Positive, Negative. . . .

"Secrets"

Oil

5" x 7"

I work in several media, moving back and forth between acrylics, oils and watercolors.  I have several paintings being developed concurrently, all sitting out on their easels, awaiting my attention as I feel moved to work on them. Sometimes I'm an "oils mode" for days or weeks at a time, then feel like working in acrylics, or other media. I like this freedom and the open-ended approach.  It keeps a sense of adventure and playfulness fresh for me, and is the method I work best with.

Here is a small oil painting I completed, using a different approach in the layout. I worked this painting up by painting the "spaces", and then refining the negatives that were then left: the leaves. 

Enjoy!

New Art

"Desert Color"

Acrylic on canvas

16" x 20"

The days are warm for sure. . . . we are having record heat this summer, and my roadtrips have been fewer than last spring and summer.  I am working indoors more, and experimenting with new canvas and paints. Studio work is the perfect solution for weather like this!

Here is the latest painting from my easel.  This is done on a new canvas, "Yes" canvas, which accepts watercolor.  I used acrylic inks to achieve a watercolor effect like my series of watercolor/pen & ink paintings, and yet have a permanent, waterproof finish.  This canvas is 1.5" deep, and painted around the edges so framing is not required.  I am very impressed with this canvas, and it's workability.

This piece is available at the Artist's Co-operative, at the Mesa Art Center, which opens next week. I have a collection of my desert foliage paintings available for sale there, so be sure to stop in and check out the new store if you are in the area!

My Art "To-Do" lists. .. . .

Wow, it's been a busy two weeks, and I'm still working my way through my Art To-Do lists!

I'm working on updating all of my websites with the new shows information, and updating my art resume too.

I received notification of acceptance into the Arizona Art Alliance's Exhibit to be held at the Offices of the Arizona Attorney General in downtown Phoenix! They will have two of my LARGE acrylic landscape paintings: 36" x 48" and 28" x 36". I am elated to be part of this prestigious show.

The MACfac co-op is opening in just a couple of weeks, so wrapping up what I need to do for that also.

And the Mesa Art League is presenting a member's exhibit at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, in Superior, which is about an hour east of Phoenix. I had a one-woman show there in January 2010, and it is a beautiful and tranquil setting! It is one of Arizona's State Parks, and draws many visitors for the plants, desert appreciation, and birdwatching. It will be wonderful to go out there once again.

No photos this time, but I will correct that!

New Art group. . .

"Sacred Space"

Acrylic

11" x 14"

I decided to join the Mesa Art League (MAL) and just received the "welcome" letter. I am really looking forward to becoming active in this group's activities and exhibits, and hope to be able to make it to their monthly meeting which is tonight. I say hope to, because I am still finishing up and packing the artwork I need to deliver to the MACfac (Mesa Art Center fine artist co-op). I've got a LOT of art activities going on right now, and it is a blessing! The MACfac gallery/store opens the weekend of Sept 10,11,12, and that is the same weekend that MACFEST also starts up again, so I'm hoping it draws a lot of shoppers!

I have both paintings and notecards to go into the MACfac, and I'm looking forward to adding more announcements here as events move closer!

Slow down, Relax. . .

New painting posted on my FAA site, part of the wine series. . . .

New QR code!

I just created my new QR code for my Etsy store!

Outdoor festivals

I was sorting my images and came across these two, and thought I'd post them to my blog today. This sure brought back memories of the outdoor art festivals I've done! This particular festival was MACfest in downtown Mesa on Main Street. I had my booth stocked with my watercolor/pen & ink prints, notecards, and bookmarks! I liked to sit and paint during the day, and used my little travel paintbox (the Guerella box) and water-mixable oils. I had my larger print supply underneath the tables, and could easily restock as needed.