Mary B Spires

Fall Pear

2012-01-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

Fall Pear Oil 8" x 10"

Class Project Dan Edmondson

This painting for me was all about mixing those fall colors of yellows, reds and oranges. I had to add a couple of layers of paint to get the bright colors. I still haven't got the lighting worked out in the studio....but it felt great being back in the class. Looking forward to painting with Judy & Larry on Wednesday....Life is Good

Happiness flourishes in the secret garden of our Soul...

George Eliot (aka Mary Anne Evans)

Telling a Story

2012-01-07T09:29:00.001-05:00

11" x 14" Collage

This is one of my all time favorite pieces.....Dick & I were out in Santa Fe, NM, staying at our favorite camp ground.....I had just finished a painting of the "Dough Boy" a sepia painting from an old photograph that was published in the Hertiage Magazine in Lancaster, Ohio. When I finished the piece it didn't tell the story I really want it to tell. That particular morning the Sante Fe Newspaper had an article about a lost exhibit of Georgia O'Keefe at a collage on the east coast. This was a story ready to be told using a collage technique.....Just think of your family story....pictures of your grand parents, memorabilia from school, the list can go on forever. This painting has had a life of it's own....from being in a couple of magazines to Royal &Langnickel Brush Company using it on the packaging for a beginning watercolor kit.

I've always had the desire to have my painting to tell a story. When I visit a museum I look at all the wonderful pieces thinking of their story. As one of the goals for this coming year I want my art to tell a story.......What do you want your art to do this year?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T08:29:00.001-05:00

8x10 Batik on Rice paper

Quote for the Day by President Bill Clinton:

"Nothing big ever came from being small."

This was a fun project......Kathie George is the owner of the design.....she is a not only a wonderful teacher but a great friend. I have always wanted to play around with her batik style but never took the time....so over the holidays I took the time....what fun!....but way too much work. I now really appreciate what she does....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season....mine was wonderful all of my grandkids and great grandkids were home.....we are now back in Florida. Yea! Yea! Warm sunny days....I'm getting ready to teach starting next week, Wednesday, January 11th.....plus I will have a make it take it on Friday, January 20th.

Daniel Edmondson Still Life Project #1

2011-11-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Oranges & Grapes

This is my first project in the still life workshop

of Daniel Edmondson....I sent it off for

critique this morning.....I'm not real happy

with the leaves, but we will see!

Levi Paul Stasi

2011-11-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

This is my third great grand child! He arrived about 5:30pm November 9th.....can't wait to see more photographs......

November Newsletter

2011-11-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

This months focus in the newsletter is all about drawing with a "Sight Size Method"....it's the old world masters technique. It really gives you an acurate drawing. The photographs are the steps for setting up, placement of the easel, actual looking at the sight size, and the markings. If you want a copy of the newsletter.....let me know!

Sunny Florida

2011-11-03T07:37:00.001-04:00

In Full Bloom

11" x 11"

Step by Step Instructions available on my web site

http://www.maryspires.com/

My Landscape Workshop #2

I received my critique over the week end.....I just can't believe how fast he does the critique. He like the snow painting and only had one suggestion, add a little more light on the right bank of the water. I'm really looking forward to starting the Still Life Workshop next week. I hope to do this workshop along with the landscape workshop. I made it to the dentist yesterday (morning and afternoon). We are planning on getting everything finished in 3 weeks so we can go to Ohio for Thanksgiving. My granddson is here until Saturday, spending a lot of time at the beach. He going to move to Jacksonville this weekend, starting school the first of January. Soooooo nice having him in the state!

New Snow #2 Project

2011-10-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

New Snow 8x10

This is my second project in my on line workshop class with Daniel Edmondson http://www.oilpaintingworkshop.com/ .....this was a lesson in mixing "whites". One of the most interesting things is how blue the snow is in shadow, I had about 6 puddles white....this reminded me of the color mixes "mouse colors" of Jean Dobbie's in Making Color Sing. We are in the process of getting ready to go to Florida for a couple of weeks. My game plan is to start working on the Still Life Workshop....I just love the first project.

The November Newsletter is almost complete.....I've done quite a bit of research on the "Sight Size Drawing Method", I even purchased a DVD with Judith Kudlow. I sat up a still life and maped out the design. It a challenge, but once you get going it's a lot of fun......it really makes you look at your subject in relationship to the placement on the canvas.

Got My Critique Today!

2011-10-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the turn around time that Daniel Edmondson did on my critique.....I email the photograph (like I said way to much color) on Monday and I received a 5 minute video! WOW! I'm truly impressed......I also received a 4 minute video on photographing oil painting indoor. I plan on trying it tomorrow. Stayed Tune!

We are in the process of getting ready to go to the condo for 2 or 3 weeks so I can get my dental work finished.....as many of you know...I had to have a new cap, but had to return home because of my mother...so 6 months later we hope to get the process finished.

I also received my new project for this week which is a winter scene.....I've had a brief view of the video today, so I'm hoping I can watch it from start to finish tonight.....probably won't get painting time in before we leave, but I can paint it in my head........Monet made a quote one time about he painted the picture in his head first........

Back to School!

