Elizabeth Robbins Workshop

Whew!  I know it has been awhile, but things have been so busy lately.  I guess running after three 13-year-olds will do that to you.  I finally got to take a break and get away for a wonderful art workshop given by the fabulous and talented Elizabeth Robbins.  Check her out at http://www.elizabethrobbinsart.com/.  Not only is she a wonderful still life painter, but she is a very talented teacher as well.  She gave lots of hints and tips on theory and materials, not just how to paint in her style.  I was very grateful to be able to attend.  Above is a very poor photograph of the painting I completed in class.  It is still at my friend, Joan's, house while it dries -- the workshop was in Virginia and I didn't want to try and move a wet painting all the way back to Texas.  This next image, below, is the beautiful demo that Elizabeth did at the end of the workshop that I am lucky enough to now own.  I wish I had even an ounce of her skill.  Isn't she marvelous?!

She gave me lots of new techniques to try out at home.  I can't wait to get started, but I probably won't be able to really get going until after the Thanksgiving holiday.  We are leaving for London tomorrow morning and I am hoping to get some workable photos to use for more paintings!  Happy early Thanksgiving, everyone!

Nesting Instinct

"Nesting Instinct"

10" x10"

Stretched Canvas

Fall is my nesting time.  The kids go off to school and I finally have a chance to put right everything in the house that got "put wrong" all summer!  I find great peace in the sudden solitude (although in a few days I will be missing their sweet voices and messy ways -- okay, maybe not the messy ways...) and I love to see everything in it's place finally.  Maybe a little latent OCD?  Sure, but why fight a good thing...heh,heh!  More importantly, I got my studio in total zen condition, so I am ready to crank on the paintings.  Too bad it is maybe too much of a tabula rasa -- like a big, blank white canvas, a clean studio can be a little daunting!  Here we go....

The Onion that Doesn't Make You Cry

"Almost Bloomin' Onion"

5" x 7"

Stretched Canvas

Onions -- I love 'em!  Fried and in sauces, soups and stews (but never raw, except the red ones!).  The only problem is the tears when you are slicing one up.  Oh yes, I know all the tricks (cut in a certain direction, hold your breath and, my personal favorite, the onion goggles), but they never seem to work for me (what a surprise).  This is the ONLY onion that hasn't made me cry yet -- although I am fairly certain it wouldn't taste very good in a stew!

Epiphany!

"The Epiphany"

8" x 10"

Artist's Gesso Board

I painted this abstract piece on a day when I was feeling inspired about painting on gesso boards! They have such a wonderfully smooth surface and the paint seems to have a mind of its own when the brush hits the surface. I suppose I could control it more, but then...why? We all have to be so controlled in life -- isn't it nice to let go once in awhile? Try it, and see!

The First in a List of Things I Will Never Paint Again!

"Popcorn"

4 x 4

Stretched Canvas

I thought it would be a lot of fun to paint a few kernels of popcorn, so yesterday I popped a bagful of Lime & Salt (yum! my favorite!) and threw a few on my table to photograph.  I also used an old movie ticket to complete the vignette.   Fun does not quite describe the experience I had painting these things.  Plus the table was wood, but reflective, so I had to deal with a reflection of each kernel as well as painting the kernel itself.  They say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but this just made me frustrated!  At least I scored a bag of popcorn in the process....I should've ordered extra butter, though...I deserve it!! 

When Life Gives You Lemons...

"Lemony Goodness"

5 x 7 

stretched canvas with sides painted

Available on Etsy soon

Well, in this case, I made iced tea.  And when I cut into the lemon for a slice of lemony goodness in my glass, they just looked so....uh...well...yellow...I just had to paint them!  Love yellow -- such a happy color -- it is hard to be a sourpuss looking at yellow, even if it is in the tart form of a lemon!  I am not sure if I am finished with these -- I am going to sleep on it and check it out in the morning!  Oooh!  Plus I figured out how to post these to Facebook AND how to ship a painting from home!  This goes to show that even an old dog CAN learn new code!!  Sorry about the glare on the painting -- photographing at night will do that!