Happy New Year 2016

Wishing each of you a Happy and Healthy 2016

Today I heard someone say, "Darn, a whole 365 days and I am still the same person." Gee, I could not respond. I know I may look the same (ok, a year older), but I am not nearly the same person. I have had new experiences this year that were just the finest a person could hope for, and I have had a few learning curves, and a heartbreak or two. I am not the same, I have been enriched by experiences on both ends of the spectrum. 

I was excited to journey to the west coast and meet other artists, and cultivate some new friendships. Some who extended great kindness when I hit a 'bump'. At home, I laughed and enjoyed time with my BFF's and partners in 'crime', you know who you are! We did silly things and are planning more. It feels great! Of course, I've been blessed with a wonderful family, small as we are. 

I created art and was fortunate in being selected for several notable shows. I feel blessed that some 'saw' and understood what I translated to a visual format. I taught classes and learned so much from all of my students, as well as from the special ladies that believed in me and gave me the opportunity. What great creative souls they are. I thank them for the opportunity of allowing me to share my artistic intuitions and feelings about art. I truly want to see others reach their creative goals and find their voices. 

I learned what a 'perfect storm' was, even though it took courage to accept. I was quickly reminded how fragile life is. I now have an extra memory to carry in my heart and a new star to wish upon each night.  

I'm a better person for having all of these experiences, and I hope 2016 yields even more. 

I am posting below something I post every New Year. 
Times of gratitude.

I can always add to my list, but for now, here it is, 

Strength to accept the things you can not change-shade at twilight on a summer afternoon-a heather plant to greet you-a friend who you are proud of-good hard work-one comfortable place to sit-your favorite music-warmth in winter-those old shoes-heat of the sun-ocean breezes-dark chocolate--cookies-a card from a friend-a single flower-windmills-funky cars-an infectious laugh-recycled stuff-people who let you be real-finding 10$ in a pocket-books that touch you-helping a stranger-pets-clean sheets- quilts- pleasant childhood memories-giggling children-drawing a picture-a favorite color-the things you belong to-a sunset-a sunrise-water-mountains-100% cotton-organic stuff-grass in the cracks-stormy skies-unicorns and mermaids-a clear pond-time change-peace-dinner and dishes by someone else-negative ions-clear counters-moss-time alone-warm a bath in a quiet house-a stranger saying 'Hi!' and believing it-dirty knees-laughing-a good cry-a box full of memories-picking and eating from your garden-a car you can trust-comfortable silence with friends-gentle children-giving unconditionally-making someone smile-setting a goal and accomplishing it-a toilet that flushes-standing tall-stamps-people with beautiful hearts-leather-plant and flower shops-old jeans-feeling good enough to be kind-a quiet faucet-ice cream-clean water-a friend that has one you can borrow-chimney sweeps-lightening bugs-evening breezes and bats-fantasies-being there-a heartache that is gone-a friendly tax appraiser-a friend that sings as she works-a cup of hot tea-lacy things-nosegays on the windwsills in summer-a single feather-the hours before the world wakes up-being gentle to Mother Earth-consoling someone-falling stars-spring aromas of honeysuckle-back scratches-no line at the check out counter-inner peace-an old t-shirt-a parking place-feeling the breeze-a time together-finishing a task-touch-feel-declared by mother nature-smell-hearing-seeing-ice on the window-a holiday-singing in a group-big men with little babies-remembering someone who loved you well-green apples-cheese-art that touches you-night sky-big trees-staying home-respect-affection-compliments you believe-a well deserved paycheck-big trees in little cities-motorcycles- Amtrack- airplanes- taxi's and busses-clean paper-giving something of benefit back to society-movies with gentle hero's-popcorn-the idea of enough-being able to read-being able to love-choices-saying' no'-saying 'yes' from deep down inside-babbling brooks-linen-a tax refund-the purr of a cat-and a meaningful kiss...

Christmas Photo and Art!

This is one of my favorite Christmas photos. The reason being it has this hint of simple nostalgia.
While the Christmas tree is small, it caries a weight. Amidst all the creating, the teaching of classes, and being busy doing those everyday chores, stop, look and listen.....be mindful, be thankful, and may the peace and joy of this season last within you.

I especially wanted to thank everyone attending my classes, viewing and purchasing my work. To my fellow artists, I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the strong community we have here. I appreciate you, each and everyone.

What Happened to the Cat? and Open Studios

I want to thank everyone who came out to Open Studios of Botetourt! Bill and Linda White hosted me at Bill's studio overlooking a magnificent view of Tinker Mountain, Troutville fields, and a snippet of the Appalachian Trail. I was fortunate to be invited to participate. I met so many new people and saw folks I had not seen in years! A special thanks to everyone who put this together and those who came out!

Above, the encaustic monotype (pictured above) won a prestigious award sponsored by the Sun Times of Pulaski at the New River Juried Art show. Juror Rebecca Ghezzi, Moss Gallery, was the juror. Thanks to everyone who made that show a success and congrats to those who were selected. 

The work included is wonderful. I hope you will get a chance to see the show. 

