Richard Schmid's New Book-The Landscapes

My copy of Richard Schmid's new book, The Landscapes, arrived just in time for Christmas. My only regret is not ordering the hardback because this is going to be a book I go through over and over again. What a wonderful compilation of beautiful, awe-inspiring works of art! Thank you Richard and all who helped compile this book and make it available to us all!!! Here's the link for anyone who may be interested. It's a bargain at any price! http://richardschmid.com

Carol Marine's New Book

I just received my copy of Carol Marine's new book. It's a great book of 100 of her small paintings. If you aren't yet familiar with her art here is her blog. http://carolmarine.blogspot.com.

If you want to "meet" Carol, she will be on Dr. Phil today. It won't be art related but you would at least get to meet her.

And yes, I am trying to paint!

Great Tip!

We have quite a few very talented and dedicated artists here in Texas. One of whom is Austin artist, Qiang Huang. http://qiang-huang.blogspot.com I would like to share a tip that he was kind enough to share at a recent demo. He spoke of having to paint at night which, as you well know, does not provide optimum lighting conditions. So, he set out to create his own "north light". He told us of a small halogen flood light at Home Depot and emphasized to look for the one with the blue dot in the center. Needless to say, I visited HD the very next day. What I found was a 50w, indoor/outdoor Par20 Flood, Natural Light Plus, bulb by Philips. It costs about $8 and fits in a standard size socket. This is THE bulb to get. Thanks Qiang!

Jake

I have been very interested in getting better at portraits so I signed up to take a workshop with Susan Carlin. Check out Susan's blog here http://susansartjournal.blogspot.com. This is the second portrait I did in the workshop. The first one isn't presentable YET but I think this is one isn't too shabby. Heck, I'm even encouraged!!! This is Susan's nephew, Jake.
8x10, original, oil on board

The Rose

Another yellow rose from this Texas artist. I am very happy with this painting. Carlene Reeves is a master at painting roses. It is always a pleasure to study with her. Please see her website http://carlenereeves.com/. If you would like to study with Carlene, she will be offering a workshop at the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts in October of 2010. http://www.coppiniacademy.com/
8x10, original, oil on board

The Honor of Being an Artist!

Though my blog seems idle it is not the case "behind the scenes".

I don't know that I have ever been as inspired to paint a subject as I am about this particular one. Once I've painted something/someone I usually move on to another subject. I have not been able to do that this time. You may recall my painting of Juan. Well, he graciously agreed to let me take more photos and take them I did! I got many good shots, several that I'm extremely happy with, and am now ready to try to capture not only his image but all that he evokes on canvas. You artists know very well what I am trying to say and yet am failing miserably to get across. I hope I will be able to put on canvas what I am unable to put into words so that you may be able to "see" what is inspiring me so! I WILL do it if it takes the rest of my life! How fantastic, this honor of being an artist!!!

I am still here!

Summer is over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. I am painting in my head almost all of my waking hours. At least that is something but I need to get them out of my head and on canvas. When this happens it is usually the sign of a flurry of work to come.That's the encouraging part of the process!

I bought a card the other day with a saying that I find very inspirational. I wish I could credit the author. "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" Think on it a bit. What would your answer be?

Juan-finished

Ok, this is all the tweaking I plan to do. I'm going to sign it. Juan, I hope you like it.

A Study of Juan

Last weekend my husband and I went to a Native American Indian Market at Mission Espada. One man really caught my eye so out came the camera. I feel I was able to capture somewhat of a likeness so I am encouraged to move on to a painting. This is Juan and was done from a photo taken during the blessings ceremony. It was an extremely moving experience. How I would love to know what was going through his mind but already felt irreverently intrusive with my camera. Afterwards, we visited quite a while. He is a very intense, passionate and interesting man. I truly hope I will be able to create a painting that can capture those impressions. IF I manage to even get close, I will be posting it here.

Value Study #3

This and the following two posts were studies done in Carol Marine's
workshop a couple of weeks ago. We were to do quick,timed studies in
which one value was dominant. This is the light value one where we
were allowed only five minutes. We had a little more time on the ones
posted below but I have forgotten how long. It was a good exercise
and a lot of fun!

Value Study #2

 

Value Study #1

 

A Very Nice Surprise!

I had a very nice surprise when I checked my mail today. There was a larger than average size envelope which I couldn't open quickly enough. Inside was a photo and a short letter that really made my day! So much so that I wanted to share it with you. The letters reads as follows:

Dear Gaye:

I know it took some time but enclosed is a copy of the photo when I purchased "Lillibeth". It is now hanging in a favorite spot in my home-I love it as much as when I saw it in your studio.

