Aaarrrgh 30 in 30 is Hard

I guess I should be proud of getting almost half done with a few days left to go.   Maybe do a few more this weekend.  I hope so.  It has been really great, but finding it's hard to be that creative every day.  Lately, I haven't been able to even think about painting.  Job hunt has been quite consuming and getting 25 paintings ready for the 70th Annual Waterford Homes Tour & Craft Exhibit has been a ton of work.  I am realizing artists work really hard physically, mentally and creatively in their craft. 

70th Annual Waterford Homes Tour & Craft Exhibit 

Click here for more information.  This is one weekend Friday, October 04, 2013 through Sunday, October 06, 2013 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM).  Waterford is just north of Leesburg.  I'm sure the 70th event will be especially splendid.  I will have a dozen framed paintings, a dozen bin pieces (unframed) in the Art Mart and two larger pieces for the Red Barn exhibit which is a judged show.  The larger ones you've seen before, but here they are again. 

Indian Summer
10 x 30

Morning Fox
8 x 10

30in30 – Q 4 ?

"Q" is a tough one!  Can you guess what this is? 

In the spirit of doing something challenging for the 30 in 30, decided to tackle a wonderful photo my husband took of a beautiful walking path near here.  Us city-folk need the path to be made of asphalt, but outside of that, trees are trees. . . .  It is a beautiful photo, so very serene with the dappled sunlight, I just couldn't resist.   Looking at the photo, you can almost hear the silence and serenity of the meandering path even though it is only a block away from Main Street. 

To explain, I seem to be missing the "landscape" gene despite several runs at it.  Even took a few classes and still can't find a way to simplify the massive amount of detail in a scene like this.  I loved the plein air journey - pack up all your stuff, drive far away, hike out to some beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere, have wine and cheese, commune with nature, paint, etc. BUT, it just ain't happening for moi!  I'll keep trying, so look for another update in five years or so . . . .  Today I found out one of my favorite artist/teachers is doing a landscape workshop so signed up for that - maybe it will help.

Quiet Path

Click here for the other painters on day nineteen.  I'm pretty far behind so will try and leap forward this weekend.  

30in30 – P 4 Pomegranate

I have to admit there were quite a few "P" words on the list but when I saw this beauty, I just couldn't resist.  You could tell it was recently picked and quite luscious!  It looked rather lonely so the pear was lingering nearby and asked to be added.  Okay by me, but now they look like they must be off to the Prom or something.  I hope they have a good time and come up with a better story than this one. . . .   ha, ha.

Pomegranate + Pear = Prom Night!

click here for the other day seventeen artists in the 30 in 30.

30in30 – O 4 O-u-t-r-a-g-e-o-u-s!

About time for an adjective?  Apparently the word outrageous is one.  I have to admit I'm getting bored with nouns / direct objects and decided to break out and go for something unexpected.  Maybe the crazy starts half way into the 30 in 30 challenge! How did I do?  I loved painting the black high heel, so had to go again. 

Outrageous Red Suede Shoe
click to bid

The inside scoop - I have this pair of shoes and not telling where they came from, or why (don't you just LOVE a mystery?).  They were designed by Guess, have a wonderful suede top, and patent leather platform sole/heel.  No highlights on suede, but the patent leather had just a little sparkle.  What's not to like from a painter's perspective?  

30in30 – N 4 Nail Polish

My friend (KR) had the great idea to do nail polish for the "N" word.  This certainly was an interesting setup and naturally my favorite colors.  I particularly like the faint shadow and the solid background. 

So Pretty

Coming soon. . . . . Northern Virginia . . . . . Mark Your Calendars

Delighted to send off two works that were accepted into the Clarke County Art at the Mill show.  Click here for more information.  It is held October 5 – October 20, 2013 in Millwood, Virginia (Route 50 just across the Shenandoah River - an hour's drive from Washington DC).  This bi-annual event has become one of the premier art shows in the mid-Atlantic region, attracting artists and buyers from over a dozen states.

Also finalizing my submissions to the 70th Annual Waterford Homes Tour & Craft Exhibit.  Click here for more information.  This is one weekend Friday, October 04, 2013 through Sunday, October 06, 2013 (10:00 AM-5:00 PM).  Waterford is just north of Leesburg.  I'm sure the 70th event will be splendid.  I will have ten framed paintings and a dozen bin pieces (unframed) in the Art Mart and two larger pieces for the Red Barn exhibit which is a judged show.    

30in30 – M 4 Martini - More Olives Please

Thank goodness for the alphabet - it has really helped me figure out what to paint and more importantly keeps me focused on the goal.  This is day 14, so almost half-way there. I am learning a ton, getting to practice a lot, and going WAY outside of my comfort zone.  Interestingly, it's enlightened me on how many different objects there are to paint.  It may not sound like much, but I knew there would be subtle things that would be art-altering, and I think this is one of them.  Like most things in life, you just have to give it a try and then give it some time.   Keep it simple, have no fear, enjoy the process!   Really who cares if it flops or flourishes?  Methinks (I love that word) we are our own worst critics.

