Where We Sat Last Night

 

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During my recent EBB (several weeks where nothing went right in my studio) I ventured outside for new inspiration. I have been hesitant to take photos in Missoula, and I think it's because I have quite a few friends here, and I feel more self-conscious because of it. Well, I put that feeling aside and wandered around a few nearby neighborhoods with my camera (luckily everyone was at work). This was the first scene that really inspired me. And it took me 2 tries before I was happy with the painting. But I am. And that's always incredibly exciting after an EBB!

A Warm Spot to Wait

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Here's another one from Florence. I wanted to experiment with unfinished edges, and decided this was the perfect scene for it. It was a challenge though because I use a grid when I'm painting people so I can get all my people parts in the right places. : ) I didn't want to leave grid lines behind so I only used them in the upper right quadrant (where the people are). I also changed a few things - there was a big trashcan, left, front, and I took that out; the backpack in front was an odd color that demanded a lot of attention, so I changed that; and a few other little things. It was tough to decide what edges to "lose," and how to do it, but I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Chit Chat

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This'll be the last painting until I get back from the mountains. Unfortunately this means I won't be able to ship anything (paintings or books) until 8.27.19. Cross your fingers for me, please, that I avoid seeing any animals close up that are capable of eating me or any of my artist friends. I'd really like to keep painting.

My Yellow Bag

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Here's another scene from my trip to Italy this spring. Apparently Florence is famous for it's leather, and this gal had clearly invested in a beautiful yellow specimen. The wall she was leaning against was the same color as the steps - gray. So I used Photoshop to mock up some alternatives. A purple wall was the winner, which is how I painted it, being careful to keep the "shadows" around her. But my favorite part is that little light reflection on her glasses. It's pretty funny, the things I'm proud of.

Welcome Home

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I've been digging deep into some old reference files lately. This is pretty normal for me in the dead of winter. This one is from Seattle a couple of summers ago. Soon I'll need to go off and collect more material. Soon it will be spring! And so it goes.

Sweet Little House

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I discovered this little scene in Seattle a couple of years ago. I've always loved the idea of living in a tiny house, but definitely not a tiny studio. My still life collection alone would take up 1/3rd of this place.

Bob's House

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This is Bob's house. Bob is a retired janitor. His wife died last year of cancer. Bob takes a walk every day with his dog, Anchor. Anchor is old and slow and that works well for Bob, especially going up and down the steps. I haven't met Bob, but I hear he's a nice guy.

"Blue Door" & workshop recap

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My workshop last week went really well. But before I tell you about that I have some news that will affect my painting habits for a little while. Over the weekend my husband broke his ankle, and unfortunately it's bad enough that it will probably require a surgery or two. So while he's healing I will be full time nurse and single mom, which means my painting time will be limited. I love my husband, and if he's a good patient, we both might live through this.

On to my workshop in Springfield last week. The Emerald Art Center turned out to be an ideal space, with a separate room for my demos, and a camera and screen to project them on. I'm happy to be doing 3 more there this year (more on that soon)! My kids were pretty typically wonderful, though I did have to yell at them a few times (I tell you - it's like herding cats!). <- Here are some pictures of them working.

It was nice to be able to recommend the restaurants for once, ones with really fantastic cocktails, which was a great way to relax at the end of each day. My kids and I -> had tons of fun together and I miss them already!

A Little Light

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Here is another doorway from San Francisco. One thing I've noticed when I peruse back through all the paintings I have collected on Pinterest is - I love light and shadow! So anytime I can capture it in a painting like this, I am thrilled. Has anyone had luck with taking HDR photos and painting from them? I've been curious about that. I haven't done it yet.

Last Minute Cramming

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I did a fair amount of this in my day - cramming. I hope this gal's memory has more long-term stamina than mine - honestly I can't remember anything that I ever crammed for!

Disorderly Roses

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This is a scene from around my town of Eugene, OR. I was taken by the disorderly rose bush by the front porch, but somehow in the painting it turned out more orderly than it really was.

Chatting on the Steps

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First of all, I have a new workshop to announce. I am going to wait until Friday, August 23rd at 9PM CST. The location will be in Oregon, FYI. Check back then if you're interested. They tend to fill up fast.

Second, I took the photo for this in San Francisco at the top of a hill, in front of a big building ... with steps. Not sure I can give you any more info than that.

Third, several people asked for the photo reference from yesterday's painting, so here it is.

Just Steps From Home

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WORKSHOP: One spot just opened up in my upcoming Sedona, AZ class, May 14-18. If you're interested ...

My husband and I found a lovely little book the other day full of interesting walks around Eugene. We decided it would be a great opportunity to walk, talk and take pictures, so we went on our first one Monday. It was on that walk I found the inspiration for this latest front porch painting.