Poinsettias

Today I spent my time painting poinsettias. What a magnificent flower for contrast and vibrant color. I enjoyed experimenting with approaches and techniques.

The single flower was painted reds first while the painting with multiple flowers was painted with the greens coming first. It is amazing how the approach changes the result. I also did another one that is larger and was painted without pre-drawing any of the foliage. It is a lot of fun and leans to a more modern technique. It was a great day with my poinsettias and paintbrushes.

Mountains

Currently I am working on the 50 drawings that I created as we drove across the country. This picture is from Montana as we came out of Yellowstone National Park and headed for Washington State. In this process I have learned a few more things about my computer so the colors in the paintings are actually a little more accurate to the real painting. These paintings although they look like they could be a large work are only 5 X 7 inches.

Birds

When I visit a place I return with images in my mind that demand to be put on paper. The crane is from our recent trip to Korea.

The penguin is from our trip to Hawaii where at the Hilton Hawaiian village they have a beautiful display of these marvelous birds.

The owl was seen in Yellowstone National Park this summer. A memorable place to visit.

Mountain Studies

Studying Begonias

Fall colors

Fall in Korea was and is maginficent. Enjoy these pictures of Korea in the fall.

Reflections in Korea

Visiting Korea 
As we have now returned from Korea it has become obvious that travel impacts art and life. The trip has expanded my thinking and my world view. My husband and I traveled to Korea to visit family and came back from Korea appreciating a new culture but also appreciating the freedom that is taken for granted in America. Here are just a few reflections on the latest trip.

Reflections from Korea . . . What a trip! The weather was amazing with the sun shining most days creating beautiful reflections of the autumn leaves in the ponds surrounding the palace we visited in Seoul. 

There were more . . . reflections to be seen in Korea. Another is the reflection of family members who are not together due to the division of the north from the south as a result of war and conflict. This is something that is constantly on ones mind as we traveled up to the DMZ to see the border and climb through a tunnel built by the North Koreans to invade South Korea. Razor sharp wire as well as guard posts separate us from the quiet, calm river. It is an amazing reflection in itself to realize that the DMZ is now a sanctuary of birds, flowers, trees and wildlife because man is not allowed to set foot on that part of Korea. The crane is just one of these beautiful creatures that inhabits this area. I have already begun to work on capturing the cranes image in my current paintings. We were fortunate to see several in the harvested rice fields around the area.

A third reflection is how we see ourselves when visiting a new country. How are we reflected to the native population. Do we come across as pushy Americans or are we respectful of their country and traditions everywhere we go. 

Koreans seemed very friendly and thoughtful in every way. The country is beautiful and may need to be revisited in the spring for further insight but for now I want to explore the reflection in my art and the reflection in my heart so a tiny part of this Asian society will be seen in what I am doing as an artist.

More Roses

It is hard to stop painting roses once you begin. It reminds me of golf, you are always looking to the perfect hole. I am always looking for the perfect painting. I have learned more about painting roses and that is never give up. I learned the most from a painting I thought was so horrible that I should just throw it away. I didn't discard the work but instead picked up a green pen and began adding the green and blue hydrangeas to the composition. Then I painted over the flowers to give somewhat of a luminescence to the work. 

It is not about these 23 little studies . . . it is about what I learn as I complete each. I know that if I work through the emotional down turns I will ultimately be successful.  The bottom line is keep at it. Don't give up. Painters get better by painting, artists get better by doing art. Step back look at what you are doing and keep at it . . . then put the work away for a while allowing for emotional maturity.  As I develop as an artist I know I can view my work in a rational way. 

I personally cannot wait to get more roses and paint more in the months ahead.

Art is a Process

Roses 

I am working on my rose paintings so I can finish my large painting. I am trying many new ways of painting the roses including starting without a pencil drawing. By just starting to paint the work looks more spontaneous and less planned.

One of the other experiments I am working through is the geese. I have worked on large almost life size Canadian Geese but now I am trying to do miniature drawings that are ultimately to be paintings of geese. 

These little studies have a wonderful humor and sensitivity

to the subject. These drawings are created from pictures takes in early September when we were visiting Lake Union in downtown Seattle. I find I am somewhat inconsistent in my product but I am improving.

