First, I get an idea. . . sunflowers! Second, I look through my photos. . . sunflowers, where are they, I know I have some good ones, AHA, right under the category of florals. Third, I attach a hanger, write a name and inventory number on the back, list it on the inventory list. . […]
Better Than Before
Better Than Before is the title of a book I want to read by Gretchen Rubin. It is about how to develop good habits. She is the author of The Happiness Project and Happier At Home. She is an excellent researcher, but more importantly, she has a gift for summarizing her research in a simple, helpful and entertaining way. Her […]
My Favorite Bridge #11
The Oak Grove Bridge, 6.5 miles up the Mineral King Road, is my favorite bridge and favorite subject to draw and to paint. This is the 11th time I’ve painted it in oil, and although this is only partway to being finished, you may see it now. As I did last time, I am exaggerating […]
An Attempt to Lighten Up
Sometimes when life is hard, it helps to focus on lighter things. (Life has gobsmacked my family – you can read about my brother-in-law here.) So, these 2 little gems are in progress. Doesn’t look like I know how to paint at this stage, although I’ve seen paintings of this caliber sold for big money. I […]
Unfinished Paintings, Finished Drawing
These paintings have been waiting for attention for weeks, or perhaps months. It is true that what comes easily is usually more fun. I find painting to be work. It is satisfying, but laborious and more often than not, it is difficult. In troubling times, I gravitate back toward that which brings me pleasure and […]
Studio Painter with an Inferiority Complex
Studio. Workshop. Painting workshop. The building where I paint. Who cares? It is indoors, with consistent light, an easel that holds still, and nothing blowing around. I like being a studio artist. There is a snobbery out there in Art World about plein air painting being superior. It is a specialized skill, and I admire […]
Studio Painting, Phew!
What a relief to be painting in the studio. The light is consistent, I’m not cooking in the sun, and nothing blows away. This: becomes this: It will dry awhile, and I’ll make it better. Those flowers were sure fun – it is rare to just put bright colors down in a world of browns, […]
Painting on a Garden Tour
Back in March, I visited a home in Three Rivers that was scheduled to be part of a home and garden tour. The organizers believed that having artists painting in the gardens would add some interest to the tour (and were hoping for sales to raise more money for the school.) I am a studio painter, […]
Monarch Trail Revisited
There is a section of the Mineral King trail returning from Monarch Lakes that always catches my eye. It has some gnarly looking junipers, and I photograph it over and over. I painted it once. Turned out pretty well, sold quickly. Monarch Trail, oil on wrapped canvas, size forgotten, painted in 2008 Because I […]
NEW AND IMPROVED Oak Grove Bridge
If you have read this blog or followed my art for any time, you may have figured out that I have a thing for the Oak Grove Bridge. The sign on the bridge reads “East Fork of the Kaweah” or “Kaweah River” or something, but Trail Guy told me it is the Oak Grove Bridge […]