Path to learning

This painting is 8x10 done on site in LaConner. This was the second one completed after the trees. I just turned slightly to my left and there was the path with beautiful flowers.My goal was to use my palette knife and limit the strokes. Sometimes we're a little too safe with our work which doesn't make for growth. Today's message is, find something you feel you will absolutely fail at and do it! Enjoy the process and be surprised at what you learn. Amazing what you can learn from yourself.

It's about time!

Wow, have I ever been missing in the posting department. Doesn't mean I haven't looked any of the delightful posts received, I look forward to every one. So, after upgrading my Mac and added a new camera I was in trouble. Both were strangers. I hope now, I'll be back on a schedule taking photo's and posting with the best of them. (Except Julie Ford Oliver) She's the best, just take a look at her blog.

I did this little 8x10 en plein air in LaConner a few weeks ago. This was the Wash. State hunting and fishing area and a quiet place to work. It was a beautiful day to be out painting with best friends. Life is good.

Onions

This little painting has suffered some indignities. Dropped, stepped on by mistake and my husband asked if they were chickens. They have pro's and con's. Some people dislike the taste while others use them in food every chance they have.

Like life, sometimes you get a little bruised from one thing or another, something you've said or done. Well, we grow and move on. The painting got a lift with stronger color and more paint. Our experience gives us a lift and adds another layer to our strengths. Like the onions, some will like us, some won't. Grab the positive with a big smile and keep going. You'll look as striking as the group of three above. Am I right? Let me know. I'll be waiting to hear from you.

Christine, hope you're feeling better. Cheers.

Abandoned

I saw this  old building in LaConner last year while out painting. The path was overgrown and I wondered what this looked like years ago. It is clearly a barn of some sort but, for hay, equipment, animals or all of the above?

Painting landscapes for me is for me a little bit of keeping history. It wouldn't surprise me the next time I'm in the area there will be a shiny new condo or building on site. At least I'll have a painting of what was, there. What about you? Prefer old paths, vegetation and barns or glass, chrome and steel? There is no right or wrong answer, just your preference. It's sorta like life, your choice, wrong or right, it's yours.

Decisions, decisions

Sometimes, you think you've finished a painting only to have that nagging doubt in the back of your head. So you make a few decisions. Scary right? Needs more lights, stronger interest point maybe? Back to the easel for a touch up? It's a bit like life, the decision is yours right or wrong it has to be something that makes you happy, no one else. That said, I better look at this one other and see what makes me happy. Maybe I'll share this painting with you again and see what you think. Well of course I still want your comments, please send them, I'm waiting.

Sunflowers

Two things I love here. Sunflowers and farms. Sunflowers are beautiful, I enjoy munching on the seeds and also to have them sprinkled on a salad. Farms, well I can say they have always been a fascination with all the equipment and animals. You may as well throw in the open, expansive landscape which captures my heart and paintbrush.

Many who look at this description, dismiss it and think only the number of houses or condos that will fit in this space. It makes me very sad to see these wonderful properties disappearing. This could be one of the reasons I love to paint landscapes, my way of preserving. So, pay attention to the landscape and enjoy it, next time you pass, you might see a pile of bricks! Sunflowers don't grow on bricks very well.

Colors of Green

Tomorrow is the opening of an art show I'm sharing with Robin Miller at Kaewyn Gallery in Bothell, WA. It's a wonderful gallery and I hope you can stop by for a visit between 5pm and 8pm. We would love to see you there. This art show reminds me that sometimes we get out of our comfort zone and feel unsure of ourselves. As artists and just in daily life we don't play enough, experiment or explore. We are way too serious, afraid of making a mistake or not sure if anyone will like what we're doing. Well. if you don't make mistakes, you will  never grow. If you don't grow you become bored and boring. We can't let that happen folks so, draw, paint, knit, cartwheel, anything. Just get out of the box and enjoy life in whatever venue you take. What are you waiting for? Go!  Oh yes, come back and let me know you you feel ok?