Rolling down the Road....

We have been traveling as you know.  It has been so challenging trying to keep up with two blogs and I'm afraid I have neglected this one.  Most of my time these days has been on my Travel Blog.  If you have the time, you may want to check it out.  I got some great photos in the last couple of post.  Here is a sneak peek.....

Seagulls on Tybee Island

A quiet and reflective walk.....Bonaventure Cemetery.........
We are currently in Brunswick GA and will be spending Thanksgiving on St Simon Island with family.  I hope you all have wonderful times ahead and that the upcoming Holiday Season is filled with much joy and many blessings.......

Alone time....

" The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd.  The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."
-Albert Einstein-

Now isn't that the truth!  I have followed the crowd and I have walked alone...both have there place in my life.  Those times that I walk alone; however, are rich will self discovery and new experiences.  I find that I am so much more focused and open to new ideas.  I seem to see the world as though seeing it for the first time.  Maybe it is because I am not truly alone....God is there beside me.  My spiritual rock....it is at those times I'm able to hear him best....whispering in my ear....showing me his world through his eyes in all its beauty.  Whispering to me, guiding me down my creative path.  It is amazing what you hear.....if you are quiet, open your heart and your eyes, and just listen......

Hello Soul....Hello Business

I'm taking an online class....something I have only done once before.  I'm a follower of Kelly Rae Roberts Blog.  If you don't know anything of her, I encourage you to check her out.  She is a great source of inspiration to me.  She and Beth Nicholls are giving an online course called "Hello Soul, Hello Business".  It is about a new way to do business.  I love being an Artist, but I hate the business end of it.  Maybe because I feel I waste so much time trying to figure out how to "sell" how to "market" with no to little results.  Feeling like I'm just spinning my wheels, most of the time.  I'm hoping to find a new sense of direction a new way of thinking and doing business from this course.  I need to be able to combine my passion for painting with a passion for business.  I also want to expand my art beyond canvas.  What do I mean by that..... I love to sew....I love jewelery...I love photography....I love writing and teaching.   I would like to incorporate these "loves" into one fabulously successful business.  I'm not ashamed to say...."I want it all"!  I need to connect with other folks who feel the same way....and connect with folks who can show me a path and light a fire within me.  A fire burning so brightly that it lights my way, my path....to "fearlessly be myself"!

Great Sadness...

My last post I mentioned our travel plans.  Going to go visit my Aunt and Uncle in a few days on our journey south....last night....I learned my Uncle was killed in an auto accident.  It was a one car accident and I don't know how it happened...my Uncle was a diabetic so that could certainly be a contributing factor.  I think we are all in shock now.  Just last month I saw my Aunt and Uncle....gave them both hugs and told them I loved them...so thankful for that moment.  My uncle was a big man with a big heart.  He was always happy to see me...always happy to help with anything.  If he had it and you needed it...it was yours.  He wasn't perfect...he certainly had made some mistakes in his life....but who hasn't.  I was so looking forward to our visit.  My Uncle loved Kentucky Lake...it would have been our first time seeing their place.  I would have loved to have seen it through his eyes...he was so proud of it.  Such sadness...such a loss...I will miss him.  Don't miss an opportunity to tell those you love...that you love them....you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Leopard Part 2

I have to admit that I am struggling with my Leopard painting.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but things are not where I want them to be...

I know I don't have enough variation of color in the fur....right now I'm just getting texture and direction using white.  Once I'm satisfied with that I will add washes of color over the white to add depth and color.  The bridge of the nose.....wow....frustration to the max at this point.  It is too dark and needs transparency.  I think I have redone it at least 10 times....pulling my hair out in the process....LOL!  I feel I'm just pushing to hard on this one.  Feeling the pressure of trying to accomplish a top notch painting while watching the calendar.  We will be heading south soon and I wanted to have this guy finished before we left.  I am also entering a juried art show...they will accept 3 paintings...I have two ready to go and wanted to have this for number three.  They have to be digitally submitted by Nov 1.  In the end, I seemed to be just spinning my wheels.  I think I need to take a break....and STOP watching that calender....IT TAKES WHAT IT TAKES... I need to be satisfied with two paintings and stop making myself so nuts..."sigh"
This will be my first try at a "juried" art show....I'll admit I'm a bit nervous.  Which is probably why I'm trying too hard and worrying too much and looking for an excuse to NOT do it.  So, I'm taking a big breath and gonna relax and just let it happen.....

