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Self Portrait in His Atelier

Self Portrait in His Atelier

Monet (right) in his garden

Monet (right) in his garden

Born on November 14, 1840 in Paris, France, Claude Monet was a founder of Impressionism and is probably it’s best known artist.

The term “impressionism” came from his painting, Impression Sunrise.  He may also be the most prolific of the Impressionist painters producing many plein-air impressionist paintings.

Many people think immediately of Giverny and his garden when thinking of Monet.  His water-lily paintings are some of his most famous.  Read more about Monet here and see his works.

Signal Knob Miniature III

Signal Knob Miniature III

Signal Knob Miniature IV - SOLD

Signal Knob Miniature IV – SOLD

Here are two more miniatures of the view toward Signal Knob.  Both are acrylic on mat board measuring 4″x5″,

Signal Knob Views

Signal Knob Miniature I

Signal Knob Miniature I

Signal Knob Miniature II

Signal Knob Miniature II

I am working on several versions of the view of Signal Knob in miniature for a commission.  Here are a couple of them.  They are acrylic on 4″x6″ canvas.  

Thank a Veteran

Constitution

Today, and every day, we should thank our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep us free.  Most of us have family members or loved ones who have given service to one of the military branches.  Brother is retired from the Army.  He served as an aviator during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  I am proud of his service.

Since I was 16 years old I have carried a copy of the U.S. Constitution in my purse. (I am on my 4th copy as they get worn and fall apart after the wear and tear of 10 or 15 years.)   I carry it for several reasons:  1)  I like to read it.  I don’t think enough people have and 2) it ends many arguments when people start quoting the Constitution and are positive they are correct in their opinion.

I am grateful to every veteran who has served who has made it possible for me to carry this all these years.

SeminarEarlier this week I attended an “Art Marketing for Artists” seminar that was held in Sperryville at River District Arts Center, a wonderful co-op center there.  It was sponsored by the Lord Fairfax Small Business Development Center.  Marc Willson was the presenter and he provided a great deal of information that is helpful for a new artist starting out in selling their work.  Much emphasis was placed on using social media – a website, a blog, Facebook, etc.

I try to attend seminars like this from time to time to learn new ways to market my work.  As a full-time artist most people think that I spend all day painting or creating and how much fun it must be!  Reality is that I probably only spend about 20% of my time painting while the rest is spent in marketing my art and/or skills.  I spend time blogging, teaching, selling, packaging, mailing, working at Delilah’s, taking photos, editing photos, framing art, etc.  There is so much more to the business of being an artist than just painting.  And learning better ways to promote your art is just one more to add to the list.  The Small Business Development Center at Lord Fairfax Community College is a great resource for small businesses.  They have staff that have expertise in a variety of subjects that will help your business.  And the best part is they are free!

River view Boys Landscape classA few weeks ago I took a photo of the Shenandoah River while walking down the path to the dog park.  It was the perfect reference photo for a landscape painting for the kids class this week.  I had four boys….what a challenge.  🙂  They made beautiful paintings of our lovely fall landscape here in the Shenandoah Valley.  Great job!

TrumanToday would have been Truman’s birthday.  So we are taking today to remember our boy.  He was such a character.  If you have been following my blog for a while you will recognize him and may recall some of his antics.

Snow in Feb Truman looks outTruman wasn’t big on snow (or rain for that matter) so when we had that big snow storm a few years ago it took everything I had to get him to go out to do his “business”.  He would just go out and look around, shake his head and come back inside.

Tru He was a really cute pup who came to live with us when he was just 5 1/2 weeks old.  Spoiled wouldn’t begin to describe him.  But he was so darn cute it was hard not to give him his way.  Click here and here to see more about the TruMonster!  So here’s to you Truman.  We miss you!

Joy with beach

Joy is one of my Thursday students that often tells people that she was scared to come to her first art class.  But then she will reassure them that she is glad she did because she loves the paintings she is creating as well as the fellowship with her fellow students.  Great job Joy!  We are glad you joined us.

If you would like to paint be sure to check out more information here or contact Kelly at kwalker@doubledogdesigns.com to register.  We would love to have you.

Mountain Vineyard II Mountain Vineyard II, acrylic on canvas, 6″x8″, available at WInding Road Cellars.  

Vote!

Jed with FlagVOTE!  It’s important…no matter where you fall on the political spectrum exercise your right to VOTE!  You have plenty of time and no really good excuse so get on over to the polls and VOTE!  Jed thinks you should.