Janet Means Belich, Mostly Art

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.

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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. :)

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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 !!!

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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?

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

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henry & seagulls by Janet Belich, Tshirt from Zazzle.com www.zazzle.com
24 Hour Shipping on most orders. henry & seagulls by Janet Belich, Tshirt created by Artvsoilspill. This design is available on many sizes, styles, and colors of shirts.

Art Vs Oil Spill:Artful Products at Zazzle for Save the Gulf- Wild Life Rehab

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

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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

I Heart New York

2010-05-03T09:31:00.002-04:00

Friday, April 30,2010, The Baltimore Water Color Society took the annual trip to NYC to the American Water Color Society's show in NYC. What a beautiful, sunny, warm, Spring day we had to walk around Manhattan. The water color show was almost an after thought...almost.

" Partners in crime" were Debi Watson and Paul Kasmir from Landcaster,PA. Not sure who this other guy is that they picked up on the street...I'm guessing a spy..you can tell by the beard & sun glasses. They were actually waiting for me after crossing the street. (I was busy taking people photos). They were very tolerant.

I've been to NYC a few times but I must not have looked up. I don't remember seeing these "cartoon" water tanks on the roofs before. And if you zoom in, they seem to be made of wood ! It made me wonder what a plumbers nightmare the city must be !

The watercolor show was, as always, exceptional and I could spend the entire day there. But part of the trip includes a stop at the Metropolitan Museum which is wonderful too. If I sound underwhelmed, it's because there was so much art in one day, it was sensory overload.

The day went by much too quickly. While we were waiting to board the bus back to MD, I stopped to look at what the street venders were offering and found a great photo (not a print) in sepia of this winter in Central Park.

Debi and Paul have posts on their blogs which offer a great capsule of the day and more art photos ( I guess I was captivated by those cartoon water tanks ). Please go over and check out their views of the day. http://www.debiwatson.com/ , http://paulkasmir.blogspot.com/

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von Furer Revisited

2010-04-27T21:51:00.004-04:00

A little over a year ago, when I first started blogging, I wrote about an experience I had as a child. This was my first experience meeting a "real artist". I published the blog March 19, 2009 and I hope you dig back and look at it. Anyway, I found two photos from the time I wrote about and I'm very happy to share them with you. My dad took the photos, the first being one Mr. von Furer wanted to use in a promotion, the other just one of me and a girl my age from England who was vacationing with her family, too. For the record, I still stand with my hands in my pocket ,contrapositively, and I'm usually squinting at something !

Susan Murphy and Art House

2010-03-29T09:14:00.003-04:00

Several weeks ago I met Susan Murphy from Sandy Spring, MD and got to see the most lovely art studio/gallery I've ever seen. About a year ago, the Gazette newspaper ran an article on Susan's gallery and I was so impressed and envious that I cut out that article and photos for my cork board, wishing "some day maybe ..." (to have such a studio )

I mean...LOOK AT THIS PLACE !

Fastforeward to this year and the Baltimore Water Color Society. I agreed to help line up workshops for the BWS in the next three years. I didn't know at the time I would be working with Susan and had quite forgotten about the article. The more I listened to her the more she seemed familar and then it all clicked to why I knew her.

Well, COLOR ME GITTY ! Not only is Susan an energetic volunteer and marvelously talented artist. She's an excellant teacher, open, funny,interesting person and she has two black cats ! ( Don't we all !? )

The Art House Gallery /Studio/School offers classes, framing, gilcee printing and much more. Stop in to meet Susan if you are coming through Maryland

and experience this place for yourself.

Untill then, you can visit her website :http://susanmurphy.blogspot.com/

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More Bat Wings, Twirrly & Other Things

2010-03-11T08:13:00.003-05:00

More good news ! I was notified the other day that "Bat Wings & Twirrly Things" was chosen to be part of the Baltimore Water Color Society's Mid-Atlantic Regional show. Strange how these things play out. I like this painting for a few reasons, of course the colors and it fun to look at and find different things. But as for technical merit, it really is lacking. As it's creator, I feel I'm allowed to say that. I'm not sure at all why it was picked. There were 473 entries and I can't believe 377 others ( the show consists of 95 ) were of less interest. I have thought more than once that this could have or should have been painted in another medium. ( It still may.) Don't get me wrong, I am over joyed and excited to be included in this show ! I'm just surprised which painting was chosen. The other entry I submitted was of course Indian corn. So much for my reputation as the "Corn Lady". Ah Oh. No. I refuse to be the "Bat Lady".

