Approaching Clouds at Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

My husband took a photo in the late afternoon with some wonderful clouds contrasting the sunlit arches.  I knew it would be a painting.

15x22 inches, watercolor

Early Halloween

Is it too early for Halloween? Yes, probably, but...

 We went to Disneyland last week and it was so much visual fun. 

You know what I mean... everywhere, the details, so fun to look at.

So I planned to do some plein air this week,

 but instead I just had fun painting this little fantasy house out of my head.

It will be a project for my watercolor students this fall. 

Update--Go to this link to see their work

Teen class link 

 And here is the demonstration I did for the teen class.

Two Watercolor Dog Portraits

These are two watercolor dog portraits that I just finished.

Fun dogs to paint.

8x10 to fit in 11x14 inch frame

Lisa's Darn Yarn

  

I met Lisa at Darn Yarn, Needles & Threads in Harmony, PA.  Her shop specializes in American made yarn and supplies for knitting, crocheting, spinning... needs. It is a friendly place where Lisa also offers classes, tips and knowledge of the craft and local community. 

I spent some time photographing Lisa and the shop and found I was distracted by all the great conversation. We easily moved from subject to subject covering family, gardening, uni/bicycles, and ideas for future projects. I felt I made a new friend.

Last time I visited, Lisa showed me a new aluminum spinning wheel that is a work of art in itself. It is so beautifully balanced and so lovely to look at. A new "spin" on an old design. 

 You can follow Lisa on facebook here for shop info and because it is just fun.

https://www.facebook.com/darnyarnneedlesandthread

"Lisa's Darn Yarn" is number two of my "Buy Local, Paint Local" series.

Watercolor 14x14

It will be part of the AABC Invitational Art Exhibit at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building from July 9th - 18th and at the AABC Art Center from July 23 - August 2nd.

2nd in Buy Local, Paint Local!

This is the step by step progress so far for my second painting in Buy Local, Paint Local!

I will share more when the painting is done.

It was slow going this winter. But slow and steady... well , you know!

Summer Camp Info

The summer animation and art camp schedule is out and can be seen at this link

http://room101art.blogspot.com/p/summer-camps.html

Sally at the Cider Press

As I finished this painting last week, I was reminded of a nice day this past fall. 

I spent an afternoon at a local cider press to do some "painting" research. 

It was a busy day at the press. People that waited to have their apples pressed shared stories about gardens, seasons and families. 

For me it was a chance to slow down and appreciate these seasonal traditions.

This is a family run cider press and they all work together with a comfortable ease. 

At first I thought I would do a painting about the men that work there. 

But as I watched and photographed the workers, I saw that the real energy came from Sally. 

She went from job to job seamlessly and was welcoming to all. 

I am sure that is why the cider press has her name on it!

Sally at the Cider Press,  17x29 inches, Watercolor on 330 lb. watercolor paper

Update- May 9th 

This painting won the Evelyn Nicholas Portrait Award at the 71st Spring Show 

at the Associated Artists of Butler County

July 10th

Also won third place in the AABC Invitational in Cranberry Twp, PA