"Oceantide" by Sally Shisler

"Oceantide" by Sally Shisler
(4x4") - 201303

This last few days I have worked on painting nude figures.  I am reminded of what I learned in school when I studied medical illustration - avoid provocative focal points. It's natural for the eye to be drawn to human 'parts'. We all know what they are. (Kind of like faces where the eyes, nose and mouth can easily be hastily rendered with symbols that we learn).  It can be challenging to avoid bringing too much focus to these areas, but when it's done effectively, the painting can become more than a sexy picture.  Hopefully I've achieved that here. 

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"Tubin' the Wekiva" by Sally Shisler

"Tubin' the Wekiva" by Sally Shisler
(4x4") - 201301

The first painting of 2013.  Felt great to clear off cobwebs and do some dusting in my studio today. I have some images from last summer at Wekiva Springs State Park here in Florida that I'm planning to share. This boy's swimming trunks caught my eye because of how luminous they were relative to all the other greens and yellows in the scene.

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"Redheads" by Sally Shisler

"Redheads" by Sally Shisler
(4x4") - 201218

Greetings to all.  It's been a long couple of months, and as you probably have come to expect from me, another stretch of time where other things have had to be shuffled to the top of the priority list. Aside from family (which does always come first), I got a new job as an administrative assistant/office manager.  And boy do I love it!  Takes more time away from painting, but hopefully with a steady income, I can go about painting as more of a passion and less of a duty with pressure to perform. Some day I dream I'll be able to do nothing but paint...

This is a scene from right around Labor Day at Cocoa Beach here in Florida.  One of the last big beach hoorahs for many folks.

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"Afternoon Fun" after EH Potthast

"Afternoon Fun" after EH Potthast
(4x4") - 201217

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Bon voyage..... At last, our summer vacation has arrived!  We'll be heading out tomorrow morning; returning next weekend. I will not be bringing my painting equipment, but will have my camera close by.  This is one of the years we'll go to Anna Maria Island here in Florida.  PLENTY of beach scenes!
All I'm bringing is my suit, hat, sunscreen & flip flops.  Oh - a beach chair too (critical). Today's painting was all about cadmium yellow.  It's a tricky one, to be sure.  For me anyway.  It rather goes along with the last study I did of Potthast (below), Balloon Vendor.  Though this time I really wanted to explore what cool, cold weather light looks like.  This too is on gesso board.  I'm loving it!

Don't forget - if you happen to be in the Orlando area during the month of July, you can see my paintings in person at Steinway Piano Gallery (SEE BELOW ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INFO).  There will be an artists' reception on Thursday July 12th, from 6-9.  It's not likely that I will be able to be there, but I will have a 'spokesperson' there to talk to.  I can also meet people by appointment anytime after July 16th.

There's much in the works lately, and though you haven't heard from me in over a week, rest assured I am working away at organizing my upcoming year.  Workshop Survey will hopefully go out tonight.  However - as you know, I am known to have a hard time doing things exactly when I hope too.
Anyone who has recently asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested and you will be part of the survey.  I want to get some idea of where and when the vast majority of folks would be able to attend.

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Balloon Vendor" after EH Potthast

"Balloon Vendor" after EH Potthast
(4x4") - 201216

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Short writing here, as I'm busy getting ready for a last minute decision to participate as one of 3 Florida gals to exhibit paintings during the month of July in Altamonte Springs, FL.  ACK!  So much to do! Formal announcement will come out this week.  Once again, I am so honored (OK - quite flattered too) to have heard from so many of you lately. Even when I mistakenly sent ya'll some of my old emails.  Not sure what was sent within those attachments.  Just praying it was on the up and up : )

Still working on organizing workshops too.  I will get back to each one of you individually very soon.  Probably will aim for 2 more for this year.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.

Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"At the Beach" (yellow skirt) after EH Potthast

"At the Beach" (yellow skirt) after EH Potthast
(4x4") - 201215, Sold

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I have some 4x4" gesso board that's been laying around for a while, and I finally decided to go ahead and give it a try for painting.  My usual surface is Centurion oil primed linen that I cut down and mount onto gator board.  It's been my preference for about 2 years (after I went on a spree buying and trying all different kinds of 'stuff' to get the best of what I'd need to kill as many birds with one stone as possible).  I really enjoyed the gesso board though I believe there was some absorption of the paint rather than what I'm used to with the linen.  The linen allows the paint to sit on top of the surface more.  Just the same, I think I'll do several more like this to see where it goes. 

