Painting Arizona - Tuscan, Tubac 2013

Last week I was in AZ for the AWA show, American Woman Artist show in Tubac, one hour South of Tuscan.  I flew in on Halloween where I met friend and painter Kim Casebeer to paint in between events.  We had scouted out our painting location the evening before in Catalina State Park to save time Thursday morning.  We were both just about set up when I realized I did not have the right quick release for my tripod!!  :(  boooo!!!  In case you don't know what that is, it's the piece of hardware connected to my paintbox that connects the tripod to the box.  Without it there is not a way to secure the box.  Kim was already set up and the light was fantastic.  I quick called her to let her know what was happening and decided to go back to the parking lot, find a picnic table and make the best of what the situation was.  Hard to not get to crabby when you travel all the way from MN to AZ to paint, have perfect fleeting light and find this out.  But, like I always tell my students "no excuses!".  So, I made a painting!  

My set up!  I was canopied by the trees so couldn't see the tops of the mountains so zoomed in on what I could see, trees!  

"Morning At The Catalinas"

8x10 oil 

'my little plein air study from sitting at the picnic table making the most of the situation'

It was an interesting study of light.  It was really interesting to note the differences between the mountain area in the back to the warmth in the trees in front.  It's all 'relative!'  

 Luckily by the next painting we had gotten a hold of a painter that lived in the area (Carol Sweeney) and she borrowed me her soltek easel for the day so I could stand and paint.  Thank you Carol!  We went back to the same place to try and catch the mid day light.  Funny enough, we ended up both standing under the trees where the picnic tables were because it was too hot to paint without shade over us, and in the desert there is not a lot of shaded areas.  

The 'start' above is how I started my next painting, blocked in washes of color  . . .

"Last Light Near Tubac"

11x14 oil 

After the opening at the K.Newby gallery, we ran out quick to catch Friday's light fleeting quickly!  this study was done in about 45 minutes, if that. . . 

"Tuscan Sundown"

6x10 oil

(last little study from Thursday night, light went fast!)

(me painting Friday evening after opening exhibition)

Saturday we were to paint at the Sonora Desert Museum, an incredible place near Tuscan.  The quick paint was 9:00-11:00.  

my quick draw in action

"Desert Gold"

8x10 oil (sold wet at the museum)

It was a very quick, refreshing, inspiring, and productive painting trip!  

"The Story"

"The Story"

24x30 oil on linen

This is my latest studio piece, just finished!  Art making is interesting. . . Is there ever one way to make art?  In "The Story" my approach was much different than my last two studio pieces.  In the bean field pieces, I had a very deliberate plan as to how I was going to paint the pieces and spent more time planning my studies than I actually did painting the 2 @ 20x24 paintings.  I knew I wanted a very buttery paint quality, an alla prima approach where I planned to finish the paintings each in one session with lush wet edges melding into one another and bold stroked of paint.  That worked out well for those two paintings, in fact I already pre-sold one of them for our show opening Friday in Pepin!  

Now, the painting "The Story" was completely different in my approach.  I worked from a photo I had taken a couple years back in Door County, and knew when I shot the photo I'd be making this a large painting someday.  I have very vivid memories of the 'mood and feeling' I had for that day and place.  I felt very much a part of the place and knew it would be important for me when creating the painting that I would want to translate that feeling, there was a sense of mystery to the place as well.  This is a painting I would say I 'painted myself into'.   

When starting this painting I had no intention of working through this piece quickly, I knew I would work in layers in attempt to build up the depth through transparencies to create in the painting the feeling of vibrancy in the grasses and queen anne's lace in the large foreground area.  

I worked back and forth with warms and cools until I felt I achieved what I was after without hopefully over working it!  After time and thoughtfulness to this painting, it's finished.  :)  

Painters Of The Upper Mississippi

Painting Fall From The Studio

"Along The Bean Field"

20x24 oil on linen

"Wide Open Spaces"

20x24 oil on linen

My fall studio classes started up again last week!  It was really good to be back teaching in the studio  with all the eager and inspiring painters I am privileged to teach.  I always welcome, and do realize I need breaks from teaching to have some of my own space to paint and breath but I know for certain that teaching is a huge part of my art and feeds and challenges me as an artist.  I have a strong need to share my findings through teaching and painting.  

