Plein Air Plight Or Delight

"Saturday Morning Bench Sitting"

acrylic on panel

5"x7"

With new and very tiny paint box in hand, Brady and I ventured to the little pond across the street to do some plein air work. As we stepped out the door I must admit I was ready to turn around. 29 degrees is a bit cold for me to sit in one place for very long. However, my goal today was to complete a small painting outside without adding anything to it once I returned to the studio. My guess was that the brisk air and the bone chilling breeze would just make me work that much faster. Brady and I were not to be denied.

Now I know that there are plein air painters that can withstand snow and sleet to paint. I will admit to you that though I love art, I hate the cold more. Brady and I walked around the pond and checked out the view from both sides where there were benches. Neither view was outstanding but both were peaceful. We chose the spot that provided the greatest warmth from the sun. I just refused to suffer.

Quickly we got to work. Brady found a stick to chew and another dog at which to growl. I found pleasure in the trees that framed the scene across the pond. I worked with six of my new Golden Open Acrylics and was quite pleased with how they handled. To keep to my promise to work quickly and freely I used a large brush and did not sketch anything out. No guts no glory.

To my surprise I barely felt cold. I was in the moment and it was heaven. Colors sang with the birds while light flickered over the water. This was living. Just as I realized I could no longer feel my thumb the painting was finished. At that point I unleashed my tiny brush that was reserved purely for my signature. Brady and I packed up and floated home.

As I returned to civilization I watched people walking while talking on their cell phones and barely even noticing the bright blue of the sky. I was so thankful that for the past hour or so when I was totally one with my surroundings and even created something to mark the day. How blessed am I?

If you'd like to purchase this or any other painting please visit my Soulful Studios website, go to the Contact Lori page and send me an email for information. Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Say Goodbye to Winter

"The Last of Winter 3"
5" x 7"
Acrylic on Canvas

This weekend we push our clocks forward an hour. I can remember years ago when we had a major snow event in April. My gut says that won't be happening this year. That being said please don't email me angry letters if I'm wrong.

I look at these geese paintings and think how peaceful that day was but at the same time there is some dishonesty here. Yes, this was the scene before me and it was charming and serene. What I didn't show was what happened next. If I were to do another painting from this day, it would depict geese frantically flying away from a very excited little grey dog. Any guesses on the name of this dog?

Perhaps the lesson here is nothing is permanent. Take your pleasures while you can. You never know when some sweet little dog is going to chase away your bliss.

Stay tuned to Soulful Studios for updates on more pet portraits and spring paintings. Send me an email through the website for more information on these or other paintings. Feel free to leave a comment on the blog to let me know what you think.

A Little More Winter

"The Last of Winter 2"

5"x7"

Acrylic on Canvas

Winter is coming to a close. Even the cold days aren't as bad because the ground holds more warmth from the sun. Nature is waking up and getting busy.

I thought I would do a few more paintings about winter before it slips away for another year. Yes, I am ready for spring and the refreshing feeling that comes with it. This is just my final farewell to the snows of 2011.

If you are interested in this or any of my other paintings please go to the Soulful Studios contact page and send me an email.

Have a great weekend.

The Last of Winter

"The Last of Winter"

5"x7"

Acrylic on Canvas

Walking the dog after a little snowfall is always magical. My pup leaps through the snow, tugging on the leash and pulls me off my feet like a sled dog. This is something to see considering he is only 16 pounds and I'm no delicate flower. Last week I believe was winter's last major effort for the season.

Despite my dear canine companion's need to drag me along, I did take the time to sit quietly by the edge of the pond, to watch these two geese swim together peacefully. They seemed so pleased that the water was liquid again. They paddle along almost like a dance. I tried to match the ease of their being with the deftness of my brush. Ripples from their movement couldonly be captured with lightness of hand and heart.

I hope you enjoy their serenity. If you would like information on pricing and how to purchase this or any of my other paintings, feel free to email me. My email can be found on the contact page of my Soulful Studios website.

