Happy Colorful Friday!

"Colorful Cadence" dressage horse painting 8x10 oil on Ampersand Panel

Are you online shopping for “black Friday” art supply deals like I am? (As a color sensitive artist I feel like Black Friday should be more positive like Fuschia Friday!) Color name aside, so far I've  stocked up on basics like Centurion linen and Ampersand panels as well as a Silver brand Bristlon brush to try since this is the one that Carol Marine says she uses.)

Today, while frosty cold am very relieved to see the sun's return after a rather gray Thanksgiving. In addition to running some errands (need more Fitbit steps after pie!) I’m heading out to take photos. Speaking of photos, if you're looking for painting subjects and art inspiration this is a good time to review and revisit your photo files. 

As you grow and evolve as a painter you may discover a photo gem that catches your eye on second go round. That was the case with this painting of a lovely silvery horse I’d taken a picture of at a dressage show in late summer.  As a casual rider I’ve always admired the movement and precision of dressage—both on the part of the horse and rider.  It’s like horse ballet! Also there's something energizing about painting a warm sunny day when the actual weather conditions are less than ideal.

Before I get back to surfing for bargains, just wanted to remind everyone of my winter 2016 painting classes. Starting first week of January, I'm offering three affordable weekly Denver painting group classes on Tues, Weds, and Thurs. (And my Tues. class is ongoing in December.)

So if you’re looking for a way to add color to your life and stay inspired during the long winter months be sure visit my classes/workshops page. In the meantime, happy painting and holiday shopping! 

Winter. Spring. Summer. Pumpkin....

Looking forward to painting these colorful farmer's market pumpkins...

Oh how we love pumpkin season. Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin.... 
We anxiously anticipate it every year. Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer

Happy Fall Friday! I too love the pumpkin season. Am often stocking up at TJ’s so I can enjoy gluten free pumpkin pancakes and muffins year round. Am also eagerly anticipating making my own favorite pie recipe next week: "Santa Fe" Pumpkin Chiffon: Chocolate crust, spicy pecan sprinkle and tequila cinnamon whipped cream...I know. Yum...

Now back to art. Thanks to all the talented artists who joined me for an adventurous mixed media workshop last Saturday! Also special thanks to everyone who supported local artists at the Park Hill Art Club Fall Show last weekend. I sold several recent posted paintings such as my sunlit horse and VW bug--Thank you very much buyers!

A busy art season continues tomorrow where I’m back at Curtis Art Center teaching a one day Artfully Autumn Painting workshop.  Am excited to help students with some of my favorite colorful subjects like owls, ravens, autumn leaves, pumpkins, gourds, vines, etc.

Last Friday I visited the fascinating Wyeth show at the DAM which featured the families' love of pumpkins, Halloween and other spooky subject matter.  

"Pumpkinhead" Self Portrait by Jamie Wyeth

 

Loved this giant looming raven painting by Jamie Wyeth.

As I look out the studio window today I can see winter looming. But that's OK. Colder weather means I can really get cozy and focus on studio or class painting and build my inventory for the warmer months. If you're looking to stay creatively active this winter come join me and my awesome students in one of my Denver painting group classes I offer on Tues, Wed, or Thurs mornings. We'd love to meet you! For more info please write to me or visit my classes page on my website. Thanks everyone!

Art with Altitude: Celebrating Arts Week!

"Silver Bow" 8x10 oil on panel at Framed Image

November is a wonderful month for both artists and collectors in Denver. It marks our annual Arts Week and there are tons of varied art activities all around our mile high city.

Tomorrow I’m heading down to the DAM to see the new Wyeth exhibit which I’ve been looking forward to for ages. Can't wait to see some of these paintings that I've only seen in print in person. 

The Wyeth Show runs through February 7, 2016 at the DAM

Also this weekend, going to a Daniel Sprick/Quang Ho opening night/talk at the Curtis Art Center (where I’m teaching a workshop earlier that day) and also (I told you there was a lot) participating in the Annual Fall Park Hill Art Club sale this weekend.

If that weren’t enough, I see that that legendary realist painter David Leffel is demoing at Gallery 1261 this Saturday and if I wasn’t teaching I wouldn't want to miss this. 

If you're looking for more art inspiration in November and December I have one painting workshop left this year on Saturday, November 21 at Curtis Arts Center and I also have openings in my open studio class on Tuesday mornings. Also my new 2016 class info will be available soon!

For more info about these write to me or please visit the Classes/Workshops page on my website. Thanks everyone for supporting the arts and especially to all my fellow Denverites for help to make our home such a thriving creative village for artist and art lovers!

Look for the Learning: For My Mom, Carol

Mom enjoyed my watercolors and gardening so this is for her.

Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us - and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning. Louisa May Alcott

Taking some time today for a more personal post today....Reflecting, rejoicing, remembering...

My Mom passed away peacefully on a picture perfect fall day last week. Mom was an avid baker (her car’s plate is GR8COOK) so autumn was her favorite season. This "homey" time of year often included making treats, cider and apples, hot tea, reading a good mystery, watching a classic Hitchcock movie...All things I enjoy too.

Mom with our longtime childhood dog Ginger

In a sad week I'm finding considerable comfort considering how much my Mom influenced my everyday life as well as my art. And of course will continue to do so...

My Mom was our family's very own Julia Child. 

Because of my Mom I love color (particularly blue greens), dark chocolate, making soups, nature, the library, black licorice, baklava, scarves, farmer’s markets, tote bags, Macintosh apples, swimming, tarragon, making lists (like this one!), a great bargain (is this every Midwestern Mom??), jewelry, PBS "how to" shows (especially Julia Child) and of course helping other artists learn and master a craft that that they too can enjoy.

 Mom's handiwork on display---Apologies to my brother.

While not a painter per se, Mom was a skilled craftsperson—Knitting, sewing, quilting, hooking (rugs just to be clear). Many of my students in the studio wear her colorful aprons. Speaking of sewing here’s a fun “throwback” photo of my brother and and I resplendent in 1970’s era Mom crafted Halloween costumes.

One of the many fun knitted gifts from Mom.

Interestingly, Mom named me after the Amy (the artist) in Alcott’s Little Women. She also told me once she took a drawing class at an art museum while she was pregnant so who knows? I was likely set on this path from the very beginning...

My namesakes: Amy & Beth

I'll miss you Mom but will you think of you often in the studio as I continue to teach and learn. My heartfelt thanks to students, friends, everyone who has sent me kind notes and warm thoughts this past week. Wishing you all too a happy and peaceful season of learning!