Linda's Artstuff

Santa 2011

2011-11-05T16:49:00.000-05:00

Back in the groove! So here's this year's Santa, almost finished, I think. More colorful than those in the past due to the new color palette. And this one has lots of thick, juicy paint. Hope I'm on the right path...time will tell! Either way, I'm lovin' it! Of course he's for sale. Just have to allow time to dry a little, then he'll go into a beautiful gold frame.

Santa 2011 • Oil • 12 X 12 (before framing) • $300

Rock Road Reporter Online

2011-10-14T15:09:00.001-05:00

Great blog Steve! In this day & age this is where people come to find news. I wish you well.

And thank you so much for the additional article!

Loosening up with a Portrait

2011-09-24T01:09:00.003-05:00

Hi All, Haven't posted in a while. As a matter of fact, I haven't even painted in a few weeks. So yesterday I got back on the horse, with my palette & brush and away I went. Started with a small figure piece. I want back into it today and well, you've heard the saying "One step forward, two steps back". Well, that's what I did. Then, needing to keep going, I decided to play around with something loose, a palette knife portrait. Haven't done an actual portrait in ages so I timidly started to sketch with paint. Well, the paint felt great on the brush and spread like soft butter, so I just kept going. It seems that I've been fighting paint consistency for a while. But I didn't do anything different. It just seened to be more fun tonight. Maybe it was because I didn't expect to finish this but just play around with the paint. So success or not, I enjoyed the process. Here ya go!

Gateway Gallery/Clayton Art Fair | Linda Smith's Artist Blog

2011-09-08T00:11:00.004-05:00

I've been busy gearing up for the big art fair weekend with my local artist friends at the Gateway Gallery. My gallery work day is tomorrow but I'm sure most of the partners will drop in to hang new work and freshen up their displays. Hope the weather is great an you can all make it.

Drop by and say "Hi!"

Here's my latest painting. Hope to add
the finishing touches before Friday.

How Everyone Can Afford to Collect Original Art, an article by Denise Rich from Fine Art Views

2011-08-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

Art Collecting for Dummies:
by Denise Rich

It doesn't have to be expensive, it just has to be special to you.

It's about satisfaction and just plain enjoyment, having things that give you a special feeling when you look at them. Not just an "Oh yes, that matches the couch perfectly" feeling, but an "Oh, that takes my breath away" or "makes me smile every time I look at it" feeling. And it doesn't have to cost a dime!

I can't say it any better than this comment from a client I was conversing with recently about her art collection: "I just gather things that I like, are visually striking (like your cows) or that mean something to me. I framed a drawing of an Easter bunny I did when I was little. People love that one! And a felt purse my mom made years ago. I started buying art when I was at Iowa State in the '70s and still have and display them."

I love what she said and thought it deserved sharing, as well as the Easter bunny drawing she mentioned seen below! (Thank you for sending this to me, Diane. It's wonderful, I especially love the flower hat.) She collects art she likes, is visually striking, or that means something to her. She's already gotten over thirty years of enjoyment out of work collected in college and still more out of one of her favorite childhood drawings. It really is that simple.

Where's the Ladies' Room?

2011-08-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share the latest of my small paintings that I'm still working on. It's called, Where's the Ladies' Room?. This one is from a museum. And you know that feeling... You're in a strange place, a big place, trying to calm the panic and get the information you need at the same time. You just want to scream, "Where in the world is it?!!?" I really don't know what the real story was in this scene. That's just the scenerio that I read into it.

Sometimes I let other people's ideas influence what I think about what's going on in a painting. But no one was around while I did this one. So look where my mind goes, right down in the gutter. But honestly I'm glad I didn't have any input from anyone this time. Because this scenario actually hits pretty close to home for me (at an event this past weekend, I can't even go into it). And I'm hearing all the time, "Paint what you feel, Linda. Paint what you feel!". Well, I guess I did!

Chillin at LaQuinta

2011-06-27T22:56:00.000-05:00

Chillin at LaQuinta • Oil on panel • $100

This is a small (8 X 8 ") painting experiment. Just watched a Karin Jurick video where she painted on a black canvas so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Not that I could ever paint like she does, but what the heck! When I did pastels I painted on all kinds of dark backgrounds but this really seemed to suck in the color. Another reason for the experiment was to decide weather or not I wanted to paint the entire piece larger. This is just a small section of a bigger scene that I was considering. It is from some pics taken at the LaQuinta Art Fair. But now I'm thinking I'm done with this. People I can handle. It was the chairs that were a bitch to paint and there would be tons of them in a larger piece and they would have to be really right. I'm not feeling like being particularly precise these days. I really do like the composition and the pattern of lights so overall I learned some things and it is a successful little painting. But now it's time to move on.... Next!

Cleopatra Hits St. Charles!

2011-05-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

Tonight our beautiful and illustrious model, Ale, surprised us as Cleopatra, cat eyes, snake and all. What fun!

When doing these figure sessions, I've noticed that whatever canvas I take, it is never the right proportions for the chosen pose. And so I improvise. Hence the offset cropping of the figure. Not exactly a terrible solution, sometimes working better than others.

Can't wait till next week. I hear it's going to be another something different for us.

Stacy Sketch/Figure Drawing Tonight

2011-03-15T23:34:00.000-05:00

Stacy modeled for us tonight. We used an old chair of mine and the lighting was great. It created nice shadows across the figure and on the floor under the chair. I just love it when everything seems right. I only did sketches, no painting, but I think what I have will be the beginning of a nice painting. I'm thinking maybe even a big one. The image attached was the first of the night.