Feelings and Reality

"Bending Over Backwards"

5"x7"

Acrylic on Panel

Email to Purchase

I just returned from the market. Another storm approaches the area and everyone is talking about it. Some people complained and others made jokes. In either case, more winter weather is on the way and there is nothing we can do about it. If you don't like the cold or driving in snowy conditions the pain is coming but should you suffer?

It all depends on the story you tell yourself. So often we say we hate winter and want spring to arrive. If only the ice would melt we would be happy. That's the tale we tell ourselves. What if we were to spin it another way? Could you imagine everyone smiling and saying how they love to make soup on blustery days or not being able to spend time outside gives them time to focus on fixing up their home? Or better yet, after a season of running the kids around they are enjoying just watching old movies and wearing their favorite flannel pajamas.

I'm learning that what is is. If I attach a negative feeling to a situation that is the story I tell myself about it. It drags me down like an anchor and I have only myself to blame. However if I decide that fighting with reality is insanity and I create a positive emotion to connect to my experience, life becomes lighter and brighter.

To take it a step further, I can even take each feeling and question it against what I know to be provably true. Most feelings do not stand up well to fact. When I take that approach, life becomes curiosity and my world is full of possibilities.

The trick is to be able to do this when feelings are overwhelming. That takes planning. When feelings look like truth and you are ready to believe your own bad press, it is wise to breathe. Breathe deeply and call a friend who knows the real you, not you mired in emotion.

If all else fails there is always chocolate. Where did I put that brownie?

How Long Is Too Long

"Icy Edge"
Acrylic on Panel
5"x7"
Email to Purchase

My last blog post discussed fear, the difficult times we all face and how this artist deals with these feelings. This touched a lot you and I received many email responses. Many were like Ivana's, who left a reply, saying sometimes her art takes her out of the depths but other times it is just easier to keep falling. I relate to this very much.

I'm always fighting myself. Sometimes I feel I must push forward and not allow anything negative to stay around long. Other times I just let it happen and practically bathe in it. It is really hard to know which path to choose and how long is too long to be unproductive or down.

Personally I try just to learn something from those moments and focus on the lesson. That way, whether I push or fall, I come away richer for the experience. The times that frustrate me most are when I don't learn the lesson. Then the pain must be presented to me again in hopes that I get it this time. I believe that is how the universe works. There are key things we are all meant to learn and we will be faced with them over and over again until we get it right.

The greatest lesson of all is that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. It's easier said than lived. I'll write more on that next time. I look forward to your comments.

A Soulful Touch of Winter

"Beginning Or End "
5"x7"
Acrylic On Panel
Email to purchase

It’s been a while. So much water has gone under this bridge since my last post. Fans of my work often comment that what a relief it must be to be able to use art to deal with my emotions. Most times it is. However, sometimes things can feel so overwhelming that my ability to connect to a feeling long enough to paint it stops dead in its tracks. The longer that goes on the worse it is for me and my creativity, not to mention healing.

We’ve all been there. Everyone shares a time when life is just too much. We do everything we can to mask the pain and just move on but it follows us like a stalker needing a fix. Sometimes all we can do is just let it get ugly and entertain our pain. Feeding it and letting it blossom to see what it is really all about can sometimes lift you out of the fog so you can move forward again. The old saying about it getting darkest before the dawn is true. Many times fear of clarity gets in the way and just as the pain is about to get its darkest we run only to have to face the same pain again.

I’ve learned the pain won’t kill me but fear will. Fear is our greatest enemy and most times it comes from within. Learning to investigate it, live in the discomfort and make decisions based on the one’s integrity rather than the fear is the greatest lesson of all. For me it has been the most challenging, painful, fascinating and empowering experience. This is the freedom for which our souls cry out. This is where peace can be found.

July Already?

