Moving into a studio away from home has been a major decision and commitment on many levels. Now that the decision is made and the work and preparation for Open Studio Tours has been done I’m beginning to feel like I can start to relax and enjoy the painting process. I look forward with anticipation and can’t wait to see what will be created in this little space–I have a ton of ideas.
For those of you who were unable to come on the CC Studio Tour this weekend, here’s a glimpse of my studio.
Walking in the front door–my new giclee print of “Searching For Hidden Treasures”on gallery wrap canvas is sitting on the bottom shelf. Cards and some plein air pieces are also displayed.To the right in the entry–a friend from the gym, after walking through the studio, came back with a beautiful hand-woven rug she had made out of Pendleton wool mill ends as a studio warming gift. Thank you so much Debbie–I love it!!Looking back from my work area.Lots of working surfaces–yippee!! I had hoped to be painting but alas, there was a steady stream of visitors so I didn’t get anything even started.As promised, a full view of this newest painting–30″x40″ oil on canvas–“A Bright Spot In The Storm” (This is taken with a cell phone, not perfect for sure!)The Alphabet Birds–in memory of the last trip I ever too with my grandparents–when I was moving them from Idaho to Washington State. We played the game over and over again. (I couldn’t get the center ones without reflection.)
All the art is for sale, if you are interested in any of the pieces please contact me. Thanks for going on the tour 😉
I’m finally getting back to my ocean painting–some little birds are putting it in perspective. The great unveiling will take place this weekend during the Clark County Open Studio Tour. I hope you’re planning on coming if you can. I can’t wait to show off my new studio/gallery–it is finally full of art and makes me feel more like a ‘real artist’. 😉
Detail of currently untitled painting. Only a few more of these little guys to go.
This is the second go around with this bird–the first one was a total flop. I wouldn’t have even attempted a second except I wanted to tell you a little story about this little hawk. Last year about this time when the hawks were migrating back, I looked out the window to see this little guy sitting bolt upright on the shepherd’s hook we have out on the back patio that says “Welcome Friends”. Hanging on the hook of course is a bird feeder with black sunflower seeds in it. The irony was not lost on me and I was fortunate that he stayed long enough for me to get a picture.
Welcome Friends
Soon after taking this picture he flew to the ground, wandering around, looking under our hydrangea bush and around the tree trunk. At the time there was nothing there but it wasn’t long until an unsuspecting mixed flock of birds came swooping in and began pecking around on the other side of the bush–they were totally unaware of his presence. I didn’t have to wait long to witness the violent quickness of these stealthy birds. All of a sudden all the birds flushed and the hawk was in hot pursuit of a bird. They were flying directly at me standing in the kitchen window, the smaller bird (I don’t know what kind, it happened so fast), crashed into the window as the hawk grabbed it in its talons and used the window like a spring-board to switch directions and accelerate out of there, taking the now lifeless little prize with it to the top of the pine tree in our backyard.
Although I felt horrible for the little bird I felt honored and amazed to see the hawk in action so closely–very closely. It hung around a few more days than disappeared.
I am not an expert at all on hawks–I’m quite sure this is a Coopers because it seemed to large to be a Sharp-shinned hark, which looks almost exactly like it.
Since I’m wrapping up my alphabet bird project I thought I’d show you the finished Belted Kingfisher as well. I know I posted it one time but it was not finished. I just got back to it today. Not only did I bring more dimension to the bird I decided to really brighten up the background for a better contrast. It makes me happy now.
Finished painting of a female Belted Kingfisher
Now it’s time to go get ready for the artist reception for the 2015 Clark County Open Studio Tour. The reception will be a wonderful opportunity to see they style of art each artist creates–it is at the North Bank Gallery in Vancouver from 5-9 p.m. Next weekend will be an opportunity to tour 50 artists from Clark County. If you live in the area come visit me. Here’s the link for more information: http://ccopenstudios.org
Stories in My Mind 