Happy Weekend

nfdp

The weekend is here and I for one am very very happy about that.
(BIG game on sunday.  BIG GAME.)

This year I have really been trying to schedule in my studio time, teaching, planning time into the week - ya know, like a "real job" (insert eye roll here)
Being an artist who works for herself it was normal to me to have loose studio hours during the week and get a lot done on the weekends when my husband was home to watch the kids and dogs.

That was great BEFORE - ya know before my boys got so big that 2 out of the 3 have full beards and lives of their own and even the puppy is grown up.  *sigh*

So this year I am trying it out - leaving the house with a lunch and heading to the studio to put in the work.   Most of being a professional artist is showing up and so I'm showing up, putting in the time and so far I'm loving it.

Studio Peek

A little studio peek.  The beach scenes are WIP.  The dogs are done.  I have been playing around with acrylics on these big panels and I'm LOVING it.  The quickness suits my painting style.  stay tuned for close-ups and more.

Daily Rituals

nfdp - I've been thinking about daily rituals and habits lately. Particularly how I can adjust mine at the studio to help me get into the task at hand - painting.
Right now my routine is pretty much : unlock the door, sign-in (I keep a sign-in sheet by the door and keep track of my hours) and turn on the light by the tea kettle.

I flick on the tea kettle then go light a candle on my table -

then I go over to plug in my twinkle lights around the window

then I go grab the tea and put on my painting shirt.  I do this every time I come in the studio.

It is my little routine or habit or whatever you want to call it (neurosis?)  What are your daily habits that you do when you hit the studio or need to start a creative process?
I found this page of Ben Franklin's routine - so interesting!

Open Studio

Another open studio has come and gone.  To all the Warren Walkabouters who came by - a big thanks.  

Now it's time to get back to work!  

Art Night

Got plans for this Thursday night? Come to the 30 Cutler St. Gallery (30 Cutler St, Warren RI) during this weeks Warren/Bristol Art Night and watch me and my very talented artist friends PAINT!  Plus see some of our past portraits in person and also enjoy the work of Potter David Harrington.

That's right. Live. And In Person.  Artists painting in their natural habitat.  July 25, 5-9.

 All the cool kids will be there.  Some of the artists painting will be Rob Rey, Kerry Smith, Kathy Weber and more!  Also on display will be some portraits painted by Kate Huntington who is the talented artist who started this portrait group 20 yrs ago!

Fresh Start

nfdp
Fresh Paint, Fresh Palette, Fresh Start.

The best piece of advice on this whole "making a living from your art" thing is that waiting for inspiration to strike is a waste of time.  Time in the studio - a commitment to go to the studio and get to work - NO MATTER WHAT is the key.

The art is not going to make itself, the art is not going to sell itself. 

So - the party is over or the party is just beginning if you are a glass half full type and I hope you are.
Back to regular studio hours and regular art making. 

BTW - this palette is from my plein air box - its just a piece of foam core to fit inside the lid with a sheet of wax paper taped over it. 

 What's a dreary, rainy, cold New England spring day good for you ask?  -besides trying to brighten up the place with bright yellow....

Prepping panels - and lots of them. - more 10x10s for the portraits
and some big ones. 30x30 *gasp*
 They are for my new series. 
  The daily paintings might make an appearrance or 2 - I haven't given up the practice totally, but the new series is calling and I simply must paint them. 
So - the tea kettle is on and the gesso and sandpaper awaits - back to it.

past the 50 mark with the portrait project - Yay!  and now heading up the wall

see more HERE

Aistream studio - do you have one?

I'm a little obsessed with vintage airstreams....not as a camping option (although I do see the charm).

What I really really want to do is park one in my yard and convert it into a studio/living space.
I dream about it.  Seriously.

This one is cool - modern airstream studio - although not cozy, bohemian enough. 

This one is closer to what I imagine:

THIS is just ridiculously AWESOME and more what I'm dreaming about.  Read more HERE

Couldn't you picture me in there blogging away with my little dog curled up on the couch?  I can.

 I might even put a "no boys allowed" sign on the door.  - teenage boys not allowed -  besides the kitchen is IN the house. 

anyone got one they would like to donate to my cause??

Let's Celebrate! -daily painting,still life,cupcakes

6x6" oil
Let's celebrate my new studio with some cupcakes, shall we?

here it is - empty and with out the window installed... looong and skinny but bigger than it looks in the photos and much larger than where Ive been painting and SO MUCH MORE LIGHT - its north light!!