Been Fishin'

"Been Fishin' "
18" x 24" acrylic on visual edge canvas

Here's another offering for our community images show in September. It was really fun to paint this one! It just begged to be loose and casual.
The right to use the photo was given by one of the Monroe County Arts Alliance members in response to requests sent out this spring. I didn't know at the time that we live on the same road! I have since met this gentleman(her husband) and he is indeed an avid fisherman.

Batting Coach

"Batting Coach"
8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite

This is another of the pieces that I'm painting for the local art alliance's show this fall of community images. What could be more community than baseball at the recreation center? I love the way that all the shapes in this painting mimic the curvature of the coach embracing this little player.

Hard to Camouflage

"Hard to Camouflage"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite

The cry a peacock makes is eerily beautiful when heard in the distance, but when a wandering neighbor's bird hops up on your deck rail and announces his presence just as you're fixing your first cup of coffee in the morning... well, that's another story! Thank goodness some of his buddies answered and he found his way home.

$145 includes USA shipping

Lightly Napping

"Lightly Napping"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
Available on 'Cat a Day' blog

Time to take a break from the big paintings and play on a few small ones. Here's Buddy again doing what cats do best...nap. Love to capture all the colors bouncing around in the sunlight!

Sand Angel

"Sand Angel"
16" x 18" oil on gessoed masonite

This little guy was hamming it up out at the playground early this spring when the weather was still pretty chilly. I just could not resist him!

All American - "tweaked"

You probably can't tell much difference, but I went in and tweaked a few things that were bothering me... you artists will understand. Then, when I was retrieving it from it's 'safe' drying place, I scratched paint off of the lariat on the red guy! Will patch that today. I think this painting just likes to hang around my studio and visit with me!

Muskogee Traditions at Ocmulgee Mounds

"Muskogee Traditions at Ocmulgee Mounds"

27" x 31" oil on gessoed masonite

I must say that this has been a very interesting piece to paint. I have other reference photos of this hunter demonstrating various skills, so he might just show up again later by himself.

No cigar!

Very busy last week but 'no cigar"! I actually spent 26 hours of pure painting in front of the easel. I have three incomplete paintings to show (or not show) for it. Also, I couldn't resist going back into the cowboy painting and noodling around on a few details that needed refinement... and fix where I had to wipe off the white paint my 3-yr-old grandchild added to wet paint! After putting the Indian painting away for several days, I saw some changes I want to make before I post it finished. Two more scenes based on reference photos I took at the community ballfield are coming along nicely. All are in oil, which is why I have 3 going at the same time. I don't have that aggravating wait time in acrylics, but oils are so much easier to leave and come back to... and since I never know when I'll be interrupted at the gallery, this is a good thing! Hopefully this week I'll be able to post the finished products and start some new ones.

WIP - "Impressing Her" #2

Another post of this painting in progress. No real frustrations with it yet, except maybe that parts of yesterday's session were in the "sticky" stage and I had to leave them alone. Also I was working on it at the gallery today instead of the home studio and I forgot to take the fistful of brushes that I'd brought home to clean thoroughly. It's a good thing I had a few spares in my Jullian! I've decided to change the name to "Muskogee Traditions at Ocmulgee Mounds" since I feel it's important to identify the tribe and locale.

Baby Face

"Baby Face"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
available on 'Cat a Day' blog

Seems I've been doing a lot of serious painting of late, so I really needed to pull back and do a "funsy". This is one of my favorite poses of our kitty, Baby Face. She loves to 'hook on' over my husband's shoulder and nap. It's a good thing he's wearing his old faded flannel overshirt... those side claws are sharp!

All American - finished!

"All American"
24" x 36" oil on gessoed masonite

Yippee! I can finally post this as a finished piece. Sometimes larger, more complex pieces like this just take a while... mainly because I get distracted into starting other paintings. I just love to start them, but then when I get 80-90% finished, they say pretty much what I want them to say and I have to talk myself into finishing. I know...I'm just a little bit crazy!

I particularly like the way this high school rodeo instructor turned out. And to think...I actually thought about cutting him out of the composition. Glad I didn't!

What I like best about these guys is the way you can feel the bodies inside the shirts because of the way they are leaning over... and you just got to love those fannies in Wranglers!
There exists a nice visual between this blonde bull and the cream outfit of the instructor and the fact that they are both looking out of the painting in opposite directions. Just a way of reminding the viewer that we are only seeing a slice of the activities that go on at a rodeo.

WIP - "Impressing Her"

This is a 27" x 31" oil on gessoed masonite that I've spent about six hours on... just working out the composition from three references taken at the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds and the patterning of lights and darks to make it flow. This Muskogee maiden has on a lovely pale deerskin dress beaded in blue, which is not your everyday garment. I like the idea that she has dressed up and is quietly watching as the hunter demonstrates his skills with a throwing stick.