About workshops - so many have asked, and yes, I still do them and I am in the process of putting together the next few for this year.  Probably will aim for 2 more.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.
Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

Finally, I believe I'm going to send out a short questionnaire soon to ascertain who is interested in studying what.  My endeavors & methods have changed a lot since I first began teaching a few years ago, and I'd hate to plan something that not everyone was expecting.

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Late Summer Interlude"

"Late Summer Interlude"
(16x20 Oval")

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You may remember this painting from several years back.  Five to be exact. The other night we had an intense rain storm that scared the be-jeezis out of me because my studio started to leak large amounts of water. Both from above and coming in from outside.  Thank god nothing got damaged.  I was able to get out there soon enough to save my things.  One of them was a chest that has several of my older pieces stored away for safe keeping. I was relieved to find that nothing inside was scathed.  At any rate, I kept this piece out so that I could compare it to what I've been painting these days.  I'm working on a commission (2x2') of a beach scene for a new client and it's interesting to me how much actually hasn't changed in my style.  Palettes are a different story. The colors in "Late Summer" were my favorite back then and I used them over and over. I still love the combination, but I'm pleased that in the span of recent years, my use of color has matured quite a bit - it seems anyway...

I also wanted to thank all of you who have been leaving comments and emailing me.  It's wonderful to hear from so many people!  Of course, with that comes the pressure to try and get back to everyone - which I have to say that I'm not very good at.  I have good intentions, but those are worthless without some action.

About workshops - so many have asked, and yes, I still do them and I am in the process of putting together the next few for this year.  Probably will aim for 2 more.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.

Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

Finally, I believe I'm going to send out a short questionnaire soon to ascertain who is interested in studying what.  My endeavors & methods have changed a lot since I first began teaching a few years ago, and I'd hate to plan something that not everyone was expecting.

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Walking in the Hills" 2 after EH Potthast

"Walking in the Hills - 2" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201209a

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Many of my most popular paintings have numerous purchase requests. For those who miss out, I always offer to paint a new version just for them (commission, if you will).  This is the second painting that I've done of this image.  The first one is a few posts below - it sold right away.  There are major differences in the two versions - on purpose, so that I'm not simply repainting the exact same thing.  The first version has a very high contrast quality with super white whites & dark darks.  I LOVE working this way, mainly because I'm pretty sure how to get the effect I'm looking for directly without spoiling the looseness and freshness of the paint application. Today's version has several mid-range gray valued colors. All are on the warm side of color temp, but some are warmer than others.  I'm thrilled that it's success comes not from strong contrast, but from well developed areas of local color.

I also wanted to thank all of you who have been leaving comments and emailing me.  It's wonderful to hear from so many people!  Of course, with that comes the pressure to try and get back to everyone - which I have to say that I'm not very good at.  I have good intentions, but those are worthless without some action.

About workshops - so many have asked, and yes, I still do them and I am in the process of putting together the next few for this year.  Probably will aim for 2 more.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.

Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

Finally, I believe I'm going to send out a short questionnaire soon to ascertain who is interested in studying what.  My endeavors & methods have changed a lot since I first began teaching a few years ago, and I'd hate to plan something that not everyone was expecting.

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"At the Beach" after Edward H. Potthast

"At the Beach" after Edward H. Potthast 
(4x4") - 201214, Sold

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Hats and umbrellas; umbrellas and hats...  For whatever reason, they are a challenge.  More importantly, I want to discuss the inclusion of a black person.  Because everything I've painted up until now has been creamy white folks. One of my husband's best friends is black. She asked me the other day why I haven't ever including someone black.  What can I say?  It was a terrific question!  I have to tell on myself and say I just never had the occasion to or even thought of it.  Black skin has a wonderful quality with MANY more variations in color and value than that of white skin. From rich dark prussian blue hues, to light caramelly tones, it offers lots of mixing fun!

