Silent Pines of Grace

Tuesday was overcast, but beautiful in New Hampshire. Leaves are just beginning to change color. I could hear the pattering of raindrops, but didn't feel them; the trees sheltered me. Once the rain stopped, it was so quiet. Pine needles carpeted the path. I enjoyed a mini-vacation in Grace's neighborhood.

Paint Out Speed Painting!

Here is my painting from that gloriously beautiful day, at The Wakefield Paint Out by the Lake. Having organized the event, I spent more time working on it than at my easel for about a month, so it was such a treat to be out there painting, FINALLY!

Whether you're an artist or art lover, if you're in the area in 2012, please consider joining us! The Farmers Market, where it's held, is one of the best around, The Wakefield Paint Out is great fun, and it's a pleasure to meet other artists and art lovers. We're going to be working on The Paint Out way in advance next year, so you'll receive ample notice. 

Thanks again to: The Savings Bank, Sponsor; Wendy Dennis, Wakefield Farmers Market Manager and The Crew; Kendall Inglese, Executive Director, Wakefield Chamber of Commmerce, artist Robin Thornhill, Lynnfield Art Guild, Merchants of Wakefield who participated in the Art Walk; Lady with a Pen, Sanborn Day Adult Day Care, Greenwood Wine & Spirits, Ristorante Molise, Tootsie's Coffee Corner, ZuZu's Cafe & Catering, The UPS Store, Kelli Stromski, Maura Racamato, Cathy Wensley, The Center for Performing Arts, and All the Paint Out Artists!

Wakefield Plein Air Paint Out!

It was a gorgeous, perfect day for plein air painting in the Paint Out by the Lake at Wakefield Farmers Market this past Saturday. It looked festive as can be, with red balloons floating above artists' easels. As the organizer and greeter of artists, I got off to a late start, but had a great time anyway—speed painting! This photo, courtesy of Kendall Inglese, shows the artists exhibiting their finished paintings at the Wet Paint Exhibit and Sale.

This year the Paint Out is donating 20% of proceeds to The Wakefield Center for Performing Arts, a new and state-of-the-art theater that has already wowed local audiences with jazz concerts, theater performances and lectures. It's always a challenge asking people for money to support causes. This one's worthy. Soon enough their reputation will precede them and enthusiastic support will come from loyal customers and businesses who want to be a part of a great thing.

Now that this event is done, I'll be painting more! (Yay!) See you soon.

Plein Air Paint Out this Saturday

I've been super busy organizing the third annual Paint Out. This year we've gotten businesses to host an Art Walk. What an undertaking. Next year must be easier! I have ideas already on how to streamline the process, thank goodness.

Artists can still register the day of the Paint Out. If you live locally, enjoy a morning at the Farmers Market and watch artists paint! It's going to be SUNNY on our last chance rain date! : )

Potential

Here's the second painting I did at Amy's, while spending the morning with Band of Brushes friends.

It's can be exhilarating to paint with such intensity (and speed) as I did on that overcast day. The concentrated looking and the trusting of instinct that's required, feel like a good workout when I'm done! I learn a lot when I change my approach to painting now and then.

Amy's Garden

This is one of my favorite paintings from this summer. I experimented with my block-in, using transparent oxide red and viridian. I painted two small painting that day in Amy's garden. I was determined to paint like there was no tomorrow, since it was my first time painting with Band of Brushes in so long! It was great to see friends.

Amy, a generous acquaintance of one of our members, and a talented artist and quilter, http://duringquiettime.blogspot.com/, invited our group to paint on her property. I guess I was pretty excited to be painting. It wasn't until I returned home that I saw that I had forgotten to wear my glasses while painting! Thus, the lovely, painterly quality! I may paint sans glasses more often!

Backyard Coneflowers

This painting was done quickly during a much-needed break this summer. I wasn't able to venture far, so it was nice to find models who agreed to pose for me right at home.