Copying the Masters @ CAM

Yesterday I participated in a "Paint IN" at the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) with the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA).  The Ohio Plein Air Society (OPAS) was supposed to be there as well but I didn't see anyone.  It was a blast to schlep my painting stuff into the museum (good thing I knew where the handicap entrance ramp was!)

Of course I headed to the gallery where the impressionist paintings are.  The painting I had wanted to copy was missing. It is a HUGE pastel night scene of sheep on a hillside that only gets to come out every now & then since the museum is interested in preserving the paper as long as possible.  They are afraid that extended exposure to light might damage it.  I looked around the gallery and decided NOT to attempt Monet or Renoir.  In fact I cannot remember the artist who painted this piece:

There is a very poorly painted bench and a sketched in figure in the foreground that I decided to ignore.  Looks like the artist never finished this piece.  (Thus illustrating the danger of leaving incomplete work in your studio where your rotten heirs can find it after your death!)  I was attracted to the light patter and the spring azaleas.  Although this is in France it reminds me of Savannah, GA, this time of year.  I am really sick of winter at the moment.

Rather than try to copy the work, I used it as inspiration.  The rules at the CAM are that you need to use a different size from the original when you copy it.  I used a square format:

"The Terrace", 8x8, oil on gessoboard

It felt great to be shmooshing around with my paints again.  This image is a little bit faded with a bit of glare. I will try to repost a better image.

I have been busy prepping for the Essex Studios Early Spring Art Walk next weekend. Since completing the 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge in January I have been framing the work produced.  It is amazing how much time it takes to cover the backs with paper and create the hanging wires.

Monday I leave for Carmel, Indiana to spend another three days with Dreama Tolle Perry.  Her workshop last November really energized my painting efforts.  Can't wait to see where I go after this!

By the way, the "Watercolor for the Truly Terrified & Paint Avoidant" workshop was great fun!  Two brave souls showed up to play around with paint for an afternoon.  As promised, Mary & Donna left with actual ART created by their very own hands!  It is amazing how matting & wrapping turns a watercolor into ART!

I am grateful for the many blessings of my life as it is today. 

Start where you are

Love what you have

Do what you can

Red Dot!

I am thrilled to report that my painting, "Florida Dreaming" sold this weekend at the Cincinnati Art Club Signature Members Winter Show.  Congratulations to new collector, John T of Cincinnati.

Note the "Red Dot"!

It is such a thrill to sell my work.  I appreciate the opportunity as a Signature Member of the CAC to show several times a year.  Yesterday I "sat" the show with another member and we had a blast.  She sold a piece as well while we were there. You never know who is going to come look at the show so we had a chance to answer questions about membership and share the wonderful work with others.

I have also heard that my work "Pomegranate Pleasures" has been accepted into a show in Covington, KY, later this month called 50/50.  Fifty artists will offer fifty pieced of work for $50 each.  All proceeds go back to the artists.

Pomegranate Pleasures, 7x5 watercolor

Since this was my first 30 in 30 effort, I am happy to see it go to a new home! The entire 30 in 30 experience has stretched me artistically and has resulted in 10 sales, 1 commission and more "followers" here on my blog.  Since January 31 I have been involved in framing and delivering work.  I miss smooshing around with paint each day.  Hopefully today will be the day!

Don't forget, Watercolor for the Truly Terrified & Paint Avoidant is happening this Saturday from 1-4 pm at Creative Catalyst Studio.  ($30, supplies included.) We still have room for a few more people to come play with paint! 

Email me asap if you want to come!

I am grateful for the many blessings of my life as it is today. 

Start where you are

Love what you have

Do what you can

Watercolor for the Truly Terrified & Paint Avoidant!

I am excited to announce a "returning" playshop  at Creative Catalyst Studio:

Watercolor for the Truly Terrified

& paint avoidant!

"Dreaming" watercolor collage for Secret Artworks

 Saturday, February 16, 1-4 pm

$30, supplies included

                 

Remember how much fun art was in kindergarten?

Come splash around and play with watercolors!  Supplies are included.   Basic techniques will be covered and then we will play with color! 

 Lack of experience expected. No one will be asked to “draw a straight line” or “stick person”. 

Remember, it’s only paint & paper!

Space is limited!

Email marion@creativecatalysts.net to reserve your spot!

A wondrous grid of paintings!

February 1

Brrrr.  10 degrees.  Snow.  Wind chill advisory. (thinking thoughts of Belize right now.  Pina Colladas...snorkeling...sand...sun...sigh)  Sipping my morning breakfast smoothie instead.

I figured out how to make this grid, thanks to Leslie Saeta posting the ling to ww.picmonkey.com, a really fun photo editing site.  Here is a grid of my 30 paintings, in fairly random order...

If you click on the image you can see a larger version.

I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed!  Amazing what happens when you don't listen to your inner critic, wet blanket or whiner.  Now I'm off to the studio to get some framing done!  And repair the chaos that this challenge also created...

I am grateful for the many blessings of my life as it is today. 

Start where you are

Love what you have

Do what you can