Plein Air?

Plein Air is a French term

which means painting “in open air”.

and more precisely, it means painting outside

while you’re looking at your subject.

I have followed many artists who just LOVE plein air painting,

but I’ve always painted from photos

in the safe, controlled environment of my art studio

(first that was my kitchen table and now it’s a repurposed extra bedroom:)

But with some nudges from other people,

I lugged my cumbersome easel

and all the necessary supplies out on location and tried it, and…

I loved it!

Ok, well, I don’t love the bug bite I got on Tuesday

that inflamed half my leg for the next 3 days,

or the unrelenting sun that chased me inside.

But I LOVE looking at my subjects in real life

(so to speak, as I’m usually painting buildings).

I love watching the shadows change,

I love being outside (with exceptions, as noted),

I love visiting with people passing by,

And I love my new easel!

Yes, I had to buy a plein air easel with watercolor palette…

I’m all about getting the right art supplies…

I may have an 18 year old van with automatic doors

that are no longer automatic,

but I’ve got some darn good art supplies.

I’ve been painting every day this week…

First my house and then my neighbor’s house… (see above).

Thanks for following along,

Linda

 

 

 

Let the Painting Begin!

Summer 2017

Have decided to challenge myself:
Paint EVERY day.
And honestly, it's not going to be easy this summer,
because I've also decided to have a big garden, sew my clothing again, 
I'm scheduled for jury duty and I joined the Rec Center at MU, 
plus we've got a vacation planned in June.
And, of course, like everyone else,
 I have a million other little things going on.
Sooo why now? 
I'm reading Outliers, a book by Malcolm Gladwell,
about why people are successful.
And I was reminded of something that I knew:
If I want my watercolors to be better,
I have to paint A LOT!



So here's #1~ My House

 

We’ve Only Just Begun

I attended the Women’s March in Charleston.

I loved it.

Shortly afterward, I painted this watercolor…

The original’s 12″ x 16″.

I now have prints for sale.

ALL proceeds will be donated to an organization for which I volunteer, Wof-PAC,

whose sole purpose is campaign finance reform OR

to progressive candidates for political office,

in other words, candidates who pledge to NOT take $$ from multi-national corporations, SuperPacs, or special interests groups.

If you’re interested in purchasing a print check out this page:

Women’s March Prints.

Fabric Keychains and More!

My little art career

has had a life of its own.

And I feel like I’m along for the ride!!

I’ve recently taken a step away

from painting

to revisit

making handcrafted items

that I designed a few years ago:

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Fabric keychains, beaded bracelets, stamped metal necklaces…and more!

Oh, what fun I’m having!

I’m not selling these online;

you’ll have to come to

The Red Caboose

Saturday, Feb. 4

10:00-3:00!

Thanks for following along,

Linda

2017 Calendars are in 6 Locations!

It was ABSOLUTELY wonderful

seeing sooo many people at Heritage Station today.

Thanks sooo much for coming out to buy my calendar!

If you still want and/or need  a calendar

they’re now being sold in

6 different locations in Huntington!

Check out this page to get all the details!

2017 Calendars

Thanks for following along,

Linda

10 Times Better!

Last year after my  2016 calendar

of Huntington watercolors,

I committed to creating

a 2017 calendar that was 10 times better!

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And I’m thrilled to report…

IT IS!!

I can’t wait to show you.

They’ll be in several retail shops,

and at a few events next weekend.

Thanks for following along,

Linda

The Calendars are Finished

I’m happy to report

I met my deadline!!

img_3601

The calendars are ordered

and I’ll have them Dec. 1!

To see all the paintings,

that I used in the calendar

and how to purchase one,

check out this page:

2017 Calendars.

Thanks for following along,

Linda

“Home Sweet Home”

Kathy’s parents bought this home

on Main Street in Barboursville

in the 60’s

when she was a young girl.

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Her parents spent the rest of their lives

in this warm, inviting small-town home,

while Kathy and her husband, Tom,

enjoyed life in various cities around the country.

 However, Kathy always knew she wanted to come back

to her hometown…and she did.

In 2014 following retirement, Kathy and Tom

moved in and began extensive remodeling

of her parent’s home.

My favorite part of this house?

the wide, inviting wrap-around porch

that beacons and greets

each and every guest.

This is the last of my paintings for my 2017 Calendar:

Huntington and Its Neighbors.

Thanks for following along,

Linda