Sometimes, in spite of feeling highly unqualified, I show a few of my drawing students what I know about oil painting. I’ve been oil painting since March 8, 2006, and yet I feel green as grass. But, they want to learn and practice, and I want to share what I know. This year they all […]
Going to a Weird Place
Ever been to Death Valley? It is a weird weird place. I’ll just show you the photos from our recent excursion. Long post, so get comfortable. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE. . . Death Valley is the largest National Park in the lower 48 states and includes 7 (SEVEN!) mountain ranges. It is the hottest […]
Another Fun Day at the Easels
I took three photos of these paintings so you could see the improvement, or was it so I could have something to say on the blog today? The former. I always have something to say. (Have you noticed this?) And since I am outside, let us enjoy the yellow leaves. I am so thankful we […]
A Fun Day at the Easels
As a pencil artist, with drawing as my first artistic love, a fun day at the easels for me is when I finally get to the stage where I am able to “draw” with my paintbrushes. This is considered a bad thing in the Art World; all I can think of to respond to that […]
Do You Color?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHEEBS! The only times I color is when I am doing a little boutique-festival-fair-show-sale – whatever those events are called. Coloring is more fitting than knitting and certainly more approachable than reading a book in between customers. (If I am attending a festival and a vendor is reading a book, I just keep […]
Drawing Lessons
Drawing in pencil is my favorite thing. My second favorite part of my business might be helping other people draw in pencil. One afternoon a week, I teach 5 small groups of people for one hour per group. Each participant works on his own drawing at his own pace. Her own drawing at her own […]
Creeping Incrementalism
“Creeping incrementalism” sounds like the frog in the frying pan. In the case of this Central California artist, it is the way I am currently approaching paintings. Maybe if I just paint in increments, telling myself along the way that I can just do a little and quit any time, then at least a bit […]
Told You So
Last week I told you that I don’t like the pumpkin painting in progress. Paintings in progress aren’t often inspirational, but this one didn’t seem hopeful at all. Something about the arrangement of things or the colors just wasn’t ringing my bell. A friend brought us a bag of various citrus fruits. It was an […]
I CANNOT Attend
This time of year is all about events. All the events are about raising money. That seems to be the normal reason for a party/dinner/anything in Tulare County. Everybody needs money. The causes are endless, and they are all good. The latest event that I am involved in is an auction at the Courthouse Gallery […]
Updates
In the world of computers, “update” is a euphemism for “complication”. (Never mind what “upgrade” means – it is a word made up in the 21st century to confound all sensible people.) In my world, “update” means recent information on unfinished or unreported business. The Wildflowers of Mineral King: Common Names will not be published by […]