"May I Come In?"
5x7
acrylic on panel
email to purchase

"Hiding in the Shadows"

5x7

acrylic on panel

email to purchase

"Griffin"

graphite on paper

private commission


Am I really that busy that it is July already and I was not aware? Above are some of the projects I've been working on. "Griffin" was a recent Soulful Studios pet portrait commission I finished yesterday. The two paintings are entered into Gallery 50's miniature show that is opening this Friday night. Maybe I'll get lucky and win a prize? Typically I stay away from sweet paintings but somehow no matter what I did, both pieces came out looking like work for children's books. In general, children are big fans of my work so perhaps I really will do the book my husband has been putting together. Who knows, maybe that degree in illustration will actually get used someday?

Beyond these pieces and the endless effort on the large painting of the three dogs, I've been nesting. During the day I give it my all in the studio but in the evening I spend hours working in my garden. Right now I've only been involved in flowers but come August I will start my first vegetable garden. My father would be proud. Before I had cancer, all I wanted to do was travel. Then I was too sick to go anywhere and enjoy it. Now, I'm feeling fine but don't want to leave home. My surroundings are gorgeous and I'm rather disturbed by our world at the moment.

This obsession to make my home beautiful and a sacred place happened to me once before. After the planes hit in NYC, I drove the next morning to the craft store and bought yarn. I hadn't crocheted in 15 years but instantly I had to make an afghan. Then I baked and painted like a mad woman and refused to watch television or listen to the radio. Since the BP accident, I've baked quiches, scones, various cookies and created new recipes out of my head. The television and radio have been silenced. Beyond that, I've added foliage and flowers to every inch of our two acres, as it was bare when I moved in two years ago. My friend Denise graciously gave me 30 irises and they now line my fences. Paint, plant, repeat.

Many may see this as a healthy outlet. Personally, I know this is just a cover for the insanity that I keep in check. If anything else happens I may be forced to buy chickens for fresh eggs and put up a fence.

Wish me luck at the show. Until next time, you'll know where I'll be hiding.

Lessons from Oxford

"Ignored"
acrylic on board
6x9
sold

"Don't Forget Me"

acrylic on board

6x9

email to purchase

"Last Light"

acrylic on board

5x7

sold

"Under Cover"

acrylic on board

6x9

email to purchase

Don't be shocked but I'm going to start with a crass statement. If you don't learn from every experience your are just plain stupid. Learning can result in joy and pain, sometimes it is both. My trip to the Oxfrod Fine Arts Fair was mostly joy but there was a bit of the other.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm the most extroverted introvert you will ever meet. Though it was my work that was on display, often it feels as though it's a show of my heart and that is difficult for me. This is the core of the lesson I've learned and I now understand why.

Comparison is deadly in the arts and yet we all do it. Everyone wants to know how they measure up. Depending on your ego you either feel superior or like a dirty lump. Opening night of Oxford I checked out the others artists that were of my genre. The talent there was grand. These people could paint. For some reason I felt awkward and I couldn't peg the reason.

Throughout the weekend I watched people as they passed my art. More times than not, they stopped and touched their chest or nodded. Sometimes they stopped to tell me that my work spoke to them. Children brought their parents to my paintings to show them their favorites.

Color, brushwork and framing were mentioned as positives. However, most of the time people spoke of "soulfulness" and "softness". Someone even said it was "emotional".

There was my answer. What makes my work unique is that I keep it personal. Some other artists paint in a decorative manner and know what formula sells. Each one of my paintings hold a piece of my heart; there is no method. I share with you an emotion, a fear or a joy that is mine but I know to be universal. So when others walk by my paintings, I truly am on display.

I am not the only artist to do this but we are rare. The right people recognize it. Others are pushed away. It is a difficult way to live and to make a living but I know no other way. If nothing else I am painfully honest. Sometimes I think this makes me weak to be so vulnerable and other times I think it is my strength. These sensitivities make me easy prey for those lacking such. However, Lyndon B. Johnson said, "Any jackass can kick down a barn but it takes a good carpenter to build one."

I want to thank all of you who have admired or purchased my work. Thank you for appreciating me and Soulful Studios, whether it is for my pet portraits or my paintings done in oil or acrylic. Because of you I know I am not alone. I must say I'm surprised as there are many of you.