2011-10-25T06:23:00.001-04:00

8x10 on Canvas Board

(this photo has the color more intense that it really is)

One way to get better at painting is to take a workshop.....I've signed up for 2 more besides the one with David A Leffel. Recently I was surfing the net (I've been doing more of that than I should) and came across a blog that I've watched off and on for the past couple of years. Daniel Edmondson has a couple of on line workshops using Video's with a step by step method. You sign up, he sends you an email with the video link plus the photograph. The really great part of this is you get the DVD in about a week in the mail. I signed up for the Landscape first then decided to do the still life also (he's running a special). I have to say this is a great workshop. You can go at your own pace, so if it's a busy week you just do the class the next week. You also get to send emails with questions plus a critique once the project is finished. He will send a video or email critique......what can be better than this?

This is the first project, the video is about 90 minutes and he really explains his process, plus what he's thinking..........I used a lot of palette knife which is very new for me....I did most of the rocks. His workshop web site is http://www.oilpaintingworkshop.com/ you can also see his work on his web site http://www.danieledmondson.com/

Notes on Chiaroscuro

2011-10-18T15:11:00.002-04:00

Since my last post I've had lots of stuff going on! A few of the girls and I spent a couple of days in the Hocking Hills....painting, eating really great food and in general having a great time! My car (new van) has been in the shop for 3 weeks trying to get a new engine.....hopefully I will be able to pick it up tomorrow. I'm visiting my Mom in West Virginia (arriving at 8 am this moring, I left my home at 4:30 am! ).....she is still very ill and has had a mini stroke this morning.

I have registarted for a 10 week online workshop with Daniel Edmondson, http://www.oilpaintingworkshop.com/....I read about him from one of the artist on the Daily Paint Works Blog. You get 10 lesson via email which includes 2 hours of video, plus photographs and once completed a critique. You may also contact him with questions or asking general information. As most of you know I have a very slow internet connection so I've been waiting for the DVD (this is also include) with the workshop.

The last newsletter I talked about chiaroscuro, since I'm in the workshop with David Leffel at the end of February at the Longboat Key Art Center (Florida), I decided I would go back and study Gregg Kerutz's book. I have read several books on Chiaroscuro and his is the best for getting down to the basic. As part of my work / study programs I decided I would share the basic information with you.....his book is available at a very good price on Amazon for about $15.00.

Daniel Edmondson

Notes from Gregg Kreutz Book

Problem Solving for the Oil Painter

1. Does the painting have a Focus? Paint with your eyes on the center of interest….when we look at something we always look at SOME THING!

2. Does the painting read? Is there a route that the viewer can follow to the focal point/center of interest. Western cultural reads from left to right….most view a painting the same way.

3. Note: The intensity of a picture is an echo of the intensity with which it was painted. Greg feels that getting something finished on the painting moves you forward to a successful painting. This also help with the vision of the finished painting.

4. Shapes! Are essential tools for the painter, as is the color, value and composition.

5. Are the dominant shapes as strong and simple as possible? Simple shapes carry and make the picture readable from across the room.

6. His start

a. Concept (what do you want to say).rough in the objects. Get their placement.

b. Rough in the background--- helps check the values. Also checks the composition.

c. Paint background the correct value! What is the light path?

d. How does the painting read? Pump up the focal area!

e. Make the center of interest as intense as possible – halo, intense reflected light, this makes the center of interest more intense and bigger.

I will post more notes next week, check back!

Clematis Step by Step (Day 1)

2011-10-05T18:00:00.001-04:00

Clematis 22" x 30" (Full Sheet Watercolor)

Step 4

All the petal and leaves have a first layer of color. The dark

shapes come next. Love painting the high contrast with that

spring sunshine. This photograph was taken at my mother-in-laws

this past Spring. Her pride and JOY!

Work in Progess.....hope to finish this week.

Clematis 22" x 30" (Full Sheet Watercolor)

Step 3

Painting those shapes!

Clematis 22" x 30" (Full Sheet Watercolor)

Step 2

I work on the big areas first. Getting my first layer down.

Clematis 22" x 30" (Full Sheet Watercolor)

Step 1

I used the wet into wet technique with this painting. I first wet the paper

then drop in Green and Purple.

What's up!

2011-09-25T16:37:00.002-04:00

Things have been very busy, but I'm hard at work, taking two classes weekly. Monday morning is "plein air" with Deb Dawson....an awesome painter and great friend. Tuesday is the weekly class at Donna's.....I leave Wednesday for a day visit with my granddaughter Brittney.....with her wonderful husband and fantastic kids, Haddie Girl 3 1/2 and Judah 2 1/2.....plus Levi due November 1st....then off to Columbia for a two day workshop.....painting with my friends!

I have been doing a lot of research on the "Chiaroscuro" ( skyur-o-skur) style of painting. Merriam Webster 1: pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard of color 2: the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art.

David A. Leffel is the master of chiaroscuro, I've had the privilege of seeing him demo a couple of times at the Longboat Key Art Center in Florida. His book An Artist Teaches: Reflections on the Art of Painting; he was so kind to sign it for me. What a gentle soul! Very personable and down to earth. About 10 years ago I was in a gallery in Arizona and happened upon a few of his paintings......at that time I didn't know anything about the artist, but it was truly the WOW factor. I've never forgotten my feeling of aw! It was about the traveling of light across the objects in the painting. At this time I was still painting watercolors, but every time I would think of those paintings I would get that same feeling of Aw! A couple of my friends have study with him and I'm on the list for this year, I can't tell you the excitement I feel at having this opportunity.

David's doing the demo, Self Portrait.

