Shelley's Artist Notes and Paintings

October - Fall colors

2009-10-27T08:37:00.010-04:00

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

2009-10-10T18:56:00.002-04:00

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...

2009-09-14T17:56:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-06T20:58:00.004-04:00

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

2009-08-02T16:46:00.001-04:00

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

2009-07-31T16:41:00.005-04:00

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

2009-06-17T21:22:00.002-04:00

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

Plein Air Paint Out

2009-06-17T21:14:00.002-04:00

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

Family Crest

2009-05-31T15:18:00.004-04:00

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.

2009-05-15T13:20:00.003-04:00

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.

2008-10-26T08:55:00.003-04:00

SHE'S FINISHED!
The photos aren't the best. I'll try to take a few better ones before I mail her to the client.

Day Two - portrait

2008-10-06T18:41:00.002-04:00

Day two - I worked on the background and added the bubble.

Oil Portrait Commission

2008-09-28T12:14:00.006-04:00

I want to share the progress on an oil painting commission I'm working on. After I draw the subject onto the canvas I apply an "underpainting" made up of a thin wash of burnt umber and ultramarine blue. I concentrate on the values here - it's a "road map" for me for future paint applications.

The subject is the grand daughter of the client, painted from a photograph supplied by the client. The canvas is 16" x 20" linen.

The picture to the right shows the progress made on the second day of painting. This was actually several days after I had done the underpainting - it's always a good idea to let the underpainting dry well before applying the next layers. I concentrated on the face on this day - this will be the main focal point of the painting and must be done well. I use a limited pallet of colors: Titanium White, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue, and Ultramarine Blue.

Fall Equinox!

2008-09-22T16:14:00.004-04:00

It's officially the start of FALL! The weather has already changed here in South Carolina. I'm guessing we may still see a few hot days, but right now it's glorious! No sign of leaves changing, yet, tho. I'm looking forward to seeing what winter is like here in the South. After living in Wisconsin for 16 years, and then two years in the hills of Kentucky, I think I'll see a warmer winter than I've ever seen.

Best of Show - 2008 Festival of Flowers

2008-09-22T16:08:00.001-04:00

I was so excited and pleased to be awarded
Best of Show
at the Greenwood, SC Festival of Flowers
Art Show with this oil painting:

"Empathy"

24" x 30"

Moved!

2008-09-22T10:43:00.003-04:00

News here - a lot of changes!
Closed my studio in Edmonton, KY
Moved to Greenwood, SC
Working in the Continuing Education Department at Lander University.
Became a Grandmother for the first time on Aug 26!

I went through a lot of ups and downs with all these changes. Here in South Carolina because my 88 year old Dad needs family nearby. Had to close my studio/gallery because of the move - I miss that. But, we bought a nice little ranch style house here in Greenwood with a huge outbuilding that I plan to transform into a studio someday. Right now I've made the livingroom my studio (the kitchen/greatroom is where we have our TV and where we spend most of our time). Had to find a job to help pay the bills - I am lovin' working here at Lander! My Grand daughter lives in Dayton, OH - we met her on Sept 5th finally!
Move info soon...

IF - Leaping Manikin

2008-02-29T15:11:00.004-05:00

IF - LEAP

My submission for Illustration Friday. Leap Day in a Leap Year. The manikin is leaping towards the light. 5" x 7" oil on w/c paper.

Two Kisses - What to CHOOSE?

2008-02-08T17:21:00.001-05:00

A painting for Illustration Friday. Two kisses for Valentines Day.
5" x 7" Oil on gessoed W/C paper

Mural for Client in Germany

2008-02-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

In May 2007 I started negotiations with a client in Germany for a mural. In December 2007 all details were agreed upon. I painted the mural on canvas in January. It was rolled up, packed and mailed on February 4th. Mural Commission DONE.

Roosters Done

2008-02-08T17:07:00.001-05:00

The six paintings finished. They were shipped in December. Commission DONE!

Studio/Gallery is open!

2007-10-22T15:20:00.001-04:00

Shelley Grund Art Studio & Gallery

100 E Hamilton St., Suite 1, Edmonton, KY 42129

I have a sign maker busy working on my sign for the studio/gallery. But I do have vinyl lettering on the windows for "Gallery" and "Art Supplies". The following pictures are of the inside. This shows the gallery space to the right of the door.

This gallery space is to the left of the door.
It's hard to take pictures of the galleries.Here's the Art Supply retail area.

More Art Supplies.Opposite the Art Supplies is my Art Studio.
Notice the canvases mounted on the wall to the left.
They're for the Rooster Project.

Rooster Project - began the six

2007-10-22T15:17:00.000-04:00

I started the 6 roosters. Will work on them all at one time.