Open Studios Botetourt 2015 and New Works

Technology, it wows me. 
It is amazing what folks can do! I thank Leslie Woodie for putting this video together. Take a peek here and hope you' llcome out this weekend. It's going to be worth the drive....

Open Studios Video


In the mean time, here are a few new works. Hopefully, I will have better images soon!

 The End of the Heart (C)

The Day Before (C)

Botetourt Open Studio Tour-Come Say Hello!

Botetourt Open Studio Tour! 

I am delighted beyond words to be showing with mentor and fellow artist Bill White! We will be located at his studio at 5457 Mountain Pass Rd, Troutville, VA. 

I lived in Botetourt as a child (in the 60's) and have many memorable farm-life experiences which relate (mostly)to my landscapes. Also, three of the artists showing were my mentors, Vera Dickerson, Nancy Dahlstrom, and Bill White. Over the years we have kept touch and become friends and now hang works together at The Market Gallery. Over the years I have cultivated friendships with many of the other artists on the tour. For this I am blessed and fortunate! I hope you will come out and enjoy the art, artists, and the countryside. 

Here's a ink:

http://openstudiosbotetourt.com/artists/

Saturday, October 25- 10am-5pm

Sunday, October 26- 11am-5pm

Many of the Roanoke Valley area’s leading artists live and create in scenic Botetourt County. This fall, 10 Botetourt artists have joined with the Botetourt County Office of Tourism for the fourth annual self-guided driving tour of artists’ working studios. Enjoy this free event and rare opportunity to visit the artists in their studios and homes, viewing rich and varied works both completed and in progress. Have a chance to purchase original artwork and learn about the tools and materials used to create it.

Whether you are a collector, or simply curious about art, this is an opportunity to converse one-on-one with artists while enjoying the added pleasure of the beautiful fall foliage and landscape of Botetourt County. The artist’s studios are located throughout the county so look for the Open Studios logo on signs along your way.

Be sure to pick up your “passport card” at your first stop and have your card stamped at each studio you visit. Then leave the card at the last studio visited and be entered to win a $150 gift certificate towards an art purchase of your own. Visit one studio or all of them. Just enjoy the weekend, your scenic drive, and the artistic culture you’re sure to experience along the way.

Emerging High School Artists of Botetourt County

This year, 20 Art students from Lord Botetourt and James River High Schools were selected and made work on canvases provided by OSB, themed: “My Favorite Food.” Their works are displayed in each of the studios and are for sale. The Botetourt Food Pantry will receive 50 to 100% from student sales.

Four guest artists will be joining us for the 2015 tour.

The complete list of this year’s artists:Lois Bisese, Ed Bordett, Nancy Dahlstrom, Vera Dickerson,David Eakin, Dreama Kattenbreaker, Brett LaGue, Sharon Mirtaheri, Willie Simmons, Gina Louthian-Stanley, Bill White & Mark Woodie.

Artwork for the 2015 tour will include printmaking, oils, acrylics, mixed media, encaustic, cold wax, jewelry and sculpture.

2015 tour dates: October 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. & 25, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Water Grasses-Cold Wax and Oil

All the rain lately has made everything gray. 

Yet, if you really look, there are

more shades of gray than you can imagine. 

Water grasses, muted on a rainy day were my muse today. 

 Water Grasses 1 (C) cold wax and oil

                                                 Water Grasses 2 (C) cold wax and oil

Encaustic Works and Blood Red Moon

Since I the missed showing of the Blood Moon last night due to rain, I decided to 

articulate the event buy creating images of and about the moon. 

While the moon I created is not a blood moon, it is glowing and full of energy. 

The Elements of Astronomy was created with wax, oils, an assemblage of 

glass, metal, and charms. 

No matter how hard we try to understand the laws of nature, 

she prevails. 

Under the Moon (C) encaustic and pencil

                                       The Elements of Astronomy (C) Encaustic Assemblage

Painting Paradise Cold Wax and Oil

If there is a place you want to be, even if only for a day, 

create it. 

Tide Pools 1 (C) 

Tide Pools 2 (C)

Growing Again - New Works In Encaustic

I recently returned from Dumas Bay, Washington where I had the pleasure of meeting some mighty fine artists all working in encaustic. Encausticamp was an experience I will never forget! Patricia Seggebruch, Crystal Neubauer, Michelle Belto, and Sue Stover were a fantastic foursome of great encouragers!

I was in the track two group, but I also met the instructors from the other group, Amanda Jolley, Shary Bartlett, and my friend Erin Keane. 

I had to work small due to traveling such a distance, but managed to begin small studies for a new body of work. All of these pieces will be narratives about nature in some way,  shape, or form. Some may include mechanical, or man made elements to contrast nature. 

The experience of meeting new artists, collaborating, and spending time by the bay  talking, singing, and reflecting on the days works was unforgettable. I know my techniques  and knowledge of the medium have grown, and to all the folks I met for their guidance and support,  I am grateful. 

 Captured Moments (C)   

Nature Prevails (C)

New Things

New works are in the making. 

'The Blues' is just one of my recent works in cold wax and oil. 

