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.  

"Beckwith Mountain Morning"

11" x 14"

pan pastel, pastel and pastel pencil 

on Ampersand sanded pastel board

"High Desert Berm"

11" x 14"

pan pastel, pastel and pastel pencil 

on Art Spectrum pastel paper

"Indian Paintbrush" (mini)

6" x 8"

pastel and pastel pencil 

on Art Spectrum paper

"Morning Enlightenment"

pan pastel, pastel and pastel penciil 

on Kitty Wallis pastel paper

15" x 16"

I got a new 'addition' to my plein air painting tools - my 'painting wagon' served me well!

Spring Cleaning

 Each year the Sangres Art Guild's local art space, 3rd Street Gallery, in Westcliffe has a seasonal schedule.  Our first show is in May and our last show ends in December. The building that the gallery is situated in, is currently for sale.  So this year, we just don't know what will happen to the space which is currently being graciously donated.  Each year we have a 'spring clean' day and today was the day.  From top to bottom the two gallery floors were made 'spic and span' by the crew in the following photo. It was a work of love and care for our space.  Photo - here it is - do you know which one I am? The first show, the 2023 Calendar Show, will have it's official artist's reception on May 7th.  

  

Thank You

Since moving back to Colorado and NOW living in a place that supports what I like to do, in a BIG way, I have come to be involved in the community in a way of 'supporting, serving, and DOING ART', more than I EVER have.  

I became a member of the local guild as soon as we took the keys to our new house.  

Sangres Art Guild is a dynamic non-profit organization that supports local art and artists.  Each year our community holds a 'funding' drive where donations are made in the month of Dec. to many of the organizations who operate in the Wet Mountain Valley.  Dollars are matched.  Today was the awarding of the monies collected in this wonderful drive by the WMV Community Foundation.  

Being a member of the SAG Board of Directors, I had the opportunity to accept the check for SAG and give a short talk on what we do and how we connect with many of the valley non-profits - at our local bowling alley's community room (how 'smalltown' is that???)

But in a BIG way (just gotta say that again😉), we wanted to thank the foundation and the community for it's support!

So I did!  LOVE living here..it IS a great community full of really caring people and 

organizations.  You can read more about the Sangres Art Guild here.

New Beginnings

Hi dear blog reader - for many, many years I have attempted to continue this blog in a manner that informs others of what is going on in my world.  It has served me well..but it's time for change and revamping my 'career in fine art'.  New pathways have been opened upon moving from Kansas back to Colorado again, and Westcliffe, in particular.  I am going to be NOT so present on the 'Dust Off the Butterfly' blog for the next year, as I am trying out a more professional approach to making, representing, writing about process and events and selling my artwork.

Please stop by and visit my new Fine Art (FASO) website and blog..it is in the infant stage at this point, but I hope to gain momentum as the 2018 year ends.  And especially when the next 30 in 30 event happens, hopefully in Jan.2019. 

www.pattiewall.com

Addendum - as of Mar. 1, 2020, the above website 
will be 'no more'.

  

Entered in This Month's Photography and Tabletop Art Show

AT the 3rd Street Gallery in Westcliffe, things are hoppin'.  We 'took in' lots of art and photography entries for the latest 1st floor art show for the month of November.  I entered 4 small pieces (they can't measure over 10" along the bottom of the frame.)  The reception is Saturday, Nov 3rd. That is 'my day' to work at the gallery, as well. It's sure to be a great show from the looks of what was brought in yesterday. Stay tuned for more!

"Beaver"

pastel

6" x 6"

SOLD

"Horse"

6" x 8"

pastel

"Pigeon"

4" x 6"

"Bunneree"

SOLD at Show

5" x 7"

oil

This year, I have seen the true benefit of painting '30 in 30 with Leslie Saeta' 

earlier in the year. That event has

given me lots of inventory to play with for the year.

These are all painted in that month of Feb. 2018.

We are looking at maybe a big snow storm to arrive today, 4 to 8 inches.

Wouldn't you know it, tomorrow the garage door guys are supposed to

come to install the new garage doors on our RV building.

Yes, it is almost finished (after 5 months).  There is still ONE long piece of

metal siding missing at the walk-in door.  

The builder was shorted in the delivery.

Add a Gallery

I have waited almost a year to get involved in the LOCAL art scene.  Having many issues on our house and property - I (we) have taken some time to address those things where I was needed as help and backup for many a project.  That has slowed enough now,  that I decided it was time to take a step forward.  It's part of what brought me here (back to Colorado, where I have spent most of my life - to Westcliffe), the ART SCENE.  

There are numerous ART opportunities and places in a town of about 500...being a hot tourist and getaway area in the warm months.  I chose "3rd Street Gallery" as my starting point and have joined the 'Sangres Art Guild' - I am only 15 minutes away.  My art is now hanging in the 'members' gallery on the second floor and I have entered three pieces in a month long show called "Wild Things" - right up MY ALLEY.  Show starts on the 26th of August.  Opening reception is September 1st, located at 59000 Highway 69 in Westcliffe, CO.  So excited!  The gallery is closed from Jan to May - as we all need some 'hunker down time' in the winter.  Many restaurants and shops close, as well.  A good production time in the studio - anyway - while wiling away the winter cold.  

There are artist 'painting get togethers' every Monday at the gallery, so you know where I will be on Mondays.  'Gallery sitting' will be on the agenda, as well.  I have my times already scheduled.  It is a perfectly and smoothly run business - no kinks - no hassle - just nice friendly people (of course, haven't met anyone that wasn't just super nice - here) - can't wait to be INVOLVED!  I now wonder, why I waited so long...but 'life' comes first, always. And I am elated beyond belief that I am back, living in a place that SUPPORTS the arts - I have new friends.