I am currently enrolled in an 8 week online class, again with Laurie Goldstein Warren.   In this class we are learning to pour paintings, and more importantly how to market, promote, brand, get published and how to get into national and international shows.  The information is mind blowing and Laurie is just incredibly generous with all her information.  

I am struggling with the pouring process.  I've painted "realism" for 20 years now and these colors based on black and white values are just overwhelming for me.  I'm so anal retentive - all black and white - there is no grey in my world.  But with all this struggling comes great lessons and I'm all for that.  I will not give up, and with each try I get a little better.  Here is what I have painted so far - no keepers yet, and that's ok!

I just can't seem to stop painting using this process!  It's so much fun!!!!  Here are my latest paintings - these are all from the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade taken in DC several years ago.  

This was the best class I have taken in a long, long time!  I learned so much and just had a ball!  And now I can't seem to stop painting with this process!  Here are my latest endeavors!

What an ordeal this has been, hasn't it.  My biggest fear is that if it comes back again, are we going to go these extremes?  Small businesses are closing, many have lost their jobs, I feel for the parents of young children in school that have had to adjust their careers to homeschool their kids.  I fell for the people who have to work and put themselves at such a high risk.  I feel for the elderly, but then I always do.  So many takes on this thing, political and not so political.  Who do you believe??

I know one thing for sure, I've had a lot of time to paint!  I have been working on a dolphin series after buying this cute little guy.  The series is called "Fun with Flipper".  I think #3 is probably the best representation of this cute little guy.  Have until August 1st to come up with 3 good ones to submit for VA Watercolor Society Juried Show!

Sometimes I wonder why I do this to myself, but honestly it helps me hone in my skills and try to do better with each painting.  I'm down to 4 paintings to choose 3 from.  Which 3 do you like, or maybe the easier question is which one don't you like?  Thank you in advance for your help!!

There is an upcoming National Show held in Lynchburg, VA that I would love to get in.  Submission deadline is 2/14, so I still have some time.  And if some of my paintings I submitted for another show will be revealed 2/5, so I may have some to pick from that as well.  In the meantime, I am continuing to paint things I like and want to paint and it feels really good.  Here are the 3 so far....wish me luck!!!!

With a new year and new decade, I've made some major changes in my life re art.  While I enjoyed being in the Lake Country Artisans Guild, I did not enjoy cranking out work as quickly as I could to participate in these little shows all over both VA and NC with very low sales volume.  I've decided to leave the Guild and go out on my own.  I've joined the Virginia Watercolor Society and will submit artwork to various Juried Shows across both states, though most of NC shows are limited to NC residents, and that's fine!  I want to take my time with paintings and do them to my very best - and get better with each one.  I painted this recently for myself - as a commemorative souvenir at Hostfest in Minot, ND with my Besties from Concordia College!  It hangs in our bathroom so I can feel the joy every time I brush my teeth! :-)

The "crafts" members of our group did really well at this Gala, the Fine Art not so much.  Fine Arts and Crafts do not mix well, and lesson learned.  Was set up beautifully and we met lots of nice people.  Sarah and I "ran the store" for 4 days and it was really fun.  The reception was 11/10 and we had fun there, too.  

Lovely art, lovely audience, lovely sales.  All in all a successful show and featured only members of our Lake Country Artisans Guild.  Such diversity and talent - and nicest bunch of folks you'd ever want to meet!

This was a "Judged" Show meaning everyone gets all 3 pieces in and then they pick winners!  This was first time doing show at the Danville Art Museum and hope to do many more - it's such a gorgeous place!! Twi winners from our Artists Guild - Rebecca Rodgers and Sarah Buldoc!  

We had such a lovely time.  Great turnout, fabulous art, and the Juror was excellent!  Show is available for viewing until October 22nd!  43 W Main St., Yanceyville, NC

I had so much fun doing this and we had wonderful people watching the demo!  Thank you, Shirley for a great opportunity!!

Almost time to submit images of the artwork for consideration to be in the next juried show at MMMG!  Here are my 4 submissions!  Wish me luck!!!

I'm doing a demo at this awesome gallery on how to make abstract paintings with spider webs - and a few other abstract tricks that require NO DRAWING SKILLS WHATSOEVER!!  In preparation, I have a painted web ready to apply the shapes and spray acrylics; a web with 4 layers of shapes and paint ready for the big "reveal"; and 3 paintings that go just a little farther with this process just for fun.  If we have time, I will also demonstrate how to make your own gelli papers!  Will be a fun, fast hour and I do hope y'all can come!!!

Time to switch out some art and artisans again!  Love having our work displayed so beautifully in downtown Clarksville - and now just in time for the crowds of Lakefest!!!  We're happy!!!

We were all so tickled to be here in this show.  We had such fun setting it up on Thursday, and we all participated in bringing appetizers, the Parsons Bruce Art Association brought treats, too - and provided the Wine!  The show will be open until mid-August, so if you didn't get a chance to come to the reception June 4th, you still have plenty of time to see the show.  Just ask at the front desk and they will gladly take you down to see it!

The heavy rains did not stop people from coming to the Wine Festival and having a ball!  We had a really good time in our booth and talked to so many lovely people.  A great day was had by all - and we each sold some pieces!!!

This is the first annual juried show that HCAC has put on - and in conjunction with the Lake Country Artisan's Guild.  35 artists were represented and 90+ pieces of art were submitted to be considered for the show.  They had an Awards Ceremony on April 7th and the turnout was remarkable, as you can see, and the artwork even more stunning!  Sit back and enjoy both the art and the people!  Thank you for stopping by!

This is the most people I have seen turn out for Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Celebration - great outpour from the community emphasizing the need for gathering place like this for family and friends!  And we, at the Lake Country Artisans Guild, are just thrilled to be a part of it!

This was my second time to see this show and it was a spectacular as the first.  Some of the interpretations of the art into floral arrangements was spot on, other times it was like huh?  But oh so enjoyable!  Here are some photos for you to enjoy!

Please do yourself a favor and come see this show!  The quilts are just gorgeous - all unique and beautifully different!  And Sarah Bolduc, President of our Lake Country Artisans Guild has a lovely display of some of her fabric creations!  

I submitted all the forms, pics, payment, etc. to be considered for this upcoming show "In The Garden" in conjunction with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden!  These are the three funky florals I entered.  Crossing all appendages that I get in!!

Ever wonder where the creativity stops with an artist?  I don't believe it does!  Here is the Fairy Garden in front of our house.  I think there are like 120 stones with mosaic on them.  I do think I am done with those!  And the fairies got newly painted doors, new mushrooms and steps.  And the tree trunk fern holders got replaced as well.  Only took 5 years to decay!  Who knew? Anyway, here are some pictures for you to enjoy!