Sunsets

Above:
"Sunset Stroll"
12x24
Oil on Board

Below:
"Sunset Supper
12x24
Oil on Board

I've been painting horses quite a bit lately. These two pieces will be shown for the first time at the next First Impressions exhibition in April. I have other paintings of horses I'm working on in the studio now.

For a long time it was difficult to use horses in my art as they were no longer a part of my daily life. I decided to find my peace with the subject in these paintings. The time of day and the relationships suggested in the pieces are my way of depicting my feelings. Many people use animals to express freedom or escape. For me, animals are a symbol of my human relationships worked out in my art.

Perhaps you've been included in one of my paintings and don't even know it.

Meet LeRoy

Hi everybody! Please welcome LeRoy to the world. LeRoy is new pup to be loved and trained by the great people at Canine Partners for Life. For the next year he will live in a loving home and enjoy all the things a good dog should. Then if he is able he will start school to see if he could be another great assistance dog for folks needing such a partner.

I am sharing this with you because I had the extreme honor of naming him. What is even more special is that I offered the name of my father. If you ever met my dad you would know that he would have gone crazy for this little guy and the idea of a service dog sharing his name. I can only hope that this pup can live up to such a name as "The King". Somehow I believe he will.

There will be more art to be posted later in the week. I'm so busy painting in the studio but I'm behind on photographing the work! Such a nice problem to have.

If you would like to volunteer and raise a potential service dog please contact Canine Partners for Life as they are always looking for happy homes to start their puppies. I can't think of a better way to give a little as well as get some love in return.

Another Car Painting

" Morning View by the River"
9x12
acrylic on canvas

Can we still call this a plein air painting when it was created in my little Scion XB? Yes, I did this one in my car too. A few weeks ago I did a sketch like this and I kept saying I wanted to go back and paint it. I chose to do it this week and what a joy it was. Sitting in my warm car with my favorite tunes playing and painting just seemed too good to be true. Mentally it is exhausting but when I'm done I feel like I've conquered the world. What draws me to this tree is that like so much else in Pennsville along Penn Beach, it is slanted from the wind. Everything along the water "bends" to the will of the winds off the Delaware River. Everything including me I think must bend. Also, I am so taken by that Delaware Memorial Bridge that I am always looking for ways to include it in my work. Maybe one day I'll do a dog with the bridge! That would incorporate all my talents! Wacky.

Speaking of dogs, the previous piece shown, "Good Stick, Good Dog" has been sold. I will be making note cards of the image too, so if you are interested in those please let me know.

I want to give a little shout out to my wonderful friends Denise Erickson and Deborah Lynam. The three of us spent the day together to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition and had an amazing time. During the private tour and after, we learned so much about Frida, ourselves and our art it was mind blowing. We slowed down and took in the images like they were nourishment for our souls. So much of today's culture insists on flashing pictures before your eyes with no time to savor them. This experience was completely different and reminded us that art, like fine food, should be taken in slowly and enjoyed to the point that each color and flavor is appreciated and understood. Thanks ladies for such a beautiful day that I will always remember.

Black Lab Drawing

"Good Stick Good Dog"
11"x14"
graphite on archival paper
SOLD

As promised, here is one of the pieces I've been working on. This is one of the Canine Partners for Life dogs. I couldn't resist showing a lab with a stick. Every lab I ever known takes great pleasure in a good stick. Miss Gracie could care less. She'd rather chew on another dog. I'm only kidding, well maybe just a little.

This piece is framed and ready is for sale. It will serve as an example of my pet portrait work until it finds a home. I will make note cards of this one as well for sale at my next vendor booth opportunity.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy a good stick.

Don't Look Back Or You'll Trip

"Morning at the River"

graphite sketch in moleskine

My previous post was about not looking ahead too much into the future. This entry is about not looking back. As I took my morning stroll through Riverview Beach Park I was thinking about how I used to run that path with relative ease and now walking feels like I'm carrying someone else on my back. Maybe that is exactly what I was doing by thinking that way. Could I be carrying the old me on my shoulders as I go? As I thought about what I used to be able to do I wasn't letting in the happiness of what I was doing right at that very moment. Just as I came to my senses I tripped (gracefully, wink-wink) and made quite the show for the dog behind the fence watching me. (I gave my partner Miss Gracie the day off.)