The two pieces above were started as demonstrations for my Thursday and Friday advanced studio classes.  The top piece was my Thursday 'demo', I came in to the studio early Friday morning before my next class to finish it up.  "Wide Open Spaces" was my Friday class 'demo' which I finished today.  Because I had spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday on working out compositions, value studies, then color studies I was able to approach both my larger pieces confidently and freely.  I spent more time planning these pieces than I actually did painting them.  A good solid conceptual plan pays off!  I feel that if I have a clear plan of where  I'm going with my paintings I can achieve a freshness and confidence in my paint quality that I'm after.  

Fall Colors!

"Fall Warmth"

11x14 oil on linen

painted 'en plein air'

"Sure Sign Of Fall"

16x20 oil on linen

painted 'en plein air'

"September Maple"

11x14 oil on linen

painted 'en plein air'

WOW!  It's been a while since I've posted on my blog, but it's certainly not because I haven't been painting!  In fact, I've painting painting like crazy this summer and now fall.  I do have to admit though, I've been posting almost daily on Facebook and have gotten away from my blog somewhat.  I think it might be how instant, easy and casual posting on FB is for me.  Blogging, although good, is a bit more of a process, but I'm going to start working on getting back here more regularly, especially now that summer is over and I'll be in the studio more.

It's gotten to the point that I don't even know where to begin with this post so I thought I'd begin with the most recent works I've done.  Above are all pieces done outside on location observing first hand how the light effects the colors I'm observing and attempting to record, not to mention having fun trying!  

So, breaking back to blogging.  I'll keep it brief and just say hi, here's my latest works!  Please check back soon!  

MISA, My 5 Day Plein Air Workshop

This summer has certainly had many memorable moments, but at the top of the list was my past week teaching on Madeline Island at the Madeline Island School Of Art, MISA!  Madeline Island is just off the shore of Bayfield WI where you have to take a ferry to get on the island.  I've taught in so many amazing places but there is just something about being on an island that really helps to leave the rest of the world behind and become completely engrossed with painting.  

In the evenings I would go out and paint and invite the class to either watch me paint or paint along.  This evening was on the ferry docks where people ferry their vehicles over from Bayfield to the Island.  The 'plan' this night was to paint the sunset but when I turned around and saw the 'Beach Club" wrapped in a blanket of warm sunlight I couldn't resist all the amazing shapes and went for it!  

Glad I did!

The Club House piece

Early mornings were incredible . . . .

We were out before the sunrise, and just as the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky also turned dark and started storming, this photo was taken with my iphone, completed unedited, 

this was the color, no joke!

The school has incredible painting grounds blanketed with flower filled meadows and trees that recess in layers and upon layers. Truly a painters heaven everywhere you turn!

Not to mention all the charming farm house and out buildings!

Me doing what I do, paint!  And at sunrise no less (those who know me well would be truly amazed at the fact I was up that early!)  But look!  Who wouldn't be!!?  Ya know when I'm out painting, I realize and am reminded why I paint, there really is no place else I'd rather be and I feel pretty fortunate that I am a painter!

Here are the troopers going in for yup, breakfast!  Already got a painting in by 7:30 am and then heading back out!  

Me and The gang, we clean up well!  

The grounds are covered with incredible buildings, the one on the right is one of the studios, done right!

Two of my favorite painters and hey they snuck out early before the rest of us that morning to get it started!  

My ferry dock painting.  A very memorable night, A very memorable week!

"Beach Club - Madeline Island"

8x10 oil on panel - sold-

Workshops and Classes!

I am most honored to announce that my painting "Field Of Goldenrod"  has been accepted into the AWA, American Woman Artists National 15^th Annual Master & Signature Member Show and National Juried Competition Exhibition.
November 2 – November 25, 2012
K Newby Gallery + Sculpture Garden
19 Tubac Rd • Tubac, AZ 85646-4217
Phone: 1.520.398.9662 

http://www.americanwomenartists.org/events/featured-events

Fall Classes and Workshops 2012

Fall classes are filling quickly! 

