Thursday, December 31, 2015

Ho, Ho, Ho and It’s Off to 2016 We Go

Okay, I get it, perhaps not the best idea to kick off the January 2016 30-n-30 gala, but it’s what I got.  An overdue birthday request from early December…  I’m sure we can all sympathize with those born in December and the need to stop with the combo gifts!   

There is nothing better than making someone else’s life just a tad more delightful – whether painting their wish, making them laugh, helping them out, or just being in the moment.

So here’s to you - advocate, delighter of all things, and the most generous person I’ve ever known.   Today's 30-n-30 is dedicated to you!

A Wish For All Things Wonderful!


Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, 

Johnna

2016 Let’s Get the Party Started

Today’s blog is to let you know I’ll be participating in Leslie Saeta’s 30 paintings in 30 days.  This year, I’m not very organized which is a bad thing for something this demanding and stressful. But heck, nothing like a new year to push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to live life to the fullest!  Good thing, I managed to order 30+ panels and four new tubes of paint, so that’s a start. . . . Now what to paint – the hardest part of all.   

About the challenge:

The challenge is not about finishing 30 gallery quality "perfect" paintings. It's about trying new things. It's about painting more often. It's about having fun and developing new habits.  For me, it’s also about sharing what I love to do with others and getting great feedback from people who appreciate the art.  Of course it’s delightful when someone loves a piece enough to purchase it.  I don’t know of any “job” that has this type of gratification as a benefit!  How lucky we are as long as we’re able to “put ourselves out there.”  Ah, yet another challenge! 

Enough about me – prepare for a wonderful experience of new paintings each day from hundreds of artists.  Maybe you’ll find this a new hobby to add joy to your life.

Leslie has a cool map where you can zoom in and see the participating artist’s location. Click HERE for the map .  If you’re so inclined, sign up for my email updates (see submit box, top right) and you’ll get to see each day’s painting and comments. You can also sign up for Leslie’s blog to see the other artists, or just use this LINK to check in.

Thanks for reading my blog and making it this far – here’s the collage from the 30-n-30 I did last September 'cause there has to be a pretty picture in each blog.  Wish me luck!


HAPPY NEW YEAR! 


Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time. 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Happy Hour

Apparently I have the class painting order a bit out of whack - was mixing the summer class paintings with the fall ones.  I guess time is just getting ahead of me especially when I'm playing catchup to finish the paintings after the class is over!

The subject of the final painting was to paint glass - oddly this is easier than it looks, but seems quite difficult.  Viewers almost always remark, "Wow, that must be hard."  Even after doing it a few times, it's still terrifying for some reason!  So maybe it is hard. . . .   You certainly need to leave your engineer head in the other room to make it happen.  Fun painting.  Kinda looks like the gang has gathered for the last happy hour of the season, don't you think?

Happy Hour at Last
14" x 11" oil on canvas
click to view / purchase

Happy Holidays!  

Johnna

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Fall Art Class Setup Take 4

Next in the series of class paintings - my favorite!  I'll admit that backing off the bright colors creates a painting that draws you further into the subject and allows you to linger a bit longer.  Not that I really know what I'm talking about, but it seems that way to me -- guess that's all about "the eye of the beholder."  This was a great setup and both fun and challenging to paint.  The Google told me the pot is actually camping gear for making coffee.  Was hoping for something much more exotic!  Makes it kind of hard to come up with a good title, so will just go with the literal.

Blue Graniteware with Cabbage and Onions
click to view / purchase

Now you're probably wondering where Take 1 and Take 2 have wandered off to -- planning to finish those next year.  Take 6 will be next and Take 5 needs just a few more tweaks.

Lastly, I'm trying to work up the energy to do another 30 paintings in 30 days for January. . . more on that later.

Enjoy - life is joy we make one moment at a time,

Johnna