On display in the the Art Center Gallery.
Another WOW

Don't forget to sign up for this months newsletter, it's all about

Chiaroscuro

Apples 3

2011-09-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

Still Life Set Up

When setting up a still life I usually take a picture, this give me a different view. If I'm not sure if the design looks good, I look at it upside down on my camera or look at it with a mirror. I've heard many teachers say it really is about design and/or composition.

The Sketch with Brush

I usually sketch the design with a #4 filbert brush and a little burnt sienna diluted with turp. If you sketch with this method it is very easy to correct mistakes. I also use a view finder.

Scumbling the darks and mid tones.

Three Apples 8" x 10" oil on canvas board.

Apples

2011-09-07T17:04:00.003-04:00

Apple Still Life Set Up

While surfing You Tube a few months ago I found a video by Impressionist Jerry Fresia. Of couse I had to purchase his book from Blurb. It's a great book and I have read it cover to cover several times. He really breaks it down how to paint like the impressionist. Today was my day to try it. Above is the set up. He has 5 stages and 10 steps.

"Scumbling"

Once you decide on composition and do the sketch you "scumble" your darks and mid tones. In this stage you leave the white of the canvas open.

Apples 8" x 10" Final

FYI: Market Tip #2

2011-08-31T08:24:00.001-04:00

With the age of cyber space, it's so important to get into the social networking society. Blog or blogging is so user friendly. Anyone can do it, believe me when I did my blog a couple of years ago, I was one step above getting my email. Talking to friends I've found the hardest part for them to understand is the down sizing of a photograph. I use Google's Picasa, a free photo editing software that makes your pictures look great, plus lets you edit and down size for uploading to the Internet. For more information and step by step how to, just "google' Picasa and go to the bottom of the page and click on Getting Started Guide.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to take a workshop in Austin Texas with Carol Marine and Karin Jurick. (check out both of their blogs http://karinjurick.blogspot.com/ http://carolmarine.blogspot.com/ ) Both artist, plus a couple of their friends, said that once they started blogging they started selling more art. Karin & Carol both got query's from several galleries requesting to have them as a clients. It not only shows the public what you are working on, but shows galleries the quality and quanity of work you are producing.

Next Week Selling Your Art on Line

Light Box

2011-08-30T05:56:00.001-04:00

I'm still working on the newsletter, but took a few photographs of the light box. This is how it looks when I'm ready to shoot. More details on how to build it in the this months newsletter, out later this week.

Dick's View Back 40

2011-08-30T05:51:00.001-04:00

Just a quick view of Dick's area in the studio. Still working on the "put back"and "edit" stuff. Hope to finish today after class. Dick's still working on the top for the old roll top desk, needs to stain and seal.

New Paint Job

2011-08-29T08:52:00.000-04:00

I finally did it!!!!! It's only been 23 years, the studio had the original builders paint.....so I moved everything into the garage, and started painting. It's now a very soft pale green (sage), which is the best paint color for a studio.......Dick was happy to help because he got a new space across the back of the room overlooking a great view of the back 40! We made a new top for the old roll top desk....hope to be finished this week. Added a few new selves, including a gray plastic one for still life stuff and plein air boxes. Moved the mat cutting cabinet (Dick made about 20 years ago), it has storage for mat board and watercolor paper. This created a new space for still life set up, plus photographing paintings with my light box. More info on how to build it in the newsletter due out this week.

FYI: Marketing Tip of the Week

2011-08-22T12:53:00.001-04:00

I've been doing a lot of research on today's marketing strategy . With this age of cyberspace, it's a whole new ballpark. I spent most of my (real job) working life, doing marketing and sales. A couple of years ago I purchased a wonderful book "I rather be in my studio!" by Alyson B. Stanfield, "The Artist No-excuse Guide to Self promotion". She has a wonderful website http://www.artbizblog.com/ If you subscribe to her newsletter you will get a wonderful tip every few days.....I'm lovin' it! check it out.

Hollyhock Batik

2011-08-22T12:20:00.001-04:00

8x10 Watercolor on Rice Paper

This was the first time painting with the batik technique. It's like using masking fluid to reserve the white of the paper. My friend and wonderful artist Kathi George has been painting in this style for many years. I've always wanted to try it, but didn't understand the process 9it is just like doing batik on fabric). She was featured in the August 2011 Watercolor Artist Magazine! I really enjoyed the painting process but need a little more practive. This Hollyhock I also painted in oil and transparent watercolor. I really enjoyed the process of painting the same subject in all three media. It is a way of truly getting to know your subject!

Class at HOOT

2011-08-15T18:37:00.000-04:00

Great Classes at Convention. Five classes about 130 students. Worked hard, but we sure did have fun. Back from my mom's in WVA. She's about the same, but no more chemo. Back to Tuesday class tomorrow, hope to get the old oils out.....need a tune up, it's been a while. I have lots of FYI stuff to post so check back soon!

First Class at HOOT Today

2011-08-09T21:50:00.001-04:00

Everyone really had a great time! A few of the students were way ahead of me in doing Zentangles. It was so nice seeing old friends and catchn' up. I really missed teaching last year.....no class tomorrow, but the trade show opens, then it's party time.....but can't stay too late have 8am classes the next three days.......YUK! Have to be downtown by 7am........up at 5:30......but it's worth it! Thanks everbody for a great class today.....don't forget if you have any questions just give me a email!

The New Website

2011-08-02T14:37:00.003-04:00

11 x 14 Watercolor/Mixed Media

This is the current picture on my front page of the web site.

