Rain

The summer has been terribly dry. I had forgotten the smell of the rain, listening to the pattering of the rain drops on the roof as I drifted off to sleep, and how hard it was to wake up on a rainy foggy morning. Ah, how peaceful it was. It also 'perked up' the landscape and it became much more alive. The road to my house was a mix of fog and sunlight.

Fog and Sunlight watercolor (C)

As I took my morning drive to work, I pass several farms with hay fields. This one, in particular, I love. The way the light falls on it and the fog hangs over it in the mornings. In the distance you can see Tinker Mountain as well as several other mountains that surround the valley. Naturally, I had to try to paint it.

Roanoke County Field watercolor (C) SOLD

I hope to paint more this week. The Lynchburg Art Club is having their show on September 20th and I need to have some new works for that.

Painting Again!

Today was wonderful!

I was able to have a little 'free' time to re-arrange a few things in the studio. I looked over my list of shows coming up and I sort of began to sweat. I really need to get creative.

I cleaned off my table and pulled out my thumb box of watercolors! I sat for a few hours painting a few small landscapes. I can not tell you how good it felt to sit quietly in my new studio space and paint. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Along the New River (C) watercolor

Warm Springs (C) watercolor

Rising Fog (C) watercolor

Wonderful Surprises!

What a nice surprise to get a phone call from David Eakin telling me that I had won first place in the printmaking and graphics category! Wow! Then I got a call from the Bath County show chair telling me that I had sold all three pieces of art! I was really surprised considering there were 634 pieces of artin the show!

http://www.therecorderonline.com/news/2008/0717/news/070.html

I am still in the process of getting my studio back in order. I was thinking about a song by Joe Cocker, "A Little Help From My Friends." I received a wonderful surprise in the mail recently from a fellow artist and I am tickled beyond belief! All kinds of goodies to help restock my studio with the most fantastic items! I am amazed at the compassion and goodness that still lives in this world. My faith in mankind is also restored. Thank you so very much for being a blessing and an angel! I hope that tomorrow I can get in some studio time and collage and paint!

Bath County Art Show

The Bath County Art Show Is A Wonder For Artists And Art Lovers

This special event, hosted by the Bath County Arts Association, has been a county favorite for 44 years. Local and out of state artists in oils, watercolors, sculpture, photography, and other media will be represented. The Art Show takes July 13th through July 20 at Valley Elementary from 1 to 5 pm each day. For more information, please contact Kathy Singleton at 540-839-2139. Don't miss it!



Sunday I will make my yearly trek to Bath County. Rolling hills and vast farmland. I also like to stop at the waterfalls along the way. I love Bath County!



I am not sure which pieces I will take as I don't have a lot to choose from. I have only had a small space to make prints in since the studio is being rebuilt. I guess it is a good thing I make small prints...for now. Out of five pieces, here are the three I liked best.

Bath County Storm monotype (C) gls [won 1st place printmaking and graphics, SOLD]

Cloud Shadows monotype (C) gls SOLD

Faux Sunset monotype (C) gls

Paint Something!

Go ahead, paint something!

http://www.printmaker.com/paint/index.html

50th Anniversary Sidewalk Art Show

50th ANNUAL SIDEWALK ART SHOW!!!!

Saturday & Sunday, June 7th & 8th

Every year, since 1958, the Artists have held a sidewalk art show to celebrate and support the creation of original fine art. This year’s 50th art show celebrates the fine art of painting, watercolor, mixed media, sculptural art, drawing/ original printmaking and fine crafts.

Come help support the artists !

Where: Market Street and Salem Avenue

Downtown, Roanoke, VA

Time: 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Noon

5pm on Sunday

Cost: Free and open to the public

This year I will have limited work due to the house fire that claimed a huge body of my work. I typically have my fine art collaged charms and pendants, but the Art Museum said I can not show these...after years of doing so. The art charms and pendants will be available at Gallery 108! So, please check them out there and also check out my work and other fantastic artists work as well.

I will be at space F-44 in front of Gone Co-C0.

Tranquil day at the edge of a field

A frog glides across frosty water pooled at the base of a rock statue

tribute to years of cascading dreams

Drifting across the surface breating in the mist lifting off

the icy blue water

unemerged green stalks

promises of flowers

calm the frog hoping for a warm Spring ahead

-Whitfield-

Forest Songs (C) watercolor

The Sounds of Spring

I finally had an evening to sit on the front porch and listen to the creek. The mallard male and female are back! I love watching them year after year as they return to create the sweetest little ducklings! The creek music is singing with a range of sounds and the greens are a feast for the eyes. Bamboo green, Cadmium green , Cobalt Green, Compose green, Permanent green, and Terra Haute. Perhaps a touch of sepia and a hint of Ochre and Umber. Ah, and perhaps a tad of cobalt blue. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

" Forest Song" watercolor (C)

"Falling Branch Creek" watercolor (C)

Little Bits

Just a few new 'little bits'. All I can manage to squeek out for now are a few little bits of art. These are all smaller than 4 x 4 inches. Now, all I have to do is get things framed. Gee, next weekend is Open Studios. Where does the times go? HA!

