Franklin Pike outing

I had a nice afternoon of oil painting off of Franklin Pike in Floyd, VA. It was a new location, and the homeowner of the place I set up at was cordial, then happy, once she realized who I was. :) The undulation of the hillside was captivating, as were the cloud formations, which I sketched later from my front porch. As is the case sometime, I chose a canvas too small, so I tried to cram it all in. Oh well. Not such a great painting if you knew the place, but I had a great time, and was in "The Zone." After not being out on location in a few weeks (horror!), it took a while to get back in the saddle. I was happy with the clouds, however, and the sketches that resulted were amazingly fun!

I will hopefully be heading out tomorrow for more paint pushing.....check in later for more!

Until then.....happy painting!

joli

Painting Outings with Kasey

I've taken on a new art apprentice (i.e. Art Mule) this summer in exchange for art lessons. Miss Kasey! Kasey recently joined me for two art outings in Giles and Floyd Counties in VA. The first outing was to a new location in Pembroke, VA. The second, a much windier day, was to the Blue Ridge Parkway....an overlook called The Saddle of the Blue Ridge. Wind chased us away, but Kasey came away with some sketches, and I, a painting.

Kasey will be helping me prepare for upcoming shows, so be on the lookout for her in Roanoke and Giles!

joli

First Painting Outing - Spring 2010

I've spent time discovering newer painting spots in Giles County, VA. I found some great new spots at a remote neighborhood in Ripplemead, VA, hovering over the river. I found an amazing older home that screamed "Hitchcock" to me. I hope to revisit this site during the summer.

My first painting set up was, as expected, was very windy. I set up in a neighborhood area with expansive views of the New River. When I ended up, I had captured a "good start" on one of the hillsides. Cleaning up was difficult due to the high winds, but I enjoyed the afternoon so much!

Floyd Art Show

I had a great showing at the Floyd Arts Association earlier this Spring. The show was well-received, and I sold a smaller lighthouse piece painted on Wingaersheek Beach. The folks that bought it actually are from New Hampshire, and they now live in Floyd and split their time in Italy.

It was a nice night, and a great month with the Artist's Association! Thanks!

New Works & Commission Finished!

It has been a really long winter here in Floyd! We've had over 4 feet of snow this year! BUT....today was warm! 52 degrees, and so I got the opportunity to varnish my crop of new works outside. I have a few new studio pieces, ready for framing. I will be getting them together for my show coming up in Floyd next month. I am very pleased with how they have turned out!

I also show here my newly finished commission for a wonderful couple from Maryland. I am very pleased to finally have this done!

I am planning a series of marsh paintings, as I really connected with the colors and feel of the landscape of West Gloucester. With this touch of warm weather today, I can't wait for the snow to melt, and March to come....time to get back out in the fields of Southwestern Va! I got a touch of the "painting bug" today, and I can't wait! Can't wait!

Here I post images of my new pieces. They are ALL for SALE (well, with the exception of the commission)! Just let me know if you see something you like. :)

Until next time, may your trees be thawing and happy!

joli

Studio Paintings in Process & A NEW SHOW is Coming!

I've been very busy since Christmas working on another commission for a lovely couple (a return client) from Maryland. I've really taken time to cater not only the composition, but the colors, to their choosing....It took a while to get it started, but now I can see how it is taking shape. A mountain stream with fall colors... I've also started a couple of other works..one that is promising is of the marshes of West Gloucester, MA. A beautiful place any time of year, but in the fall, especially lovely with the firey colors of the marsh grasses you can only see on Cape Ann.

I am also ESPECIALLY excited to announce a first showing of my paintings in Floyd since moving here in Fall of 2008. The Floyd Artist's Association has asked me to display new works at their gallery as their guest artist for the month of March! I was vcery flattered and thrilled to receive the invite. The showing will also be part of the state program for Rising Women in the Arts for VA.

The opening reception will be Friday, March 5th from 5-8pm at the Floyd Artist's Association in the town of Floyd, VA, 203 S. Locust Street. Call me at 540-449-9078 with questions or for more information.

I will be deciding on, and posting, my Spring and Summer show schedule. Be on the lookout!

Until next time...may all your trees be thawing and ready for the warmth!

joli

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