Is it Really Spring?

I don’t know about you, but it has been raining around here forever!  I think it was early March when it was surprisingly hot and thought “wow, spring just didn’t happen this year,” only now to realize it’s almost JUNE and only a handful of sunny days for the last six weeks!  Global warming or Gloomy WAAAAH!  In the DC area we are going from 52 / rain to mid-80s sunny next week.  Flip-flop!!!  On the up side, I guess summer is finally coming one way or another. . . .

Okay long lead in, but especially glad to report that “Looking into Summer – Cosmos” is on its way to Maine.  Er, suddenly think I should seriously shut up about cold, rain, and my pitiful spring doldrums!   It's probably still winter there. . . .  Gotta love it.  I especially love a new buyer - head rush knowing my art is finding great places to become a part of someone else's life.  

Looking into Summer – Cosmos

Kennebunkport, Maine

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

Spring Class Finale

Last night of my spring class in Herndon, VA. Simple set up, but working to incorporate a recent week-long workshop with the class style.  So many ways to approach, decide and paint.  Love how the grapes just wanted to pose and allow me to pick which ones to bring to the forefront. Yum!  Hoping to spend the summer incorporating the last several workshops and classes and come up with my “style.”  

Oh yeah, we’ll be moving house, studio and daily life (hopefully soon) 25 miles west towards the Shenandoah mountains and looking forward to less traffic and our new er, somewhat smaller home.  Downsizing definitely has its challenges!  Wonderful studio just waiting for all the details to be worked out.  More to come.

This is a larger piece, but posting it to a DPW auction with fingers-crossed.

Luscious
11x14 inches - canvas gallery wrapped
click to view / bid / purchase

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time.  Let's just go for it, shall we?

Johnna

Looking into Summer - Cosmos

Even though spring has hardly even gotten started around here, cold and dreary of late, I found this beautiful and inspiring photo from Viacheslav (his title).  Always a challenge interpreting his awesomely talented photography, but just had to take a run at it.  Rather happy with the way it turned out, despite having to re-work it a few times.  I love the white flower, saying it’s all about ME!

Looking into Summer - Cosmos
click to zoom / purchase

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

p.s. Not going to dwell on the Mill Show, but will spend some time this week tweaking prices on Daily Paintworks - so perhaps a more affordable venue (the Mill commission is much higher than via DPW).  One of the workers there suggested that I consider more decorative frames.  Not sure where I picked it up, but have a very strong bias toward low profile frames so that they don’t interfere with the art.  Much is written on this topic and many feel it’s critical to have a very elaborate / complementary frame. Maybe someday, but for now, I trust buyers will fall in love with the art and then find the perfect frame for their style.  One caveat, I have some fabulous frames that I plan to create paintings just for the frame.  Maybe there’s hope for me yet!  

Artists, what's your experience?  Buyers?

Did you know?

That you can create shipping labels for the US postal service with PayPal and save?  Roughly, 10%.  Setting up an account is free.  Try this LINK  to check it out.   

Quick post to mention that the painting below is swimming its way across the Pacific Ocean.  Seems like a great place to go – especially since I recently learned that goldfish bring good luck to their owners!

Go Fish
Kaneohe, Hawaii

Art at the Mill (Millwood, Virginia) is going strong and open through Mother’s Day May 8^th!  How about a trip to the country this week -- Route 50 just past the Shenandoah River.  More info HERE.  I stopped by yesterday and there are a lot of wonderful paintings available. 

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

This Weekend - Northern Virginia Horse Country

News for the locals – The 89^th Shenandoah AppleBlossom Festival is from April 22^nd through May 1^st in Winchester Virginia. I’m sure this will be an outstanding event, but making mention of it because the Art at the Mill show is close by and that show runs April 23^rd through May 8^th --- how totally convenient!!! Hmmm…. Looks like she’s plugging the Art at the Mill event again.  For sure.  Below are  the paintings I have hanging at the show.  The prices are the same as on my DPW Gallery (click here).  I hope you get a chance to stop by - there is a ton of art out there!

