Because it was almost a non-winter, we had early access to Mineral King this year. However, it didn’t act very summerish in those early weeks. (You may recall our cold, gray, overcast, foggy and rainy Memorial Weekend.) Two weeks later I was back, and had an exciting afternoon in the cabin. Is this hail?? […]
Hiking in Mineral King
While I was painting diligently at home in Three Rivers, Trail Guy, who is retired, was hiking in Mineral King. He now has possession of the little camera that I used to carry around, so he documents his hikes for me to share with you. Or maybe he does it simply to share with me? […]
More Opening Weekend in Mineral King
Mineral King was overcast, cold, rainy and foggy on opening weekend this year. Guess it makes sense to get March in May since we had May in March. What’s a Central California artist to do? How about read, knit and discuss colors? I said blue, Michael said purple, and neighbor Annie said purplish blue. (Discussing the […]
Tulare County Beauty
As a Central California artist in Tulare County, it is my mission, goal and duty to portray the beauty of this place I live. Yesterday I showed you oil paintings as examples of the various subjects I paint that fall into a category I call “Because People Like It”. However, I didn’t show you my latest […]
Painting Subjects That Sell in Tulare County
If you want to earn your living as an artist, it is important to paint things that people want to buy. I think of these subjects as Because People Like It. In Tulare County, there are some stand-outs, and I try to keep them on hand in various sizes. Sequoia – the Big Trees, park […]
Sold Sunflowers
Remember I talked about painting things just because I love them? That is a different category than painting something because it sells. Sometimes, the things I paint for myself sell quickly. This is a mixed blessing – WAIT! I wanted that one! Oh. That’s right. I paint to sell things. It beats getting a job. […]
Sunflower Paintings
Today, let’s review sunflower oil paintings. I am painting them because they look happy. The category is Because I Want To. Painting happens in stages. These may now be finished, or may need a couple of touch ups before letting go. Go ahead, admit it – they make you feel ever so slightly happy when you […]
What Shall I Paint?
Have you ever wondered how an artist decides what to paint? Me too. What I paint falls into 4 categories: Things I know will sell Things I want to paint Commissions Reworking old paintings Category #1 includes Sequoia scenery, anything Mineral King, citrus, the Kaweah Post Office, the Kaweah River, the Oak Grove bridge and […]
Drawing Lessons as Apprenticeships?
While reading Jeff Goins’ The Art of Work, I received a bit of reinforcement and validation for my teaching people how to draw. (Thanks, Jeff!) All along I have said that the only ones who don’t learn how to draw from me are the ones who quit too soon. Jeff reinforced that thought with this: An apprenticeship is […]
The Art of Work and Drawing Lessons
Jefferson Memorial, pencil on paper, size forgotten, price undetermined, drawn because I love to draw, love this piece of history and love this architectural style. Any questions? Use the contact button above and I’ll do my best to answer. The Art of Work by Jeff Goins is at the top of my current stack of books. […]