Bridal Shower

Bridal Shower

12 x 12 

The South Shore Art Center is hosting a show themed

"Feast and Festivities"

from October 24 - December 21. 

Gallery Artists are invited to paint on 12 x 12 cradled

wooden boards. 

Since I am in "wedding mode" I thought this would be a fun subject. 

However, I really struggled with that slick surface.  

Eeesh...edges are tough.

I think I'll submit this one.  

Box of Chocolates

12 x 12 

  

Correct Values

Getting the values right, to me, 

is the most important element of making strong paintings.

I had the class do some quick four value "studies" from photos yesterday. 

I gave each student this Simple Value scale as a guide.

The rule is:

Everything in shadow has to be one of the two values on the right, 

everything in light has to one of the two values on the left. 

We chose images with strong light and shadow patterns. 

It's a lot harder than than it looks! 

This gal, new to painting, nailed it on the second one,

after really looking!  

I love it when that happens! 

"Color gets all the credit, value does all the work!"

Open Studio

The South End Open Studio

was so much fun this weekend. 

I met a ton of interesting people, 

got some new students, learned a lot,

and sold some paintings! 

The entrance

My work was in the front as you walked in.

Beth's work was by the windows. 

The perfect "desk"! 

I served water with lemon, mint and cucumber. 

wine, and some wrapped goodies. 

There was a steady stream of people in and out both days.

Open Seating

24 x 40! 

I was thrilled to sell this piece. 

I have never shown it before. 

And one of Beth's paintings sold!!!  

Blue Sweater

12 x 12 

All in all, it was a great experience. 

It was exhausting but very inspiring. 

I've bought some big canvas's 

and am itching to get painting! 

First Day of School

We had our first "Painting from Photos"

class at NRAS today.

New space, new time, new students.

All very exciting.
We spent a lot of time talking about
what makes a successful image to use as a reference
and I did a demo. 

"Roadside Retreat"

45 minute demo

(needs tweaking) 

I wanted to show how to simplify a complicated subject 

and "tell a story" instead of copying every detail.     

I had a great audience and a lot of fun with this. 

It felt good to be back to school!

Reminder: 

Open Studio 

THIS WEEKEND!

Studio #311

450 Harrison Ave. 

11 - 6 pm

www.sowaartists.com

Update: Boston Open Studio this weekend

I'm excited and feel incredibly privileged 

to have my paintings sharing space 

with the amazing work by Beth Dacey

this weekend.  

Saturday, I brought in my paintings 

to get a feel for the space.

Beth left me three empty white walls 

right when you walk in. 

Her work is in the back with a 

big work table, bubble wrap 

and windows that open!!!

My new daughter-in-law (!) Kristen,

 made all the labels on Beth's label maker!  

Be sure to stop by if you're in the city 

this Saturday and Sunday 

Studio #311

450 Harrison Ave. 

11 - 6 pm

www.sowaartists.com

Open Studio Prepping

I've been busy prepping for the 

South End Open Studios in Boston Sept 20, 21.

It's fun sorting through paintings currently in the studio 

and re-thinking them.

"Danny Caught a Fish!" 

11 x 14 

I bumped up a few colors on this and fixed a few 

awkward brushstrokes. 

I like it now and it works with the beach scene series 

I'll be showing at the Open Studio!

Click here for more information.

I'll be in 

Studio #311

450 Harrison Avenue 

Back to Work

After a glorious and memorable summer,
I'm looking forward to getting back to work and a busy schedule.

My first project is to prepare for a wonderful opportunity
to show my work in Boston in September!

My friend and fellow Copley Society Artist 

Beth Dacey will be in Italy and has offered me 

the use of her studio! 

(Vista print proof)

Mark your calendar! 

This is a wonderful opportunity to walk around the South End 

and get a sneak peak into some incredible artists' studios!

Hope you will stop in.