A little Eye Candy for your morning.....

My Mom and I went to the Indianapolis Zoo yesterday and I captured a few of its inhabitants.  I will have to say though that I was a bit disappointed in the Zoo.  There really isn't much there, but they charge like the larger zoos.  I know I will not go back....too much money and too little "bang"...if ya know what I mean! 

A Beginning....Leopard WIP

I am finally back to my easel!  The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur and I'm sorry I didn't get anymore of our travel photos posted.  That is the problem with keeping two blogs.  Since we were in travel-mode I focused on my Travel Blog and unfortunately the painting blog was left to fend for itself....LOL!
Now we are back in Lafayette Indiana and I have started a new painting.  This guy was having a relaxing day at the zoo in Desert Springs CA.

 The photo above is at the very beginning of my process.  This is the "ugly" stage of the painting.  I wanted to share this because so many folks don't realize just how "ugly" things can get in the early stages of a painting.  When I was teaching, many of my students would want to "give up" at this point.  I always tried to persuade them to stick it out...take a break....walk away for awhile if needed, but come back and keep going. 

This photo is kinda my "trial and error" part of the painting. My reference photo is above the painting.   I'm trying to see what is going to work in terms of color and texture.  The background is pretty well finished....it took a lot of layers to get the depth and value I wanted to achieve.  One thing I have to keep in mind is that the reference photo....was taken through glass.  So the colors and detail of the leopard are somewhat softened and blurred.  I'm going to make the painting a bit more colorful then the photo!  Thanks for checking out this post and as always....questions, comments, and critiques are all welcome!

Travels About!

Ok...so I know I have been gone for awhile, but I have just been so busy with "stuff"!!  We have been moving pretty quickly, first we headed to Elkhart Indiana to have some work done on our fifth wheel.  It was an exhausting two weeks.....but well worth it for the improvements made to our lifestyle.  Here is a photo of one of our biggest improvements which will make my life so much easier.....

 

Bibbity Bobbity Boo!!  A new washer and dryer....no more laundry mats....no more saving quarters.....no more...no more!!  

From Elkhart, we made our way to Richmond, Indiana for an overnight stay at a quaint little campground.  I took an early evening walk and found.......

This spooky little bird bath.....just something about it that drew me in.  Love the color and the soft reflections in the water and towering over her.......

is this sleeping giant of the forest.  I didn't even know what I had captured until I downloaded this on my computer.  No photoshoping.....I caught this because the evening lighting and textures were just right.  Isn't he magnificent!

Currently we are taking it easy in a great little park in Cincinnati Ohio.  The weather is cloudy and overcast, but me and my camera are still going to get "out and about" so hopefully I will have some great photos for my next post.

Travel Plans

Looks like we will be heading a bit up north Sept 6th to have some work done on our fifth wheel....Elkhart, Indiana to be exact.  While there we will also stop over in Middlebury, where there is a large Amish community.  They have the most wonderful grocery there and I plan to purchase some of their wonderful cheeses, fresh spices, and bake goods.  Once we finish up there, we will head down to Cincinnati Ohio.  We have been having trouble with our on demand hot water system and plan to visit the manufacturer for some "tweaking" of the system.  Of course, I can't pass up an opportunity to visit the Cincinnati Zoo while there.  I'm planning on two full days of photo shoots to add to my stash of reference photos for future paintings.  Really excited about that opportunity.  From there...not sure, may slip down into Kentucky to visit some family before heading back to Lafayette for about another month and then down to Florida come the end of October.
I do have a commissioned piece I'll be working on......hopefully, I'll be able to post some wips along the way.

Giraffe FINI!

 

All done!  

I have to say I had fun painting this little fellow! 

Giraffe Part 4

I finished up my second sewing job of reupholstering my dining chair and I'm happy to say I am back at my easel......

 

Very happy with my progress....the mouth and nose area are starting to come together.  Don't you just love that perfectly goofy look!

 

Just a little closer look.....I brought up the highlight in the eyes a bit.