    Geese

New Art Created

It is difficult to work all day and also find time to do art. My experience is I do my painting when I am rested and my mind is clear. The best time for me is the morning. I create my art early in the morning. I was visiting with my friend the pie maker and talking about my art work and I explained that I may work on 3 or 4 pieces at the same time. While I was explaining this to her I also realized that I had been quite productive in creating art work this month. The more inspired I am by the subject matter the more I want to paint. 

Even thought I create 3 or 4 pieces at a time the art does not look at all the same because I approach each piece from a different vantage point. For example, I started working a year ago focusing on just one rose or two rose buds now I am working on a vase full of roses. This is growth but how did the growth occur. First of all I never mastered the one rose, but I did improve at it. I wanted to try larger paper so I kept the roses the same size and just made more on the page. I also realized that I need to work in stages to give the paint time to dry that is another reason why I work on multiple pieces at a time. These simple discoveries about art are important to discovering who I am as an artist. 

Redesigning

What is it like to clean and reorganize a space in the home for new art. Sometimes we purchase and purchase items and then its time to put them up in a perfect place so a memory will be revisited every time they are seen. This last Saturday I finally put up the fish. These are fish purchased in Hawaii for our home so we would remember each trip. It worked the fish are on the wall and they are doing just that creating pleasant memories for their owner.

How can I do that with my art for others? I will explore this concept this year.

Painting the Road Trip

This week I have gone back and started to work on drawing and paintings of the road trip. There are over 50 drawing and although they are small I am enjoying the process of painting and interpreting the drawings not from photographs but from memory. I use colors in my palette to create images that may or may not reflect the location. I will post some as I complete a series. 

Visiting and Seeing New Ideas

This week I have been to three different locations where I got to talk about art with other artists. I talked to illustrators at a meeting of writers and illustrators, watercolor artists at a street fair, and I went to see my art at the fair where I talked to more artists. Everytime I talk to someone I learn a little more and gain new ideas to work into my art.

One of the things I learned by looking at art at the fair was that in order for the art to really be seen at the fair it must be able to stand out. The art is placed in ways that the colors blend together therefore, finding ways to get viewers to look at the art is the challenge.

Many of the best pieces at the fair were done with acrylic paint or pastel. I felt the displays of these two medias were extraordinary. 

Over all a good week to see art, think about my subject matter and plan for the future.

Celebrating Life Together

The Top of the Hilton Downtown Seattle

Today I am celebrating 35 years with my dear husband. He has been my biggest fan and encourages me daily to paint. His office is filled with my art work and I celebrate his patience as I use many surfaces in our home to paint at. 

This weekend we toured the Pike Place Market and I brought home a large bouquet of flowers. I am painting their beauty and enjoying their splendor. 

I am also celebrating the birth of our 1st grandchild. This life I am sure will bring me back to drawing and painting children as I have done when our two children were small. A great weekend full of happiness and adventure. 

Swans

This is what I have been working on for the last 2 weeks. The picture was taken in Boston and I love how the swans are placed on the page. I have noticed that the reflection of the swan and the colors of the water are connected. It may take me months before I decide the 3 paintings are actually complete as I set them aside I contemplate the process and the content. 

As I begin school I will work on paintings before I go every day. This is a wonderful approach for me because I get my day going in such a creative way and it is so peaceful. Although the quantity of painting accomplished may be less I am still working on the process in the back of my mind. 

Inspiration for Art

Las Vegas has been an inspiration for a number of my pieces of art. The flamingos have inspired a wall full of orange and pink birds in various shapes and sizes. Their personalities shine through as you study their quizical looks or humorous poses. 

The Bellagio's Atrium changes with the season and excites the eyes with its various themes. This summer is was travel with trains running everywhere through out the beautiful flowers.

The hot, hot weather kept me inside painting on the table. Most of the works I will bring home are not finished and are in the early stages. I tried some new pens that are ok and some new paper that is great. I love Las Vegas for its inspiration, energy and even its heat. I always look forward to returning as time permits.

Dr. Suess the Artist

As we toured the Roman Forum Shops in Las Vegas we can across a gallery and there he was Dr. Suess. His work was displayed in various forms. There were pages from his books, drawings, paintings, and even sculpture. One of my favorites was a preliminary drawing for a page that had his notes on it for what the final product should look like. 

I am reminded that art is a process and taking ones time is necessary. Revisiting subject matter and all of the various looks and changes that may need to be made is just standard operating procedure to becoming all I can be as an artist.

