Janet Means Belich, Mostly Art

I'm STILL here !

2012-04-10T11:21:00.004-04:00

Wow ! It's been forever since I've blogged any thing ! I'm so sorry..just incase there is any one left out there looking in. The above photo is a gathering of a few small paintings done at the beginning of the years for a show this month. A friend fro the Baltimore Watercolor Society invited me to join about six others for a show in Sykesville, Maryland.

The one below you may remember from loooong ago...I posted it as WIP and after a few missteps with other paintings, I decided to finish this one. It is from a photo I took while in Chicago about a year ago with members of the Artcolony....another blog listed at the side.

NAWA at Strathmore Mansion

2012-01-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was a milestone for the water color world. Six of the worlds best known, best loved artists were together for the first time to open their show at the Strathmore Mansion in Rockville, MD. These six have formed the North American Watercolor Artists and shown around the world but this was the first show where they were present at the opening and the first time some had met in person.

Meeting long time Facebook friends in person is such a fun experience but what adds to the pleasure is confirming the belief that they are warm, sincere, generous folks. I'm still smiling!

Halloween Challenge

2011-10-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry to not have posted anything for so long. It was an incredibly busy ( and fun ) summer. The leaves have changed to their "showing off colors" but as I type this, they are being sprinkled with a heavy wet snow. The area has been surprised by an unseasonal nor'easter and I am NOT ready to enjoy winter weather, yet. Thankfully,to ease me into the change of seasons, my dear friends Chris Beck and Pablo Villicana Lara invited me to take part in a Halloween painting challenge. Even though I have two black cats and a broom, Halloween is to me "All About The Candy". I hope you enjoy this painting as well as the others from the artists listed below. You can see all the paintings together on Chris or Pablos blog sites. Thanks for stopping in to check on my blog.

Chris Beck: http://chrisbeckstudio.blogspot.com/

Pablo Villicana Lara: http://www.mylittlepaintbox.blogspot.com/

Debbie Cannatella: http://www.dcannatella.blogspot.com/

R. Garriott: http://www.rgarriott.blogspot.com/

Jeanette Jobson: http://illustratedlife.blogspot.com/

Ron Morrison: http://watercolourproductions.blogspot.com/

Diahn Ott: http://artbydiahn.blogspot.com/

Suzy Pal Powell: http://www.suzypal.blogspot.com/

Terry Rafferty: http://terryrafferty.blogspot.com/

Kay Smith: http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.com/

Deb Ward: http://debwardart.blogspot.com/

Brenda York: http://brendayork.blogspot.com/

Pittsburgh Aqueous Open 2011

2011-07-21T07:15:00.002-04:00

Good news came in the mail the other day. Frosty Breakfast was admitted to the 2011 show in Pittsburgh, PA. This is a show that I remember my prof in college talking about all the time and I always thought, "Yeah, maybe someday..." . Gee wizz, I never expected that I'd be in it three years in a row ! I've had so many nice comments from friends about this painting and I'm sooo appreciative. It really was fun to do & reminds me so much of where I grew up in western PA. But it is actually from just around the corner from me here in MD.

The 65 th Annual Aqueous Open will be at Gallery Sim, 1735 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA from Sept 25 through Oct 30, 2011.

I'll be away for a short time starting tomorrow, but I hope to come home to more good news. Keep your fingers crossed for me and THANKS for looking in here !

Some New Works

2011-07-15T10:04:00.003-04:00

Is there anyone still out there? I've been negelting this blog for too long. I'm sorry.

So...here's a couple of things that have been in the works. There are sooo many completed paintings in my mind but only a few committed to paper. The bottom is from a photo I took in NYC last year when the Baltimore group went to see the AWS show. And the top is from Chicago in June when I met with the group from the Artcolony. I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back to either painting. We've had wonderful visits from friends that we haven't seen for years and next week I'll be on the road again. Until I can get back and show you some progress with these, please take some time to visit the folks at the Artcolony blog...link is on the side bar...or any of the other wonderful sites over there on the right.

Artcolony in Chicago

2011-06-09T16:37:00.003-04:00

I'm home from a most wonderful trip to Chicago where I met with nine other artists from all around the country. The original group was to consist of more but schedules took priority and they couldn't come this trip. All of us are members of another blog called "Artcolony". Some have been members for years and had never met so they decided it was time and picked a central location and familiar area to two of our group. Without them we would have been lost...quite literally. Thank you Debbie & Mary. We toured around the city snapping thousands of reference photos for future paintings, cramming in visits to the Art Institute, the architecture boat tour, Dick Blick retailer (art supplies of course ), a zoo, botanical gardens, rides on the EL train, the "Bean" and of course reeeely good restaurants. We returned home, all of us exhausted and sore, with less money but rich with photos that should keep us busy for years and friendships that will last even longer.

