Gaylynn's Watercolors

Norman Rockwell Exhibit at Dayton Art Institute

2012-01-15T23:07:00.001-05:00

My friends and I went to Dayton to their Art Institute to see American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. The paintings coming from the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass. The exhibit traces the evolution of Rockwell's art and illustrations throughout his career. The exhibit has 42 original artworks and a complete set of 323 Saturday Evening Post cover tear sheets spanning 47 years.

Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms: Freedom of Religion

Norman Rockwell began his career as a teenager. His first publications was Tell Me Why. At nineteen he became the art editor of Boy's Life magazine, the official magazine of the Boys Scouts of America. He began his career at the Saturday Evening Post in 1916. Rockwell drew and painted over four thousand images in which he explored the impact on popular culture with his reflections on childhood innocence to powerful, consciousness-raising images.

In this exhibit we saw these powerful illustrations in his Four Freedoms (Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Want; Freedom of Fear; Freedom of Religion), A Scout is Helpful, the painting of Murder In Mississippi along with the sketches and news clippings about the tragedy, The Problem We All Live With about Civil Rights and the Supreme Courts ordering of integration in schools. Idyllic childhood images such as Going and Coming, A Day in The Life of a Young Girl, No Swimming and Girl at Mirror. Whether the images were comical, idyllic or powerful they were all amazingly painted.

Norman Rockwell TheCritique

One of my favorites was The Critique. The young man inspecting the Dutch influenced painting was Norman Rockwell's son. In his preparation of this painting, Norman Rockwell did many, many sketches of the paintings in this illustration. He painted the paintings in this illustration in the classical style of Peter Paul Rubens (portrait of his wife) and the Dutch cavaliers in the painting watching the young man's inspection of the lady.

In Rockwell's preparation he used several models to pose and take shots of their expressions from different angles. He then did a full sized study of the scene in pencil or charcoal. The woman's face was painted on clear plastic in many ways. Rockwell then held these sketches to the canvas until he found the head shot and expression that he liked. When he liked his sketches, Rockwell painted color studies. When all the preliminary work was finished, the final oil painting was started.

As the student leans in to look closer at the woman, she gives him a comical, yet quizzical look as if to say "get back buster!" The gentlemen's animated expressions, in the background painting, look on with concern as the boy leans into the painting. They probably wonder if the young man is getting too close to the lady. I just love the humor in this painting. The Critique was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post April 1955.

Norman Rockwell is considered an illustrator, but I have always admired him as an artist.

I am lucky that I have friends that enjoy seeing exhibits and travel with me to view them. This exhibit will be at the Dayton Art Institute until February 5, 2012. I highly recommend the trip to see this thought provoking body of work.

Gaylynn

Following a Vision

2012-01-12T22:38:00.001-05:00

Once a week, for ten weeks before Christmas I taught a watercolor class to an exceptional young woman. She had art in high school, but now that she was through college and in a new job, she wanted to learn how to paint with watercolors. During the ten weeks we worked on many techniques that lead up to her picking what she wanted to paint. She chose orchids, stating that she liked my painting of orchids.

E. Miller Watercolor SOLD

She obtained a How to book on painting flowers in watercolor. She liked the fuchsia orchids that the artist author had. My student took those orchids and placed them on her paper the way she wanted them to appear, not how the artist placed hers. She then talked me through her vision for the painting. The next four weeks she would ask how would she could achieve her goal and I sat beside her with my paper and reminded her of the strokes we went over, or how wet into wet would work in certain areas, dry brush in others.We discussed design on where the stems should be placed and if leaves were needed. All leading up to her vision coming to life.

I think she achieved her vision and can not wait to see what she will "see" to paint next.

Gaylynn

Happy New Year! 2011 in Review

2011-12-28T22:27:00.000-05:00

Onions Watercolor Donated to Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser

It is that time of year when I take stock of my 2011 accomplishments and work on goals for 2012.

In 2011:
I completed five paintings with one still on my easel.
I taught a private watercolor class. So FUN!

Troublesome Pebble Watercolor

I posted 42 times to this blog. These posts also go to my FB page and I have over 580 "friends" that I share tweets with on Twitter. This is my way of getting out there and meet other artists for support and ideas.
I began listening to Dreama Tolle Perry and Leslie Saeta on Artist's Helping Artists on Blog Talk Radio. These ladies give great tips and have very helpful guests on their weekly show.
I updated my resume'.
I renewed my membership to Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Here I learn from the wonderful speakers the club brings in each month.

Locked Out Watercolor SOLD

I entered 5 paintings into 4 juried shows. They made it into 3 shows; Miamisburg Art Guilds Annual Exhibit, GCWS Fall Members Show at Evergreen and the 43rd Annual Viewpoint at The Wessel Gallery, Cincinnati Art Club.
I received a 2nd place ribbon for my painting Waiting on the Rain (see Gallery above) at the Evergreen Show.
I traveled to Nashville, TN to the Frist Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame. I went to several exhibits at the Taft Museum.
I attended Summerfair at Coney Island Park. This is a National Outdoor Art Show. It brings in many artists from all over the USA. This show begins my summer each year and is my favorite event at Coney.

I have to state that if it was not for my art community, I would not have made some of these accomplishments. I am grateful for All the help I received from Rhonda Carpenter and her husband. The mentoring I get from Rhonda, Deb Ward and the many blogs that I read and comment on.

Flower Market Watercolor SOLD

Now for my 2012 goals. This is very much what I wrote last year. I only reached 4 out the 25 so I am going to try again.

I want to stay organized. I can do this by:
Keep books up to date.
Keep files of my paintings up to date.
Keep my studio less cluttered.
Keep my portfolio/bio/artist statement/scrapbook up to date.

I want to become a better painter. I can do this by:
Improving my studio habits.

Painting 9 or more paintings for the year.

Keep teaching
Picking an artist to study their techniques/style.
Seeing exhibits at museums, galleries, art events, and art fairs. (4 or more local/far away)

Keep donating my art to the Boys and Girls Clubs Annual Fund-raiser.

Take a workshop/class.

Travel

Mugs with Oranges Oil

I want to step up my game. I can do this by:

Enter 4 or more juried exhibitions.

Take better quality photos of my work.

Participate in 2 group shows.

Obtain commissions.

Make 3 or more sales.
Meet more artists in my area.
Renew my membership to those I belong.
Join another are organization and become involved.

I want to work on my marketing skills. I can do this by:
Ordering new business cards and postcards.
Work on mailing list and strive for 200+ names.
Research the costs of prints/cards of my artwork.
Blogging once a week.
Creating a website.

Now to print this out and hang it in the studio!
I WISH EVERYONE A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
Gaylynn.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T07:11:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a joyous weekend. May it be filled with lots of family, friends and memories.

Safe travels

Gaylynn

The Different Views of Viewpoint

2011-11-22T18:49:00.001-05:00

Viewpoint ended on Sunday. I saw it all three weekends. I went to the opening with my friend, Cindy. We took in the ambiance and excitement of the evening. I took pictures of the show. We talked to other artists and attendees of the show. We discussed what we liked and which ones we thought would take a prize. After the prizes were handed out we then talked about our choices and how we stacked up to the judges choices.

Then I took my friend Tina with the intent to take more and/or better pictures then I was able to do on opening night. Once there I decided to just absorb the atmosphere and enjoy the artwork. Again, I discussed with her our likes, but this time with the knowledge of who the winners were.

On the closing day of the show, I took my student so that we could critique the show together. It was nice to see the paintings through her eyes. I knew how I felt and the opinions of my friends. However, my student slowly looked around the show and come away surprised with herself about what she liked. She confided in me that she normally leans to works that are cool in color, realistic or modern in style. Then she found herself looking closely at the brush strokes, the detail and then the subject matter.

She told me that she thought she liked the paintings that were more realistic and had a finished look. However, after viewing the show she learned about color placement, texture and what she perceived as a "realistic" painting could be abstract in design. She pointed out two paintings where the subject was prominent and the background faded. She said that her first thought was that they bothered her that they were not "finished". She thought she wanted the tight detail. Yet, after looking around and seeing the paintings from across the room she could see how they worked.

Mary Helen Wallace Racing With the Moon Pastel

She stated that she saw color used in a way that she would not have thought to use it. Using Mary Helen Wallace's pastel painting of a timber wolf as an example, she was surprised how Mary Helen had used purple, blues and pinks on the wolf's coat and how it still read as fur.

Carol MacConnel Hyde Park Oil

Then I gave her the million dollar question...."If money was no object, which painting would you buy and why?"

With careful thought she choose Hyde Park (oil) by Carol MacConnel. She said that she felt she could look at this painting everyday and enjoy it. She liked the colors, the texture created by the brush strokes and the sunshine coming through the trees. She liked how it looked different from afar then it did close up.

She said that her decorating palette was neutral and she felt that this painting would be the showcase of any room she would place it.

I enjoyed each person that I viewed the show with and their perspective. Some of us liked the same paintings while some of us had a different take on a few of the paintings. We all agreed that the judge took his time and stayed true to his statement that he looked at the technical first when he chose each painting for the show and then the winners.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Gaylynn

43rd Annual Viewpoint

2011-11-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

Gaylynn M. Robinson Locked Out Watercolor

Last night was the opening of the 43rd Annual Viewpoint. An international show produced by the Cincinnati Art Club. It was a beautiful fall evening in Mt. Adams/Cincinnati, OH. The Wessel Gallery held a large crowd eager to see the prized paintings of this show.

Deb Ward was the Viewpoint Chairperson that organized the show and handed out the awards. Deb did a fantastic job all around. This was her third and final year for being chairperson. Check out her thoughts about the show on her blog.

Greg Albert speaking at a GCWS Meeting

The Judge was Greg Albert. He is a teacher at the Cincinnati Art Academy's Community Classes, has written for the Artist's Magazine and is an author published through North Light Books.
Greg's criteria when he judges is concept and execution. In his words, "Concept is the idea the artist is conveying. The execution is how well the artist translated his concept in the chosen medium." - excerpt from his book The Secret to Better Painting.

Ken L. Buck Free Spirit Pastel

I am honored to have a painting selected to be in this show with a group of such accomplished artists. I am especially thrilled to have my painting hang in the same room as two of my former teachers. Both teachers won an award.

Ken won the Great American Art Works Award for his pastel painting Free Spirit.

Mary Helen Wallace Racing with the Moon Pastel

Mary Helen won The Bowman's Framing Award with her pastel painting Racing with the Moon.

Carolyn Ross Hibbard Bloomin' Beauties II Watercolor

A member of the GCWS, Carolyn Ross Hibbard, won the Ray Loos Watercolor Award for her Bloomin' Beauties II.

Rhonda Carpenter A Difference of Opinion Watercolor

There were three more GCWS members that had paintings in the show, Rhonda Carpenter, Lorri Davis and Joan Rothel.

Rhonda also commented on her blog about the event.

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Lorri Davis Afternoon Davis Watercolor

Joan Rothel Ready to Fish Watercolor

Wilfred Loring May Clothesline, II Oil

There were 15 awards plus the top three.

May Clothesline, II by Wilfred Loring of Lindsborg, Kansas won 3rd place.

Gail Morrison Hidden History Oil

2nd place was awarded to Gail Morrison of Cincinnati, OH for her oil painting Hidden History.

Andy Curran Gypsy Oil

The top prize of 1st Place went to Gypsy painted by Andy Curran of Cincinnati, OH.

The different mediums exhibited were:

27 Oil
3 Acrylic
12 Watercolor
1 Alkyd
10 Pastel
1 Oil Pastel
3 Colored Pencil
1 Pen & Ink
2 Charcoal
1 Mixed Media
4 Sculptures

My photos are not the best. It is hard to take pictures in a crowd of people. I highly suggest that you go to the Wessel Gallery at the Cincinnati Art Club the next two weekends to see these beautiful paintings in person. The gallery is open 1-4pm November 12-13, 19-20.

Happy Viewing
Gaylynn

Sidebar: A BIG Thank you to Rhonda and her Sweetie for their help with my paintings at the GCWS Show at Evergreen. My 2nd place ribbon is dedicated to them because if they had not helped me I would not have achieved that honor.

Paintings from the Evergreen Show

2011-10-02T20:50:00.000-04:00

I went to view the GCWS show at Evergreen Retirement Community. Because I was painting with chalk at Streetscapes I was unavailable to attend the opening. This show is Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's Fall members show. It was Judged by Bruce Erikson, Asst. Professor, Art Dept., Xavier University. Below are quotes of what Professor Erikson thought of the members paintings that he awarded ribbons to.

Evergreen Retirement Community, what a neat place. There was such a buzz coming from the hallway where the show began. The hallway took you to the entrance for their dinning room. More specifically a dining room that you had to have reservations to! Families coming to visit their loved ones dressed in their Sunday best waiting to be called to lunch by the host and hostess that seated them.

I waded through the families to look at the many paintings hanging in this hallway. My painting Waiting on the Rain was right next to the entrance of the dining room. Sadly, I could not get a good picture of the painting sporting its red ribbon due to the glare from the windows across from the painting.

Glare from the lighting also impeded good photos of other paintings in the show.

"Robinson's sensitivity to color really captures the look, smell and sound of the surf." -Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

First place was awarded to Joan Ammerman's painting titled Walnut Creek Canyon.

"Filled with dramatic space and beautiful handling of texture through light and color, Ammerman's painting is stunning." - Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

Third place went to Sue Grogan's painting Springtime.

"Grogan creates a beautiful composition of flowers and statuary through painterly mark-making and an abundance of luminous washes." -Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

Hot Pink Flamingo by Rhonda Carpenter was awarded and Honorable Mention.

"The saturation of Carpenter's flamingo is extremely eye-catching." - Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

Honorable Mention went to Lake Como by Ritzie Junker

"I really enjoyed both of Junker's pieces, but felt the mood captured in the vertical landscape was terrific." - Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

And Yuriko Kudo recieved the last Honorable Mention for Woman at Shaker Village.

"The strength of drawing and difficulty of subject matter of Kudo was also quite strong." - Bruce Erikson, Xavier University

I really liked Race Talk by Sandy Maudlin. I felt it was a well executed collage style painting.

Deb Ward's Red Roses on Grandma's Quilt was stunning. I feel this painting speaks volumes of Deb's love for her grandmother's keepsakes.

There were lots of other fabulous paintings by the members of GCWS. You can view the show noon to 4pm daily until October 31st.

Gaylynn

I GOT INTO VIEWPOINT!!!!

2011-10-02T09:17:00.000-04:00

Gaylynn M. Robinson Locked Out Waterrcolor

Locked Out was chosen to show at the Cincinnati Art Clubs National Show called Viewpoint. This was the second time (and three paintings) that I had tried to enter this show in its 43rd year. There were 355 entries from 184 artists and 70 were awarded the privilege to hang in the show.

I can not even begin to convey my enthusiasm for this honor!!!!!!

The opening is November 4, 2011 at the Cincinnati Art Club from 6-9pm. The show is open to the public on weekends only from 1-4pm beginning November 5 through November 20, 2011.

Gsylynn M. Robinson Waiting On the Rain Watercolor

On top of getting into Viewpoint, Waiting on the Rain received 2nd place at the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's Fall Member Show! This show can be seen at the Evergreen Retirement Community, 230 W. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH. The show is available to see daily noon -4pm daily until October31st. If you live in the Cincinnati area I hope you come to see these two shows.

