Dust Off the Butterfly
A Periodic Journal of an Artist Living Off Grid in the Colorado High Country
Monday, March 18, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Time is a Flyin'
I have been busy friends! I have let my poor little blog - go to the wind - lately. Thought I would take a moment to share some of my artwork since the first of the year...I have been involved in many online learning pursuits - most (but not all) of these are from a year long course called "Let's Face It" from Kara Bullock Art School, where we have a certain idea of materials and subject matter (although I usually change that part up to make it MY OWN). One of my 2024 goals is to improve the human face and figure painting and drawing, so I can create better 'fantasy' and 'storyteller' human interfaced with animal - themes. Let me know what you think!
Monday, January 1, 2024
Monday, November 13, 2023
Submissions
For the last gallery show of the year I am submitting these 5 paintings, all done during that 30 in 30 time back in April. Painting 30 in 30, usually gives me a thrust forward for submissions when I don't have time to crank any out for a show. That is the case here.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Family Reunion #49
My mom's side of the family, the Grays - hold an annual family reunion on July 4th at my Aunt's place (she lives on a lake and acreage) near Rolla, Mo. Over the years, there have been 5 generations that have enjoyed this major life event. I drove myself to that reunion this year, from Colorado to Missouri. I don't always get to attend. Glad I did so. We have regular events and activities - one is a float trip down the Current River. 39 people floated this year, complete with a storm of a downpour of rain and straight line winds. The power at the lodge went out for about 18 hours. 53 people without water or electricity - made for an interesting bit of visiting. But, all in all, it was exciting and great fun! There was a major, major fireworks show on Sunday night, July 2nd, hosted by my cousins from Texas. The biggest show I have ever seen. Next year will be 50! I guess I'd better gear up for attending!
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Alla Prima Westcliffe 2023/Plein Air Paintout
All week, during June 3 - 8, was 'plein air painting week' in Westcliffe, sponsored by the Sangres Art Guild. This was the 14th year - it has been 'on hold' for several years due to COVID.
All in all, it was a very WET time to paint outdoors - lots of rain this year - although I don't mind it at all. We need it in this high desert that generally has less snow fall in the winter than is necessary to make the Springtime alive. This year, the desert IS alive. Needless to say, dodging rain times, it was tricky to get colorful, sunny times to paint.
My 'brush' was not working for me, so I concentrated mostly on pastels. Here are the 3 plus 1 miniature that I entered for the show. It was a great show - lots of out-of-state painters and some really awesome paintings!
The show is currently hanging at 3rd Street Gallery in Westcliffe.
Thursday, May 18, 2023
~Happy BLOGIVERSARY!~
Today is my 16th Blogiversary. Still kickin' - not as much as it used to but it serves a purpose, gives me a voice and a platform for my art and livin'.
More NEW art pieces
Lukki - watercolor 9" x 12" acrylic done from Unsplash ph ref, thanks C Deluvio!
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For those of you who don't know, Karin Jurick has a bi-monthly challenge for artists through her blog named " Different Strokes fro...
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"Mad Cat" 6" x 8" oil on canvasboard This one and Day 4's were painted with a very limited palette. I de...
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"Future Egg Layer" oil on Raymar plein air panel 5" x 7" SOLD My 3 chickens are almost 2 years old. This lit...