Kaaren Oreck (WI), me (MD), Mary Jansen (IL), Debbie Cannatella (TX), Nita Hoyt (TX), Ellie Sethman (CA), Cindy Agan (IN), Maryiln Wear (CA), Jane Freeman (MN) & Mollie Jones
(TX)

Army of Women

2011-05-19T12:29:00.006-04:00

Recently I spent a few days with two wonderful friends from North Carolina. We met at our favorite NC beach and caught up on families/kids news and picked up where we left off from the last time we'd seen each other...ie. being silly. The above photo is mine from that trip although it is not of my two friends, it is symbolic of the friendship most women have or should have. One of my all time favorite movies is "Beaches" and this reminds me of that too. Now, having said all this...I just a few minutes ago made an appointment for my yearly mammogram. It seems more and more people I know have been affected by breast cancer, either having it themselves or someone they love. Another friend recently forwarded a link to "Army of Women" which is a data base for breast cancer research/trials/programs/etc. I have signed up. I do not (yet) have breast cancer or have a history in my family but I'm thinking perhaps this is something we could all do to help those who do or someday shall. Please follow the link and sign up if you can.
By the way, in the photo the two women are walking into the morning sunrise...not into the sunset. ;)
www.armyofwomen.org

More Snowy Hydranges

2011-05-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

Half sheet of Arches Cold Press with Winsor / Newton paints.

Full sheet ( 22" x 30" ) Arches Cold Press with Daniel Smith paints.

I needed see these two side by side to compare. ( The first was auctioned to help the tsunamie victims in Japan. ) I was trying to get more subtle shapes with the blossoms in the second painting. Not sure I accomplished that. As it photographed I don't see much difference in the values just the colors.
It's not untaped yet so I may go back in. But I'll let it "cure" over night & take an other look later.

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Where did April Go ?... or...John Salminen Workshop

2011-05-04T09:19:00.005-04:00

I don't know how April slipped by me. I tried to use an expired coupon yesterday only to realize I was a month behind...geez. I guess I was really busy and didn't notice.

One exciting event was the annual workshop held in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic exhibition by whomever does the jurying. This year the honor went to John Salminen, the internationally well known painter from Minnesota. John & his wife Cathy, also a talented & well known photographer, wowed and informed a group of twenty five students from as far away as Florida and DENMARK. It was enlightning to just be in their presence ! John is probably best knoiwn for his urban watercolors but this workshop was intended to shake folks from their "comfort zone" and take away the fear of abstract painting. It worked. I believe twenty five students now have a new comfort zone after this experience.

Art Auction for Japan

2011-03-15T21:29:00.015-04:00

"Snowy Hydranges"
14" x 20"
Transparent Watercolor on Paper

Current Bid : SOLD Thank you !!

email: Skejch22@aol.com

Here in the nations capital, we are looking forward to the budding of the cherry blossoms around the tidal basin in a few weeks. I don't know how anyone who comes to visit will be able to look at those pink and white blossoms without remembering the earthquake and tsunami that devestated Japan this week.

A group of artist friends has set up a site to auction paintings to benefit the Japanese Red Cross. 100% of the amount received will go to this cause. The above painting is my contribution. Please email your bids starting at $50.00. I will post current bids as I receive them and email the winner Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Thank you for your help !

Mid- Atlantic entry

2011-03-04T10:08:00.002-05:00

This Indian corn painting was "Plan B" entry to the BWS Mid-Atlantic show this year. Ya just never know what others will think and I'm all ways surprised. John Salminen is the juror this year for entries and awards so I am "blown away" at getting in the show. This was also chosen last year to be in the Missouri water color show (Chris Krupinski ). So, I musta done something right. Paint me "happy".

A Day in DC

2011-02-20T10:28:00.002-05:00

Wednesday was sunny & warm in DC when I met two friends at the Museum of American Art. It was just what we needed after such a cold winter. The cold isn't gone for good yet but it was a great break and we saw some incredible art work. The building houses the National Portrait Gallery as well and after living here almost 18 years this was my first visit I'm ashamed to say. The neighborhood wasn't one that made me feel at ease before but a few years ago (?) the area was developed with the building of the Verizon Center & now is a wonderul place to visit. I'll be making up for the lost time there !

Salt Experiments & Dots

2011-02-08T17:41:00.004-05:00

"AFTER"

Here's the latest. I still have some touch ups to do because I did a little experiment on it and now have to go back & fix some things. The top photo is the way it is now before fixes. The next photo is the way it was BEFORE the experiment.

I started the piece by putting salt & light pigment on the areas that are snow. I was very happy with the results and so thought when the rest was done I should go back and do some more salt there. Well, it didn't add anything more to the piece but taking off the salt residue afterwards lifted some of the color from the darkest areas so I need to go back in & tiddy up those spots.

