Here is a painting I did in Jane Angelhart's workshop.  She already has the guidelines on the paper and you can work from a provided photo or the computer.  I worked from the photograph.  Not losing the eye that has sunlight coming through it was key to this painting.  Again, if you get the opportunity to take her class, jump in.  All around it was one of the best I have ever taken.  If you are interested in doing portraiture - don't miss it.  

Painted twelve hours yesterday.  It was wonderful.  Going to an exhibition of Robert Skaggs' work this evening.  Music has been put to his work.  Wow.  

"Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again."  - Andre Gide

     Spent last week in a workshop with Jane Angelhart.  This was a great workshop.  If you get a chance to work with Jane - do it!  Jane is a generous and giving teacher and a warm person.  The way she organizes her class is the best I have ever experienced.  First, you don't have to waste time putting guidelines on the paper - it is already done for you.  Brilliant!  I don't want to spend a lot of time on mechanics for work that is someone else's vision.  The pieces are small, 1/8th of a page, so you complete a painting a day.  The benefit, besides a relaxed atmosphere, is this is the first workshop I have left without experiencing a migraine.  The last day you are on your own as far as subject matter and thus the only day you need to draw your own guidelines or provide paper.  Jane delved into the camera, drawing, photo shoots, judging, pricing, marketing...everything really.  The atmosphere of her class is so positive, you experience a "safe place" to explore and tackle your painting issues.  I can't say enough good things about her or her class.  Thanks Jane!  
     Also, if you get a chance to do a workshop with the MSW group - do it!  We had 21 focused and hardworking  artists in this workshop.  I believe we all had fun and all walked away with a better understanding of portraiture.  It was amazing how every painting was different when we all started with the same guidelines.  Eventually our personalities began to show in our work.  As Oscar Wilde said, "Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter".  A statement which was born out in this class.  
     On a personal note, my niece is visiting today and we will spend the day at the museum.  Back to my brushes - tomorrow.  

"Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye."  - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.  

On the way to the post office this morning I saw a man riding a motorcycle while he was smoking a cigar.  I believe I've seen everything now.  Here is my quote for the day:  

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night." - Edgar Allan Poe

Looks like a tornado went right over our home yesterday evening.  Kind of a low roar, rain was going everywhere.  Rain hit the front door which has never happened before.  I said it was a tornado, but the weatherman at the time said no.  Well, guess what...they changed their minds.  Turns out it was a rain-wrapped tornado.  Lots of tree damage, some buildings damaged.  The lovely sound of chainsaws this morning.  Good news is that the sun was out this morning so I got to paint.  Not loving this piece, but I'll keep going till it is done.  

"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what  you really need."  - Vernon Howard

Why is it that when I am prepared to paint, no appointments or obligations, it rains.  Don't get me wrong, I am happy for the rain.  We need it.  I love the sound of thunder as it rouses me from sleep.  But why today?  I truly don't like painting-by-lightbulb.  I have recently completed three paintings.  Well, two really.  One was a do-over because I was sure I could improve it the second time.  And I was right.  So I am continuing on two other small works before I tackle this next full sheet.  Back to my brushes...tomorrow.

"The car has become the carapace, the protective and aggressive shell, of urban and suburban man."
  - Marshall McLuhan

I am working on some pieces connected to a recent visit this summer to our water conservation areas.  I don't normally paint nature scenes, but these small works are a nice break.  Also, I am ready to start another large construction piece which I am contemplating both day and night.  I am ready to block in the darks, but I am holding off for a couple of days.  Also have two other large pieces ready to go, so I am set for early fall painting.  I used the last couple of weeks to draw, hence no posts on my blog.  My three new pots holding my watercolor brushes are sitting on the windowsill.  Looks better than the plastic cups.  Back to my brushes.

"The digital camera is a great invention because it allows us to reminisce instantly." - Demetri Martin