Miniature Pastel

"Pink Creamer and Apples" 3x4 inches pastel on board

Two Handed

"Stillness IV and V" 3x4 inches oil on board

Duplicity

Doing two or more at a time is freeing in a lot of ways. If you mess up one you still have the other. I also like the idea of keeping one for myself.
"Two Pitchers, Two Onions" one is 3x4 and the other is 2 1/2 by 3 3/8 inches.

Daylight Savings Time Ends

I've always been totally dependent on sunny days to do my paintings. (It's so ingrained in me that when I see it's cloudy out I find it nearly impossible to get into the mood to paint- anyone else like that?) I use north light and a desk lamp that has warm and cool bulbs (which I usually use only the warm) to mix colors and do my paintings.
An epiphany struck just as Daylight Savings Time ended.
I woke up the other morning and had the idea to use a 500 watt bulb when its dark or cloudy.
I was concerned that the colors wouldn't be the same. I've been pleasantly surprised that this is working out especially since the days are so short this time of year and it seems we are getting so much rain. This is just great. It expands my working schedule tremendously. I just have to be careful about not leaving the bulb on for too long or go away and forget about it!! I've read about people using all different kinds of lighting but it never seemed to work for me.
I aim the lamp at the ceiling and still use two desk lights. Another thing that's great is that I didn't have to buy anything. Just used what was in the closet. This bulb really lights up the room. My husband suggested a 250 watt bulb. I guess I'll try that after I've burnt out all the 500's that I have!
"Blue Vase and Orange Slice" 3x4 inches.

Marjorie's Response

I was asking "How
can I be as good as you?" and "What do I need to do?"
I have made hard copies of all sent by you and Kristi so I can read and
reread. Thank you, Joyce, for your reply to the
question. It is great. The perfect answer for me. Just what I needed to
hear and to think about.
The book list is also very helpful. I will see if I can find them. I have
The Art Spirit and B. Edwards books.
About the workshop. I want you to know that I have taken many workshops and
this one seemed to be just for me.
It was like, all in a nutshell. Everything seemed to come together. It's
all there, in one tiny painting-- everything
to make a great piece of art. I came home with confidence that I can do
this. Thank you for a great week.
Went to your website and looked at your work to help me finish some I had
started. Thanks for including photos in
the emails. I was going to ask for them.
I know this is a long reply, but one last thing. I was impressed with your
knowledge, wisdom, and willingness to share.
Also, I felt of your goodness and enjoyed being in your presence.
Thanks again for everything.

Utah Watercolor Society

I was in the beautiful state of Utah this month; invited by the Utah Watercolor Society! A great group of people who I hope to stay in touch with.
Something happened during the week which I thought I'd post since I know it is so central to all of us who are creative.
One of the women asked me,
“Why do people buy your paintings?” At first I was at a loss but after pondering about it for a few days I thought what she was really asking was, “What makes you a good artist?” or “What do I need to do to be a good artist?”
I know that one of the reasons she was taking the class was “to loosen up”. She became conflicted when her brother-in-law criticized her by telling her she was “moving backwards”.
As artists we all face criticism from our family, friends and most of all from ourselves. If we take the time we would see that all artists from the beginning of time had to face crits from someone. Making art is something we have to do to please ourselves and not worry about what anyone else thinks.
Easier said than done.
I’ve found that making art requires discipline, sacrifice and self-confidence. I gave up a 20 year career to take classes full time. I changed my life style. I painted small when everyone else was painting big. I pushed through self-doubts. I painted almost everyday.
I got help where I could. I hung out with only those people who were supportive. I read about art and different artists struggles.
My story will not be your story.
What makes art interesting is that everyone has their own story and style.
All I can say is learn is much as you can, spend as much time at it as possible and stay true to yourself.

Rising SunWorkshop

This was a great 2 day oil workshop in Rising Sun Indiana that took place over the summer. Yikes. I'm just posting it now. I think I came home and got into the pool and thinking about my next workshop which was going to be a watercolor workshop in Utah. Oh yeah, and I got so involved with the DVDs. That was totally engrossing. Hope I'll be back on track now that I don't have any major projects ahead of me. Maybe I can just paint!!