Managing Interruptions

Two weeks ago there was a 'small' fire at my house. Fortunately, everyone two-legged and four are all OK! It' s a long story and I will spare you, but two rooms of the house were affected, one being my art studio. I had a lot of art stacked up high and fortunately the fire nor the water the firemen had to use got to them. Unfortunately, I had works hanging on the walls and some on a table that were not so fortunate. But again, I am so thankful the firemen (a total of six trucks came) responded so quickly and that the fire was not worse than it was. I am very lucky! And...Rusty, the cat, will get fresh cooked chicken breast everyday! He alerted me to the noise in the dryer (where it all began). I am just glad I paid attention to him!




Well, Open Studios is coming up on the 26th and 27th of this month. I am afraid I have not been able to create a lot of new work. I have been busy cleaning and hauling stuff away, meeting with insurance guys and contractors. Trust me, I'd rather be painting!



Here are two new little watercolors I managed to do today. I am going to be filling in the cracks of time by painting, managing interruptions! But again, I am so lucky!

Creative Surges

Blue Ridge Fall watercolor (C)

I am tickled to be on Spring Break, finally!

I have had time to create these little pieces,

but hope to get much more accomplished in the next week.

Open Studios will be here before I know it!

Where does the time go?

Sumac in Color watercolor (C)

Love animals?

Come see the Best in Show!

Jazz (C) casien and acrylic

If so, check out the Market Gallery’s upcoming Best in Show. Part contest, part fundraiser, part community art project, Best in Show is a spirited collaboration between the Roanoke Valley SPCA, the gallery, and local animal loving artists. Last year, folks of varying experience and age—as young as 8, as young-at-heart as eighty—purchased 12” x 12” panels upon which they drew, painted, collaged, even sculpted images in honor of a furry friend. The works were then submitted to the gallery and combined into a giant, grid-like wall piece. This year follows suit; the colorful collaboration will be unveiled on Friday, February 15 at a special opening reception with munchies, music, and merriment from 7 to 9 pm. From the hundreds of submissions, one will be chosen to grace the cover of the SPCA’s beloved fundraising calendar. The calendar features photos of Southwest Virginians and their four-legged companions, and proceeds go to the SPCA. The 2008 Best in Show will be on display until the end of February, and works will be for sale with proceeds going to the organization. So trot on down to the Market Gallery during February; it’s located at 23 Salem Avenue in downtown Roanoke, on the corner of Salem and Wall.

http://www.marketgalleryroanoke.com/
540.342.1177

Monotypes

Morning Mist mono (C)

Here are a few monotypes.

I finally had time to photograph them!

Now, I am looking for more time...to print!

Sky Over Rocks mono (C)

Snow Days

I have enjoyed the falling snow, savoring coffee with Rusty (the cat) in my lap, catching up on some overdue pleasure reading, and...now days are good for painting! I painted this watercolor today. It is part of what I see from my front porch. I love this tree and the way the branches hang when they are laid with snow.

I also primed a rather large canvas, 5 ft. x 4 ft. Almost larger than I am! I have it resting on the easel in the old studio. I sit and look, stare and imagine what I want to fill this canvas with. I typically paint or print much smaller with the largest being 24 to 36 inches, but on average, most of my work is 8" x 8". So, as you can see, I have my work cut out for me. My mind is full of color, light, shape, texture, and other artistic forms of expression...Now I just have to lay them all down. All I need to do is add a few more coats of gesso.

New Year Wishes

At the Edge of My Yard...photo by the artist (C)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are my wishes for you!

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...

Quiet Days

The last few days, it has been damp and rainy here.
I have enjoyed this break following the holiday frenzy.

Misty Lake monotype (C) SOLD

I have been extremely lazy...yes.
Today I dug through the cabinets in my studio, looking...looking for something...what?
Nothing in particular.
Typically, when I go through things I will find something to evoke a spark of creativity, however, today, I did not find it. What I did find were some old photos and poems that I had stashed in the art cabinet, perhaps when I was cleaning (I often stick things inside of something in order to tidy up, lol). I sat, read, looked at the photos and reflected on the imagery.

Frozen Lake pastel (C)

The images I added today were images from past creations. I chose these because they seemed to reflect my mood and the weather.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing for Peace ON Earth!
Merry Christmas to everyone who stops by...

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday!

Getting Ready For Christmas

sold

sold

Needless to say, my stupid fall left me running (literally) behind. I am just now going through all the cards I have gotten and looking at my shopping list. It looks as if I will be shopping on Friday and Saturday. I know darn good and well I have a whole year to be prepared, but am I? NO! Of course not! Are you?

At least I have painted a few Christmas cards this week.

sold

Art Under the Sun Show

I had a fantastic Thursday this past week! I delivered art to Floyd's Art Under the Sun Gallery! Marsha, Tina, Patricia, and Gretchen, as well as Gretchen's daughter, Marjorie, helped me unpack, hang and decorate for my first Floyd show, which opened last night! I usually get really anxious about show openings, but I have looked forward to this show for months! I love what is happening in this gallery! Creative energy abound!