"BEFORE"

Now HERE's a bit of FUN !! I found out via Facebook & Jane Freeman that Daniel Smith has these wonderful pages of dots. They are samples of all the watercolor pigments they make. Ya just take a wet brush & go over them to see what they look like & how they act on the paper. I had no idea that Daniel Smith made such beautiful colors. I've always used Winsor & Newton & some DiVinci before. Now I want ALL of these !!!

Cornundrum

2011-01-08T18:27:00.005-05:00

Deadlines approaching and I've not been as productive as I should have been. But I did manage to get this ready to enter the Baltimore Watercolor Society Mid-Atlantic. I started it just before Christer & Jessica's wedding in October and then there were a few holidays in between. While doing it I kept hearing tidbits from Judy Morris' workshop and was "haunted" by what she called "ghosts". These are little spots in the paintings where lines might stop incomplete/unconnected or not line up. This probably happens in my paintings because I tend to work on an area then move on and then come back again, perhaps not completing the second area before moving on to a third. I really think this is one of the secrets that make the difference between a good painting and a great painting; a completed painting. More learning done on this one.

Link

Artcolony Gift Exchange

2010-12-27T13:20:00.006-05:00

The Artcolony is an other blog that I participate in started by Jane Freeman in MN. I was totally blown away and excited when she asked me to become a member some time this year. It is a group of very talented artists that support each other in all matters more than just art. It is truely a great gathering of friends even thought most have never met.

So, the holidays were coming and Jane asked if any of us wanted to do a gift exchange (of paintings naturally ). Jane drew names and we partnered up. I was partnered with Verena Heroux. Proving again just how small the world is, Verena lives in North Carolina near Morehead City and I figure we probably passed each other on the street at least once. She is a wonderfully gifted water colorist featured in the Oct/Nov 2010 issue of International Artist magazine. I am so honored to have received this. Thank you Verena.

Judy Morris Workshop

2010-11-16T09:31:00.003-05:00

Last week was the Baltimore Water Color Society workshop with guest Judy Morris. The week went by unbelievably fast...my head is still trying to take it all in. I need to take better notes but then I miss things when I do that. I can't be a good note taker and observe at the same time.
Judy is known for beautiful textures in her paintings and we were privy some of her "secrets" which aren't really secrets at all. Most everyone has tried salt on their paintings at some point but Judy maintains that the paint must be wet and not shiny when you apply the salt. This really is the key. She also used Morton Kosher salt which she says makes a difference as well; the grains being somewhat flaky.

She also when asked, reveled the jury procedure for the AWS show. In a nut shell : The entrees are grouped by signature members, sustaining associate members, non-members and students. Four signature members, the AWS president and a guest juror do a run through of all the slides submitted, then look at each one individually. With a control devise in hand (think Jeopardy), each juror voted "yes" with a push of the button or "no" by doing nothing. They had about six seconds on each painting to decide ! Of the six votes, four to six votes meant admission to the show, three was a "maybe" and got another look, anything less meant, well, try again next year.

Poor Judy. She was unimpressed or negatively impressed by our endless freeways and traffic. I really wished she had been here at least one more day to see all that the area has to offer. We did hit some great restaurants each night and sampled various wines ! And had a couple hours to tour Ellicott City's historical district on the way to the airport. But there was not nearly enough time to discuss or show her all we wanted. You'll just have to come back, Judy. :)

Link

2010-10-26T09:44:00.002-04:00

OK...It's been busy at the Belich household this month. Not a lot of art work being done . But well worth it. I have a daughter now ! Best wishes to Christer & Jessica Belich ! 10/23/10

Utah Vacation and Water Colors

2010-09-10T20:17:00.004-04:00

Milo and I are in Utah "Oooing" & "Awwing" at the georgous landscape ! The scenery never ends and the color, shapes and shadows change moment by moment.

This morning while buying a book of watercolor paintings by Don Weller, I asked the woman at the desk if he was a local artist. No, he lives up near Park City but comes down here to paint the wranglers at the lodge. Turns out that he and his family are staying here now too !! He is a very personable man and indulged me by signing the book and taking a photo. It was a real treat talking water colors with him and a BIG bonus to the vacation! Check out some of his work ! You'll love it too. http://www.donweller.com/

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I Heart PA & PA Hearts ME!!

2010-07-28T11:09:00.003-04:00

The letter from Pittsburgh Watercolor Socirty came this week and "Jersey Girl" will be included in their Aqueous exhibit this Fall. The show will run from Oct.1-30 at the Fein Art Gallery,19 E. Ohio Street, Pittsburgh,PA (North Side). It's been a good year, 5 for 9, and 3 for 3 in PA....but who's counting!

