Trying to follow Julie!

First, let me gush about Julie Ford Oliver's blog. I've followed it for a very long time so when she made her video on "Fracturing" for ArtByte I was there to purchase it on day 1. Since I have a show coming up the end of April at Kaewyn Gallery, Bothell, WA, my time should be spent finishing up a few more paintings. Instead, I spent a wonderful day playing with Julie's method painting. It was fun and refreshing and I'm ready to go back and work on my paintings. I'm sure a little of this will creep into my own way of painting since I use a palette knife quite a bit and that's ok.

So, step out of your comfort zone, try something new, take what makes you happy and discard the rest. Don't worry about copying, it is going to come out "you". Those are my words for today! What are your thoughts on the subject? I know you have some, come on and share them.

About Four Years Ago

After viewing Julie Ford Oliver's new video (three times so far) at Daily Paintworks, I remembered this painting. About four years ago I stumbled all alone on this technique. Using my palette knife, stronger color and confidence I arrived at this style of painting. I now do variations of it but this was my start. I've tried different artists methods but come back to mine. Julie has taken her work way to another level. You should go view her blog. I also want to keep going and see where this takes me. Julie has been my inspiration. Stay tuned.

Painting a Pear

I love to paint pears. The shape is different and you can always play with color, knives and brushes and have the final product still look somewhat like a pear. For me, it's a never ending experiment. Wouldn't it be great if life were like that? Try out things until you have it perfect. Hummm, on second thought, that could be quite boring. So, live life to the fullest and enjoy your failures as well as the success. That's my thought for the day, whats yours?

Visit To Jackson Hole

I like this painting for many reason's. First, it brought back memories of a wonderful workshop with Jim Wilcox. Second, a conscience effort of less is more started to make sense. I worked with a palette knife to stop myself from all those unnecessary extras which added nothing to the painting. Painting en plain air started to be more fun and the brushes moved faster. It was just a good day for me. So, tell me about your painting experience on a fun day. I'm waiting to hear all about it.

Blue Glass

This has always been one of my favorite little paintings. I did it last year and used mostly palette knife and loose strokes to complete it. Hopefully this year, I will continue to work in this manner to see where it leads. So many ideas and directions.
What have you decided on pursuing? Drop a comment to me.

ONIONS-TWO

This is a small 5x7 painting done on museum board. My goal was to use as few strokes possible. I was painting away in my own little world until my husband came in and asked, "are those chickens?" That was one quick departure. The moral of this is, paint what makes you happy and chase everyone else away, unless they want to buy your work. What are your thoughts? Of course I want to hear them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Another year in front of us and hopefully, 2013 will be full of good ideas and things to do. Often in the past, I've made list upon list of things. Organization has always been at the top. This year, I've decided to just enjoy life, sketch, paint and explore my art projects. No pressure. I hope you will do like wise and have a wonderful time. Take life as it comes and love every minute. Don't forget to keep those brushes wet. I'll check in on you later and see what you are up to. Or, you can drop me a line. Love hearing from friends.