Tin Shed

Tin Shed, 12 x 12

The town of Fort Davis is really small and it has some really interesting streets and alleys. Driving through the neighborhoods, the strong patterns of light and shadow on this tin shed caught my eye. There was also a good vantage point across the street where I could park my car and set up my gear (an important component, believe it or not.)

While I was painting, the owner of the shed drove up, gave me a nod, and went inside. Minutes later, he came back out and drove around the block, clearly to see what I was doing. He didn't stop, he just took a long look and quietly went back in his house. It's funny how different people react; sometimes they stop and chat, sometimes they ignore me completely... I think this was my first "drive-by"...

Side note: Thank you Sally Dean and M.F. Bruno for the Sunshine award!!!

Mountain Morning (and SNOW in Texas!)

Mountain Morning, 12 x 16

I just got back from a plein air painting trip in the Davis Mountains (west Texas) with painting buddies Jill Carver, LaNell Arndt and Kraig Kiedrowski. It was fabulous to get away, totally off the grid, with no agenda but to paint! My drive home today included eight hours in a snowstorm! AND, the little boys next door had made this happy snowman in our yard to greet my arrival!

.

Texas Snowman

Pink and Exotic

Pink and Exotic, 7 x 5, SOLD

.

I have searched for a name for this sturdy little flower, but the closest I can find is that it may be in the Etlingera family. I know, not your common, household name. Some look a little like this, but many go another direction completely so I am not really sure about it. Not that I have to choose, but it's my favorite of the bouquet...

See more Small Works

Heliconia Plant

Heliconia Plant, 7 x 5, SOLD

You see these growing everywhere in Hawaii... and apparently they are related to bananas. They really come in many shapes and sizes, and this pretty pink one is a beauty!

See more Small Works

Ginger Blossom

Ginger Blossom, 7 x 5, SOLD

.
My sweet husband brought me the most beautiful valentine bouquet this weekend. Its big exotic blooms just screamed out to be painted, and of course, made me feel very loved!

.

See other Small Works

Stormy Weather

Stormy Weather, 6 x 8

Rain and cold have been the norm around these parts for the last few weeks. We have had to cancel several outdoor painting excursions due to what the weatherman calls a "wintery mix". Yes, we are wimps for complaining at all, but today the sun finally came out and it was quite wonderful. AND we have water in the lakes again - so good!

See more Small Works

I also want to thank Julie Davis and Roisin O'Farrell for giving me the Sunshine Award for positive and creative blogging. Thank you both so much, I am very happy to receive this!

Southwest Corner

Southwest Corner, 8 x 8

.

"Cold and sunny" was the forecast for Saturday morning; and sure enough, the temperature gauge in my car read 31. The snowflake symbol was on. (I know, really, in Texas?) In spite of the arctic conditions, four hearty souls came to our Plein Air Austin paintout! Ya gotta love that kind of bravery. We painted at the Art School at Laguna Gloria, and this corner of the Villa was absolutely glowing in the morning light. Fingertips were numb by the end, but we had a great time.

.

Click to purchase $140 + $12 s/h

See more Small Works

Grand Oak

Grand Oak, 6 x 6, SOLD

.

...and this has been a grand week. I just finished teaching a 2-day workshop where I met some fabulous painters who are now like old friends. It's always a joy to watch artists at work and participate in the creative process with them. It's a privilege I never take for granted; and I'm sure I'm the one who learns the most. Many thanks to my students - new and old!

.

See more Small Works

The Road Home (large version)

The Road Home, 30 x 24, (see previous post for small study)

.

As I traveled through this tunnel of gold throughout the days of autumn, I was struck by how some of the most rapturous images are the ones we pass every day. Whether or not it was more colorful than in other years (or maybe it was that my eyes were more open), these sparkling oranges and yellows were absolutely spectacular.

The Road Home (study)

The Road Home (study), 8 x 6, SOLD

.

I painted this little study in the fall, but have been saving it to use as reference for a larger version. The autumn color is long gone and this tunnel of trees is completely bare now. But we have a pretty short winter so it won't be long till the trees begin to bud out again. Side note: I did get the large version painted last week and will post it sometime soon. :)

.

See more Small Works

Dinner Veggies - Still Life Demo

Dinner Veggies, 6 x 8

Still Life Demo: Line and Mass Block-in
.

I did the following demo for my still life class and thought I would share it here. The "Line and Mass Block-in" is a pretty traditional method of starting a painting, but sometimes it helps to see an example. So here it is broken down. (And no, the canvas is not blue... it's white. I am not quite sure why it photographed that way.)