Blue Graniteware
14" x 18"

Grapes on a Pedestal
12" x 9"

Pair of Pears
11" x 14"

Sunflowers
16" x 12"

Lemon Tree
6" x 6"

Happy Hour at Last
14" x 11"

Summer Sunset
10" x 30"

All the paintings include a low profile (most are floating) frame.  

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - and this is a great time to have a wonderful day!

Daffodil Dalliance

First of all, I will unmitigatedly plug the Art at the Mill Spring Show. When I went this weekend to drop off seven paintings, I was stunned by the caliber of the art and the sheer number of pieces available.  I can assure you there’s a ton of wonderful, yet reasonably priced, art to be acquired.  How about planning a beautiful drive / buy from April 23 - May 8, 2016. More info: http://www.clarkehistory.org/art-at-the-mill.html.  

The artist’s reception is May 1^st from 4 to 6 pm.  Let me know if you’re planning to attend and I’ll try and get out there.  

Meanwhile, I'v donated the painting below to a special event scheduled on Tuesday April 12th, for the Upperville 53rd Annual Garden Club Daffodil Show and Tea 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. From their website: This American Daffodil Society accredited horticulture competition should be amazing. View hundreds of daffodils of all sizes, colors, and forms, posed and submitted by amateur daffodil growers. Learn about growing and showing these wonderful spring flowers. Apparently they will also be having an art auction to benefit the club.  Sounds like fun!

Daffodils For Yyou
"donated"
click here to view my gallery

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

Early Spring?

Seems we're having an early spring on the east coast – actually it is more like a very short winter and only one spring rain deluge so far.  Hmmmm. . .  There must be a freaky storm lurking around somewhere.  The Cherry Blossom forecast is all over the place this year. 

Delighted that Rainier Cherries sold at the winery.  One of the benefits of using Daily Paintworks is seeing the statistics they gather on each painting.  I’m always amazed how many people take the time to click on an icon to see the full view.  In this case, 152 views and a third of them went on to check out the price. In the end, it was the one who saw it in person that just had to have it.  Insert big happy face here!  Admittedly, I use these stats to help figure out what to put in a show in the first place. So very glad there was a match. 

Working on the upcoming Art at the Mill event.  Varnishing, framing, making labels, etc.  Takes a lot of time.  Fingers-crossed we’ll do well in the show.  Just need one to sell to make it worthwhile.  The drive is over an hour, but it’s a beautiful trip that ends in the Shenandoah mountains.  This was the venue where I sold my very first painting in 2010 which totally freaked me out.  Not sure why, but I went into selling-hibernation for the next few years. Carol Marine’s workshop and DPW helped get me back out there and I’m so glad I did.   I think selling makes you a better, more confident painter and puts a “purpose” into the adventure of being an artist. Perhaps like competition to an athlete - although I don't consider art as a competitive sport.  Guess I'll have to give this a bit more thought.  I'm thrilled when someone chooses to have my art in their life - good karma!

Here’s one more painting for the show.  From a still life setup with a lot of artistic license. Oh, let's not forget my wonderful art club critiqued it and helped make it all that much better. 

Sunflowers
16" x 12"
click to view / purchase

Art at the Mill runs from April 23-May 8, 2016.  Details here:  http://www.clarkehistory.org/art-at-the-mill.html (scroll down to “About the Show”).

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time. Thanks for reading my blog!

March Already?

Seriously can’t believe it’s been a whole month since my last blog.  Crazy, crazy!   Went to Texas in mid-February to visit Mom (conveniently) during our first realtor open house.  A total blur, but getting into the routine of living and maintaining “pristine” while the house is on the market. So far, so good.  A HUGE part of me loves this minimalist environment, lack of “stuff” and amazing calmness having everything in its place. . . . er, not that I can remember where anything is anymore!

