Studio Update

I now have a completed ceiling!  As DIYers we have ROCKED this new studio - almost ready for 'move-in'.  I predict I will be sitting IN this workspace, Feb. 1st, as I begin to paint 30 paintings in 30 days with Leslie Saeta!

Gallery/Museum Show Announcement - Red Cloud, Ne.

An art show "Unique Expressions" is ongoing at the
Willa Cather Museum/Red Cloud Opera House in Red Cloud NE.  

It runs Jan. 3, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2018 and is in the first floor gallery.  

If you have a chance and/or live close, you should go - 

our show promises to please the eye and spark the imagination.  

The museum itself is a wonderful venue - lots to see and learn.  

The artist's reception is Feb. 3rd at 6:30 PM with an acoustic/jazz concert 

upstairs at 8:00 by the Kellison Duo.  

Check it out by clicking on the following - 

https://www.willacather.org/events/unique-expressions-red-cloud-area-arts-club

(2 of my 5 pieces are in the Entrance Display - below)

Preparing for 30 in 30 with a Theme for 2018

After much brainstorming, dreaming and sleeping on it, thinking while traveling - 

the jury has made it's decision - (BTW, that's only a ''Jury of One").  

My theme for this year's Painting 30 Paintings in 30 Days will be 

"Wildlife Symbols That Define Us" .  

By us - I mean ALL of us.  

My paintings will be of familiar animals/creatures that are found in dreams, symbols, totems, and symbolism.  What brought this idea to my mind is the weekly, if not daily, concern I have for the future of our planet and most apparently how our leadership is allowing 'safety', 'preservation', 'conservation'  of our wild resources to fall away from any watchful group or agency and deteriorate or disappear for future generations.   

The medium and substrate I will use is still undecided as I have SOME materials available 

since moving, however, not all.  Many are still packed away in an enclosed trailer.

It sort of depends on how soon the studio gets near completion, whether or not I have

heat in that space. It's not super cold in my area of Colorado yet,

but I can only imagine that it will be soon.

So, stay tuned.  The '30 in 30' for 2018 hosted by Leslie Saeta will begin

Feb. 1st.  In the meantime, I am out in that studio space, helping DH get it

as close as we can to that deadline.  Either way, I will be painting.

30 in 30 for 2018

It's posted!!  And I signed up for 30 in 30, Feb. 1 - March 2, 2018 - it works out perfect that Leslie Saeta is traveling Europe for Jan, I wasn't ready to paint yet, but I have a month to GET READY - new beginnings, fresh new pieces coming!  Check it out, hope to see you there!

https://www.saetastudio.com/30-in-30.html

(this will be my 6th year in a row!)

Imagining a Scene with Paint

"Next Gig - OZ"

12" x 12" oil on canvas

Every picture tells a story! A representational painting tries to, as well.

This wandering musician/traveler looks to the horizon with

a happy/hopeful heart.  I painted this several years ago, 

but have always liked the feeling it gave me, one of hope,

one of wonder and risk-taking.

You have to know that the Prairie Palace in the background 

was inspired by the Co-op I once worked for in Bellaire, Ks.

I dig this girls outfit, coat a little big, the guitar on the back and bell bottom jeans.

It could have been me at one time.

In the Meantime

I know it's true and am reminded so often, if you aren't able to paint and have an artist's blog, post some of your older things..I have been sifting through and choose this one today.

This is my red dox, Chaco done in acrylic on board.  

He is my best friend.  I captured him smiling

as he slept in the RV on a trip.

I loved his little contented smile.

He smiles often.

Here we are, neither one of us smiling - but hugs all the same.

It's Not Possible..

...but then again, it is - life IS happening here in our new location.  Just LOTS to do.  The studio became 'on hold' until we could get some more pressing items sorted out.  

Energy is the biggest item we are tackling these days, seems just about all systems needed some updating and upgrading as we ventured into the cold winter. We are living OFF GRID with a solar system and generator backup.  It was amazing to us both - as we could picture ourselves living with ONE light on and then having to turn it off to use the next electrical thing, but it isn't like that at all.  

We actually prepared ourselves for the idea of how it all works by our years of RVing.  We 'boondocked' (stayed in the RVwithout plugging into 'shore power') many times so realize what our limits are. As they say, 'it ain't that bad!'  I never thought I would have the need to understand wattage and voltage, it was really a mystery all my life, but I am getting into it these days.  Luckily, we got moved without BAD weather and we continue to pass the days of working on our place without feet and feet of snow. Lots to look forward to, be thankful for and that is what I do everyday.  

And one of the nicest things is the beautiful view we have, pinching ourselves that we are NOW back where we belong, in Colorado, and the garnering the likelihood of staying warm by the comfort of our pellet stove.  Stay tuned.