Friday Night Barmaid, Oil, 16" X 20"

2011-03-09T00:58:00.000-06:00

I'm really not sure where I want to go with my next piece. I feel like something is stirring in my little brain. Sometimes it just takes a while to form. So while that's perculating in the background, rather than completely waste the evening, I reworked a couple of paintings that had been laying around waiting to be resolved. Below is one of them. This bar scene wasn't working in a design sense. I also thought the background faces were too distinct and that they needed to be simplified using simple light and dark, describing planes and less discription of a certain person.

Waiting Patiently, Oil, 12" X 12"

2011-03-08T02:05:00.000-06:00

Some of us tend to spend a lot of time waiting, waiting in waiting rooms. It's a time for me to study people; their body language, expressions, relationships to one another. Some read, some talk on their phones, some doze off, others, more impatient, fidget and squirm. I often wonder what they are going through personally and hope any worries will be relieved soon. This piece is a composite from some sketches I've done. I was drawn to the design created by the dark patterns against light coming in the background windows.

20 Minute Sketches

2011-02-15T23:08:00.000-06:00

Well, we had figure drawing tonight but our scheduled model didn't make it. So we, ourselves, took turns modeling. Each person posed for 20 minutes and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Below are my results. It was actually nice to just sketch again. I needed to get back to basics, so I think I'll keep doing this for a while. It's much easier anyway, not to drag all the painting equipment along, set it all up, take it all down & repack. Call me lazy, but there's something to be said for simplicity. Sometimes, less is more. At least tonight it is.

Outdoor Cafe Talk

2011-02-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

I've been snowed in a lot recently. My house is really clean but I haven't been getting much painting done. Then overnight it snowed again. So this afternoon, I cranked up the little baseboard heater in my studio, and poured myself a glass of wine. Not knowing where to start, I looked around and found this little piece I had started a month ago. It had some problems but after a little change in composition I think it works. This afternoon my husband shoveled us out and we went out for dinner. When we got home, I finished it up. Snow days are good!

Girl with the Pearl Earring

2011-01-24T23:47:00.000-06:00

This piece is of our beautiful model Ale dressed as the Girl with the Pearl earring. It's 14" X 18 done in oil on canvas.

Palette Knife Figures

2011-01-18T16:37:00.000-06:00

I'm really getting into the palette knife thing. Today I spent just a little while on this piece. Maybe because I was rushed I tried harder to make every stroke more effective. Then when that didn't work I'd scribble and draw with the knife. Anyway, right now I like it...next week maybe I won't. Anyway somedays it's just about going through the process. If I come out smiling, I figure I've won the day's battle.

Birches Trees

2011-01-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

Since last April I've been focusing only on figures. This week, I thought I'd work on this image from an online monthly art site. So I had to concede. Wanted to keep it quick & loose so I just used a palette knife to keep from getting too pickey. 12 X 12 Oil. Now I have to remember to submit it.

Nude with Green Drape and Vase

2011-01-11T00:19:00.000-06:00

Just a little piece, a 12 X 12 oil. I started it at our figure session last week, finished it later in my studio. You can see it at an earlier stage on my facebook page... facebook.com/lindasmithart.

Restaurant, Waiter & Cook Painting

2010-10-24T01:45:00.000-05:00

An old painting revisited. This one had potential, but again, it was just too tight and detailed.

So I glazed over it with some loose brushwork, dulled the background then brightened

the color in the figures and foreground. I'll reframe it and take it to the

Gateway Gallery to see if anyone notices.

Study Break at Coffee House

2010-10-23T01:15:00.000-05:00

Another one finished, I think. It needs to be framed. That will stop me from messing with it. Unfortunately I'm out of the little thingies for framing stretched canvas. I can't stand it when I don't have what I need handy. Be prepared boys & girls. A trip to Framations is in order soon.

Today's work

2010-10-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

Long quiet day, got tons of painting time in. Love this pose, the stylized face and the textured canvas. Now I'll be on the lookout for models and poses like this.

Bar Reflection

2010-10-06T00:55:00.000-05:00

Last night I posted an earlier version of this painting to Facebook. My plan was to wait a few days before coming back to it. But in last nights post I asked for critiques. The responses I received encouraged me to move ahead tonight with a little more confidence. The comments were all things I agreed with. But now that it's posted, I still think the figure on the top right needs more work. All in all it's moving along nicely. This piece is somewhat different for me because it is a more complicated design, but I was enticed by the reflections, glass and different planes. Besides that I really do love the barmaid, literally. It doesn't look like her but it's my niece.

An Apple in Hand is Worth Two in the Tree??

2010-09-25T01:19:00.000-05:00

The theme of the next show at the Gateway Gallery is "Apple and the Tree". Featured in this show will be ceramic artist Cate Honse along with her father who creates handmade glass lamps. This should be a great show!
So anyway, all of the Gallery artists have been invited to do a painting in keeping with the Apple theme. Not sure what I wanted to do, I started working on this apple, holding it in my hand. It was sort of floating in the air on the canvas so I decided to include my hand. Before long my hand started cramping (I'm finding lately that arthritis kicks in at the most inopportune times.). So anyway, once again I took out my trusty little Pentax (love it) and took a picture for reference. It was late at night anyway and I wanted to go to bed. I don't know if it was because I worked to closely from the photo or what but the result reminds me of a hand that should be in a Lucian Freud painting, fat and very fleshy. Nevertheless, I have my piece completed.
Apple in Hand • Oil • 8 X 10 • $300

Santa Painting 2010

2010-09-16T16:10:00.000-05:00

Santa Painting 2010 • 8 X 8" • Oil • $200 (Framed measurement 14 X 14")

Between having our house painted and all the Art Fair stuff going on at Gateway Gallery, I haven't painted in more than a week. Then I realized yesterday that before we know it the holidays will be here and I'm not prepared with any Christmas merchandise. Last year I did a Santa painting and gave it to my daughter. As soon as I gave it to her people started inquiring about it. So last night I did this one. This time I'll do prints of it also. Besides, I think this one is better.