2010-03-05T15:40:00.002-05:00

I just returned from the UPS store to ship my painting to the MO Watercolor Society's national show. I'm so nervous I feel like when my son missed the bus from school on the first day and we had just moved to a new state not knowing anyone. ( It really happened ). I felt sure that I packaged it really well until I had to get in the car to come home. Self doubted all the way and a nap on the couch didn't help. I wouldn't give it a thought but I've seen others paintings arrive to shows in condition not hangable ( Bonny, is that a word ?) And it's ma baby. Sigh...I'll find out Wednesday. 'Tll then...

It's BOX SHOW time again at The Artists' Gallery, 4 East Church St, Frederick, MD. Once again I went for the humorous instead of the serious but I'm almost outta puns where boxes come into play. So this year I thought to do something totally "unbox" which would mean something sphere like and the result is "The Bowling Cube". As one friend said referring to her own bowling skill, "I couldn't do much worse with that than a regular bowling ball". The reactions have been "LOL" enthusiastic so I figure it's a successful project. Saturday evening is the opening reception 5:00 to 8:00. Stop in if your in town. But don't forget the closing reception and silent auction at the end of the month. It's always a blast.

2010-02-19T08:34:00.003-05:00

Exciting news ! One of the newest corn paintings has been admitted to the Missouri Watercolor Society's national show this year. The show will take place April through May in Fulton, MO at the Winston Churchill Memorial .

Blizzard #2, Round 2

2010-02-12T11:53:00.002-05:00

Saturday's blizzard came back around and hit us again on Tuesday adding another 15.5 inches to the 28 we had all ready gotten. Milo was concerned ( and rightly so ) about the weight on the porch roof . I snapped this photo from the bedroom window. This has been a historic winter for the DC area with more snow than they have ever had . Just another sunny day in other parts of the country.

Blizzard # 2

2010-02-08T09:28:00.003-05:00

Blizzard number two ( in 6 weeks ) greated us this past Friday night and all day Saturday. Good thing it's beautiful to look at. It stopped being fun when the power went out Saturday for six hours. We got off easy. Some folks are still waiting for power.Maggies' friends Julieann and Sophie walked down to play. She was delighted to have them throw snowballs for her to catch.

Our poor "Southern Magnolia" tree. It's very confused.

Our front walk. Looks like something from Jukkasjarvi. http://www.webbkameror.se/webbkameror/icehotel/index.php

Frederick magazine

2010-01-20T20:39:00.003-05:00

I made a special trip to Borders yesterday looking for the latest American Artist magazine because a friend of a couple friends on Face Book whose friends I friended ( or they friended me, anyway we're all just super best friends now even though none of us have probably ever met ) is on the front cover ! ( Nancy Guzik ) But of course they didn't have the issue yet so I bought three other magazines instead. One is the Frederick magazine from Frederick, Maryland. I picked it up and started thumbing through it looking for something I hadn't seen before. But something jumped out with which I was very familiar . There was a spot publicizing The Artists' Gallery show for this month. A group show . A VERY nice group show and one I recommend seeing if you are in town. What did they use but a detail of my painting "Bat Wings & Twirrly Things".

Sorry to say this painting is not in the show. So if you do make a trip , you won't see this one. Last month I decided to resign from TAG. It's all a long borring story that I won't go into. Just to say there were numerous reasons none of which was the "straw". I'm not stopping painting. I have promised myself to keep at it. The past two years have brought successes I wouldn't have imagined before and I have other goals I hope are not too far out of reach. But I wonder too if such a thing as the Peterson principle pertains to the art world as well. Here's to never finding out ! It may not be the cover of American Artist, but hey, I'll take it. Even if it did come a little late.

KarmaTube: Burden of Genius

2010-01-04T21:12:00.000-05:00

KarmaTube: Burden of Genius

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Burden of Genius

2010-01-04T20:37:00.003-05:00

This is a wonderful talk by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the book Eat, Pray, Love. I had seen the book but hadn't thought to buy it 'till today after listening to this short program. Although she is a writer, the points she makes hold true to creative folks of any medium. I think this is also timely with the beginning of a new year it gives us a new perspective, things to keep in mind when we start new work or go back to look at older pieces that perhaps didn't go as we planned. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I'm going back for another listen. Please let me know what you think.

2009-12-24T18:51:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE ! AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO !

White Christmas coming

2009-12-19T14:03:00.003-05:00

This is a gift from friends in Sweden. Lucia Day is celebrated Dec 13.

Maggie Loves the snow and is waiting for me to come out and toss snow balls so she can catch them. If she weren't outside she would be pawing my leg to let her out. She'll have to wait awhile. I'm stayin' in for now.

This what we have so far today. There's about 20 inches of snow and it isn't stopping until tomorrow. Yea ! A white Christmas like I remember as a kid in western PA. As long as I don't have to go anywhere....LET IT SNOW !

