Kathy with her Sunflowers
Kathy started painting with me a few months ago and while she had only painted a couple of pieces she decided to tackle these BIG sunflowers….a screensaver photo from her phone. And didn’t she do a great job? She finished up last night just in time for her move. We hate that she is leaving us but wish her luck. And keep painting!
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Yesterday’s kids class had us experimenting with watercolor on paper with salt. They made these lovely trees. Great job guys!
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Poppy Demo 1 – acrylic, 11 x 14
Poppy Demo 2 – acrylic, 8″x10″
Poppy Demo 3 – acrylic 16″x20″
Poppy Demo 4 – acrylic, 18″x24″
When you teach art, especially if you have Paint Parties, you tend to paint the same subject matter more than once.
I often paint a sample that I can use when promoting the class/party. And then I paint it again while teaching in the class/party. And if it is a popular piece there may be more than one group that paints it.
That is the case with these poppies. So far I have painted it at least 6 times. Here are four versions with the size listed below. This one has been particularly popular because it’s pretty and it is easy for people to be successful when painting it, even if they are painting for the first time!
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Picasso’s Women of Algiers, 1954-55
Going for almost $180 million ($179.3), Picasso’s Women of Algiers has become the most expensive painting to sell at auction. It sold at Christie’s in New York.
The oil painting depicts nude and semi-nude women and is part of a 15-work series that the Spanish artist created in 1954-55.
So what do you think?
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Often when people think of painters they imagine an artist with an easel set up outdoors painting. And many artists do paint that way but not as many as you would think. Plein Air painting is not as simple as it looks. There are many things to consider but it is very rewarding.
If you have wanted to give Plein Air painting a try why not join us for the Plein Air Workshop later this month. Click here for additional information and to register.
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Mother’s Day Flowers
Here are my Mother’s Day flowers. I have taken reference photos at several angles so I can paint them soon.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Mama’s Chewy Nut Cookies
I made these Chewy Nut Cookies for Open Studio yesterday. This was one of my mom’s standby recipes especially for our snack when we came home from school. We grew up on a farm in the middle of a big pecan orchard so we put lots of pecans in everything. I love these and every time I make them I am reminded of her. If you like pecans I hope you will give them a try.
MAMA’S CHEWY NUT COOKIES
2 1/8 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 stick butter
2 eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Melt butter. Add sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minute. Center will seem like it’s not quite done. Let it stand until cool and then cut into squares
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“The Gardener”
“The Gardener” is the painting we will be doing at the next 1st Saturday Paint Party on June 6th. I painted this sample piece in acrylic on 12″x12″ stretched canvas yesterday in preparation for it. Hope you will join us. Click here to register.
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8 Small Fruit Paintings
A few weeks ago I shared a couple of posts with you about a commission that I have been working on of some small fruit paintings. You can see that here.
Here is a picture of all eight little 5″x7″ acrylic paintings completed. The client picked them up yesterday and she liked them! Yeah!
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The Main Lodge with Dining Room
Gazebo
Spring fed Pool
Pavilion at Golf Course
Presidential Lodge
Road passes right through property
Umbrellas by the door. They think of everything.
Yesterday I took a step back in time…at least it felt that way. I visited Capon Springs Resort & Farm just a short 40 minute drive from Front Royal. It’s an all-inclusive mountain resort featuring 19th century architecture and a wonderful camp layout where you park your car and walk around the grounds to everything you need from a spa to the spring fed pool to the all-you-can-eat dining hall to your rooms in one of several cabins or lodge buildings. It was just delightful. There are tennis and badminton courts, a golf course, shuffleboard and hiking trails.
I went in particular to see the layout as well as the meeting rooms because I am scouting a location to hold a retreat for The Studio. I think I may have found it. Be sure to check out Capon Springs by clicking here. I am sure it’s not “the place” for everyone but if you like to enjoy a little slower pace and visiting with friends in an ideal setting, then it’s for you!
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The Studio 