Barns!

I'm having fun in the Vinita Pappas "Going Green" online workshop.  We're doing a lot of mixing so far which is really the essence of dealing with greens.  I've always been a fan of "No tube greens" and like mixing my own.  This workshop of Vinita's is reminding me of the one she offered in May - "Loosening Up".  This is my final project from that workshop, painted from Vinita's photo.  I think I need to search out some beautiful barns to paint here in Southern California.  This piece is 10 1/2" x 14".

And one day last month when I felt like painting something quick, I tried this view as an ACEO or ATC which are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"...playing card/baseball card size.  I used to paint ACEOs as detailed as the greeting card artwork, but I had fun with this small piece.  I'll post more ACEOs here.

Vinita shared an interesting quote today from Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way".  Not sure I completely agree since we try to do the best we can, but it's food for thought.

               Perfectionism is egotism parading as virtue.  -Julia Cameron

Saturday Paint-Out 2!

I painted this on Saturday with the plein air group.  So much fun to sit under a tree and paint with some artist friends.  This beautiful building used to be the grand Vista del Arroyo Hotel but is now the U.S. Court of Appeals.  It features a tile-topped six story tower over looking the Arroyo Seco.  Halfway through painting this I wasn't sure if it would survive its "adolescent stage" where I'm not sure if things are going well.  I do like the way the palms turned out.  This view probably needs another try sometime. 

I saw this wonderful quote today on Karen Margulis's blog~

"Don't wait for inspiration.  It comes while one is working."  Henri Matisse

This piece is 9x12" including a narrow border.