High Noon in Sisterdale

This is a plein air piece done at high noon in Sisterdale, Texas.  I had done a painting earlier that morning down on the river. What a drastic change from the cool blues in the shade to the bright white-yellow of the sunny field and barns. I perched on the trunk of my car and captured it as quickly as I could. The sun and haze were almost blinding but I couldn't help but be drawn to the beauty of this setting. The foreground looked a little like cotton but was actually thistles which had gone to seed. In spite of being an invasive and unwelcome weed, it would be hard to deny that they were also beautiful, both in bloom and when gone to seed. 

"High Noon in Sisterdale"

Jeff Watts Workshop, Final Day

I am so thankful to have been able to take this workshop with Jeff Watts. He has long been quite an inspiration to me because of his tremendous talent and his passion for art. People with such passion change everyone and everything they touch. What a bright and shining star!

The final day of the workshop was dedicated to studying and copying a master's painting. Jeff brought several artists from which to choose. I chose this one by Nicolai Fechin.

More from Workshop with Jeffrey Watts

Below are a couple of paintings I did in Jeff's workshop. We had models for each of the days except Friday, which was the day we studied and copied a master's painting. More on Friday's class in my next post.

Workshop with Jeffrey Watts

Jeff Watts is one of the most energetic, passionate and dedicated artists I have ever met. He is also one of the most generous and giving. He has several DVDs out and each one is worth every penny and more!  Jeff's DVDs 

Below are a few photos from the workshop he taught at the Scottsdale Artists School in January. 

Jeff and a block-in of a gesture demo

 Demo from a photo.

The completed demo, which is even more beautiful than this photo depicts.

A Day in Sedona

I recently traveled to Scottsdale, AZ with friend, Donna Bland, for a workshop with Jeffrey Watts. But first, a side trip to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona.

I love everything about stone memorials and this one, on top of the Airport Vortex, is the most beautiful one I have ever seen. It is a work of art in itself. 

Tubac, Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona

My sister, Joye Peterson, and I bid a fond farewell to Tubac and headed to Tombstone. One of the shopkeepers in Tombstone suggested we also see Bisbee and recommended eating at Cafe Cornucopia. We both loved Bisbee so much, we wanted to move there. Well, we can wish, can't we?

 Here I am saying adios to "Fernando".

 This portrait is of one of the guys involved in the reenactment of the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral. I was so happy to get his photo that I forgot to get both his real name and the name of the part he portrayed. 

On to charming and artsy Bisbee and Cafe Cornucopia.

And then goodbye to beautiful, beautiful Tuscon.
Thanks, Joye, for everything!!!

AWA 15th Annual Juried Competition Update

Previously I shared the news of my acceptance in the American Women Artist's (AWA) 15th Annual Juried Competition. Below are some photos from the this wonderful event.

 Artist's Reception at the K. Newby Gallery in Tubac, AZ

 Me and My Entry "Tradition"

One of the beautiful displays in the Sculpture Garden at the K. Newby Gallery

Sonja's Bouquet

"Sonja's Bouquet"

9"x12", Oil on Linen, Plein Air
SOLD

Michael #2

"Michael"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

I wish I could have had a little bit longer to make some areas of this painting stronger but, I am just thankful to have had such an interesting model. This is the last painting done in William "Bill" Schneider's workshop. What a wonderful workshop it was!!!

Michael #1

"Tevya"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

Ok, it's not really Tevya but that's what I thought when Michael walked in the door! I could hardly wait to get started painting him. This was done in an effort to apply the techniques we learned doing the Fechin studies. I am very pleased with it.  

Please excuse the charcoal scribble in the upper left side. I wanted to be sure to remember the model's name and just decided to leave it. 

After Fechin #3

"Red Head"

14:x18", Oil on Canvas

I must confess that I don't know the title Fechin gave this painting or the gender of the model. It seems most think it is a girl but, it looks like a boy to me. Something about it makes me feel he/she was a young composer. Impressions and personal interpretations! That's all that really matters in the end. 

After Fechin #2

"Girl With Shawl"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

 I am unsure of the title Fechin gave this painting. It is another study and I have given it a title that helps me identify it. 

I loved all of the Fechin studies but, when this one began to remind me of my middle granddaughter, I decided to leave it as it was and end the study. I should have her pose in a similar way while she is still about this girl's age. 

After Fechin #1

"Alexsandra"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

In the fall I was privileged to be able to take a workshop with William "Bill" Schneider. I had met him several years ago and was so impressed by his passion for art and generous spirit that I determined I had to take a workshop with him one day. When he offered one on Techniques of the Old Masters and, specifically Nicolai Fechin, I knew this was the one!