I have to thank Rhonda Carpenter for her help in getting my paintings to the GCWS show and Deb Ward for her encouragement and to both ladies for their friendship and support.

I have had a wonderful week!!!! :-)
Most honored and thrilled,
Gaylynn

Streetscapes September 24 & 25, 2011

2011-09-25T14:43:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I spent the day in Clifton with my friend Tina Clyburn painting with chalk on the street at a yearly event called Streetscapes in Clifton. The day began with clouds and rain. The rain did not last long and by 1pm were were in sunshine.

Streetscape is where artists transform a street into a virtual museum. The street is the canvas where the artist reproduce a famous work of art using custom made chalk. The artist made the chalk at an workshop several weeks prior to the event.

Spectators watch the artwork evolve during the the two day festivities. In addition to the artwork, there were musicians and entertainment for all ages. There was a kids area where they could draw their own masterpiece with sidewalk chalk.

In this first picture we had to walk on the duct tape to make sure it stuck to the asphalt.

The next step was to put brown craft paper around the perimeter of the "canvas" area .

Tina then placed the drawing of the painting we were going to paint on the "canvas". Tina chose Madame Matisse: madras rouge as our masterpiece to recreate.

This painting has lots of bold colors and will translate well with the chalk.

In the drawing are tiny holes that we pounced baby powder over. This process will transfer the drawing onto the "canvas".

After we pounced, the drawing was pulled off and vol la our drawing is ready to paint.

We then used white chalk to make our baby powder lines show up better.

Tina began placing the red print on the dress as I began the print on the hat.

I moved from the hat to the face. It is really hard to make lines especially fine lines on the asphalt. I got the shape of the eyes (somewhat), but could not add the lashes. The same on the hat. I made the squiggle lines, but could not get the dot and dashes that Matiesse used to represent shadow on the lines. However, when you stand back to see how things are looking it works.

Tina worked on the dress. The beautiful dark blue chalk that she made at the workshop filled the dress nicely.

After I finished the hat and face I moved onto the hands. I really had a hard time with them. Mostly because Matisse painted them limply. That bothered me. Also, as I stated earlier, it is hard to translate small lines on the asphalt. So the fingers were very hard to shape.

8 hours later our 5'x7' painting was done on the first day!

I can not thank the city of Clifton, who planned the event, for the kindness they treated the artists. We began the day in rain and they planned ahead by putting us under a tent. They provided us with the space, brown craft paper, feed us and kept us watered. This is an awesome event and I look forward to next year.

If you live in the Cincinnati area and would like to join us or create your own masterpiece let Tina or I know and we will keep you informed.

Happy Painting
Gaylynn

Cincinnati Art Club Members Fall Exhibit

2011-09-18T18:00:00.002-04:00

I went to see the Cincinnati Art Clubs Fall Exhibit for members with Rhonda Carpenter. There were 38 paintings displayed in their Wessel Gallery.

Rhonda and I went to see Deb Ward's entry Industrial Revolution. Her painting was in the vestibule on the right when you walked into the door.

As you can see this is a spectacular painting of an old piece of farm equipment. This snapshot does not begin to show the vibrant colors and detail that Deb has in this painting.

Front and center as you entered the building was Natasha Kinnari's oil painting called Appalachian View.
I always enjoy seeing Natasha's new paintings.

I met her several years ago at one of the Miamisburg
Art Shows. I even remember she took home a ribbon. The next time I saw her was at a holiday craft show at a local high school. Her work was heads above the different crafts around her. Last May she won first place at the Womens Art Club's Annual Show. I feel Natsha is an area artist to watch.

This watercolor was painted by Joan Ammerman. It is titled Summer on Cape Cod. I really like her painting. I want to walk up those steps and have a sit in the rocking chair. A very inviting scene and well executed.

I apologize for the light glare on this and the next watercolor.

Daffodils by Wynne Lynch Bittlinger is a stunning watercolor.
The strips lead you around the painting and makes the flowers sing. The material rolls around the vase and in the shine of the vase.

Irene Paian's Hyde Park Square is an acrylic painting that really captures this local park.

This acrylic painting called Sonata in Blue by Joanne Honschopp shows off a lovely view of the Ohio river.

The following Signature Members also had works on display.
Alice Allison, Judy Barton, Julie Beers, Mary Lewis Bertke,Tom Bluemlein, Jan Boone, Tim Boone, Linda Crank, John Dalzell, Mark Downey, Nariko Fields, P.D. Grosser, George Hageman, Sara Hamel, Steve Hart, Ray Hassard, Ursula Jones, Dave Klocke, Barbara Kuntz, Cynthia Matyi, Joan Miley, Velma J. Morris, Mildred Null, Jan Polk, Tom Powers, Barbara Pryor, Partick Romelli, Amy Roy, Margaret Schrimpf, Clark A. Stevens, Barbara W. Trauth, Kay K. Worz. .

After Rhonda and I took in the exhibit I gave her my paintings that I was entering in the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's members show at Evergreen Senior Life Community. This Show opens on September 25th noon -4pm until October 31st.

images by D.Ward, J. Vance, R Junker, J. Ammerman, S. Grogan & R. Carpenter

I appreciate Rhonda delivering my paintings since I am unable to do so on my own. Darn day job always gets in the way, :-)
Have a great week,
Gaylynn

Carol and David lost their home – a fundraiser

2011-09-06T20:02:00.000-04:00

Carol and David lost their home – a fundraiser

I am a follower of Carol Marine and he fabulous artwork. Sadly Carol and her family have lost their home to the fires near Bastrop, Texas. Clicking on the link above will give you the story.

I have an artist friend, Sharon Leonard, that lives in the Steiner Ranch area. After a long Labor Day weekend Sharon writes...
"We are now back in our home in Steiner Ranch and everything is in tact. As we were driving out of the community on Sunday, we could see the flames shooting so high at the rim of the canyon, and the air was heavy with black smoke from the burning homes.........extremely surreal. Fire trucks were lined up on the side of the road for a couple of miles with the fire fighters waiting their turns to help. And, of course, we knew from all reports the damage was severe. As we drove back into the community today, the sky was bright blue, booths were set up at the Welcome Center offering free food to all of the returning residents and there was very little smoke coming from the burned area. We could see streams of water being sprayed into the canyon to control the hot spots, and yet there was so much green space (much of it brown space because of the drought) that was untouched by the fire; it further emphasized the amazing job these fire fighters accomplished when they contained this fire. If they hadn't been so quick to respond and their efforts hadn't been so relentless, the fire would have swallowed up so much more of our community..........keep in mind, there was a shortage of fire fighters at that time. The law enforcement department was incredible, too, for evacuating this community in time and in an organized manner. Again, I thank all of my FB family and friends for so many prayers offered for our safety and the safety of all of the residents here. There is still much work remaining for the fire fighters in Bastrop and throughout the state of TX. My prayer is for God to bless each and every one of you always."

Please keep the families of this devastated area in Texas in your thoughts and prayers. You can call your local Red Cross to make donations.

Gaylynn

School started

2011-08-28T20:56:00.000-04:00

I have been busy the last two weeks with the beginning of school. The program (18-22 yr.old Special Need Young Adults) was moved to another building and we have been tirelessly unpacking and setting up the classroom. We still have not been able to find all our furniture and boxes.

Last week was our first week for our interns. The new faces has meant that we have to reevaluate how we have done things in the past. Each intern brings a new set of challenges. Our first challenge is to get to know this new town and find volunteer jobs for the interns to learn so they get practical job experience.

I have several shows that I am looking to be able to get my paintings into. The next is Middletown Arts Center Area Art Show September 23-October 2. I will take the paintings that I put in the Miamisburg Art Show. These locations are near each other and the pick up and delivery are within days of each other. I will get it done (hopefully) with the help of my parents. It also makes a good excuse to have dinner.

The next show is with the Cincinnati Watercolor Society September 25-October 30. I am putting Rosemary's Orchid and Waiting on the Rain (both in My Gallery) in this show. Again, I will need help from a friend to get my paintings delivered. The Club only takes paintings during their meeting time. Alas, I will be with my interns so I will not make the meeting.

The last one I am trying to get into is Viewpoint at the Cincinnati Art Club November 4-20. This one you have to make a CD of your entry and mail it in. Logistics is not a problem, but making sure the picture of my painting is the right size, labeled correctly on the picture and on the CD (for me) is a little daunting. I really feel that is why I did not get in last year. This year "I think" I got everything labeled right this time. Anyway, it is in the judges hands now.

Wish me luck,
Gaylynn

2011 9th Annual Miamisbug Juried Art Exhibition

2011-08-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the opening of the 9th Annual Art Exhibit at the Miamisburg Art Gallery in Miamisburg, Ohio. If you have followed me over the years you know I enter this juried show each year because it is my roots. I learned to paint in the Art Guilds classroom.

This year the show had 119 entries from 57 artist and 96 were juried into the show. I was lucky to have both of mine make it in. I was not lucky enough to receive an award. There were 4 categories (Drawing, Oil/Acrylic, Watermedia and Miscellaneous) with 4 winners in each and a Best of Show.

As I walked into the gallery, my first reaction was that it felt sparse. In the past when I walked into the gallery the space felt full and the paintings were numerous or the paintings were huge and took up lots of space. That was not the case this year. Although there were some large pieces, they were not weighty paintings. It was a light an airy feel to the gallery this year. The last two years colored pencil had taken front and center, but this year there were more pastels. As always the Art Guild was very gracious with their hospitality and hanging of the show.

My entries were:

Locked Out
Watercolor

The Flower Market
Watercolor

I painted The Flower Market for my mother. It is she who is looking at the flowers in the painting and is standing next to the painting at the exhibit.

Drawing Winner

The Barrel Racer
Pastel
Paul Fox

2nd place went to this stunning pastel painting by Donna Brinkman.
It was my favorite painting in the show.

Oils/Acrylic Winner

Reflections of September
Oil
Jim Eberhart

2nd place went to The Oyster Bar by Donna Brinkman. Again, a stunning painting by this artist.

Watermedia

Model #1
Watercolor
Misuk Goltz

Leonard Williams took 2nd for his painting Warming Sun done in casein.

Best of Show

Mad River Pool

Pastel

Chuck Bergert

I did not take any pictures of the Miscellaneous Catergory which consisted of mixed media painting, mixed media pottery and a wood, glass and iron wall hanging. All very wonderful pieces. I apologize for the poor photography, as you can see, the lighting maked it very hard to take pictures without having my reflection or the lights or other objects/people in the picture.

I enjoy going back each year and seeing family, catching up with mentors past and present (missed you Deb Ward), meeting new artist (Theresa Houston), but mostly know that I am home.

Gaylynn

Flower Market WIP

2011-08-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

I just returned from a week at a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN. Always fun to get away.

While I was gone, my parents entered two paintings for me at the Miamisburg Art Galleries Annual Exhibit. It opens Saturday August 13, 2011 from 1-5pm. Awards at 3p. If you live in the Dayton, Miamisburg, Middletown, Ohio area come see the exhibit. I hope to see my paintings hanging when I get there on Saturday. Good Luck to all who entered.

Flower Market is progressing. I have begun tightening the flowers and giving them definition. The architectural features also are coming into play. I began working in the shadow on the pole and tent top. Details have been lightly placed in the background on the left and in the window panes of the door. While waiting on the flowers to dry, I began shaping the shadows and creases in the ladies sweat shirt and pants, as well as, her hair.

This painting is busy and has been a challenge to create. However, each time I step back to ponder, I figure out the next color or technique to make an area work. This is always exciting.

I confess that this painting is now finished, framed and entered in the exhibit. So if you are at the exhibit you will get the first look.

On a personal note...on Tuesday I will have my second surgery for carpal tunnel. This time it will be my left wrist. I can paint, but I can not draw after the surgery for about 2 weeks. So tomorrow will be spent getting something ready for the easel so I won't have any down time.

Also, school begins for me on the Monday August 15th. Hard to believe summer has gone by so quickly AGAIN.

See you on Saturday :-)
Gaylynn

Painting in progress: At the Flower Market

2011-07-28T23:28:00.001-04:00

How about this weather! I am ready for the spring (that we did not have)/fall temps of 70's. I have been busy with my summer job, which is parking concerts and melting in this humidity. I then took a week to see my baby girl in her new home in North Carolina.

So now it is back to work. I am reading paintings for the Miamisburg Art Show that is due August 6th. The opening is August 13th. I plan on entering Locked Out and the painting I started below.

Although it is hard to tell, I drew the lady looking at flowers on a 11"x14" Kilamangaro paper. I choose this subject to paint because I liked how the lady's sweat shirt blended with all the flowers.

I put masking fluid in the areas that I wanted to keep clean for either white spaces or flowers. The washes laid in the areas where the flowers will be and a few architectural elements are.

I washed in the basic outline of her shirt, hair,pants, flower pots,door and tent outline.

I haven't forgotten about showing the final post of the oil still life. I am still deciding if it is done. Meanwhile, I need to get thisWC finished.
Stay cool
Gaylynn

My Day of Art: Always Learning

2011-07-07T12:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I began my day at the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society meeting. After the regular meeting, the guest speaker was Sandy Maudlin. Sandy is a local watermedia artist that teaches at her studio on the west side of Cincinnati. Sandy teaches watercolor and liquid acrylics; how to use watermedia on Yupo paper and other odd surfaces; and different techniques, such as, batik method using watermedia and a method where you pour colors onto your paper.

Today's lesson was on trees and greens. Sandy began by showing us a tree with mistakes. She then pointed them out giving us a list of Dont's:

Don't have the trunk be the same size as it goes up. They get smaller.
Don't have parallel lines.
Don't have 2 or 3 lines meet at an intersection.
Don't forget you light source.
Don't draw each leaf. Only close up.
Don't lack symetry.
Don't forget to add color to the bark and leaves.
Don't leave large shapes because it grabs the viewers attention and they do not see the subject.

Sandy took a clean palette and placed puddles of water around the corners. On one side she added cool colors to her puddles and on the other she added warm colors. Sandy then picked up the colors on her brush which mixes on paper. Sandy believes "color gives us emotional contact."

I then moved on to the Taft Museum to meet a friend who is a docent there. The present show is called In the Company of Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows June 10- September 11.

These seven windows were rescued from Church of the New Jerusalem that was being demolished in 1964 due to the construction of I-71. Parishioners saved the windows, storing them in basements and attics. The windows have recently been restored. They were shown along with some art carved furniture and artifacts from the church. The furniture was made by Henry Fry who was a renowned art carved furniture maker in Cincinnati at the turn of the century.

The Swedenborgian Church commissioned Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1900 to create these windows of angels. The eight foot tall angel windows ornamented the altar of the church. Each angel represents one of the seven churches described in the Book of Revelation. Tiffany designed the windows with rich symbolism found in the bible and his trademark colors and pioneered techniques in glass making.

These windows were spectacular! I was fascinated with the color and texture of the glass. The painting of the faces and hands were so detailed. The faces were stylized to keep the angels non gendered. A former parishioner described the angels, "...seven slender angels with Gibson Girl faces behind our altar; these were Tiffany stained glass, Art Nouveau windows from New York in mauve, lavender, and gold."