Martini - More Olives Please

You decide - I don't have to know and you don't have to bring it up, okay?

This was really fun to paint.  I fell in love with the shadow (big surprise there).  I Googled a lot of martini photos and started to notice that if your perspective is just below the object, that you can see the reflection of the olives in the surface.  Complicated but oh so fun!   To get this set up right, I had to put a small table on top of my big table and then put a box on top of that to get the perspective at just above eye-level.  Loving this, you'll see more.  

Enjoy!

30in30 – L 4 Lemon Joy

What else could I do but go with Lemon for the "L" painting?  This slice came out with the most interesting seed that I decided looked like a tear of joy rather than dismay.  I'm quite happy with it so now I'm sure it is a tear of joy. . .  This must be where I insert the phrase "artistic license" and get away with it, yet again!   To really emphasize the seed, I thought back lighting it would be just the thing to give it even more emphasis.  

Lemon Joy

Enjoy,

Click here to see the 30in30 day thirteen paintings. 

30in30 – K 4 Kiwi for You

As I was cruising through the Grand Mart (Asian/Latino grocery store) in Sterling Virginia for inspiration last weekend, there they were with the letter "K" written all over them. So fresh!  I love this place as they have so many interesting things at unbelievable prices. Don't know much about these cutie-pies but love 'em in fruit salads.  What's not to like with the crazy green, black seeds and the most interesting rind.  Another fruit that has no real reflection, like that ornery banana from Day 2.  Probably Kiwi in a Sea of Green should be the title.  Making a mental note to add other colors to calm things down even though my last art teacher cautioned against having too many colors.  I'm trying to keep it simple, but . . . 

i love the loose style and hope to keep doing more like this.

Kiwi for You

p.s. this is my favorite "bowl", very flat and shallow and casts shadows well - a great stage for a simple subject.     

click here to see the 30in30 day twelve paintings. 

Workin' It

Crazy but good days on the job front so I know my life of painting & "leisure" will probably come to an end soon.  It has been so educational, inspiring, enlightening, life altering, and an opportunity to meet quite a few fabulous artists (even though virtually).  

Having moved around the world as a child, I am comfortable with relationships far and wide and always delight in how easy it is to reconnect despite time and distance. So, I'm especially happy to report that the following painting is headed to Hawaii to a friend from my sophomore year in high school. . . .   How is that?  Don't you live just outside of DC in Virginia?  Didn't you go to Wiesbaden High School in Germany?  Yes to both and all of us "vagabonds" love reconnecting despite wherever we've landed!  The internet is making it all so much easier - YAY.  

Luscious Elegance #2
Kaneohe, HI

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

30in30 update - Got time today to finally do letter "K", "L" and started "M", but our favorite neighbor stopped by, so "M" is in rehearsal for tomorrow.  Tried to keep it simple.  Paintings too wet to photo and not totally thrilled with them, but I'll post them in the next day or so.  

30in30 – J 4 Jar

I sure thought I would get a chance to catch up over the weekend, but was "overcome by events" as they say.  The days were filled up with creating a presentation for a prospective consulting job and a wonderful afternoon with my small art club.  The summer is always a challenge for our club, so it was especially delightful to finally get together.  Oh, and did I mention that my sweetheart bought me a new PC?  It has a ton of storage (need that for all those photos) and it is super fast!  Now working through the transition to a new operating system and software upgrades. . . . oh what fun!

Back to the 30in30. The letter "I" just would not cooperate at all (I think it was secretly reading my blog about the Banana)!  So, scratch that and move on to the letter "J."  Well that presented another set of challenges.  This time I decided to paint a glass jar I've always loved, but it has eight sides and I decided that it would be fun looking down on it - someone told me the best still life paintings are from this angle.  Probably two poor choices at the same time - I'm really trying to be fearless and learn a lot during this challenge.  For what it's worth, here is the painting.  If it really grabs you, leave a comment and let's talk!

Jar From the Top Down

Stay tuned, the letter "K" is lurking out there beckoning me. . . .

Click here for the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge (Day Ten). 

30in30 – H 4 High Heel

So glad I was struggling with what to do for H.  Originally, I planned S 4 Shoe but just couldn’t wait and realized High Heel would qualify.  Had a lot of fun with this one.  Wanted to keep it simple and focus on the shadow almost more than the actual shoe.  

High Heel on Deck
Click here to bid

Click here for the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge (Day Seven). 

30in30 – F 4 Fork / G 4 Geranium

I guess a better title would be:  The big cheat, ‘er I mean catch-up painting!   Still recovering from a wonderful Labor Day family visit, plus the layover due to the flight cancellation, and digging out of emails / catching up with my regular schedule.  Whew!  I love painting every day, but it truly is quite a challenge making it a priority and doing it justice. 