On a separate note, my wonderful art club is still keeping me focused – we have painting challenges and meet ups about once a month.  It is a cherished event so we all make it a priority no matter what else is going on.  This month’s challenge was to paint something abstract.  Luckily I’m still riding the high of Lisa Daria’s workshop and took a stab at painting Viacheslav’s Small Bouquet 2 (see January blog entry - From Russia with Love) in a totally abstract manner.  Lisa picks interesting names, so thought I would try that too.  Here it is.  What do you think?  Should I try this abstract thing some more?

The Club
click here to view /purchase

Other news – So excited that eight of my larger paintings were juried into the Art at the Mill show in Millwood VA!  For the NoVA/DC locals looking for fabulous art at great prices, I encourage you to stop by. Show runs from April 23-May 8, 2016.  Details here:  http://www.clarkehistory.org/art-at-the-mill.html (scroll down to “About the Show”). 

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

Challenge Summary

Well I didn't get all the way through the challenge this time, but happy to have accomplished half!  It really is quite exhausting but also so very fulfilling on a number of levels.

Love having new followers as well as continued interest from past ones.  Particularly pleased that “Something Different” is getting bids in the auction and confirming that trying new things is definitely a GOOD thing!  Also picked up a few blog sign ups.  See the submit box over to the right if you’d like to sign up to get an email whenever I blog.  Very exciting.  I’ve managed to carve out a little studio space even if the house is on the market, so hopefully I'll be able to keep going!  Your interest and support is so very, very appreciated – Thank You!

Part of the 30 paintings in 30 days is to post your final collage – always a gee-wiz moment for me.  Did I really do that?

Several of these paintings have new homes – three in Upstate New York, two in the middle of Alabama, one in Central Texas and one in Northern Virginia.  Three other ones are off to the winery gallery for a Valentine’s Day show - that reminds me, the following three paintings sold there at the Christmas Small Gifts show. 

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

Something Different

Trying to get jumpstarted to finish out the 30-n-30, but overwhelmed with all the work involved in downsizing and getting our house on the market (we LOVE this house)!  So very emotional, logistical, stressful, and holding our breath for the wonderful part!  Our life has always been – more, bigger, better, but this is a new twist.  Less, smaller, better – er, better – how does that actually happen? Will keep you posted.  

I did manage to get a painting in.  The reference photo carried so much ambiance, intrigue, yet subtle colors I had to give it a go.  Probably didn’t do it justice, but I really wanted to convey the simplicity in an artistic fashion. I love things crisp and clean and hope my interpretation conveys that mood. When an artist decides they are finished, that means they are happy with the end result. Trust me on this.

 

Flowers
click to view / purchase

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time. The fun part is when life changes things up and you figure out how to make it into a delightful memory.

Here is the reference photo - because it's so fantastic.  If you like it, I encourage you to register (free) at pmp-art.com to view great photos and paint from them without concern for copyright issues.  How great is that!

Photo reference PMP Viacheslav, 2 Flowers

Gorgeous!

One of my sisters lives in Florida and has the most beautiful Camellia bushes.  Since I live in the mid-Atlantic, I’m happy if mine even gets to bloom before the first frost.  We have a mini-challenge going where I get to "compete" occasionally when winter is slow in arriving.  This year, here’s what she came in with. Gorgeous, says it all!  Since I’m doing the 30-n-30 days painting challenge gave it a go.  Actually turned out way better than I expected.  These flowers are so very perfect in every way it’s hard to boil it down to the essence for a painting. 

Gorgeous!
click to view / purchase

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

Photo - What do you think - did I do okay?

It's ALive

As in a live still life set up – during the challenge I find it easier to paint from photos, but the radishes today were so beautiful I just had to pull one to paint.  They are huge, but love to lounge in a favorite small, flat “bowl” that I have.   Fun and bright on a cloudy day!

Beautiful Radish
click to view / purchase

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

Man Toys

This was an absolute blast to paint.  I’ve had it sketched out for several days, but finally got the nerve to get on it.  Once again I can thank the photographer for coming up with a great title.  I love painting metal objects, but silver bowls, brass candlesticks, and gold cups can get a little commonplace. They’re fun to paint too, but it’s nice to try something completely different.   I bet there’s a workshop or man-cave out there just begging for this one!  

