Just One Volunteer?

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Some of you may have already heard I'm writing an instructional book! If not, I am. I had hoped to get it out at the end of this year, but the fire pushed things back a bit. I am shooting now for next summer, but will be happy with the end of next year. I was keeping it under wraps until I was at least halfway through, which I now am.

Dramatic Stacks

I went to a figure session tonight and lo and behold there was a naked tomato! It was shy so it undressed behind stacks of cups and refused to come out into the light. Ok, really, our model tonight was a good-looking African American guy, not shy at all. After the first break he didn't quite make it back into the same pose. I tried to change my composition accordingly, but I just ended up making a mess. So I wiped it off and called it lesson learned.

Picky Pig

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I borrowed this very cool pig from my little friend Ellie. Ellie is 2, and honestly I'm not sure she understood why I was taking her piggy bank, or if she even noticed. Do you suppose that is terribly ethical of me? Would it make things any better if I add a few coins to the bank before I give it back? Or does that just add insult to injury?! Thank you, Ellie!

Pear Love

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I borrowed this bunny from my friend James. When I first started painting every day I did a few stuffed animals and then completely forgot about it. Now I remember why I enjoyed it! I will be on the lookout for some good animals at the thrift store next time I go.

Tomato Quarantine

I just got the test copy of my new book - a collection of 100 paintings from 2011 - and if I do say so myself, it turned out great! It had a couple of typos so I fixed those and now it's ready to go. Check it out!

preview/order

Pear Migration

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Today, Black Friday, instead of joining the shopping masses, we drove out to the coast with the idea of taking a photo for the Marine Christmas card. It turned into a complete disaster because SOMEONE (I'm not naming names) forgot not only the tripod, but the memory card as well. It was a gorgeous day, and we consoled ourselves by collecting rocks. Ok ... it was all me, dang it - I forgot the stuff and I collected rocks. My poor guys.

Treasure Hunter

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I don't do a whole lot of paintings that are predominantly dark, but when I do I usually have trouble photographing them without glare. Especially here in Eugene and today since it rained all day. Not that I'm complaining. I will try again tomorrow and repost the photo. Meanwhile, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!!

Hysterical Hen

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More glass balls - I'm really diggin' these things. And the chicken again. I don't know why I love her so but I do.

Cups and Shiny Balls

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In the spirit of the approaching holiday season I decided colored glass balls were in order. It is amazing to me that Thanksgiving is in FIVE DAYS! What happened to this year?!?

Over-enthusiastic

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These guys jumped in the glass before they were properly juiced. Whazup?

Check out our new couch and a little snow.

Orange You Tempted?

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I am endlessly fascinated by the light coming through translucent objects like these orange slices. This painting will probably go in my next collection of 100 paintings book, vol. 3. I am working on it now. I should have it ready right before Christmas.

WORKSHOP - Dec 14-17, 2012 in Easton Maryland. Register with Easton Studio & School

One Helluva Party & Red Sweater

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Last night I went to another figure session with Sarah. Our model had some mega dreadlocks, and a fuzzy red sweater. About an hour into the 3-hour pose I started over. I decided on the second try to experiment with wilder colors in shadows. The part I'm happiest with is the suggestion of a hand. I find I spend about 2/3 of the time on the face and 1/3 on the rest (ha! - just read that was Sarah's experience as well)!

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And below is the belated group photo of last week's Sedona kids. It was a really fun group!

Protecting the Nest

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Red eggs? Yes, I thought it was funny too. But you don't mess with a nesting chicken.

So my favorite response to: How many artists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Answer: None. We can't afford a new lightbulb. We just paint outside instead. : )

And if you're interested in hearing more about my run yesterday, check out my New Beginning blog.

Following Green

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So I survived the 6 mile race, (whew!) and am here to report (will post about the run tomorrow). My class in Sedona last week went swimmingly. Ok, aside from the force fed wine and dessert. The first day we woke up to snow. This was the view from my hotel balcony:

The snow eventually changed to hail, and everything melted by the end of the day ... except for way up high in the mountains. It was a good day to be inside painting.

I always seem to forget something when I travel, and this time I forgot my camera. So I had to settle for iphone pics. Above are my kids slaving away. And below are some of the paintings produced, including 4 of my demos (sold), one row up from the bottom.

We took a group photo, but it was with a better camera than mine and is being emailed to me - will post later. So I'll end with a very serious question: how many artists does it take to change a lightbulb? My kids and I were brainstorming an answer. Please tell me your ideas and I'll post some good ones tomorrow, including our favorite from last week!

Free the Others

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I am back from Sedona but not quite rested enough yet to do a good recap of my class there. I had to get up at 3:30 this morning to catch my flight. Tomorrow I am scheduled to run in a 6-mile race with my new friend Sarah and I am really hoping my body is up for it. If I am still alive tomorrow night I will post pictures about my most recent gaggle of kids.

Pig in Shades

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Apparently I've created quite a reputation for myself. Everyone seems to think I'm some kind of wine guzzling party gal. I have no CLUE how you might have inferred that from what I've written here on my blog. No clue. So here I am in Sedona and my kids not only ply me with wine each and every night, they keep me out WAY past my bedtime (sometimes until 9!!!) and even pour hot fudge sundae's down my throat. What a horrible life I lead.

A big thank you to Cornelia who sent me a replacement pig (the brother to the small one lost in the fire). I painted him here with my cool new shades from Target.

Farmers Market Tomatoes

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Today we visited the very cool Saturday Market here in Eugene. It happens EVERY Saturday (yay!) and involves booth after booth of veggies, crafts, clothes, food, etc. It was raining a little and cold, but these Eugenians don't seem phased by weather one bit.

Tomorrow I fly to Sedona for my next workshop. This time I'll remember my computer cord so I can post occasionally while there.

Fall Arrangement

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This is my very first, official, non-demo, from life, still life painting since the fire. It's in honor of all the stunning fall color we have here in Eugene. I mean literally we drive down the streets and say WOW! every 2 seconds. I am told it's more stunning than usual and has lasted longer, and it's because there is less rain than usual. I just hope we didn't bring the drought with us!!!

Floppy Hat

I had to start over twice with this one. It was tough. But I loved this face with the big eyes and subtle light. I think it was the subtle light that made it difficult.

Miranda

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And now for something totally different! Last night I rediscovered the joy of painting the figure from life. I hadn't done it since college, but when my new Eugene friend, Sarah Sedwick, (check her site for her version of Miranda) invited me to the weekly session, I couldn't pass it up. And you can bet I'll do it again. This is 8x10 inches. Since it's my first one I'm starting the bidding low (for the size).

Front Room

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I stayed at a bed and breakfast recently in Massachusetts with a friend. It was a really cool old house, beautifully decorated, with great light! And to top it off the breakfast's were amazing! It was called the Baird Tavern, and this was the front room.