.

Step one: Plan composition and sketch large, basic shapes

using dark neutral mix of alizarin crimson, french ultramarine and raw umber.

Keep paint fairly dry to enable painting back in (soupy paint will make this difficult).

.

Step two: Step back; correct drawing and composition if needed,
and begin massing in large areas of values.


Step 3: Continue massing in values and make final adjustments to composition
(better to make changes here before beginning with color.)
Paint directly into this underdrawing when adding color.


Step 4: It is important to maintain the massed in values as color is added.
Painting directly into the underpainting, add color and work from dark to light.
(Sorry, no progression shots of the color.)

Ledges at Bull Creek

Ledges at Bull Creek, 9 x 12

Today was my first chance since the new year to paint en plein air. After several paintout cancellations due to cold and rain in the last six weeks, it was a joy to be out in the sunshine. Not only that, but this creek was full and flowing - something we haven't seen since before the draught. A glorious sight!

Watery Reeds

Watery Reeds, 6 x 6

We are having a cold snap here in Austin - I about froze just running outside to take this picture. These are the days that we stay tucked in our studios with scarves on, and wonder how our friends in the north manage to survive (and thrive) in much colder temps. Stay warm, all!!

Click to purchase $100 + $12 s/h
See more Small Works

Canyon Ablaze

Canyon Ablaze, 24 x 36, Christmas commission piece

.

I have been on a bit of a hiatus, completely enjoying my family and the holidays... and now we are in a new decade and I am ready to get back to work. Being a goal setter (I'm a big believer in writing them down and being specific), I'm busy making lists that will lead to some familiar paths as well as to some new ones. But it's the unknown, unanticipated surprises that are always the most fun! Happy 2010!

Oh, Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree, 6 x 6, SOLD

.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

.

See more Small Works

Branches Bare

Branches Bare, 6 x 6

Today is the Winter Solstice - the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year (at least in the Northern Hemisphere.) It all has to do with the fact that the "top" half of Earth is tilted away from the sun at its most extreme angle. Trees are baring and plants are going dormant... all part of the cycle.



See more Small Works

Limestone Ledges

Limestone Ledges, 9 x 12

Today I met up with my buddy, Randi Knight, to take a little painting break from the "holidays". I think that word is supposed to be synonymous with rest and vacation, but at this time of year it feels more like the opposite! It was so nice to slow down, listen to the lake lapping, and take a deep breath!

We painted at Hippie Hollow on Lake Travis, which is a beach park known for nude sunbathing. Being that the temperature was in the 50's, we figured no one would be out, at least not in THAT respect. Hmmm, not the case, as it turns out... there were several brave, bare souls. I know I have said this before but... it's always an adventure!

Winter Roadside

Winter Roadside, 6 x 12 diptych, (6 x 6 each), SOLD

.

I love how the "bones" of the landscape emerge in winter, revealing its infra-structure in muted tones of grays and golds. These bare trees on the roadside offered me a great opportunity to study those neutrals.

See more Small Works

Farm Day

Farm Day, 6 x 6, SOLD

.

There is something about the tidy rows of produce on a farm. Maybe it's the rhythmic pattern and geometry of it all. Maybe it's that they are so orderly in a chaotic season. (Probably!) Whatever it is, they do have a peaceful lure for me.

.

See more Small Works

Hidden Farm Shed

Hidden Farm Shed, 9 x 12

.

Last Thursday, our painting group met at a local farm to paint. It was such a cold morning that the farm hands were covering all the crops to save them from an expected freeze. Let's just say that my fingers and toes were stiff from the arctic air in spite of all the layers I had on. I was determined to stay till I finished, but it took me quite awhile to warm back up!

.

Side note: Many thanks to Charley Parker for featuring my work on the December 6 post of his very cool blog, Lines and Colors. Please check it out, and thank you Charley!

Honorable Mention - Woo Hoo!

Lost Canyon, 16 x 12

Please pardon my re-posting of this painting, but I had to share my excitement about winning an Honorable Mention ribbon at the Outdoor Painters Society's Plein Air Southwest 2009 show in Dallas! Hearing my own name announced was a thrilling moment and I am still pinching myself! Thanks to all of you for your kind words and good wishes!

Happy me!

Dallas Show - Plein Air Southwest 2009

Lost Canyon, 16 x 12

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please come to one of the opening receptions this weekend for Plein Air Southwest 2009, the Outdoor Painters Society's annual juried show. It's at the Southwest Gallery in Dallas and includes an amazing group of paintings by some fabulous artists. I am very pleased to be a part of it all and hope to see some of you there!