Man Toys
click to view / purchase

Photo reference PMP Suzanne Wallick Man-Toys.  Suzanne is from Salina Kansas. 

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

Oh No!

Well today just didn't happen - was in make up mode and couldn't even get a simple painting together.  I tried, but I guess the creative flow needs a break now and then.

Super happy that Small Bouquet is in a bidding war - so exciting, even though I can't see who the bidders are.  At the very end, only the winner is revealed. Suspense!  Five days to go - oh my. This is what helps keep me going, so I really appreciate your interest!  Last night Golden Sunshine was purchased by a favorite collector.  Guess I better get it together!

Meanwhile, thought it might be fun to post THE PAINTING that has gotten the all time most hits on DailyPaintworks - over 707 times in one year that people have clicked to view it. Right now it is headed to a local winery / gallery to see if someone will take it home.  So popular that it must have a web presence I'm not aware of.

Yellow Pepper Refined
click here for diretions to 8 Chains North Winery, Waterford VA
available to view here

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time. Thanks for hanging in there with me! Priceless.

Pink Daisy

Another favorite Paint My Photo photograper / artist member is Nicola B (location says Bucks - assuming from the UK, hard to tell).  Most of the people at pmp-art.com are from the UK or Australia. At least that’s my random discovery.  Love her flower shots! 

Pink Daisy was just begging to be painted.  Isn’t it also great that they help figuring out what to call your painting and give you today’s blog title. In the middle of a 30-n030, you’ll take whatever you can get!  Love the petal shadows and this very sassy girl!

Pink Daisy
click to view / purchase

Photo reference PMP Nicola B, Pink Daisy. 

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

From Russia with Love

Here’s a new painting from my main photo guy, Viacheslav - the Russian I mentioned yesterday.  A lovely arrangement including cosmos (a personal favorite), gerbera daisies and a yellow lily.  Sweet.  Fun to paint and love the bright colors.  I may have to try a few more of them in the days ahead.  

Small Bouquet
click to view / purchase

Photo reference PMP Viacheslav, Small Bouquet 2.

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

Persimmon and Tomato

My favorite photographer on Paint My Photo (pmp-art.com) is a Russian who literally paints with his camera – the compositions are amazing and the post-photo treatment is truly jaw-dropping.  It is a tad frustrating because you really want to paint the photo exactly.  But two artists, brush vs. camera, can probably only be a tie decided by the eye-of-the-beholder!  I’m grabbing the artistic license card again because if I could paint it exactly the same, I would be a famous artist by now. Happy with the way it turned out, but finding that such dark backgrounds are quite the challenge.

Persimmon and Tomato
click to view / purchase

Photo reference PMP Viacheslav persimmons and tomato photo for painting. 

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

Cotton Candy

Roses are a struggle and this one was definitely a challenge, but just loved its simplicity and the subtle luminosity in the photo.  I’ve seen yellow/pink roses before and they are almost unbelievable in real life let alone a painting that conveys the seductive character.  I hope you like it.    Finally decided to just let loose and amp up the color and the have my way with the edges – love the way it turned out.  Day 8 and the marathon is definitely starting to take its toll!   For some reason it reminds me of Cotton Candy!

Cotton Candy!
click to view / purchase

Hey, who needs a theme? Me? Well maybe not, but get ready for a who-knows-what-hodgepodge. Thanks for hanging in there with me!  Oh yeah, self-promo: Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

Photo reference PMP Amita Shyam Rose Bud

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

Johnna

Something New

As I was searching for gold, brass, metal, shiny stuff, help-me-please-anything, and this wonderful photo showed up. Love the color, love the perspective, love the way the light coming across the top is so blinding that part of it disappears.  Frequently, I search for faucet photos and there aren’t very many, but was thrilled when “metal” hit the jackpot!   From what I can tell it was taken in a small town in Poland (Jeziorowskie).  Amazing what is possible these days thanks to the internet (and The Google). 