I will be featuring more painting as they

get painted! You know me maybe today

maybe not!

It's up and running great! I 've been working on it for about a week or so. Still has a few under construction pages, but I'm very happy with the over all look.....

Please feel free to add any comments like or dislike....most artist can't see the trees for the forest.....so if I've overlooked something let me KNOW.

I hope to start adding some new features to my blog and website in the coming weeks.....I talked to my friend Robert Warren of http://www.robertwarrenartloft.com/ about maybe doing a joint adventure into the blogging world.....so please stop back soon to the website and Blog....

We have HOOT next week so we are under the gun......

The New Web Site

2011-08-01T16:57:00.001-04:00

I did it! It will be published later tonight......we have slow upload this time of day.
I would love to hear from ya! Any suggestions about like or dislike. Of course I have
a few pages still under construction......

"Little Fireman"

2011-07-31T05:59:00.002-04:00

11 x 14 in. Watercolor

Instructional Lesson Packet Available for this project on my website.

We are on count down for the HOOT Convention. I'm working hard on the newsletter and new web site...of course I have these little glitches (*&%$!!) but I'm being NICE. I'm so looking forwarding to seeing old friends and making new ones. Hoot is such a great convention, lots of burning the midnight oil with all that painting going on. I'm going to show everyone my last year's Christmas Present from Santa (new ditigal projecter, don't tell my students). As you all know watercolors are painted almost laying flat, so when you have 35 students in one class it's kinda hard to see, but with my new present, everyone will get a big view!

I'm Still Alive

2011-07-28T17:15:00.011-04:00

Yellow Cactus Flower

(I never paint a cactus without thinking of

Goldie Hawn's Movie)

11" x 11" Mix Media Watercolor/Tissue Paper

(Class project at Convention)

As usual I have a million excuses why I haven't posted, I have been painting, working on the stuff for the HOOT convention.......finished all the Teaching STUFF Today Yea!!!! I have also been working on setting some new GOALS ( I do know what that is).....I seem to work better under pressure!!!! My web site is under construction (it's about time). I'm really excited about the new look. The blog is taking on a new look and content also. I decided to make it more about sharing information. I will be doing a monthly newsletter. If you sign up to received it via email, you will automatically be registered for a instructional packet, my last book or a print, your choice! So please sign up! On a special occassion I may just throw in an original painting! I love painting, but I also love teaching! I've been spending time with my mother and mother in law, both are very ill, so I've had time to think what I want for the next 20 years.......I'm supposed to be semi retired!

come back soon!

Morning Glory Gift Bag

2011-06-10T08:35:00.005-04:00

Watercolor on 140# watercolor paper.

The Daily Paintworks Challenge this week was to paint a gift bag. I've been making and painting actual gift bags for a very long time.....it's a fun project ! I show my students how to make one with those old paintings that did not make the big time! For free instructions, layout and folding of the bag, please go to my web site http://www.maryspires.com/ Look under the "Free Stuff"! Have fun......let me know if you have any questions!

Life is just a bowl of Cherries!

2011-05-20T08:58:00.003-04:00

Watercolor 11" x 14" on Paper with Tissue Paper I did this while we were in Florida........I'll be teaching this project at the HOOT (Heart of Ohio Tole) Convention in August.......the class is almost full! So if you want to join us, get going and send in your registration. This is a really fun project....you first paint the local color then add tissue paper with Mat Medium....let dry and finish painting.......the nice thing about tissue paper and mat medium is the color will life, so those mistakes can easily be fix!

Beet N Beet

2011-05-13T15:47:00.003-04:00

6" x 6" Oil on Board

I posted this yesterday, but for some reason it didn't get posted. I'm going to try and put it on the DPW challenge for this week. I love to paint vegatables that are still attached to their leaves.

Onion

2011-05-11T09:06:00.006-04:00

Oil on Masonite 6x6

A few years ago Karin Jurick(http://www.karinjurick.blogspot.com/) had a blog for fellow bloggers to do a weekly challenge.

This was a wonderful idea and had many participants.

Carol & David Marine have now picked up the challenge.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/

Creating a new blog site for fellow artist to

continue to participate in a weekly

challenge. As a bonus, even if you are not a

member of DPW, your challenge entries will be displayed

with prices and links for purchase, in addition to

description, painting media, and size.

DPW will soon be offering membership - General and Featured -

Featured Artists are shown on the front page and pay more for

their membership. General members have same access

to the features of DPW, as do Featured Artists, including

being show on the DPW website personal Gallery/Store page,

the art tracking portfolio management page, the traffic

Statistics page, and the DPW Auctions. The only

difference is General Members are not featured on the front page.

For more information go to:

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/

click on DPW Help Center

2011-05-08T07:31:00.003-04:00

Our thirst for "the good life" we think

others lead by acknowledging the good that already

exists in our own lives. We can then offer the

Universe the gift of our grateful hearts.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

Holly Hock in Oil

2011-05-07T12:09:00.008-04:00

HOLLY HOCK 8x10

This is my first blog entry of doing the flower first

in Watercolors then painting it in oils. I always say oils are easier,

but after this project I don't know that this is true.

I have been reading the book Simple Abundance, by

Sarah Ban Breathnach. If you notice at the top of

of my blog it says" The Canvas of My Life". When I set up the

blog several years ago,I used this phrase as a

focus of the blog and my daily life. Sometimes

things happen that give you a "WOW" moment , well one of Sarah's quotes is

"Pick up the needle with me and make the first stitch on the

canvas of your life". This gave me a step back, take notice' great mother spirit telling me?