Yeah, I've mentioned before about living in the moment but golly (insert expletive here) it is tough. Sometimes it seems to be more fun to think and talk about what was or what could be. Basically I think it can be destructive but so tempting.

So if you see me in the park stumbling along tell me to straighten up and pay attention to now. Ha! Also, tie my shoe for me because it is just too hard to bend over and do it myself. Thanks.

I haven't forgotten about posting my new projects, I've just been too lazy to photograph them. I'll get on the ball I promise.

Change of Seasons

"View of Delaware City"
graphite sketch in moleskine

Just another sketch in my little moleskine book to share. I sat in my car at Fort Mott, on a chilly morning after our tiny snow and looked out across the river to Delaware City. It is funny to post this today because 10 days ago it was snowing and today it is 60 degrees. I'm all about spring! Winter can kiss my cold butt.

I remember sitting on the bench (right side of sketch) last summer wondering where I would be this summer. Well, this summer is almost here. Some things that I thought would happen didn't disappoint and other things never came to fruition. Isn't it always that way? You can plan all you want but the future always stays one step ahead. I'm trying to save my precious energy for the present. I'm trying.

Digging It

"Cloverside Farm"
graphite sketch in moleskine

I just have to say that I'm really grooving on sketching these Route 40 scenes in my moleskine journal. Each time I do it I feel like I've settled something in my mind. My vision seems to be gelling. Things just feel easier. Maybe it is the promise of spring or that I've been working far more regularly now but there is the great feeling of almost owning what I am looking at. I've had these moments before but lately they come more often and stay with me. Perhaps only other artists will understand this. Maybe everyone has these moments with their own efforts. It's so cool when things just make sense on their own without trying to make order of it all. Time to stop sniffing so much turpentine I think.

More posts from my sketchbook and plenty of new paintings in their infancy to share. Also, I plan to update the Soulful Studios website in the next month or two. Stay tuned.

Return to Old Haunts

"View from Route 40"
pencil sketch in moleskine

Lately I can be found sketching along the side of Route 40 at least once or twice a week. This view is one I've passed so many times in the past 10 years or so and it always makes me stop and stare. I have a thing for old farms off in the distance. Perhaps it is an interest in nostalgia and simple living. I'm a big fan of making things that you need and doing work with your hands. No, I'm not particularly handy or a "d-i-y" kind of lady but I greatly admire those that are and strive to develop those skills. The things I'm most proud of are those that I've created or fixed on my own and not items that I've purchased.

This old haunt is one of many that I've stayed away from for quite some time. Places that captured my heart in the past were connected with sorrow and disappointment and therefore I avoided them. Now I'm letting go and revisiting that which I once loved and finding new joy and meaning there. Once I thought I had to completely reinvent myself. Now I see I had it right all along, I just had to have the environment in which to thrive.

If you are patient enough, life always seems to come full circle.

Freshman

"Freshman"
20x30 oil on canvas
stages of the underpainting

Last week I took a trip to Coatesville to spend the day with a friend. She was kind enough to drive me around the area so that I could photograph some horses. We stopped at a field filled with young thoroughbreds that were probably to be weeded out for use on the track. This group was in their ugly years, probably about 2 and will be ready for saddling in the spring when their knees close. They were gangly, awkward and cocky. In my head I kept hearing the song "The Freshman" and the words in the chorus repeating "can't be held responsible".

There was no doubt I had to paint this gruesome group. I was intrigued by their wildness and naive look in their eyes. I think back to when glancing in the mirror my eyes shown of innocence. Sure, I'm by no means old but something is different in my gaze. I've mentioned this in blog posts before but it startles me every time I see it.

When did it happen? When did the world start looking different? When did I stop living without worrying about consequences? When did I grow up? Obviously it didn't happen overnight but recent events certainly sped up the process.

This isn't a bad thing and I'm thankful that I don't walk around in that stupid haze of youth. Yet, as I looked into the eyes of these silly equines I briefly longed to be there again. Thankfully, they started kicking and biting each other as youngsters will do and chaos ensued. Someone was going to get hurt. I snapped out of it, looked down to make sure I didn't trip on a twig, got in my XB, belted myself in and drove off.