The most masculine angel held a large white stone along with his shield. Tiffany mottled the glass of the shield to make it look like beaten metal. The white stone actually stuck out from the window giving it such presence. Another angel held a book that looked like it was covered in animal skin. Each angel had beautifully sculpted glass for their garments. Each angel was individually illuminated. It was fun for my friend and I to look at and figure out the symbolism of each angel. As always, the Taft puts on a fabulous exhibit.

As a side note...Tiffany was also commissioned at other churches in Cincinnati. Their stained glass windows are still intact. They are seen at the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, First Unitarian Church in Avondale, Church of the Advent in East Walnut Hills,Calvary Episcopal Church in Clifton, Christ Church in Glendale, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Covington. If you take a road trip to find and see these windows be sure to call ahead before visiting.

After seeing the exhibit we then moved onto the Taft collection throughout the cheerful museum. My friend wanted to learn more about the paintings in the collection. As a docent they are given information about the paintings and decorative arts, such as, the artist; dates painted or created; maybe who the sitter was; and symbolism. They are not told how an oil painting is painted, how watercolor is painted, paints, how an item is carved; how pottery is made; about elements or principals of design, different types of perspective, tidbits about the artist, etc.... Being a retired teacher, my friend would like to make her tours more interesting and educational by learning more about art beyond the facts they are given to learn. This was as beneficial for me as much as it was for her as we walked around and schooled each other discussing each painting.

It is always fun to walk through museums with friends of like mind. So get your friend(s) and head out to see these glorious angels and take in the collection at the Taft, the jewel of Cincinnati.

Happy discovering
Gaylynn

Oils revisited: Mug and Oranges WIP

2011-07-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

When I began painting I learned in oils. When I went to college I took up acrylics then moved to watercolors around 13 years ago. I have not painted with oils for 30+ years (yes I just dated myself). But.....I have been watching Nancy Van Blaricom as she is teaching herself to paint with oils. This has been giving me the urge to get the oils out and see if I can still push the paint around.

I had bought a Windsor&Newton student grade beginner set a year or so ago to show a former student how to use oils when she asked. I have not touched them since. In the set is French Ultramarine, Cad. Red Deep Hue, Cad. Yellow Pale Hue, Veridian Hue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber and Titanium White.

So, today I have the whole day to myself...no interruption (beside dogs and laundry). What a better time to get the oils out. I sketched my picture and put it on the canvas board. Using a small brush and the ultramarine I drew on top of the charcoal line. I then made a pale blue using the white and ultramarine. I dipped the brush in turpentine, then the blue mix and washed in the background. I did the same for the purple mug, orange pieces and the table top. I let this dry about an hour.

When I came back to the painting I began putting more paint on to the surface. I mixed on the palette and on the canvas. I am still working out in my head how to put the texture of the orange peal and the orange flesh on the canvas. I think this will be the hardest part.

I am enjoying getting back to my roots and I am looking forward to seeing where it leads me. What I have learned so far is that I need to get better brushes!

Heading back to the easel,
Gaylynn

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day

Fathers....

Are God's special people,

They are unsung heroes,

And their love is unconditional...

My Dad was in the Navy Reserve for 32 years.

He spent 10 years going to night school to get a degree.

Yet, he had time to build a boat, take us camping, support us.

His drive and tenacity gave us a model to strive and want more for ourselves.

As we all have become adults, Dad takes pride in following our lives and special moments.

We love that about him.

So, Happy Father's Day

to My Dad.

Gaylynn

Studio Time On Hold

2011-06-15T10:01:00.000-04:00

Studio time is on a brief hold due to surgery for carpal tunnel on my right hand. This is the first of 2 surgeries. The second to be determined.

Until I can hold a pencil/brush, I will be doing research for my next painting.

Looking for something to do with your favorite Dad this weekend....go see the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's show at the Barn in Mariemont from now until June 19th. The gallery hours at The Barn are:
Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday - Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm
6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont, OH

Gaylynn

GCWS 9th Annual All Member Show @ the Barn

2011-06-04T23:10:00.002-04:00

Today was the opening of the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's Sumer Exhibit and Sale at The Barn. The GCWS is the only organization in the Tri-State area that focuses exclusively on water based painting. This show is for GCWS members only and was judged by a curator from the Cincinnati Art Museum.

I am tickled for my friends and blog buddies who won awards at the show.

Deb Ward received the Grand Prize for her painting Muncie's Pride. These ball jars on the paint chipped barn shelf was magnificent. I admire Deb's style. The feel of the blue glass jars with the rusty clasps on the lids. The look of the wood planks made you feel like you were in the barn where Deb found them.

A Difference of Opinion was Rhonda Carpenter's entry that received an Honorable Mention. I really like her birds. You can see the feathers with the purplish highlights. I apologize to Rhonda for the glare because this shot does not do justice to these fine birds.

Second place went to Jean Vance for her painting titled Stoningham, Maine.

Waiting by Ritzie Junker won third place. It was neat to learn that this painting was the artists first try on Yupo. How thrilling for her!

Other Honorable Mentions went to:

Citta' Di Venezia by Susan Grogan

Secluded Cape Cod Pond Jean Ammerman

The last painting I wanted to share was this monochromatic called Satin, Eggs & Pearls by Wynnie Bittlinger. This stunning watercolor had such technical execution.

If you get a chance to see this well done show of watercolors from now until June 19th the gallery hours at The Barn are:
Tuesday - Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday - Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm
6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont, OH

The Barn is the home of the Women's Art Club of Cincinnati. The Barn has a gallery and classrooms and is located in the village of Mariemont, OH. This is a remarkable building because of its history. The WACC matched funds with a grant to purchase and renovate the barn that once was the home to the first dairy of the Linder family that began United Dairy Farmers.

If you see the show let me know what you think. Just click on viewer's commented.

Gaylynn
Side bar......I am a member of GCWS, however I did not enter a painting. I only get to participate during the summer months due to my job for the school system where I live. This usually excludes me from entering any shows because GCWS meets on a weekday morning once a month. This means I am at work when it is time for meetings or to enter and/or drop off paintings. Even though I can not participate, I do feel my dues are worth it for the ladies I have met and the speakers they have each meeting. Having stated this...I do wish sometimes that the club was more accommodating to all their members. I so would like to have the opportunity to enter member shows.

Memorial Day Salute/ Locked Out Finished

2011-05-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

Honor our Troops

On this Memorial Day as we picnic with friends and family, please remember the meaning of the day and give thanks to our soldiers, past and present, who protect us.


Gaylynn M. Robinson Cincinnati, OH Locked Out 11"x14" Watercolor

The red orange wall is finished. I changed the title to Locked Out because of the lock on the door. However, in reality it is a public tourist site and was probably not open at the time the shot was taken.

My Inspiration

When my "daughter", Kelsey, came back from Morocco she was showing me her photos. There were several that I really liked and she graciously allowed me to have a few of them. This particular photo was not only well set up, I liked the colors and the isolation the young man conveyed.

Design Strategy

To get the perspective right! I spent a lot of time in the drawing stage. Without the lines lining up the stones would not work. I brightened the colors on the young man so that he was not lost in the doorway.

Working process

Once the drawing process was complete, I transferred the drawing to my 11"x14" 300 lb. Kilimanjaro archival paper. I laid in a light wash of W&N Cad. Lemon. Once dried, I whetted the wall down and laid in another wash along with some darks in the stone. While wet, I pulled some of the paint off to keep those areas light. When the painting dried, I masked the areas to keep the whites or the stone light. When the masking fluid dried I began laying in some darks to establish the lines in the stone and some shading on the door. I moved onto the door and painted it a red brown. While wet I put in a light gray where the light is reflected on the door. I mixed W&N burnt sienna and Yarke madder lake for the doors color. Using a brush with clean water I blended the two areas together. When dried I removed the masking fluid on the door and cleaned up the hardwares shapes. I have many layers on the wall to create the texture. I used Da Vinci Quin. Burnt Orange to lay in the bottom layers. I then move to W&N Burnt Sienna, Amer. Journey Burnt Umber and W&N French Ultramarine for the darks. For some of the light grays on the wall and on the ground I mixed Amer. Journey Coastal Fog, W&N Indigo and Burnt Sienna. I removed the masking fluid and shaped the areas more. The young man's shirt was W&N Cobalt with layers of French Ultramarine and Indigo. The pants were Amer. Journey Olive and W&N Indigo. The shoes are layers of W&N Yellow Ochre, Amer. Journey Raw Sienna, W&N Smalt Blue and Derwent Light Violet WC pencil. I used W&N Yellow Ochre as the beginning layer for the skin and used blue smalt mixed with the ochre to create the shadows.

Have a great day!

Gaylynn

WIP Red Wall

2011-05-22T20:14:00.000-04:00


Red Wall WIP

I was able to get a few minutes in on this painting before taking off for another out of town family event. Last weekend I helped my daughter and son-in-law move to North Carolina and see her best friend that I claim as a daughter (and the photographer of the picture I am painting from). This weekend I witnessed our nephew marry a lovely young lady whom we have adored since they began dating. I am looking forward to staying home for the holiday weekend to be able to accomplish many things around the house. One being time in the studio. I have 7 more days left of school, then a summer (78 days) to work on my to do list.

I took off the masking fluid and painted a few more layers of of the Da Vinci Orange color to the wall. I darkened the doorway with a mix of Sepia and Winsor Newton Burnt Sienna. I added a layer of Madder Lake to the door to give it a richer burnt red surface. I also mixed Cheap Joe's Coastal Fog and Payne's Gray to create the blue gray areas in the doorway and lights on the door.

I put a base color on the young mans shirt with cobalt; his pants with olive and an ocher on his skin and shoes. I painted a gray on the sidewalk to show shadows.

Next step, beginning the detail of the young man. Comments welcomed.

Gaylynn

Red Stone Wall WIP

2011-05-17T22:46:00.000-04:00


Hassan Tower Doorway Rabat, Morocco

I laid in another layer to the stone wall and red door.

From the photographer (Kelsey Glover) of the photo, I learned that the building this young man is sitting at is called Hassan Tower.

Hassan Tower is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat, Morocco. Construction began in 1195 AD and the tower was meant to be the largest minaret in the world along with the mosque. When the Sultan died in 1199 the construction stopped. The tower only reached 140 feet which was half of the intended 260 feet. The rest of the mosque was also left incomplete but sits next to the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V making this is a historical and tourist complex. The tower is made of red sandstone. There are ramps instead of stairs to ascend the tower. This was to allow the muezzin to ride their horses to the top to issue the call for prayer.

I hope you find the background of this painting as fascinating as I have.

Gaylynn

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

Wishing all mom's HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY especially my mom!

May today bring peace within

knowing that you were

given by God

children.

Six children that you loved and raised in

Gods grace.

Those children have passed what they were taught to there children.

We were encouraged to become who we are today-

nurse, teachers, city employees, artist, mothers and father ourselves.

We are giving and serving community members because you taught us to be.

It is there in each of us because we are from you.

We love you mom.

Gaylynn

Morocco WIP

2011-05-08T00:07:00.000-04:00

My daughter's best friend of 14 years is like a daughter to me. She is graduating May 21st from Elon University with a double major in International Studies with an emphasis in Arab nations and a second major in Journalism. Last summer she went to Morocco for two weeks and took some amazing pictures. She has kindly given me some shots to paint. I liked the clean lines and almost monochromatic scheme. I am sure there is a story as to why this young man is sitting outside the locked door looking so forlorn. I can not remember the type of building it is. I will have to ask before I finish the painting.

It took me a while to draw this "simple" painting. I wanted to make sure the perspective was spot on. To the left is the first wash of the building.

Next, I whetted the wall down and laid in another wash along with some darks in the stone. While wet, I pulled some of the paint off to keep those areas light.

When the painting dried, I masked the areas to keep the whites or the stone light.

When the masking fluid dried I began laying in some darks to establish the lines in the stone and some shading on the door.

Next, I wet the door and put down a light gray where the light is reflected on the door. I mixed burnt sienna and madder lake for the doors color. Using a brush with clean water I blended the two areas together.

I am having fun with this one because it has been quick loose washes so far. My goal is to get it done for a show coming up.

Gaylynn

Describing your painting process

2011-04-17T00:19:00.003-04:00

I picked up an International Artist Magazine. Actually, I got the Feb/Mar and the Apr/May issues. I have not picked this magazine up before. In the opening of these magazines is the feature of all the Prize Winners of the International Artist Magazine Challenges (#61-62). As fabulous the paintings/artists were, what intrigued me was how each artist was presented next to their painting along with their contact information.

The winning artists answered three questions about their work. They were: My Inspiration, My Design Strategy and My Working Process. WOW! I really liked this concept. I have written down the colors and brands of paint; the size and type of paper; matted or framed; what shows the painting was entered and juried into; where its location is presently and if it is sold. All this placed in the paintings file, BUT I have not written down why or how I painted a painting.

I really enjoyed reading these small peaks into these artists thought process. This got me to thinking....what would I say about one of my paintings. Would I be able to put into words my thought process? No one has ever asked me "how" or "why" I painted a painting. Briefly, my process is to take pictures of things that interest me. I then go through them and pick the one that I have a gut feeling/appeal to. Could I expand on that and put this into words ...say for a brochure/article or be able to explain myself to a customer or most importantly someone reading this blog?

To test this writing process using the three topics in the magazine I picked my prize winning painting Two Men and a Barge-


Gaylynn Robinson Cincinnati, OH USA Watercolor Two Men and a Barge 2009 Best of Show Java Jazz n' Art

My Inspiration

I entered the first juried art show in my town called Java, Jazz n' Art. The show had two themes, Open and River (because my town is a river town). I had several pictures that I had taken at a park in town. I chose the picture of two gentlemen talking while taking in the views of the river. You knew it was river because of the barge going by. To me this scene represented what most people did when they were on the banks of the river - watch what floats by.

Design Strategy

After choosing the subject, I wanted the focus to be on the two men and the barge (hence the title), therefore I put a lot of detail into the two gentlemen and enough in the barge as it moves through the painting. Everything else was props that supported the conversation. I wanted the painting to draw you into the men's conversation, so I choose the size 13"x17".

My Working Process

After deciding the size of the painting, I began drawing the scene from my picture. Once the drawing was completed I transferred it to 300 lb. Arches cold press paper taped to a board. I like this paper because it can take the abuse of lifting. This is the process of pulling the paint back off the paper. Next I mask of the areas that I want the white of the paper saved. I paint my watercolors on an easel upright like an oil/acrylic painting. With the painting upright I begin with my paper dry layering in the colors. I used the lifting process on the gentleman's clothing to help create the folds and creases. I finished my painting with a dry brush to put in the details. My palette is made up of paints from Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, American Journey and DaVinci on a Cheap Joe's porcelain palette.

WHEW! THIS WAS NOT EASY FOR ME TO DO! Even though I write on this blog, writing is not my strong suit. Did I explain each topic well? What could I have done better? Did I forget anything? Could I have used more adjectives? Could you do this process and keep it to under 250-300 words per title? Yet, more than 150? As you can see I fell short on my word count. I got around 150 words in the description of the process and around 50 for the first two descriptions. I chose the number of words as a guideline. Are those numbers too many or not enough? Is it better to be long winded or brief in your descriptions?

I felt this was a good exercise and might do it again then place a copy in the paintings file.

Click viewers commented and let me know your thoughts.

Gaylynn

Opening of the 118th Women's Art Club of Cincinnati Annual Juried Exhibit

2011-04-10T23:11:00.005-04:00

Today was the opening of the Women's Art Club of Cincinnati Annual Juried Exhibit.