To the minority, let me just say, there's nothing wrong with the structure of my barn.

Holiday Open House

"Possibilities"

5x7

acrylic on panel

Sold

Soulful Studios

Holiday Open House

December 5th & 6th

Saturday & Sunday 10-4

New originals with select prints and cards for sale.

Light refreshments will be served.

The holidays are right around the corner. Every week will be another reason to cook or bake treats. My holiday open house will be no exception. Though I spend most my time in the studio, this year I think I will push myself to make time for baking because I really do enjoy it.

Often I wonder about my priorities. I'm very driven by the desire to paint and to grow in my art. This weekend I saw the movie "Amelia" and my mind has been racing ever since. Amelia Earhart was in love with her dream to fly around the world. This passion was the reason for her every action. To be in the history books I do believe you need to be consumed by your vision to exclusion of all else. This can be seen by some as a very selfish way to live. However, others understand and find the commitment worthy of awe. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel.

Sometimes I'm satisfied with a piece as I paint it only later to see its flaws. Other times I work on something and dislike it from the onset and only after I walk away do I appreciate its value. Never do I feel it to be perfect. Always I plan to do better the next time. Obviously I am a perfectionist. It can be a painful way to live if not kept under control but at the same time I don't see myself as having strong ambitions like Amelia.

Of all the things that I do artist is first on my descriptor list. Still, I have other interests and callings that keep me from being consumed by what I do in the studio. Sometimes I feel I'm not dedicated enough and other times I wonder if I need more balance in my life.

The holidays can be a time of stress or joy. It all depends on your priorities and how you handle them. Do you run around and get everything done at the expense of losing the joy of the season or do you take it slow and enjoy the little things like baking some cookies when you have a list of "shoulds"? I think the answer lies in the painting above.

The day I photographed that deer I was busily getting ready for an appointment when I noticed the snow coming down. I wanted to take pictures of the beginning of a snowfall and dropped what I was doing and ran out the door with my camera. Only a half of a mile down the road I saw the deer in my friend's yard. The scene was solemn and still. How sad if I would have missed it. Appointments are important but moments like that are priceless.

So, drop what you are doing on the 5th and 6th and stop by for a little holiday cheer. The studio will be warm and inviting with a lot of beautiful work and tasty treats. Alex Alampi's studio will be open too! He's only one mile away so you can enjoy an afternoon of art and good company without driving too much. Don't worry, that dirty floor of yours you need to clean will still be there waiting for you when you get back.

Getting Out

"Canton View"
5x7
acrylic on panel
$185
click to purchase

Everyone in this neck of the woods has been wondering what happened to the sun. After days of rain and a damp chill that made me want to stay in bed until spring, the sun is out today. Being nearly 70 degrees on this autumn day has brought everyone out of their homes to do yard work or to play. The birds that have been feasting at my feeders lately have taken a break to day and are enjoying this weather elsewhere. Brady, the studio dog, is resting on the studio porch waiting patiently for a squirrel chase. I am sitting here with the doors and windows open in my beautiful studio finishing up some loose ends after my long, enjoyable walk.

Everywhere I look I see paintings. It is almost maddening really. If I had the energy I could paint three paintings a day and not run out of things to paint. Luckily I'm not the only one that feels that way. Alex Alampi also sees the beauty down every one of these little country roads and invited me to paint outside with him. He thought it would be great to get out and challenge ourselves. I couldn't agree more.

Plein air painting is something I haven't done since 2007. I forgot how rigorous of a sport it was. Decisions have to be made instantly; confidence and concentration must be high. Failure is likely if you measure success by a finished product. Success is guaranteed if dusting off the cobwebs is your goal. No matter the outcome, painting outdoors and becoming one with the landscape is an education that shouldn't be missed.

I never had someone to paint with and I cannot begin to tell you what a treat it is. Marriage is tough but finding a suitable creative partner is nearly impossible. Once Alex and I find our place to paint we are like a well oiled machine. Neither of us has yet to walk away with a masterpiece but the value of our experience is immeasurable.