Two Pair

"Two Pair"
8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite

These sun-struck pairs are in a pasture less than a mile from my house and belong to our county's sheriff. I really enjoy seeing the new calves appearing. I've noticed that the farmers in this area have changed the cycle that used to have the calves showing up in early spring. This reference picture was taken as the grass was just really greening up this spring and the calves were already good size. The winters are fairly mild here in Georgia, but the summers can be brutal with drought a real issue lately... that may explain it.
This little painting will be one of thirty I'm painting of local images for a show in Sept.

Madison Morning

This is me painting on the square in Madison, GA Saturday, May 2. The weather and setting was absolutely wonderful... and my sister, Pam, was with me! She took these pictures, thank goodness, since I accidentally deleted mine in transferring them from camera to computer.

I had set up to capture the sidewalk tables across the street at O'Hara's, when this guy sitting on the park bench near me caught my eye. It seemed everyone who passed knew him. A car pulled up and the driver gave him a banana, chatted a moment and drove on. By the time he had finished the banana, another car stopped with a sandwich. This is a local character that I really need to capture, I thought. Besides, his profile and body language sitting in the deep shade on that bench were great. I quickly sketched him in and then spent into the afternoon filling in his hometown surroundings. Locals stopping by to see what I was painting would say " Hey, I know him... he's here every morning!" By the time I finished, I knew his name and history!

"Madison Morning"... SOLD
8" x 10" oil on panel

Sorry it's kinda' fuzzy, but it's all I have. This was the first painting bid on at the silent auction that afternoon. It was surprising to see how many people knew exactly who he was! It also garnered me an 'Honorable Mention'.

Three for Lunch

"Three for Lunch"... SOLD
8" x 10" oil on panel

This is the first painting that I did at the Georgia in Bloom paint-out in Madison on May1. The picture encompasses every no-no in the book, but I'm grateful to have it. I deleted mine by accident and this is one my sister took, never dreaming it would end up on my blog. It actually is a nice little painting and the owner of these three Herefords came to the auction and bought it, much to my delight.

The three workmen paintings together

"Floating"

"Tethered"

"Stepping Up"

I know that I have posted these separately as they were coming off the easel, but I thought it would be a good idea to post them together like I intended for them to show. Otherwise you would have to scroll and hunt for them. Art on the Avenue has them lined up on easels in their display window and I saw them together for the first time today. I was pleased with their presence as a group.

Each is 20"x20" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas for $595 at the gallery.

WIP - "Winning Her Over"

I never seem to be able to get one finished (still working on the cowboys!) before I get excited about a new one... in this case, three new ones! This series of three paintings shows my Dad winning over the cautious adoration of my grandbaby, Brooke. I can read his lips as he sings "Won't You Come Over My House?" just as he did when I was a little girl.

Shirley Stafford, an excellent artist friend of mine, suggested I do an underpainting in yellow on these, so I'm giving it a try. They are in oils and each canvas is 24" x 30" x 1-1/2" gallery wrap.
Still lots and lots to do, but I think I'm going to leave the background very simple with just the hint of the window, focusing all the attention on the relationship of my Daddy to his great granddaughter.

Stepping Up

"Stepping Up"
20" x 20" acrylic on visual edge canvas
Art on the Avenue Gallery ... $595

Finally! The third and last painting in this series of concrete workers is finished. I'll be painting something a little more organic for the next few days. All these angles and lines have me cross-eyed even when I try to be fairly loose with them. I want the effect, but not the hard edges... tricky. But there is something about putting organic shapes over geometrics that really appeals to my eye. These workers have stripped the forms off of the front of the steps and are apparently rubbing and smoothing. Right now they are steps to nowhere, but in another year or so, there will be students climbing up and down at the largest high school complex in Houston County, Georgia.

Karleen's Daisies

My 8-year old granddaughter, Karleen, brought these paintings of her German Shepherd to me yesterday. I think she did a terrific job of capturing "Daisy". I wish I could be so free with my paint!

My study of Deb Pero's painting

Study of Deb Pero's "Shade Seekers"
8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite - nfs

After painting three Hereford cows plein air this past weekend at a farm, I decided to noodle around with the study I'd done of Deb Pero's pasture scene. I realized that my colors were too bold to achieve the atmosphere that comes from viewing things at a distance. So here's my 'noodled' version... I like it much better. Thanks, Deb, for such a sweet little piece to play with!

Happy & Sad

I am happy to report that the past two days have been a whirlwind of artistic delight! The Paint Out in Madison, Ga could not have been better planned or executed, thanks to many caring people with the Madison Art Guild and Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. The weather was ideal and the sites fabulous. I received an Honorable Mention and two of my three paintings sold!
Now for the sad part.... In the tired but excited state I was in once I got home, as I was transferring my images from camera to computer, I lost the images of my paintings and the auction! I was sick! I have one painting to re-photograph, but will have to rely on my sister to send me copies of 35mm shots that she took. The auction was covered by press, so I may be able to get some images from Greg Strelecki, the photographer. None of these being digital, I'll have to wait...bummer. On a positive note, I did not lose the reference shots that I took at some of the lovely locations I visited that will make their way into paintings in the future.
So, as I'm able to get images, I'll post them and tell you more about this event and some of the wonderful artists that I was able to meet. For now, here's the one painting that did not sell that I'm keeping for myself(for the time being).