Girl with Umbrella

2010-08-24T00:57:00.000-05:00

Parasol Pretty • 18 X 24" • Oil • $900
(On gallery wrap canvas)

Other than a party, this is what I did all last weekend. but I started it the right way, with sketches and a value study. It's almost finished, I think. Just a little tweaking needed. The plan was to incorporate drips, texture, and thick paint into a realistic figure. Ale is a beautiful model who looks great in costume or not. We try to be very considerate of our models, wanting them to always be comfortable. Even so, I can't imagine how they hold those poses under hot lights. Thanks Ale!

Re-Revised Allin's Diner

2010-08-16T22:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I couldn't wait...I darkened the two light areas on the back wall with some "directional shading". Which means some directional lines guiding the eye to two of the figures. This is an odd painting in that there is no one real focal point. The idea is that you enter the door and look around as if you were going into the diner and then looking for a seat. My little camera is getting reflections on the sides which blows out the detail in those areas but hopefully you get the idea.

Bruce Does Crosswords

2010-08-15T21:01:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Today's work is of our model Bruce. The paint is still wet and shiny. No, we didn't have a figure session. I printed out a photo that I took and pinned it to the wall to work from. I would have just put it up on my computer screen but I have a power saver and my screen shuts down after five minutes. I'll have to work on that issue. This was fun, thinking about warms & cools and making each brush stroke count.
That resulted in a pretty muscular looking arm. I'll think about that later. Enough for today, Nitey-nite!

Revising Allin's Diner

2010-08-14T17:16:00.000-05:00

With not much time today, rather than start something new, I decided to work on some things that bothered me every time I looked at this painting. So I reworked the lettering on the signage at the top and then darkened that whole area. Then I muted a lot of the background to bring out the figures a little and enhanced the white line in the parking lot to direct the viewer to the second figure. Now I'm struggling with wether to darken the light area in the center by the clock. I'm finding that what I'm doing is changing the light/dark composition and I'm not sure that I want to go there. What to do? Put it back on the shelf and look at it in a week or so. And so it goes...

Earthy Palette Portraits

2010-08-11T22:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back...with new work with purpose. I'm going to focus on the figure/portrait genre for a while. I went back to figure group last night and woke up this morning ready to dig in. And what better place than where I left off. These two pieces had been sketched out from previous model sessions & on my easel for a while. A solid day's work with a simple, earthy color palette and there ya go. Just noticing though, neither of them look very happy. I'll have to work on that with the next piece tomorrow.

Fav 15% Again!

2010-07-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

"Close but no Cigars." Don't know where that saying came from, but I know what it means. I should be thrilled... Once again the painting I submitted was judged to be in the top 15% of entries for June. That's two months in a row! Another saying, "Third time's the charm", well we'll see how that one works out.

Necklace & Teal Gown • 12 X 14 • Oil

Round Peg in a Square Hole

2010-07-06T20:49:00.000-05:00

Here's my work for today.
You've just got to know this guy to understand. He's quite a character!

Oil • 12 X 12

Fav 15% in the BoldBrush, an online painting competition

2010-06-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

I just got the email informing me that I was voted to be

in the Fav 15% of all May 2010 entries in the

FineArtViews' BoldBrush^tm Painting Competition

If you look at all the entries, you'll see there are tons of great paintings.

Bandana & Shades • 18 X 24 • Oil • $900

Thinking Positive!

2010-06-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

This is another one of those weeks that I just can't seem to get any thing accomplished. I'm swimming in emergencies and social events and family activities, while my "to do" list continues to call me.
So, to focus on the positive, I thought I'd share... Last week I did finish a piece from that figure session. Not exactly what I had in mind, but a nice outcome nonetheless.
It's Necklace and Teal Gown, 12 X 24, Oil.
So, back to positive thinking... I know I'm blessed to have all the family, friends and jobs that I do... And the health and (usually) energy to do it all. I just have to keep reminding myself. And you do the same!

What a Cute Little Girl

2010-05-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

Last month at a friend's bridal shower this cute little girl had to help the bride open all her gifts.

So I had to do this little oil sketch from my photo.

Oh, For Me? • 8 X 8 • Oil

Painting of Arthur Migliazza at the Foundry Art Centre

2010-05-26T22:47:00.000-05:00

Boogie Woogie Man, 8 X 10, Oil... This young man is an amazing pianist. He gave us a preview a few weeks ago. Wonderful! His actual performance is this Friday night. Here's the link: Foundry Art Centre

Bandana and Shades

2010-05-23T22:46:00.000-05:00

This is an extended piece done from sketches from figure session a couple of weeks ago. I darkened some of the background washes today and made some other minor changes. I want to keep it simple. The next time I photograph this one, I have to back off. The way it is, the face isn't in focus. More later.

China & Silver

2010-05-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Another still life, from another angle. 12 X 12, Oil. My Grandmothers china cup and saucer. I placed them on a brushed silver tray with a tarnished silver bowl in the background.

Turned out better than I expected.

Lady Sings the Blues

2010-05-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

Here she is. This is the final version, Oil, 24 X 24 inches on gallery wrap canvas. This one was a lot of work. I tried to keep it loose but working large my tendency is to keep getting into the detail. The trick is to ditch the small brushes. I had to hide them from myself, out of sight. I love the position of her left hand. It just helps make for a more interesting negative shape.

Fresh Off The Easel

2010-05-12T22:50:00.000-05:00

Finished this commission today. Put it into a Cherrywood frame and it looks great if I do say so myself.
It's 16 X 20, Oil.

