Best Christmas Present Ever

I did it, got the studio finished in time for Christmas.  I decided to show two views of the room so you can get a clear understanding of just how big it is.  The image is fuzzy, I am still figuring out how to do the timed photo thingy and I may have not gotten the right settings, obviously.  We purchased a small heater for the room, but even without it, the room stays at 50 degrees even on the nights temps dropped to below 32 degrees. Now I have my very own Fortress of Solitude.

Progress on Fallen Angel

Here is my progress thus far on a class piece that I started and did not get finished.  I actually did not intend to have it finished by the end of the class.  I already had several started and was taking advantage of the critique process.  Eventually I want those wings to read as being made of gold.  I am toying with the idea of having some balloons in the foreground and in the background.  At this point though, I like the sky so much I am afraid I will mess it up. 

Almost Back in the Studio

My car transmission broke and I am up here and no wheels.  So I spent today cleaning and reorganizing the newly remodeled studio.  Construction dirt is the worst.  I mopped and re mopped and re mopped and still there is a residue on the floors from the drywall and spackle dust.  Tomorrow I plan to start organizing myself for 2015.  Going to set up a planning calendar in the little office we use and post the same calendar in the studio on a dry erase board.  Hope this will help me to stay on target this coming year.  Then I want to set up at least three work stations so I can work on three projects simultaneously.  I seem to be at my most ambitious level just before the new year.  Lets see where I am in February.

Book Illustration Assignment

Our final assignment in the SmArt School class I have been taking, was to complete a book cover for a story assigned by an actual Art Director at a publishing company.  This artwork is for a young adult/teen book coming out shortly.  We had our critiques with the Art Director on Thursday and I received a very favorable critique.  Only two or three tweeks were suggested.  I will make those tweeks and repost shortly.  It was a real confidence booster.

Studio Ready To Paint

Brett has finished up the window trim and baseboards in my new and improved studio.  It is now ready for paint.........hmmmmm I wonder who likes to paint? 
I am imagining some shelves/worktables for students underneath the windows.  Did you hear that Brett?
Even with no heat, the room now stays at 45 - 50 % on the coldest night.

Happy Thanksgiving To All

Today I am taking stock of all that I have to be thankful for.  At the top of the list is my husband, Brett.  Next on my list is, my husband Brett and so on and so on.
Brett has just finished a major overhaul of my website.  He went back to college and took classes in writing HTML so that when I quit my job to become an artist, he would be able to do my website, which is major dollars to pay someone to do it for you.  Also, he taught himself the art of framing, all for me.  And if that were not enough, he took up photography and does a fairly good job of my photography needs.  So, today I am thankful to have met and married the greatest guy on the planet.....oh, almost forgot, he makes a killer lasagna.

Falling Behind and Feeling Lost

Got up at 4:30 this morning, could not sleep, thinking about these two pieces for my class assignments.  Being a traditional artist working in oils, I am so much slower than the digital artists in my class.  They have already finished their projects just about the time I get my final design drawn out and ready to transfer to the canvas.  Have been thinking about learning to do digital work, but I think I would miss the feel of the brush and smell of oils.  So, I put on some 60's and 70's music, which always brings up my mood.  Listening to Dust in The Wind, by Kansas.  OK, feelin groovy now, so back to work.

First Snow and Painting

We had our first snow on Friday, just flurries actually.  But the day was gray and gloomy....a fabulous time to paint.  No distractions, no sunny great to be alive weather to lure me out.  I have so many projects in progress right now.  I would not mind if it rained for a week, just so I could get caught up.

Recent Trip to North Carolina Museum of Art

Two shots here of my 3 Amigos and myself viewing art at the North Carolina Museum of Art.  I was visiting my good friends John and Lorraine Demolet at their home in NC and knowing my love of miniatures they took me over to the NC Museum of Art for a special exhibit of miniatures.  Much to my surprise they also had a fantastic collection of Egyptian Artifacts, mummies and such, which is my second love, art being my first.  Poor Brett, he only ranks as my third love. 

Great Critique

The last piece I posted, Virga the Archer, received a great critique from my instructor, Dan Dos Santos.  Just a few tweeks to make to her and she is finished.  I must admit, I love the dark muted color scheme of this one and my husband wants more moon backgrounds in future paintings. 

Almost Finished?????