Traveling Again . . . Las Vegas

It was time to get out of town for the Traveling Artist so here I am in Las Vegas. Visiting the sights is part of the fun when you are in Las Vegas. Last night we were with friends who had not been to Las Vegas. It is so much fun to see through the eyes of a newbee. One can begin taking for granted the enormity of the place until you hear these words, "It is so big!" Yes the Venetian is huge. The stores are from around the world. The prices for the designer clothing and art objects are also huge. 

I do not feel small or even envious in Las Vegas. My feelings tend towards the thankful side. I am thankful to visit such an alive place. A place that continues to grow and develop by tearing down old and building new. I am thankful see large art because it inspires me to think big and work big. I know it is time for my art to grow in proportion to my vision. This year I will be creating larger pieces because I have the convidence that I am growing and developing as an artist.

Eleven Red Roses on Display

Eleven Red Roses will be appearing at the local state fair in September. I am so pleased that this painting was choosen for the exhibition.

Visiting My Favorite Art Supply Store

Yesterday I took my annual summer visit to Daniel Smith. Here I always find the finest quality art supplies, helpful associates, and great ideas. I had an hour to get what I needed and leave. In that hour I managed to find several new papers to try out and a number of new colors that will appear in my art this year. I now have enough paint and paper to last through the winter. But I also found a listening ear. . .

One of the associates had a moment and talked to me about what I did as an artist. She asked these questions because she wanted to help me choose the best tools for creating art. But she became interested enough in what I said  that I gave her one of my cards. I have learned that you can tell people that you blog but unless they are asking for information no one wants more to read these days so I just go on and talk about something else. Anyway she asked if I would add some of my cross country drawings to my blog and even my TV drawings. So before I start back to school teaching my fabulous kinders I will talk about what I did as I road across the country this summer with my daughter. Another post will be about my sketches as I watch TV. 

• I salute all of the art associates who help and inspire artists to do great art. Thank you!
  

Turtle, Froggy and Roses

Back to My Art. . .

This last week I completed 3 pieces a turtle, frog and my large painting of eleven roses done in blacks and deep reds. The turtle and the frog are gifts and will be sent to my daughter this week so I want to share them with each of you.

This turtle's picture came from a friend who went on a cruise in the Bahamas. Yes believe it or not the turtles are deep brown and are highly contrasting to the aqua colored water.  There are many ranges of brown (golden yellow to deep brown and ranges of orange). The range of colors on the turtle assists with camouflage in his undersea environment. Before I send out a piece of art I enjoy scanning each and that gives me the ability to make cards. So I made card of the turtle and the from to share with others.

• Froggy
  

Froggy is very different. He also came from the Caribbean but he is gold with green algae on him. I had to look more than once to see what his true colors are for sure. He has purple stripes on his legs and deep creases of purple throughout his body. Although he is interesting my preference is the turtle. I am using pen and ink with washes of watercolors throughout both works.

This week I also began the adventure of entering art shows again. It was an amazing experience. First you decide what you want to enter. Then you choose a frame, mat and hanging devices required by the show itself. This all makes me a little nervous because you must comply with each of the rules established by the show but it worked out just fine. My Baby Owl and Eleven Red Roses went to the fair. I will learn who stays this week.

Getting the work into the building can be a challenge because you have to find the exhibit hall and the correct door. Next, you walk into the show and visit at least 5 tables before they take your $5.00 and the art. This is a good process because I made a few mistakes on my entry and the last lady finally caught it. So I entered one drawing and one painting. The size of the work had to be larger than 11 X 17" I believe. (After a years work I am ready to start working on larger pieces.) What I may do is continue to work small and find ways to hook the pieces together. I am still working on the thought process behind my work and so the thoughtful process of developing art continues for the Traveling Artist. 

Classroom Ready for Students?

No More Desk . . . Instead a File Cabinet and Computer Desk

Last year I had a desk that basically was used as a location to throw items  while I was thinking about them. This year I am hoping that by getting rid of the desk I will be forced to make decisions faster and at least not create a pile full of stuff that greets every guest and student who walks in my classroom. Time will tell as the year passes. 

I changed my students seating arrangements to make room for a 

larger class if that should happen as the district has gone to 3 all

day classrooms instead of 2 ADKs and 2 half day classroom. I have also added more student work stations around the room to spread the numbers out and cause a lot less congestion and strife. It is my hope to make an even more student friendly classroom.

The 4 tables are arranged in an L formation and should seat 23 students. The instruction takes place in the colorful square and the students work at the tables as needed. 

