Blown Away!!!!!

On one of my recent outings, I made it to the top of a nearby hill on a beautiful, sunny late afternoon. What I didn't expect was the wind! It is actually easier to paint in the rain than in the wind, as your painting can act as a sail that takes you away with the bigger gusts.

After getting set up, and getting into the painting mode, there was little I could but batton down the hatches and hang on for the ride! I anchored my easel with a heavy art bag and bungie, and at times had to prop my pallet in between my body and my easel to keep it steady.

In the end, I got the painting done, despite the elements!

Field Outing

This Spring has been very challenging for outdoor painting! The wind, the rain, there have been small windows of opportunity, which I've jumped on, sometimes taking longer lunch breaks from my "day job." Limiting myself to two hour sessions, and sticking closer to home, I've captured some beautiful scenery and had some "good starts," which I will polish in the studio.

My outdoor sales shows are coming up, with the Sidewalk Art Show in Roanoke the first weekend in June. Check out my show blog entry for dates and times.

"New Harvest" outing

This is my third outing this year, and this time I visited a place hidden between Christiansburg and Radford. It is the building site of a new church, aptly called New Harvest. This beautiful spring day, it was warm enough for shorts! I post here photos to help understand my process. I drive my trusty companion Isuzu, Pepe', as it will go basically ANYWHERE. I literally can drive up to my painting spots and work out of the back of the vehicle.

I always try and set up, paint, and leave within a 2 hour period of time. Some folks wonder why so quick? These are exercises in hitting the colors and forms efficiently, understanding that the light will change within 2 hours. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes my colors are off. Either way, these sessions keep me fresh for my studio work.

Enjoy, and as always, feel free to email me if you have questions or comments! Until next time, happy painting!!

joli

New Studio!

My hubby David and I are building a new house in the county of Floyd, VA, and with it comes a brand new studio!!! I cannot wait to move in and start creating all sorts of new works. 7 large casement windows with a Northern exposure, along with an inspirational view of rolling hills, will hopefully help to spur my creativity. Check out the photos, and as it takes shape, I will publish more.

Once in the new house, and new studio, I will be offering some plein air painting classes. Be on the lookout for a class schedule.

Until later, happy painting!

joli

Warmer weather is approaching!

As Spring is in bloom, and while we are waiting for the temperatures to level out and be WARM, I thought I would post some works that would bring the warmth early! If you see something you like, just let me know. Paintings can be shipped!

COMING SOON: Once I get outside for some painting, I will be posting photos from location. Check out this blog for my online journal of painting outings!

Until then, happy painting!

joli

2008 OUTDOOR ART SHOWS

Here is a listing of my 2008 art shows/sales where I will have my art displayed. Come out and enjoy each of the events!! Hope to see you there!

June 7-8th: Join me at the 50th anniversary of the Roanoke Sidewalk Art Show! Organized by the Art Museum of Western Va, it is held the first weekend in June on the Roanoke City Market. Hours are 10-5 Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday! I normally request a spot on the fence to the left of the market building, near Tavern on the Market.

July 5-6th: Wine Down the Music Trail Festival, Meadows of Dan/Floyd, VA. Come to mile marker 171 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the Floydfest music festival site, for a taste of wine and the arts. Look for more information on this two day event at www.atwproductions.com.

Sept. 20th: Enjoy a wonderfully intimate art show on the lawn of the Giles County Courthouse in Pearisburg, VA with Art on the Lawn! This small gathering, in its 3rd year, is a chance to see a varied selection of art in a smaller, but robust, art show. Approximately 12-15 artists normally attend, allowing for a more personal connection between patron and artist. Come and enjoy the day. There will be art, music, and food! See www.gilesartscouncil.org for more details.

New works!

March has brought inspiration and warmer temperatures, and as an artist, you start to re-enter "The Zone." The Zone being that place where all you do is think about your new work, new places to visit, what comes next, and how can you find more time to create. You also look at the weather forecast for the week to see what days MIGHT allow for an outdoor painting adventure....(pray for mild temps and NO WIND!) It's the time of year your plein air easel stays packed with supplies for heading out at a moments notice. AHHHHH the excitement of Spring!

I've posted some new paintings, fresh out of the studio! They may be found at The Cheshire Gallery in Roanoke, VA, and the prices are very reasonable. (cheaper than gas?) I will be posting my outdoor show schedule today, here. Look for the entry.

On another exciting note, I sold my very first piece at an auction/fundraiser for The Jacksonville Center for the Arts in Floyd, Va. It was held at beautiful Chateau Morrisette Winery. I cannot tell you what a scary experience that was! But in the end, a patron purchased an inspiring painting of Wingaersheek Beach, Mass., and the Center received some much-needed funding. Whoo hoo!

Thanks for tuning in another week, and see you next time! Happy Painting, and may all your trees be happy trees!

joli