As it always happens, each time I think something is finished, I put it on the computer and WHAM, all the errors jump out at me.  I see a few details I have forgotten, but otherwise I feel this is finished.  Will run it past my instructor today and get his take on it.

Family Tree Receives Award

My painting, Family Tree, was awarded the Elaine & James Hewitt Award for Oils & Acrylics on Sunday at the Salmagundi Club in New York City.  I drove up  by myself on Sunday morning to attend the awards ceremony at 2 pm.  I don't know what all the moaning and groaning is about when it comes to New York traffic.  I had no trouble whatsoever navigating the city and even found a parking garage just one block from the Salmagundi Club on 5th Ave.  Honestly, I think DC traffic is crazier.  While up there, I saw the 911 monument building, Statue of Liberty, Broadway and lots of city life on the West Side.  I drove through the Holland Tunnel (not cheap) and enjoyed a scenic drive back home through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.  I arrived back home at 9 that night.  I was so pumped by the experience, I finished up my Archer painting yesterday and made great progress on the latest piece which I will call Fallen Angel.  Photos tomorrow of both paintings, I hope. 

Studio Remodel

We got all the siding on yesterday.  The outside is finished, now we need to insulate, put up sheetrock, spackle, paint and then trim out the windows on the interior.  It is already much warmer than before.  The light inside is great, although I will still need overhead lights. 

Progress on Fantasy Piece

I am finally nearing the end of this piece.  Life gets in the way and keeps me from getting her finished.  But I have made progress. 

Ready for Siding

We made great progress and now we are ready for the siding.

Window Installation Today

Bet you thought that all I could do is paint. Look at that form, the steady swing, the smooth delivery of the hammer, I must have missed my calling.   As you  can see, we are back to work on the studio.  We have two more windows to install today and then its onto the siding.

No Progress on Western View Studio

We made no progress on the studio remodel this weekend.  My lead carpenter/husband was sick with a bad cold.  The job foreman, my son came out and spent two days with us but could not do any work installing the windows since some critical parts for the windows has not shown up.  They have been ordered for over two weeks and as soon as they arrive, we can continue the work.  So, we spent a very soggy two days watching movies and nursing the lead carpenter.  I did lots of sketching while in front of the TV. 

Day 2 Studio Construction

Here it is on day 2.  We  actually installed all the Tyvek, I just did not get a picture at that point.  We will resume work on the weekend, since everyone has day jobs. 

End of Day One - Studio Construction

We made great progress on day 1.  It was getting dark on us, but we did get the rest of the 2 x 4 frame up before dark.

Studio Construction Begins

The much anticipated studio remodel has begun.  Here we see my expert carpenters laying out the wall framing.  How do you like my studs?  I am talking about the lumber. :)

Woodpeckers Heading to New York

My painting, Family Tree has been juried into the Audubon Artists 75th Annual show at the Salmagundi Club in New York City.  The show will run from Oct. 26 through Nov. 7 with a reception on Nov. 2. 

Currently on the Easel

This latest piece is currently on the easel and nearing completion.  Spent most of today, drawing some preliminary sketches for my class I am enrolled in.

Studio Remodel Ready To Go

So here it is finally.  All the windows, lumber, drywall, and siding is purchased and staged for the great Western View Studio Remodel event.  The event is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 6th and 7th.  I wonder how little time it will take for my husband and I to start bickering and smashing our fingers. 

Pastels Workshop October 11, 2014

I will be teaching another Pastels workshop in Warrenton on October 11, from 10 am until 2 pm at the Studio Frame Shop, located above The Paint Store on Alexandria Pike.  Just one block down from the old Courthouse.  The  workshop will focus on painting an Autumn Landscape.  To register, call 540-686-6107 or e-mail lindalawler@outlook.com.  Cost is $50.00 and includes a healthy mid day snack.  Students will work from either their own photos or on provided by me.  Come on out and meet new artists and take home a beautiful Autumn Landscape to frame and hang in your livingroom.

Powerful Art

 Norman Rockwell's The Problem We All Live With.  This is another favorite.......your eye is led to the little girl by simply placing your darkest dark against the lightest light in the painting.  She is also the only figure with a head in the scene and nothing else is the same size she is.  Rockwell was such a master of telling a story.