"Ainslie Oak"
8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite
Art on the Avenue $165 framed

This view was looking through massive twisted limbs of one of the centuries old red oaks on the farm where I was plein air painting. Very painterly and joyfully done!

Plein Air in Madison

I am so excited to be spending this Friday and Saturday at the Paint Out in Madison, GA! It's part of their spring Georgia in Bloom 2009 Art Fest. Not only is this a terrific opportunity to fellowship with other artists, I really need this time away from my own "stuff" to concentrate on painting. This time of year I'm not sure I'm an artist who loves gardening or a gardener who loves painting! As I type this, there is dirt under my fingernails from the tomato plants I just stuck in the ground. I started way too many from seed, but I just couldn't resist all the wonderful different varieties that are unavailable as plants in the local stores... like Black Brandywine, Super Sioux, Jetsonic and Sugary Cherry to name a few.
See, I'm off on a tangent... back to the paint out. I've filled my Jullian easel with oils for the first time. I've used acrylics in the past, but it's always a mad dash to work before they dry. Since the temperature is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend and the last few days have been breezy too, I thought the oils would be a more relaxing experience. I think I'll go ahead and wear my paint spattered jeans since I'm a messy painter, though!
Can't wait to report back to you on Sunday!

Hampton Gallery

Cameron Hampton with "Wallowing Wild Boar" sculpture

Saturday evening I had the chance to attend 'The Blue Green Earth Exhibition' at the Hampton Fine Art Gallery in Greensboro, GA which is co-owned by Cameron Hampton. Cameron is an multi-faceted artist that I first met at Art on the Avenue, where we both have work hanging. She also received the Best of Show award for “Intersection” at the recent Georgia in Bloom Show in Madison, GA.
I encourage you to see the show in person through May 30 and check out her work on the web.

Deb Pero

This painting was NOT done by me....although I wish it was! This sweet little 5"x7" oil was done by Deb Pero and I encourage you to check out her '60 Days - 60 Paintings' project before they are all gone sometime in May. I admire her ability to choose just what is necessary to achieve such large atmosphere in such a small space. As a lesson for myself, I painted an 8"x10" oil of this scene last night. Just suffice to say that what looks so effortless coming from Deb, did not coming from me! It was a delicious slice of fun, though, and I will keep trying. Thanks, Deb, for the daily eye candy!

Most of my Friday was spent prepping paintings and delivering to two of the Macon galleries, Art on the Avenue and Macon Arts.

Floating

"Floating"
20" x 20" acrylic on visual edge canvas
Art on the Avenue Gallery. . . $595

This is the second in the series of three workmen paintings from the huge school construction site that my husband monitors for the architect. Here the workmen are hand floating concrete. The wet slab has already been machined with a circular troweling machine. They only have a short 'window of opportunity' with concrete, as it begins curing soon after water is added at the batch plant inside the truck. Time and temperature all play a part.

"All American" in progress

Just to let you know that the rodeo series is coming along. Thought y'all might like a peek at the 24" x 36" oil that I've been working on in my studio. It's already spoken for but I'm pretty sure I'll have some more cowboys coming up... they're just a great subject!

An Honorable Mention!

"Bulls in Muck" got an Honorable Mention in the Georgia in Bloom Art Show and Sale this evening... and sold as the show was being hung! Wow! I'm a happy painter right now.
My daughter, Kelly, went with me and we had a lovely time visiting with other artists, patrons and the many shop keepers that make this venue such a success.
Something unusual and very thoughtful... Peter Muzyka presented each participating artist with a DVD slideshow of the artwork entered into the show. Since the pieces were scattered throughout the county at participating venues, this slideshow was playing for us during the reception in case we weren't able to see all of the pieces in person.
The show hangs until May 9th, so you still have time to see it. If you'd like to know who, what, when or where just drop me an email and I'll give you more info.

Inky

"Inky"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
available on 'Cat a Day' blog

Waiting for Dinner

"Waiting for Dinner"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
Available on 'Cat a Day' blog

Sisters

"Sisters"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
Available on 'Cat a Day' blog

This basketful of cat is Muffin and her sister, Patches, in their teenage years. What is fascinating (besides both of them being able to cram into the same Easter basket) is that their black and white patterns meld together to form one 'cat mass' instead of two kittens. You've just got to love those expressions!

Easter Break

Wow! What a gorgeous day it is after two nights of thunderstorms.
Just a little note to wish all a Happy Easter and say I'll be back Tuesday. Not only do I have twenty-four folks coming for Sunday dinner and an egg hunt... I have a 24"x36" commission to finish up... and Friday's cat painting is only half done. As an incurable optimist, I often load my palette a little too full!
See y'all on Tuesday!

Birdie in the Window

"Birdie in the Window"
8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite
available for purchase on 'Cat a Day' blog