Saturday, July 16, 2011

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, A Peek Inside My Watercolor Journal


There are at least two female Ruby-throated hummingbirds coming to the feeder at our camp, Tern II.  Each one has a different personality.  One likes to sit and perch at the feeder, taking long drinks of sugar nectar.  The other never perches and seems more cautious, always suspended in flight and looking quickly around after each quick sip.  While I paint, I hear the lobster boats in the distance and a Thrush or Warbler singing in the background.  The tide is moving in.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Painting at the Marina

On most Mondays, the Plein Air Painters of Mount Desert Island, Maine, meet at different locations around the island.  On Sunday evening, local artist and author Gail, sends out a email with the painting location for the next morning.  Last year was my first year of joining the group and I had the pleasure of doing so again this year.  We met at the Northeast Harbor Marina.  That meant boats, boats, more boats and water; both of which I am not very familiar at painting coming from the high desert of Central Oregon.  First I did a warm-up in my watercolor journal.  I pick a smart looking red boat to paint.  This was fun, small and spontaneous.  Then I attempted a 1/4 sheet watercolor painting.  By the time I started, I had less than an hour to finish before the group stopped painting for critique and picnic lunch.  So I did not get very far with my larger painting as I felt it was important to get the shape of the boat somewhat correct.  I will share with you my journal entry:
My Watercolor Journal Painting of the Red Boat at Northeast Harbor Marina

       
Photo of the Red Boat  
More Scenes of Maine - Every sunset is different

Arriving at Isle au Haut - View from the Mail Boat

Rocky Coast

Lobster Dinner at Sunset

Seals on the Rocks

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Art on the Go

Second Chances Art at the San Francisco Airport
It is fun to find art in unexpected places!  Today while traveling through the San Francisco airport, I had a few moments to enjoy an art display of recycled items, "Second Chances - Folk Art Made from Recycled Remnants".  Most of these were made out of metals but then there were very clever dresses made out of candy wrappers. These were incredibly intricate and colorful. Also very colorful, were baskets woven out of discarded telephone wires.
Candy wrapper dresses
Miniature chairs and toys
Colorful baskets made from discarded telephone wires
Miniature metal trucks
Bugs made of metal

Friday, July 1, 2011

Artist Reception

Blue Vase and Polka Dots



I am the featured artist at Alleda Real Estate for Bend's First Friday Art Walk tonight.  There is an artist reception and I will be there from 5:30 pm until 9:00.  Please stop by, see my new paintings and say "Hi'!
25 NW Minnesota (next door to Thump Coffee), Bend, Oregon