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!

Spread A Little Love

"Mare and Foal" (private commission)
16x20

graphite on archival paper

What better day to post the finished pencil portrait of the mare and foal than Valentine's Day. Women love their horses and moms love their children. Ok, I admit I'm reaching here. That truly was meant to be humorous but the feel good intent was there. Honest it was.

In my opinion you shouldn't wait for a holiday to tell someone how you feel about them. It should be an every day event. (My valentine makes every day seem like Christmas but that's our little secret.) However, some folks are a bit shyer about expressing themselves so they need a little push. So, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, go out and spread a little love. Tell your friends and family that you are thinking of them. Make someone smile and you won't be able to help but smile yourself. Sweeten the moment with a little chocolate, it couldn't hurt!

Great Gallery Reception

Friday night was a blast. First Impressions Art Gallery in Salem was packed with art and art lovers from wall to wall. There was great art, wine, food, music and plenty of people enjoying a nice evening of culture. If you missed it make sure you don't miss the next one as the events get better each time.

Many of the artists were there to greet patrons and to answer questions. Just to name a few were Alex Alampi, Bobbie Berg, Michael Braun and Don Brewer. Do take a moment to check out their websites to see some interesting and beautiful work.

For me the evening was less about art and more about a psuedo graduation for me. For well over a year my friends and family had to watch me go through some difficult times. Friday night was a real chance for them to see me beyond happy and healthy. So many friends showed up just to lend their support and to congratulate me on all I've worked for I was really blown away.

Thank you everyone for your continued support and belief in me and my work. I couldn't do it without you.

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.

See Salem County - Art Reception

"Grant's Field"
graphite sketch in Moleskine

"Old New Castle After the Wake"
graphite sketch in Moleskine

One of my favorite things to do is to sketch images in my Moleskine book that are uniquely Salem County. What this area lacks in night life it makes up for in views that touch my soul. Whether you like farms, rivers and ships or misty marshes, it is all here. When I take the time to draw these things I feel like I am recording something that someday could be gone. Develpments creep in and things change. There is a quiet solitude here that settles and centers me. It is easy sometimes to forget that when I get busy.

So if you would like to see images of Salem County through the eyes of local artists, come to First Impressions Art Gallery this Friday, February 8th, located at 157 W. Broadway, Salem, NJ. Call 856-935-7070 for more information. The reception is from 6-9 and there will be live music and plenty of food and wine. How can you pass that up? I will be there as well as many of the other artists. My marsh paintings and the last bovine piece will be on display. The new work is up on the walls now and already one of my marsh pieces has been sold. So please come out and say hello. Get your marsh paintings now, get them while they are hot, get them while they are marshy! (Pardon me, I sort of lost it there.)

Anyway, the top image was drawn during a cold weekend morning while watching a hawk watch me. Grant Harris, of Cowtown Rodeo fame, has quite a few fields of rough stock that also have interesting and moody looking landscapes. They are always good inspiration for my sketches.

The second image was created yesterday while looking out across the Delaware River at Old New Castle. At least I think that's the town I'm looking at. A rather large cargo ship went by and I sketched and watched the water and reflections change as the wake swelled and passed. Water makes me think of my own life how it never looks the same. You can watch the river all day and minute by minute it is different. I rather enjoyed watching the water become still again and appear to be as blue as the sky. I am greatly appreciating stillness everywhere.

Graphite Portrait of Mare and Foal - Drawing Stage

Here's the progress on the equine portrait. Please pardon the dark and skewed photos. Things are moving along slowly but surely. The top photo was taken after about 40 hours of work on the project, including sketch time. The second photo was taken after a day of hard work at the drafting table. As you can see this requires some serious patience. We all know how good I am at being patient too. My cheek hurts from my tongue pressing so hard on it after that statement.

Well, I hear the Strathmore 500 Bristol calling me. That's the paper I use if you didn't catch that. Maybe I'll finish the mare's nose today! Patience is a virtue. At least I can work in my robe and fuzzy slippers. Are you jealous?

