On this last day of Thanksgiving week, I am home in my warm house organizing for the week. I am sure many of you are as well. And in lieu of tidying like I should be doing, I thought I would blog for a moment. Procrastination at its finest!

 

Well, the last few weeks didn't turn out as planned, but that's okay. I had two opportunities to paint outside with friends that I had to pull out of last minute this month. The first because of an urgent need of a family member, and the other because my hubby so graciously shared the flu with me. Wasn't that nice?

 

So my studio-only season begins sooner than planned. I unpacked all my plein air items - the ones I don't have a "studio" and "plein air" version of - and set up my studio for the cold months. I have one commission to finish and I have been thinking about what I will focus on for the Winter. I am thinking of working larger and slower on a few paintings. I so often work "alla prima", in one sitting, and small. I think it must be some hidden trait that makes me become bored working on one item too long. Maybe I need to branch out and try the slower route. We will see. I may take a smaller painting and make it larger and improve it. Or look through the THOUSANDS of "future reference" photos on my phone and grab one from there. Stay tuned to find out what this indecisive artist decides...

 

I have updated my galleries, in Gainesville & Clarkesville, GA and online. Here's hoping for a successful shopping season! I am always torn with pricing my paintings with the market (and what I get told I should charge) and making them affordable for everyone to enjoy an original painting in their homes. If you haven't already, read my "article" from August 2023. I am not a writer (obviously), but I had fun explaining why I think everyone should have original art (not prints) as decor in their homes. So I hope so much that everyone can either buy some or have someone else gift them pieces. This includes 3-d art too. 

 

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving (those in the States) and all are gearing up and decorating for the holidays! Christmas is surely upon us again! May you all have a restful and joyful season...at least as much as you can! And as always, consider the small businesses when shopping - we do the BEST happy dance when you but from us! It may not be a pretty dance, but you get the picture! 

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UPDATE: All three paintings sold and raised money for the people of Lahaina! Paintings are on their way to Florida, Indiana and Canada!

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Along with MANY other artists, I am participating in an online auction where proceeds will go to help restore the town and help its residents during this tragic time. I have donated three paintings that I will frame and ship for free to the highest bidders. The auction begins September 1st and ends September 10th. If you'd like to place a bid on any of the magnificent paintings from some of the best artists in the world. We are all donating our paintings free of charge. Some will be asking for shipping costs to be covered but some of us are paying for that as well. I am happy to take part in this recovery effort the little way that I can. Go to their website below to register to bid, so that you will receive an email when the event opens. The event has many big name sponsors as well, so you can rest assured in its legitimacy. 

 

From the website (www.artistsforlahaina.com):

The Lahaina Fire on the night of August 8th was the deadliest in modern American history. The fire burned though 80% of the town and left its surviving residents facing a deeply uncertain future.

Lahaina was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and it is known for its rich culture & arts community. The town is beloved by the thousands of artists who have found both welcome and inspiration there.

In support of Lahaina’s efforts to rebuild, we are organizing an auction of original artwork by artists from all over the world.

All auction proceeds will go to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit that has close ties to the town’s art community and is committed to helping rebuild Lahaina in a way that respects the town’s rich history and culture.

 

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I am so very excited and honored to share that my painting “Bluebird” (5x7 oil, sold) was selected to be one of the 15% of paintings selected to be in the American Impressionist Society’s 3rd Annual Associate Member Online Exhibition. A blind panel of five signature members selected 243 paintings out of 1,654 that were submitted! Now another judge will decide on awards which will be announced July 20th. This is my first time being selected for this event and I am honored to be among some VERY talented and well known artists!

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We are driving home today on our way home from the beach. We're packed ridiculously full but are full of contentment too. The weather was perfect. Not one storm and only one day of more heat than we prefer. Otherwise sun and warm breezes all week. I finished one book and two small paintings while there. Almost started a third painting but told myself to go enjoy the beach. So I took tons of reference pics instead. 👩🏻‍🎨Most of us (artists) would be embarrassed to admit the percentage of “potential” reference photos in our photo libraries! 😂 But I'm happy to have something to play with for the hot summer studio days! A heat wave is coming in to the Southeast, so y'all be careful and stay cool! Read More

Welcome to my new FASO website! I am hoping to connect better with my collectors, followers and fans here. Please sign up for my email newsletter (I will send the first one out in July) and also for the "Artful Alerts" (see "Get New Art Alerts" envelope icon in bottom first page), will alert you first to when I post a new piece. I want you all to have the first look and the first opportunity to purchase it should you want to. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook and Instagram as well (see the icons on the first page and click to connect). I will still be selling on Etsy for the time being, but wanted to slowly introduce my own website as my little one-person art business has grown, thanks to people like you! 

 

I have been busy this summer so far! Between setting up this new site, getting ready for current and upcoming exhibitions, replenishing my galleries and painting here and there! I will share more about my trip to Italy in May soon! It was AMAZING. I also have some future events I am excited about!

 

Thanks again for reading and keeping up with me! If you haven't collected a piece of mine yet, I invite you to look through the "works" tab and can find an available piece you just can't live without! Or please visit the wonderful galleries I am lucky enough to be a part of...Oakley Gallery in Gainesville, GA and Hemlock Studio Galley in Clarkesville, GA (see more info on the Galleries tab). There are additional pieces there not on here yet!

 

Happy Summer Solstice! (one day late....but that's me)

 

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