New Year

It is the last day of 2010 and I am making a resolution to become more focused and productive.  I want to shed the procrastination robe I frequently put on and dive right in.  During this long vacation from the nanny-granny duties I've managed to do six paintings--four in oil.  I'm truly digging the oil so want to work mostly in that medium over the winter.  I'm also concentrating on still life, especially pears.  The are endlessly paintable alone, in pairs or in groups.  I think I hear my little man and his mama arriving.  So long.

Winter painting

Just turned on the portable heater in the basement so I can paint.  In spite of all the rooms in this house I don't have a room with proper lighting and space to set up a still life.  Ergo, down to the tundra.  I promised myself I'd work on some still life paintings over the winter months.  I really miss doing them--they are very satisfying for my soul.  I did manage a couple of "pear" paintings last week--on Canson paper ala Ramone Kelly and had moderate success.  I just need to keep painting, painting, painting.

fabulous videa

I just spent some of the best 110 minutes of my life watching Ramon Kelly's video on painting a still life in pastel.  It was awe-inspiring and frightening at the same time because his work is so exquisite.  He breaks most of the rules I've been taught and that I always want to break myself which makes me want to head to the easel.  My gallery in Woodstock just asked for some paintings of pears (which I happen to have right now) so I am going to jump right in and go a little crazy.  I'm going to use black, use my fingers, use local color and paint on Canson.  Hurray!  I am liberated.  I hope.

2nd chance

Hi all,
Still working out the kinks but now think people can comment on the blog.  Hope so anyway.  I have the entire week off from the granny-nanny duties so hope to do some painting.  Expect a progress report to follow.

Mlouart version 2

Holiday greetings to everyone near and far.  My gift to myself was this fabulous new website, with blog, where I can talk about my art, my artistic struggles and successes, the life a busy granny-nanny/artist, etc...I'm sure I hear some snickers, and even guffaws from those who know me and are quite familiar with my total technophobia.  But, alas, I feel I must wade into this vast world of information-sharing, so this is it.  But no Facebook or Twitter for me.  You won't find out what I had for dinner (unless it is fabulous) or when I go to the "reading room."  You can be my sounding board or jump into it with me--your choice.  I hope to be more diligent than I have been in the past with my email.  Art is, for the most part, a solitary endeavor.  More so for some than for others.  I am of the "lonely painter" variety because of my aforementioned granny-nanny duties.  I would not change that for the world so I will bring the world to me.  It is my desire to become more focused on my art and I think writing my way through the process of life versus art and finding a balance between the two will make me a better artist and person.  So here goes.  Wish me luck!