October - Fall colors

My husband, Scott, and I spent the weekend in Upstate South Carolina this past weekend. We hit the height of fall color in the mountains!

We brought our two German Shephards, Calvin & Hobbes, with us. Found a wonderful place to rent a cabin that welcomes pets! So much less expensive than leaving these two at the boarding kennel - besides, it was fun hiking with them.

We saw a lot of wonderful natural sites driving through the area. Waterfalls everywhere. Beautiful vistas from the tops of mountains.

This photo was taken in Black Rock State Park, Georgia. Highest spot in Georgia, just across the state line from South Carolina.

A wonderful mini-vacation! Great weather! I brought my painting equipment, but never took them out - too busy being a tourist, or just relaxing!

Outside this morning painting

Spent the morning at a "Farm" and attempted to paint. Ended up wiping it out and headed home by noon. The farm is lovely - a goat farm, but so much more. There is a health food shop, an antiques shop, a model railroad shop and a small train ride - engine with one car for adults and children to ride in. Lots of goats to see - I watched them feed and milk them when I first arrived. Lots of chickens, guinea hens, peacocks, and rabbits all over the place. Enjoyed talking with the owners - the place is up for sale. They have had it for over 30 years and would ready for time to do "want to" things instead of "have to." I think it would make a wonderful artist retreat - nice buildings with room for many studios and a house that could be a "Bed&Breakfast." Not something we could afford and would be a lot of upkeep (in wonderful condition now.)
I had hoped to stay most of the day... but became embarrassed. When I arrived I chatted with the owner, Katherine and she gave me permission to park my car on grass beside the drives. Just as I was getting started she came over and apologized - her husband had planted rye grass all over and was concerned my vehicle would damage the new growth. I had to move my car - perfectly ok with me... But later, as I'm progressing along with a failing painting, I look down and notice my feet had torn up what grass was there and I was standing in mud.... so I know I killed the new grass there.... Anyway - the painting did not go well, so I wiped it out, packed up and left - embarrassed. They are such nice people. I doubt they were upset with me, but I felt responsible for a little damage...

The final day, Sunday, Sept 13. The final painting (got 6 paintings done over the weekend). I was so tired after painting all day for three days. Not sure I like any of the paintings I completed, but so glad I did paint! The weekend weather couldn't have been any better. Had 5 other artists join me off and on during the weekend. The first day we painted together. Saturday and Sunday we were scattered. I have some names of artists who may want to join me again to paint plein air!

Worldwide Plein Air Paint Out

I'll be painting this coming weekend - Fri 9/11, Sat 9/12 and Sun 9/13 - as a participant of the 7th Worldwide Paint Out hosted by International Plein Air Painters. I've sent out notices all around the area of Greenwood, SC inviting amateur and professional artists to join me. Friday we'll be on the campus of Lander University (the student group "Art Alliance" is sponsoring the gathering that day). Saturday we'll be "Uptown" Greenwood to work on urban scenes. And on Sunday we'll be at Lake Greenwood Recreational Area to try our skill with water. I'll be posting pics and details after the weekend. I'm sure I'll end up exhausted, but hope to come away with a few paintings!

IPAP

I took time in my studio to rework the plein air painting from yesterday. I think it's a bit better. Still a lot more practice out there ahead of me!

Beside the Lake

I spent the morning painting this 9" x 12" oil. Been too long since I've done this... Hate how the porch turned out - I may wipe it out and try to fix it in the studio. Hot today, but with a breeze. There were clouds - sun kept going in and out. Big rain in spots throughout the area - but none over me as I working on this.

I probably should have stopped more often to drink some water - my stomach was a bit upset as I was putting everything away.

Porch View

Plein Air painting done on my front porch. June 2009.
9" x 12" Oil on panel.

Plein Air Paint Out

International Plein Air Painters (IPAP)
7th Worldwide Artist Paint Out
September 11, 12, 13 - 2009
I plan to be painting!!

Family Crest

I finished a commissioned piece today. The commission was begun a year ago. The client was slow to complete the order so I was only able to provide a small sketch for the birthday it was meant for last summer. Then, this spring, the client once again contacted me, we finalized the design changes and he requested deliver by mid-June.

24" x 36"
Acrylic on panel mounted on plywood.

Finished this for my father-in-law's 80th Birthday gift. A painting of two beloved pets who passed away years ago - Percy and Lee. I had been asked 6 years ago to do the painting but the photos were so bad I had to do research... and time got away from me...


12" x 16" Oil on panel.