Beginning the week of September 24th, I will be holding 3 different semester based studio classes at my studio and school,

The St Croix River School Of Painting  

Mondays 5:00-8:00 pm

~Fundamentals Class working from life~

Classes start Monday September 24th - December 10th

 ~This class is currently full but I am taking names for a waiting list~  

If you are interested it is worth being on the list as last minute openings do occur for unforeseeable reasons

Thursdays 9:30am-4:00pm

~Bi-weekly studio class for experienced painters~

Classes start Thursday September 27th - December 13th

Please see 'classes and workshops' page on my website for exact bi - weekly dates  

This class is not intended for very beginner painters but the experienced oil painters wanting to improve their work to greater levels and work larger in the studio.  I designed this class to allow painters to have the time to fully engross themselves for the day in painting one piece and to completely get into the 'zone'.  During the semester you can expect to start and finish several paintings.  

We take a one hour lunch together as a group to have a break and a good 'art talk'!  

On the first day of class I will be giving a lecture and full 3 hour demonstration while discussing my approach to working up a large-scale studio painting.  I will have prepared 3 small studies based on a previous plein air painting done earlier in the summer, and a photograph for reference.  Of the 3 small studies one will be a black and white value study; a color study; and the last a more finished version of what I am after in my studio piece.

It's remarkable how successful this class has been for painters!  The bi weekly schedule gives you time to paint on your own at home but keeps you on task and checking in every other week.

If you are interested in pushing your work to the next level, this is a perfect class for you!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

~1 opening due to a recent unexpected illness~

Fridays 9:30am - 4:00pm

~bi-weekly studio class for experienced painters~

Classes start Friday September 28th - December 14th

Please see 'classes and workshops' page on my website for exact bi - weekly dates  

This class is not intended for very beginner painters but the experienced oil painters wanting to improve their work to greater levels and work larger in the studio.  I designed this class to allow painters to have the time to fully engross themselves for the day in painting one piece and to completely get into the 'zone'.  During the semester you can expect to start and finish several paintings.  

We take a one hour lunch together as a group to have a break and a good 'art talk'!  

On the first day of class I will be giving a lecture and full 3 hour demonstration while discussing my approach to working up a large-scale studio painting.  I will have prepared 3 small studies based on a previous plein air painting done earlier in the summer, and a photograph for reference.  Of the 3 small studies one will be a black and white value study; a color study; and the last a more finished version of what I am after in my studio piece.

It's remarkable how successful this class has been for painters!  The bi weekly schedule gives you time to paint on your own at home but keeps you on task and checking in every other week.

If you are interested in pushing your work to the next level, this is a perfect class for you!  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

~3 openings left~

2 Fall Workshops

Workshop # 1:  One Day Color Temperature Class

Where:  Crossings in Zumbrota Minnesota

When:  Saturday October 6th, 2012

This class is all about color!  LOVE LOVE LOVE color!

 The focus of this class is to help you develop a clear approach to determining and mixing the color at hand by identifying the temperature relationship of the colors.  We will be using a limited palette of yellow, red, blue and white and mixing colors ALL day with the palette knife.  

This one day will help your color tremendously!  

This class is for painters of ALL LEVELS and will be an achievable challenge for all.    

class will fill quickly, to reserve your space contact Crossings at this link

http://www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

Workshop # 2:  Two Day Still Life Workshop

Where:  Crossings in Zumbrota Minnesota

When:  October 26th and 27th, 2012

This class is not a 'how to paint a still life' class but rather how to USE the still life as inspiration to make a painting full of light and color!

Still life is such an excellent way to study from life!  The workshop will start with a lecture and full demonstration on my approach to painting a still life Alla Prima.  These two days will be focusing on structuring your painting by massing in your average lights and darks in color and refining your painting by noting the shifts as the planes move around the form.  You can expect to have a finished painting by day two!  Please email me with any questions.  This workshop too will fill quickly, to reserve your space contact Marie at Crossings at this link

http://www.crossingsatcarnegie.com 

Thinking Ahead!!

Next week I'm off to Madeline Island where I'll be teaching a 5 Day Plein Air workshop through MISA, Madeline Island School of Art.  Madeline Island is a beautiful remote island off of Bayfield WI and near the Apostle Islands where you have to take your vehicle over on a ferry boat.  I've been busy preparing for this workshop and am really looking forward to painting with and

meeting new and old painting friends!

