A Trip Down Memory Lane

I have been busy with welcoming the new members to Women Painters of Washington, and cleaning out my studio. It was a joy to welcome 10 very talented painters to our organization last Wednesday. There are so many wonderful artists out there, it is a constant joy to meet so many talented artists. Since I had gotten off track with my own painting I decide the best thing to do would be to clean my studio and make room for new ideas. Buried under papers, I found this illustration that I had done many years ago. It also reminded me that I had a hard time drawing people and I solved my problem by emphasizing design. So, I share this with you all. It would be fun to hear your comments. Thanks again to all of you who comment and encourage it is a delight to get to you. Sorry it seems a bit small here, it was a black and white ad in our local newspaper......back when they used fashion illustrations!

Big Brother is Watching

These Clementines seemed to think that the big Orange was watching them, hence the title. I think that this painting is a little closer to what I am striving for this year. Looser and less fussiness. I was pleased that I didn't labor over it. Spring is finally arriving to the Northwest we have seen the sun for a few days, and that brings everyone out side, walking, jogging and riding bikes.

A New Day and New Way

Today I have tried something new. I scanned a painting rather than take a picture.  The picture I took didn't turn out well. I had ordered a portable photo booth, and tried that, but wasn't pleased with the results. Think I just need to practice. I know some artists use the scanner and their work looks great......so I will leave it up to you all, any comments are always welcome. I was trying to loosen up with my painting, and that didn't happen! I will just keep trying. I saw a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that I think applies to all of us artists. "Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be" Don't you love that?

Back to the Kitchen

These three chefs were in Paris. My husband I went to a lovely restaurant on a side street not far from our hotel. We were tired and had been walking for hours, the food smelled wonderful and the interior was so warm and inviting. When I saw the chefs in the kitchen I just had to take a picture, so I would have something to remember. But did I write down the name of the restaurant? No!  Well here they are my three chefs, in oil bar. I have been having trouble with oils, but, am always happier with the oil bars.

Abe at last and St Patrick's Day

This is the portrait of Abraham Lincoln that I did for the Daily Painters Challenge. I was at a wonderful fund raising luncheon for my PEO chapter yesterday.  It is always such fun being with these women, some of whom I have known for over 30 years......(can that be???) Our focus is giving scholarships to women, something dear to my heart. Anyway I said I post my portrait of Abe so they could see it. I haven't been going to meetings lately, and they can now see why. I think I wiped this one off 4 or 5 times! It was a good challenge, and I will post more. Once again any comment is welcome.

A look back at Waikiki

I have not posted as often as I would like. I have been doing some of the challenges through the daily painters blog. I wrestled with the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and finally posted it yesterday. I have been reading about Sorolla, and dreaming about warm days. So today I am posting a picture of Waikiki that I did using oil bars. I am fascinated by the color of water from one coast to another. In Hawaii the water is that lovely turquoise green. Thankfully Hawaii did not suffer much damage during this last tsunami. Let me know what you think, and as always thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to hearing from you.

Shopping Around

I saw this woman heading home after shopping at the outdoor market in Provence. Just had to try and capture her. Hope that the photo is OK. I am still fussing around with different settings. Have also spent time painting the challenges posted by Carol Marine and the Daily Painters. This whole blog experience is just so wonderful. Thank you again, to all who stop by and visit. I really love to hear your comments.