Bruce Does Soduko

2010-05-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Here's my finished oil sketch of Bruce. It was done from our model Bruce at our last figure session.

Painting of Kim Massie at the Foundry Art Centre

2010-04-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

Lady Sings the Blues! It seems like ages since I've posted here...and even longer since I've done any work in pastels (maybe 6 months). But I just did this study today and wanted to get some input.

This may be a good one to go a little larger with and do it in oil. She is an awesome singer. I just want to be sure I can do her justice.

Figure, Oil Sketch

2010-02-14T21:31:00.000-06:00

This is a piece done recently, not framed yet. Beautiful model I just love to paint. She just makes it so easy, the work is a pleasure. Such fun! Looking forward to this weeks session, hope I can make it! I think we're supposed to have another great female model.

When doing these oil sketches, more than simply getting a likeness, I strive to create a good painting. Sometimes, in a group setting, sharing a model with other artists may mean that I don't have the exact view that I'd like to have. This means finding the best composition from the viewpoint I have for that session. But I don't necessarily have to paint the entire figure. I'm just looking for the best pattern of lights and darks, angles, etc. to lead the eye through the painting. Sometimes this is easier said than done but using a view finder (which is my favorite crutch) will certainly help.

Bag-o-Peppers, Do I really want to go there?

2010-02-06T22:24:00.000-06:00

I've been posting lately on Facebook so I thought I'd come back to my blog tonight.
Just a little study...don't care enough about it to redo larger. Sometimes a little bit is all you need to know you don't really want to go there.

A face takes me back.

2010-02-01T19:17:00.000-06:00

Doodling with paint on a 12 X 12 canvas brought out this face. Then I remembered, this is very similar to the first oil painting I ever did, way,way back in high school. Except that one was done, for some reason, all in reds. Then it was stolen. Maybe that was a good sign.

For Shoe Freaks, Old Shoes and New Shoes

2010-01-18T22:45:00.000-06:00

For the "Shoe Freaks" out there I just thought I'd post my 2 favorite shoe paintings. Jess's Shoes is a pastel, done last year, from my neices "collection" of shoes. The other painting, Pom-Pom shoes is a recent piece. I've been drawing a lot of shoes in my sketchbook and for some reason, I keep putting pom-poms on them. They just wanted to be painted.

Jess's Shoes • Pastel • 12 X 12

Pom-Pom Shoes • Oil • 8 X 8

Four Paintings, One Palette

2009-12-20T21:05:00.000-06:00

This was a busy week, with many distractions but I managed to paint right through all the visitors and conversations around me. Quite a feat! A few years ago I would never have thought I could do it. But being at the Foundry has taught me to breathe deep and persevere rather that pulling my hair out. These are small simple studies but they do seem to have a nice freshness about them. And I don't feel resentful as I do some weeks when I've wasted too much time.

Different Strokes Portrait

2009-12-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

This painting was done from a photograph provided on the blog "Different Strokes From Different Folks", where artists are encouraged to paint or draw their own interpretations. This month artists from all over did paintings of another randomly chosen artist. What fun! Check out the link by clicking on the post title above. It's interesting to see the interpretations. I'd love to do more.

Two Small Ones for the Week

2009-12-02T00:45:00.000-06:00

The plan was to do one hour paintings again this week, one as a warm to start each day and get me
in the zone to conquer larger pieces. Well, I just couldn't quit. So I spent 3 days on these two 8 X 8 paintings.

My daughter asked me for a Santa painting. So here it is Betsy.
Here's Santa • Oil • 8 X 8

This Thanksgiving once again I brought out and used my grandmother's china. It always brings back memories and makes me think of my loved ones who used these pieces. I love how the light hits and reflects and the way the shadowed curves accent the gold trim. It's part of the holidays.
Grandma's China • Oil • 8 X 8

Figure Painting

2009-11-12T22:26:00.000-06:00

Above are images of my last two weeks of figure painting. Just for a change, I've been doing them in oil at 12 X 12 inches.
What fun!

Different Strokes, Too Late!

2009-11-02T23:28:00.000-06:00

This is a small piece I did last week. It was done from a photograph provided on the blog Different Strokes From Different Folks, where artists are encouraged to paint or draw their own interpretations. Waited too long and missed the deadline but it's still a nice piece. I'll try to get the next one in in more timely fashion.

Chicago Street Scene

2009-10-23T23:27:00.000-05:00

Here's a piece done recently from a photo taken on our last trip to Chicago.
Every time I looked through my reference pics, remembering this little guy just got me.
Had to get it out. Titled it "Walk On By".

Wedding Pics at Linda's Art Studio

2009-10-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

Hi again,
Okay so the 1 hr daily paintings didn't last very long...I'll get back to doing them when my life slows down.
In the meantime...last week my freinds had a beautiful wedding in the Grand Hall of the Foundry Art Centre, where I also have my studio upstairs. They asked me months ago if they could take some photos in my studio the night of the wedding. I said "Sure", thinking that they were a little crazy. But the photographer came up and so did the wedding party and both families. The real pictures should be great. Here are a couple of shots I took through the window. Looks like it wasn't a crazy idea after all.

1 hr. Paintings

2009-09-20T22:40:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
This week I decided to start each day in my studio with a 1 hour still life exercise. I'm not going to commit to this forever and set myself up for failure. But for a while, we'll see how it goes. It really seems to get me going. Here are the first two.

Joyce Yarbrough, the Silhouette Lady

2009-08-21T20:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eIZCWnCzDU

My friend Joyce Yarbrough has a new video up on YouTube! She is quite accomplished and well known in her field. The work is simply wonderful. You have to see for yourself, but what I love about what she does is that it is classic. It is so graphic and simple that it has a modern feel. Yet it is also considered historical and traditional in style. She is a 21st Century Paper Cutter, the Silhouette Lady, an artistic treasure at the Foundry Art Centre.