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother's day tomorrow!

Blue Flower

2011-05-04T19:25:00.004-04:00

11 x 14 watercolor on watercolor paper

This painting also has tissue paper on top.......I really like collage....I think my student in Florida were getting a little tired of the collage stuff!!!!!

Holly Hock

2011-05-02T10:12:00.003-04:00

Holly Hock 9" x 9"

Dark backgrounds always give the flower drama!

Holly Hock

2011-05-02T09:57:00.002-04:00

Holly Hock 9x9

When I don't know what to paint, I always go back to my flower photographs. I guess I started painting 20 some years ago painting what attracted me most.....so when in doubt go back to what you know. I always put the painting into a mat at the end stage, this is my way of seeing what the painting is telling me. What do I need to do? This was the painting for a couple of days, this morning I decided to put in a dark background.

Illuminated Letter

2011-04-29T07:14:00.004-04:00

4" x 4" on Watercolor Paper After visiting Italy a few times and having the opportunity to view the illuminated letters in Vatican collection, I've been wanting to play around with doing one. In fact a few years ago at the Lancaster Festival we had a guest artist from Chicago that did wonderful work. He even mix his own pigments, my first time seeing maganese blue in it pure state. The background behind the letter is Gold, but it doesn't show very well, I'll try to get a better picture next time.

Cowgirl

2011-04-26T17:33:00.002-04:00

Watercolor 11" x 14"

My grandaughter Brittney was our model a couple of years ago at Tuesday Morning Class.......now she is a mother of two great grand kids......I know I know I don't look that old!!!!!

I'm teaching this as a project for the HOOT Convention in August in Columbus, Ohio.

"Happy Easter"

2011-04-22T08:16:00.003-04:00

Since all the grand kids are grown. Living on their own.......I miss coloring Eggs! I have been playing around with a new art form called Zentangles.....check out Rich & Maria's web site

http://www.zentangle.com/

What FUN!

Portrait by Ron Marvin

2011-04-18T16:29:00.006-04:00

This portrait was painted by Portrait Artist Ron Marvin from Florida. Every Friday morning we have open studio, with a model, at Treasure Island Art Group. It's a great opportunity to work on painting portraits. One Friday morning our model didn't show, so I got to be it! Ron "got me" with the drawing.......several of my friends got to be the model this year. I'm hoping to get Dick to sit next year..... I can't believe it's been almost a year since I last added a post! It's been a crazy year.....where does the time go? I'm hoping to get back in the groove......

Brass Pot

2010-04-30T11:48:00.002-04:00

10 x 8 Oil on Canvas Board Last year I was lucky enough to see a demo by David Leffel. I am total hooked on Chiaroscuro Style painting. "Chiaroscuro" literally means light/dark. In Chiaroscuro painting, your eye follows the light. The light gives the picture its flow-it takes the eye from one place to another, and the shadows structure the painting. Quoted from Oil Painting Secrets from a Master, by Linda Cateura.

Red Vase

2010-03-25T09:26:00.002-04:00

4"x4" Oil on Board Sorry for the shinny photograph......I have these little 4x4 frames with a little board.......so I gessoed these little guys and what a wonderful painting surface.

Number 6

2010-02-05T07:52:00.004-05:00

7" x 12" Ink on Yupo

This little abstract was done in Carole Fry's workshop.......lots of fun, but I hate YUPO! So I won't be working in that slippery stuff!!!! One needs to learn what they don't like.....it was truly a learning experience....... Carole's a great teacher and we had lots of fun......she does wonderful abstract colorful paintings......but I'll stay with watercolor and oil for now!

We made It!!!!

2010-01-12T07:49:00.002-05:00

Arrived in Florida! Weather is a littler cool, but the SUN is out! The leg is doing much better, will see the doctor tomorrow to get more xrays.........now it's time to start painting! I hope to get back to teaching at the BAC next month. Thanks for all the emails!

Good Start to the New Year

2010-01-04T07:39:00.002-05:00

Started my new year off really great.....fell on the ice after watching Ohio State win the Rose Bowl.....broke my leg in two places!!! #@$%^!@### (stone sober, it would make it go down better if I had had a few) We had to delay our trip back to Florida....hope to get down there in the next couple of weeks........

2009-12-24T05:55:00.001-05:00

I don't believe this, but my COMPUTER CRASHED again! Had to have a new hard drive!!! Well I guess Santa came early......was hoping for a kayak!!!!! Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Computer Fixed! Yea! Yea!

2009-12-05T07:11:00.001-05:00

Computer Crash

2009-12-03T07:26:00.002-05:00

Just got my computer back from the doctor! It crashed last week........of course I lost everything, I do have most pictures on a back up! Dick is starting to up load all the programs so hopefully I will be back in operation in a few days. We go to Ohio next week so most of the program stuff is there........Will keep you posted!

Sisters

2009-11-25T11:14:00.003-05:00

11x14 Watercolor on paper This is a very good friends Granddaughters.......22 years apart.....

Pink Rose

2009-11-10T06:59:00.003-05:00

6" x 6" Watercolor on Paper

This will be the second project for Make It Take It Fridays at the Beach Art Center. We will also be doing a few "Zentangles".

