Remember me?

It's been so long! Sorry but my computer got ill and has been in the shop. But, I'm back with a force now! I hope everyone had some wonderful holidays and are looking forward to a great 2009!
I will be posting new updates shortly.. I really have been working hard.
For anyone near Boise, Idaho... I will be showing at the Convention Center from January 13 thru 16... I can't make it there, due to cold weather and not knowing when the passes will be closed down... but, I'm there in Spirit!
Bye for now... update coming tomorrow!
Peace.

No post tonight... but, watch for tomorrow!

In the meantime... please feel free to vote for my "Classic Red Car" in the Saatchi Showdown!

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=181530

Voting ends tomorrow night! Thanks...
Linda

Back to the easel...

December already...
I'm working hard on this small piece today... it's quiet, the light is good... I'll post progress later this evening.
In the meantime, if you get the opportunity... please feel free to cast your ballot. This is my first entry at Saatchi, and I am curious how this will pan out...
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=181530
Thanks, in advance...
Peace.
Linda

Latest update...Iris

Here is the latest update... sorry about the glare. Most of the work now is in the upper yellows and surrounding areas. More work tonight... will update again tomorrow.
Peace.
Linda

Small Iris 4 -- the scale of things

I told you it was tiny ...

Peace.

Linda

Small Iris 4 .. finally and update!

It's been a few days but the painting is progressing nicely! I've decided what the main colors are and started placing them about , just as a bit of a roadmap.

I'll write more on this process in a bit.

Peace.

Linda

Still working on the small piece..

I was hoping to finish this piece by the end of the weekend. But, a few issues came up that I was forced to deal with, and I couldn't split my time. I am now back to my safety zone (in front of the easel) and will pick up and continue. This is probably the MOST important aspect of tubing (or syringing) some of your main basic colors. Also, using the clove oil chamber to extend the time that the oil stays workable. I DON"T mix the clove oil in the paint, but let the fumes do thier job.
The painting has really taken some wonderful turns. I've been working on 'breaking up lines', refining the palette and just viewing it in a new direction. At this point, I believe it is a keeper.. I'll know in the next few days. I will post a new image in a few hours.
I hope you're having fun keeping up.. all opinions welcome!
Peace,
Linda

Later - Day 2

This morning was all about mixing a workable palette. I worked primarily in the upper right quarter of the canvas... some of the drawing is a bit off.. but I am working that out as I get away from it a bit.

This piece is now at the "Make or Break" stage. But, I think I'm liking the palette. I will work more tonight, then repost.

Peace.

Linda

Day 2 - Reviving the Iris

After looking at this piece pretty closely, I found that what I really disliked about it was the overload of information. With all of the veiny, colorful detail in the petals... that background was just too much. In this image, you can see where I've removed the background and replaced with a very light, neutral gray. I think this is much better... but still not a keeper.

Reviving a Little Canvas

As I was finishing organizing my studio, I came across this small canvas I had started a while back. It was over a year ago, and it really felt like a "throwaway" piece. But, as I look closer.. there may be something here. This is a very small piece (my smallest) 12" x 12". At this stage of reviving it, I washed it down lightly with turps, when dry - lightly sanded then sprayed a light coat of retouch varnish.

Back to work... almost

Well, it's been a bit since my last post, but there really isn't much to catch up with. I have been working on doing a thourough cleaning of my studio, before I start putting everything from the residency back.
It's been quite overcast, and then with daylight savings time... I have just been tired.
Well, that's one very good purpose for this blog! If I continue (as my goal is) to post daily, I feel sort of obligated to be doing something that I can share.
I have been on the Internet quite a bit, and have been getting very inspired by some pretty incredible artists. That, I must admit, is an incredible motivator for me.

Some that stand out are:
Alyssa Monks - http://alyssamonks.com/index.html
James Hollingsworth - http://web.mac.com/hollingsworthjames/neilart/Home.html
Todd Ford - http://www.tford.info/

As I rearrange my studio, I am setting up an area to do some "Sight-size" drawing. This is such a fullfilling exercize that requires total concentration, and so I will be attepting to complete one per week. It's so wonderful to escape into your mind, when all of the distractions of life have no chance of breaking that bond between artist and work.