Aqueous Open

2009-11-10T09:41:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I was back in western PA and to the opening reception of the 63 rd Aqueous in Pittsburgh. This is an exhibit I recall my watercolor proff ( Robert Hild ) talking about when I was in college. ( Must have been a new one back then !)

The juror was Frank Graff, AWS,NWS,TWSA. From 221 entries from 26 states and Canada he had the task of choosing 60 pieces for the show and 12 award winners. I was honestly astounded when someone called last week to say that Indian Corn #8 was to receive an award ( They wouldn't say which or what kind of ). Turns out it was

the "Winsor Newton Award". The English

company is known for it's profesional grade
art supplies and the prize was a great travel set of watercolor paints.

The show is up through the 28th of November so if you find yourself in the Pittsburgh,PA area, stop in at the BE galleries on Buter Street.

Norman, New England and the Darling Clarice

2009-10-26T10:26:00.006-04:00

....Or "What I did on my Summer vacation".

Yes, I realize it is the end of October but we are now in the stage of life where vacations are not dictated by the public school calendar. So, last week we headed up to Connecticut and Massachusetts to retrace steps in one of our former neighborhoods and to check out the Fall leaves. Yes, MD has colored leaves in the Fall, but the grass is always greener or the leaves always colorfuller...yadda, yadda.

We passed through Litchfield, CT and stopped to visit a college friend, meet her family and talk to the animals. Clarice is a beautiful llama, one of two, and queen of the farm. ( I won't mention what Louise's husband calls her. Not flattering but funny. ) Shy of hands, she welcomes you with warm fuzzy kisses. Love is a warm fuzzy llama kiss.

We continued on, (in the snow ) to Stockbridge, MA our base for the week. One of our day trip destinations was the Norman Rockwell Museum, just outside of town. Now, Norman gets a bad rap for being a self professed illustrator and too American quaint, but I like his work. Call me sappy but I do. And it was a thrill to see one of his studios that had been moved to the museum location. With the use of older photos the staff had arranged the studio as it was when he used it, including the order of the placement of the books on the shelves. One photo reveled a napping Rockwell curled up on the green sofa perhaps recharging after a morning of painting. Another reason to like him, justifiable naps !

I of course sent the link to this blog to my friend and her response follows. I thought others would enjoy it ! One obviously needs a sense of humor with a llama.

.... the pic is lovely, and the words capture the essence of llama. One loves the llama for just being a llama.... nothing more. How simple life is when you break it down that far! Dogs demand (sun connures, I guess, take demand to a whole new level....) kids expect,
and so it goes. The llama just enjoys life for the moment, spits when the need arises to resolve conflicts and arguements, then goes back to relazing and enjoying life. They do pause for "tea" daily at 3, retreating to their shed for an hour of quiet(er) reflection, then back out by 4:30 to await dinner service. Queen though she is, Clair is a benevolent dictator. And yes,the only thing better than a soft llama kiss is one followed by the sweet scent of grassy-burp right in your face.

Friends

2009-10-16T16:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a day for friends. An old one : The Little White Girl (Whistler)

A new one: Vickie Branas (above right) and getting to know better

one whom I've come to know through the world of water color ( Debi Watson) . The three of us spent an enjoyable day at the National Gallery in DC. The crowds were gone, the weather was miserable and it was a perfect day to spend inside surrounded by art. These little trips always get the juices going, to keep painting and renews my interests. It is especially nice to have friends along to share the expeience.

Saturday Morning at Steven's Studio

2009-10-10T14:12:00.005-04:00

I just returned from a delightful morning at Steven Dobbins studio in Mt. Airy, MD. He opened his studio for anyone that wanted to drop in and see what was going on. He is in the final preparations for an upcoming show in NYC at the Cuasey Contemporary Gallery , Brooklyn. Steven is a fellow member of TAG (The Artist's Gallery ) in Frederick, MD where he last year had a "trial run" of this show. Hey, if it plays well in Frederick take it to New York ! Upon entering the studio one comes face to face with more than a few paint cans that he has emptied,dried, treated, some repainted the insides, cut or bent, drilled, wired and anything else that the muse tells him to do. He is planning to stack the cans in a couple free standing pieces and another piece will cover a large section of wall space as it did at TAG. New to the mix is at least two pieces consisting of the can lids wired together as almost a fabric to be draped or hung. While I was there a couple other colleagues showed up and it was a great time discussing art and materials, shows, studios, etc. Times like this are inspirational. Whenever I'm with this group I feel like a "real" artist and I want to run home and make stuff. Thanks Steven !