New Still Life

2009-08-20T21:50:00.000-05:00

When I was in Augusta last April I walked through a wonderful antique shop. Everywhere I looked there was a still life all set up, waiting for me. I was rushed so just pulled out my trusty little camera, and shot away. These bottles were lined up on a window transom above a door.
Light Thru Glass and Time • Pastel • 24 X 12

Okay, So I Forgot!

2009-08-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

I've been pre-occupied with my new website...not to mention summer events and family stuff. So I forgot to post the other still lives. I was recently at a bridal shower for my beautiful niece. The shower theme was "The Perfect Pair". Everything there was Hot pink and Lime Green. We had "Peartinies" and there were pears all over the tables. So I pulled out my trusty camera as I had visions of pear paintings everywhere I looked. Here's the result. The frames are ordered and I'm anxious to see them up on my studio wall.
Pear Dancing • Pastel • 12 X 12 • $400

Pear Lineup • Pastel • 12 X 12 • $400

Yeah! I finally have a website going! Just click here!

2009-07-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

It's ArtbyLindaSmith.com. And it's been taking all my evenings for 2 weeks to figure it out and get things loaded. Did get a lot accomplished at my studio this week, finishing 4 paintings. But this one was a big surprise, even to me. I love it when playing in thick paint is totally productive! Tell me, what do you see in this painting? No one sees what I do.
Red Hot Flash Momma • Oil • 22 X 28

The others were 3 still lives, but I'll save them for next time.
See ya!

Good Week...a Figure, a Still Life and a Landscape!

2009-06-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

Well, this is a perfect example of the way I work. These pieces are from this week..
The figure sketch is from Tuesday figure group.

This still life is from a photo I took at an antique shop while in Augusta last April. I'm trying to loosen up the background.

This landscape was a Pastel Demonstration I did at the Foundry Luncheon on Thursday.

Thursday's Pastel Demo

As always they are all still works in progress. As I post I can see areas I want to fix in each piece. Busy, Busy! Taking the day off tomorrow for Father's Day, boating with our family. Hopefully I can get in some sketching on the river.
Thanks.

Working This Out!

2009-06-03T21:57:00.000-05:00

Still Evolving... I keep working while trying not to overwork, its a fine line. I'm not quite there yet. I think I'll title it "Cups of Time".

Jess's Shoes

2009-05-31T21:39:00.001-05:00

I loved doing this painting. My niece has more shoes than anyone I know. So of course, she was the one I went to for loaner shoes to paint.
Pastel 12 X 12

And here's one more
Oil 5 X 7

Artstuff from the last week or so

2009-05-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

This pastel sketch is from figure drawing tonight. You can see the clips on the sides of the board. We had a new model and really liked her.

This is from a photo I took in Apalachicola a few years ago.
Open Books • 12 X 16 • Oil

This painting was done from a photograph provided on the blog "Different Strokes From Different Folks", where artists are encouraged to paint or draw their own interpretations. It's a great idea. You can do it too. Click on the title of this entry above
to link to the site.

Patty and Larry Tebeau at Plein Air Auction in Augusta

2009-05-08T23:39:00.000-05:00

I always enjoy the Augusta Plein Air Event but this year was the best. Thanks to all the patrons, like Larry and Patty, who support us morally and otherwise, and to all the volunteers who fed us and made us feel so welcome. Augusta is a wonderful and beautiful community in so many ways. I was only able to get out there 4 days, hopefully next year I'll be able to do more.
Thanks again!

St. Charles Artwalk

2009-04-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
This is a busy week. The St. Charles Artwalk is this coming weekend, Fri, Sat. & Sun..
Come down and have a great time roaming the cobblestones of Main St, St. Charles, sipping a glass of wine and
viewing great artwork...hope to see you there!
My painting "Picasso's On Main" was chosen as the Annual poster for the Artwalk. Limited edition prints may be purchased at Framations and George Denninger's Gallery.

Also the Augusta Plein Air Event Starts Wednesday, continuing for 10 days and we're expecting great weather.
I'll send out more information about Augusta next week. I can't wait!

Finally Finished "Seriously"

2009-04-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Another of our favorite model, Becky
Seriously • Pastel • 12 X 24

Started these the other day
Ryan • 16 X 20 • Not framed yet

And another Abstract
Pinwheel • Pastel • 12 X 12

Some Small Pieces

2009-03-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

This past week there was a lot going on around me at home and at my studio. So rather not painting at all, I grabbed small pieces of time to do a couple of abstracts in pastel..
This one was taken from the most successful spot on an otherwise okay painting. I started with the basic movement of the composition and went from there to other color combos and textural expressions.

While watching TV last week, something with this "A" sort of design caught my eye. So I put it in my sketchbook. While at the Foundry over the weekend, in my studio, with a band blasting "Motown oldies" at an event below, I happily danced this design to paper with moody pastels.

This is a pretty little piece, done from a photo of the violets growing in my bathroom.

Now to frame them...ugggh!

Still Lifes and Figures

2009-03-01T18:33:00.000-06:00

Commissioned piece with revisions • Oil • 24 X 18

This was a fun still life. Here is the setup in my studio as I was painting. Notice that there is a Fraser Leonard painting in the background.