More information later, and maybe a full description of sight size drawing... see you tomorrow!
Peace.
Linda

Still working...

Here is an image of my friend Jeannie... here to visit.. and an image of a very large rose in the beginning stage... be back in a few...

1st day....way to productive....

Well, I started about 7am and it's 9:30pm ..and I am pooped! here are some images that I wanted to share before I go out for the night...

The image above is the Centrum Building, here at Fort Worden... this are the kid folks that are putting me up!

Eeek! How does this this work?? The water above is the Puget Sound looking across towar Whidbey Island.

Okay and I know the next one above that will be a white building...see the 4 windows across on the 2nd floor. That;s my HUGE studio!

Above that will be several shots of the interior from one end to the other..and all of my junk.

And so the top one is me ..hamming it up in front of my BIG (4' x5') canvas.

I could probably redo this...but I'm just too tired...

So there you go...picture of the residency... Day one.

Tomorrow you will see my wonderful Barrista..Jessie! She makes a great Capacinno!

Peace.

Linda

Port Townsend!

Hi everyone... I'm here! It is great. My residence is HUGE and my bedroom has an ocean view... except for a few treees and such. I didn't do much last night, except settle in and work with some photos... I was exhausted. Needless to say, no photos.
I'm in an area called The Commons right now... a Barrista just waiting for me, I think. Double Cap and I'm waking up quickly!
I get a good Internet connection here and I haven't tried the studio yet... did I mention , the studio is all mine and also HUGE...!
I'll get photos as I go thoughout the day and come back here around 2pm, if I'm not too busy... as the commons closes at 3pm. Snicker... the Commons also serves beer and wine... I'm in heaven!!
Anyway.. off to check mail and such......
So Peaceful.
Linda

Packing for Port Townsend

My birthday was a wonderful day with friends at the Pub. Now it's back to work!

Just stopping in for a few minutes, as I prepare for the Port Townsend Residency.
I leave for a short week on the 24th and will be keeping a daily journal (with images) here throughout my stay.
My plan is to spend this time working on a series of paintings on lusciously large canvas's! I'm hoping to have the concept tightened up and images put together with specific sizes and shapes. This series should include approximately 20 canvas's! How exciting... and loads of work!
I hope you can stop by often... and watch this whole residenct time unfold!
Peace.
Linda

Finally Checking Back...

It's been so busy around here. I did the Portland Art Open and had a lovely time!
Met some wonderful people, drank a lot of great wine, and came home with a miserable cold.
Oh well, it was worth it.
While I was laid up, I started doing some research on a new Residency. I did one in 2005 at Lakeshore Dunes, Indiana and it was so good in helping me to regain my focus and sort of push me into gear.
During my search, I was quite pleased to find one in my own backyard...sort of. It is a short one, only a week. But, as I start on a new body of work (shhh ... it's a secret for now... but, you'll be the first to know. I really can't keep secrets to well), this will be a perfect spot.
It is through Centrum, a Washington state organization that provides many resources for artists in all diciplines. I will be staying in Port Townsend, Washington beginning October 24th. At that time I will keep a daily log going on here, so hopefully this will be of interest. With loads of photos! If you haven't done a residency, this should be a learning ecperience about my approach.
I'm off for now....
Peace.
Linda

Back from Portland

Portland Art Open was an absolute blast!

Here are some of the images of my wonderful space (sponsored by Milepost 5) and more details coming soon. These photos were taken just before the masses started arriving.. and it was busy, busy, busy ...full of fun and visual pleasure for three days!

For an idea of what the event was about... please go to http://www.portlandartopen.com/

Still here...

Hi.. Just checking in! I'm working feverishly on getting my workspace set up comfortably. In the next day or so, I'll post new images to share what the space looks like as well as catching you up on the NW Iris.
I ordered and received 6 new canvas's. What FUN!
I have three 4' x 4' and three 4' x 5'... bot 3" deep! So, I also am starting to review photos and thinking about next project.
I try to keep two paintings going at once, so that if I am waiting for an area to dry, but still have the strong urge to paint, I can just switch... more on that later....
Laters for now...
Linda

New Studio setting...

