Happy Painting Holidays!

December 20, 2011

This is the time of year when I just feel darn grateful. Not everything has gone my way, for sure, but I'm grateful to be working as a professional artist and instructor, to be selling artwork to those who love it, and to be able to travel (I'm a gypsy) to share my knowledge.

This year has found me teaching, and/or painting, in Italy, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida and throughout Virginia. I have loved every minute of it.

I've sold a lot of paintings and I've met a lot of wonderful people who share a love of watercolor painting with me. I enjoy sharing what I know (and, I'm still learning and hope that I always will be), and watching students advance. It's pure joy to start seeing results from students and know that they love painting just as much as I do. Along with this blog, I've posted a picture of some of the cards students have sent me this December.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all and, most importantly, Happy Painting!

Earth Colors and Chimney Rock

How does one paint the colors and the contorted rocks of the New Mexico mountains? I've never seen so many earth colors: all the reds, all the yellows, all the ochres and browns will be required, as well as grays, lavenders and greens.

Today, I finally sat down and began an "en plein aire" painting of Chimney Rock. It's a strange tower of red rock, hung high on a cliff. It was so windy, my paper and palette were blowing and, of course, the paints were drying very quickly. I ended up with a fairly nice little piece, which I'll post tomorrow. Meanwhile, here are more pictures of Ghost Ranch, including the Cottonwood Trees in all their fall glory and Chimney Rock.