Friday, July 31, 2009

My Studio

Where it all happens.
Welcome.


My Place to Paint.

This is the corner of my studio where most of the painting happens. Note that the easel is empty because I am working flat on a series of 12x12" canvases at the moment.

My Place to Plan.
My corner for thinking, planning, reading, watching a video, or napping.

My Place to Compute and Print.

Sometimes I think my computer and printers do as much work as my brushes. I could not function without them.

A View to Feed My Spirit.

The view from that window behind my work table.

Thanks for taking my virtual tour. You are most welcome to come for a real tour. Just be prepared for a little clutter and watch where you step. That might be art underfoot.

Monday, July 20, 2009

WOW! Somebody Likes My Blog


I was given this blog award by Krista Meister, the "fearless leader" of Real Life Artists, a blog that is home to a band of artists determined to be the very best we can be. She provides a forum for our ideas and helps us keep focused on our goals. I am honored to receive the award and to be a part of the group. Thanks Krista.


The award comes with two duties: share seven things my fellow bloggers don't know about me; pass the award to seven worthy artists. So here goes.

Seven things you didn’t know about me.

As a child I was good at math and science. That was before I discovered that maybe I could do art and became this happy person with a paint brush in hand.

I am proud to be rather a good cook. Whether this is due to heredity or hours spent with gramma in her kitchen is debatable but one way or another it came from gramma.

There are currently 55 people who by accident of birth or marriage call me “Aunt Marge”. I have lost track of the “great aunt” count.

My heritage is an even mix of Irish and German. The two influences, like their source, are in constant conflict and probably keep me balanced. (sort of.).

For more than 20 years I was a teacher and I cherish the memory of every student who passed through my classroom. I love them all.

I cannot paint a cool painting. I try, but the oranges and yellows creep in every time. If you have been following my blog, you probably know this one.

Two years ago I got to fulfill one of my childhood dreams, a boat trip on the Yangtse River. I can still remember the spot in the children’s room of the local library that housed a series of books about people who lived along that river.

I grew up in the woods and love nature but I am into down town living.


And my Brush Award is given to these artist bloggers.

Kimber Scott http://kimberscott.blogspot.com/ Thoughtful posts.

Beth Rommel http://niftyartgirl.blogspot.com/ Art as nifty as the girl..

Connie Chadwell http://hackberrystreetstudio.blogspot.com/ Dance, art in motion.

Marilyn Fenn http://marilynfenn.com/blog/ A lady always on the move.

Gabrielle http://innerartist.blogspot.com/ “nature nerd”

Carol McIntyre http://www.paintingharmony.com/blog A treasure in lavender

Caroline Roberts http://carolineroberts.blogspot.com Lots of great content.

Leslie Rinchen-Wongo http://silkthangka.com/blog Fascinating art and artist


If you haven't already done so, try them. You'll like them.





Thursday, July 16, 2009

"Three for Tea"



To paint or do the “other stuff”, that is the Question


This week I made the decision to paint, but not without a little guilt. After all I promised to post every week on this blog, attend a meeting, keep up with… etc.

After some refection it just seemed right to paint.


Summer in Sarasota, FL is “off season” and hot. That means it’s the time to travel to some cool place or shut yourself in with the AC and paint. I chose the latter and have finished two, revised one and completed (I think.) one new painting.


My newest entry in the “Room” series is pictured above. The sub-title is, Van Gogh, Matisse and Me. It was fun to paint and it makes me smile. How much can you ask of one canvas?

I will love any reaction you may wish to share. Thanks.



Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Inspiration


Simple Pleasures
Acrylic on Canvas 12 X 12” Each

Inspired by:
Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland
Final melody based on a Shaker Hymn
Simple Gifts by Joseph Brackett

‘Tis the gift to be simple
‘tis the gift to be free...

What a gift: to create music that can inspire tears of joy. I love Appalachian Spring and each time I hear it I wait for this melody. It is simple and pure and universal pleasure.

These squares are my attempt to paint a response.