Color Comps

These are some of my color comps for the next piece in my portfolio.  Although I understand and agree with the need for this step in the creation process, I am just not comfortable with what I end up with.  I know they are suppose to be a rough idea, not polished art, but I am obsessive when it comes to my art being perfect.  Color comps are supposed to help you work out your color scheme so as not to mess up the real artwork.  A roadmap for success! 

New Piece Begun

This is the sketch of my next portfolio piece.  More to come.

I Am Back

Busy is the life of an artist.   I have just gotten back from Illuxcon in Allentown PA.  Illuxcon is a gathering of and showing of the best artists and art in the Sci Fi and Fantasy Illustration world.  It was held at the Allentown Art Museum, a four hour drive from our home here in Gore.  But, Oh SO Worth it.  I met up with my current teacher/mentor, Dan dos Santos and past teacher Donato Giancola.  We were warmly greeted by my future teachers Rebecca Guay and Marc Scheff.  The whole community of illustrators are some of the most generous and friendly artists I have ever encountered.  Check out their websites for a real treat.

Another Favorite Artist

I adore Maxfield Parrish for his color....looks like stained glass!

More Inspiration

Again, look at those faces.  Fabulous color scheme and composition.

Inspiration

The faces that Norman Rockwell painted, were so expressive.  You can tell just what is going on in the persons mind from the expressions on their faces.   This is probably the reason I have always wanted to do illustration art.

Playing Princess Today

Instead of drawing and painting today, I am playing Princesses and Tea parties with my four year old granddaughter.  I am on break at the moment, while she sets up the teaparty....so I will post some past items that I have been meaning to post, since  Miss Izzie will be with us for the week.

George W. Miniature

So, this little mini is about one and a half inch square.  The likeness could use some improvements.  Funny thing is, I always notice what I did not do correctly as soon as I post a photo of my art.  But, I still love painting George W.

Second Doberman Mini

Another miniature finished.  Again, a very loose background.  

Doberman Miniature

I have added a very vague background to this little mini.   My thought is that I want you to see the Doberman and not the background.

Woodpecker Miniature Finished

This one is finished.  I have started a new woodpecker mini and will post its progress soon.

Beloved, Deuce, is Gone

Deuce, the model of many of my paintings has passed.  My deepest sympathy to Deuces' best friend, Courtney.

A New Surface

Trying to do a miniature on some gessoed illustration board.  Its about 2 x 2.  Not real happy with this one.  I think I will stick to Ivorine in the future when doing my miniature portraits.

New Business Cards Coming

I have designed and ordered two new business cards for IlluxCon which is coming up shortly.  I used the Lawkeepers on one card and the Mermaids on the other. 

George Washington Miniature

One of my favorite subjects is George Washington.  I started this miniature a few months back and set it aside.  My Bad!  He is now back on track.  I am using a postage stamp as my reference.  The stamp is a Gilbert Stuart portrait and I have seen the original at the National Gallery of Art. 

Doberman No. 2

My second Doberman mini, measures 2 1/2 tall by 3 inches wide. 

Miniature Season Approaching

My miniatures shows season is just about to begin.  I am using my lack of wheels to help me focus on completing  a lot of new minis for the season.

New Miniature

This woodpecker miniature is getting close to finish.  Listening to REM and getting in my zone today.

Solitary Confinement

Still no car and it looks like the shop will have to put in another engine.  Seems the one they put in this week was defective.   I may get my car back next week.  In the meantime, I am getting lots of paintings finished up and starting new ones. 

Big Discovery

Today I made a fantastic discovery. 
I always thought I was a mediocre watercolorist.  Always used cold pressed or hot-pressed watercolor papers and hated my results.  Today, I used some scrap illustration board (I have lots of it left over what with the illustrations I am doing these days.).  The results were very good, considering the artist wielding the brush.  The painting is a miniature still life, about 3 x 4 and I will post a photo shortly.

Finished Mermaids

The mermaids are finished and have been entered into an Art Order Challenge.  You can see the entry and lots of other finished entries at the Infected By Art website.   Wish me luck, friends.

Busy Busy Busy

With my husbands retirement just three weeks away, we have been super busy getting things squared away for a smooth transition.  Also, this month marks 30 years of almost wedded bliss and he has turned 59. As you can see, lots happening here. 

