Workshop

Last week I took yet another painting workshop with the talented Kelli Folsom for the second time.  I learned even more this time around.  It was taught in the Alla Prima tradition, wet on wet.  The pretty lady in the front is my dear friend Linda Dunbar.  You HAVE to check out her Facebook page Linda Dunbar Fine Art (go there and LIKE).  She is so, so, soooo very talented and one of the funniest ladies I know.  She is also in my regular class and again next week we will be taking another private workshop with Derek Penix.  

This is what I painted in the two day workshop.  I think I am happy with it.  I can't wait to see what we do in Derek's private workshop.  It will consist of only four of us and I hear we may paint an actual model.  That I have not done since I was 14.  Woo Hoo! 

Workshop - Day 3

Day three of he workshop with Derek Penix and it was plein air painting.  Thankfully the weather cooperated with a bit of wind.  It was a bit chilly when not in the sun but I enjoyed sitting in the sun while he created.

It is amazing how he looks at things, sees the light and dark and starts swiping on color to create.

I know it's blurry but this is the final tree he did in a couple of hours. 

Side note:  I had to boogie out of actually painting plein air to head home and get ready for our evening out the the DVIS Monarch Ball.  The plan was a dress and pumps but my ankles have been bothering me and the knee was just still too wobbly so flats and fancy pants and I was ready.  We danced, yes I danced with The Hubby.  I told him no spinning and twirling but he didn't hear so I spun and twirled to the best of my knee would do.  Unfortunately, a neighboring man with heels on his shoes stopped all the dancing when he CRUSHED the top of my foot.  I know it's hard to see but the top of my foot is now green, orange, red, rust, blue and black.   

Recent Art Stuff

Finished several paintings the past few weeks.  This one is called is a commission work and already bought!  The last three are ALL for sale!

"Sailing"

"A Study In Red"

"Retired"

"Love You To Death"

I Know What I Want To Be When I Grow Up

Through all the chaos that is my life right now I have been able to finish several paintings.  These are a couple of them.  

I call this "Love You To Death".  I'm not sure why I had to paint the skull but I did and I like it.  

This one is "Study in Red".  I just love this one too, especially the glass.

What I love about both of them are that I set up the still life's, took the photos and painted them without really drawing them first.  I just started painting on the prepped canvas and created these all by myself, without the help at all from my instructor.  I've done a few like that but these for some reason give me a bit of pride in my developing talent.  I really want to keep learning so in September I have also signed up for a portrait drawing class with the continuing art class with Ross.  

What is so cool is that at the age of 56 and a lifetime of searching for what I want to be when I grow up, I think I have FINALLY found it.  I want, I am an artist.  It is exhilarating and makes me so happy inside that this is pouring out of me that I can hardly stand it.  

I Am An ____________

Last night as I was trying to go to sleep my mind was working a bit overtime.  In fact, It took a good hour for me to finally doze off, and it was a fitful sleep.  

While tossing and turning my mind went to what I accomplished yesterday.  I signed a painting, started a few more and felt like I had finally come into my own.

I have always wanted a title, an accountant, a lawyer, a teacher...something.

Sometimes when I read obituaries some of the "older" ladies are listed as "housewives!"  In this day and time more women are working women so you don't see the term as often.  I have told the family, on numerous occasions that I would come back and haunt them if they put that in my obit.  I am much more than a housewife.  I am an office manager, partner in a business, scheduler, bookkeeper, planner, chef, etc.  I mean these things as all of women do, whether you work outside the home or not.  We ALL WORK!  I've been very proud that I was able to raise my children by being as close to a stay at home mother as possible while also enjoying the labors of have a job too.  Being self employed with The Hubby has given me that opportunity to pretty much set my hours to be with my kinds.  It has been a perfect "marriage."

With all that in mind, on my profile I list all of these assets with a bit about why I am called Jill of All Trades.  I talk about my ability to do a ton of stuff fairly well but not perfect and the fact that I tend to jump around with projects.  Whether it is a bit of ADD or the Gemini, Twin thing going on I have my fingers in all kinds of pots.  I've also listed that I now call myself an artist but that has been with a bit of apprehension.  I truly have not felt that I am even though I list it.  Yesterday, I felt that I was an artist.  I have come to realize that I have finally, FINALLY found a talent that I do very, very well.  Something that I can get paid for and noticed.  It is an exhilarating feeling I can tell you to know that I am an ARTIST!

I have done a few sketches of my friend Harri's sweet doggies that have passed recently in the hopes of trying to paint them.  Yesterday I started.  I have sort of promised to try and paint a family grouping for a friend from high school and started that this week in class.  I have to say even I can't believe I have done what I have done.

I finally have a title.
I am an ARTIST!