A little R&R . . . whether I wanted it or not!

Just as soon as the New Year turned (actually Jan. 5th), I went to a LaGrange reception for a new art show in which I was participating.  A fellow artist coughed on me while telling me he didn't want to get too close and sure enough, within 2 days I was sick . . . for the major part of two weeks. Trying to move as little as possible, I read four books in four days.

Now I'm somewhat recovered (enough to go back to drawing and painting at least).

This is an old drawing, my subject is at the left since I haven't taken a photo of my newest project . . . my friend Frieda's late husband John holding their first grand child, Maddy.  I can't seem to get the little girl mouth . . . or let's say I get it and then keep fooling with it until it's destroyed.  Here's hoping it's good enough to eventually give it to Frienda.

For thie first time -- OILS

I have finished two oil paintings since beginning my oil painting classes about 6 weeks ago.  Now I'm trying to paint one of two folks I know.  That should be harder.  I think these are presentable tho.

It's that time of Year!

I've been busy "making Christmas".  I'm including two of my smalls that are for sale in Midway.  The one here is a Yorkie - pretty obvious - and the one to the right are of two kids in a snowy setting.  I've done seven.

Portraits in oil have come along and I'm actually attempting a portrait of real people - a fellow and his grand daughter.  It'll probably take several weeks and then I'll share.

I've had three sessions of life drawing so far and two sessions of oil people painting. Interesting, fun, and totally debilitating.

The landscape is rapidly turning into a riot of color.  The fothergilla in our yard are especially pretty.  This is my favorite time of year.  It always seems like it's the BEGINNING of the year to me.  Too many years of going to school, maybe.  Anyway I love it.

A New Leaf . . .

I'm rearranging my life to become more serious about art.  On Tuesdays I'll be doing life drawing at Kentucky State University and on Thursdays I hope to be taking a portrait class in Lexington.  I feel like I'm entering a new era.  We'll see.  Meanwhile I'm preparing a few small paintings to sell.  See to the right  . . .

AquaVenture Bound

I heard on Friday that my watercolor portrait entry to AquaVenture was accepted!  This is only the second juried event I've tried (the first being the LaGrange contest), and I'm thrilled.  The model for the portrait sat for a drawing group I attend during the winter.  I found her fascinating. The painting was actually begun last year (and that was a second attempt) and finished just a month or so ago.  I've posted a version of her before . . . here she is-- Dark Angel-- or Kurai Tenshei (coo ray ten she).

PufferBilly

The painting I displayed last week won a prize.  First place for adult acrylic painting.  This MAY be because there WERE no other acrylic paintings at the Painted Cow in Louisa, KY.  

I DID just win second prize (and MONEY) in a juried show . . . for THIS painting--Big Engine in LaGrange.  It depicts an old fashioned engine (with a cowcatcher) superimposed on downtown main street LaGrange.  I used the same technique for this train engine that I did for "Mama's Homeplace".

I'm waiting to hear about a watercolor I submitted to the Kentucky Watercolor Society's Aquaventure.

I've prepared 3 watercolors (painted, signed and framed) to take to Midway tomorrow for their Fall Festival.  Hope that goes well.  We'll see.