New Art Started

Started some thumbnails for new painting today.  I am starting some new miniatures this week also.  My car engine seized up on Saturday which means I can either buy a new car or have someone put an entire new engine in.  Either way, I am a prisoner at my own home....I hate not having wheels.

Mermaid Progress

almost have the under painting completed and then on to the juicy part - details. 

Classes at Western View

Here is a shot of some student art from my recent pastels class here at Western View.  We worked with pastels on Canson paper. 

Mermaid Drawing Nearing Completion

I almost have this drawing finished and from there I will transfer it to my illustration board.  I taught a class yesterday and did not get to work on this.  Hope to finish it up tonight.

Another Mermaid

This is not finished, I am still trying to resolve the length of her fins and fish body.  But I am very happy with the feel of her face and upper torso.  When I am happy with this one, I will combine the two mermaids into one image....maybe I will eventually end up with three or four finished pieces and have a nice series of mermaid paintings.

Mermaid Paintings

I have several thumbnails I am developing into a few mermaid paintings.  I posted the original sketch and a few thumbnails a while back.  Here is one fully developed (no PUN intended) mermaid.

Photo References

I am thinking of some new subjects for my fantasy art and sci fi art portfolios.  Dragons are just big lizards, so I went out with the camera and  snapped a few shots of this fence lizard.  He will make a good reference when I do finally get around to the dragon art.

Never Forget the Camera

Heading to town a week ago, we spotted a fawn that was barely a day old walking (wobbling) down the side of our dirt road.  I did not have my camera.  Drove back to get it, but when we returned 5 minutes later, the fawn had disappeared.  I have not seen the fawn since.

This past weekend, we went for a drive, exploring our new frontier and this time I had my camera.  This barn will make a lovely painting in the near future.

Irises Painting Wins Award

My painting, Irises, received a Judges' Choice Award this weekend at the King George Art Show.  I received a beautiful ribbon and a very nice check.  The judge this year was Lisa Semerad.

Pastels Class

Taught my first class up here in the new studio and this was our subject.  We worked in pastels for this floral still life class.

Another Kind of Painting

I am recovering today from another kind of painting.  In days of yore, I supplemented my income by painting murals and doing faux finishing.  I have always painted my own home and have never hired anyone to do it for me.  Those days are over!  I ache all over today and my thighs and calves are screaming "You Idiot, we can't do all that ladder climbing anymore".  They are sooooo right.  I will get help in the future.  But, the interesting thing here is.......color is color.  I  really enjoy matching a color to another.  I love trying to mix a color that matches some color used elsewhere.  I did not want to paint the entire room, just two walls that had some damage.  The paint on the walls is from 2006 and there were no paint cans hiding anyplace to tell me what color or brand they had used.  So, I got out my trusty Sherwin Williams paint fan, from the old mural days and even though the paint fan dates to 2001, I was able to come up with a darn good match.  When I got down to the store, the clerk and I pulled out some current paint chips and I chose one that was slightly lighter and greyer than my paint fan.  Took it home and darn if it was not a perfect match.  I repainted the damaged walls and you can't tell my paint is newer than what was originally on the walls.  For me, Color Matching is like doing jig saw puzzles, but I just don't have the picture on the box to go by.

The Frame Store & more

Millions of errands to run today, as well as visiting my mom in the nursing home.  When all was done and I was heading back home, I passed by a frame shop for the 100th time since moving here.  I always am in a hurry or have someplace I must be and always tell myself  that I will stop in next time.  Today was Next Time. 

The Frame Store & more is a beautiful little frame shop with lots of ready made frames as well as custom made frames.  They also are a gallery space for some really talented
 local artists.  David and Kim Herman are the owners and I am really glad to have made some new friends up here.  The shop is located at 95 Featherbed Lane in Winchester.  If you go by there, be sure to tell them Linda sent you. 

Mermaid Sketches

I was teaching a drawing class recently and one of the students who was admiring my sketch of a reclining woman, commented that she would make an excellent mermaid.......I have thought a lot about this idea and here are a few thumbnails and the original sketch which I added fins to. Oh and an idea for a fish type face.  Maybe!

Woodpecker Family Finished

This is a really bad photo of my really pretty painting of the woodpecker family.  I used an old camera and the flash washed out all the colors.  Notice the sky is once again a cool blue grey, not turquoise.