One of my post a while back mentioned my interview on PetLife Radio.  Well....it is up and available for your listening pleasure....LOL!  Episode 13...find it here.  You can also read a bit about the interview here. 

My Sewing Project.....half done!

I mentioned on an earlier blog that I had started to reupholster my dining room chairs.  Yesterday, I actually finished one of them.

Here is a close up view.  I do have a passion for fabrics and it has been great fun to be back at my sewing machine. 

Here is a view of the chair in our "dining room" with the table.  I need to "tidy up" the storage boxes underneath the table.  Maybe I could do some type of a fabric topper...to hide their contents a bit more.  Sew.....I have one more chair to go.  Ya all know how one thing leads to another.....I'm really like-in the fresh look of the chair and may have to jump on my window treatments next!

Giraffe Part 3

I managed to put in some time on my giraffe painting yesterday.......

As always I wish I were moving a little faster, but overall I'm pleased with the results.  I do see a bit of a flat spot to the left of the right eye, but that is an easy fix.  I think one of the more difficult areas is the that bulging eye.....it is heavily shaded by the lid and those gorgeous long, thick eyelashes.  That makes for a very dark eye area....not much of a highlight.  I will probably try to see if I can bring the highlight up a bit more...just to add some sparkle to the eye.

So..did ya know I sew!

I know many of you are wondering where I have gotten off to.....once again.  Well, first there was the whole fourth of July event.  Now, I like fireworks just as well as the next guy.....But my poor furballs were beside themselves for most of the entire weekend.  It got so bad that taking them out to do their "business" became a battle of wills.  Finally got through that and my son calls.  He was going out of town the upcoming weekend and was hoping I could babysit the "grand dog".  How could I say no to a face like this.......

Those big blue eyes get me everytime!

Since I was going to be there the entire weekend I decided I might as well get started on a little sewing project.  I have two parson's chair that need to be reupholstered.  Found some great fabric......

and set up my sewing station in my son's spare bedroom.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a far as I would have liked.  Mesha definitely had her own ideas as to how we would be spending the weekend.....LOL!

Here is a before and after shot.....I have yet to add a little skirt and the seat....

That is about as far as I got.....this past week has just been busy with housekeeping chores, running errands, and taking care of my own furballs.  Sometimes "life" just gets you going in another direction and it is hard to put on the breaks and make that "u-turn".  Today I made a promise to myself to get back to my easel.  My giraffe painting is patiently waiting for my return.  The chairs will have to wait......as I just feel the need to paint! 

Giraffe Part 2

You can click on the image to make it a bit bigger if you like.  I'm done with the ear...at least for now.  It is time to start pulling together more of the head and then I can see how things start to relate to one another in terms of color and value.

This is a close up view of the ear in the early stages....I thought you might like to see how I start to build up the values and the textures.

 

So, this is where I ended my day and I am very pleased with how this little guy is coming together!  I am using a combination of Burnt Umber, White, Cream, Burnt Sienna, Grey, and a touch of Ultra Marine Blue on my palette.

Now, as promised here is a look at my brushes......

Starting at the top:  LC (Loew Cornell) 1/2 inch shader, LC 7300 #2 flat, LC 7500 filbert #6, Robert Simmons T85 #3 round, LC 7050 Script #18/0.  I use the filbert, flats and rounds for filling in areas with color.  The script allows me to place individual hairs where needed.  The brush that I use to block in large areas of fur is an old one.  I rarely throw away a brush....and I don't even know if it is still available.  It is an LC Mixtique #2 round, but it is not the brush so much as what I DO to the brush......

I squish it on my palette....spraying out the hairs then I drag is through my "wash" of paint to load it.  To achieve my "wash" I simply add water to the paint until I reach the consistency and value I'm looking for.....  Now these aren't all my brushes, but tend to be the ones I reach for the most.  I have a whole drawer full to choose from and experiment with until I find one that gets me where I need to be!  If you have any questions....post as a comment and I'll be glad to answer in the next post. 

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Giraffe Part 1

Allrighty then.....here we go.  Spent the day getting in a basic idea of a background and roughing in a few areas on the giraffe.  The background will change as the giraffe come together and I'm thinking at this point I may add some more green.  We shall see about that later.