The above painting was started on our last jaunt around Salem County. Alex shared with me one of his favorite places in Canton. I felt like I was walking on holy ground. The wetlands surrounding the road were mesmerizing and peaceful. How lucky am I that I get paid to push paint around in the cool fresh air? We spent a good part of the afternoon working and I came home with this one halfway finished. I wouldn't call my efforts true plein air but beginning the painting outside instead of from a photograph makes a world of difference. In my opinion the work is more honest.

I have two new pet portraits on the drawing board and am desperately trying to finish an oil painting due for Christmas. However, the walls of Soulful Studios may have to be abandoned one more time this week to paint my neighborhood. Winter is coming and getting out will be more difficult. Or will it be?

Where Is Your Garden of Eden?

"Bunny Brave's Garden of Eden"
5x7
acrylic on panel
Sold

A farmer's field is practically our backyard. Hawks frequent our property because mice in the field make for a nice snack. Being mindful of this, I try to feed my sweet rabbits and birds under the protection of the tree that shades my studio. The squirrels are on their own and frankly, I could use less of those.

I notice the rabbits love to sit under the lilac bush and relax or munch. Obviously this is a safer place to be than running in the open space. All creatures seem to have their favorite spots that provide food, shelter and sometimes just a place to breathe without threat.

I try to create places like this for myself but often life gets in the way. A quiet corner with a good book gets interrupted by the phone or family need. To combat that, I drive or walk and find a place in someone else's paradise to rest. My new found hideout is by the pond on the property owned by our local veterinarian. Their backyard is like the Garden of Eden. Sheep, birds, fish and turtles of many types flourish here. Always I am awestruck by the serenity and beauty of it all. That leaves me wondering. Do the people that live there feel as if it is paradise or do they have to escape Eden for some peace?

Bunny Brave Paintings

"Bunny Brave Looks to Home"
5"x7"
acrylic on panel
Sold

"Bunny Brave"
5"x7"
acrylic on panel
Email to purchase.

"Flee Bunny Brave Flee"

5"x7"

acrylic on panel

Email to purchase.

Bunny Brave has brought me much joy. I may continue working with this format and perhaps expand his story. You can read previous posts to read the meaning behind these works. This Friday at First Impressions Gallery in Salem you can see these paintings at the show opening.

I've been so busy with finishing the horse portrait. It is one of the more difficult pieces of done in a while as the photograph does not hold much information and I must create detail and drama from my own experience and anatomy knowledge. Luckily I am surrounded by horse farms and constantly photograph other horses to help me fill in the blanks. Work like this really pushes me with my pet portraits and makes me a much better artist. I think this may be one of my best horse commissions because of the stretch I've made. Photos will be provided next post. I know Soulful Studios has kept you waiting!

Going Home

"Going Home"
5x7
acrylic on panel
Sold

The grip of winter is fading. I can feel spring coming despite the icy wind. This is my last winter painting for the season. There are 3 more sketches of similar horse art pieces but they will wait for another time. My mind is on beginnings and growth not hibernation.

Again and again I mention how I am looking forward to being back to work on a more steady basis. The lighting is in the new Soulful Studios and all that is needed before I can move in is flooring. These few months off have served me well. My ideas are fresh and my excitement grows like the little daffodils outside my window, trying to poke through the covering earth.

Fame is not something I'm after by any means. My motivation is much more personal. Often people mention how someday I'll be in museums with big price tags hanging from my work. Though that would be nice, surprisingly that is not my goal. I have a vision of what direction my work should take. It gets closer all the time but I have yet to really paint it. Honestly, I think I will always be reaching and striving for something I don't see in my work but a little closer I would like to be. I will get there. I know this because for the first time I feel right about other parts of my life. The rest is surely to follow.

A college professor once told me to "do what you love and the rest will follow." I'm doing it. Wait and see.