Plein Air Southwest 2009

Friday, December 4th - Artist's Reception & Award Ceremony

Saturday, December 5th - Opening Reception & Artist Demonstrations

Southwest Gallery, 4500 Sigma Road, Dallas, TX, 800-272-9910

.

(These four paintings of mine are in the exhibit,

and available to purchase through the gallery.)

Winter Light at the Creek, 12 x 16

Upper Falls, 12 x 12

Blue Barn, 12 x 12

Demo - Conscience Point

Conscience Point, 6.5 x 8.5

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! Ours was great but it sure went fast!!! And isn't it amazing how holidays can interrupt our routines?? Before I get back to my regular posting, I would like to share this demo that I did for my most recent class. This comes to you by special request of one of my readers who asked me to show a little bit about my process. It also includes a lesson about value planes in the landscape...


In Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting by John Carlson (a "must have" for any landscape painter) he talks about the 4 basic value planes in the landscape: Sky (lightest light), ground (second lightest), slants (third lightest), uprights (darkest darks). Above: example of 4 planes in grey tones (this is NOT a part of the actual painting process which starts below).

I begin all paintings with an underdrawing using a dark neutral mixed of alizarin crimson, french ultramarine, and raw umber. At this drawing stage, I establish my composition, block in shapes and lay in my darkest darks. I don't let this get too thick o that I can avoid "mud" when painting back into it.

Next, I lay in large areas of color to each of the "value planes". I try to use an average best for each, paying close attention to the value and temperature relationships between the planes. (Remember, warm advances and cool recedes.) It's important to get these relationships working altogether before adding any major detail. Now is the time to tweak overall values if necessary.

Once the value planes are working, details can be added using intermediate values. As Carlson says, "All intermediate values are subserviant to the main values." This means that shifts within each value plane need to be pretty subtle. At this point I am painting wet paint over and into wet paint. To avoid mud - load your brush, keep a light touch, and lightly wipe brush tip where paint has been picked up. AND, practice, practice, practice!

.

Of course, nature never leaves anything that simple. Light changes everything, and we still have to closely observe what nature presents. I will say that understanding this basic framework helps me break things down when I am out in the field; and it helps me establish a foundation for capturing whatever the fickle light is up to.

Blazing Canyon

Blazing Canyon, 6 x 8, SOLD

.

I drive by this canyon often in my travels around town. It's always a pretty view, but it's especially breathtaking in the fall and spring when the seasonal colors emerge. It sure sets the mood for Thanksgiving!!

.

See more Small Works

Silent Partners

Silent Partners, 6 x 6, SOLD

Today was one of those on-the-verge-of-raining, cold, damp days. My painting group was scheduled to meet and paint at a beautiful church, but no one else was crazy enough to come out. Go figure. :) Since I was there and had all my stuff, I decided to stay. Plus, I spotted some fall color and couldn't resist. It never did rain, and I had a deliciously quiet and peaceful morning!

See more Small Works

Golden Splendor

Golden Splendor, 6 x 8, SOLD

.

This small island in Ladybird Lake is brilliant right now with it's yellows, reds and oranges. When the sunlight hits them, the illuminated trees seem to glow.

.

See more Small Works

Fall Reflections

Fall Reflections, 6 x 8, SOLD

I love everthing about autumn - the cool crisp air, the changing colors and the emerging bare branches - there is a wonderful coziness about it all. This is Ladybird Lake just below the dam. The color around the lake is spectacular right now.

See more Small Works

Sky Dazzle

Sky Dazzle, 7 x 5, SOLD

.

The sparkle of the sun on the clouds truly dazzles the eye. Seeing it never gets old!

.

See more Small Works

Lake Road

Lake Road, 9 x 12

.

Another beautiful fall day here in Texas!!! Some dear friends and fabulous painters, Carole and Charles Sikes were so kind to invite Plein Air Austin to come out and paint their gorgeous view of Lake Travis with them today. This property has been in their family for four generations... it's a very special place. (Thanks guys, for sharing it with us!)

Autumn Glory

Autumn Glory, 12 x 9

Today was an unbelievably gorgeous day - clear, blue sky and fall color on display everywhere. I was fortunate to pull off a spontaneous painting day with my painting buddy, Julie Davis (she claims I highjacked her day, but what better excuse for playing hooky?) ;) The trees have been turning at this oft-driven-by-location for the last week or so, but you never know how long it will last. One big wind and it will all be gone... I'm happy we got down there!