Proper Pansies, 6x6

"Proper Pansies" 6x6" Oil

Over the course of several weeks I've painted a lot, but shamefully I haven't blogged about it at all. Zilch, nada, nuthin'. It seems that there is so much to do and so little time. Too bad we can't buy more time somehow like it was a commodity, but then it wouldn't be so prized.  What would you do with it?

"Proper Pansies" was painted last week at Studio 30 during the "still life" session. Officially by my own calling, I'd categorize this time at Studio 30 as a time of good friends and conversation much like a tea party, but with paint. The small black teacup with the pansy decoration and gold gilded inner lining was from my Grandma's collection. It just glows in real life and so I tried to capture that luster with some Cadmium Red Med, Indian Yellow and a tiny touch of a green mixture.  The toughest part of this still life was trying to capture that inner glow of the light streaming through the yellow china cup. I think I got it...well, kind of.  Anyway, the yellow china cup I picked up at the Goodwill, a great place to find interesting things to paint.

One of the time consuming things I did during my blogging absence was listing with DailyPaintWorks.com. Also called DPW, it was developed by blogger Carol Marine and is quick and easy to list and simple to use. The art is varied, categorized and priced with either a set price or at auction. I have signed up to DPW to find a venue to release the hoards of art that I have in the studio that I must rotate. There are some really nice pieces starting just at a low $50 each. So, do stop by often as I post new work weekly. Link to the right---->

Here are a few listings with links to each auction....

Dune Path 6x6, Pastel

Dinghies at Rest, 6x6: Pastel

Cusp of the Day, 8x10" Oil

Fanno Creek Wetlands, 16x12" Oil

Glass Implements, 9x12" Pastel

Mosier Aspens, 12x9" Pastel

Artist Self Doubt and Expectations

It's funny, the other day my artist friend cheered me on as a "famous artist" because I have been listed on the roster of artists at the Plein Air Convention. I don't know if this is what deems one famous, but I'll take it as a wonderful compliment with both arms wide open. Could this mean this is my "15 minutes of fame?"  I certainly don't feel any deserved than any other artist. Perhaps I am feeling a sprinkling of self doubt, or perhaps my work should receive every recognition possible with every pastel stroke or dab of oil on my canvas to justify myself being "famous". Does being an artist mean we are born to endure these feelings of self doubt or higher expectations? I think to some degree yes, but I also believe that this is what moves us to work harder and be better artists. I am happy to report that I live amongst very talented artists in my own community who I feel are pretty famous in their own right, and hopefully "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" ~Andy Warhol.  There is so much yet to be painted, to discover, to endure to be famous. Yet I'll take the compliment any way I can. Thanks to those who have believed in me, hopefully it will pay off in the end. I just saw this quote on success and want to share it with you. 

Success

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Plein Air Convention is coming up this April! Last year was so memorable and inspiring to be among so many fun loving, happy artists who were all part of one big family. I want to feel that way again if only for a few days. Come join me in this awesome event, you will not forget it.

Last year, during the Plein Air Convention all 700 artists went out to paint at 

Red Rocks, Nevada...in the gusty wind and rain. Call me nuts but I was so happy to be there

with so many artists. This year we go to Monterey, CA!

Fanno Creek Wetland, 16x12

"Fanno Creek Wetland" 16x12" Oil on canvas panel

This piece is available HERE

Today was just gorgeous outside.  After being covered with overcast skies and a few sun breaks here and there, we finally got a full day of sunshine and warmer temps.  I actually think I got some color on my face, and no, I'm not talking about the surprise splotch of oil paint on my face either. This piece was  plein air painted just off of a long stretch of water called Fanno Creek that runs the span of two cities;  Beaverton and Tigard, Oregon. Amazing, the amount of pedestrians walking their dogs, strolling their babies, or jogging along don't even notice a painter, while just a few will stop to chat and ask about my work. Do they have art hanging in their own homes that they take notice? Anyway, this one is available in DailyPaintWorks  by auction. Starting bid is pretty low, so if you are interested, just click here.