Pink Magnolia

2009-11-09T05:40:00.004-05:00

6" x 6" Watercolor on Paper This little painting will be our first project for "Make it - Take it Fridays". The Beach Art Center is experiencing (as most art centers) a few cut backs from our grants! So, being the creative people that we are! Starting in January we are offering a class for the person who wants to try their hand at making art, but don't want to commit to a 4 or 6 week class. All supplies ( painting surface, paints, written step by step instructions, a color mixing guide, a photograph of the finished piece and the loan of brushes) will be included in the project packet! All you have to do is call the art center and register for the class! We're also working on a program designed for groups that are looking for a fun outing that includes lunch!

Zentangle

2009-11-09T05:17:00.005-05:00

My friend Brenda De la Mora is now a certified teacher for Zentangle! What is Zentangle? It is an easy to learn method of creating images from repetutive patterns. A new art form that is for everyone who loves to doodle. If you google Zentangle you will come up with a millon sites. Check them out! Of course being the watercolor person that I am, I have to add color! Here are a few of my beginning exercises! These little guys are in my sketch book about 2"x2".......what fun! Plus it gets you into the "zone". It's a great warm up exercise, especially when you've been out of touch with your creative side for an extended period of time.

Florida

2009-11-09T05:07:00.004-05:00

It's been a crazy time since we returned from Colorado for the month of September. Our condo in Florida has major water damage from the apartment above, we have "Black Mold"! What a mess! We're in Florida trying to deal with this problem, so far they had to remove everything including the wall board. We're waiting for the condo association and insurance to decide who pays for what!!!!

Fish Creek Colorado

2009-09-11T08:36:00.003-04:00

7" x 5" Oil on Panel

White Tulips

2009-05-08T08:40:00.002-04:00

11x14 Oil on Canvas Board Yesterday I joined the open studio at the Columbus Cultural Art Center. I attended classes there about 20 years ago. A couple of artist that were there then was in the class. What a wonderful surprise. They've moved to the second floor and the natural light is unbelieveable! So I signed up for the afternoon open studio, so now I get to stay all day.

I started this from a photograph that I had set up in the studio, then I came home and finished it this morning. Nothing like the real thing for the wonderful colors.

Morning Storm

2009-05-04T07:59:00.001-04:00

4x4 Oil on Board

The photo doesn't show the storm clouds very well, but I was surprised how I made rain by dry brushing down from the clouds. I hope to work on landscape this summer as we are going to Colorado for the month of September. The landscape is unbelievable............

Carol's Dune

2009-04-30T15:09:00.002-04:00

4" x 4" Oil on Board

This was painted from a photograph of Carol's in our Wednesday afternoon class with the Pumfrey's.........We finally made it back to Ohio from Florida.......just had to take time to paint today! Since the weather is Ohio Gray!Yuk! Welcome back gift for the next 5 days!!!!!

Jude Pool Side

2009-04-27T08:13:00.002-04:00

Jude getting a little breeze out by the pool. What a beautiful day.....

Little Miss Movie Star

2009-04-27T07:59:00.002-04:00

Miss Haddie, age 1, but going on 15......her mimi purchased her the new sun glasses and she loved them, except she wanted to keep them on all day!!! She's a cutie!!! We had a fun day at the pool at our hotel, then Nana make fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy! WOW! Brittney's favorite dinner. The new baby is soooo handsome, he sure does eat a lot.

Class Projects

2009-04-23T06:24:00.006-04:00

The above paintings were done by Wendy Thorn in the Wednesday Watercolor Class at the Beach Art Center. We spent the month of April learning Mark Polomchak watercolor techniques for doing landscapes and water. Mark is a wonderful teacher, he produced a video a couple of years ago and it really shows some wonderful techniques. As most of my students know I don't do very many landscapes. Wendy really worked hard on studying Marks techniques and of course you can see she was very successful. Next season I expect to see lots of landscape painting from the summer! It was a great season and I will miss all of you guys! Have a great summer! Keep me posted on your progress.

Dunes IV

2009-04-16T07:27:00.002-04:00

4x4 Oil on Board Of course, another Dune painting from Pass-a-Grill. I've sold two of them! Maybe I'll become a Dune Painter?

Jude Statsi

2009-04-14T06:11:00.003-04:00

This is my new great grandson........my granddaughter Brittney had a wonderful Easter Day present.......Now this really makes me feel old....number 2!

Killarney Canada

2009-04-06T10:21:00.002-04:00

4x4 Oil on Board Last summer for my birthday my friend Sheila, took me to her "cabin" in Canada. We had a week of painting and playing. I took so many pictures that I will be able to paint for a 100 years. I seem to have more success with the little landscape so I think I will continue working on these little guys for a while.

Sand Dunes 2

2009-04-06T10:19:00.003-04:00

4x4 on Oil Canvas This is a nice little painting of the dunes in Pass a Grill, but I painted it on a canvas board and it has way too much texture......no more small painting on canvas.

Pass A Grill Dunes 4x4

2009-04-03T08:27:00.003-04:00

4x4 Oil on Board After a couple of "wipe outs" on Wednesday in the Pumfrey's class.....I was bummed! Just couldn't do anything right....so yesterday at open studio I decided to paint small.....less time invested for a wipe out. Finished this little guy this morning.....I also used water mixable oils. They're a little stiff but once I added the medium, it went on pretty good.