Back to the 'Burgh

2009-09-28T09:51:00.006-04:00

We were back to Pittsburgh,PA a couple weekends ago to my husbands 40th high school reunion. Actually Hopewell,PA but it's close enough to the 'Burgh. My friends know me to like to "knock" this part of the country and I figure it's OK because I come from around there myself. But it does have a lot going for it, too. Besides the obvious championship teams, there was a lot of history happened here during the settling of our nation. An important crossroads ( or rivers ) for commerce and departure for people heading west during the 17/1800s to the high tech industry which continues today, as well as notable schools of higher education and top notch medical centers. Not to mention the G 20 meeting held there last week. Pittsburgh knows how to make a great "first impression". First time visitors traveling from the airport to down town are greeted instantly to one of the most beautiful city skylines as they come through the Mt Washington "tube". The view jumps right atchya. The trip was topped off by bringing Milos mom back with us for a visit to the DC area. We took her to see the Space Shuttle near Dulles and in to the District to the American Indian Museum. She also got to spend some time with Henry ( Nicks Sun Conure ) but only through the bars. Henry has issues . Described as a two year old with a can opener on his face, he has trouble making new friends.

Corn, corn, corn

2009-08-31T09:46:00.003-04:00

My "rural upbringing" is showing again. One of my favorite activities as a girl on my grandparents farm ( besides jumping off the roof of the grain room into the broken bales of hay ) was to run through the rows of corn, slapping the leaves. I don't know what it is about corn but it does seem to grab my attention in any form. Some day I plan to revisit the Indian corn series, but for now I have to do some paintings of the lush fields of corn that are every where here. It was a wonderful spring with the rainfall making up for the drought of the past summers and the farmers are reaping the rewards. I had to stop along the road and take photos of the sun and shadows patterns on the broad leaves and the abstraction of the way the leave overlap and lead in varying directions. This is the first one in what I hope will be series as successful as the Indian corn. I also made an effort to see what greens I could mix. There are a bizillion greens in the world and something special about the greens of a corn leaf. Is it me or as artists are we all dealing with a challenge to mix green ? Or are we confined to what the manufactures are able to make for us? I am determined to find my green without blue dominating the painting. It did creep in here but hey, it's a start.

My sincere apologies to all that posted comments on the past two posts ! It was only when I went to compose this post that I noticed I had comments to monitor. Pryor comments always came to me via email and I'm not sure what happened this time. I just thought everyone was away on vacation and not checking in on me. Thanks again to all !

Becca and Jared Are Married

2009-08-17T11:21:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday our niece Rebecca and Jared were married on the beautiful grounds of Hartwood mansion near Pittsburgh, PA. Of course everything was out of this world gorgeous; the bride, the groom, the setting, the day. Well, it was beastly hot but that's just one more memory for the book.

I snapped more than a few photos and a good many will be put in the "to paint " pile which grows higher each day. Hope you see one or two of these sometime soon.

Shamless Self Promtion

2009-08-02T18:35:00.003-04:00

Last week I dropped off Jersey Girl (bottom left on post card ) for the PWS annual show. This year the show is in Reading, PA at Goggleworks Center For The Arts Cohen Gallery with the reception being Sunday, August 9 from 3-5 PM.

I am so honored to be a part of this prestigious show and as this is the second year accepted, it permits me to include PWS after my signature.

Pinch me.

Visit Goggleworks.org for directions. Hours are

Mon-Sat 9-9,Sundays 11-7

Lunch Time for Becca

2009-08-01T15:33:00.004-04:00

Well, this really took longer than I wanted. I think I escaped without overworking too many areas and there was certainly a few things learned on this one, too. A lot learned but I can truely say it was fun to do, so perhaps there will be other window paintings.

Iwould have liked more washes on the red but backed off. I'm happy with the reflections and how they trick the eyes when they see something and then it gets lost again in the painting.

There are sections better than others but that is for me to know and you to point them out to me. So ...let me have it folks. I welcome all comments and constructive criticism . Oh, I might mention too, that this is the first one I did without stretching and I haven't framed it yet. So, some of the "straight" edges might not look too straight. I will be able to flaten it but please offer any tips on framing without a mat.

2009-07-17T10:53:00.002-04:00

Wow, where does the time go ? It's not like I haven't been on the computer. Just having too much fun reading others blogs and playing on Facebook with friends. Now it's back to work with all engines full.

This is a piece I started last week for my niece from a photo she took in London. Quite a surprise when she sent me the photo. I was expecting a London street or quaint European village. She said she just thought it was really funny to see this car in a store window.

It's a full sheet done with transparent watercolor. I'm having a grand time with all the reflections which are time consuming but I don't find too difficult but it does give me renewed respect for John Salminen.(Looking forward to his workshop with the BWS in 2011 !!) I plan (hope) to continue with what you see overall then go back to deepen the darks with out overworking. I also am not satisfied yet with the reds. I am never satisfied with reds. If any one out there knows what reds W. Homer used, please clue me in. It's been a constant search for years. I even went back to the exhibit at the National Gallery several times esp. to take notes while pouring over his paints and sketches. You know that warm, orange/red, geranium red ? Any way, hopefully the darker darks will make the reds jump. This is only the first wash to establish the lightest areas.

