Today I did number 14 in my Pond Study Series. You can see the dulling of colors, which is a departure from my usual palette. The lone willow tree just right of the center is holding onto its foliage, as is the adjacent pine. The other side of the pond grows more and more bare. Strangely, the sky seems perpetually grayer than usual. I purposefully limited my palette in composing this painting. I used only ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow, burnt umber, and titanium white. I think this limitation forced me to stay within a certain range of tone throughout the piece. I want to continue with this practice in having painting related goals for future pond studies. I continue to learn not only about observation of a subject matter but also about paint manipulation. I am allowed risks and experiments through the repetition. I would suggest this kind of project for any artist. This should be done periodically through any artists career as an opportunity for growth and discovery. For future pond study pieces I will limit palette, mark making, and time of execution. It is a strange feeling, that I am somehow becoming connected to this scene. I am seeing my own personal transformations through the land’s seasonal phases.
Late Afternoon Shadows
12″ x 24″
oil on panel
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On Teaching
I had a great time on Saturday teaching a couple of creative ladies about watercolor. We covered materials, application, and other little tips and tricks that can be used along the way. Teaching can be challenging and fun. You never quite know the specific interests and expectations that the student will have when they walk in the door, so I always try to get to know my students a little bit before diving in. Through the act of teaching I am able to refresh myself on technique. The students always teach me something too, whether through a question I had not considered before or a suggestion. Teaching is an important part to being an artist. It is a necessary process to foster creativity. It forces the artist out of the bubble of their own practice and into a dynamic setting where ideas are exchanged. I have more classes coming up soon in my studio, looking forward to it!
Chromascape in Humboldt Park at Sunset
30″ x 33″
oil on canvas
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Pond Study 9
7″ x 11″
oil
Pond Study 8
7″ x 11″
oil
Pond Drawing
7″ x 11″
pastel on paper
Pond Study 7
7″ x 11″
oil on paper
Full Time Artist
Today begins my first day as a full-time painter. I know, I know, what am I thinking trying to build an art career in this economy? The thing is- it could take decades for the world to sort out its financial problems and I am here now living my life now. I don’t really see how I can wait. I know that people still have money and many of them are still buying art. So here I go. I will be doing classes and workshops, participating in fairs and festivals, and attending as many events as I can. I have a few awesome gallery group shows coming up. This includes a miniatures show at the Nina Bliese Gallery in Minneapolis. I will also be a part of a contemporary landscape painting show at the Artisan Gallery this spring. Lots going on and I am very excited to be doing what I love!
Special thanks to my sweet husband, Ben Lloyd, for all his support!