Congratulations to the 15 winners. There were 73 paintings juried into the Exhibit. There were many mediums represented. They were monotype, mixed media, batik, glass, pastels, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, fluid acrylic and oil.

This show has awards with names in front of them unlike the exhibits I have been apart of. In these exhibits it was broken down by mediums. In this exhibit they use names of past members and/or donors of the prize, such as F&W Publishing giving 1 yr. subscriptions for Pastel Journal, Watercolor Magazine and The Artists Magazine. These were given to a participant that used that medium. There was one other pastel award and the rest of the awards were given to Colored Pencil, Mono, Oil, WC and Acrylic artists.

Natasha Kinnari Alisa Oil $3,600

The Georgiabelle & Larry Clark Gold Medal Award went to Natasha Kinnari. I met Natasha several years back at the Miamisburg Annual Art Show. It was the first time for both of us to enter this show. Natasha won a prize for her piece back then. I really like this painting because it was a familiar scene since I have daughters of my own.

Deb Ward Peony Fluid Acrylic $350

My friends, and fellow Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society members, Deb Ward and Rhonda Carpenter, as well as, several other GCWS members that also made it into the exhibit. CONGRATULATIONS to all of them -Marilyn Bishop, Lorri Davis (winner F&W Award Watercolor Artist magazine), Susan Grogan, Shirley Knollman, and Barbara Zentgraf (winner Robin Imaging Award).


Rhonda Carpenter And Your Point Is...? Watercolor $315

Gail Morrison Art In Bloom Oil $2,800

I saw many new names (to me) under some very good paintings. There were quite a few landscapes, florals and still lifes that made up the exhibit.

One floral was an oil that was in the first painting you saw when you entered the building. These orchids were very well done and deserving of and award it received (Nova Davis Award).

Karen J. Pettit Up Country Watercolor $2,000

Below is my favorite WC in the exhibit. I liked the colors and the way the paint was handled. She used many techniques (washes, dry brush, splatter) to create the texture that draws you into the painting. Very nicely done.

If you live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, I highly recommend that you stop by The Barn to see this exhibit.

This exhibit continues through May 1st on Thursdays-Sundays, 1-4pm at the Woman's Art Club Cultural Center, Mariemont, Ohio.

If you go to see the exhibit let me know your thoughts, click viewers commented below.

Gaylynn

Bramblitt Documentar part2

2011-04-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

Here is part 2 of this amazing gentleman. You Tube has several videos on John Bramblitt and several other artists that are no longer sighted.
Very Humbling.

Gaylynn

Bramblitt Documentar part1

2011-04-08T20:28:00.001-04:00

I got a tweet on twitter from OMG that told about an article on CBS news about a man in Texas, John Bramblitt, that is blind and paints. I was blown away with his body of work, his ability and his method.

Let me know what you think.
Gaylynn

Taft Museum: The American Impressionists In The Garden

2011-03-27T18:43:00.001-04:00

I went to see the exhibit, The American Impressionists In The Garden, at the Taft Museum today. The exhibit will be there until May 15, 2011.

Impressionism is my favorite style and group of painters. The impressionistic movement began in 1870 in France. The name of the movement cane from the the title of a Claude Monet painting called Impression. Sunrise which an art critic coined the term to be sarcastic in a review.

Here in America, artists mostly used the garden as their theme using the impressionistic style. The use of the garden was an ideal way to study light and color in landscape which is a key element in the impressionistic movement.

The only well known names in this exhibit were Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent. That does not mean the talent was lacking. The first painting you see when entering the exhibit was a Monet inspired painting called Flower Garden by Louis Ritman, circa 1913.This is a beautiful painting of a lady picking flowers. The garden was actually in Giverny, France at a neighbor of Claude Monet.

Impressionism is defined by the use of short, thick strokes of brightly colored paint instead of blending colors smoothly. I think this painting shows this definition well.

The painting of Japanese Lanterns by Luther Emerson van Gorder (left) was exquisite! This painting is a nod to John Singer Sargent's Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose which is my all time favorite of Sargents. Needless to day that when I spied this version I was in awe. I was amazed how similar the paintings were and how Van Gorder's lanterns glowed so brilliantly. For me the best painting in the exhibit.

Van Gorder was born in Warren, OH. He studied under William Merrit Chase and Emile Carolus-Duran at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Van Gorder met Sargent in London and was exposed to the work of Whistler. Van Gorder supported himself as a magazine illustrator. Definitely an artist I will do more research on.

My one surprise of the exhibit was the Sargent. It was in a style that I would never have picked to be a painting done by him. It was a dark woods in long thick strokes. Nothing that I have seen from him before. It was not a painting that I particularly liked. Which is hard for me to say about my all time favorite artist.

The Taft is also showing a small exhibit from private lenders of Ohio Impressionists from Cincinnati. There were nine paintings from notables such as Herman Wessel, Richard Miller, and Edward Potthast. They were a nice extension to the larger exhibit.

As always, my group never leaves without seeing the fabulous Taft collection. We love the painting of Robert Louis Stevenson by Sargent; Whistler's At the Piano; Frank Duveneck;s The Cobbler's Apprentice and Portrait of a Man Rising from His Chair by Rembrandt. There are many other well known artists represented at the Taft such as Gainsborough, Hals, J.M.W. Turner, Millet, Ingres, Farny, Corot, Reynolds and many examples of Chinese pottery and religious artifacts. In my opinion this museum is the gem of Cincinnati.

If you are near Cincinnati I recommend that you stop by the Taft to see this well done exhibit. If you have seen these paintings let me know your opinion of them. Tell me about your favorite style or movement.

Gaylynn

Onions and March Madness

2011-03-19T20:48:00.002-04:00


Onions: Watercolor 5x7 140lb. Strathmore Paper

The painting of onions is complete. I need to matte and deliver

to the Boys and Girls Club for their Fundraiser in April.

I liked the old timey and rustic feel of this scene. I used a limited palette

of Indigo, Paynes Gray, Winsor and Newton Orange, Sepia and Violet. I am

not sure that I got the onion skins looking translucent, but I like the way

the metal looks like rusting metal. I also like the way the wood wall and

shelf turned out.

As for March Madness....

Those who have followed me for awhile know that I am a huge Kentucky fan

and everytime the tournaments come around I get pre-occupied. This year

the Wildcats won their SEC tournament and have made it through

two games of the NCAA tournament. Usually this keeps me from

getting anything done in my studio. I am happy to say that this

year since the beginning of the SEC tournament to today, I

have completed the onions, the two lighthouse exercises and

the little girl with the flower dress is almost complete. I guess the

timing of the games and UK's wins have been in my favor this year. :-)

Go Big Blue!

Gaylynn

Watercolor Pencil Test

2011-03-15T23:10:00.002-04:00

My friend, Deb Ward, is doing a blog lesson on watercolor pencils. It has been fun to watch the steps and learn as Deb shows the how to's of watercolor pencils. I had bought a new set of Faber-Castell recently and I already have a set of Derwent watercolor pencils. So, I thought I would play along but compare the two sets and two different papers.

I went to Wet Canvas and retrieved an image of a lighthouse because Deb was using a lighthouse in her lesson. Deb is on lesson #9 and as you can see I am finished with my 7"x10" paintings.

The first painting was done on 140lb paper. Not sure of the brand, however I am sure it is student grade. On the student grade paper I used the Derwent pencils. I sketched out the painting with the WC pencils then began adding water. I found on this paper that it took a few layers before I could get some areas dark enough. I did like the results of the ground and lighthouse. The blues of the sky and water were hard for me.

In the second painting I used 300lb Kilamanjaro archival paper and the Faber-Castell Aquarelle WC pencils. I got the hang of it and did a better job on the clouds. Note that the colors are slightly different because each set is a little different. Again, I seemed to have had a hard time with the blues. However, I like the second painting better, simply because I learned from the mistakes of the first painting.

In both sets I found the blending to go smoothly in some spots and not so much in others. They were grainy and a fight to blend sometimes. I did find using them a lot of fun. They were a quick way to get a painting down. They would be great for a location sketch or a sketch trying to work values out. I will probably work with them again and try to paint loose and flowing next time.

Cathy Johnson has an article in the April 2011 issue of Watercolor magazine on using WC pencils. Cathy talks about the versatility of WC pencils and crayons. She also gives tips on how to use the pencils/crayons and how they compare brand to brand. Cathy's favorite is Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer WC pencils because she feels they are highly saturated and buttery soft.

Which painting do you like? I usually paint on the 300lb. paper because I like the texture. Do you paint with 140lb. or 300lb. paper? Click below on viewers commented to weigh in.

Don't forget to check out Deb's blog class.

Gaylynn

PS The onion painting is done. I am giving it a few days before I sign it and post.

WIP Onions progressing

2011-03-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

I am painting on either 90 lb. or 140 lb. watercolor paper. I am not sure because I am using a scrap piece that I forgot to mark. I can tell you that I feel the difference because I use Arches or Kilamanjaro 300 lb. cold press normally.

Washes lay on top and I am always rethinking where I am going and what I will do next. A good exercise.

Gaylynn

WIP Onions

2011-03-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

Here is the next step in the process of painting the onions. Not sure how to keep the onion "skin" crisp looking or the metal looking like metal. But, that is the challenge in the process. As my watercolor teacher always told the class, "It is only paper. So go for it."

Gaylynn

Onions

2011-02-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is the painting I have chosen for the Annual Boys and Girls Club Fundraiser. The event is normally this coming weekend. Due to them remodeling a new building they have pushed the event to April.

I took this shot of onions in Las Vegas at the Bellagio. They have this atrium and they change the garden with the seasons. I was there in March so the theme was preparing for the summer garden. They had several nice vignettes that I snapped.

The feel is kinda rust monochromatic with hints of yellows, sepia and blue. Very mellow.

Since I mostly do people, and I have painted a few landscapes or landscapes with people, I have not done still lifes. I have painted an orchid in a Terracotta pot, but I have not painted what I consider a true still life set up in watercolor before. So the challenge is on.

Leave a comment to tell me what areas you have not tried to paint.

Gaylynn

Overview of Destination Artist Weekend

2011-01-31T19:13:00.000-05:00

Destination Artist Weekend turned out to be a beautiful weekend weather wise. The sun came out and melted a lot of the snow and made walking around the village of New Richmond nice.

The event had a fair amount of patrons going in and out of the shops. I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Front Street Cafe with my girlfriends. We then walked around and enjoyed the art.

My paintings were in Passage Books. They were in the company of three photo artists and my friend Beth Zimbrodt of Twisted Brush.

"If you can hold a paint brush in one hand and a wine glass in the other – you can paint!

Come for the fun of it - leave with a 16 X 20 masterpiece of your own."

Beth gave an acrylic painting class, as well as, showed her work. The group in the picture painted a barn scene collectively. I watched a small group paint two bud vases with a flower in each. This is a great way to have fun with a group of friends, co-workers or any event and create your own piece of art.

I do have a "sad to me" story....my framer decided to close shop. If any of you have a close re-pore with your framer then you understand my heavy sigh. I was disheartened when I saw her sign outside her shop proclaiming that she was going out of business. Diane is not only my framer, but a friend. Our youngest children were in class together through out their elementary years. Our daughters played soccer together. So when she opened her business six years ago, I was one of the first artists to knock on her door.

Diane explained to me that she had been working on the closing of her store for awhile. Her first thought was to close the shop for the winter and then have the going out of business sale in the spring. However, when the DA Weekend came up she decided on the spur- of- the- moment to start the ball rolling. She sold many of her prints that she had matted and framed to show off her skills. Diane has all of her equipment for sale also.

Diane's expertise in selecting the right mat and frame will be sorely missed by me. I trusted her judgment completely and learned so much from her.

Gaylynn

SOLD: "Lunch Anyone?"

2011-01-23T21:02:00.000-05:00


"Lunch Anyone?" Watercolor/Gauche

I sold this painting to my dear friend. She happens to be one of the figures in the painting and it was she that my friends and I were visiting in Geneva, Switzerland in 2005.

The four of us were together again last weekend in Nashville. My friend asked to see my work so I got my I-pod touch out and showed her my gallery on the device. She loved the painting of our time together and purchased it.

I am excited that the painting will be in my friends home to bring fond memories to her when see looks at it.

Gaylynn

Destination Artists Weekend and a WIP update

2011-01-22T21:56:00.004-05:00

Next weekend, Jan. 29-30/2011, is Destination Artists Weekend in New Richmond, OH. It is a little river town east of Cincinnati. The art event is the brainchild of Mary Mark and David Johnson of Lost Steeple Originals. This is her 12th Annual Art in the Church Open House. Mary specializes in art linoleum block and oil pastels. The DA website states that Mary will have the "best prices of the year" on her original handmade block prints, oil pastels, giclees and door prizes. Mary's place is 411 Walnut Street.

At Mary's home/studio she will also feature a fellow printmaking artist, Susan Naylor. Trendy's Turnaround Consignment Shop/Diner will feature Nancy Swats' hand painted gourds. Chris Plummer's woodcuts and L. J. Photography will be at the Front Street Cafe. At the Ye Olde Bag Shoppe is Pat Statzer and her quilted dolls. I will have 13 paintings at Passage Books along with Beth Zimbrodt's work. All of these shops are on Front Street, which is the street along the river (see Mary's linocut above). Maps can be picked up at any of the shops.

Maple Creek Artisan Center is east of New Richmond down US 52 just past Moscow, OH. Once there you will see a beautiful log cabin that has paintings, wood carvings, clay art, a smithy, quilts and much more.

The time for this event, on both days, is 10am - 5pm. The Cardboard Boat Museum will be open also. It is a neat place to see all the cardboard boats that race every August in the Cardboard Regatta. Check out the Destination Artist website then come on out and enjoy our little town.

Last October, I began this painting then sat it aside to work on a commission and deal with a wedding and the holidays. We had 2 snow days this week, so I got the painting back out.

I started putting in a lot of the shadowing and trying to make some sense of the hand/fingers, toes and the sandals. Still a ways to go, but it felt good to be back in the studio.

Gaylynn

Nashville: Frist Museum and more

2011-01-18T22:43:00.000-05:00


Arrangement in Gray & Black: Mother of Artist a.k.a. Whistler's Mother

I spent the weekend in Nashville, Tenn. with friends. We went to see The Hermitage, The Grand Ole Opry, The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Frist Museum to see the exhibit Birth of Impressionism: Materpieces from the Muse' D'Orsay.

Haymaking

The exhibit was almost ruined for me by the museums incompetence of being able to deal with the crowds due to the exhibit ending on January 23rd. However, once inside, we viewed wonderful paintings. The most famous were Whistler's Mother; The Fifer by Manet; Ballet Rehearsal On The Set by Degas; The Seine at Vitheuil and 5 others by Monet; Still Life with a Soup Tureen by Cezanne; and of course The Floor Scrapers by Caillebotte.

I really liked Haymaking by Jules Bastien-Lepage. He specialized in agriculture scenes. The palette is light and the figures are very close to you in this large painting. The horizon is high and on the top of the painting. The girl looks exhausted while the man naps. I felt he showed the life of these peasants with such realism.

I have to admit that I was hopping to see other pieces that I remember to be better from some of the artists represented. Like the pieces the d'Orsay sent for Renior. They were not the best of his early work that they muse' has. I was glad to have gone and seen these paintings again.