I always like to start with the eyes, but sometimes it takes a little bit for my painting "mojo" to come together.  So, I move around a bit.....until my eye starts to truly see.  To see the individual shapes and textures...not the whole.  Ended up that the ear captured my attention and I'm very happy with the way it is coming along. 
I'm using Deco Art Traditions Acrylic.  It is a fluid acrylic and since I tend to work in layers of washes of color the consistency works well for me.  I always start with light values of color and gradually keep adding the layers until the I reach the saturation level I'm looking to develop. 
Next time, I'll share some of my favorite brushes and how I used them to achieve texture.  This is being done on a 12 x 16 gessoboard with 3/4 inch cradle.  That simply means the edges of the board are 3/4 inch and may be painted.....eliminating the need for a frame giving the painting a more modern feel.

Giraffe On the Easel

Been back and forth a half dozen times trying to decide on my next project, but I keep coming back to this same image.....

This guy is just a baby (born March 10, 2010) and I fell in love with that innocent face.  He is chewing on a piece of grass and was only mildly curious about the human with the camera.  Below you will find my sketch......

 

This is where it all begins.  I think the background will be set with modeled colors of greens, blues, and browns with all the focus being on that glorious giraffe!  So stay tuned to this "blog channel" for wip photos as this little guy develops.

Truck/Hare Done!

Another painting complete......

 

I finished up the "Old Truck and the Hare" painting yesterday.  I just want to thank everyone over at the "Hive" for all your support.  I don't think I would have finished if not for all your great comments and encouragement. 

Along with the completion of this painting, I have also managed to get my "shopping cart" set up on the my web site.  Folks can now securely purchase directly from my web site.  This latest painting will be posted and available for purchase soon. 

I also wanted to share some great news on the marketing front.  I was asked to do an interview with Donna Hailson over at PetLife Radio for her show, "On the road with Mac and Molly".  The interview will be conducted this afternoon, to be aired at a later date.  As soon as I know the "air" date, I will pass it along to you.  I so very excited about this opportunity!

Step by step....Truck/Hare

Here is another look at my WIP of the truck and the hare.  I made some design changes and decided it was getting a bit to busy in that lower right hand corner.  That is the beauty of acrylics....don't like it.....paint it out and start again....and that is just what I did!

I also lightened up the ground area and went with a more "rocky" look.  I still have work to do on the landscape....going to add some dried grasses around the rocks and the hare.

Now this guy has been a bit of a challenge....I'm not used to working so small!  Thank goodness most of the body and legs will eventually be covered by some dried grasses.  His or her backside will also be covered a bit by the shadow of the truck.  I spent most of my time on the face....where I want the viewer to be focused.  I kinda feel like that story of the tortoise and the hare....."slow and steady wins the race"......LOL!

One down, one to go

Finishing my pelican painting has inspired me to complete my truck/hare painting.  I know several of you have been asking about that one.....Mr Q....this one is for you....LOL!

I ended up only getting a couple of hours in on this yesterday.  I spent my time working on the rocks in the upper left corner and the rocks in the lower right corner......guess I was "rocking" away my day...LOL!  Anyway, my enthusiasm for this painting is back and I'm looking forward to finishing it up.  I'll be spending most of my time in the foreground....rocks, grasses, and a few cacti.  Then I'll turn my attention to the hare and the final touches on the truck.  I'm still working on the "shopping cart" for my website.  I appreciate all the comments and suggestions.  I looked at all the options and have settled on one.....more on that at a later date!  It is a glorious day and my paint brush is calling!

Pelican is Finished!

I had such a satisfying day yesterday!  I actually finished my Pelican painting....what a great feeling!  To top it off, I'm pretty darn happy with the outcome.  Have a look for yourself.....

Here is a close up of the beak area....I decided to add a few water droplets as this guy is "fresh" from the water.  Have not done water droplets in awhile, but I think they work well.

Here is a close up of the head....this is my favorite part of the painting.....I love all the colors that come together here.

So there you have it.....now I just have to get the painting listed as "AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE" on my web site.  Not as easy as it sounds as this will be the first painting I make available directly through my website.  I will be setting up the whole "shopping cart" system.  Wish me luck....I'll need it....LOL!

