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.