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Beach Time"

"Beach Time" (4x4") - 201213

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Contemporary subject; classical colors.  I wanted to break out a little bit, tone things down from the last few posts.  Again (like in the Skinny Dipping paintings-sexy nude), I was wary of this piece being pigeonholed into a genre (cutesy mother, child) taking away from any merits it might have as just a painting.  I really love working with very dark darks - the transparent ones.  Sap green, alizarin crimson & ultramarine blue. Mixed together, they create succulent colors.  I had been trying out the M. Graham oils for a while.  Very good quality pigment that has walnut oil for the medium.  Not to mention very nice tube openings and tops. I thought it might cut down on the amount of walnut oil I use when I'm mixing my paint.  But it didn't.  Also, as much as I wanted the brand to work, it was just too pasty for me.  I'm back to the good old Winton & Georgian brands. These are student grade, but in my opinion, the best for what I do. 

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"Crashing In"

"Crashing In" (4x4") - 201212

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This was SO much fun!  You'll note that the bright white is actually from some glare off the outdoor light source (the sun).  It hits where the paint has the most depth, which is usually a challenge to get around when photographing the paintings. (There is a way around this).  But with this scene, the sparkles show me exactly where I can go back in and place pure white paint to suggest the waves even more effectively. 

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Sandcastles & Sunshine"

"Sandcastles & Sunshine" (4x4") - 201211, Sold

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Bright hot sunshine - blinding even; hopefully.  In painting, as in life, everything is relative.  Nothing exists without at least one counterpart. Thank God for that.  And yet I frequently find myself with tunnel vision, forgetting this basic concept.  I must practice the habit of disengaging from a 'problem' at the very moment I become aware of it. When something starts to look hopeless and troublesome, remember that there's always at least one other way to have a look at it, and always a way out : )

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Skinny Dipping", II

"Skinny Dipping", II 
See the first Skinny Dipping below to complete the pair!
(4x4") - 201210, Sold

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This painting completes a pair - see the first Skinny Dipping a few posts down.  It's a trick trying to render a nude figure whilst maintaining a pure quality.  Nothing wrong with a little seduction. But I feel that an image with even the slightest bit of 'sexy' takes too much away from the virtues of the painting in and of itself. The smallest twist in the stance of the figure can make a huge difference. Hips, in particular, and shoulders too.  I'm not convinced that I didn't avoid it, but I did give it a try. 

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"Walking in the Hills" after Edward Henry Potthast

"Walking in the Hills" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201209

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I came across a few more of Potthast's paintings that reeled me in.  More that I had to challenge myself with.  Hats seem to be hard for me and I'm not sure why.  They're shapes are so simple. You have to remember to follow the shape of the head that's underneath - otherwise the hat can end up looking like a top hat, or a chef's hat - or just plain buffoonery. I've learned SO much from these little studies that I'm hoping to carry over into larger paintings of my own subjects.  Right now I'm working on a commission - my first attempt at translating the tiny to the huge.  I really prefer working with wet, juicy paint.  Easy to do when there's not much space to cover.  Much harder with a large piece because of the obvious additional time it takes to develop the image.  I'm going to post it when it's finished and will talk a little about the insights I've gained during the process.  Happy Memorial Day!!

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"Hen & Chicks" (18x24")

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 This post should have gone up yesterday, being Mother's Day and all.  In fact, it should have been posted back in the spring of 2011 when I finished it as a commission for one of my collectors.  Not sure how I missed it.  Anyhow, this particular collector has always asked that I create paintings for her with brushes, so that's what this one is.  I remember being quite happy with it at the time. Setting aside the knives was rather refreshing, I have to say.  I'm still happy with it actually. What spurred my memory was a trip to my mom & dad-in-law's house yesterday to celebrate the day.  They have a huge piece of property with all kinds of animals living off the land there.  One of the hens had her little brood of 6 following her every move.  Funny to watch them bump into her hind end trying to stay in close contact. 