In order to catch-up, decided to combine F and G.  Assuming I can get things smoothed out, I’ll add on at the end.    We’ll see how that goes.

So day 5 and day 6 are F for Fork and G for Geranium.  I loved this setup, but probably tackled a bit too much for one painting.  I am learning a lot, practicing a lot, and feeling pretty good!

Fork & Geranium
Click here to bid

Click here  for the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge (Day Six). 

30in30 – E 4 Egg

For Leslie Saeta’s 30in30 challenge I'm trying to paint things that are scary to me and hope for the best. At the Carol Marine workshop, she painted a raw egg and I guess she’s famous for doing so.  Many people have copied it and the idea is to get you to paint what you see ‘cause it’s pretty ridiculous to paint a raw egg!  I put it in one of those sous-chef bowls with the built-in thumb hold - another scary thing I've wanted to paint. By the time I got to the eggshell, it didn't seem so scary after all.  If you need a raw egg to stare at – you can click below to bid.  LOL . . . 

Egg Stare Down
Click here to bid

Click here  for the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge (Day Five). 

30in30 – D 4 Demitasse

Lots of ideas for the D-day, but didn’t get the artistic urge until I remembered I had a few Demitasse cups from my espresso era (late 80's) – still love a cup from time to time!  A demitasse is from a French word meaning "half cup."  This darling is from our honeymoon.  It features the Greenbrier Resort signature rhododendron. Last time I was there flowers everywhere – lobby, hallways, rooms, steps going in/out, you name it.  A gorgeous place known for having hosted distinguished guests (and us nearby locals) since 1778.  During the Cold War is was used as a secret safe-haven for American presidents and government officials – it was declassified around 1992 and now you can take a tour of The Bunker.

Enough history! Life is about making memories and this is one of them.  I try to purchase something small and useful during notable events to keep reminding me of great times past and to always look forward to new adventures. 

I’ve painted a few cups before, but this is a first trying to paint a pattern on it.  If that wasn't enough, decided to paint one of their beautiful gold spoons.  I doubt the Greenbrier still uses them, so now a priceless memory.  

Demitasse
click to bid

Click here for the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge (Day Four). 

30in30 Catch-Up

Quick note to say, not to worry - I will be posting day four and working to catch up from my mini-vacation over the Labor Day weekend.  Painted this evening, but these things just don't photo well until they've had a chance to dry a bit.  

p.s.  My flight home on Monday was delayed then cancelled late in the day, but the airline was quick to put me on an early flight the next day and paid for food, hotel, etc. Just nice to know that despite the circumstances, the major carriers still come though.  Too bad a flat tire was the cause! 

Before I forget, here are the two paintings that sold last week.   Special thanks to my buyers!

Lemon Party
San Antonio, Texas

Moonflower Madness
Herndon, Virginia

30in30 – C 4 Chili in Repose

What’s up with the produce these days?  Yesterday the banana had way too much attitude and now this chili wants to just lay there and bask in the super LED spotlight!  I love painting chilies and am hopelessly in love with the red ones.  Maybe they are like the middle-child, secretly saying “paint me, paint me.”   Finding the red ones this early in the season is difficult around here, so could not pass it up. . . Harris Teeter to the rescue again.  

I’d like to point out that this one had the cutest “toe” which seemed more like a chili-kick-stand or perhaps a red high heel peeking out.  LOL. . .   I love the way the light went under the "toe" and through to the shadow side.  I hope I captured that part – it is pretty subtle.

Chili in Repose
click to bid

Click here for all the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s challenge. 

30in30 – B 4 Banana-tude!

In the spirit of the challenge, I’m trying to paint things I’ve never considered before.  Enter the banana.  This character didn’t look right laying down, refused to lean over, and insisted on sitting up for his all-about-me portrait!  Bananas are funny ‘cause they don’t have highlights, but they do make shadows and really pick up the color from their surroundings - so that’s what convinced me to let him have his banana-tude way!

Banana-tude!
click here to bid

 click here for all the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s September challenge.

Enjoy

30in30 – A 4 Artichoke

The 30in30 event has arrived!

Given I’m so stymied figuring out WHAT to paint, I decided to use the alphabet to focus my plan.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who wanders around, surfs the net, and gets lost in the “what am I going to paint” routine.  Leslie’s suggestion to pre-plan has been a huge help.  So I went to the store and got my subjects for A, B and C.  That was easy.  Harris Teeter (they have an amazing produce department) to the rescue!  

Kickoff painting - I have never seen a purple artichoke before, nor have I ever painted an artichoke, so doubly intrigued.  While painting, I kept thinking it looks like an elegant evening is ahead for this beautiful one in her nearly black, velvety attire. 

Artichoke Debut
click to bid

For the 30in30 challenge, I'm setting the starting bid at $33.

 click here for all the artists participating in Leslie Saeta’s September challenge.