Thanks Kleo. Hugs.

Graphite Portrait of Mare and Foal - Sketch Stage

Once again I am making something out of nothing. Back during the end of summer I went out to take pictures of a mare and foal that were to be separated the very next day. Perhaps you remember my post with the photos taken while driving? These two were my reason for being out that day. The photos I came home with were less than I had hoped for but there was no turning back. I had to make this work and prayed that the art fairies would assist me.

The dilemma was that at this stage, mommy and baby were no longer really interested in each other yet, I had to create a pleasing image of the two of them for a portrait commission. I offered my client four options and this is the sketch that he chose.

The sketch is now on good archival paper and has about 25 hours worth of work invested into it. I will be posting images of the work in progress shortly. The finished horse portrait will be 16 x 20 on heavy archival paper.

I do believe the art fairies are lending a hand. Somehow when it counts they never let me down. I think they like the credit I give them.

The Bucket List

Gray Day Gulls
graphite sketch in moleskine

Sitting in my box of a car at the marina near Salem, I felt weary from the grayness of the day. My body still mending from all that it has been through seemed particulary angry and I couldn't get my mind off of it. I sketched the gulls that stared and me with what felt like menace. The bird in the center never took his eyes off my car. Perhaps he was planning the poop attack as punishment for my intrusion on his day. I just kept looking at him feeling cold and tired and wishing it was spring.

However, as I sketched I felt more in charge and somehow excited to add yet another page to my sketchbook. Each page seems like a little victory and one more thing to say I've seen and recorded. Sure these things don't seem huge in the grand scheme of things but to me they are. Though there are some places I'd like to say I've witnessed before my day comes but for the most part all I want is these little moments. Moments where I am really seeing things and feeling them are what I treasure most. They aren't always pleasant but usually they are. The best times include special people in my life. I'm not saying that I didn't appreciate my loved ones before but these days it feels different, perhaps more intense.

Don't get me wrong. I'm no saint. I bitch and moan like everyone else. The difference is that I know even those moments have purpose. They are calls to action or red flags for rest, if I'm paying attention. Those times are just part of living baby and living I am.

I feel lucky that I am experiencing life this way now. It didn't take me until I was 70 with only 6 months to live to do it. I don't need a "bucket list" to make up for lost time or to change my life. I'm crossing things off the list every day. Wow.

Pennsville at Sunset

"Pennsville at Sunset"

graphite sketch in moleskine

Sitting in my car, armed with my moleskine sketch book, I watched the sunset over the Delaware River. People walked their dogs on the beach while the gulls called overhead. It felt like I was at the shore in September trying to soak up the end of summer. Instead, it is January and I'm still in a t-shirt. I'm certain that global warming is bad but right now I'm not complaining. The evening colors of late have been spectacular. I haven't tried painting them because I don't think I could come close to their glory. You'll have to take my word for it or better yet, take 15 minutes and find a good spot to watch the sunset and see them for yourself.

I'd like to thank a regular reader, Sandy, for her kind comments about my blog and work. I'm not sure how and when she found me but I'm honored that she did and stayed.

Watching 2008

Red-Tailed Hawk
graphite sketch in moleskine book

For once I don't know what to write. Usually I sit here and the words just pour out. Not today.

I've been through so much in 2007. It was probably the longest year of my life. Despite a cold, 2008 started better than I could imagine. The evening was peaceful and warm and spent in the arms of someone very special. I had the knowledge that I was healthy as well as the loved ones in my life and that my work was selling. Comparing that to last year brings tears to my eyes. I get choked up so easily it is really embarrassing. Often I hide it with jokes and smiles but really most times I'm thinking about how far I've come and how darn lucky I am. It feels like I'm watching a movie about someone else. Only when I sit quietly do I really absorb that it is me.

It hasn't been easy and I'm still trying to rebuild the empire but I believe I'll get closer to my goal in 2008. My work gets stronger and grows in popularity. I'm fueled by a new passion and the desire to enjoy every moment. However, I still don't make too many plans. I take things as they come, savor them and watch the rest unfold.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2008.

Why Dogs Bite People

I think that says it all.

Merry Christmas from Gracie.