Here is the set up!

Wonderful lights and space!

I will be showing my pendants for the first time!

*Art Under the Sun*
302 South Locust Street Floyd, Virginia
December 6 through December 14th, 2007
Opening reception: December 7th 4-7 pm
http://geocities.com/underthesungallery/

PLEASE! Check out the gallery next time you get to Floyd, tell Marsha that Gina sent you!

I love Halloween!

Hope you get more treats than tricks!

Have fun!

Happy Halloween!

Cool Weather Art

I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures! Still Virginia needs rain, lots of it. The leaves are turning, but dropping and falling off rather quickly. I am still hoping I get to see the corals and salmon colors that fire up my senses...we shall see.

In the meantime, I have been working on some mini watercolors. I hope to get outside and paint on location, or at least get some good photos. I just got a toy Holga camera and am anxious to play with that as well as my new pinhole camera.

Graveyard Spirit Photograph (C) 2007


I have way too many images in my head. Never enough time to carry them all out...guess I can dream.



Here's what I have so far (sorry, they are a little too blue);

Blue Ridge Parkway (C) watercolor 2007

Winter Mountain watercolor (C) 2007 sold

Winter Creek watercolor (C) 2007 sold

Fall Creek watercolor (C) 2007 sold

October-Fall is Upon Us

"Twilight Storm" (C) monotype

Well, I have been neglecting my blog, as you can tell. Since going back to teaching full time, I have been spending less time painting. I find myself hoping, already, for a snow day or two! I have been doing a few small pieces here and there, painting in the cracks of time.

I have agreed to do a few shows this fall. So, I better get busy!

Come visit these galleries and view the shows.

Here are a few of them:

*2007 Open Studios Art Show @WVTF *

(public radio and TV, located on the road by Red Lobster)

Dates of show: October 1 through 31, 2007

Opening reception Friday, Oct. 26, 5:00-8:00 pm

http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com/

*A Delicate Balance*

(I will be showing with my friend and fellow artist, Janet Sachs)

Gallery 108

November 1 through December 1, 2007

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 1st, 5-8 pm

http://www.gallery108.biz/

*Headwaters, A Celebration of

Virginia's Western Lands*

Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center

Clifton Forge, Va. November 27 - December 28, 2007

http://www.norsecode.com/ahacc/

*Art Under the Sun*

302 South Locust Street Floyd, Virginia

December 6 through December 14th, 2007

Opening reception: December 7th 4-7 pm

http://geocities.com/underthesungallery/

For those of you who have not been to Floyd recently, you have got to visit this wonderful gallery!

The gallery is made up of a grassroots group of artists from Floyd County... Karen Sewell's cozy country scenes; Tina Liza Jones' pen & ink drawings of folk musicians; Karen Limke's pastel nature studies; Marsha Slopey Paulekas' oils of musicians and country characters; Gretchen St. Lawrence's pastel animal portraits and Patricia Robin Woodruff's spiritual and nature art... as well as featured artists each month. Exhibits change all the time. Every Sunday, they offer figure drawing from 3-5pm! First Friday celebrations combine live musical performances and art along a theme. Come join them for drawing opportunities and weekend classes. Floyd is known for its live music scene, creative culture and art. We have one red light, over 12 live music venues, and over 14 art galleries, as well as the beautiful rolling hills of a Virginia rural area. While you are there, enjoy a grand cup of coffee at Cafe del Sol.

http://www.floydcoffee.com/features.html

"Western Mountains" (C) monotype

Lynchburg Art Show, September 15th, 2007

"Winter Creek" (C) monotype (SOLD)

I have been getting ready for this show! It is one of my all time favorites! I just love sitting out at the ball field, transformed into an art show, meeting new folks and catching up with other artists! I will miss being next to Kim, who is having a baby, and Lorna who is in the midst of buying a house. I will have two new 'roomies.' One is an artist from North Carolina, Lynn, and one from Smith Mountain Lake, Nancy! I adore them both! And, as always, my dear friend, Lucy, will help me set up and listen to my drivel all day! Now for the best part, after the show, we go to our favorite Mexican place! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.




Many thanks to David Eakin! He works so hard and makes everything so nice for the artists. Check out his work! http://www.davideakin.com/bio.asp
Hope to see you all soon!

Where does the time go?

Busy times.

I am working on more pages for two more 'fat books.' I have become addicted to making and receiving them over the years. I have met so many other fantastic artists and made new, wonderful friends. I love my opening 'fat books' while sitting in my car once I get the package from the post office box! I get in the car, turn the air on (damn, it has been hot), and covet it in my cool, private moment! Most of the time, they arrive on a day when I really cherish the break, the art, and the inspiration contained inside. What a rush!

This fat book theme was 'Nesting. " See how fat? A fat feast for the eyes!

Then there was the charm swap! Here is a photo of just some of the charms from Amber Dawn's charm swap! I adore those as well. I am fortunate to be a member in such fantastic groups!