 This painting is of his wife, Alexandra, and was the first of three that we studied. All of these studies were allowed about three hours and I am very pleased with each one. 

Anna

"Anna"

11"x14" Oil on Paper

Anna was a model in a workshop I took several years ago. She was such a beautiful girl with the most gorgeous brown eyes. This painting is a great improvement from the first time I painted her but I still haven't done her justice.

 I am extremely fond of using a limited palette. This one is an adaptation of the well-known Zorn palette. I used yellow ochre, permanent red medium, mars black and white. I have used other reds and blacks but I really like how these turned out. One thing I may consider next time is using raw sienna rather than yellow ochre.  This was something William Schneider suggested in a recent workshop. Vasari seems to have a nice version that is redder than most others. 

This was painting on Arches Oil Paper.  It starts out a little more absorbent than I expected but turned out to be a very nice surface to paint on. I plan to use it more often, if only for studies. 

Fall Classes & Workshop

Fall ClassesEnroll in any of the six week sessions before 5pm September 9 and receive a $10 Early Bird Discount.

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING
This class is a crash course for those interested in beginning oil painting. Each lesson will be chock full of information that is designed to shave years off of the learning curve! We will be using a very limited palette, which will keep your investment at a minimum, while offering almost unlimited color possibilities. Meets for 4 weeks, 2.5 hours per class. Supply list will be made available upon registration. Limited to 8 students per session.

FALL 2012 SCHEDULE  
Monday evenings 6-8:30 p.m., 4-week session, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
FEE: $95 for 4-week session plus supplies (Supply list available at time of registration).

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING
A follow up to and continuation of the Introduction class, the Intermediate-level classes include lectures and hands-on instruction to help students improve skills whether painting landscapes, still lifes or portraits. Students will study composition and design as well as how to more accurately see value and color.  They may also bring any unfinished work that they would like help in completing. Limited to 8 students.

Monday Mornings 9-11:30 a.m., 6-week sessions
   Session I: Sept 17, (no class Sept. 24) Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
   Session II: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10
Monday Afternoons 1-3:30 p.m. 6-week sessions
   Session I: Aug 6, 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 10 Enrollment Closed
   Session II: Sept 17, (no class Sept. 24) Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
   Session III: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10

For enrollment, please contact Casa de Lindawww.casadelinda.com/ at 830-624-5302
850 S. Business I-35 New Braunfels, Texas 78130


Intro to Plein Air Workshop

9am-4pm, October 26, 27, $175

Painting outside, plein air, can be very intimidating but it is also very rewarding. If you love being outside and you love to paint, this workshop is for you!
The first day will include a lecture and a demo, followed by students painting several small paintings. The second day students will be allowed to chose their subject and will receive instruction as needed.
Maximum: 12 students

Please contact me, if you are interested in enrolling.  

AWA 2012 Juried Competition Finalist

I am very honored to be among the finalists in the 2012

American Women Artists (AWA) 15th Annual Juried Competition Exhibition.

Date: November 2 – November 25, 2012

Location: K. Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden 

15 Tubac Rd

Tubac, Arizona 85646-4217

"Tradition", 6"x 8", oil

MEMBER SHOW AND JURIED COMPETITION

Join us for the 15^th Annual Master & Signature Member Show and National Juried Competition Exhibition.  Southwest Art Magazine notes this annual show features "women of distinction" in a celebration of their finest work.

The Gallery will host an Artists Reception for the public from 1:00-4:00pm on Friday, November 2, 2012.  The winners of the juried competition will receive approximately $15,000 in cash and prizes, with a Best of Show award package of over $6,000.  

15^th Annual Master & Signature Member Show and National Juried Competition Exhibition.
November 2 – November 25, 2012
K Newby Gallery + Sculpture Garden
19 Tubac Rd • Tubac, AZ 85646-4217
Phone: 1.520.398.9662 

Backlit

6"x8" oil on canvas SOLD

Last fall my husband and I took a day trip to Lost Maples near Vanderpool, Texas. There were so many beautiful, beautiful things to paint, especially the maples, which were in all their glory! Here is one of them, a little stand of backlit maples. If only the paint could truly capture the magic!

Along the Guadalupe

8"x10", oil on canvas

In early June, I had the privilege of taking a workshop with Kim Casebeer. She is a wonderful artist, a great teacher and a really nice person, too! 

This painting was done on the banks of the Guadalupe River, just off of River Road, near New Braunfels, Texas. It is usually blazing hot by this time of year but, it was nice and cool along the river. The only uncool thing was the snake that fell from the tree across from us. Such are the adventures of plein air painters!