Feathers, feathers, feathers

I know I stated that my next project would be the roadrunner....but.....I had a change of heart or should I say "brush"...LOL.  As many of my regular followers know, I have been struggling with the Pelican's feathers.  I just couldn't seem to 'get it right'.  Yesterday, I had this 'urge' to place that pelican painting on my easel.  I just looked at it for the longest time....evaluating....wondering if I should just plain trash it.  But somewhere from within came this little voice, "One more time....just try, one more time".  I said a little prayer, took a deep breath, and picked up my brush.  It took a few minutes, but things finally starting coming together and making sense.  I think I had been trying to paint each individual feather...and there are so many.  This time I took a little less of a controlled approach.....painted in a more 'painterly fashion'.  I forced myself to move more quickly and focus on the whole rather then the individual.  I hope that makes some sense to you....here are the results.....

I'm very happy.....I wanted to capture some movement here.....that wind swept feeling of a bird that has just landed....feathers are rather askew

 

I'm not finished with the feathers, but I'm further a long and happier with the results then I have ever been with this painting.  My confidence in myself has been restored....this guy will be finished and will be available for purchase on my web site very soon!  That is a very GOODE thing....LOL! 

My Easel is UP!!

I know it has been a while.  My life took a bit of a "dip" to say the least and some family issues had to be addressed.  Things are finally starting to return to normal and I'm starting to feel like my old self again.  Today I actually cleaned and organized my taboret and I actually did a little painting....sorry no photos yet....I need to get a little further along.  It felt really good to be sitting in front of my easel again. 
On a side note.....my son adopted a dog from a local shelter.  Her name is Mesha and she is about a year old.  Mesha is a Siberian Husky and a real sweetheart of a girl.  You know that sweet face and those big blue eyes will definitely end up on my easel.....sooner or later!

As you can see, she is a bit on the thin side.  She was found on the streets.

But she has quickly made herself at home here.....and that is exactly what we had hoped for......she is a real cuddlier too!

Roadrunners

The past few days have been spent going through all my reference photos for my upcoming roadrunner painting.  I'm a little frustrated, as I have yet to have a paint brush in my hand.  I think I have finally chosen the "pose".

I just like the "turned head" and that little bit of blue behind the eye.  I have other photos to help with the "missing feet" and the end of the tail.  Now, I just have to figure out the background.  My grandson's birthday party is this Saturday.....so I doubt I get back to my "easel" till Monday.  Hopefully, I will have a brush back in my hand by Monday as well!

Getting "back on track"!

Ok, today is the day.  I'm getting back to my easel.  I have decided to start a new painting.....even though I have a couple of paintings that need to be finished up.  I just feel I need to start something new and fresh to get those creative juices flowing once again.  My subject will be a roadrunner.  I have had several requests for one of these and it should be a fun and easy project to get me back in the "swing" of things.  I did manage to get my website updated as well and a rough draft of my first newsletter.   The chains of procrastination have been broken.....at least for now.....I'm up and moving and "back on track"!   

Procrastination or Overwhelmed....maybe a little of both

Things have been so hectic....it seems everyday is a "do something day" and that "something" does not include my easel.  Part of that is me......yes, procrastination has once again reared its ugly head in my life.  Even though I have a strong desire to get the easel out and paint, I manage to come up with several "good" excuses everyday as to why that is NOT a good idea.  Well, some of my "excuses" are good if I would just act on them.  I really do need to go through all the cabinets and closets here in our fifth wheel.  Space is always at a premium here and you just can't hold onto things you might "someday" have a use for.....time for a good purging and cleaning.  I'm also feeling that urge to "re-decorate" the living room.  I'm absolutely in love with Robin's Egg Blue and want to incorporate it into our living room decor.  That is going to mean new window treatments.....I've been keeping an eye out for that "inspiration fabric", but have not found it yet...I'm toying with the idea of "painting" my own inspiration fabric.  Then there is my web site....which needs updating, my newsletter....which needs to be written,  and marketing, marketing, marketing....eeeeekkkkkkk!  Maybe it is not so much procrastination as it is that feeling of being overwhelmed.  Which ever, I have got to get "back on track".  I think I will start with a "to do" list.....prioritize it.....and break it down into small steps.  That usually sets the small wheels of my brain in motion and amazingly enough my legs and arms will eventually follow!  LOL! 

