Chuffed (Happy Face) Which Way to the Pond?

Wow – I haven’t blogged or painted in several months, but interest and excitement still seem to be lurking out there – quietly waiting and ready to pounce for the love of art.  After putting Kitchen Sink on auction last week, I was asked if I would be willing to ship to the UK. It’s quite expensive, but they were okay with the extra cost.   I am beside myself with delight as this art adventure now takes “part of me” to Bristol, Avon UK!

Chuffed - British slang for very pleased. . . . Cool word, don't you think?

If you’re really into this blog, maybe you’re thinking what I’m thinking. . . that the painting is just trying to make its way back to Russia where the photographer known as Viacheslav (PaintMyPhoto) created the reference photo.  He solves so many of my sticking points – what to paint, artistic composition, interesting perspective, dramatic lighting, etc.  Of course it takes time and effort to find the perfect match, but the photos inspire me to try new things and keep the adventure going.

Seriously, have you ever thought a sink of “dirty dishes” could be art - not just by one, but three different people????  How fun.

'cause we gotta have a pretty picture in every blog, here's one more headed to the show in Waterford VA that I painted a few years ago.  An amazing artist allowed me to use his work as a reference and was delighted to help me.  Rare for that to happen. Check out Michael Naples.

Seeing these side by side after learning so much, is teaching me even more!

MINE -

Wine Night
20 x 16"

HIS - 

Wine Night (Challenge Painting) - Michael Naples artist

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

Wine and Wags

Last March my art club meeting was at the 8 Chains North winery (Waterford, VA) that artist GB brought to life – a truly gifted interior designer!  It was also GB’s inspiration to create an art gallery wall where various artists are invited to show their work.  She proposed that our club be the featured “artist” this summer.  We all agreed and got busy - lucky for us, the monthly challenges since then have been “more paintings for the show!”

We’re calling it “Wine and Wags” since the owners are very dog friendly and encourage people to bring their pets to the wine tastings.  There must have been 15 dogs in the tasting room the day we were out there checking out the beautiful space. Small dogs, big dogs – all very well behaved.   If you need a place to host a reception, you should go take a look (link above).  If you need an amazing interior designer – leave a comment and I’ll put you in touch.

Here are my show entries – a little grape inspiration and a few puppies.  I loved painting the dogs – will have to do more of those!

Still Life with Grapes 9x12

On the Board 9x12
ref: Viacheslav photo PMP

Grapes on the Loose 6x6

Green Grapes 12x9
ref: Viacheslav photo PMP

The Barn Door 6x6

Shotgun Sailor 6x6

Fruit Titanic 10x10

At the Lake 8x10
ref: D.Currier PMP

 For the locals, I'll let you know when the gallery opening will be held -- planning early July.  The other art club members (GB, GL and GC) are hard at work too and have great paintings for the show.

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

Catching Up - She's Back

Hard to believe it’s been five months since my last blog!  All is good, but haven’t painted too much.   I did attend a weekend workshop with artist Robert Thoren in early February.  It was held at a studio in Purcellville which I am still raving about to anyone who will listen. A fantastic venue, wonderful space, and the most delightful owner-artist-hostess, Francie.  Great group of people and the perfect space-to-attendee-ratio.  Small pic of the painting I did there is below.  Also finally getting my workspace back to normal now that the painters (er, the other kind) finished several rooms as we’re planning to put the house on the market early next year. Have a to-do list a mile long, but who doesn’t!   

Besides the workshop, my art club is my mainstay – it always gets me going with the challenges. My turn to host was in January and my challenge was to paint something that started with the letter “K” (I’ll spare you the details on the overall lame challenge I came up with).  Kitchen Sink was indeed quite a challenge.  It is from another one of Viacheslav’s PaintMyPhoto entries.  Metal, water, soap bubbles – oh my!  Had a blast doing it.  

Kitchen Sink
6x6"Click Here to bid - starts Saturday 6/10/15

Thoren Workshop
16x20"

I am going to try and get back into the swing of things by challenging myself to blog weekly and paint a lot more often!  If you enjoyed this blog, please add your email to the list above (top right) to automatically receive new blog postings in your inbox. 

Already have a surprise in the works for next week – stay tuned. 

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