And the final painting. I like what happens where Fraser's painting shows through the wine bottles.
Frazer's Influence • Pastel • 18 X 24 • $750

I know there is a tendency in my work for warm colors. So as an exercise, I set up this still life with the intention of making it a "cool" painting, using blues, blue greys, & violets (a cool color palette). I fought it the whole way but the pears were my way out. They were the only warm elements in the composition so I had to balance them with a few other warm touches. That seemed to work and now I'm pretty happy with the outcome.
Cool Still Life • Oil • 18 X 24 • $800

I thought this was one of my successes. That was until I ruined it by putting retouch varnish on it too soon. I'm so upset with myself. It may be salvageable but as yet I can't deal with it.
Becky with Violin • Oil • 18 X 24

2009-01-27T13:23:00.000-06:00

It's a snowy day here so I decided to stay in my jammies and tackle some odds and ends I've been avoiding. So in that same spirit of avoidance, here I am on my computer.
Well, a couple of weeks ago I thought I was really on a roll when I wrapped up 3 pastel paintings in a few days. Then came the framing part. For me, this is the downside of pastels. But now they're finished and it's time to hang them at my studio and move on. They are shown below. What next? I have a couple of commissions to work on and a large still life with some problems waiting on an easel.

Clean & Simple

2008-12-29T19:19:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I struggle with a painting and wonder why I do this to myself. Then I'll have another piece, like this one, where every step goes smoothly. Then I think, "It shouldn't be this easy, I need to push myself more." Back and forth I go with the "self talk". But the truth is, some days I just don't want to push myself. I just want the comfortable feeling of accomplishing a nice, simple little piece like this... that makes me smile.
Green Apple, Red Wine • 9 X 12 • Pastel

December Work

2008-12-19T21:40:00.000-06:00

I wish you all a blessed and Merry Christmas. Keep it simple and concentrate on the important things.
I'm sure I'm no busier than anyone else. But it's sure hard to focus on my artwork with so many events going on. I'm trying my best but its difficult to get enough painting time. The paintings below seem to be ongoing, never-ending pieces. None of them is framed yet. So I pick one up, work on it a few minutes, till I'm interrupted, come back and pick up another, do a few strokes, talk with a visitor awhile, pick up another, etc.

Here are a couple more pieces of musicians. I don't know where to go with them. One is washy, the other more finished,
but I'm not quite happy with either. As you can see, I'm still learning, still experimenting.

This piece was inspired from an article on composition by Rober Burridge in his Artsy-Fartsy Newsletter (link below). I started by sketching on white Colorfix paper with oil pastels. Then I washed over that with mineral spirits, sketched more, then dripped mineral spirits. I finished with soft pastels and dripped some of that too. What really makes this painting sing is the bright orange accents. Pretty cool. I just checked, the photo doesn't do it justice. I'll re-shoot it later.
No name yet • 18 X 24 • mixed media

This is the second attempt at this one. I textured the gesso first then used a palette knife to paint.
Layover • 16 X 20 • Oil

This one's for you Terry. It still needs some work but at least you can see my effort. I wonder if we can find a photo
of the rest of you individually with Mom. I'd love to do a series of them. What do you think about the washy background?
Mom & Me • 16 X 20 • Oil

Link to Artsy Fartsy Newsletter...It's the best!
http://www.robertburridge.com/newsletter/index.html

Thanksgiving's Over

2008-11-30T20:42:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving's over and the holidays are in full swing now. Holiday parties start this coming weekend. First thing...Friday night, December 5th, Foundry Art Centre: "Open Studio Night" with Wine, Appetizers and Music upstairs. Come by and help the artists celebrate the holidays! This is in conjunction with the MFA Reception in the main gallery downstairs.

More new pieces:

This is a quick study finished in a second "quick" session.

I had an underpainting completed on this painting when Frazer Leonard came into my studio and asked if he might mess around a bit with my pastels. This is basically what he did. I improvised a little more after he left, making this piece a joint effort. I kind of like it. What do you think? I'm going to frame it and see what happens.

This was done from a photo in Forest Park taken by my sister-in-law, Nancy. Doesn't look much like the photo though.

I decided to title this one "Layover 1" but need to order a frame. I've also done "Layover 2" with a palette knife. Just realized that I haven't taken a photo of that one yet.

To my sister Terry in California, Hi there and happy holidays!! I love you! You know, you can post a comment any time or better yet, email me! Try it, you'll like it.

Getting Settled In

2008-11-08T14:22:00.001-06:00

Well, it looks like winter is about to settle into good old St. Charles. That's okay, there's plenty to do inside...cleaning, sorting, pitching. It's one of those days, I feel sort of unsettled and want to clear the way for new ideas. But before I start that, I just wanted to upload a few pics of what has been coming out of my studio at the Foundry.

A New Adventure

2008-10-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

Here I am, happy as a lark! Painting! Painting! Painting!

The call came in September. I was apprehensive at first, but after talking it out with my husband and confronting some guilt about family, job, and money issues, and then moving all my equipment, I now have a studio at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles!
It's not quite up and running yet. The business aspects still need to be taken care of (imagine that), but I've been painting there regularly for a couple of weeks now and loving it.
I am very fortunate to have this opportunity. It's a very creative environment where I can put more time into my work and hopefully grow as an artist. And I've met some new and very talented people to boot! Maybe some of it will rub off.
Come by and see me.
My Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Ten-ish to 5PM
Saturday: Noon to 4PM
Sunday: if there are any Special Events scheduled

Here are some of the pieces I've done in the past two weeks.