Still Standing

6"x8", oil on canvas

I drive by this little ravine quite often. I always have to slow down and take a good look and, if I have my camera, which I usually do, take several photos to add to my collection. I have many photos of this scene taken at different times of day throughout the seasons and over many years.  There is something so peaceful about it and always something a little different. Sometimes there are cattle, sometimes an egret and sometimes even a fisherman after a good rain.

Wildseed Farms

8"x10", oil on linen

This painting is from  Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas. The scene is from the west entrance of the building when the sun was just beginning to peek over the roof. I wasn't pleased with the results on site and brought it home to complete. I could see what was wrong but, it took a while to figure out how to correct it and make it all cohesive. I am now pleased with the results and am calling it done!

New Summer Classes

Introduction to Oil Painting
Mondays: June 18-July 30
Time: 1pm-3:30pm. 

Limit: 8

Intermediate Oil Painting 
Mondays: June 18-July 30
Time: 9:30am-noon

Limit: 8  

For more information please contact:
 Linda Jacobson of Casa de Linda  at 830-624-5302

 ~~~

Painting Portraits in Oils
Thursdays:  June 14 - July 19
Time:  12:30 - 2:30  

For more information please contact San Antonio OASIS

Limit: 18 participants (prior experience required)

~~~

Upcoming Classes/Workshops

Dates and Location: To Be Announced 

 WORKSHOP: Introduction to Plein Air Painting

CLASSES: Painting Portraits in Oils

Color Intensive Bootcamp

Limit: 8 participants

Mikaila

Mikaila, 9"x12", Oil

This is the third painting I have done of my oldest grand daughter, Mikaila. They say painting people you know is the hardest thing of all and I admit to really struggling with this one. Actually, every painting I have done of her has been a struggle so, it must be true. When you don't know your model, all you can paint is what you see. When you know your model very well, you can't help but try to paint not only what you see but, who they are. It may be even harder when the artist is the grandmother who still thinks of her as a little girl, but whose eyes now are seeing a beautiful young woman. Bittersweet. Bittersweet indeed.

Country Road

Country Road, 8"x10", oil
Sometimes giving a painting a title is the hardest part. Nothing I thought about seemed to fit so,  I showed it to my husband and asked what first came to mind. He answered, "a country road" so,  Country Road it is. For now, anyway.
(Available for purchase at Cactus Jack's )

Sunlit Canyon

Sunlit Canyon, 8"x10", oil
SOLD

Freudenburg Farm

Freudenburg Farm, 8"x10", oil, SOLD
This is a scene very near where I live. It never fails to capture my eye, no matter the time of day. This was an early morning scene so, the lighting was still a little blue.  I have more paintings planned that will reflect how it looks at different times of day.

Early Texas Spring

Early Texas Spring, 8"x10", oil
Fellow artist Bonny White and her husband, Roy, recently hosted a paint out for the Texas Paint Slingers.  The fields were full of very bright and wonderfully fragrant wildflowers, which just glowed when the sun came out.  Not only did the Whites kindly offer us the run of their ranch, they fed us some pretty darn good eats.  Thank you Bonny and Roy for a great day!
(Available for purchase at Cactus Jack's)

Upcoming Class Announcment

 

Join Gaye Sekula for this intense and fun 6-week oil painting course for beginners. Her first session was so popular, we had to set up another! (Note that the classes meet in the morning.)
ONLY 5 SEATS OPEN!

Meets: Mondays, 9:30-Noon starting March 12
List Price: $135, plus supplies from a list (supply list given at registration)
If you are interested in signing up or have questions about any of these classes, send an email to Linda Jacobson at linda@casadelinda.com or call  Linda at 830-624-5302.

Tradition

This painting has a very special and personal meaning for me. It is of a priest in Eastern Europe and is entitled Tradition.
 6"x8", original, oil on board

Figure Sketch #12

The twelfth and final one of this series. It is also my very favorite. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #11

The eleventh in the series. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #10

The tenth in the series. 6"x 8"

Figure Study #9

The ninth in the series. This was a lot of fun to paint. It almost painted itself, which is always nice! 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #8

The eighth in the series. I like this one a lot. I am very happy with it over all. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #7

The seventh in the series. I really wanted to go back into this one and work on it more but felt it would be cheating. The idea is to keep these to 20 to 30 minutes. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #6

The sixth in the series and one of my favorites. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #5

The fifth in the series. The little studies are challenging but also a lot of fun. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #4

The fourth in the series and a slightly different palette. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #3

The third in the series and a much warmer palette. 6"x8"

Figure Sketch #2

This is the second in the series and was done in far less time than the first.  I wanted to try a higher key.  6"x8"