Plein Air Convention in Tucson!! 2016

Tucson in 2016 - For several years I've heard about the Plein Air Convention.   Each year by the time I figure out I'd like to go and can go.....it's sold out.   This year I got a jump on it and have registered for the Plein Air Convention in Tucson, AZ which is April 15-19, 2016.   Even signed up for a preworkshop of Basic Plein Air.    It's held at the El Conquistador Resort.  There will be field trips to plein air paint in the area around Tucson.   Looking forward to it!

Old Barns - May 1, 2015

"Temple Barn" - Pastel - 18x12 - 5-2015

"Temple Barn" - This is one of the many barns I photographed last month in Temple, GA.   It was a beauty sitting on the side of the road abandoned.   Like many of you I have memories of playing in our family barn.  Ours was small and not as grand as this one but it offered many hours of play and fantasy.   I was in a free mood today so I just tackled this....no sketch...no wait and think...I just painted.   Sometimes its fun to just get lost in what you are doing and simply "enjoy the moment."

Photography Adventure - 2015

Adding Photography to my art adventure -  Just got a new camera.  I wanted to take better photos so that I have great reference photos for my paintings.   I'm learning some of the same principles of painting and composition apply to photography.   I've joined the Sweetwater Camera Club.   I haven't entered any photos yet but these are some that I've worked with with advise from my niece, Kat and the president of the camera club Janet N.   I'm loving the experience.   The Barn photos were taken on a field trip with my friend Beverly to Temple, GA.   Lots of great of abandoned structures     The butterfly pictures were taken at Callaway Gardens in January 2015 with my iPhone.   The butterfly is a Tree Nymph or Paper Kite.   Very beautiful.  An Asian butterfly mostly found in butterfly houses.

Cultural Arts Council to host a juried exhibit during "Hydrangea Festival" - Art in Bloom

The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville is hosting an invitation juried art exhibit during the "Hydrangea Festival" called Art in Bloom.   The show can be seen from June 4 - July 24, 2015.   Opening reception is Thursday, June 4, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.    Ten local artist were invited to participate.   I am please to participate in this exhibit and will have five paintings in the show.   



Daffodils in Bloom - Pastel - 2014

Summer Flowers in Jar - Pastel - 2010

Gibbs Pond Garden - Pastel - 2014

Hydrangea Pots - Watercolor - 2014

Hydrangea in Pink - Watercolor - 2014 

South Cobb Art Alliance - World of Art Exhibit 2015

Jackie McClung & me

April 25, 2015 World of Art Exhibit 2015 at South Cobb Art Alliance.   Nice to share this experience with family and friends.   "Quiet Stream" and "Gold Mine" pastel paintings were accepted into this juried show.  

Ken Price and Janet

Amy Thigpen, Lonne Thigpen & Janet

The entries - so glad they placed them together. 

Laila brought her little bird to the show!

Laila & Janet

Amy, Lonnie and Laila Thigpen

Southeastern Pastel Members Exhibit 2015 - Quinlan Visual Arts Center - Gainesville, GA

"Senoia Mill House" was accepted into the Southeastern Pastel Society Members Exhibit 2015 at Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Gainesville, GA.    So honored to be a part of this show with so many wonderful artist.

Karen Margulis with her "Let the Show Begin".    Her "Sunshine on a Cloudy Day" won the merit award!    So glad she is one of my teachers.    I took my first pastel class from Karen.    I've grown in my painting and I've been pleased to see her grown as well as an artist and teacher.

Barbara Jaenicke with her "Hidden Treasure" painting which won a merit award!    She also had "sunset Glow at Red Top Mountain" in the show.    So pleased to have taken classeswith Barbara.   She's off to Oregon and will be missed.    Glad I was able to attend the extended Spruill Classes with her.   

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

Wonderful Chamber Group at the reception.

Karen Margulis with her painting "Let the Show Begin"   

New Adventure - University of West Georgia Art School

"Starr's Mill - 9x12 - Pastel - 2014
Glad to say this painting now has a new home!!

Just got accepted to the University of West Georgia.    I started college in 1965 when it was West Georgia College.   After a year, I married and had two children and life just happened.   Later after getting a bachelor and master's degree from Georgia State University and a 30 year career, I retired.    I took up painting as a hobby.   One of the things I've loved about retirement is the limitless possibilities that are available.   I started taking art classes and workshops and now have completed over 250 hours.   I've been considering going back to school to study art.    I've taken art classes from lots of great teachers of the last 5 years, but decided I needed a focused and systematic approach.   I start in the fall and will see what this new experience brings.