Deb's Old Apple, 10x12

There was something so peaceful standing amongst these old old apple trees.   They have been here longer than any of us have been alive, supplying the ingredients for many pies, cobblers, sauces and good eating to probably hundreds of people who have lived in the area.

Reflections on the wet paint throws off the color and values in a couple areas, but I think you can get the idea well enough.  It was a subtle value and color situation that left me muttering under my breath through most of the hour and a half to paint it.  Capturing the character of the tree was akin to doing a portrait and, like something out of a Tolkien book, it seemed as if it could pull itself from the ground and start moving at any time.  A dancer, I think.

Above Wish-Poosh, 8x10

Often good things occur when thinking stops and feeling starts.  Today, with limited time at the end of an involved day, we had only an hour to make some sort of painting happen.  It didn't really matter if something of value came out, it was just important to slap paint around while standing in a beautiful setting.  With scenery like this how bad could it get?  I like the abstract qualities.

Now off to Montana for a couple of weeks....some painting, some reading, some hiking, a little work and visiting a good friend.  If I can get some decent photos I'll post....if not there should be something when we get back.

Thanks for all your comments.  I like reading them.

Keep drawing.  Keep painting.  Keep on with whatever gives you joy.

Blakely Harbor Morning, 18x24

On the Sunday before last, the 3rd, I awakened early, heading out to the shore before the hub-bub of boat traffic got started.  The clouds were just beginning to break open and turn the day into a jewel.  I slapped on paint as fast as I could, trying to capture the light as it danced across the water, changing color and value by the minute.

This piece now sits on my studio floor.  I think it's finished....and yet we give each other the EYE when I'm in the room.  Someday I might figure out what is unsettling about this one.  In truth, for several hours after doing it I decided to again give up painting because the picture of what I wanted and what this was were not matching and I couldn't figure why not....still can't.

The next day at the 4th of July market I went into a booth and found a small scroll for sale with this quote from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama:

Never give up

no matter what is going on

Never give up

Develop the heart

Too much energy in your country

is spent developing the mind 

instead of the heart.

Be compassionate

Not just to your friends

but to everyone.

Be compassionate.

Work for peace 

in your heart and in the world.

Never give up

No matter what is happening,

No matter what is going on around you

Never give up.

What is that saying about things occurring when you need them?  So, among other things, it inspired me to keep on painting.....

Plein Air Workshop

Just a few pics from last weekend's Plein Air Workshop.  A small group of dedicated painters played with paint on a beautiful day at the spacious Fecher-Gramstad estate.  While the group was small in number, they were intense with desire to paint....and they wore me out!  What a nice group of people to be around on a great day.  Thanks to Debbie for the pictures....  (Don't you wish you had been there?)

Another Winner!

No, the cartoon has nothing at all to do with this post....just my own amusement.

Marcy was the first winner of a free painting and she picked 'Swauk Valley Spring'.  So back to the hat we went and Avy picked 'rguterson' as the other winner.  'rguterson' can choose from "Green With Envy" or "Roslyn Purple Haze " within the next 48 hours.  Just drop me an email with your choice.  Congratulations. 

Thanks again for all those comments....keep them coming.

Avy Picks a Winner!

(This post didn't send out for some reason on July 3rd.  Sorry if you get multiple copies)


Happy Fourth of July!

After careful deliberation Avy, our daughter's bird who is just recovering from a beak operation and needed an emotional boost, picked from all those comments stuffed into my plein air hat.  We have a winner....on a slightly mangled piece of paper.

The winner is Marcy Jackson!

But Wait!  If one winner is good, two are better.  Marcy will pick from 'Green With Envy', 'Roslyn Purple Haze' and 'Swauk Valley Spring'.  After she tells me which painting she's choosing Avy will draw again and the second winner can choose from the two remaining pieces.

Yay!  What great fun to give away a painting.

Thank you all for participating and sending all the comments.  Stay in touch.  This is the second free painting drawing in the last six months and there will certainly be another.

I also send out a monthly newsletter.  If you would like to subscribe just drop me a note saying so.  My address can be found HERE.

Two Day Plein Air Workshop!

OK, you brush swingers, here is your chance of the summer.  Two days of outdoor painting on a private property.  Still life set ups, farm implements, old buildings and home, lush landscape (and a park across the street.....all the charm of property that has been well loved for many years.

July 9th and 10th I will be teaching this plein air workshop for those working in oil, acrylic or gouache.  If you want to learn to see color, painting outdoors is the way to do it.  With lectures and demonstrations there will be much to learn from and enjoy.  This is the only two day outdoor workshop I will teach this year so if you can join us, please come.  Contact Oil and Water Art Supply for more details.  206-842-0477