From August

2008-09-21T22:43:00.000-05:00

This piece was done en plein air on a recent trip to San Francisco. We spent 2 days sight-seeing, also checking out sights to paint. We finally went back to Stinson Beach. We walked the beach and I decided exactly where I wanted to sit. We went back to the car to move it closer and hauled all my painting "stuff" to the spot. As I set up my easel a huge fog bank came in and settled over us. I just wanted to throw a fit but then realized the opportunity before me. It really was a beautiful scene.
Stinson Fog • Pastel • 9 X 12 • $350

Here's the third in a series from art museums.
Cultural Clowns • Pastel • 12 X 16 • $500

This was done in studio from a photo taken last year in Joshua Tree National Park in California. We took a great hike through this fabulous park. It was a wonderful day with great friends. As I look at the image as I uploaded I can see that it still needs some work. Or rather roughing up. It's jus too "tight" which often happens in studio painting. I'm glad it's not framed yet.
Joshua Tree • Pastel • 12 X 12 • $400

A Couple of Paintings from July

2008-07-28T00:36:00.000-05:00

This is another piece from the Art Institute. I got in trouble from the guard for taking pictures. But honestly, I only did it because I saw other people doing it. Anyway, I'm glad I did. I've entered them into several competitions. We'll see what happens. These have been fun to paint and I think I'll do a couple more.

Gothic View • 16 X 12 • Pastel • $600

I came upon these men in Santa Fe. The poor old guy on the right couldn't get a word in. Now that it's up I see some things that need a little more work. I'll revise soon and update the image.
Benched • 14 X 11 • Oil

A Few Pieces from June

2008-06-27T23:17:00.000-05:00

This piece is an oil, done from a pastel sketch at our Tuesday figure session. There are two light sources but one has pink tissue over it. I think it makes for a very interesting painting.

Last Saturday the weather was beautiful. My sister-in-law came over and we painted in the back yard. I did this in pastel from a photograph I took in April at the Chicago Art Institute. This artsy young lady is toting her baby through the museum. She was so pretty and I loved the way she was dressed. I can't decide how to crop it for framing.

Cultivating Early Interest • Pastel • 9 X 12 • $400

Now, Back to Normal

2008-05-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

The Augusta Plein Air Event is over. It was very much a success and we all look forward to doing it again next year.
Now I'm taking a day to recover then about a month to catch up on some household projects. Here are the photos of the rest of my plein air work. Thanks to my friends for coming. And a special thanks to those who purchased my pieces.

Barns On Main • Pastel • 12 X 9

Wine Country Gardens • Pastel • 9 X 12 • SOLD

Laundry Day on Walnut Street • Oil • 12 X 24 • SOLD

Linda Painting In Augusta

2008-04-30T16:56:00.000-05:00

No time to chit-chat today.
Just got back from a long day of painting. Last Wed. I did one but forgot to take a photo before I stuck it in a frame.
But I was just getting started.
This week, Tues., I finished the one with the blue doors. Then found this great spot where I did the two barns.
Today did an oil of part of a house. Haven't taken pics of it yet. Got to go do framing and plan my attack for tomorrow.
Think I'll try Wine Country Gardens along Hwy 94.
See ya'll Saturday!
Big Red Barn • Pastel • 9 X 12

The Blue Doors • Pastel • 9 X 12

Little Red Barn • Pastel • 9 X 12

Augusta Plein Air Event

2008-04-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hi All,
The Augusta Plein Air painting event is coming up in a few weeks. Local artists are really looking forward to it, including me. I'd love to see all of my friends there.
Here's what it's all about:
Artists are invited to paint in and around the town of Augusta as well as the river bluffs, valleys, woodlands, farms and vineyards surrounding the area. Artists may paint for one day, a weekend, or as many days as their schedules allow during the 10 days from April 23rd to May 2nd. The art is to be created on location following the European tradition of plein air, (outdoors, natural light).
Take a beautiful drive out to "Wine Country". See some art. Do some wine tasting. Have a great time!

Saturday, May 3rd, Noon to 6:00 PM
Auction and Art Sale
Mt. Pleasant Winery

St. Charles Artwalk

2008-03-31T19:21:00.000-05:00

For the third year, I will be taking part in the St.
Charles Spring Artwalk on Main Street in historic St.
Charles, MO. This will be the last weekend in April.
Please come down and visit me. I will again be
displaying my work at Hannegan Real Estate. There is
always a wide variety of work to be seen as well as
some nice restaurants to try and quaint shops to
experience.

The weather should be beautiful by then.
Make an afternoon or evening of it!

And please, pass this along to your friends & family.
Hopefully I'll see you there!

This is the painting I've donated to the Artwalk
for the Patron's Preference Drawing.
Lena • 11 X 14 • Pastel

Here are more details.

To see what the St. Louis Post Dispatch has to say about the Artwalk see:
http://www.slfp.com/ArtGalleries.htm

Gateway Pastel Artists Meeting

2008-03-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

At the March meeting of the Gateway Pastel Artists, I did a demo of a landscape with an underpainting.

In this first picture, I was applying the underpainting. Because the scene would be primarily a cool painting (greens and blues) I chose 5 warm colors for the underpainting. These colors were of different values. I tested them together in a sketchbook to find a nice combination.

The next step is to proceed with the painting as normal.

The final painting. Double click on it to enlarge, then you can see the effect of the underpainting. It's a simple way to ad compliments in color to your painting. It adds an extra pop.

My Latest!

2007-11-19T02:04:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year !

I want to thank friends and family who came to my art show in December.

Here is the new work from that show.

These are new still lifes of some favorite things I threw together at home. In the first one, the reflections in the lamp made it especially fun and I kind of have a thing for flamingos.

Favorite Things • 18 X 24 • Oil • $700

Hidden Meanings • 18 X 24 • Oil • $700

I've done 10 new paintings from a recent trip to Colorado.

I may rework some of them in oil at a larger size.

Water Under the Bridge • 12 X 16 • Pastel • $200

Gorgeous Country • 12 X 16 • Pastel • $200

Practice Series

Sometimes during our Figure Drawing Sessions the local symphony also has it's

practice. The following paintings were done using photos taken from the floor above.