I haven't posted work in progess before ( too insecure ). If I'm away too long, you'll know I'm still at it. Becca, don't peek.

A plein air (re)treat

2009-06-29T21:53:00.003-04:00

Many,many,many THANK YOUs to Susan and Bill Johnson for a wonderful two days at their mountain "getaway" home in western Maryland.

Susan and I were water color students a couple years, well a few, OK a really long time ago at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. Having since kept in contact with a group of plein air artists from Switzerland and France, she and Bill played hosts last week to these artists well as some members of the West Virginia Water Color Society.

Their beautifully unique home was constucted from materials saved from deconstructed buildings. It appears as the builder came upon a treasure he hauled it there and built a room around it. Thus the bell towers and leaded and stain glass windows, oak panels and even kitchen cabinets from a chem lab from a school. Equally charming is the setting. The house is perched along a hill a short walk across a covered bridge from a mountain stream and reservoir. This place is the dream of every artist or other person with even an ounce of imagination.

A picture really is worth a thousand words, esp. when one doesn't speak French ! It was interesting to see the different approaches each artist took to interpret the location. And after a day of painting...ah, the wine, the food, the wine...

2009-06-14T10:49:00.002-04:00

Ooops ! Must have been one of my frequent senior moments ! How could I have forgotten that I had done an other floral ! I guess that because it wasn't done super realisticly, I didn't think of it. Still, don't look for me to take over the market on floral paintings .

2009-06-12T09:35:00.002-04:00

Geeze, it's been forever since I posted anything but just as long that I've had anything worthy of showing or blabbing about, it seems. Above is the latest. I don't know if I have ever done a floral painting before. I think they have to be incredibly special to hold my interest so I leave it to those that do them well...like portraits.

This was from a photo I took down at the Strathmore when I went to pick up Jersey Girl . The photo is really neat. The Peony was white but like most things white , except for paint samples, there were a bazillion colors . The suttle colors of the center just glowed. Since I had been doing a series of failures anyway, I figured what the heck, do a flower. Not sure I'll be doing too many more.

I'm hoping to try out my brand new watercolor easel that I bought two years ago (!) when I travel back to western PA. I found a dear friend and painting buddy from college ( thank you Facebook ) with a mountain home in western MD. Seems there is a gathering of international painters desending on that part of the world next week and we thought we'd join in. It's been a very long time since I've done any plein air painting.

Might be all the rain we've had lately but the muses seem to be on vacation. Others have noticed the same thing... ( misery likes company ? ). Or perhaps after a bit of success one is punished for resting on laurels. The trip to the mountains may be what I need to get the juices flowing again. Or the mesquitos and ticks may be enough to chase me back into the studio with renewed determination.

Thank you to the increasing new friends that have found this blog and decided to hang around. It only encourages me...good or bad ?

2009-05-24T23:03:00.001-04:00

To our family members and friends that served this country, Thank you.

2009-05-21T09:30:00.007-04:00

For several weeks now the term "series" has come up in conversations and articles and blogs. So I'm taking the hint from the muse spirits or whomever and adding my two cents.

I had never done a series before until about three years ago, for whatever reason. Perhaps nothing grabbed my attention enough to pursue it farther than one attempt. Perhaps it was a maturity thing, where I wasn't afraid to fail (or succeed ) at a particular subject more than once. ( Oh, the things the years teach us. ) But really I think it had more to do with the intrigue of the frozen, cracked kernels of Indian corn that had been tossed out on the deck after Thanksgiving.

I have often said the high I get from doing water colors is the process, watching the image take shape on the paper from the layers of color and the deepening values. I enjoy trying to see how deep I can get into that third dimension. So with the corn series each piece became more detailed in the shape of the kernels and the depth of the spaces in between. The first ones were merely similar shapes of flat color. Honey comb with a bad dye job. Although, I do like the one shown here with it's abstract quality. ( Does it count if it was unintentional ? ...hmm, I wonder how many artists admit to that ? )

I intend to revisit the corn soon, if I don't get distracted with the bazillion other subjects on my list. A dear friend told me that she thought I would be known for the corn paintings and I laughed. Then I delivered last years entry to the Baltimore Water Color Society's Regional show and the person checking things in exclaimed "Oh, the corn lady!"....geeze.

May 15,1979 Thirty years ago !

2009-05-14T22:14:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we were invited to a surprise birthday party for our son and one of his friends. Those involved reserved the upstairs of Ryleighs in Baltimore, a great bar and seafood restaurant . It's one of their favorite hangouts and I can see why, too. The food was great and the entire area around Cross Street Market is full of festive atmosphere.