The Winter Cold and Andrew Wyeth

"Distant Barn"
acrylic on panel
5x7
Sold

The cold of the winter has finally set in. It will be only 8 degrees tonight. Perhaps that is a heat wave if you live in Minnesota but not here in New Jersey. I'm not a big fan of winter. One or two good snows I find beautiful and cozy. After that I'm left feeling rather bleak and ready for spring or a good vacation. This painting was done from the sketch in my last post. It speaks of my general feelings about this season.

As I painted, I was thinking about my last trip to the Brandywine River Museum. That is one of my favorite haunts. During my college years I was very influenced by the works of N.C. Wyeth. As I get older I am more influenced by Andrew and Jamie. Andrew Wyeth passed away today at the age of 91.

I feel it appropriate to mention his work in this post because often his art represented the starkness of winter. As often as I can, I read up on the Wyeth family because I learn so much from them. Andrew painted to sort things out in his own life. He had much to deal with if you read about his upbringing and family betrayals. It seems so many artists draw from difficult times in their lives to fuel their art. I relate to the desire to distill one's work down to its essence. More and more I want to take the less is more approach. Andrew Wyeth certainly had that well worked out.

What I find interesting is that the art community hasn't always been kind to the Wyeth family. Many critics have commented that his work was not fine art but mere illustration. I'm not sure if I've ever understood the difference and take offense to the statement as I was an illustration major in college. I've come to peace with criticisms like that by telling myself that the people that do all the talking don't do the painting. Critics don't create value they create words.

The passing of Andrew Wyeth gives me much to think about. Don't get me wrong, Soulful Studios is not abandoning pet portraits. Currently I'm working with clients getting their ideas together. I'm trying to hold off on new pet portraits until the new studio is finshed so my flow isn't interrupted as I find that so frustrating. Lately I have been focusing on narrowing my vision and getting to the bones of my subjects. Take time to read up on the Wyeths. Have a glass of wine as you do because their lives read like a major movie drama.

Holiday Card Horse Painting

"Distant Light"
5x7
acrylic on panel
framed
Sold

Holiday time is fast approaching. Despite last year's resolution, I am once again behind on everything. I vowed to have my holiday card painting finished in October so that I wasn't running around last minute like a chicken with my head cut off. Well, Frank Perdue will be looking for me because I'm a big old hen. Yesterday I completed this year's image so if you don't get your card until after New Year's Eve don't think you were put last.

So many life changes have happened in the past 2 years and especially in the most recent 6 months. I'm finally starting to catch up to myself and now I feel the flow with my art coming back. Last week I celebrated my 39th birthday. Making up for lost time, the festivities went from Thursday until late Sunday night. There are still a few people that I need to meet up with and share some of the joy. Dinners out, gifts of love, a winter walk through Longwood Gardens and moments spent just enjoying the day were some of the things I enjoyed.

Perhaps you are wondering why I'm mentioning all of this and have yet to comment on the painting above. Well, as I become more settled in my life and feel secure with the wonderful changes, I see my palette becoming more subdued. It is as if the confidence I have in my personal life is now apparent in my art as I don't feel the need to impress anyone with my ability to use many colors. Instead, I feel free to create a painting with only 4 or 5 hues and with less "showmanship". My quiet insides are showing in my personal rainbow.

This post cannot be complete without giving a big thank you to Jennifer K. of Canine Partners for Life for taking the original photo that inspired this painting. She is a dear friend and has provided so many images that have helped me make beautiful paintings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Jennifer!

Before the year is out I will have a few more updates for Soulful Studios. This weekend the new studio will receive some love. The horse painting was created in my fiance's office which I have recently taken over and will be a place I work sometimes for a few months. New and exciting things will happen in 2009. I feel like I've only just begun my art career. The best is yet to come.