I have had a chance to immerse in the medium over the last couple of months 

and am liking the results. This is a medium I am growing quite fond of. 

I have had an opportunity to teach a few adult classes, private and group, over the summer. 

It has been heartwarming to see experienced artists explore a new form, as well as having students that have had little or no experience in painting, with new questions and insights.  

I thank each and every one who came to the classes; we've made new friends, discovered new and hidden talents, and above all, we took steps to 'let go' and create. 

For me, that was the absolute best part. 

                     I am hoping I can keep that in mind when I travel to Washington State. I am nervous and anxious, not just about flying, but about letting go of the fears one can have

 throwing your skills out in front of new folks. This time I will be a student, 

immersing for a whole week of creating with Encaustics. 

There will be more new works.....

For years I had to tuck such adventures to the side for many reasons, work, teaching, serious family illnesses, ill pets, and a myriad of 'stuff' that happens when you are busy making plans (John Lennon). The opportunity came and I am going. 

Sweet dreams are made of this. 

The Heat of Artmaking

Summer, ah, it is hot....I am not a fan of the hot, hazy, humid summer. Spring and Fall are my favorites...The heat, however when used creatively is intoxicating. By that, I mean the heat of encaustics.

I just finished teaching a two day workshop on encaustic monotypes. I had the opportunity to work in a fine teaching facility at 310 Art Gallery in Asheville, and I met some incredible artists as well as reconnected with friends while I was there. Each time I go, I learn bit more about Asheville, and places to see....I am always enchanted......and I will go back.....

 The heating of an aluminum plate gives exquisite textures and patterns in wax 

that you can print onto paper!

 I Heard It Through The Grapevine! (C) 

Moonglow  (C)

New Works on Paper-Cold Wax

With the freedom (ha) of summer on me now, I have created many small oil and wax paintings that will be translated into larger works. I am excited about having the time to create the things that I have carried around in my head for so long. These are just a few.

Mountain Side Cold Wax and Oil on Paper

Springtime 2015 has been beautiful. 

The Blue Ridge mountains and landscape has always astounded me....

Sometimes there is no way to do it justice, 

but I try. 

Cold wax----Wabi-Sabi

This piece has been here for awhile. Not sure why. 

Some pieces just so not have a solo language that no one speaks. 

Soon, this cold wax diptych will be coming back home and will be re-worked into something else. 

What that will look like, I have no clue. 

Time for some Wabi-Sabi!

Prismacolor Class Project

The final class project. 

 Beginning by working in pencil, and defining contours.

Adding baseline skin tones.

 Adding more color and working on eyes. 

Although I say this is now finished, I plan on going back and making a few changes. 

Those changes may be adding color highlights to the skin to accentuate the planes of the facial structure and folds of the skin, adding more texture to the clothing, and properly matting the piece. 

I plan on doing more portraits in prismacolor. 

Love the challenges. 

Large Encaustic Works!

      Recently, I have had several patrons ask for larger works. So, I am exploring this with my new works. The piece shown here is 3ft. x 3ft and is an encaustic. From working larger I have explored many new techniques as well.

I am  mesmerized.....

Skywater                            (C) Price on Request

Nelson Gallery, Lexington, Virginia- Solo Show 2015

Last night was the opening of my solo show at Nelson Gallery in Lexington, VA. 

This show highlighted some of the ink drawings on recycled papers, 

cold and hot wax encaustics, and encaustic monotypes.

I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome, and for coming out!

I so enjoyed meeting new artists, sharing thoughts, ideas, and philosophies. 

Thanks to the gallery members for hanging such a nice show for me!

I hope to visit again soon!

Detail of an encaustic. 

Open Studios of Roanoke

Once again, this year I will be part of Open Studios!

Open Studios of Roanoke is pleased to announce its 15th annual self-guided tour of artists’ homes and studios will take place Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, noon to 5 p.m. This year’s tour features 29 artists and 11 stops, including 10 at working studios.

The Tour is FREE and children are welcome! An easy to print Open Studios Tour Map and more information on each artist is available at our website, www.openstudiosofroanoke.com.

(C) GLS

(C) GLS

(C) GLS

Snow Days

Snow days make for painting. When one paints, the canvas is blank and you can be anywhere. 

Today, it is Spring by the River (C). 

Drawing Class

Personal Portrait

For my advanced drawing class, I had to create a personal portrait 

and abstract it with something personal. Since gardening is a passion, I chose poppies. 

I could only use two colors, and I was amazed at what one could do with just blending two colors. 

I want to try another!

Studio School Show at the Piedmont Art Center

Here are a few images from the opening of our show!
A special thank you to all of the staff at the center!
They did a nice job hanging the show, and have been
very supportive of our work!

Flow

These days all I want to do is spend all my spare (HA) time painting. 

That is exactly what I have been doing. 

I feel the flow...if you are an artist, you'll understand. I HAVE to go with it. 

Waterside (C)

Back Creek (C)

How Does Your Garden Grow?  (C)

 Ocean View (C)

 The Waiting Is The Hardest Part  (C)