An Early Learning Time

Today, I am posting two of my earlier paintings(early 80’s).  The one shown above, I will title “Geese Flying”(I never titled it, and I hope they are geese).  It is now, wrapped, under the bed, or in my “archive” box, in my studio(a.k.a.-garage).  When I looked at the photo, I asked myself--why did I paint this?!!  I then answered--o.k., why did you paint it?  When looking back at old paintings, especially the ones we’re not so crazy about, I think we should ask that question, and here is my reasoning.....I liked the bright color of the sky, and the contrast of the geese.  It came to my attention that I still like those attributes in the paintings I do at this time in my journey.  That is becoming a part of my style, and I was not even aware of it early on.

Here’s a quote from an art book I’ve been reading:  “....., an artist remains a student throughout his life and is always changing his masters and changing his methods.”  W. Frank Calderon, Animal Painting and Anatomy.

This second painting was copied from a booklet on orchids.  My answer as to why----I love flowers.  We sure can see there was a lot to learn about tones, shading, etc., etc..  I was so proud of this one, at the time, and gave it to my mom.  It is still hanging in her home.  Makes me feel like an elementary school kid, with the pictures taped to the refrigerator.  I have to say--my mother has been my most avid supporter of my art work, and when I did ceramics.  After her comes my brother, sister, cousins, and friends--they have been and are wonderful supporters.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

My First Painting

As promised--this is my very first pastel painting.  My husband and I were visiting relatives in Cumberland, Md., and touring a quaint downtown area, when I noticed a small art supply store.  The rest is history.  It is done on paper, I believe Mi-Tentes, or one similar.  It was a long time ago, early 80's.  I copied it from a "flowers of Texas" brochure.  It still hangs in my living room, as I love Texas wildflowers, and it fits in with my Texas Hill Country decorating theme.  At that time, I hadn't learned the "thou shalt not copy"rules(except for practice and personal use), but then I don't have any intentions of selling it.

WELCOME--Artists and Friends

This is my very first internet reality.  Long ago I attempted to learn how to do a website and it never happened.  We have come a long way in "user friendly"!!  I am so excited, so let's get going.  My idea in starting, is to catch you up on where I have come from (pertaining to art), where I am now, and where I hope to go.  I will post photos of my paintings, and tell a little bit about them.  You will definitely be able to see how I knew nothing when I started out, and hopefully what I have been learning along the way, with a lot of learning to go.  A lot of the time I still think of myself as a beginner, but that is because I can see how much I don't know.  I work mostly in pastel.  I keep coming back to it when I venture off to try a different medium.  Occasionally, I like to do a drawing, trying to develop my toning skills.  One can never draw too much!  Please feel free to post comments and/or questions.  I am hoping, as I get into this blogging, that we can all learn from each other.  My next blog will be the very first pastel I did, the week I bought my first set of pastels while visiting relatives in Maryland.