Back in Lafayette

We made it back to Lafayette.  It will take me a few days to get settled and make all the rounds with family and friends.  Once things settle down.....I will be back at my easel.  I'm getting all "itchy" to get that paint brush back in my hand. 

Colorado Springs

We made it to Colorado Springs and decided to spend two nights here at the Mountaindale Cabins and Rv Resort.  Really nice campground and we had a wonderful spot.

We had some pretty cool neighbors too!  Meet Mac and Molly.........

They have their very own radio show on Pet Life Radio.  It is called, "On the Road with Mac and Molly", check it out if you have the time.  Of course, their owner Donna does do most of the talking....LOL!  There is even a possibility that Mac and Molly may do an interview with me sometime in the near future.....wouldn't that be a hoot!
Guess that is all for now, today is another travel day.  We will be starting our journey across Kansas.

Tomorrow Travel Day

We managed to survive the 60+ winds of yesterday and awoke to a chilly 32 degrees this am.  I have to say our trip to Santa Fe has not been a pleasant one weather wise.  To top it off, I have come down with a nasty cold.  I have been healthy all winter and now it really irritates me that I'm sick.  We are going to try and do a little sight seeing today...our last day here.  Tomorrow we will head out to Colorado Springs and I have to say I'm ready to put Santa Fe in my rear view mirror.

Awe Inspiring....

Wow!  The last week has just flown by....the Grand Canyon was awe inspiring and then we moved on to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.....just take a look.....

The Grand Canyon

The Painted Desert

I did manage to find a few critters......

Unfortunately, I had my wide angle lens on here so I couldn't get as "zoomed" in as I would have liked.....

Love all the colors in this little guy

Pretty little birdie perched on a piece of petrified wood.....how cool is that!

Now, we are located in Santa Fe New Mexico.  We are staying at the rodeo fairgrounds....yes, the rodeo.  When the rodeo is not going they allow folks like us to come in for a mere $20 a night with full hookups.....that is way cheap for Santa Fe!  I have horses and cows right next door!  This has all been great fun, but I do miss having a paint brush in my hand!

Viva Vegas

The last few days have been crazy......but so much fun.  You can check out my travel blog for more info and photos.....  The GoodeLife  ....  Here is a sneak peak at some of the "Vegas Action"

This is my kinda action.....watching the flamingos at the "Flamingo" Casino.....LOL!

Tonight we are in Williams Arizona and we are going to the Grand Canyon tomorrow...can't wait!!

Packing up the Paint Brushes

I'll be packing up my paint brushes for awhile.  As I mentioned yesterday, we will be heading to Las Vegas tomorrow.  Hopefully, I will have some good photos to share with you.  Today will be spent readying the fifth wheel for travel.  We have been here in California for about a month....the longer you stay in one place it seems, the more you "spread out".  That translate into re-packing and arranging things for travel.  I always go through all the cabinets making sure everything is secure....believe it or not adding a roll of toilet paper here and there for filler keeps things in their place as we go down the road.
After Vegas we think we might head over into Colorado....neither of us have been there before and Sante Fe New Mexico is also on our travel agenda.  The gypsy in me can't wait to see what's "around the next bend" or "over the next mountain top"!!  The Adventure Awaits....

Future Paintings

I made another trip to the zoo and I now have over a 1000 photos....great reference material.  There is so many to choose from that I am having a difficult time making a choice...LOL!  I think I have narrowed it down to these 3 subjects....

 This guy has been running around in the wash area behind our fifth wheel.  They just fascinate me and I think she is a little curious about me too!

 I have a ton of photos of this little girl....she is very photogenic.  My thoughts are to do several different "head shot" poses.  Not sure if they will be on separate canvases or combined on one large one.

Oh yeah, he is NOT a morning person.  Every time I went by this guy's enclosure he was sleeping in his den.  I had pretty much written him off...and then "bang!"  there he was.  It was early morning and I don't think he is too happy to see me, but I got some great pics.
This Saturday we are "hitching up" and heading to Las Vegas for 3 nights.  After Vegas we will be making our way to Santa Fe, NM and spend a few days there.  I love this lifestyle!
My pelican painting and the old truck are still on my easel.....close to being finished....I'll post once they are done.