Pass a Grill Dunes

2009-03-25T05:45:00.003-04:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas Board

I'm still painting! Last week was Paint the town in St. Petersburg. It was a wonderful week of painting every day with Judy & Larry Pumfrey. We went to Pass a Grill 2 days and over to Salt Creek on Friday. I had several wipe outs, but I learned a lot. The weekend before we had a 2 day workshop on Plein Aire Painting with Judy & Larry also, I got a couple of good starts but I need to go back to the Garden at Hertiage Village, maybe this Friday Morning.

The paintings from Paint the Town are in the Finn Gallery on 4th St. until April 19. I can't tell you how wonderful this show is, it really makes me know how much work I have ahead to get up to where I would like to be in my painting in Plein Aire!

David A. Leffel Demo

2009-02-27T10:33:00.005-05:00

All I can say is WOW! David A. Leffel did a demo at Longboat Key Art Center, this was the third day of his workshop.......couldn't afford it, but just couldn't miss seeing the master at work. It was wonderful, he is the best! Also I purchased his book (out of print from 2003) from Gallery M in Sarasota, they had one of his paintings. So I got it signed and he was just a gem......thanked me for coming and purchasing his book. I've had the opportunity to see several pieces in Galleries out west and let me tell you they are just awesome!!! This has made my year!!!

Little Rebel

2009-02-23T16:12:00.004-05:00

8x10 Oil on Panel

I have a collection of photographs from a local park that has an annual re enactment every spring. This was one of my favorite photos......just loved this little guy.....you may see him in a painting again!

Back 40

2009-02-11T08:04:00.003-05:00

11"x 14" Watercolor on paper

This photo was taken while we were in Ohio over the holidays......we live on 40 acres of woods so it was a winter wonderland......had to paint it! I just love the reflection in the small creek in back of the house.

Baby Girl at the Beach

2009-02-10T04:58:00.003-05:00

10"x10" Watercolor on Paper

Little Sister

2009-01-31T05:48:00.004-05:00

22" x 30" Watercolor on Paper

Sunflower

2009-01-22T15:26:00.003-05:00

4"x4" Oil on Gesso Board Painted this in the open studio class at the art center. Great fun! I decided to work on a few close up views of flowers. Of course, I only have 5 million pictures!!!!

Cone Flower

2009-01-22T15:22:00.002-05:00

4"x4" Oil on Board

I painted this one in Judy & Larry's class yesterday. The board needed more gesso, the paint became very tacky.

Lake Hope, Ohio

2009-01-20T07:57:00.003-05:00

4" x 4" Oil on Board This painting was painted from a photograph from a workshop a couple of years ago with Church Marshall, a wonderful teacher and artist. Of course, I have a bunch of landscape photos that I've been taking over the past years. So here's to finally getting to them!

River View

2009-01-19T07:30:00.002-05:00

4" x 4"

Oil on Board

As most of you know I don't like doing landscape, but I've decided for my new challenge, paint more landscape. The St. Pete Plein Aire "Paint the Town" is coming up in April, so here's hoping I will get more experience, so I'm not so intimidated.

Making a Mark: Art in 2008 - A Review (Part 2)

2009-01-04T16:53:00.001-05:00

Making a Mark: Art in 2008 - A Review (Part 2) This is a wonderful art blog.....it's all about the art business, especially with what's happening in this tough market. I discover this link from Karin Juricks site, she's a faithful reader and I can see why. As most of you know I talk about Karin's work and what has made her so successful. It's about hard work, painting daily, because if you paint everyday you will get better! Remember the old saying "Practice makes Perfect". Speaking of Karin check out her blog (http://karinjurick.blogspot.com , she's having a show at Morris Whiteside in Hilton Head in March......I may have to go visit my friend Julie, or maybe Shelia will be in Charleston. If you haven't visited Karins blog......you need too!

Words All Dressed Up

2008-12-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

8x10 Paper/Mixed Media

This was a fun Christmas Gift....I haven't played with collage for quite a while....We made it back to Ohio last night.....It's Cold.

Copper Pitcher

2008-12-10T06:33:00.002-05:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas Board I've worked on this one for a couple of weeks....of course it was a wipe off a couple of times....the medium I used is very shiny. I like the way it looks in real life, but it's very hard to photograph. I also have been working on Christmas gifts.......We will be leaving for Ohio Saturday, so I hope I will have a little time to paint.

Brass Pot

2008-12-08T14:41:00.003-05:00

8x10 Oil on Canvas Board

I started a couple of paintings last week while I was at the Art Market in St Petersburg, Florida. It was a real challange painting from the photograph, it's hard to remember the wonder reflections, especially in the shadows.

Granny Smith

2008-11-26T20:17:00.003-05:00

8x10 On Canvas Board

This was a fun one to paint...I experimented with a different technique....I did a value underpainting (black, white and gray) with acrylics.....Helen Van Wyk (we have her weekly on our PBS station in St. Pete) does this quite often.....it's a great way to paint. Get those values right and everything falls into place. I've also been working on a new design for my web site.....it's been a busy week. I hope to get a few more paintings with this technique.

Orange Triad

2008-11-20T05:46:00.003-05:00

5x7 Oil on Gesso Board

I started this one last Spring, just didn't get around to finishing it.....I think this ended up being a favorite.

Brass & Roses

2008-11-20T05:43:00.003-05:00

11x14 Oil on Canvas Board

This was given to St. Paul's School for their annual fund raiser.....happy to say it SOLD!

