life!
I have since had surgery, and am now looking forward to getting back to living my life.
I urge all women to visit the website, and learn more. During your next mammogram, ask if you have dense breast tissue, and if so, request an ultrasound.
In some states, such as Conn, and Texas, doctors are required to inform women if they have dense breasts. In other states, such as California, where I live, there is no requirement. Currently there is legislation sitting on our state governor's desk awaiting his signature, making it mandatory for doctors to inform women of this important life saving fact. Let us hope that that Governor Jerry Brown signs this important bill, SB791, by the deadline, Oct 9th. Many lives can be saved!

The Lovely Claudia

The Lovely Claudia, the painted version.

More about Claudia

Here is the lovely Claudia, sunbathing, one of her favorite activities. This is usually combined with extensive bird and squirrel monitoring. We know that we can count on Claudia to stay on top of these important outside events!

The Pine Inn, Carmel, CA

This painting is of the backside of the Pine Inn, in Carmel, CA. The photo is of the side entrance of the hotel. The Pine Inn is the oldest hotel in Carmel, built in 1889. It is full of history, right in the center of town, and just a few blocks from the ocean. We have been coming to Carmel for many years, and always stay here. It is beautiful on the inside, with lots of historic photos of the early days of Carmel. If you are planning a visit to Carmel, make sure to visit the historic Pine Inn!

Good Bye August

Yes, I'm still here. This month has been so busy. I have had no time for posting, and very little time for painting. What I have been doing is traveling, seeing art exhibits, and working with Tim Horn's Friday afternoon Paint Club. Here is Tim, doing a demo. What I have learned is that plein air painting is an endless challenge. Tim makes it all look effortless! Meanwhile, I remind myself, it's OK, we are all learning!

The New Exhibit

The newest exhibit, opening Thursday, at the Lafayette Gallery, is "What Makes Us Smile". I submitted the small pieces that I did of Carmel. Today we are hanging the show, and finishing up tomorrow. Please come by starting on Thursday, July 29, to see our newest exhibit. Guaranteed to make you smile!

From the Desert, to the Ocean

This is the last one from my little series of Carmel. Now, looking forward to working on something new, not involving, the desert or ocean! Can hardly wait!

Guest Artist, Diane White

Recently, Diane White invited us to her beautiful Santa Fe home. Here is Diane on the back porch, putting a few finishing touches on her gorgeous water lilly painting. Diane does brilliant work in oils and encaustic, mainly landscapes. More of her work can be seen on her blog, Diane White's Creative Muse. Thank you, Diane. We loved having the chance to see your wonderful work, and meet you, your husband, and friends in Santa Fe!

Carmel Sand Dunes

Another view from the beach in Carmel. So simple and fun to paint! With our temps near 100 degrees today, this is just where I would like to be, feeling cool by the ocean!

Seeing Art in Carmel

Carmel is famous for lots of art galleries. One of my favorites is the Carmel Art Association Gallery. This co-op gallery has been in existence since 1927, and is the oldest gallery in Carmel. Many of the historic, and well known California artists have shown their work here.

The Nancy Dodds Gallery is another one of my favorites. It is a privately owned gallery that shows the work of wonderful contemporary artists. I love visiting both of these galleries, and thought that you might enjoy them too.