Clouds and Swirls

Hello and greetings where signs of spring are mixed with clouds and swirls. What are clouds and swirls? I can’t wait to share. But, before reading on, if you want more information about me, check here.

And, if you are seeking weekly, colorful paintings in your inbox (yay!), sign up here. On to this week’s painting.

Spring Skies are Here

Just in the last 10 days, the sunrises and sunsets are filled with signs of spring. Such as? The bird calls are off the chart right now. If I fire up Merlin first thing in the morning, it practically explodes on my phone as it rushes to capture each bird call and whistle.

And, as I grumble and complain about the (crazy) time change, I’m pleased to have a bit more time before I stumble out on our back deck to paint first thing each morning. There’s a view of sky and trees that is short-lived as we anticipate construction next door.

Then add in the shape and movement in the clouds, especially at sunrise and dusk, and I have enough painting “subject matter” for another ten life times. So what am I painting? Here’s a sneak peak.

Studies Studies and more Studies

Thanks to the class I mentioned two weeks ago, I continue to use short, timed studies to help problem solve. Such as? Here are 3 examples from (dozens!!!) of studies I did this week.

Each of these studies is 5×5 inches and painted in acrylic paint outdoors (en plein air) on scraps of really nice mats from Jerry’s Artarama. Then I grabbed blue and black pens and drew some swirls and ideas.

My hope is to incorporate what I learn from these smaller studies (work quickly, use big brushes, make strong/subtle cloud shapes) into a large painting (or two) that is/are currently in time out. HA!

What other news can I share? I’m so glad you asked.

Getting Ready

I’m getting ready for the Art Opening at Crossroads Art Center in 2016 Staples Mill Road Richmond, VA. It’s on Friday night, March 20 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM. I will be there and have added more paintings to my wall. And, I’m doing two art giveaway drawings for paintings at 6:30PM and 7:00PM; if your name is drawn, you choose a painting from the lucite rack on my wall. So, come on up to Richmond and fill out an entry form to have a chance at winning. Here’s a picture of the latest version of paintings on view at Crossroads. If paintings were people, you might say “there’s a full house” in my spot, right?

I will be at Crossroads with my pal and fabulous painter, Jean Grunewald, who will also have work on view. Stop by and say ‘hi!’

Then on April 12, I will have work on view at the Forest Park Art Show from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at the Brown House Gallery at 1310 Hillsborough St Raleigh, NC 27605. There are a bunch of other fabulous artists, photographers, print makers and more who will welcome you and offer you delicious munchies and beverages, too.

How Are You

What’s happening in your neck o’ the woods, gentle reader? Have you seen a few glimpses of spring, too? I sure hope so! Please share your experience in the comments below.