Beach Buddy

2008-11-15T06:52:00.006-05:00

11x14 Watercolor on Watercolor Paper

I've had 3 wipers (What Carol Marine calls her paintings that were trashed or wiped off). So I decided to post my class project for the next two weeks. I'm scheduled to be at the Art in the Park in St. Petersburg today, but the rain is moving in......so maybe I'll just get to paint all day.

Turnips

2008-11-11T20:18:00.004-05:00

6x6 Oil on Canvas Board During the Carol Marine Workshop the girls from Georgia had these wonderful turnips....mine are not quite as pretty, but I did enjoy painting them.

Orange Squared

2008-11-10T20:11:00.003-05:00

6x6 Oil on Gesso Board

As you can see I did change a few things, added a little more white on the dish, plus cropped off the top right corner, plus add a little more color on the oranges slices.

Orange

2008-11-10T19:47:00.005-05:00

At this point I walk away for a while....just to get a fresh view I take it onto the porch where I have north light.......

Next Step

2008-11-10T19:45:00.001-05:00

Adding on more paint and starting the background.

The Block In

2008-11-10T19:40:00.005-05:00

I seem to get a better end product if I put on a first layer. I first toned the board with Cadmium Yellow Medium. Next I painted the shadows, then a layer on the oranges. Since the dish is white, I mixed several colors of Gray, then added white as I was putting in the "white colors" of the dish.

The Drawing

2008-11-10T19:38:00.001-05:00

I began painting about 6 am!!!! Early Bird that I am....this is my best time.

Orange Squared

2008-11-10T19:34:00.003-05:00

I love doing Oranges....in fact I think they are my favorite. I took the time this morning to do a step by step.....this is the photo, remember when you set up your still life get those wonderful shadows, they help create the tension in the painting......plus you can feel the sunshine!

Red Pepper

2008-11-10T05:48:00.003-05:00

6x6 Oil on Gesso Board

It's been a very full weekend...I was at the Saturday Art Market in St. Pete.....a little traffic, but they have moved the Farmers Market to another location a couple of blocks away......Hopefully they are going to move us too!

I painted this one on Friday....I'm having trouble with those colors of "Red" ........I finally got the right color for the background using Phthalo Blue with a little Ultramarine Blue plus White.....a great color but that Phthalo is hard to work with....it gets into everything!

Sullivan Island

2008-11-06T05:01:00.004-05:00

11" x 14 1/2" Watercolor on Watercolor Paper

This was painted from a photo I took a few years ago while attending a workshop with Craig Nelson.....the hardest part was the shadow shapes.....nice challenge.

Students

2008-11-04T18:04:00.004-05:00

What a fun group! Carol's photo of the group is much better, so take a look on her blog.

Carol Marine Worshop Pic's

2008-11-04T18:01:00.003-05:00

This is one of Carol's class demo and I got to take it home! I love it!

"Fall Tomato"

2008-11-04T17:43:00.002-05:00

6x6 Oil on Gesso Board

Again, another left over tomato from the workshop....it's looking really ripe! After Carol went over the way she shoots her painting, I finally am getting a good photograph to work from!!!!!

I start back teaching watercolors at the art center tomorrow...it will be good to see all my students.

Pink Cosmos

2008-11-03T09:40:00.003-05:00

6x6 Watercolor on Watercolor Paper I did this one this morning, but not quite sure if it's finished......will take another look this afternoon....I think I need some soft edges on the petal, so the flower becomes part of the background!!!!

Hot Peppers

2008-11-03T09:35:00.003-05:00

6" x 6" Oil on Gesso Board

I forgot to photograph this yesterday.....after Carol Marine's workshop at the Beach Art Center, I took home all the left over still live stuff.....these peppers were painted by Carol on Tuesday....they were wonderful, but I didn't get to buy them!!!!

I'm having a hard time getting back into the groove, but it's fun trying!!!

Daisy

2008-11-01T10:06:00.003-04:00

6" x 6" Watercolor

Watercolor Paper

We're settle back at the condo....my new studio is ready & waiting for me to paint! It's been a very busy 2 weeks, had to do the "Spring Cleaning" thing...we're having construction in the complex....dusty dusty!!!

My friend Brenda (3 doors down the hall) was giving away a couple of cabinets....so of course I moved them to my studio....what a big difference.....I have more room and a place for everything...if you didn't know I'm a little ADD (I want to play with all the crafts)...now maybe when I have a few extra hours I can find my beads, printmaking supplies, sewing, etc.

I painted this little daisy this morning.....I'm plan on painting 3 watercolors per week, and 3 small oils....I've been so bad about doing watercolors....the oils have swept me away....but I still love the watercolors, just committing to doing little 6 x 6 it's really fun.

I plan on showing at the "Art in the Park" in St. Petersburg starting next Saturday, November 8th....Hope some of you guys will stop by!!!!

Getting Ready to Go Back To Florida

2008-10-06T19:09:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year!!!! can't believe it!!! but we're leaving Friday, Oct. 10th.....have to stop a couple of places to see the grand kids......I packed all the art stuff today...so I'm hoping by the first of November I will be back to painting daily.....where does the time go?

Five Generation Photograph

2008-10-01T07:28:00.004-04:00

Left to Right. Brittney Stassi, Mary Spires, Kimberly Kocak,Mallory Sweigart and front and center My Mother Martha Sloan and of course the Star of the Show "Miss Haddie Stasi". Brittney is the mother of the star, I'm the Great Grandmother, Kimberly is the Grandmother, Mallory is the Aunt, and Martha Sloan, my mother is the great great grandmother.