Last Supper Commission Completed

2007-10-09T12:07:00.000-04:00

I finished the Last Supper commission last week. Presented to the client Saturday and I'm happy to say he's delighted! He has some work to do on the large background board - squaring it etc. and will frame it. Has asked me to sign it once it's all put together. I asked him if he'd mind if I hang it here in the studio for a while.

Fun project, but the little guys took longer than I had expected.

2007 Earth Artist Award

2007-09-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

This past Tuesday I was surprised to find a box in the mailbox addressed to me from Bluegrass Pride. If you go back several entries here you'll see a picture and some information on a rain barrel I painted for their Artistic Rain Barrel program. This award, 2007 Earth Artist Award, is in recognition for my efforts. At least I'm guessing that's what it's for... I never knew there was such an award and there was no letter/note enclosed with the award... I'm delighted to have received it and I'm really glad so many liked my barrel.

Rooster project

2007-09-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

I had to take a break from the Last Supper paintings to work on another project. I've been commissioned to paint 7 very large oil paintings of a rooster for a client. They are all to be on 3' x 4' canvases. The first one has to be in California for a conference on September 10. So... I received the commission on Aug 20, received payment on Aug 23, and started painting the first rooster. Sunday, Sept 2, I considered him done, and sent a digital image of him to the client. I'm very happy to report he's delighted with the first rooster! Now I have some time to complete the remaining 6 - not due till Jan/Feb 2008. Here's a picture of the first rooster.

Bartholomew done, Simon started

2007-08-21T12:12:00.000-04:00

I scanned two figures from the Last Supper. Bartholomew is basically done, I may do a bit of touch-up on him in the future. Simon is just in the beginning stages of the painting process.

Last Supper pieces

2007-08-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

Here's a couple of photos of the pieces I'll be painting. The pieces are sitting on my dresser with a ruler beside them for size comparison. I just realized I missed one of the apostles in the photos. Do you know which one is missing?

Last Supper

2007-08-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

I received a call today from a "semi-retired" gentleman from my small town. Seems he's been working on a wooden version of the Last Supper for the past year and was in need of an artist to help him complete it. He has the whole painting broken down into small pieces of wood that he has meticulously cut with a small skill saw. He has the background and the table assembled. All the apostles and Jesus are cut out ready to be painted. He even has the plates and cups cut out of wood - they also need to be painted. I wasn't too sure about all this when he tried to describe it over the phone. But, once I saw all the work he had already put into it I just didn't have the heart to say no. Besides, I think this will be kinda fun!

So I have all the pieces here with me. He began the project with a large pattern from a wood working project for the Last Supper. In that one it was to be made up of different kinds/colors of wood - and is actually for an "inlaid wood" picture. His will be a combination of inlaid and painted pieces. I've begun transferring the outlines from the pattern onto the figures and will begin painting tomorrow. These outlines will just be guidelines for me. He gave me the box top of a jigsaw puzzle of the Last Supper - I'll use this to guide me on the features and colors. No pictures right now... I'll try to post some tomorrow.

Small barn for horses

2007-08-18T17:13:00.000-04:00

A good friend asked for pictures of our small hay barn/horse run-in that we had built this summer. It's working out really well.

First shows looking down from the cabin toward the road. Scott keeps the big car hauler parked behind the barn. You can see Hank and PJ by the fence.

The second photo is taken looking up from the road near the driveway entrance. Here you can see the run-in shelter for the horses. The wall that separates the run-in from the hay storage has a small gate. This allows us access to feed the horses under shelter.

Email problems

2007-08-18T13:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I now realize how much I rely on email. My account was down for about two days! I missed a couple of important business communications, let alone notes from friends and family. Not much I could do about it but contact my provider on the phone and have their tech support fix things. It all came about because the company who hosts my website said it had to be moved to another server because the current one was getting full. The process isn't painless, but, since I've gone through it before I thought it would be ok.... but this time there seemed to be a lot of problems including my website being down and me not having any email for over 24 hours.... I'm relieved to say all appears to be ok now.

Plein air from Saturday

2007-08-13T12:15:00.001-04:00

Well... I worked on the painting in studio Sunday and here's the results. I'm pleased with it, and relieved. It wasn't an easy one to do for some reason. But I feel I grew as an artist working on it.

Here's a close-up of the painting showing the knife and brushwork.

Plein Air painting today

2007-08-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

I stood out near a creek today for 3 hours painting. Sometimes painting seems effortless, but other times it can be very difficult. Today was one of those days when it was a struggle! I didn't finish, and as I packed up I was thinking it was a total failure. But, after looking at it with fresh eyes this afternoon I think it may become something with a little more time and effort. I'll post some photos once I've had a chance to work with it.