Thank you again-I am truly enjoying your talent.

Sincerely,

Carol E.

I must say that Carol made me every bit as happy as I made her the day she came into the gallery. She shared the most wonderful story of why this painting was special to her and I knew it was going to the perfect home! Carol, if you are reading this, thank you for taking the time to send the photo and for your sweet letter.

God bless, Gaye

Prickly Pear Cactus

This is what I think is probably the true "Yellow Rose of Texas".
7x9, original, oil on canvas board

Texas Lavender Farm #1

Last year my husband and I went to the lavender festival in the Texas Hill Country. Since each lavender farm had its own unique look and personality, I didn't bother to jot down where I took which photos. Note to self: no longer trust your memory. I hope we will be able to attend again this year and will certainly make a point of taking notes! If you area an artist, a lavender lover or just wanting to take a weekend drive, check out this website for all of the wonderful things going on at the lavender festival this year! http://www.blancolavenderfest.com/
Hope to see you there!
original, 6x8, oil on board

White Gerber Daisies

Gerber daisies are among my very favorite flowers, especially the white ones. They almost seem to smile!
Original, 6x8, oil on board

Rural Texas

This is from a photo taken from Edwin and Virginia Janysek's farm, located near Helena, Texas. I took a few liberties because the photo was taken on a cloudy day. Thanks to Jay Lauver for insisting I add more light. It really helped!
Original, 6x8, oil on board

Coreopsis

The coreopsis is usually a summer bloomer. I bought these. They looked so cheerful I had to paint them.
original, 5x7, oil on board

Bluebonnet Trio

Things always seemed nicer in uneven numbers so here is my a bluebonnet trio. Did I mention that the bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas? It's not hard to see why when the fields are covered with them. Some say they don't have a fragrance but ask any Texan. We'll tell you they sure as heck do! It's the smell of spring!
Original, 5x7, oil on board

Bluebonnet Mist

It's been a long time since we've gotten a good rain so our bluebonnets are few and far between. This is one of two I painted over the weekend.
Original, 5x7, oil on board SOLD

March News

March has been a wonderful month! It started with being chosen as Artist of the Month in the New Braunfels Art Gallery, http://newbraunfelsartleague.com. A very special "thank you" to those who came to my reception. It means more to me than I could ever express.

Yesterday I received a call informing me that I have been accepted into Galleria II, which is an art gallery located in La Villita, San Antonio's Historic Arts Village, http://www.lavillita.com. I will begin exhibiting on March 31. Drop in on Friday, April 3, and say hello!

March also marks my birthday. Gene, my brother-in-law, sent the greatest card! It says, "You're not getting older....You're just beginning to bloom"! And that's exactly how it feels, too!

Happy, Happy Spring Everyone!

Gaye

La Villita #1

Another painting from a photo taken long ago. The dappled sunlight added to the charm. I attempted to capture it so I could share it with you. Do come visit La Villita. It's a San Antonio gem that shouldn't be missed!
8x10, oil on board SOLD

The Yellow Planter

This is from a photo I took a few years ago at the Antique Rose Emporium here in San Antonio. They have a deep blue outdoor "room" lined with colorful plants. This one really caught my eye with the yellow planter against the blue wall.
5x7, oil on board

Artist of the Month

I received a very wonderful phone call informing me that I was chosen Artist of the Month for March 2009 by the New Braunfels Art League, www.newsbraunfelsartleague.com. I spent much of Saturday setting up my display and visiting with the artists who were manning the gallery. There is nothing like being in the company of artists! My work will be featured throughout March.
Please come see the March Special Show entitled "Art in Bloom". Art by over 40 area artists will be on display from March 2-31, 2009. The Artist Reception and Awards Presentation will be held Friday, March 6 from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. at the New Braunfels Art League, 239 W. San Antonio Street in New Braunfels, Texas. Spring has sprung at the New Braunfels Art League!
Hope to see you there!!!

White Poppies

My second painting of the year. I love poppies no matter what color. I hope you like them.
5x7, oil on board SOLD

More Roses

One of my goals for 2009 is to be in the studio more. While I'd love to be among the "daily painters" I'm afraid I find that a bit too manic. I would be very pleased to be able to paint one a week. Here is the year's first. The photo for this painting was taken during a workshop I took in October. It is of the same arrangement I painted then, see the October 9 post entitled Still Life. I find the composition of this one more pleasing.
6x8, oil on board, SOLD