CHICKADEE PERCH (SOLD) bird watercolor painting

 Chickadee Perch (SOLD)

watercolor  5 x 6"

One of my new bird paintings, framed and ready for the Open Studio this weekend.

WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?

Came home after a wonderful day painting en plein air to discover that my husband had driven his truck into the garage. And not through the door. Time for wine and ice cream. And more wine.

GOD GIVES US ALL A SWING, SO DON'T JUST SIT THERE

I had a dream last night that I sat on a swing and began swinging. The situation was: I was outside on my swing, and there were lots of people all sitting on swings all facing one direction as though we were going to watch a performance. After swinging for awhile, I noticed that everyone else was just sitting quietly in their swings. I was the only one swinging. So, I immediately tried to stop myself (remember how hard that is?) and tried to look like I had NOT been swinging, and had no idea how that had all started. I felt compelled to be a part of the un-swinging crowd, but I could not stop my momentum.
Now, knowing my dream is not about what swinging is a euphemism for, and considering I've always been a good girl, not a trouble maker, I analyzed this dream to be about my life spent doing what I am passionate about, despite how difficult it it is to find support for the arts in our society. I feel compelled to be someone I am not (a sales person, a techie, a schmoozer) in order to show and sell my work.
But creating? It is a joy, a prayer, a dream, a ....gift of a swing.

SUNSHINE GIRL portrait watercolor painting

Sunshine Girl

watercolor  11 x 11"

BILLIARD BALLS pool balls still life oil painting

Billiard Balls

oil on panel  6x6"

FLOWER OF RICHES peony oil painting

Flower Of Riches

oil on canvas  30 x 40"

I just love pink.

BEAUTY, PEACE, AND ORDER ramblings from an artist with a messy house

I am preparing for my open studio November 1 & 2. 

I hope you are one of those lucky ones who can make a trip to Western New York to visit the 4 studios of East Otto Country. Or, sign up for my newsletter, and I will keep you apprised.

(I am Mill Street Art Gallery)

I always have new paintings, so my list involves vacuuming, dusting, and framing. All very un-loved activities, especially framing. But, I do love a clean space and well presented art. 

It's funny, the annoying things we have to do to get the results we love. I am not one of those people who think the mundane chores of life are meditative and enjoyable. They are just a means to the end, which for me are: 

BEAUTY, PEACE, ORDER, CALMNESS. 

I wonder, if I can keep these my goals, instead of more tangible things like a vacation, a possession, or some artistic accomplishment, I can find the time and energy to do the un-loved chores.   

KISS (SOLD) candy still life oil painting

Kiss (SOLD)

oil on canvas  4 x 4"

When things are slow, march out the old successes. Chocolatey goodness.

PETE'S POND #2 (SOLD) landscape oil painting

Pete's Pond #2 (SOLD)

oil on canvas  8 x 10"

Last weekend spent painting at my friend's cabin. Day 1 was very overcast. I painted the pond using the muted colors I saw (see previous posting). The next day was as bright and beautiful a Fall day you could ask for. I tried to be a little more decisive painting alla prima, and this rather 'Fauve' painting is the result.