My Faces Series

While I was working on the landscapes, I felt that I also had to have another focus from time to time to keep my interpretations fresh. So this is what I did. A little crazy, huh? There are 3 of them. They go with "Odd Man Out" from a previous post below.

Infatuation • 12 X 12 • Oil • $350

More of My Latest Pieces

2007-08-28T23:15:00.000-05:00

The Coo • 18 X 8 • Pastel • $450

Coo To You Too • 18 X 8 • Pastel • $450

Babbling Brook • 9 X 12 • Pastel • $400

A Drive Thru the Valley • 9 X 14 • Pastel • $400

Summer Evening Floral • 12 X 16 • Oil • $500

From my "Faces" series

Odd Man Out • 30 X 40 • Oil • $900

The Latest From Our Figure Sessions

2007-06-26T23:24:00.000-05:00

Portrait of Becky
12 X 18 image area • Pastel • $300

Becky Relaxed Pose
24 X 12 image area • Pastel • 400

Bert, 7/17/07 Unfinished
13 X 18 image area • Pastel • $500

Beth, 6/12/07 This was actually done as a nude. I wanted it to be sketchy and improvised the dress, jewelry, background, and nails.
They're Talking About Me • 12 X 16 image area • Pastel • $600

Julie, 4/07 See the unfinished piece in a previous post below.
The Red Robe • 8 X 13 image area • Pastel • $400

Rebecca, 2/07
One More? • 16 X 20 image area • Pastel • $700

Some Other New Things

2007-06-26T22:15:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful farm in the bottoms by Creve Coeur Park. Done from a photo.
Creve Coeur Colors • 10 X 8 image area • Pastel • $350

This was done en plein air at Ghost Ranch in Santa Fe, NM,. Thank you Nancy, for making me get out of the car to do this.
Shack at Ghost Ranch • 13 X 10 image area • Pastel • $450

The next two are studies for a larger painting for my daughter's house.
Poppies Squared • 12 X 12 on gallery wrap canvas • Oil • $300

I did this one first. It turned out so well that I tried to get the same effect when I re-did it in oil (above). Double click to enlarge and see the colors.
Poppy Trio • 14 X 18 image area• Pastel • $500

Okay, I know this is a stretch. But these are two I've been thinking about for a long time. They were very fun to do and I have more planned. Just bought another canvas to start. Sorry about the small image. Click on it to see better.
They are big. 24 X 36 image area, done in oil. One is already sold!

Chicago Streets Series

2007-02-13T18:28:00.000-06:00

These are all done from my trips to Chicago.
Obviously, I'm a people watcher and these are just some
of the more obvious characters among the masses.
They are all framed in beautiful, simple, wide black frames.
Each is 24 X 18 • Oil • $900

Pink On Monroe

Jammin' On Michigan Avenue

Fiddler On Michigan Avenue

Gateway Pastel Artists Show at Framations

2007-02-13T17:52:00.000-06:00

This little painting just won "Best of Show" in our January show.
I will be donating it to the St. Charles Artwalk prize list in April.

Hidden Away • 5 X 7 • Pastel • $300

Some Figure Work

2007-02-13T17:44:00.000-06:00

Painting, drawing, sculpture, I don't care. Figure work draws me in everytime.
This is always the work I'd prefer to do. I've been working hard at it too,
trying to paint from live models every week. Some of these are the
product of those sessions.

Is Becky Smoking? • 9 X 12 • Pastel • SOLD

Nice Dress • 9 X 12 • Pastel • $300

Unfinished • 8 X 13 • Pastel • $300

2007-02-13T17:40:00.001-06:00

The Waiting Room • 20 X 16 • Oil • $500

2007-02-13T17:38:00.001-06:00

What Have I Done? • 16 x 20 • Oil • $500
This painting won "Best of Show" at Framations show "Looks of Love", Feb 08.

2007-02-13T17:36:00.001-06:00

Becky's White Gown • 11 X 14 • Oil • $400

2007-02-13T17:35:00.001-06:00

Model On the Couch • 20 X 16 • Oil • SOLD

Model In May • 20 X 16 • Oil • $500

Still Life & Florals, Some of My Favorites

2007-02-13T16:41:00.001-06:00

2007-02-13T16:39:00.000-06:00

Lace in the Sun • 8 X 10 • Pastel • SOLD

Green Apples • 8 X 10 • Oil • SOLD

2007-02-13T15:43:00.000-06:00

Pineapple & Oranges • 12 X 16 • Oil • $400

2007-02-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

Violets on Iron Table • 12 X 9 • Oil • $300

Pears On Red • 12 X 9 • Oil • $300

Eggplant Still Life • 12 X 9 • Oil • $300

2007-02-13T15:41:00.001-06:00

Yummm! • 12 X 9 • Oil • $300

2007-02-13T15:40:00.001-06:00

Perfect Pairs • 14 X 9 • Oil • SOLD

2007-02-13T15:39:00.001-06:00

Peonies & Purple • 10 X 8 • Pastel • SOLD

More Peonies • 10 X 8 • Pastel • SOLD

Purple Iris & Peonies • 12 X 12 • Oil • $350

Steve's Drive Home, 36 Years

2006-11-18T18:07:00.000-06:00

The following series is from photos taken on Hwy 94 in St. Charles County. My husband has worked at the power plant there and driven this route daily for 36 years. It's a beautiful drive. He'll retire soon and talks about how he's observed the lives of families over the years, just as a passerby. I thought it would be nice just to document his daily trek.

Each is 24 X 12 • Oil • $500

2006-11-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

Steve's Drive Home #1 SOLD

Steve's Drive Home #2

Steve's Drive Home #3

Steve's Drive Home #4

3 Abstracts

2006-09-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

Recently I've felt the need for a reprieve from representational art.
It was fun. I need to do this more often.