Wednesday, March 6, 2013. I've been MIA

Hello Everyone!

I know it's been a while since I've last posted. Whatever "bug" is out there, finally caught up with me. I haven't been sick in a long time so it knocked me out.

Well, I'm still not 100%, but I'm feel better and I'd figure I'd share some artists from the past who always inspire me!

First and Foremost Mary Cassatt. Her brushwork and compositions are crazy! I'm still trying to achieve that looseness that looks like it came so easily to her. I love the way she can have two people interact with each other in her paintings. She will always be a huge inspiration to me.

Without further ado, here are some of Mary Cassatt's amazing pieces!

Mary Cassatt's "Mother Combing Sara's Hair," Pastel on Paper, 1901

Mary Cassatt's "Emmie and Her Child," Oil on Canvas, 1889

Thursday, February 28, 2013. Last day of February!

Hey There!

I am happy to show you my progress on my boy with the newsies hat! I'm so happy with it! I hope you like it as much as I'm enjoying painting this cutie!

Work in Progress currently without a title, 20"x16" Oil on Canvas

Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Plein Air Painting!

Hey There!

Today, I had my first day of my plein air painting workshop!

Since none of my students have ever worked with oil paint before I decided to give them a demo from start to finish. We were at my Grandparents house and I painted in their front yard. Unlike most front yards with a lawn, they have CACTI! Lots of fun to paint!

Without further ado, here is my Plein Air Painting! ENJOY!

"Sharp Edges," 12"x 9" Oil on Board

If you have any questions about the workshop, feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Monday, February 25, 2013. Why I "Just Keep Painting"

Hello Everybody!

I hope that you all had a lovely weekend!

Now, I've said that I will blog about anything art related.  This includes anything good or not favorable. Recently, I found out that my pieces I submitted into an art competition located in Colorado did not get accepted. This is the fifth competition this year that I haven't gotten my work into.

Now, of course I would love to get my work into all of those shows, that is why I try in the first place. But, as with everyone in life, no matter what you do for a living, there is not always going to be a yes or the response one hoped for.  I could have a defeatist attitude, yet, this will not accomplish anything. As an artist, I know Art IS Subjective. Each person has a different view of art and what they prefer.

Instead of feeling down, I feel like a light has been fired up and I need to paint more, teach more, learn more! Today, I taught my first Pastel Class and it was so amazing to see my students (many who have no art experience) be completely enthralled in ART!  So, while today I was not in the mood to paint, sharing my knowledge of art with my students was just as gratifying, if not more!

One thing I have discovered about Art & Life is that it never ends up how you expect. And this is why I Just Keep Painting!

Thursday, February 21, 2013. Continued In-Progress Commission

Hey There!

So, here is the continued work of my commissioned painting. I'm happy with the start! I hope you ENJOY!

In-Progress, Oil on Canvas, 20"x16"

Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Another Quick STudy!

Hi There!

Today was a lovely and artistic day! Every Wednesday, I meet up with a wonderful student, Maya, for private lessons. She is 10 years old. Today, she just finished her first oil painting under my instruction that was not of a cartoon! It turned out great! She has so much promise and passion for art that she gives me a breath of fresh air filled with creativity and wonder!

Right after teaching Maya, I went straight over to The Frame Gallery in Agoura Hills, California. I finished a Quick Study of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, it is awesome when it is drawn from a student and passed to her teacher! Thanks Maya! I enjoyed painting this so much! I hope you all LIKE IT!

BEST!

"Tenaya Lake," Oil on Panel, 8"x10"

Monday, February 18, 2013. In-Progress Commission!

Hey There!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! Today has been a wonderfully creative day!  I started adding color to my boy with the newsies hat.  I'm pretty happy thus far! Obviously there is still a lot of work to be done! Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!

In-progress painting 20"x16"