2010-07-23T20:39:00.004-04:00

Wow. What have I been doing for almost a month? I know that I've been on the computer but I guess I haven't been up to blogging.
There has been some news : "Lunch Time for Becca" was accepted to the Pennsylvania Water Color Societys juried show. It will be in Warren, PA this year. Juror was Nick Simmons. Thanks Nick ! Now all I need to do is drive to Pittsburgh to retrieve the painting from Becca and get it to Warren.

Other good news : "Bat Wings & Twirrly Things" was juried into the Philadelphia Water Color Society show ! It will be at the beautiful Goggle Works in Allentown,PA. Juror was Paul Jackson. Thank you Paul ! (This painting continues to surprise me.)

OK, to keep me humble : "Indian Corn II, no 5" was not sellected to be in the National Water Color Societys show in California this year. No worries, I understand how subjective these things can be. I think I'm still ahead of the count this year. One more to hear from. Waiting for the Pittsburgh Aqueous results. Juror is Don Andrews.

OK...back to the drawing board ! Prospectus' come in the mail for next year in a couple months !!!

Link

2010-06-28T11:23:00.002-04:00

My very DEAR friend Cathy with her new T-shirt to benefit the wild critters in the Gulf of Mexico. Cathy doesn't do much "half way" ; she also ordered a mug, a tie and a bumper sticker !!! I thank you Cathy, and I'm sure we helped wash a few birds this way.

BWS Paint Out

2010-06-20T16:55:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was to the beautiful rolling hills of Maryland horse country for an outing of painting with some members of the Baltimore Water Color Society. Our hosts graciously opened their grounds for about twenty artists to tramp around, photograph and paint. Southern Living had been there just days before to take photos for a future issue. The gardens were in glorious color, the house, barn and out buildings were a Tom Sawyer white washed clean that sparkled in the morning sun. No humidity, light breeze, clear sky...what I call a "water color day".

As part of the 125 year celebration of the founding of BWS, we were treated to a demo by Stewart White. Stewart is a well known artist from the B'more area with many,many awards for his plein air paintings. He does architectural renderings as his day job.

This was my set up. I had things laid out , ready to go to work and even had the scene sketched in and was watching the demo when I turned around to see "Sophie" aka "Princess" lapping up the water from my container. Just like home. :)

Here is Stewarts finished demo piece.

And here, an informal critique before heading home.

Second from right is my friend Debi Watson. She wrote on her blog afterwards that plein air painting isn't for whimps, citing the bugs, heat, etc, etc. Debi is an aclaimed watercolorist but who preferrs the studio to plein air painting. This was my first serious outting probably since college and I have to say I rather enjoyed being outside, esp. with a group of other painters... hmmm...perhaps a workshop tour someday?

Link

2010-06-13T12:19:00.001-04:00

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henry & seagulls by Janet Belich, Tshirt from Zazzle.com www.zazzle.com
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Art Vs Oil Spill:Artful Products at Zazzle for Save the Gulf- Wild Life Rehab

2010-06-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

Link

Art Vs Oil Spill:Artful Products at Zazzle for Save the Gulf- Wild Life Rehab
Paul Jackson has offered artists a way to do something about the Gulf of Mexico. He has set up a Zazzle store where you can buy products with the proceeds going to the Wildlife rescue. Here's a link to the online store, there are 18 new products in just the first day, so please take a look. Zazzle store link.
This online Zazzle store features a collection of artwork donated by artists around the the world specifically to benefit wildlife rescue operations along the Gulf Coast in the wake of the BP oil spill disaster. Proceeds from your purchase will benefit an organization that is all volunteer and they will use the funds where they can do the most good. The name of the organization is Wildlife @Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society, Inc. or WRANPS. TIN is 64-0701440. They were formed in 1983 and are a 501(c)3. Their info can be verified on Guidestar, the official website that monitors US Non-Profits. They are also registered with the Secretary of State of MS as a Charity. Their address is P O Box 209; Long Beach, MS 39560. Please feel free to donate to them directly! Make checks payable to Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society, Inc. or WRANPS. P O Box 209; Long Beach, MS 39560. (in the note/subject line of your check, please include "art vs oil spill") Attn: Jan Dubuisson Thank you for all that you can do to help!!

Art vs Oil Spill

2010-06-01T16:04:00.005-04:00

This is a cropped version of a painting I did last year . I have loaded it to a Face Book group that hopes to raise money for the Gulf Spill victims. Paul Jackson from Missouri is leading the way and I invite all my artist friends to get on the site and upload an image. Not many of us can drive to the Gulf to help clean up...esp when the hole is still leaking,no, spewing oil and will for a couple more months! As artists, this what we can do and all of us, I dare say, have a spiritual connection with nature and this what we should do... if not more.
Please spread the word and do what you can to help. It effects the whole world.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=124568567574068