Spring is in the Air

Spring is in the Air 40×30

My dad and I rode our bikes to the Algonac State Park last week.  This is the road leading to the Wagon Wheel section of the park.  Although it was closed,  I did get some photos so it was a worthwhile trip after all.

Currently, I’m working on a downtown scene of Charleston, SC.  I was a bit fearful of getting out of my comfort zone, but said a prayer and went for it.  I’m glad I did…  I’ll post it when it’s complete.

This is one day that I had (still have) a long list of chores to do.  This happens all the time.  My husband tells me to treat painting like a job and put in 8 hours.  I warned him I would have to ignore all the household buzzers and the phone and wave at the dust bunnies as I pass them by (okay, I do that already… I refuse to have my life dictated by dust) and I must say I was successful at it.  So much so that I’m going to do it again tomorrow.  What about the list?  Not sure what to do about the list…  The important thing is to stick to my priorities and that is painting!  Feed your passions!

Woods X

Woods X 40x30

Woods X is another painting that I’ve enjoyed so much.  It’s a journey and I feel like I’m walking through the trees and stumping my toes on the roots seeking something… not exactly sure what it is.  In the process I’m discovering all sorts of things.  It’s so awesome.  It’s spiritual and wonderful.   Maybe at my young age of 36 (okay, not 36.  Maybe a bit more…. 42?  Nope.  Not that either.  Anyway, no matter…) the point is I’m getting deep.  No nose plugs.  Finally.  It’s about time.

What’s next?  You tell me and we’ll both know… Feed your passions!

Shem Creek Reflections

Shem Creek Reflections 16x20 $900

This is the painting I did just because I felt like it.  When I was visiting my sister in SC I took some great photos of the area.  The reflections were so cool that day on the dock at Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant, SC you could get lost in them.  Can you see the difference from a carefully planned and executed painting to a free will painting?  I like the free painting better myself.

 

The Grand Hotel – #2 Entry

The Grand Hotel 16x20 $900

This is  my second entry for the art contest on Mackinac Island.  I wanted to depict the hotel in all it’s grandeur as a whole… often you can only get part of the building because it’s so massive… and so, so cool.

I found this to be a bit of a struggle.  It’s a whole different ball game when I’m painting something just because I want to.  If it’s not a commission or for a show and it’s just because the subject grabbed my attention and held it… that is my ideal painting scenario.  It’s much less stressful and it goes really fast, being completely intuitive.  When I have something to paint that’s for something or somebody specific, that’s a bit more uptight… it’s a slower go and I constantly question myself. The intuitive part keeps getting uninterrupted by doubt and that just messes up the whole deal.  I’m worn out really.

If I could bottle that sensation I get when painting freely… I would be a very wealthy gal.  Unfortunately, it’s hit or miss until I figure out a way.

My sister and I…

Me and my sister (Barbara Stroud) in Mt. Pleasant, SC

I didn’t want to start this painting blog out by an excuse the very second day… BUT, I’m actually visiting my sister and so my painting time won’t begin until early next week.  Then, I’m hot on it! No excuses (unless it’s a very, very good one) and no holds barred!  I’m serious, I’m really committed to this and I’m not the sort of person to commit.  But I can do this.  This will be a piece of cake for me.  I like to talk the talk for a bit before I walk the walk… gets me in the right frame of mind to follow through.  I plan to explore the importance of getting and staying inspired enough to paint to your full potential.  I’m very inspired as I am visiting my sister in Charleston, SC and  viewing all the beautiful paintings in this incredible city.  I hope to bottle this painting energy and stay focused enough to apply it when I get home next week!   Wish me luck!