Alan Jackson: memorabilia

While in Nashville we also took in the Country Music Hall of Fame. I am a country music fan and enjoyed learning about the people who made the industry what it is today.

Vince Gill hosting a segment at the Opry

We then took in the Grand Ole Opry. It was very fascinating to see the show produced as well as the eclectic list of performers.

The Hermitage was the home of President Andrew Jackson. The home sits about 20 minutes outside of Nashville. It was very informative not to mention how cool to see this mansions furniture, walls and materials preserved and in great shape. We were lucky that it was a gorgeous day to walk the land to see the President and his wife's grave site, slave cabins, out buildings, cattle, etc..

The weekend with friends was touristy, informative and just plain fun.

Gaylynn

Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee D'Orsay

2011-01-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

The Floor Scrapers. 1875. Oil on canvas. H. 102; W. 146.5 cm © RMN, Hervé Lewandowski

I am heading to Nashville, Tenn this weekend to go to the Frist Museum . I am excited to see the above painting again. I have been lucky enough to see this painting in Paris at the Musee d'Orsay. It is a huge canvas that I remember standing in front of in awe. The wood floor is in its different stages of being scraped. I could almost smell the wood, the varnish and sweat. Hear the scraping sound and the noises of the workers working. Powerful.
.
The Frist Museum is hosting an exhibit called the Birth of Impressionism.The exhibition includes 100 masterpieces of mid-to-late 19th-century French paintings. There are works from Courbet, Manet, Cézanne, Monet, and Renoir; Salon painters such as Bouguereau; and artists who moved easily between convention and innovation such as Degas, Fantin-Latour, and Whistler. The d'Orsay sent these paintings out while they re-vamped the space these paintings hang.

I am excited to see what other paintings they have sent for this exhibit and to be reacquainted with The Floor Scrapers.

The exhibit will be there until January 23, 2011.

Gaylynn

Invitation to show in Destination Artist Weekend!

2011-01-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

I have been invited to participate in Destination Artists 2011 on January 29 & 30 http://www.destinationartists.com/. The website states:

A two day excursion filled with extraordinary art, wonderful history, delicious food, fun, and cozy overnight accommodations.

The shop keepers along historic Front Street overlooking the Ohio River along with the nationally known artist Mary Mark www.marymark.com
open their doors for this self guided tour of the newly emerging Village of New Richmond. www.newrichmondontheohio.com

and the Maple Creek Artisan Center http://www.maplecreekart.com

in Moscow, Ohio

Waiting On The Rain

You will find art throughout several stores on Front Street in New Richmond, Ohio. My work will be placed in Passage Books. I am placing all the paintings that are featured here on My Gallery(click above to see more).

Courtyard Council by Mary Mark

Mary Mark organizes this event each year to showcase her fabulous art, as well as, local artists and the village of New Richmond where her home/studio is.

Maple Creek Artisan Center is a beautiful Log Cabin that carries beautiful crafts, artwork and features local artists. They also offer classes in painting, clay, metal smithing and carving.

If you go to the website you will see that the village has 2 B&B's and many eateries to fill your stomach, quench your thirst or warm up at.

I hope you check out the websites and make plans to visit Destination Artists 2011 10am until 5pm each day.

Gaylynn

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T15:27:00.004-05:00

New Years Eve and it is time to see how many of my 2010 intentions measured up. In my last post I listed and answered some of the 45 questions that I keep posted in my studio. Those questions help me to keep an inventory of my accomplishments. Knowing my accomplishments helps me to feel successful and it keeps me motivated.

Creating my intentions for the year is another tool to help me see what achievements I have made, what I need to work towards and to encourage me to keep working harder. I have 5 main intentions: 1) Stay organized 2) Become a better painter 3) Step up my game and 4) Work on marketing my art. Under each of these intentions are goals to achieve these intentions. There are 25 goals and I completed 14 out of the 25. :-)

I admit that my least favorite and most need of improvement is my intention to work on marketing (forgive me Allyson Standfield http://www.artbizcoach.com/). I know this is every artists Achilles heel and I am no exception. Organization is my next area that needs improvement. I would bet if I polled all my blogging buddies, they too would have marketing and organization at the top of their lists of areas that need to be improved upon.

Below, I use the same 5 intentions with some of the same goals and some new goals. I may take baby steps that are repetitive, however I am happy in my art and any accomplishments I make are gravy. :-)

I want to stay organized. I can do this by:
Obtaining artist software for tracking my artwork and books.
Keep books up to date.
Keep files of my paintings up to date.
Keep my studio less cluttered.
Keep my portfolio/bio/artist statement/scrapbook up to date.

I want to become a better painter. I can do this by:
Improving my studio habits.

Painting 9 or more paintings for the year.

Keep teaching
Trying to paint "en plien aire" - creating a painting on site as opposed to painting outside.

Picking an artist to study their techniques/style.

Seeing exhibits at museums, galleries, art events, and art fairs. (4 or more local/far away)

Try a different technique.

Keep donating my art to the Boys and Girls Clubs Annual Fund-raiser.

Take a workshop/class.

Travel

I want to step up my game. I can do this by:
Enter 4 or more juried exhibitions.

Take better quality photos of my work.

Participate in 2 group shows.
Obtain commissions.
Make 3 or more sales.
Meet more artists in my area.
Renew my membership to those I belong.
Join another are organization and become involved.
Follow my friend Deb Wards ( http://debwardart.blogspot.com/ ) lead and take care of my health.

I want to work on my marketing skills. I can do this by:
Ordering new business cards and postcards.
Work on mailing list and strive for 200+ names.
Research the costs of prints/cards of my artwork.
Blogging once a week.
Creating a website.

I have listed 29 goals that I will strive to check off in hopes to get more that half this coming year.

I want to thank everyone who visited my blog this past year. Your support and comments are invaluable to me.

I wish everyone success in their goals, lots of studio time and a prosperous New Year!

Best Wishes,
Gaylynn

My 2010 Accomplishments In Review

2010-12-29T13:04:00.001-05:00

It is time for my annual review of the past year. I have looked over the past year and compiled my yearly list. The list of questions I have is approximately 45 total and I have listed the ones that fit this past years accomplishments. As you can see only a third of the questions apply to me this year. Even though I have not answered all 45 I feel I had a pretty good year.

1. How many works did I create? A career high of 8 finished paintings this year.

2. What trips (local or far away) did I make to nourish my art? 1 trip to Key West

3. What classes/seminars/workshops did I take (business or creative)? Fluid Acrylic workshop w/Deb Ward and 3 mini workshops @ GCWS meetings.

4. What did you try that was completely new? Fluid Acrylics

5. Whom did I mentor, teach, or help out? I taught a watercolor class and a drawing class

6. What books or magazines did I read to help my career? I subscribe to Artist Magazine and Watercolor Magazine. On occasion I pick up and read International Artist and Watercolor Artist.

7. How many names did I add to my mailing list? 4 – Mailing lists and

marketing is where I always need to improve.

8. What did I do to enhance my online presence, such as, a website, FB, Twitter, Linkedin, etc..? I added a FB “Like” page. I posted 52 times this year on my blog.

9. Did I create an Artist Statement/Bio? I updated both - click on "About" at top of page.

10. What organizations did I join? I renewed my membership to

Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society.

11. What worthy causes did I support in some way? I donated a painting to the Boys and Girls Club Annual Fund drive.

12. What art events, galleries, museums or art fairs did I visit this year? 1 art event; 2 galleries; 1 museum; 1 art fair

13. What exhibits/shows or contests did I submit to? I entered 3 juried shows. 4 paintings made it into 2 shows.

14. What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2010? Being accepted into 2 juried shows; Selling 2 paintings (one being a commission); Teaching 2 classes.

How was your year?

Happy New Year!

Gaylynn

PS I apologize that the page does not line up and flow the way I would like. It does so as I type it out (for the most part) Some day I will figure this out.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T22:31:00.000-05:00

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
Dr. Seuss

The wedding is over and all went well. The commission delivered and the patron loved it. Shopping was done with 24 hours to spare. I am ready to visit with our children and their partners, our parents, siblings and their families. But, most of all I thank the Lord for my year personally and professionally.

Wishing everyones Christmas "means a little bit more."
Gaylynn

Felix & Oscar

2010-11-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Felix & Oscar

11x14

Watercolor/Gauche

I finished this commission painting of two labs named Felix and Oscar. It was very enjoyable to paint them and I hope the owners love it.

I will be very busy in the next few weeks, not just because Christmas is upon us, but because my youngest daughter is getting married in a 3 weeks. So please forgive me if I do not post for awhile.

Gaylynn

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T00:49:00.001-05:00

Today is a day to be with our loved ones and reflect upon things in our life that we are thankful for.

I am thankful for my ability to paint and to have the time and supplies to do so.
I am thankful for my many blogging buddies. I have learned so much watching their postings and sharing our love of painting. The camaraderie is priceless.
I am thankful for all who have stopped by to check out my paintings and left a comment. It means so much to read your input.
I am thankful to those that have bought my paintings. I am glad that my work makes you happy.
I am thankful for the shows that I was juried into this year.
I am thankful for my "Legendary Artists" group. Although we do not have regular painting dates anymore, I am grateful for your friendship and always look forward to our May show.
I am thankful for my girlfriends, fore there friendship means the world to me. I love the all dearly.
I am thankful for my job, both my co-workers and my interns. There is joy each and every day.
I am thankful for my country that allows me to do the things I want to do.
I am thankful for my girls. Though they are no longer living at home and have forged their own way, I am proud of them and thankful for their love and support.
I am thankful for my husband who encourages me to do the things I want to do.
I am most thankful for my religious beliefs, fore it gets me through everything I do in life.

Wishing you a very Happy Turkey Day!

Gaylynn

Labs

2010-11-14T22:14:00.001-05:00

I had a whole weekend to work in the studio! I have not had a free weekend in awhile due to family obligations. But, it is all good.

I really like the face on the black dog and his body is shaping up. I need to start working on the light Lab and get some detail in the foreground. There seems to be a dot on the light Lab's front leg that has come from my camera. I will have to figure out the cause.

Gaylynn

Veteran's Day Salute/WIP

2010-11-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

It is Veteran's Day and I want to thank all who have served in the armed services past and present. Especially, my father, Norm Leist, who served 30 years in the Navy and our family friend, Paul Brondhaver, who served in Operation Iraqui Freedom and obtained a purple heart.They are very special men in my families lives.

Because of our nation honoring our Veteran's I was able to have the day off. Therefore, I had some studio time and worked on my pooches. I think the dark dog is coming along. I have been using my rigger brush to place the lines and texture of the fur. Because he is so dark, I find myself treating my strokes like sculpting to create his beautiful face.

Gaylynn

Commission: WIP

2010-11-03T21:35:00.002-04:00

WIP: Two Labradors
11 x 14
watercolors

I have begun the two handsome labs. I like what I have done so far.The black lab needs to go a whole lot darker, while the yellow lab will only get a little more definition and color.

I debated on whether to keep them in an outdoor, less formal setting or an indoor, very formal setting with a dark background. I decided they belonged in the outdoors. Happy with my choice.

Gaylynn

Two Labradors Commission Drawing WIP

2010-10-21T18:18:00.000-04:00

I have been working on these two Labradors for a while. I have done several value studies making sure I understand the shadows and expressions of the pooches, especially the black one. He is so dark I wanted to get his expression right.

Time to get the patrons approval.

Gaylynn

WIP Troublesome Pebble & Viewpoint

2010-10-02T23:45:00.001-04:00

An update on the little girl in the bright floral dress. I have began laying in the greenery and flowers. I am liking the painterly (or impressionistic) flow of the painting so far.

I have been working on her off and on since my last post about her on September 15th. Today I spent 4 hours working on her in between laundry and other chores. My studio is in my basement next to my laundry area. So when I am captive in this area, on the weekend, I usually get a lot of painting/drawing/business done.

As you can see, I finished the day with the dark area in place. My goal was to not put the darks in until last. Obviously, I did not wait until completely last to put them in. I felt that I needed to get that huge dark area in so that I could get the proper shadowing on the bottom of the painting. The darks on the bottom are not as dark as the huge area, but close.

I was commissioned to paint two Labradors, yellow and black. I will have to put my little girl on hold until I get the pooch's done.

Now about Viewpoint....I received my letter of rejection today on the two paintings I had entered. Which were the same two paintings that are presently in the Middletown Art Center Show.(http://www.middletownartscenter.com)

The letter stated that 342 paintings were entered and 70 were accepted. With those numbers,the odds were against many of us that applied. I am sure it made it tough for Nita Leland who was the judge for this national show. However, this is awesome news for the Cincinnati Art Club, because everyone wants to get into their show!

This rejection will not keep me from trying to enter Viewpoint next year.

Gaylynn

Middletown Art Center Show

2010-09-26T21:08:00.001-04:00

Friday evening was the opening of the Middletown Art Centers (www.middletownartscenter.com) Area Art Show. MAC was founded in 1957 and has been offering this event and classes in Middletown for 50 years. I was very lucky to have two of my paintings accepted into the show. They stated that there were 220 entries representing 22 cities in southwest Ohio and 97 pieces were chosen to be in the show. WOW!

This was my second attempt to enter this show and the first time to be accepted. I could not have been more pleased when I walked into the gallery and saw so many exceptional paintings. The show runs until October 23, 2010. If you live in the Southwest Ohio area, I recommend that you stop by to see the show.

                                                    Best of Show

                                                    "Untitled"
Drawing

Lesley Lawson

                                                    Middletown, OH

President's Award & 1st Place

                                            "Make Your Own Kind of Music"
                                            Oils/Acrylics

                                            Joyce Phillips Young

                                           Cincinnati, OH

The judges were Homer Hacker, Reggie Finkleman and Libby Birch.Mr. Hacker is a Ohio University graduate. He is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and part of the organizing committee for the Ohio Watercolor Society, for which he was President for 3 years. Ms. Finkelman studied at the Traphagen Design School & Carnegie Mellon University. She studied under Homer Hacker, Joseph Barrish & Don Dennis at the MAC. Ms. Birch has a BFA from the University of Iowa and has taught in the Middletown Schools for over 30 yrs. and Miami University for 7 yrs. Ms. Birch has been the Director of Middletown International for 27 yrs.

                                           First Place

                                           "City's Fast Tracks"

                                           Watermedia
                                           Karen Benedetti
                                           Kettering, OH
Each painting in this show was strong enough to be a winner. MAC gives out 1st ($100), 2nd ($50), 3rd ($25) and 2 Honorable Mentions per the areas of oils/acrylic, watermedia, pastels, drawings, mixed media, and photography. There were 25 awards, as well as, a Best of Show ($500) and a President's Award.

Above and the next five paintings are the award winners in watermedia. Please forgive the reflections on the pictures, as the lighting of the gallery interfered. Also, my inability to keep everything so nicely aligned and spaced as I type, but goes haywire once published to the blog.