It's been another long stint of being away from posting.  I have been doing commissions since my last newsletter from late March. And also now managing my mother's elder years.  She's back with me at assisted living - a mere 2 minutes away.  I am grateful that her decline didn't happen at the same time as my dad's. She actually is having many more struggles with her health than he did - both physical and mental.  Three major chronic diseases (lung, heart & kidney), plus advancing dementia where her days are touch and go.  We had a wonderful weekend together though - she was in her right mind and able to join the family in all our doings on Saturday.  Even sat through 4 hours of my son's baseball games; and afterwards hankering to go to get ice cream.  Just as it was with my dad, I am getting good quality time with her - our relationship evolving into one where I'm essentially the parent and she's my child. We sit on the porch where she lives every day for an hour - right before her dinnertime.  It's so quiet, peaceful.  Our conversations unfold according to her state of mind.  It forces me to be completely in the present.  We talk about the roses, the trees, the beautiful Florida clouds - our need for rain.  And the birds.  There's a scruffy old cat that lazes on the porch chair every day at the same time.  She's been around the block a few times, and isn't quite as appealing looking as some of the others.  But she's very friendly and loveable.  I let her sit on my lap and do my best to forget about all her afflictions.  The whole thing is taking me to a higher level of patience, tolerance, love & acceptance.  What a blessing.

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Exploring Chimney Rock"

"Exploring Chimney Rock" (4x4") - 201208

Subscribe now to receive my newsletter, "Even More". The latest issue will come out tomorrow with new offers, including a sale on paintings; prints on canvas, and a bit of background on my 20 year career in medical illustration.

Don't forget my three day palette knife workshop from Wednesday, March 28th - Friday March 30th.  Orlando Florida, $325.  One spot left!
In case I haven't said it before, Lake Lure NC is a heavenly place. Maybe a bit touristy, but definitely still in touch with the beauty God blessed the region with. And because of all the tourists, there is a host of scenery that shows how human beings interact with nature. My tendency is to be drawn to what the children are doing, but the youthful wonder we adults have buried (perhaps) seems to really shine in these parts.  I don't notice this so much at the beach, so I hope to spend more time this summer somewhere in the mountains. This painting came together with ease, which of course is a treat since it doesn't always go that way. One key difference is that I used poppy seed oil as a medium instead of walnut oil. I had switched to the walnut about a year ago just to try it, and somehow forgot about how much better suited the poppy oil is for my small work.  It's a tad thinner and seems to mix with the paint more thoroughly, without the slight separation I get with the walnut. As I've said many times, my short attention span doesn't allow the luxury to spend more than an hour and a half. I lose the passion and instinct, and all perspective of what the painting needs in order to get to the heart and soul of the image.

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Skinny Dipping", I

"Skinny Dipping", I (4x4") - 201207, Sold
See "Skinny Dipping", II above to complete the pair!

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I had a whole bunch to say about this painting...until I threw my back out bending over to pick up a grape.  Let's see, last time I calculated, I was only 45 years old.  How does this happen?  Hopefully I'll feel better enough tomorrow to jot some of my thoughts down. I will say that I'm pleased with the outcome.  It went back and forth; and back and forth - until finally the elements came together well enough to feel balanced and harmonious to me.  

Don't forget my three day palette knife workshop from Wednesday, March 28th - Friday March 30th.  Orlando Florida, $325.  Two spots left!

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Hermit Crabs"

"Hermit Crabs" (4x4") - 201206 SOLD

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I struggled quite a lot through the middle stages of this painting.  Just couldn't decide which direction to go with it.  Finally settled on using the brightest of the whites to direct the eye in a triangular shape through the composition.  This is a very high key piece. By nature it poses the challenge of creating a respectable painting whose only appeal isn't just that it's sweet. I absolutely wouldn't let this go until it reached a point where I personally saw artistic growth and areas that had some virtue.  Alas, I just couldn't resist adding the bows at the end.  The ONLY reason I added them (I think...) is to help the composition.  I'm pleased with the outcome.

Don't forget my three day palette knife workshop from Wednesday, March 28th - Friday March 30th.  Orlando Florida, $325.  Two spots left!

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Walking with Ellie"

"Walking with Ellie" (4x4") - 201205 SOLD

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I really am happy with this one, which I have to admit, feels great.  Some paintings come out horrendous; some are acceptable but the gut connection isn't quite there; and some I love. I feel the light in this one, and working with predominantly cooler colors (except for the spots of rose, pinks and corals - and the green in the hair) isn't something I lean towards.  There is a compositional glitch at the bottom where I didn't hit the mark with placement of the figures, but I feel the rest has enough virtue to overshadow that mistake.  Some day I will venture into larger scale canvases, I think.