Turquoise Faucet
click to view / purchase

Photo reference MorgueFile Mzacha Pompa Zielona Jeziorowskie

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

Citrus Confusion?

Today’s gold is this beautiful citrus thing.  The question is, “What Is It?”  The Google came up with an orange, tangerine, mandarin, tangelo, Satsuma, Clementine, huh?!  Too round for a tangerine, too dark for an orange. . . . .  Even tried to figure it out with leaf identification to no avail - like that would possibly work.  Short version - here’s what I found:

  - Citrus cultivation has a casual attitude toward cross breeding and variations

  - Trying to make proper order out of it all is problematic

  - Even the botanists can't agree with each other

Really, too funny but good to know it's all interchangeable.  Therefore, I’m good with calling it Golden Sunshine.  Personally, I love the shadows, the sassy stiletto-like leaf and the bold colors!

After all, what good is a theme if it can’t bail you out in an emergency?  Must be time to move on.

Golden Sunshine
click to view / purchase 

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

Photo reference MorgueFile Max Straeten 

Found It!

Okay, definitely not gold, but how cool is this magical key?  Daunting in detail, but so whimsical I had to give it a go.  Asymmetrical too.  So much fun to paint – I guess that happens when you just decide you’re going to do it and know somehow it will just work out.  That’s what painting five days in a row does to you.  It even allowed me to loosen up a bit more too.  I can only imagine this key holds even more secrets and mystery!

Magical Key
click to view / purchase

If you are an artist (or want to be) I encourage/dare you to try this challenge!  It’s not too late to start ‘cause no one is counting or checking or testing or rating anything – just do it.  You’ll see, you’ll learn a lot and it will feel good.  Go here to register http://30paintingsin30days.weebly.com/

Photo reference MorgueFile Clarita, Key 2

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

Johnna

In Search of Gold

Nothing like a weekend to get organized.  Finally got a bit of a rhythm started and hope it gets me through the challenge.  I think finishing a class focused on large, complicated canvas paintings had me struggling to reconnect with my favorite simple, small panels.  My goal is to paint more loosely and this challenge is perfect for that – the daily practice works wonders and so does the smaller format.  Fingers crossed. 

Today’s painting is not really loose, but pushing me in the right direction.  Okay, not really gold either – it just makes me feel better to pretend I have a theme.  Regardless, I bet there are some interesting stories behind whatever door this key opened! 

The Key
click to view / purchase

Photo reference MorgueFile Clarita, Key

Appreciate all the feedback and comments – keep them coming!

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

Puffball

Well today started with what was supposed to be a frog – pretty cool looking one and I was thinking a theme of “near the water” for the first week.  Unfortunately the frog just didn’t work out so now I’m in scramble mode.  This happens because the plan wasn’t that great to start with.  What was I thinking!  A frog, seriously???

Luckily this lovely puffball of a goldfinch stepped in (hey maybe the theme is “gold” – I have that fish and now this!).  This has got to be the puffiest goldfinch ever.  I have seen other birds fluff up when it’s cold and wet so maybe this one got caught by a chilly spring.  

Puffball
click to view / purchase

Well I’m off to find more “gold” – an artist commented “Don't overthink it!,” so I’m going to try some of that great advice.  Although, I wonder how many other gold things there are begging to be painted . . . .

  

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

Johnna

Photo reference Debra Underwood, Goldfinch.

Go Fish

Day 2 of the 30-n-30 and I still have no plan, completely disorganized - no plausible theme and desperately trying to find photos that are delightful and compelling!

I’ve always loved the color orange and this silly fish just leapt out of the water and asked to be painted --- how could I refuse?   Interesting how things are complementary in nature. As is the orange fish in ultra-blue water.  Artists learn that orange and blue (complementary colors), really create pizzazz and visual interest.  Colors directly across a color wheel are considered complementary. So now, don’t you think this fish is even more interesting?

Go Fish
click to view / purchase

Please take a minute and stop by Leslie's blog to see all the artists particpating in the challenge - click here. Last I checked there were 510 paintings!

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

Johnna

Photo reference: Hannah Waymack Arthur