                                                    Second Place                                                    "Walking Home"
                                                    Watermedia
                                                     Linda Schuler
                                                     New Richmond, OH

                                                    Third Place
                                                    "Secrets and Symbols"
                                                    Watermedia
                                                    Sharon Stolzenberger
                                                    Kettering, OH

                                         Honorable Mention Watermedia
                                                   "U.S. Digital"
                                                   Diana Ross
                                               West Chester, OH

                                                    Honorable Mention Watermedia
                                                    "Easy Rider"
                                                    Bob Nowicki
                                                    Loveland, OH

Meeting other artist is a favorite part of attending show openings. I was pleased to meet Joyce PhillipsYoung and talk to her about her painting and sharing our backgrounds. Joyce is an artist that spent 30+ yrs. in education for Cincinnati Public and University of Cincinnati where she taught Black Art History. She is an active member of the Women's Art Club.

I want to thank my parents and girl friends for coming and supporting me at the opening. It was a fun evening and I look forward to trying to get in next year.

Gaylynn

2 accepted to the MAC Show

2010-09-20T19:40:00.000-04:00

Best Friend's Napping

Best Friend's Napping and Pop's Garden was accepted into the MAC Show! That is two of three admitted. I am beyond thrilled! :-)

Gaylynn

Streetscapes

2010-09-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

My friend, Tina, with excitement in her voice, was telling me how she went to an afternoon workshop to make sidewalk chalk. Tina did this so that she could participate in an event called Streetscapes in Clifton which is called the gas light district. It is located literally northwest of the University of Cincinnati campus.

Feeling her excitement, I volunteered to tag along to record the day. So, yesterday, I met Tina bright and early to head to the event. After we signed in we found Tina's spot where she was to paint her painting. The Clifton Business Association, who put on the event, had taped off the 4'x6' "canvas" aka the pavement of the street. Tina had chosen the smallest size to render because she thought she would be painting by herself for the two day event. Other sizes were 5'x5', 5'x8' and 8'x8'. The Art Academy of Cincinnati had a group of 7 and their painting was 16'x18'.

I helped Tina put down and taped brown paper around her "canvas", as well as, her sketch. Tina had poked holes along the lines of her drawing which allowed her to pounce powder, in a piece of cheesecloth, through the holes.This leaves dots on the "canvas". Once this was done she took the paper off. We then conected the dots with chalk to get the lines down. Tina had chosen to make a copy of the abstract expressionism painting The Scream by Edvard Munch (1863-1944).

It did not take long for me to go from recording the day, to jumping in and helping. Tina did the sky, lake, and the two men. I did the screaming figure and the areas on each side of him.

I have to say that I am not experienced with painting with chalk. My hands, legs, clothes were full of chalk when done. It was frustrating to have many little chalk pebbles every where and nothing to wipe it off with. Tina and I walked around and observed other participants to see what tools we should have. This was Tina's first time and other than making the chalk and signing up for the event, they did not give many tips. By lunch time we had compiled a list, such as, a large (6") brush to wisp away those pesky pebbles. :-)

It was a long fun filled day and the Clifton Business Association was first class. They fed us breakfast and lunch, kept us in chalk, water, snacks and gave us a shirt.

We finished Tina's painting in one day and went back today for the second day to take pictures. It was a fun time and I thank Tina for letting me tag along.
.
Next year we will registrar as an official team.

Gaylynn

WIP: Troublesome Pebble Update

2010-09-12T21:25:00.001-04:00

I am working on Troublesome Pebble and another painting at the same time. This can be good and bad. Good because you can move from on to another, therefore keeping you busy while one is drying. Bad because at some point you focus on one more than the other. However, when they both get done it is worth it.

I began laying some color in the flower beds. I did not like how much she looked like she had been crushing grapes with her feet. But, I had promised myself to get the little girl and her dress half way done before I began the flowers. Leaving the darkness behind her last.

I can not tell you how hard this has been for me to not jump ahead of myself. So far, I am happy that I am taking it slow. As you can see, her shadowed feet do not stand out so much. When I get more of the flowers and shadows on the ground then the little girls shadowed feet will look better.

The Miamisburg Gallery Show has closed. Once those paintings are picked up (thanks Mom & Dad), I will then enter the Middletown Arts Centers Show this week. Since I do not have to save paintings for the Java, Jazz n' Art, I will be able to enter the two from the Miamisburg Show (Waiting On thee Rain, Pop's Garden) plus Best Friend's Napping. With any luck at least one will be judged in by Mr. Homer O. Hacker.

I will keep you posted.
Gaylynn

Java, Jazz n' Art Cancelled in New Richmond

2010-09-03T21:16:00.000-04:00

Two Men and A Barge

New Richmond on the Ohio...."It
is with deep regret that the Committee of Java Jazz'n Art has decided
to cancel the event for 2010. With contributions and artist
participation down by 50%, it was felt that the integrity and quality of
the event would be compromised."

I am deeply disappointed in the committee to prematurely cancel the local art show in October. As the statement said, " artist participation down..." My reply is how can they determine this when the final date to enter is Sept. 10th. You would think they would wait until the 15th to look like they were trying to do their job.

If most artist are like me they do not enter until the last possible moment because of finishing a painting, framing, finances, etc... I, myself had my form and check ready to mail in the morning. So if only 45 artist had applied so far what are the odds that another 45+ would enter by the due date?

If numbers are down due to the economy, would it not make sense to make due with the numbers you have so that you keep the event going until the economy returns and make the show better.

What about the businesses that were counting on this event to bring people in to the village? Many people came from all over just to stroll along the river on a beautiful fall day and listen to Jazz, look at art and shop the businesses of New Richmond.

Can you tell I am disappointed that a bigger fight did not happen to make this well attended event take place.

Gaylynn, 2008 Best of Show winner (of the former) Java, Jazz n' Art Exhibit

Viewpoint entries

2010-08-30T17:19:00.000-04:00

Best Friend's Napping

Watercolor

I entered Best Friend's Napping and another painting in the Cincinnati Art Club's 42nd Annual Viewpoint National Juried Art Competition. This was a scary and nerve wracking process for me. To enter this show the process was very different then the two local shows that I have entered before.

The process for this show was to make a CD to specification of my paintings. The jpg could not exceed 5 MB and the picture was to labeled a certain way, as well as, the CD it self. I have dyslexia and tend to flip things. I looked all my writing over carefully, but feel like I mixed something up and missed it. I have heard stories of organizations tossing an entry application when something is not to specification. It was such an ordeal to get the nerve to enter such a prestigious show. The process of burning a CD (for a show) was a first for me, therefore I will be crushed if my negligence keeps me from even getting a look. However, I am proud of myself for taking this leap and trying to show my paintings at another level.

I will keep you posted if any of my work gets in. Wish me luck :-)

Gaylynn

WIP: Troublesome Pebble

2010-08-22T09:35:00.000-04:00

I have begun this piece of a little girl trying to get a pebble out of her sandal. I was drawn to her bright print on her dress. So that is where I have started the painting.

Jumping into on specific area without laying a wash of color everywhere else is not my usual pattern of beginning a painting. I usually place a light wash filling in the painting like a coloring book. Then I begin the background and move forward. I only laid it in a few areas to frame the girl while I work on her.This is because the background is so dark and I do not want it to touch her until she is done. So in this piece I will work on her, then the fore ground and then the area behind her last. At least that is the plan. I am going to try very hard not to get ahead of myself. ;-)

Gaylynn

Entering Juried Shows:Eeny, meany....

2010-08-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

My "REAL" job began this week with meetings and trainings (it is time for school to start next week). I spent my summer trying to get a few paintings done, working at a sumer job, go to my watercolor club monthly meetings, blog, vacation and to catch up on household chores (something I think will never be achieved).

Now that it is time to go back to work, the juried show season has begun also. I began by entering in the Miamisburg Art Gallery Annual Juried Show and was thrilled that the 2 paintings that I entered were accepted. There are 4 (probably more) juried shows in this area between now and November. The problem is that they overlap which makes for difficult choices.

So the decisions to be made are:
Which ones to enter
              - to do this I have to get a calendar out and map when the entry fees are due; the dates my paintings will be in their possession from delivery to pick-up (providing they are juried in).
-If the shows overlap which do I choose to go where. Meaning I have to place my newest at one show while those done in the last year go another. Picking the paintings that will work best with the venue I am entering. Then keeping track of where I have sent them so that I do not send them to the same place twice.
              -Another overlap or inconvience could be dropping off or pick-up of my work. If the time to do this errand is when I am at work do I have a back up plan, such as, someone doing this chore for me and will the event allow it?
              -Do I enter 1 piece? I can usually enter up to 3...do I enter 1, 2, or 3 paintings? How many I enter is determined by how many paintings I have finished, framed and available. This brings us to...
Fees & Entry
              -Do I have enough funds to enter the number of pieces for a show at the time the entry is due?
              -Some shows I have to send in the entry form and fee. Then on a set date I show up with the piece(s) I have entered and drop them off. I then wait for the acknowledgment either my mail, email or a phone call stating that I am in the show. I then go to the opening to see who won the prizes.
              -Some shows I show up on dates given and fill out my entry form, pay my fees and leave my painting(s). I then go through the process described above.
              -Some shows want a CD sent in with my painting(s) on it along with my entry for and fee. Then, again, I go through the process described above.
Which brings me to the questions....
Do I know how to make a CD of my work?
Do I know how to take my photo and make it the right jpeg?
Can I take the picture myself so that it looks professional? OR
Do I want to get professional photos done of my work? If I do then they can make the CD....

Whew! This is my thought process! I could go on and on with my questions. And, yes it can or could be paralyzing! It would be so easy to play Scarlet and just worry about it tomorrow. I could keep doing only 2 juried shows that I have done because they are familiar and I have been successful at them. (Which is what I have been doing) OR I could push myself to reach for something I have not accomplished before.

All this has to be decided between now and the middle of next month. As if I will not already be busy with the rush of the new school year, etc... Good thing for me goals will keep me moving forward :-)

Gaylynn

Miamisburg Art Galley Annual Show & AWS Exhibit at Middletown Art Center

2010-08-15T20:02:00.000-04:00

Waiting On The Rain
Watercolor
9X10 300lb Kilimanjaro Paper

I entered two paintings in the Miamisburg Art Galleries Annual Juried Show and both were accepted! The above painting was one of the two that made the show.

My friend, Deb Ward (debwardart.blogspot.com) won a Merit Award for her acrylic painting Daffodil and Fruit. This is the second time I have seen her win at this event. Congratulations to her!!!

The winner (on the left) in my category of Water Media, was called Forest by Laine Bachman.

I kept looking at the painting and thinking that I have seen it before. I went home and checked out my Artists Magazine and found an article on Deborah Morrissey-McGoff. Laine's style is very much like this artists. Deborah calls her work "magical realism". This is how I would describe Ms. Bachman's painting. It had wonderful detail with whimsy and fantasy.

The Best of Show painting was Bennie In Black by Donna Brinkman. This portrait was very striking and well executed.
The person hanging the show did a good job by putting this piece by itself over the desk where patrons were asked to sign up for door prizes. It could not be missed.

I look forward to attending this show each year. This year my friend, Cindy, my daughter, Rebecca, and my parents, Norm and Carol, supported me at the awards ceremony. I was grateful for their presence.

Before the Miamisburg show, we went to see the American Watercolor Society Exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center (http://www.middletownartscenter.com/). I truly enjoyed each and every painting. I had seen all or most of them in the Artists magazine, Watercolor Artists magazine and Watercolor Magazine. It is much more satisfying to see them in person.

As much as I can appreciate those that won awards, (which can be seen @ http://www.americanwatercolorsociety.com/) such as, Gold Medal of Honor winner John Salminen, AWS Morning Fog; Silver Medal of Honor winner, Dean Mitchel, AWS Sunshine in New Orleans and Bronze Medal Winner, Susan Montague, AWS Far and Away, I really liked the detail and brush strokes of this painting by Alan Wylie called Casi in Casa.
This painting was hung left center as you entered the gallery and its prominence made it all the more interesting to me. It really drew me in.

The next one that struck me was Soho Shadows by Linda Baker, AWS. I apologize that the picture does not show the detail better. I admire the work that went into this painting. For me, my eyes would cross with all the lines. The technical is superb.

I will confess that Dean Mitchel's painting was the coolest to see in person because I admire his work so much. I encourage you to go to the AWS site (above) to see his award winning painting. My shot did not do it justice, therefore, I won't be posting it.

There were many "famous" artist shown in this show. I am glad that Middletown brings it to our area each year.

As enjoyable as the exhibit was, I was privileged to speak with a AWS Signature member that was also taking the exhibit in. I have met the man before and had written about him when he had an exhibit at the Middeltown Art Center in November of 2007, Homer O. Hacker. He was observing the exhibit with a young man that I assume to be a grandson (I apologize if I am wrong). As always, he was very nice to talk to. I was very honored that he remembered me (he knows my dad and my great uncle, Jim Harlan, was photographer for him at the Dayton Daily News where Mr. Hacker was Art Director for 30 years.) and spoke kindly of my post about him in 2007. Timing is everything and I am glad that I was present and able to speak with this genuine, nice and very talented artist.

Gaylynn

Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society August Meeting: Deb Ward speaker

2010-08-08T22:49:00.000-04:00

So much time since my last post.....I finished a painting, had my birthday, gone on vacation, attended the August meeting of GCWS and entered 2 paintings in a juried show that with any luck will be hanging when the show opens on August 14th.

This month, at the GCWS meeting, the guest speaker was Deb Ward ( http://debwardart.blogspot.com). She talked to us about painting with casein.

Casein is a milk based paint that has been used since ancient Egyptian times. It is a fast drying water soluble medium that can be used on canvas panels, illustrations board, paper or wood. It is similar to egg tempera in its ability to resemble oil painting.

Like gauche, it has been a preferred medium in the illustration or commercial artists. It fell out of use in the 1960's when acrylic paint was developed. However, today it is slowly making a come back with water media artists.

Deb began by showing us her tools. She uses a possum palette to hold the paint. However, she uses a styro foam plate to mix her colors because the paint stains. Deb uses her old soft brushes or cheap brushes because the paint wants to stay in the brush. She cleans them with brush soap and water. Deb says that once she finishes a painting she waits a few weeks then varnishes it. Deb likes that way it looks like an oil painting without the smell or mess.

Deb begins prepping her canvas board with lots of water just like she does with her watercolor or liquid acrylics. She stated that she usually starts with a yellow wash. This helps to give the whites a glow. If you let the casein dry and come back to work on the painting, Deb suggests that you wet the area that you are working so that it adheres.

Deb told the group how the darks seem to dry lighter. She instructed us how that when she mixes blues and browns to make a black it seems to be gray. Deb was not sure of why the paints reacted this way, therefore, she uses a black casein paint. She also said that varnishing helped to bring the darks out.
.
If you have read my posts before you know that I am a fan and blog friend of Deb. I took her workshop on fluid acrylics and value her opinion when I ask for help. Deb is a very informative and entertaining instructor. I love her "try it" attitude, as much as, I love her work.

So, summer is coming to a close and school will be back in session soon. My GCWS meetings are done until next summer. I so look forward to meeting other local watercolor artist, as well as, enjoy the guest speakers that I get to hear every summer. Best money I spend on my art.

Gaylynn

WIP Feeding horses

2010-07-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

This is as far as I have gotten on this painting. In the last post about this painting, I asked for suggestions on how to do the gravel and hay. My good friend Deb Ward ( http://debwardart.blogspot.com/) suggested that on the gravel I splatter and for the hay I build layers by using masking fluid. I failed miserably on both.

