Snow comes to Floyd! Also, I've finished up some Massachusetts paintings!

I finished up two new works of the coastline of West Gloucester, Mass. One, for a commission, and the other "just because." I was inspired by the incoming Hurricane Ida Nor'easter.....I loved working with the brush and sea grass around the dunes, a staple of the North Shore beaches, and the expansive shore at Wingaersheek Beach was even more so with the mackeral clouds overhead. I've places some "informal" pics here. The light was not as good as I had hoped today, so they aren't of the best quality.

In terms of technique, I used several washes of thinner oil paint, building up gradually, and adding detail as I went. It felt good to finish them and to be pleased. I have another commission, of a VA scene, in the works now, as well as the starts of another studio painting, this time inspired by the sunrise this morning over the snowy and cold pasturelands of Floyd. See the picture here. We had around 18 inches at our house, along with high winds and very cold temps. BUT, we ARE going to have a white Christmas! A very welcome sight.

As always, I will post my progress.....

I wish all my supporters a wonderfully warm holiday season full of love, family, and friends galore!

Until next time, may all your trees be happily decorated for the season!

joli

Wow! Almost like Divine Inspiration, I was blessed with two new challenges! A fun, new local commission from a repeat (and devoted) client who is redo-ing their house and were in need of new paintings, as well as a surprise new client from my "home away from home" of Massachusetts! I will be working with a larger piece of a local, mountain stream scene, and I've started two new pieces of the beautiful North Shore beach Wingaersheek. (one with a far view of Annisquam Light) See progress here....remember, these are underpaintings today... two sessions so far.

The piece for the Massachusetts client is actually a very sweet story! The gentleman is looking for a special painting for his lady love for Christmas. I was able to do much-needed research while in Mass during my last trip, and as I worked on the piece today, complete with listening to Christmas music for inspiration, I felt really special to be making something that would brighten someone's holiday in their new home together. :)

It is true, the Lord does provide, as he has with devoted clients, and new followers alike! Yay!

Happy Holiday Season, everyone! It's gonna be a good one! And may those Holiday trees be happy! Make them shine.

joli

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