More pictures of potential studio

2007-08-10T16:21:00.001-04:00

Another picture of the main room. All those shelf units and that big table of course move with the attorney. I'm considering having some art supplies for sale and think that corner next to the double doors would make the perfect spot. The door to Scott's left is the storage room. The door behind him is a bathroom. To his right is the office. The main room will be used as a working studio for me and for me to have art workshops. The walls will be hung with artwork.

Here Scott is standing in the office space that is in the back of the main room. The window is on the wall directly across from Scott. This room is approximately 14' x 11'. Not really sure what I'll use this space for. ....

Oh, Yeah! I just remembered. I've been thinking that I would love to have a "Reading Room" in my studio/gallery where I can finally unpack my art books. The space would allow the public to enjoy them too ... Maybe THAT's what this is for!!!

More info on potential gallery

2007-08-10T15:28:00.001-04:00

It looks like my new Studio/Gallery will be in the left side storefront as seen in this photo. An attorney currently is using this space and wants to move over to the right side. She thinks the floor plan of the one on the right is better for her uses. Some repairs and renovation must be done to that side before she moves. I of course won't have access to the space at all until she moves.

The space is approximately 1000 sq ft. The rent is higher than I had hoped, but still pretty reasonable per square foot. The building faces the lovely Courthouse Square park in downtown Edmonton.

When you walk into the front door there are two small areas on either side that would make excellent gallery space. Below are two photos showing the space to the right as you walk in. The space to the left is the same size (11' x 9').

This photo is looking back toward the front door from the main room.

The main room is slightly larger than 22' x 22' . (My back is to the front area as I took this photo.) The window you see on that back wall is to office space. The door at the end of the hall is the back door to the parking lot. There are two bathrooms along the right wall of the hall as well as a fairly large storage room where the heat system is located. I'm not too happy with the paneling for the studio/gallery so I'll ask if I could paint it. The walls in the front areas have painted paneling.

I am now in the opposite corner in the main room. The window you see in the above photo is to my left. Here you see the doorway to the front area and a set of double doors that open to the space I had originally wanted to rent.

Pen and Ink - Adair County Courthouse

2007-08-08T10:37:00.000-04:00

I completed this pen and ink almost 2 weeks ago now. I will be doing a series of pen and ink drawings of the courthouses of Kentucky. This is approximately 11" x 14" on a 15" x 20" Illustration board.

Flat Rock Creek - July

2007-08-08T10:13:00.001-04:00

My only plein air done in July. At 16" x 20" it is the largest plein air painting I've done so far. I set up in such a lovely, isolated spot. It was a warm day, lower 90 degrees F. A couple of deer were surprised to find me there. They stood at attention gazing at me for a long while before heading back into the woods behind them.

Studio/Gallery ?

2007-07-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I visited this vacant storefront to get information on possibly renting it for an art studio/gallery. I was told to write up a Proposal for Lease. The building was just recently purchased by the small community theater and their board of directors will review my proposal in early August. I'm in love with the space - the front faces North. Great location! A lot of interior work to do to get it looking right... I have no idea what they'll want for rent ... I'm hoping it will be reasonable. Wish me luck!

Rain Barrel for non-profit.

2007-07-23T17:26:00.000-04:00

Late this past winter I was one of about 20 artists who painted rain barrels for the non-profit organization Bluegrass Pride. This is a picture of mine. Bluegrass Pride posted pictures of all the barrels on their website and offered the public the opportunity to vote for their favorite. I'm happy to report mine received the majority of votes. Then all the barrels were listed on Ebay and sold at auction. Mine received the most bids and was sold for $290. All proceeds went toward the educational programs of Bluegrass Pride.

Time has flown!

2007-07-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

I wonder how many other people open a blog, but don't do anything with it?

I'm back and hope to stay active here.

Here's a pen and ink drawing I recently completed. "Historical Edmonton Presbyterian Church." It's the first pen and ink I've done since High School (oh, almost 30 years ago now... eeek!). I entered it into a local contest and it was chosen the winner. Images of this drawing will be on Christmas ornaments and note cards available for sale by the Metcalfe/Edmonton Chamber of Commerce in Kentucky. I am delighted! I think I'll be exploring pen and ink more in the future. There are many historical building around that would make good subjects.

Thought I'd show my face

2005-11-30T08:31:00.000-05:00

Shelley Grund, Edmonton, ky USA

A beginning

2005-11-30T08:13:00.000-05:00

Time is precious and our thoughts never stop. I'd like to use this time and space to put down those allusive waves of thought. I'll also include my efforts as an artist.