I tried the splatter and I did not get the effect I wanted so I scrubbed it off. I then tried salt. Nothing. I even used kosher salt so it would be large blots left. So I will probably go back to the splatter, but use gauche or liquid acrylics to achieve the look.

As for the hay, I could not get fine lines with my masking fluid. I suppose I need to look into getting a masquepen to get the fine lines I need.

I am still liking the painting. I like the how horses and the girl are shaping up. But, as my fellow GCWS and blogger pal Rhonda (http://www.rhcarpenter.blogspot.com/) stated in her blog, I am starting to get too tight with my painting. I have given myself an finish date as a week from today. This will either frustrate me or push me to let it flow. We shall see.

Gaylynn

Daily Painting ... Is it For You?

2010-07-12T00:06:00.001-04:00

Daily Painting ... Is it For You?

This is a neat site. Artists Helping Artists is a weekly blog talk radio show, hosted by Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry. Each week Leslie and Dreama discuss a specific topic that addresses how to "sell more art on-line". This blog lists all of the resources that are discussed on the radio show.

The first show that I listened to was Daily Painting - Is It For You? Carol Marine, of the Daily Painting Practice, was Leslie and Dreama's special guest for this topic. Carol is one of the premiere daily painters in the U.S.I have followed her for three years now and as you can see she is listed on the right of this page.

I enjoyed the conversation tremendously. I highly recommend that you check out this web site and talk show.

Gaylynn

Book Review: The Simple Secret to Better Painting by Greg Albert

2010-07-11T16:39:00.001-04:00

Last month when Greg Albert spoke at the GCWS Meeting he offered the opportunity to buy a few of his books. I chose The Simple Secret to Better Painting: How to Immediately Improve your Art with This One Rule of Composition.

In this book Mr Albert claims that you can improve your art with his one rule of composition. He states that his "goal is to make pictorial composition simple to understand, remember and apply."

Mr. Albert said that he came up with this concept from his experience as a teacher. While teaching the Principles of Design (unity, variety, harmony, contrast) and applying them to the Elements of Composition (line, shape, color) he found that the students often were frustrated in remembering and achieving them in their work. Mr. Albert explained that the theories worked for analyzing what went wrong after the art was completed better then
helping them complete the work correctly. He created this
One Rule of Composition to help avoid mistakes.

Mr. Albert claims that if you remember and apply his rule along with the formulas of The Rule of Thirds and Mostly, Some and a Bit, it will help you make better composition choices for your paintings. In the formula, The Rule of Thirds, you divide your picture into thirds vertically and horizontally. The intersections of these divisions create the best locations to place your center of interest in your picture. Mr. Albert reminds us not to give into the urge to put your center of interest in the direct center. He shows how that ends up being a boring placement.

When Mr. Albert talks about color variety he refers to the formula, Mostly, Some and a Bit. By this he means, "that you could use mostly one hue or family of analogous colors, with some of another color and just a bit of a third contrasting color...... To make your painting pleasing, you need to vary the quantities of warm and cool colors, so they are not equal......., the colors should be mostly of one temperature, some of the other and a bit of contrast."

I found this book to be helpful, not only in reminding me of the design principals, but a fresh way to look at how I create a painting. The book gives many examples of these design formulas and how it simplifies the Principals of Design. Mr. Albert talks about using variety, placement and leading the eye through a painting to achieve an exciting and pleasing composition. He shows how it applies to painting a still life, landscape, figures and portraits to create a more interesting painting.

It is a quick read. Teachers, if you adopt Mr. Albert's Rule of Composition, along with the Rule of Thirds and Mostly, Some and a Bit, it will make teaching composition so much simpler. If I had read this book while I was in college, it would have made my design class a lot easier to grasp. I will post these formulas in my studio (per Mr. Albert's suggestion) for quick reference.

As for his secret.......you have to read the book :-)

Gaylynn

GCWS July Meeting: Marlene Steele, guest speaker

2010-07-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

This months GCWS Meeting was graced by local artist and teacher, Marlene Steele (www.marlenesteele.com). Marlene teaches at the Art Academy of Cincinnati's Community Classes, UC DAAP, Evergreen Art Center and in her studio. She received her degree from the Art Academy. Marlene is a member of the Cincinnati Women's Art Club. Marlene likes to paint with watercolor, colored pencils and pastels.

I was excited to hear her speak on Working with the Figure in Watercolor. I took drawing classes from her approximately 12 years ago. I enjoyed her class very much and tried to soak up everything she taught me.

Marlene went over her brushes, palette, paper and other various tools that she likes to use. All the while she told us about Jack Meanwell, whom she fondly called her mentor. Marlene said that through him she began figurative work in watercolor. She was into exploration and was more into volume than perfection of a painting. Marlene used conte' crayon and watercolor paints as her tools to draw the figure.

She encouraged us to get reams of cheap paper so we too could explore watercolor more fully.

Marlene talked about color mixing and her palette set up. She places her warm reds and yellows on the top and down the right with the blues on the bottom and up the left side of her palette. (see picture on the right) Marlene uses two of the same size brushes to begin her painting. One brush is for cool colors and the other is for warm colors. Her colors were fresh so she used more pigment and very little water to paint with. Marlene used a damp brush to lift out areas. She lighlty laid in her color to keep the value light and build the shadows with washes.

Marlene talked how thumbnails can be helpful in organizing and/or re-directing a drawing/painting. When she is beginning a drawing session with a live model, Marlene does quick sketches in increments of 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, etc... whether it is charcoal or watercolor. She explained that this keeps you from getting tight.

Another tip she shared was to assign or find the shape with your brush as you lay the color when sketching. If you look closely to the picture to the left you can see the shape of the muscles, shadows and highlights on the figure she is painting. Marlene said, "Shadows make everything happen, shape the light."

Listening to her brought back memories of her class and a yearning to take another from her.

Gaylynn

Feeding horses WIP

2010-07-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

As I stated in my last posting, I am enjoying this subject. I thought I would post three pictures showing the progression of the painting up to this point.

I have approximately 6 hours (including the drawing/transfer process) into this painting so far.

I am trying to lay the washes in slowly and cleanly. Something I work hard to do because I get impatient and usually at some point start to lay the darks in too soon.

In this view, I was working on the lady's shirt, pants and the boys shirt while I was waiting on the leaves in the background dry.

Hay....not sure how I am going to paint the ground of hay and gravel. As any painting it is a process and I will figure it out as I go along. That is why I am determined to go slowly.

Have you painted something that seemed tedious or difficult to you? How did you resolve it? Were the results how you envisioned them?

Ideas and critiques welcomed, just hit comment.

Gaylynn

4th of July festivities

2010-07-05T12:02:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a good and safe 4th. In our area we celebrate the 3rd & 4th. Our local pool/amusement park, Coney Island
(http://coneyislandpark.com), has an event called BallonGlow on the 3rd. As you can see from the pictures, hot air balloons stay tethered so they can light up as the sky darkens. The park stays open later for fireworks.

The picture shows the hot air balloons peaking through the trees. My vantage point was from the parks front gate, where I was working, looking down the main road way. We close the road way when the parking lot fills so the patrons can get close to the lake where the fireworks were launched. It is a pretty neat event. To see more pictures of the balloons go to Coney's link.

Our outdoor concert venue, Riverbend (http://www.riverbend.org), is also attached to the park. On the 4th the Cincinnati Symphony has a concert and fireworks. So today is a day of rest after all the activity.

I have been working on finishing up the painting of Pop's Garden. I will sit on it for a week to see if I still think it is done. As for the river view drawing in my last post...I am still drawing. I started it over because I want the perspective to be right.

Being technical is driving me crazy. So I am only working on it while I wait for the paint to dry on the painting I just finished and the one I have begun.

I started a painting of a little boy watching horses eat. I took this shot at another event we had at Coney Island called Paddlefest (http://paddlefest.org). This is a huge event for canoing and kayaking. There is a day of instruction on water safety; how to use a canoe/kayak, etc... There is a youth day where the city summer camps bring in kids to learn about water safety, get canoe rides, health, animals and information about the parks of Hamilton and Clermont County. The last day canoeists/kayakers either race or take a leisurely ride down the Ohio river to Sawyer Point (Downtown Cincinnati) where another day of festivities is set up. It is a lot of fun to watch.

At the youth day, Hamilton County parks brought in animals from one of their parks. I took this picture of this little boy being curious. I loved how he got down to see the horse eat while the Park Ranger was explaining how to feed the horse. Kids and horses...my two favorite subjects rolled into one :-)

I hope your weekend was as much fun as mine was.
Gaylynn

New Blog Templates!

2010-06-11T17:35:00.000-04:00

How do you like my new look? I go to post and found myself playing with the new templates. I liked another look and might try it out also. I just have to say that I love the new options! Thanks Blogger.

I started a drawing to prepare for a painting that I wanted to do. I began my drawing like I always do. Sadly, I soon found myself drowning in all the lines. I was feeling the pressure to make sure the perspective was on point since I had just listened to Greg Albert talk about how simple working with perspectives were at the GCWS meeting (see last post).

My mistake was that I was trying to do the drawing at my dining room table and not in my basement studio. The light there is so much better, but my architecture drawing table is in the studio. So when I felt myself struggling...off to the basement I headed.

Now that it is on the drawing table, the lines are starting to make more sense. DUH... I knew that is how I should have done it from the beginning, but I always try to get in a hurry to get to the paint.

A few more hours in finishing the drawing then I can get my brushes wet. :-)

How do you begin your paintings? Do you do a detailed sketched? Or a quick sketch? Or do you just take the brush to paper/canvas?

Gaylynn

GCWS June Meeting: Greg Albert guest speaker

2010-06-02T18:25:00.001-04:00

Summer began for me today. I know school ended last week, which is usually the benchmark for most. I too note my calendar in this manner. However, today I attended the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society's meeting. They meet year round, but I am only able to attend during the summer months.

The meeting gave me information on the clubs annual exhibit at Evergreen (9/19 - 10/30) and the opportunity to listen to an enjoyable and informative speaker.

This month's speaker was Greg Albert. He is an artist, art historian, teacher, writer, editor and publisher. I was excited to hear him speak because I have read his articles in the Artist Magazine and I have participated in a focus group that he lead for FW Publishing several years back.

Today's topic was perspective drawing. Now when I hear the word perspective I think of technical or architectural drawing...City scapes....Winding road disappearing into the horizon.... It always seems intimidating when I think of this aspect of my drawing.

Greg began with the horizon line like all the books except he stated that the KEY was that the horizon line is synonymous with your eye level. How simple and clear is that statement. Greg went on to show us posters, explaining the KEY to perspective drawing with his own drawings.

These drawings showed us how the horizon line was at your eye level, while the picture plane was like looking through a large picture window (which represents your drawing paper or canvas) and the ground line was where you stand.

Greg then showed how this understanding of the horizon line worked for the 1 pt., 2pt., and 3pt. perspective drawings. Next, he explained how the eye level concept could be used whether you are looking straight ahead, on top or underneath the object.

Perspective drawing can be used with figures or organic objects by placing the figure or object in a cube that is created by the 1 pt., 2pt., or 3pt. perspective. His eye level or horizon line concept helps with keeping figures and animals to scale.

I purchased one of his books called The Simple Secret to Better Painting which shows you how by one rule you can improve your compositions. The rule is Never make any two intervals the same. Greg calls it the golden rule of design.

Greg stayed after the initial talk, and spoke about the importance of drawing daily. He personally draws every evening for 15-30 minutes before he goes to bed. This exercise is about practicing his skills and to do something fun. The word "fun" is the key to not getting bogged down with the "work" it could be if the creative piece was planned out.

Greg has a box with objects in it that he uses for these drawings. He uses several or maybe just one that he turns a few different ways to create the drawing. If time is short he uses a pair of shoes.

His tools are a sketchbook, a gel pen, and some type of medium(s) for color (wc, wc crayon, art sticks/pencils, oil pastels...) Using a few objects from his box, he takes his pen and begins a contour drawing. He puts down just enough detail to get the shape somewhat to scale. The "fun" happens when he adds color. Greg experiments with mixing different mediums. Maybe working out something that he might use on a fine art piece. The goal is to see how far you can take the drawing in the alloted time. What a great way to use your "right" brain!

I left the meeting feeling excited and confident in how I could improve my drawing skills. So, HURRAY for summer! I can not wait for next months meeting :-)

The studio is calling----
Gaylynn

Memorial Day: A day of Rememberance

2010-05-31T17:22:00.001-04:00

It is a Veteran, not a preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is a Veteran, not a reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is a Veteran, not a poet, that has given us a freedom of speech.

It is a Veteran, not a campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to assemble.

It is a Veteran, not a lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is a Veteran, not a politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Veteran who salutes the flag.

It is the Veteran who serves under the flag.

I do not know who wrote these words. They came to me through email. I felt the need to share.

May we all take the time to bow our heads and give thanks and remembrance to all who gave their lives so that we can enjoy our family and homeland.

Tell a serviceman thank you for their service, today and every day you see one.

Gaylynn

Legendary Art Show Post Script

2010-05-26T22:16:00.004-04:00

Whew! I am just now catching my breath! All weekend was the Art Show and it is the final week for school. Tomorrow is the last day for students with a work day on Friday.
Let The Summer Begin!

The weekend show was a lot of fun. We set up for the show Saturday morning then came back for the opening in the evening. This was the first time we had an opening and then the next day. In the past it has been Sunday only. I think that it worked because we had people come through the opening evening that had never been to the show before. Truly a positive.

Above is how my area looked with all my paintings.

It was not only a beautiful evening weather wise...but, I was surprised and touched by my first student showing up. Lora no longer lives in my area, this is why I was so excited that she came to support me and my friends. My friends Kelly and her family, Diane, Denise and Katie also came on the opening evening.

Sunday was just as fun and full of surprises. Behind the Foster Grants, is my friend Deb Ward (and Raquel's twin sister ;-) who came to see the show. I am truly appreciative because she and her husband traveled an hour to get there. Long story short, we met at a show because I recognized her (and her paintings) from her blog   ( http://debwardart.blogspot.com ) and introduced myself. You never know who reads your blog and views your work :-)

My parents came down from Farmersville and my friends Cindy, Lisa and her son, Cade stopped by. My daughter Erin came up from Kentucky. My husband (daughter and parents) helped me when it was time to tear down the show.

To the right is my dad checking out my portfolio.

I can not express the joy I feel from the support of my family, friends and the fellow artists that was apart of this event.

Dodie Loewe   http://www.dodieloewe.com/
Sharon Leonard                         Jim Woods
Angie Dressie                            Jim Hands
Sandy Olukalns                          Dave Ross
Carolyn Bledsoe                        Stan Thompson

I look forward to next May when we do it all over again.

Truly grateful,
Gaylynn

Legendary Art Show 2010

2010-05-18T19:51:00.000-04:00

I am participating, for the second year, in the Legendary Art Show that is Sat. May 22 5-8p and Sun. May 23 12-4p at the Legendary Community Center. 3601 W. Legendary, Pierce Twp. Clermont, Co.

You will see paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels and colored pencil. There are portraits, flowers, landscapes, sports themes and much more. You will find stationary, jewelry and an event planner (who is one of the artists) to help you plan your weddings, holiday parties, etc... You can commission one of these artists to create the painting, jewelry or stationary that you have always dreamed of.

