Only one child was grounded in the making of this painting.

I can’t believe how long it has been since I have even looked at this blog. I am sure I have bored everyone to tears by now.  I am in the full swing of teaching art at school.  I scour the internet for cool lesson plans and try to successfully make these little masterpieces too.  Making art on my own has been too challenging with my kids social calendar, work and chores at home. Okay, these are excuses but I will use them for now!! I recently had a niece graduate from high school.  Of course she won’t take my cash because she wants a painting!!  Just kidding Rachel. So, it forced me to paint something once again.   I am grateful for the opportunity to hole up in my studio and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist.  (That is until a child got grounded, haha)   This is more of a fun little painting in the colors she requested.  I did a little experimenting with just a pallette knife to see if I could get a lot of texture on this piece.  Hopefully I won’t have to wait until someone else graduates from school to finish another one! 

Blackbird

 

oh hum

Art has not been going my way.  I couldn’t wait to paint this summer.  I had these wonderful ideas of recreating each room in my house that I grew up in. I shopped at antique stores and came up with some childhood memories and color ideas.  But, for me, if the process doesn’t happen fast enough I get bored with myself. These are the times I wish I did not have a job!! But, I love my job so there you have the love/hate relationship.  I have managed to ruin two paintings this summer and start one I can not stand.  Everything has been gessoed over and is in my studio awaiting inspiration. It might be a while.  Until then, enjoy a photo I took in Hawaii.  At least I was inspired there! Happy Summer.

Kona

Happy Hibiscus

Water Abstract

HOT Flashbacks

Here are the rest in all warm colors.  Feel free to leave comments or suggestions; I welcome all of it.  Thanks for looking.

Home

Plaid Wedding

Ode to Henry

Stay on the Road

X2

Fuel

Flashbacks

I have not been good at keeping up on this blog.  I will try to add some pictures of paintings that I have done in the past.  I have a lot so you will see them as I get time to load them. I have one more week of work until I can go crazy in my studio!!

Flight

Training Water

Alaska's Finest

Alaska's Finest II

Tidal

Scritchy Scratchy

I recently received a drafting set from my Dad.  It is from his work days as an engineer.  We didn’t know if it had any value so I checked it out on ebay.  hmm. No value, sorry Dad!!  So, I thought it would be fun to do a small sketch with my new tools.  What a pain!! I used Arches watercolor paper so that might have been the problem.  It felt like I was scratching my way around this drawing.  About four times I wanted to break open my pen and quills but wanted to stay true to the tools.  I finally finished it and here it is.  I forgot how much I love to doodle with ink.  I think next time I will use my tools instead and also remember to use the ink within the last 10 years.  This bottle nearly dried up.  Told you I was slow doing stuff!

Rex Preston

A long time ago in a land far, far away….. My Dad used to go to England, when I was young, on business trips.  We used to love getting his gifts when he finally got home.  I still remember the Princess Diana tin filled with candy. Did I save the tin? No!! Oh well.  Anyway, he also brought back this beautiful painting for my mom.  He bought it in the early 70’s and it has always hung around our house.  I recently acquired it from my mom and have it in my house now.  I love the trees and how serene if feels.  Fall around here is kind of blah.  I miss seeing leafless trees and dark days.  Is it possible to have too much sun??  The artist painted this painting in South Derbyshire, or if you are from England it is called South Darbysher, (I found this out the embarrassing way speaking to a person from there).  I am posting it on my sight because the artist himself, Rex Preston, would like to take a peak at it!  If you like his work I have included his website on my list.  He is an amazing landscape painter who has been painting for many years.  I have been honored to receive an email from him.  Thanks Rex for your time.  I have a lot to learn!!

"South Derbyshire", Rex Preston

Leftovers

I accidentally deleted this painting but am posting it again since it is the newest.  We all know it takes me quite a while to finish one!!

Leftovers

Dale Chihuly

We finally got to take a quick trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens on Friday to view Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures.  It was fun and I was a photographer going nuts with all of the colors and compositions.  Too bad there were people there too:)  I have attached some of my favorite photos.  As we drove out we realized we missed a whole section.  OOPS!  I have turned Joel into a fan and have made him sit throw many PBS shows of Dale Chihuly.  This eye patch is for you.

Yes, I know

I am supposed to finish this painting I started a year ago.  I know I know!! But, hey, all the birthdays and parties and Thanksgiving are going to mess me up.  So, I was surfing on this net and found this.  A perfect way to procrastinate cooking, cleaning and it is all art related. Have fun!!   http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

Jackson Pollock

Art Show

Thanks to all who came to the art show.  It was a lot of fun and a good learning experience for me.  I actually sold one!! Yeah!! But, it was to another artist; does that count:)  Being there just made me want to paint more so that is a good thing. I was very proud of all of my students who sent in beautiful pieces of art.  They made our school look good. Keep up the great work!!