Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Abandoned on Logan County Road 13

Michelle and I painted this afternoon en Plein Air!  I love this old, rickety house and it was so much fun painting this today -also fun painting with Michelle!  This is watercolor on 9" x 12" Canson 140 lb. cold-pressed watercolor paper.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

WIP: After the Rain

This is a poured experimental piece I started during the weekend.  I introduced this technique to my intermediate watercolor class last evening...I think they enjoyed it but it was also difficult to embrace the concept of masking edges and highlights before pouring.  We poured with acrylic inks.  This painting is about  9 " x 12" and is on Fabriano Artistico 140 lb. cold-pressed watercolor paper.  Hopefully it will be finished tonight or tomorrow.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Some New Photos for Painting



The Muses didn't meet yesterday so my friend Pamela Baker and I decided to make it a "Photo Op" day.  We spent the afternoon in Logan County, Ohio, a beautiful place.  Pamela is a professional photographer, so I didn't take near as many pictures as she, but what I did get, I like very much and I can see some paintings in my future!!!   These are 3 that I downloaded today.
Being with Pamela is so much fun - she gets so excited over old abandoned houses, tractors, trucks, etc.,  and of course that is right up my alley because as you all know, I love old trucks!!! (and old barns, old houses, old windows, etc. etc. etc.)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Cool Maine

This afternoon, I painted this scene for the August Watercolor Workshop project where everyone paints from the same photo.  This photo was provided by a member, Jane James, who named the theme for August to be "Cool!"
This painting is 9" x 12" and is painted on 140 lb. Canson cold-pressed watercolor paper.

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Old Shed Truck

This was the painting I prepared for this week's lesson at Riverside Arts Center.  The painting is 9" x 12" and is painted on 140 lb. Canson cold-pressed watercolor paper.  The painters did very well with it tonight  - still have to finish - all different - all very nicely painted.  I will post them next week after they are finished.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

St. Mary's Art Fest 2011

Outstanding Watercolor Award
"Pretty in Pink"

Third Place- Overall

Honorable Mention

Close Friend, Cindy Staples a talented potter, photographer and watercolorist...
Our Mutual Admiration Society

This afternoon was the reception and awards ceremony for the St. Mary's Friends of the Library Art Fest.  I was honored to receive the Watercolor Award, Third Place and an Honorable Mention.  How blessed I am to be able to be recognized for doing something I love so much.  The awards are great, but they are the frosting on the cake - a delicious cake that tastes wonderful even without the frosting.  Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for a wonderful day.

Friday, August 5, 2011

"Carpe Diem" - Photomontage

Yesterday's project with the Muses was to create a photomontage.   My montage is 11" x 14" and it was created on a blue mat board with magazine photos.  I went out to dinner last evening, so was unable to finish and post this yesterday!
I have titled this "Carpe Diem" - Sieze the Day!  One of my favorite philosophies.