My new project.

They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person.  That may be true.  I've been working everyday and seem to have volunteer meetings almost every night and still I'm able to sneak in some painting.  I'm excited about this project.  It tells such a neat story and I find when I ask someone what they think the little boy is thinking, I get all sorts of answers...so cool.  The picture isn't very good, but he's looking out at a big hole meant for skate boarding.  His board is almost as big as he is.  What do you think his thoughts are?  If it's too vague wait until my next posting to give your answer.

Have a good day.

It's raining! Yippee!

We're getting lots of rain these days.  I know that in most places, rain day after day isn't something we look forward to.  Not so here in the Okanagan Valley.  We've been having a drought.  Lake levels are down and the fire danger is high.  My husband and I are the Directors for the the local group who take care of anyone who is evacuated due to fire, flooding etc..  As summer gets closer we get busier.  We had massive evacuations last year (17000 people) and things looked dire for this one as well.  BUT it's raining!!!!

All this was the preamble to why I have no art to show you.  Too many meetings.  That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

Have a good day.

I'm not alone

I've noticed a definite decline in the number of posts my favourite bloggers are making.   I thought it was just me, but no, this warm weather is drawing lots of us away from the computer.  I hope they all manage to get online at least once a week because I will really miss them.  I'm working on two larger paintings but gardening and reading seem to be the preferred way to spend my spare time right now.

I will check in weekly and try to have something to show you, but for today I'll just wish you a great summer.  Don't forget to paint.

Some new online stores.

 Hi everyone.  I don't have any new paintings to include with my post today BUT I have been doing art related stuff.  I've been busy getting all my images together on CD's and filling out forms in hopes of being accepted into a couple different shows.  I left it way to close to deadline and then had to scramble.

I opened two more stores on the web, one at Zippet and the other at Fine art America.  I'll compare those two with Etsy and Ebay and see where I get the most attention.  If any of you have better suggestions, please let me know.  It's a matter of trial and probably error at this point.

I've been suffering from a bout of vertigo for the last few days and haven't been painting.  I may have to change my workspace around so I don't have to look right...looking right makes the room spin.  I think I'll probably just relax and enjoy the beautiful weather and wait until I'm not a dizzy blonde anymore.

Until then I'll be checking in on your blogs and wishing you all a great time of painting.

Finished just in Time!

"Fading Beauty"

5"x7" oil on artist board

I didn't know if I was going to make it.  The painting challenge from Paint and Draw Together, is due tomorrow.  I found it very difficult.  The shades of pinks and the shadows were beyond my ability BUT I did manage to pull off a version I'm pleased with.  The background was not very imaginative like some of the other artists achieved but I like it...  Maybe next month I'll do better.

The photo picked up a lot of shine that hid some of the green in the background.

Now back to the family portrait I'm still puttering at...

Another painting challenge.

unfinished tulip

5"x 7" oil on artist board

I'm working on another web painting challenge.  This one is from the Paint and Draw Together blog.  Besides painting the picture, we are asked to make a pleasing background for the tulip.  Me, I prefer a solid almost black backdrop, but it is an official challenge so I'll try and stretch a little.  

 So far, as you can see, I've only blocked in the base colours.  This is always my favourite step in the painting process. Within a few minutes I can see the subject taking form.  Once this is done the painting starts calling to me... finish me ... finish me.  

Well I gotta go.  There's a painting yelling at me.