I am going to send out the formal workshop announcement later tonight or tomorrow. Again, there will be 6 spots available. Three day workshop; end of March; $325.

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"A Dip in Nature's Pool"

"A Dip in Nature's Pool" (4x4") - 201204

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Compared to the last post, I think this one is a little more self explanatory.  It always helps when you can make out a face, right? I've been tied up these past few weeks with commissions and more medical illustration work (my 'real' job).  Maybe someday I'll post a little sampling, just for kicks.  Many of you are asking about workshops.  I WILL have a workshop in late March.  I have decided to follow my original workshop format, working relatively large scale with emphasis on learning (by way of force - sort of) how to loosen up.  I still believe that what fellow artists are responding so positively to is the freedom and looseness I've achieved in my painting.  It came from working large and out of my comfort zone; working with putty & cement knives, as well as palette knives; preparing a palette of carefully mixed colors before starting (and mixing enough to get me through the entire painting without having to stop); and working outside with nature.  I will demonstrate my methods for you, and I plan to spend maybe an afternoon doing a small 4x4" just so you can see how it's done.  An announcement will be posted and sent out soon.  I'm thinking 3 days; probably Thurs., Fri. and Sat.  There will be 6 spots available, and the cost will be $325 total.  

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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Evening Shell Hunt"

"Evening Shell Hunt"
(4x4") - 201203
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Boy - I'm hesitant to ask you what you see! When I'm skeptical of the view, I better be cautious when I ask my husband. Today he grinned and said "Yep - I can see it .... it's a lady walking towards me! Right?! Ugh.... Yes, it is a lady, but it's her hind quarters - duhhh.

So - this was an extremely difficult view point for so many reasons I'd need to start a new blog to cover everything. No - actually, I think I can fit it into my next newsletter. I took photos throughout, so I'll be sharing the development of it and discussing my thoughts along the way.

Contact me regarding purchase & commission requests.
Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Looking Back"

"Looking Back" Sold
(4x4") - 201202
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Thanks so much to everyone who sent along a 'welcome back' note! It's great to be painting again. This scene was tricky, mainly because it should have been simpler to puzzle together than I made it. There are many decisions that go into creating a successful image, and sometimes it's easy to get off track with what the goal is. Balance is always the key. I talk about this constantly - the right balance of light-dark; crisp-soft; saturated-subdued; textural-slick; real-abstract; movement-static.... The list can go on and on. I always aim to finish a painting in one go. In so doing, the stopping point can be elusive and very hard to reconcile. For me, this is when things get much deeper than just finishing a decent painting. All kinds of questions and beliefs start swimming in the sea of doubt! I won't go into that right now (if you're an artist, you know what I'm talking about anyway). Learning to let go when the mental chaos starts is a big goal I have for this year.

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"Big Sis, Little Sis"

"Big Sis, Little Sis"
(4x4") - 201201
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Been so long since I last posted that I nearly forgot how to log in. Late last fall I went through a major guilt phase for abandoning my painting - once again; turning to the business of the midlife crisis. Or something there-abouts. Had lots of time to redefine and clarify what makes my life tick in ways that don't interfere with fate. Feeling great these days and much better balanced. Mom had a great experience back up in NY for 6 months and then decided, with our support, that she'd be best off here in Florida. So she returned 2 weeks ago. Last Wednesday marked the first anniversary of my dad's passing. Time has healed us a great deal, and we're able to talk often about what a joy he was without drowning in pools of our own tears, snot and drizzle.

As for my painting, I'm going to pick up where I left off last summer. Figures in stark sunlight, near the water, are still intriguing me and I feel there's more to do. To start off, I'm revisiting the roll of photos that I have from our summer vacation in NC. This scene is from the same swimming hole as in my last post, "Playing on the Rocks". I've dropped the frilly bells and whistles (no bows or petticoats...) and gone straight to the actual scene. Changed the color of the girls' bathing suits, but other than that, it's true to the times.