Inspite of, or because ,we had moved a few times in his young life, Nick always found it easy to make and keep friends. By the number in attendence that night it looks like he's kept quite a few. Thanks Kit for including us in the fun !
Happy 30 th Nick !

Flat Files !

2009-05-07T18:13:00.002-04:00

One of my pastimes is to troll craigslist and check out "creative gigs" and art jobs and things that artists are getting rid of. All my adult artist life I've wanted flat files but was too cheap to spend the money on a new unit. Wouldn'tchya know craigslist had a post by someone near me that was selling theirs. Whoohoo ! I drove to Baltimore in our trusty pick'em up truck, to a neighborhood where I had never been and loaded the million layers of paint which had the files attached. All for a very good price I might add. That was this fall. They spent the winter in our garage waiting for warmer weather and a makeover. So, a couple quarts of stripper, several cans of paint primer and some Rustoleum paint plus several hours of scrapping,wiping,cleaning,spraying,painting....the results are to the right. It's so nice to have a place to put mat board, water color paper etc.,etc. Plus it makes a great work station for cutting mats, painting and any other flat work that needs done.....except folding laundry !

Ohio Girls Meet Jersey Girl

2009-04-23T23:02:00.002-04:00

Timing is everything . Several weeks ago my sister called and wanted to know if I was "up for company ". She knows she never has to ask . I welcome her visits anytime especially when her daughter comes along. We've made so many memories, the three of us! Anyway, last weekend when they came was also the time of the BWS reception at the Strathmore in Rockville, Md.

The show is great; consisting of 95 wonderful paintings by well know artists of the Mid-Atlantic region. This is the second year I've been selected to take part...I don't want to say I'm getting a big head or anything, but I was feeling pretty proud that Sunday afternoon. ( And after all, Debi Watson said in her blog today that it's ok to brag. )

We have lived many places most of which are no where near to the rest of family so to have a cheering section all my own at something like this is really special.

BWS Mid-Atlantic Regional

2009-04-06T17:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was "drop off " day for the Baltimore Watercolor Society's annual exhibit at the Strathmore mansion in Rockville,MD. When I got there, the place was all ready filling up with absolutely fabulous watercolor paintings. The venue itself is worth the visit but this show is always sensory overload for anyone who enjoys watercolors. I try to visit several times, not so much to show off to friends ( well, yeah, ok. ) but I enjoy looking at other peoples work. I look to see how they handle some subjects or interpret different textures. Someone asked how to overcome "painters block",or a dry spell in what to paint. I always go to a gallery, either in person or on line and I come away wanting to jump right in again. I never seem to have a lack of ideas. My problem is remembering them later. If you are in the Washington,DC area this month try to catch the show. I promise you won't be dissapointed.

The show runs April 10 thru May 23.
Hours are : Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. -4 p.m.;
Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Saturday 10 a.m. - 3p.m.

TAG '09 Box Show Closing

2009-03-30T10:03:00.002-04:00

March 28, 2009. Saturday night was the closing bids/reception for The Artists' Gallery box show. The rainy weather put a tad dampness to the fun but the event was a success regardless. Lots of people came early, checked their bid status, sampled Dan's light lager and stayed 'till the 8:00 closing bell. As usual they staked out a spot by their chosen box, guarding it's bid like a penguin and it's egg.

One could sense the tenseness in the air as the time grew closer to the end. ( ok, I tend to get carried away ).

But it was exciting . Everyone seemed delighted to take home their winning box...a piece of art work by one of their favorite local artists...at a bargain price. Success is also measured in that the gallery brought in a sizable profit to offset expences. As you can see by the photo of the "Box Farm ", not all the entries were restricted to the confines of an eight inch cube. Which makes the possibilities endless. I'm already thinking towards next year. Wanna make one too ?

Cherry Blossom Status

2009-03-23T22:51:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my husband and I took the first of the season's jaunts into the District to check on the cherry blossoms. The weather has been increasingly spring like with yesterdays temperatures near 70 F . As expected the buds are still rather tight but it looks like they may be right on schedule for the festival which is usually the last week in March through the first week in April. The perfect bud for me is one that is a few days before peak bloom, when it is still mostly pink and all the trees paint a wash of color around the tidal basin. There were signs of Spring every where. The paddle boats are in the water, softball games were starting and there was an increase of tour bus traffic on the highway. I couldn't resist taking the photo of the trolley tour as it passed us. It's exciting to be a tourist but always great fun to watch them , too.

This weekend is the closing of the Box Show at the gallery ! I'll be sure to post an update and photos of the mayhem.

