Last Fling

Three Calla Lilies

Tangerines in a Glazed Bowl

For the past few months I've enjoyed living the life of a full time artist.  But, alas, I need a traditional full time job to pay the bills.  I tried to make the most of my time while collecting unemployment and here are the paintings from my last couple of weeks.  There are lots of new paintings for this year's art festival season!

I will try to continue painting as much as I can, but spring means yard work and my new job may have a bit of a learning curve. 

Radiant Marsh

Pet Portraits

Kato on Lake Tiogue

I've done a few portraits of animals that belonged to other people and decided it was time to paint the pooches in my life.  I guess I wasn't a very good "mother" because I can't find too many photos of my first dog, Woody, who was a Jack Russell.  Probably because he wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture. 

But I did have some nice poses of Kato, my Belgian Shepherd.  He was quite handsome, a great Man Magnet, and the sweetest dog until the side effects of Phenobarbital turned him to the dark side.  His thick coat of black fur and big brown eyes made him so huggable.  He was so big it was almost like hugging a human.

I miss them both and wonder if is time to find another addition to my family.  I'll be sure to take good pictures this time.  And I'll go online to find some images that look like Woody.  Wouldn't want him to feel left out.

It's Just a Bowl of Calla Lilies

In response to my prior post, here is my latest painting.  The flowers were from my Solo show; an unexpected gift from an unexpected visitor.  Here is my thank you for coming, Mary.

To Make You Smile

I'm currently reading "The Painted Word"  by Tom Wolfe.  Interesting read;  it describes the forces behind "success" in art (e.g. how three art critics determined the course of modern art in the 60's) mostly centered in the mid-last century. Only about 1/3 of the way in, but I enjoy his wit and cynicism.  

Now if I can only hook up with the right art critic and philanthropist, I'll be a raging success!

Making the Best of Bad Weather

A Warm Sport on the Rug

Loosing electricity, and heat, wasn't so bad with this little guy helping to keep me warm.  As the day progressed, he just moved to new sunny spots on the floor, warming his little arthritic knees.  A regal pose like this was perfect for a painting.  And he earned it by snuggling next to me at night until the power returned.

While he followed the sun, I set up by a window and painted a number of small paintings for my solo show open reception. 

Prepping for a Solo Show

Marble Canyon II

Warm Kitty

Katie in the Pool

I'm going back to the wonderful town of Clinton Connecticut for my second annual solo show at the Henry Carter Hull Library.  I found many, many new collectors last year, so I'm trying to create as much new work as possible this year.

This library has wonderful exhibit space for larger paintings, so I've painted two on the largest canvas I've attempted so far.  I'm also trying to have a nice variety of subject matter.  There are six more paintings "on the easel" in various stages of progress.  My goal is to finish them all, but realistically, a few may be left behind.

It's good to have deadlines.

White Anthurium

Lifeguard Chair

Coffee Break

Painting for the Holidays

Green Apple and Pottery
SOLD

Green Apple and Copper
SOLD

 In the past couple of weeks I've been making lots of little paintings for two holiday shows.  These can be seen (and purchased) at the Wickford Art Association November 25 through December 19th.

Braeburn Apple and Silver

Orange and Blue Pot

Low Tide at Sunrise

Hydrangea Stem

Hydrangea Blossom
SOLD

Sailing on the Bay
SOLD

Holly and Ornament

Marsh Shadow

Single Wave

Just Paint

I think I'm going to postpone art classes for a while.  I enjoy my fellow students and instructors and always find something that strengthens my painting, but I've reached a point where I just need to paint.   And paint.  And paint.  The classes and homework gives me the structure and discipline I often lack, so I'll need to work in that, too.

Interestingly, as I'm making this decision, I came across a great article from Robert Glenn.  He talks about the career paths and success of  two recent art school graduates. To quickly summarize, it was the person who cranked out 2000 paintings vs. 11 large paintings who is the success and represented by a number of galleries.

Also, not to long ago I read the book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.  In the book he talks about the 10,000 Hour Rule.  This is the number of hours you need to put into your craft to become a success. (20 hours of practice every week for 10 years.)  "The thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works. That's it. And what's more, the people at the very top don't work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder." 

Hmm... that's gonna mean a lot of painting to get in my 10,000 hours.