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"Playing on the Rocks"

"Playing on the Rocks"
(4x4") - 201143 Sold
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It only took 3 times, but here it finally is! A painting of my very own, heavily influenced by my good bud Potthast. While in NC, I took lots of photos to be used as reference in my new work. As I stated in my last post, I worried about keeping what I felt would be appealing color and style in the clothing and hair. Call me a prude, but I just don't get today's fashions that kids are wearing these days. So I drew from what I learned in the past month's studies, and am quite happy with the results. I know you'd be hard pressed to find girls wearing dresses & bows while playing on rocks, but I just couldn't help myself. I hope I'll get some feedback from ya'll!

I also wanted to talk a little about 'stuff'. As many of you who read my blog know my dear father passed away in January. He would have been 87. Had I not had the privilege of spending the last 7 months tending to my mother's new needs as a widow - getting to know and admire who she is and learning more about love, nurture and care - I think I'd have gone off the deep end with despair. My father and I were the best of friends, and I am honored to have been raised in the care of a truly delightful man. And now it seems that my mom's destiny is to return to central NY, where the Cummings clan hails from. My feelings are mixed; some happy; some hopeful, some anxious, some heartbroken, and some relieved. And many more in between. What I do know is that I won't spend a minute of my life believing that any stone was left unturned. Mom is thrilled to be closer once again to my sisters and their families. She's been getting to know her great grandkids, which is undoubtedly her greatest joy in life. She has much to look forward to - visits with extended family, fall colors on the leaves, snow on Christmas eve, and a sense of 'home'. I will miss her in my daily life, but I know she's in the right place and I will see her soon. God bless, mom!
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"Beach Scene - revisited" after Edward Henry Potthast

"Beach Scene - Revisit" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201131 B Sold
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It's always kind of hard to get right back into things after setting out on a trip. Had a wonderful time in NC. Did lots of outdoor things with the family, much to my 12 year old daughter's dismay. The rest of us reveled in the chance to be in the mountain region. I even crossed an item off my outdoor bucket list. My first time rock climbing! What a thrill! In fact, it's back on my bucket list because I definitely want to do it again. Today's post is actually a revisit of the painting I did several weeks back. After completing a second one, much like the first in approach, I wanted to do a third, trying for a more direct & decided approach. I like the result very much and am hoping that what I've now learned in these studies will carry over to my own work. I've got lots of photos of youngsters playing in the water and on the rocks, so I'm excited to try. My only real worry is that people nowadays just aren't as romantic looking as those from a hundred or so years ago. The colors are much more harsh. I'll be using a lot of what I learned by my Potthast studies in the colors of skin and clothing. We'll see....
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Off to North Carolina

The day has finally come where my family and I are heading out for our annual summer vacation. Thought it'd never arrive! Looks like we'll have fine weather on the way up to Lake Lure, NC. And we're hoping it'll hold out for the duration of the upcoming week. I'll be taking in lots of visual goodies and looking forward to sharing some new material with you on my return later next week. Happy 4th!

"Summer Pleasures" after Edward Henry Potthast

"Summer Pleasures" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201142 Sold
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Today my husband helped me make a smaller version of the knife that I always work with. It's the flat edge, rectangular shape that I love. But the smallest that I've ever found is still a little more than a quarter inch wide. Very hard to get into the smaller spaces with it. My new knife has a width of about 2/8 ths. Perfect for tight spaces! I changed the composition just a little with this one. All of these studies have been smaller passages from Potthast's paintings, and most of the areas I've selected have had balanced compositional elements. I SO wanted to paint this pooch, but the square composition that I wanted to use was weak as it was. I moved the dog in a bit, and added the large hill in the background. I still feel some emptiness right in the middle of the painting and I'm trying to decide what to incorporate, if anything. Keeping things fresh is important though and I hate to go back in and risk getting a blip of something too distracting.
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"Three Girls at the Seashore" after Edward Henry Potthast

"Three Girls at the Seashore" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201141 Sold
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Ahhh - yellow! An ever elusive color to get work with. Especially lemony yellows. One of the 'basic' and commonly used is cadmium yellow pale. I find it very much on the cool side, and often times unnatural looking. My preference is cad yellow medium, but I didn't have any. If you mix ochre with the pale, you'll get a close approximation and a warmer tone.
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Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!