2009-03-19T22:14:00.003-04:00

The summer of 1959 my parents and brother and I took what will always be remembered as the "trip of a lifetime". Well, for back then it was. We spent four weeks traveling from Greenville, Pennsylvania to the western states in a station wagon with a tent and a cooler.

It was the summer between second and third grade and I remember it almost like it was yesterday. We thought we would drive all the way to California but we fell in love with Wyoming and decided to extend our stay to take in Frontier Days in Cheyenne and then return to Jackson and the Tetons. The Spur Ranch and Chuck Wagon ( still in operation ) is located in Moose within stone skipping distance of the Snake river and that's were we stayed and I met my first "real " artist. His name was Frank von Fuer. He wore a swede leather jacket with fringe and a hat with a rattle snake band. Originally he was from Austria but lived then in Pittsburg, PA and was the chief staff artist at the Carneige Museum. He did the above portrait of me just on a piece of pebble board with gouache. I remember him telling my mother it would be a better likeness of me when I was a few years older. I know I was always "making" things as a kid but I don't think I ever said that I wanted to be an artist until after that summer. It wasn't an epiphany but rather an idea planted in my subconcious. I may have become an artist any way but I like to think meeting him had something to do with it. This small souvenir is one of my most valued possessions.

Friends and computers

2009-03-15T10:44:00.003-04:00

Imagine yourself doing a daily task as food shopping or running errands and you meet someone from your past. Not just anyone but a really, really good friend that you haven't seen for years. This is someone that once upon a time with whom you spent countless hours, sharing great times, bad times, stressfull times and times of unimaginable happiness. Now, multiply that person by about 20. Some of you know where this is leading. Yes, I have fallen victim to FACEBOOK.
A colleague told me about it a few weeks ago and how she had found several friends . I'm sure we all at one time or another think about friends from long ago and wonder why we've lost track of each other. The phrase "Life gets in the way " comes to mind.
I have moved numerous times since leaving my hometown in 1969. I have lived overseas and in five states along the east coast. I've had many experiences meeting many, many people, always making very good friends that are always hard to leave. I have imagined more than once what it would be like to have a party with all the freinds I have from all over the world, seeing them all together in one room. It would give new meaning to the word reunion.
Facebook is a little bit like that. The good thing is that we can't see the effects that time and fast food has had on us. In my minds eye these people are still 19 years old and dragging themselves across the quad to a mid-term test or celebrating its end with an illegal brew.
In past posts I have bemoaned the addiction to this computer, recalling having said how I could never have a job where I would be sitting here all day. I still hate finding myself here. I know there are other things that need tending. But I've always been a people person. And although I highly value times alone, I enjoy the company of friends. So, I suppose this computer has its good points. It hasn't created any more time in the day and in some ways has made the world a little more impersonable, think self scan checkouts. But if when the time comes that I am UNable to leave this chair due to age or physical limitations, it's good to know I can still be a people person.

2009-03-08T19:54:00.002-04:00

As promised, here are a few scenes from last nights opening of the Box Show at the Artists' Gallery in Frederick, MD. Instead of 8 inches of snow as we had the week before, last night was a beautiful evening with 70 degree F temperatures . So a bizzillion people came out to party and bid on boxes. Well, it seemed like a bizzillion. And the first night figures set a new record for bid amounts! Closing reception and the last night for bidding is March 28. That's when the real fun starts with bidding wars right down to the wire. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood, have a glass of wine or Dan's home made brew and enjoy some unique pieces of art work.

2009-03-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

Today we "hung " the Box Show. This is the eighth year The Artists Gallery has had a box show as the yearly fund raiser. Each of the 24 members and invited guest artists are given an 8 inch wooden cube to do with what they will. In the past some have completely destroyed the box and then reassembled it as a new form or burned it to assist a raku firing in a ceramic kiln. Most are painted. Some are decorated to resemble anything but a box with all matter of objects attached. I love visual puns or puns of any sort so this year I made a "box turtle". Or is it a "painted" turtle? Or a painted box turtle ? Either way he's on a tortoise shell skate board. My original thought was to have a snail riding the back of the turtle and title the piece "Wheeee" . I may still add the snail. The skate board came about when I was trying different bases and this seemed to fit best and evolved into a skate board. There were only two colors used on the whole piece, quinacridone gold and permanent violet, two of my favorites. Together they made for some really rich browns. Saturday is the opening reception and the silent bidding starts, ending the final Saturday this month. I'll post some photos of the opening. It's always a blast. A very special "Thank you" to Nicholas Simmons for consenting to be my guest artist this year. He turned out a wonderful piece (are we surprised ? ) and I send along apologies for backing him into a "corner" with this project ! But Nick, you won the "boxing match " .

2009-02-25T16:55:00.002-05:00

Yipppeeee!

