I hope you are well.

Paintings resting before their big show.

I've been busy teaching classes, and getting ready for a show at West Michigan Bank and Trust, in Frankfort, MI. The opening reception is this Saturday morning, November 14th from 9:30 until 11:30am. Come in and say "Hi!" (The Frankfort indoor farmer's market will be open too!) I'm excited to hang the paintings this Thursday. The work is varied, from watercolor landscape to mixed media abstracts. The show will be up through April 6th...so you have time to go more than once. :-) hehehe.

Fondly,

Hot Off The Easel

Bouquet #10 ~7x5 Acrylic on paper

I'm still plugging away at the 100 bouquets. I've completed 16 of them. You can see them all here. I have at least 5 more in various stages of completion. Some here in Honor, MI and some downstate in Oakland Twp. Good thing I don't mind stopping and starting. I'll be back at them full time next week...stay tuned!

Tips and Tricks

Motivation... 15 ideas to get yourself into the studio.

You want to paint. You like to paint. But somehow, you aren't making it into your studio. Here are some ideas that might help you.

1. Make color charts.

Get out your paint and start mixing the colors together. Mix your blues and your yellows to see all the shades of green you can come up with. Make sure you label the charts so you will remember how to mix that gorgeous color again.

2. Start a series.

Painting 100 bouquets has me motivated. I have a specific and measurable goal.

3. Gather your Artist friends and start a

critique group.

My critique groups are priceless to me. (I'm in two... an up north one and a metro Detroit one) Not only is it motivating to "show and tell" when we get together, but the women in my two groups are very supportive of each other. It's great to see what they are working on, and hear advice when one of your paintings is missing the mark.

4. Visit Galleries and Museums.

It's always motivating to get out and see the actual work. Books and screens just don't do the paintings justice. You can't get really close to see the brushwork unless you see it in real life.

5. Try a new medium.

Yes! Yet another excuse to buy art supplies!!!

6. Go to the Library and check out their art book collection.

I get lots of inspiration from art books. I have lots of them. LOTS. (Hello hoarders?)

7. Watch an instructional DVD.

There are places to rent them, and places to buy them.

8. Copy a masterwork.

Is there a painting that you have always adored. Try to copy it. You'll appreciate it even more with the careful scrutiny it will receive as you study how it was painted.

9. Deliberately make a bad painting.

Can you? I've done this... it's fun. There certainly isn't any pressure!

10. Get a friend to come over and paint together.

Misery loves company. :-) You'll motivate each other.

12. Go to an open studio at your local art center.

Many art centers have an "open studio" certain days of the week. You just bring your stuff and paint. It's a nice way to meet other local artists. There is usually all levels of skill represented. Go visit first if you're unsure.

13. Paint with your non-dominant hand, just to see if you can.

This is fun. Again... no pressure! You just might surprise yourself.

14. Put on your favorite music.

Paint the song. Stay in rhythm.

15. Most importantly... just go to the studio.

Pick up a brush, dip it in the paint and move it against the paper or canvas. It really is that simple. Before you know it... you'll be motivated.

What I'm Celebrating....