Touching up Plein Air Pieces

I spent today in the studio, 

touching up plein air pieces that were in my car. 

Invitation 

9 x 12 oil 

This happened on Saturday late afternoon.  

This is the view from my driveway 

so I opened the back of my car, 

set up, and started painting. 

plein air study for "Invitation"

I'd forgotten how inspiring it is to paint

 outside in the moment. 

I was in heaven. 

Gouache Studies

I've done a few quick gouache studies 

from images I took during the day,

at my kitchen table at night. 

It's relaxing, liberating, and so fun. 

Who knew? 

Residency Update

I've been in Gloucester for a week now and all is going well.  

I'm keeping a detailed "journal" of this experience to be published later, 

so I won't be blogging much.

I couldn't begin to show you all that I'm experiencing and doing!

That said, here is a small study I did plein air in the harbor. 

 9 x 9 on carton board 

Having this time to discover, reflect, and just "be" is invaluable. 

I am so grateful for this opportunity! 

NOTE:

There is one spot open in my two day Expressive Painting workshop

 next week at the Rockport Art Association. 

(Thur.  Fri. Sept 22, 23 

9 - 3pm) 

I you are interested, you just need to give them a call. 

Whoop Whoop!

My painting was accepted to the 

17th Annual Frances N. Roddy 

open competition at Concord Art! 

(September 15 - October 20)

I've entered that show numerous times

and have never been accepted. 

This is encouraging!  

"Color Matters"

20 x 20 oil 

Opening reception Thursday (9/15)

 6 - 8 pm.

Hope to see you there! 

NOTE: 

I'm on day four of the residency in Gloucester

and I could never begin to tell you everything 

that has happened so far. 

I'm inspired, energized, and incredibly grateful. 

It looks like I won't be blogging much while here. 

There is just way too much to see and do! 

Off on an Art Adventure!

I'm off tomorrow to do an artist residency in
Gloucester, MA for a month!

I was awarded this amazing opportunity through the 
Copley Society of Art Residency Fellowship
at the Cape Ann Museum and I'm very grateful.

I also thank my incredible family and friends

for all their help and support in this endeavor.

Right now, I have no expectations, agenda, or plan
and look forward seeing where it takes me.

Not sure how much blogging I will do.....

Stay tuned. 

FYI:

"Artist-in-residence programs exist to invite artists, 

academicians, curators, and all manner of creative people 

for a time and space away from their usual environment and obligations. 

They provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and/or production. 

They also allow an individual to explore his/her practice within another community; 

meeting new people, using new materials, experiencing life in a new location. 

Art residencies emphasize the importance of meaningful and multi-layered 

cultural exchange and immersion into another culture."

NOTE: 

 I think missing this sweet girl is going to be
the hardest part!

Limoncello 

(Cello) 

Back to School!

I'm excited to report that

I'll be teaching a two day Expressive Painting workshop 

at the Rockport Art Association

Sept. 22, 23

9 - 3 pm 

For those on the South Shore,

I'll be teaching a 6 week Expressive Painting class at 

North River Arts Society 

Thursdays Oct 13 - Nov 17 

2:00 pm - 5:00pm.

"Learn how to create more expressive (less representational) paintings by balancing close observation with invention. We’ll learn how to see the big shapes and let go of detail. There will be an emphasis on creating strong composition, correct values and accurate color. Through a series of quick exercises, demos and critiques, we will discover how to create “loose” paintings that are, in fact, highly organized and carefully planned. Students will work from simple still life set-ups and photographs (supplied by the students). We will be using a limited palette and large brushes. This class is geared for painters who are interested in “shaking things up.” Nancy uses oils, however other painting mediums are welcome."

Hope you can join us! 

Color Matters

As Labor Day approaches, 

my favorite subject matter is diminishing. 

I'm getting in a few more busy beach scenes 

before they disappear! 

"Color Matters 2"

20 x 20 oil 

NOTE: On the first "pass",

I wasn't happy with the dull background

and wishy washy sky color.  

So I used the "Brushes" app on I Pad 

and experimented with removing the background 

and bumping up the color of the sky. 

I pad experiment

A great tool to try out different color combinations

before you change a whole painting!