Join us for refreshments and see the art of Dodie Loewe, Sharon Leonard, Angie Dressie, Sandy Olukalns, Carolyn Bledsoe, Beth Zembrodt, Jim Woods, and myself.

Gaylynn

Closing

2010-05-13T20:59:00.003-04:00

I received a letter from the owner of the gallery in our little town. The letter stated that with the economy being slow he will be closing the gallery at the end of the month.

I have to say that I wasn't surprised, yet none the less, I was saddened to have to go today to pick up my paintings. This gallery was not prestigious like the ones downtown Cincinnati. This gallery showcased the work from local artists. It gave us a place to show our stuff and be affiliated with the village, its activities and other artists. The owner, Paul, is a CPA and the gallery was a way for him to have a beautiful "office" for his clients when they came to see him.

Paul always opened the gallery for village events and encouraged several artists to work on site to show off their wares during these events. The gallery may not have made him money, but he truly enjoyed meeting and learning about the artists that he invited to display their artwork.

I will miss my work being shown at the Front Street Gallery, but most of all I will miss all that Paul did for us.

Paul won't be far away. He is only changing his business to another property in the village. I wish him well and thank him for support the arts.

Gaylynn

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:05:00.000-04:00

All Tied Up
5X10

I finished the boats from the picture I took in Annecy, France. This painting, as well as, Ahhh....Morning Caffiene and Waiting on the Rain are at the framers as I prepare for the 4th Annual Legendary Artists Art Show on May 22-23 at the Legendary Run Community Center (5-8p Sat/12-4p Sun).

There will be 6 other artists besides me with artwork in the show. If you happen to be in the area that weekend, Come On Down!

Happy Mother's Day
Gaylynn

Boats: Annecy Canal, France

2010-04-18T22:35:00.003-04:00

I took this picture when I traveled to visit a friend in Geneva, Switzerland a few years back. These boats were tied up in the canal that went through the town of Annecy, France to the lake at the foot of a mountain. It was so beautiful to see. The towns medieval architecture was highlighted by the canal wrapped around an island of buildings.

As the canal goes away from the town it spills into a pristine mountain lake. On both sides of this part of the canal is a park with families enjoying it everywhere. They were picnicking, playing on the playgrounds, jogging and going for a sail on the lake.

I picked this shot because I wanted to tightened the picture to show the turquoise blue of the canal against the rust color of the wood boat for the painting.

I am happy with the way the water and boats are shaping up.

Gaylynn

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T20:32:00.006-04:00

I hope this day was wonderful for all. I certainly enjoyed the beautiful weather and my girls home for the weekend.

The Pilots, 1887

On Wednesday, I visited the Taft Museum with my friend. They have two very nice exhibits called Dutch Utopia and Elizabeth Nourse. They will be on display until May 12th. In the exhibit on Dutch Utopia, the paintings were from American Artists that studied in Holland in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. There was a John Singer Sargent and a Elizabeth Nourse among other artist. However, for me the one that stole the exhibit was Gari Melcher, 1863-1932. (http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/melchers_gari.html) He had approximately 9 paintings in the exhibit. Melcher's painted scenes that showed peasants in prayer, in their fields, socializing and at home. the peasant clothing of the period was usually dark and dreary. Melcher's painting of Sisters had the oldest child in a almost neon orange. Another showed the beauty of the outside of a home with the spring flowers and trees in bloom. Until I stepped into this exhibit I had not even heard of Gari Melcher. So I was amazed when I came home and researched him and found out that he was a contemporary to John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Whistler,George Hitchcock and others that were ex-patriots in the 1890's.

Melchers studied at the Royal Prussian Academy of Art in Dusseldorf, Germany. He then continued his
training at Ecole de Beaux-Arts and the Academie Juilian in Paris in 1881. In 1884, He moved to Holland with a group of artist and built a reputation as a chronicler of Dutch peasant life. In 1889 he won the Grand Prize at the Paris Universal Exposition. In the 1890's he was known, like Sargent, for his portrait work. Melcher's taught taught in Germany before WWI then he returned to the USA.

In NYC he was an instructor at the National Academy of Design. Melcher's moved to Falmouth, Virginia to escape the city. In Virginia he was named to the Virginia Arts Commission and chaired the Smithsonian Commission to establish the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

Mother and Child, 1888

The other small exhibit was of Elizabeth Nourse (1859-1938). She too was an ex-patriot and she hailed from Cincinnati. Nourse attended the McMicken School of Design at the age of 15. She also studied at the Arts Stuedent League in NYC and Academie Julian in Paris.

This exhibit only had 2 finished paintings, a watercolor sketch of one of the paintings and 2 sketch books. I really enjoyed the watercolor sketch. The sketch had all the qualities of the oil painting. Both showed the soft and pale quality of the child's face and the mother's breast. The peasants garb of dark colors. the folds of the material were nicely depicted. Unfortunately I could not find an example of this painting. The painting to the right is an example of the type of paintings she enjoyed to do. Like Mary Cassett, Nourse liked to capture motherhood.

If you are in or near Cincinnati I recommend that you stop by the Taft and see these exhibits before they move on.

Gaylynn

BasketBall Fever wained, so back to work

2010-03-29T11:28:00.001-04:00

Spring Break week here in our school district. I have a whole week of chores to get to. I also have a trip to the Taft Museum planned and of course working on my present painting.

This is the painting that I promised to post last week when my BB fever got in the way. I confess, I began this last fall and put it aside to work on those paintings that you have seen on this post since January. I was getting frustrated with myself for trying to hurry this piece along. So putting it aside and coming back to it with fresh eyes is a good thing.

This past week I have been working on the folds in the pants and shirt. I am liking the direction they are heading, but I think I need to darken the pants and shirt front shadows more. Once I get that done I will then clean-up the arms and face.

Then to figure out the corn stalks. Do I tighten them up or leave them impressionistic?

Gaylynn

March Madness

2010-03-20T21:27:00.000-04:00

College basketball fever has taken over the nation. I admit I am affected by it. I spent last weekend in Nashville watching Kentucky win the SEC tournament. This weekend, at our home, basketball on the TV is non-stop. Our children have come home to cheer on their Wildcats as a family.

This is where my mind is right now. I am working on a painting and hope to post it soon. However, this fever will have to run its course before I can get anything done :-)

Gaylynn

Pink Hibiscus - Rose of Sharing

2010-03-10T20:22:00.000-05:00

Pink Hibiscus - Rose of Sharing

5 x 7

watercolor

My computer is finally working again (for now...long story).

While it was down I finished the pink hibiscus for the Boys and Girls Clubs annual fundraiser. I took the shot of this flower last summer while in Sanibel, Florida.

Flowers are not usually what I tend to paint. However, I enjoyed this one. I just might have to do some more.

Gaylynn

Fluid Acrylic Workshop

2010-02-28T18:27:00.003-05:00

I spent the weekend at the Cincinnati Art Club attending a 2 day workshop taught by Deb Ward (debwardart.blogspot.com/). Deb showed us how to use fluid acrylics on many different supports.

Going into the weekend I was not sure what fluid acrylics were. Now I can tell you that they are acrylic paint that comes in a liquid form. Regular acrylics are in a tube and can be watered down or thinned with matte medium, but when you do that they still are not the consistency of the fluid acrylics that you buy. The fluid paints are also more intense in color.

Fluid acrylics are also thinned with water. Like a watercolor painting you put down water on your support and lay in a thin glaze. While the paint is wet you can drop other colors into it and let them bleed or you can pick your support up and turn it to let the paint move. Like watercolor you can move the paint around or lift it up. Unlike watercolor, once it is dry you can put on another glaze without picking up the paint that is already down.

I enjoyed watching Deb's demos on the different supports. I love the way her strokes look effortless and soft. Deb was very forthcoming with what she has learned using these paints and she also gave tips for painting in general. My fellow participants where enjoyable and they too shared tips. I was glad that I attended and can not wait to play some more with my paints.

I wish I could show you the pictures I took. However, my computer is still not working right and I have to use my husbands. Not sure I want to download my pictures on his computer.

This week is my last class for my students. We will try a second session mid-April.

Gaylynn

Ahhhh....Morning Caffeine

2010-02-21T19:00:00.002-05:00

My computer is up and running again! I can now download the painting I did while I was off work due to the snow. This watercolor is a 5 x 7 painting of a cup, saucer and a pot. The pot could have tea or coffee in it. My preference would be tea, however I felt I would leave the title "open" for what the patrons decides.

I began by laying in the base colors.

I then worked on the shadows of the pot and the cup and saucer.

Next was the detail in the saucer. I have to say this was a first for me. I normally would not have added the detail for fear that I could not do it. So, I am happy that I tried it and that it turned out ok. The reflection in the knife and spoon are somewhat unfamiliar areas also. I think I would try more detail on an object and reflection again.

Ahhhh.....Morning Caffeine

5 x7

watercolor/gauche

This turned out to be a fun still life. I liked the colors and feel I captured the blissful moment when you finish your morning caffeine.

Gaylynn

Digital Photo Album

2010-02-15T20:12:00.000-05:00

Here in Ohio we are having our third major snow storm. Because of President's day we were off today. Because of the snow we are off tomorrow. I have gotten two small paintings started. However, I can not share them yet because my computer is down. I am using my hubby's computer until it is fixed.

I was reading my weekly newsletter from Empty Easel (www.emptyeasel.com) and I clicked on the Monday Marketing Tips. This weeks note was from Rose Welty (www.rosewelty.com) and she asked what would you do if you were at a party and you had the opportunity to talk about your paintings, but you have no way of explaining your work beyond giving your business card with your website listed.

Do you think that person or persons took the card home and looked you up? What else could you have done? Rose suggested that you get a brag book and fill it with pictures of your favorite pieces. This will give you the opportunity to pull out the book to show your work. This is a nice tip that I have done before. However, I liked her next tip even better....

Rose then went a step further and stated how she had an I-phone that gives her the app to download a digital photo album of her work to her I-phone. As she pointed out, this makes keeping track of your album in your purse (or a pocket) easier since it is one less item to carry. Rose also said that you could do this process with an I-pod Touch too.

I have an I-pod Touch that I received when I wanted to get rid of my brag book for the very reasons that Rose suggested. I was thrilled that someone else was using the I-pod like I was. My I-pod photo app has helped me on several occasions when I wanted to share my work with someone. I then finished the conversation by giving them my business card knowing that I have done all I could for that moment.

It was wonderful to see someone else using technology like I was. Every time I finish a painting I download it to my I-pod, to my blog and then my fan page on facebook so all my bases are covered.

I wrote about this because, like Rose, I believe this to be a tip that is a very awesome and useful tip. I hope many of you are already using an I-pod for these purposes (and others). If you are not using one, then my wish is that you check it out and consider how it could help your marketing possibilities.

Gaylynn

Sanibel Beach Scene Finished

2010-02-13T19:13:00.001-05:00

Waiting On the Rain

8 x 11 1/2

watercolor/gauche

I finished the beach scene. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I would not have said that after the last post. Two snow days later and I am tickled with the finished piece. I like how I kept the beach impressionistic while getting tight on the figure. I also feel I captured the feel of the impending rain.

Do you agree? Please leave a comment for your critique.

Gaylynn

Beach Scene WIP

2010-02-07T18:10:00.004-05:00

I started this beach scene back in December (I last posted about it on January 9th). I worked a lot on it this weekend.
It was about to rain when I snapped this scene near our condo in Sanibel, Florida. The white spots I have left are white caps on the water as rain was heading in.

When I began this painting, I loosely glazed in the sky, ocean and sand areas.

I then started laying in some shadow on the beach bag under the chair and the chair cover.

Today I worked the shadows more and started to sharpen some areas. I am trying to keep the beach loose because I can not obviously get every grain of sand or sea shell.

If you have ever been to Sanibel you would know that the beach is more shell then sand. The pile in front of the lady is a pile of shells.

My goal is to finish this in the next week.

Gaylynn

Gaylynn's Watercolors

Norman Rockwell Exhibit at Dayton Art Institute

Following a Vision

Happy New Year! 2011 in Review

Merry Christmas

The Different Views of Viewpoint

43rd Annual Viewpoint

Paintings from the Evergreen Show

I GOT INTO VIEWPOINT!!!!

Streetscapes September 24 & 25, 2011

Cincinnati Art Club Members Fall Exhibit

Carol and David lost their home – a fundraiser

School started

2011 9th Annual Miamisbug Juried Art Exhibition

Flower Market WIP

Painting in progress: At the Flower Market

My Day of Art: Always Learning

Oils revisited: Mug and Oranges WIP

Happy Father's Day

Studio Time On Hold

GCWS 9th Annual All Member Show @ the Barn

Memorial Day Salute/ Locked Out Finished

WIP Red Wall

Red Stone Wall WIP

Happy Mother's Day

Morocco WIP

Describing your painting process

Opening of the 118th Women's Art Club of Cincinnati Annual Juried Exhibit

Bramblitt Documentar part2

Bramblitt Documentar part1

Taft Museum: The American Impressionists In The Garden

Onions and March Madness

Watercolor Pencil Test

WIP Onions progressing

WIP Onions

Onions

Overview of Destination Artist Weekend

SOLD: "Lunch Anyone?"

Destination Artists Weekend and a WIP update

Nashville: Frist Museum and more

Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee D'Orsay

Invitation to show in Destination Artist Weekend!

Happy New Year!

My 2010 Accomplishments In Review

Merry Christmas

Felix & Oscar

Happy Thanksgiving

Labs

Veteran's Day Salute/WIP

Commission: WIP

Two Labradors Commission Drawing WIP

WIP Troublesome Pebble & Viewpoint

Middletown Art Center Show

2 accepted to the MAC Show

Streetscapes

WIP: Troublesome Pebble Update

Java, Jazz n' Art Cancelled in New Richmond

Two Men and A Barge

New Richmond on the Ohio...."It is with deep regret that the Committee of Java Jazz'n Art has decided to cancel the event for 2010. With contributions and artist participation down by 50%, it was felt that the integrity and quality of the event would be compromised."

If numbers are down due to the economy, would it not make sense to make due with the numbers you have so that you keep the event going until the economy returns and make the show better.

What about the businesses that were counting on this event to bring people in to the village? Many people came from all over just to stroll along the river on a beautiful fall day and listen to Jazz, look at art and shop the businesses of New Richmond.

Can you tell I am disappointed that a bigger fight did not happen to make this well attended event take place.

Gaylynn, 2008 Best of Show winner (of the former) Java, Jazz n' Art Exhibit

Viewpoint entries

WIP: Troublesome Pebble

Entering Juried Shows:Eeny, meany....

Miamisburg Art Galley Annual Show & AWS Exhibit at Middletown Art Center

Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society August Meeting: Deb Ward speaker

WIP Feeding horses

Daily Painting ... Is it For You?

Book Review: The Simple Secret to Better Painting by Greg Albert

GCWS July Meeting: Marlene Steele, guest speaker

Feeding horses WIP

4th of July festivities

New Blog Templates!

GCWS June Meeting: Greg Albert guest speaker

Memorial Day: A day of Rememberance

Legendary Art Show Post Script

Legendary Art Show 2010

Closing

New Richmond on the Ohio...."It
is with deep regret that the Committee of Java Jazz'n Art has decided
to cancel the event for 2010. With contributions and artist
participation down by 50%, it was felt that the integrity and quality of
the event would be compromised."