Artist's Block!

Yes, I suppose it happens to the best of us at times. After a good studio cleaning, however, I've become inspired to explore some studio pieces of winter and fall landscapes. It is amazing how much of my process is mental. I must see the finished piece in my mind before beginning.

Recently I had the joy to read a great collection of interviews with working artists describing their studio habits, work ethics, and fears. "Inside the Painter's Studio." It gave me marvelous insight into their challenges, and I've learned that I'm not the only one to study half-finished paintings for hours, or clean their studio as a "prelude" to painting.

So, after the inspiration, it is back to work.... Normally, November and December would be down months for me, where I would set the paint brush down to explore other mediums. Not this year. I plan to forge ahead.

I have coastal views in my head that must get out onto canvas. This should please my "Northern" customers residing in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas, as well as anyone who loves the ocean. I found a photo while cleaning today of the coastline of Martha's Vineyard. It was taken during a trip this past year. I found the foggy coastline along Nantucket Sound fascinating, with the division of sky and sea blurred completely. Look for a large scale piece to develop soon.

Well, I suppose I should get busy....so, as I like to say, "off like a prom dress."

Until next time, may all your trees be happy!

joli

Art on the Lawn was a great time in Giles County, VA! On the lawn of the courthouse in Pearisburg, there were about 20 artists in attendance. A small show, but very lively, and the locals really came out to support their artists. I enjoyed returning to the county that helped me get off my feet artistically, and I got to see old friends and make new.

Due to the wind, I had to set up "twice." But no worries, no works were damaged. I ended up selling a few, and the day was lovely! We lucked out!

Until next time..... may your trees be happy!

joli

Brace Cove - New Project!

Be on the lookout for new happenings on this exciting new project... The Brace Cove Project!

Painting outing Saturday....

I took 221 out of Floyd Saturday to hunt down a view I'd seen many times before and wanted to paint. I found it at the entrance to Hope Springs Farm in the even smaller town of Willis, VA. (they don't even have a stoplight!) I had some challenges mixing colors accurately in the bright sunshine. They always read lighter than they are, and the result can be muddier colors once you return to the studio. But I was able to make some changes on site, and in the end, I will have a workable little painting to finish up! Enjoy!

New Paintings need a New Home!

Here are some new paintings in need of a new home! I sell directly from my Floyd studio and I am can safely ship just about anywhere!

Summer day in Floyd

I set out to enjoy an afternoon of painting. I wanted a new location, and I found one close to home! The view is towards the NOAH weather station looking North. The day was hot, the bugs were out, as were beautiful wildflowers. I couldn't decide exactly the view to capture. I loved the bright blue sky and puffy big clouds. I loved the wildflowers. In the end, I came back to painting the hillsides colliding into each other. Overall, a good start and a great afternoon!

Finishing up Niles Beach!

I finished the painting I started of Niles Beach in Gloucester, MA yesterday! Whoo hoo! Very pleased with the result. I tried to keep things loose and keep the focus on the morning light coming onto the beach. As with all of my pieces, I do sell directly out of my studio, so if you are interested in the piece, just let me know!!

Until next time....

joli