The bulletin board is ready for calendar but the remainder of the boards are somewhat blank as I will add little individual folder type holders for the student work. All I need now is a class list. I am sure it will be in my box shortly.

Why do we hold on to stuff?

Today I was in my classroom cleaning and cleaning and cleaning out years of stuff. I think I will use it but low and behold never do. I find that once something is out of my sight I forget about it and never use it again. I am in the process of developing internal systems in my classroom that will at least prompt me to look for the things I need that will make my life as a teacher a little easier. For example, the district has created a new curriculum map/pacing calendar for math. I brought all my math things out from hiding and I have sorted them into 6 boxes that will be addressed throughout the school year. The idea is to pull the appropriate box when needed. Overlap is always the challenge in math which is good but putting things immediately away once the next unit begins may not be as easy as it is in reading.  A few more hours and I should be ready for my class list and actually preparing for individual students. 

New Friends and Thinking About Art

What a wonderful opportunity to meet new people who think about art and do art. I made up my mind that at the art show I wanted to meet some fellow artists. Of course I did and I learned a lot about what was coming up and how to connect with other artist where I live. These 2 artists really inspired me and I just want to say thank you for their insights and advice at the art show. 

Back in the Classroom

Back to the Classroom . . . Organizing Monday I spent 3 more hours in my classroom this time with my friend and assistant. I wanted her to have a special spot to work with students so as I stated earlier I turned my desk over to her and whoever else will be in the classroom. She sorted through the tutoring supplies and I put up the calendar and continued to put away more and more needed supplies. I even managed to find a special place for the Legos and kitchenware. This is such a good thing because the students love to play with these two items and when they see them they do not understand why they cannot just do what they want with the toys. Toys become tools for learning in kindergarten.

I have large table in my room and they create big challenges for organization. We decided to try an L formation to start with and see where we go from there. I managed to rearrange my make shift storage area and now I have a math lab corner. Yeah! I pushed a larger table up against a wall and now there is another tutoring table or writing table. Tomorrow I need to sort my math items into 6 distinct units. I will take 6 boxes and sort the pieces into each box. It is all about saving time during the school year.

The Process of Showing the Art

Choices, choices, choices is the best way to put it as I sorted through the little paintings and placed them in frames, deciding on titles, prices and placement. What was I thinking. By the time you get done with all of those things then you get to greet the public.

I loved watching the viewers and fellow artists examine my art. My favorite comment was. "that is so cute, wouldn't that look nice in a bathroom." Yes, that is what I want to be known for my bathroom art. I hope you hear the humor in this text because it is fun to think of a future that says, "her work hangs in my bathroom".

It was so funny to watch individuals walk up to me and ask how I did what I did in my paintings. Sometimes they wouldn't ask they would just go up and look at the painting with their nose right up to the glass. How funny it is to see noses and eyeballs checking out the details of my work as I sat there observing the activity. Finally, one or two asked how did I get that effect? Since I was painting that day it was easy to just take my paints out and show them what was on my palette. It is good that showing a painter is enough because I never can remember the names of the paints these days. No longer is it just yellow, blue and red it is hundreds of variations of those colors. They seemed satisfied to see my paints and walked away happy.

I was tired by the time the quick paint started and felt my painting were OK. I took pictures of the paintings and only today realized I had done better than OK. I brought them home and finished adding details and the like to several. Knowing when to quit has and always will be the question for each artist.

I did enjoy the Art Show for various reasons: 1) I reconnected with my friend 2) I made new friends and contacts 3) I saw my art in a body and realized I am ready for the next step 4) I learned about other art shows and decided I would try and enter a piece or two 5) Finally, I realized those years of training at the university helps me to help others in the art field. Tomorrow new friends.

The Art Show

Here I Am Doing a Quick Draw.

The Display of my Paintings

The Roses I Created During the Quick Draw

After 8 Hours of Work the Classroom has some Color

The room is taking on some kind of order with the furniture along the walls of the classroom. The table legs needed repair and lowered and as soon as that is complete I will order the remaining furniture. 

Next step is to put up the calendar, and all the pictures and information that goes on the walls. So far so good. 
The art of organizing the classroom at the beginning of the year is significant because I have a tendency to keep it in the same place and focus on what is being taught instead of where the tables and chairs are. I love that I started in July so I have plenty of time to process my furniture placements.