First Impressions Gallery August Show

"Simple Afternoon 1"
Acrylic on Board
5x7 framed
Sold

"Simple Afternoon 2"
Acrylic on Board
5x7 framed
SOLD

"Simple Afternoon 3"
Acrylic on Board
9x12 framed
Sold

This Friday August 8th is the show opening for First Impressions Art Gallery in Salem, NJ. I will be there briefly and I hope you can stop by. The above paintings are my new contributions to my gallery space there. If you would like to purchase on you can email me or contact the gallery. The larger one was done from sketches created from a farm off of Route 45 in Salem County. There will be more pieces inspired by that site in the future I'm sure. I love this grouping as I feel it speaks of what I find to be so peaceful and beautiful about the area. Scenes like these used to be commonplace but now are harder to find. I hope you enjoy them as I do.

Make sure you visit my blog again shortly as I will have updates on the plans for Soulful Studios' new pet portrait site as well as some exciting personal news. It is never boring around here!

New Work New Show

"Penn Beach #3"

acrylic on canvas

9x12

Here is the third piece painted while sitting in my car, parked along the river at Penn Beach. Thank goodness for my Scion's plastic steering wheel, as the green paint that found its way there washed off easily. We won't discuss the fate of my clothing.

Friday April 11th at 6pm is the next opening at First Impressions Gallery in Salem, NJ. I will be there for a bit to meet and greet and hope to see you there. Six of my most recent paintings will be exhibited. I am told that the work there will all have a spring inspired theme.

Please contact me if you need directions of for more information.

Waste Not Want Not

"Gracie Sleeping"

5x7

acrylic on canvas

Last week I mentioned that I would share what I did with leftover paint. All too often when I squeeze out acrylic paint I have some untouched when I'm done for the day. Supplies are so expensive and the paint just screams to be used up. I've been known to put plastic wrap on it and freeze it to use later but on this particular day I wanted to play.

Long ago I textured a canvas with some stuff that looks like stucco but never got to use it for a painting. So with my little bumpy canvas and my 3 blobs of paint I looked at Gracie sleeping in her bed and started to throw some color on the canvas. That darn dog can be in her bed for hours and not move. Why is it that as soon as I start painting a picture of her she gets up? It never ever fails.

Nevertheless, this was so much fun. Due to a very unprofessional and inconsiderate model, I only had 7 minutes to create this little piece. Ok, I know it shows but what a feeling of energy it filled me with. No drawing time or thought about color or placement. It was like finger-painting when you were little. Remember that? It wasn't about the picture you were making but about the feeling of the paint on your hands being smeared on that slick paper. The stuff even smelled like fun, much like a new box of crayons.

This was a great lesson in loving the process over the product. Too often in life we are on a mission to complete something and forget to enjoy the doing. I hope if you try to have a little fun like I did your model will cooperate!

More Uses For My Car

"Penn Beach at Noon"
9 x 12
acrylic on canvas

This is a "G" rated blog, so the other use for my Scion XB is a painting studio. Yup. You heard me. I ventured out with my painter's box to do a little plein air painting while looking out onto the Delaware River via Penn Beach.

Just as Mom taught me, I had my hat and gloves on braving the cold while trying to set up my tripod along the water. As I was about to bring the paints out, a little wave crested over the wall and splashed icy water in my face. Then the wind blew. At that point I decided two things. One, I believe that people who paint in conditions like this need to be put on medication. Two, I could not leave without painting, as it was on my schedule darn it, so I had to attempt a little art in my vehicle.

To say I was a little crammed in there with my supplies is an understatement. However, the heat blasting and the radio playing made it palatable. Surprisingly, despite the serious stiff shoulder I gave myself while wedged behind the wheel, I just about completed a nice little painting. The sky was blue and a weather front was approaching and I was determined to capture it with my brushes.

With 30 minutes left to complete the painting another wave hit and covered my windows with water. I couldn't see a thing. A big ship carrying automobiles passed and I knew the wake of that would bring even more moments like this, so I packed it up to finish at home. I set the timer and worked for less than an hour and signed my name. What a great day!

Next week I'll share with you what I did with the gobs of leftover paint I had on my palette. I am too cheap to throw it away. Also, stay tuned for the finish of the mare and foal portrait.

I'm off to get ready for the gallery reception tonight. Hope to see you there. Have a great weekend.