Around Here

nfdp

Happy March!  I don't know about you but I need a little green.  It is still winter outside, gray and dreary so I went on hunt for green around the house and studio.

Journal Pages -Debbie Miller

 Journal.  Sketchbook.  Same thing right?
One of my goals for 2014 is to use mine more - a lot really.
 Doodle, sketch, write ,draw, paint.  Yes,yes and yes.

Here is what I did this morning...obviously Snowy Owls are on my mind.  I'm counting this as one of my 30/30 birds - meanwhile in the studio I've been busy prepping big panels to continue with my Swimmers series but today on this chilly day a cup of tea, a warm blanket and something good to read seems to be more like it.
I've got just the thing to read - the Jan./Feb. issue of Yankee Magazine because there is an article about my uncle and couIsin!!!  page 15.
 So Cool!!!

They are The Stove Doctors -  sure would like one of their stoves today! 
check out  their WEBSITE.  HERE are some great photos too.

Cal

Another sketchbook page... Just can't get enough snowy owls

Open House at 30 Cutler St.

Now is your chance to take a peak at the studios of the different artists and businesses at 30 Cutler St.
 Come by and say Hi maybe even get a jump on your holiday shopping!

See you then.

Copley Society - new member!

So - I HAVE been painting - I know you think I haven't but some things have gotten done in the studio lately.
It has been a busy early summer actually -

Happily I can report that I have been accepted as an artist member to the Copley Society of Art in Boston. 
Truly honored.  Eons ago, as a young college art student, I remember standing on Newbury St. thinking "Some Day..."  and now that day is here.  ...as soon as I pay my dues.

 You can check them out HERE

artist Kate Huntington openings

nfdp
 My friend Kate Huntington is part of 2 shows opening this weekend - check them out if you are in the area

At the Copley Society in Boston the "Fine Arts Work Center Fellows" opens on Thursday, May 16th and continues through June 19th. It's a 5 person show consisting of  recipients of the FAWC award in Provincetown from the past 5 years. Kate received this award (a month in P-Town including apt. and studio) in Sept. 2012.

The following night on May 17th and a little closer to home, painter Mark Freedman and Kate will be having an opening at the Dryden Gallery at Providence Picture Frame.  Mary Ann Rossoni, a fantastic musician (and painter to boot) will be performing with her band the Rossonians. This should prove to be a "be there or be square" kind of opening. Check them out!

Are you in a creative rut? I am.

nfDP
 Can you say "Rut"?  I can - because I'm in one.  Like an addict, admitting it is the first step.
 So what is the creatively challenged to do?

Hunker down and just get to work.
 Stop making excuses and make some art.
 Sounds simple right?
Well it is.  .....sort of.  Sometimes some help - or a swift kick in the butt is needed.
   Luckily, while  searching for something very important on the internet (ok - pinterest specifically : that time crusher dressed in beautiful clothing)  I came across Twyla Tharps book "The Creative Habit".
 Which is the Best. Book. Ever.    The 'kick' I needed.   Reading and rereading it now - getting ready to start doing the exercises at the end of each chapter.  Starting with my sketchbook.  It always starts with the sketchbook doesn't it?  Why do so many go half filled and forgotten?
No more - from now on my sketchbook is going everywhere.
That will cover #1 - find your pencil - the one creative tool needed.  After that 2-building a tolerance for solitude (no problem there,  being alone rules), 3-Facing your Fears - ok this one is big, time to make a list  and 4 - Going without for 1 week - take a week off from clutter and distractions ....hmmm like pinterest and social media? duh.

So if you see me with a pen in a little red book just smile and know that I'm doing my Twyla homework, getting one step closer to breaking the block.

 

Cozy, Lazy Days of Winter

oops - didn't I say I was going to post everyday in January?  Dang.  3 whole days. 
Well I tried. 

I did take down and put away Christmas - and let me tell you THAT is no easy job.  I don't know about you but I decorate by bringing the holiday stuff out a little at a time - some garland here,some ornaments there - its a PROCESS.
  BUT for some reason it all has to come down all at once, on the same day - except some of the outdoor lights - those can stay up for a bit to brighten these short days and dark nights. 

and I saw an owl again....

Icy Plunge - beach scene,blue,gray,Debbie Miller

6x6" oil on panel
Happy New Year!! 
Today I watched those brave (er...crazy) people take the icy plunge.  It was really cold this year - well done Polar Bear swimmers!  Why do they do it?  Cleanse?  Fresh start?  Its a little nutty but I like it...maybe next year.
  In the mean time - working on day one of my art resolution.  Did you make one this year?
Ive decided to post a painting everyday this January - mostly to get myself back in the habit of blogging again.  I have no particular theme going - just the challenge of posting and writing and painting - EVERY day this month. 

  So here is #1 - I just took the plunge

SantaBeach and RISD sale

6x6"oil on panel

2 mths since I last posted???? shamefull!  Well you will be happy to know that I am fully recovered from my near death thumb infection.

  OK it wasnt exactly THAT bad but Man did that hurt -Seriously, child-birth hurt, not kidding.
 Thanks to a good orthopedic doc and lots of anti-biotics I have been saved. 
Let the painting commence.....
Come by and see my miraculous thumb recovery at the RISD sale tomorrow (sat. 12/8 at the convention center in Prov.)

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. 

peanut butter cupcake, debbie miller, orange

6x6" oil on panel $100

 - the unofficial end of summer has come and gone (can you believe it?) but to me it's the official start of fall - my favorite time of year!!
Bring on the apples, pumpkins, brisk weather, football games and clogs.  I am ready.
Not to say I haven't TOTALLY enjoyed summer this year. In fact, if you've been wondering where the heck I've been (probably you don't give a hoot but I still feel the need to provide an explanation) well I've been in my backyard A LOT -
 gardening is my other passion and my interest wanes from time to time but this year with my painting in a slump the creative juices had to flow somewhere.  Painting,building,planting etc.  take a look here at what  I was up to ; http://pinterest.com/dgmiller1/my-garden/

artist spotlight - Mark Taber

A really talented pianist,artist and all around interesting fellow -Mark Taber - watch THIS

I've had the honor of painting him a few times - HERE, HERE.  Not only is he a great model but we always get treated to a little piano during painting breaks.

After watching this, I would love to do a big portrait of him in front of one of his vehicles. ....in fact I would like to do a whole series of real big portraits of artists with their 'stuff'  .....

Happy Fall

 Seriously, I'm completely in love with the instagram app on my iphone.  The square format and the different filters, it just makes me so happy.  I want to spend the day photo styling around my house :)

 I even used it yesterday in my kindergarten art class.  Cool art - perfect for instagram fun.