I've been away for a couple of days setting up a new studio in my home. I've always rented a studio in the past, but, learned something about myself and painting habits when I did a residency in Indiana. During that time, I was rather isolated in a home right on Lake Michigan.
I found that my internal Painting Clock was rather fickle. I work better very early in the morning and very late at night... and sometimes everything in between! So, to wake up to the canvas, start painting and worry about showering and getting dressed after my surge, was much better!
My plans are to build a small building on my property, which will still allow me to grab my coffee and head out in my sweats!
So.. for now, I've got a very open area, with lots of light, that is about 200 sq ft. . I don't have things put together, and I'm sure you don't care to see my clutter, so I'll wait and put up some photos later on today.
It does feel comfortable so far. :)
Peace.
Linda

Back again...

hmmm... so far it seems like a post a day... well, I am enjoying it, so here goes again...

Today's message is just a simple look at some of my tools...

Image #1 is just a collection of my daily set up...they are normally not all crammed together like that.. the photo is just for an overview.

Image #2 look at

tubed paint and syringed paint for when i need to pre mix colors that I will use overall. The empty tubes are available at most art supply stores, I believe these were ordered from Jerry's. The syringes are relatively new for me (a few months).. but I think that I love them (they are available at Air-Tite). The shish kabob sticks are used for drawing and redrawing from a photo. These work well, as I usually have a brush loaded with paint in one hand and check angles with the other.

Image #3 is the palette again... Notice the notes taken right on the palette.. I use a "Sharpie" pen which cleans right off when changing palettes. The palette knives are used stricktly for mixing paints and filling tubes or syringes.

Image #4 is a closer pictures a selection of brushes. Yes, I use small brushes even on the backgrounds. It helps me to think and refine. (by small, I mean they a a bit larger that regular, but not much).

Image #4 just a closer view of the syringe with a Q-tip closing the end.

Whew! Okay enough for today! It's time to go paint. Please feel free to comment!

Peace.

Linda

On the easel 9-1-2008

Here are a couple of images showing what I am currently working on. The first is a detail of the NW Iris. Note the many "colors" of white. This is the fun part. Alternating warm an cool whites without going to crazy with it.

The second is my palette set up. It is pretty organized.. but it helps save me from creating mud.

More later... with a lot more explanation....

And... new news! I'm off to play in Portland Oregon the end of September! If you live in the area, I hope you can make it. If not, I'll be posting images from the event. I love Portland! I will be showing and painting at Milepost 5... a wonderful venue which will house about 20 artists!

Portland Art Open

http://www.portlandartopen.com/index.html

About the Portland Art Open:

September's Portland Art Open is a three day art event & party showcasing the range of talents and styles of Portland's artists. It's your chance to experience art on the most personal level possible – see how each artist envisions their work in their own setting. The Art Open's goal is to both challenge and educate Portland's art voyeurs about all the many things art can be.
The event will be 100% free for the public to attend.
Sites are dispersed throughout the city.
Free tour guides, maps and online information about each participating artist and their art will be available in early September.
The Event takes place September 26, 27 & 28, 2008

Peace.

Linda

Just starting...

Well, here we go! This is my first attempt at starting a blog. Please bear with me as I work out the details.

I am a Painter from the Pacific NW, near Seattle. I decided to begin this blog as a way of keeping what I am up to by documenting it. With photos, things that are happening in my art world, inspirations and tips and tricks that I have run across after painting for nearly thirty years.

I'll start by saying that I am a Hyper-realist, and currently working with oversize florals. I won't bother you here with listing education, show history, etc., because I want to keep this light and fun. I will be sharing things that are happening and where I'm at right now, so please feel free to ask questions or make comments. I appreciate your visits and will make a serious attempt to update this at least once a week. During that time I will share with you whatever curerent work in progress that I have going on. I hope you enjoy this, because I think that I will. A simple expression of what I am doing in the artworld...

The process of painting has always been so much more valuable to me than the completed product. I am always challenging myself with different subject matter, different painting mediums, different supports and so forth in an effort to keep my work fresh. In every work that I start, there will always be an element that I don’t quite understand. After nearly thirty years of painting I still feel I have much to learn, and will contiue to keep setting up the challenges.

Peace.

Linda