Ellen’s Studio

Oh my I had fun painting at my pal, Ellen’s Studio, recently. Before I share more, I want to welcome new and returning readers to this blog. If you’re new, here’s a description of the purpose and focus. I post paintings, some art history and other creative resources weekly. Sign up here for a weekly dose of color, paintings, work in progress, studio life and insights on art history and more.

How Did That Happen

It was a rainy weekend, and Mr Himself was away camping with a buddy. Coincidentally, my pal, Ellen, asked if I wanted to join her in her studio for a few hours. We are a one car family these days. So I wasn’t sure I wanted to walk to her studio in the rain. No problem!

Later that weekend, I had packed up my paints and hopped into Ellen’s truck. Not sure about you, but I love visiting other people’s studios. There’s so much energy, goodness, and regular stuff, too. Such as? Such as paintings, some finished and unfinished, stacked here and there. So, Ellen’s studio did not disappoint.

She got right to work.

Embracing the Process

Me? I wandered to different spots in her studio, used my view finder to assess the potential. After I decided on two different spots, I set up my easel on a tripod, paints and a panel. I narrowed the choice to the painting you see here today because of the amazing blue-ish light coming through a window in her studio.

As I start mixing colors, I break a palette knife. Bummer! It’s all good. I use the other palette knife to get ready. I share all of this with you because, well, I’m a slow setter upper. And, even if I was a speedy setter upper, stuff happens. These days, I’m so grateful to be able to paint most days. Who cares if I’m slow, right?

Here It Is

Here’s the finished painting. I did not finish it on the spot. It took a few more sessions for me to get what I wanted it to feel. But shazam, I love that this painting feels serene and busy at the same time. It also helps that there are so many things I admire about Ellen. She, like so many painters I know, paints nearly everyday. She loves what she does and it shows.

If you love this painting as much as I do, you can have it for your very own. Simply click the Paypal button below. Oh and it’s a 6×12 inch unframed painting on panel.

What Else Is Happening

Well, thank you for asking! Even though it’s only February here in Raleigh, the weather is amazing. So today, before writing this blog, I set up my paints and painted outdoors all day. Ooooh la la it was gorgeous.

Here’s my trusty companion, BDE (Best Dog Ever), holding the fort down near my easel. And, perhaps you think I’m a bit over cautious leashing her in our backyard? You’re right. But, we are not fenced in completely. And, there are gazillions of rabbits everywhere these days. She can bolt after those little fluffy critters faster than you can imagine!

It felt fantastic to be painting outdoors while the Cooper’s Hawk flew overhead. There were so may other birds that entertained too.

How About You

How about you, gentle reader, have you been able to get outside yet? If not, don’t despair, spring is around the corner. If you have wandered outdoors and even if you haven’t, please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!