Jersey Girl was accepted to this years Mid-Atlantic Exhibition sponsored by the Baltimore Watercolor Society. I was really sweating it 'cause I entered via CD which I burned myself without the tech support of either son ! And I was sure being chosen to the show last year was probably because of some lunar phase . The show will be at the Strathmore mansion in Rockville,MD , April 19 - May 25 .

There were close to 400 entries this year and juror Frank Francese chose 95 for the exhibit.

Yippppeeee! akhem, sorry, repeating myself.

2009-02-24T17:59:00.002-05:00

Link
Grattis Victoria och Daniel !
The Crown Princess of Sweden is engaged.....finally. The announcement was made today in Stockholm by the king and queen. Ah...things that could have been.... Perhaps if I had followed him around that art museum a little longer, who knows, I might have been mother of the bride.
....rrriiight. NAH.
In other news :
The Artists Gallery is winding down its members group show this month and looking forward to the 8 th annual BOX SHOW in March. Hope everyone has their box about finished. Once again I decided to overstate the obvious with mine. But more on that next week. The suspense builds.

Also of note: The boys are finding it hard to believe but their mother is now on Facebook. I'm not sure how but I managed to get in touch with 3 college friends so far. Yea, another computer thing to keep me logged on.

"Hi ! " to my new friends that started following this excuse for a blog. Hope some day there is something worth reading.

2009-02-17T17:29:00.002-05:00

Maggie (photo ) and I just came back from a walk. It's been way too long since we did so. We used to do it everyday for several years in all kinds of weather but I've had knee problems and decided to rest it. Then I got into a diferent routine, got lazy, etc, etc. It felt so nice . The weather was sunny but cool. We don't have any snow ( the photo is from a year ago) so there really was no excuse. We both almost forgot how to do it again. She wanted to pull on the leash like she did as a puppy but remembered to sit off the side of the road when a car approached. I only had to remind one drive that he was going too fast. Another reason why I think I took time off. I didn't like coming back home in an angry mood because of yelling at idiots to slow down. We'll see how the knee feels tomorrow and perhaps this is somthing we can work back into our day. It is always a way to clear my mind and think about new paintings to start or how to correct a problem with a current project. I was always anaxious to get back home and get started again. Maggie always come with me to the gallery when it's my turn to sit. She knows where to go by now and grabs the leash to walk herself up the steps . It's her job to lie at the door and bring people in. I mean really; who could resist ?

2009-02-13T09:53:00.001-05:00

sigh....upload photo before composing.

2009-02-13T08:54:00.001-05:00

Ok. So here we are again. I'm not sure about this blogging thing. In my mind's eye I've thought of myself as somewhat of a writer with profoundly important things to say but this key board has begun to look like what I suppose a sheet of white paper looks like to someone just learning water color. ( Sorry Mrs. Mercer, I'm still prone to runon sentences ! ) When you talk to yourself you can say anything and not hit "spell check " every other word. And I can have those conversations with myself even while cutting the grass or ironing my husbands shirts ( yes, I still iron ). As if there weren't a shortage of hours in the day all ready, now I find myself in front of this thing even more than usual. And I'm the one who said that I would never have a job where I had to be at a computer all day. I LOVE looking at the blogs of other artists and diving into their websites. I can drop in unannounced and see what's new and pretend that we are long time friends. I do like the concept. I just wish it wasn't so addictive. I'll be on someones blog/website and see something I like and there's a link to someplace else, etc, etc. And instead of painting, I'm wrapped up in a tangle of webs (Good thing there's no physical webbing ). I'll try to post "Bangle Tangle " here. It was accepted in the Pennsylvania Water Color Society's show this past fall and this month is at The Artists Gallery in Frederick,MD in our group show. The PWS 2009 show prospectus came in the mail yesterday! Yikes ! I didn't know when I became a full time artist that I would have to paint full time !

2009-02-08T14:00:00.003-05:00

OK....something happened to the photo for the following post. Can you tell I'm new at this ?

2009-02-08T13:40:00.001-05:00

Last evening was the opening of a group show at The artists Gallery , a co-op in Frederick,MD of which I am a member. The place was elbow to elbow for most of the time but for a few moments members got to catch up on things with each other. This Linda Agar-Hendrix, Phyllis Jacobs, and Chris Stovall in front of my Jersey Girl . It's a great group of folks and talented artists and I am so happy to have found them. I didn't realize that for so long I was missing out on the support and feedback from other artists. It encourages one to go on.

2009-02-05T18:05:00.000-05:00

Look out world, I'm blogging. It will take awhile to look nice like some of the ones I follow so have patience. I just learned I could do this last night. Below are some of my water colors.

2009-02-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:57:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:53:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:52:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:49:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

2009-02-05T17:43:00.000-05:00