The 'thinking ahead' part. . . :)  Because my workshop filled up so quickly this summer with a waiting list, next summer I will be teaching TWO workshops on the Island, one in July and one in August.  It is not too early to reserve your place!!  Please visit MISA's web site to see more info on these 2 workshops offered in the summer of 2013.  And as always, feel free to email me directly with any questions.  I've been incredibly impressed at how well this organization is being run and look forward to a long term relationship with this elite school of Art!  

http://www.madelineartschool.com 

Enjoy the rest of your summer!  Kami 

"June Light On The Dam"

20x30 oil on linen

I don't know how it's possible that it's already the end of July!  But it is, and I've been totally engrossed in painting this summer.  By the end of the summer I'll have many many paintings to share that I painted studying the pond mostly done 'en plein air'.  "June Light On The Dam" was inspired by an 11x14 plein air piece and was painted in the studio.  The heat we've had this summer has provided us with some incredible light!  This was a piece that I knew needed to be large.  I could not have had the knowledge needed to paint this painting without studying it from life first.  The colors I observed were colors I wouldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams!  

If you click on the image you can see detail of the painting enlarged.  

"Peonies And A Mason Jar"

20x16 oil on linen

As far as Italy goes, days 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14 will be continued!!  :)  Our trip was fantastic and I have tons to share with you, however we did not have Internet service once we left the cities and there is more to come on our experience in Italy!   

As for now, We are safely home and happy to find that my favorite flowers were just starting to burst!  Yeah!  Each year I have this tiny window of opportunity to paint the peonies, and when it happens, all else in my life waits (kids I will start feeding you again soon, I promise. . . :)   

This is my peony piece for 2012.  

Nice to be home and inspired beyond belief to paint my favorite Valley, The St Croix!  

Day 2, 'Roming'

Day 2:  What's a day without an interesting start!?  Feeling very on top of things, I had organized and purchased a tour to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel scheduled at Noon, to arrive one hour early, 11:00.  Great, had plans to get up early, eat the perfect and relaxing breakfast, most excited for my cappuccino!  I woke up, looked at my iPhone, it must be wrong. . .looked at Paige's iPhone, must be wrong too!!!  Looked at watch. . . we slept 'till 1:09 in the afternoon!!!!!  No joke!  Overslept, ran downstairs to the front desk to see if they could call and try and explain and re arrange something, they could not get through.  Hair wet, we ran out to catch a taxi, forgot my wallet, started going back to the hotel to get wallet, realized I didn't forget my wallet, turned cab around and was dropped off in front of the Vatican.  Awe, now what?  We ignored the mile long line wrapped around and down the street and went to the front gate where the big Italian guard seemed to be letting in a 'select few', we sneaked up and very much to my surprise he let us in.  Okay, now what. . .lines, more lines and more lines.  Can't imagine being one that waited outside. . . .

Lines. . .

 . . worth it!

really????  

my neck hurt from just LOOKING  at these amazing pieces of art!

yup, unbelievable for sure!

Sistine Chapel. . come on Michelangelo!!  

A little walk  . . . 

You say 15 euro for 1 scarf??  How about 10 euro for 3!!  Okay!  Paige was impressed with her Mama's hidden skill for dealin'!  

the entrance of the St Peter's Basilica, no lines, benefit of oversleeping to afternoon!

AND perfect timing!  Check out this light!

Quite certain this was one of the most beautiful sights I've seen . . . .

not a place to rest the eye, it's ALL beautiful, can't even look down at the floor, IT'S beautiful too!

for real!

they mean business, in color!  :)

time for more gelato!

time for a rest

When In Rome. . . .

Day 1:  Tuesday, Arrived in Rome!  After traveling from MPLS to Chicago to the Fiumincino airport, then taking the "Leonardo Express" train to the Termini station, we trudged with 6 pieces of luggage (most of which was carrying painting supplies) to our hotel.  Yes, exhausting!  But we made it and we're in Rome!  Paige naturally came down with a nasty head cold the day before we left and is toughing it out,  we took a good nap when we finally got checked in.  Against her will, I woke her and fed her a Coke and  headed to see the Colosseum!  I think for a 13 year old the intensity and business of the streets of Rome can be a bit overwhelming the first time, but I love it!  She's getting acclimated.

The Colosseum from inside

Arch of Constantine, looking down from the Colosseum.  

Same view as above, Me and Paige

Colosseum

Ahhh, gelato!  Gelato #1, caramel.  Gelato #2, chocolate, Gelato#3 Blanco Chocolate, Gelato #4 Lemon, to be continued. . . . . 

Eat Italian, 'volontieri!' 

A stroll home. . . back to the hotel, Buena Notte!