I Have Returned for 2009

I have been away for a long time and once again will attempt to update this blog at least weekly. I see my photo is gone and also two of my past pictures have been somehow taken away. (viruses and lack of house cleaning) My goal from now until the New Year of 2009 starts is to clean up this blog and add some interesting items, add the blogs I have been visiting and learning from, and to make a real attempt to see if "this year" will prove I can at least write in my Blog if not show some paintings and pictures. What would we do without HOPE?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, AND TO ALL MY FELLOW ARTISTS, THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN INSPIRATION IN 2008................

My Art Studio

My art studio is a wonderful closed in sunporch with lots of light. To the left(the top photo) is the office side where I work and keep my files and supplies. Also is a large bookcase of art books. To the right (photo on bottom)is my drawing table, two standing easles, paints and supplies that are being used. There are windows all around and the room is seperated by french doors going into the dining room. In the basement is a room for old paintings, and portfolios from the past. With each evening all the drapes are closed and should I paint at night, the room is equipped with studio lighting.

Ella

8" by 10" Acrylic on Canvas Board. Trying to limit myself to painting for only one hour. I dont want to get caught up in details and want to work with color and composition.

In time I would like to do a large painting of Ella but in the meantime I will do several studies to see which would be most appropriate for her home. I like the casual look but also would like to try doing a formal more realistic painting of Ella, possibly going back to oils. For now the acrylics have been a life saver in speeding up the return to painting. Oils are a much more demanding medium.

I have enjoyed these three days of painting, but find that even though this is only one hour, it is like starting physical exercise-you must retrain your brain (body) gradually. The concentration is clearly energy and it is good to be using this energy again. I have set aside the demands I have previously placed on myself-to create large wonderful art works, and I have decided to work slowly and to have more fun doing so, rather than looking at this as work. Again, I am enjoying this.

So, three paintings in a row. I must admit, painting is the first thing I think of when I wake up now, besides my children/where are they/how are they/when will i see them, etc.

I need to work on getting the October show together, and it will be a challenge.

Healthwise, today, I am feeling okay. 10mg cortef, will start zoloft this afternoon.

Maizey Golden Retreiver

Day two in painting, YEAH! My sister Jo Ann has asked me to do a painting of her golden retreiver Maizey. I did this study from 1pm to 2pm today and I believe this is the style she wants, from the picture she has sent. It was fun working on this. First time I have painted two pics in a row in over ten years. I like using acrylics as they are fast drying and easy for studies. The size of 8" by 10" on canvas board makes a good example of work. I certainly am rusty but not quite broke.

My health today is okay. Fighting a sore throat and fatique. Still at 10mg cortef and havent started my zoloft. Talked with Peggi about getting together about discussing art. Need to find out if October show at Gallery will work. Thanks everyone for getting me started painting again and thanks for your encouragement.

Mothers Day Tulips last day.

8" by 10" Acrylic on Canvass Board

Beginning Phase Two of Recovery and Artistic Journey

I have been away from my blog for some time now. During the months of October, November and December of 2007, I went thru Phase One of my medical recovery. I withdrew from 20mg of hydrocortisone (steroid) down to 10mg. I am a post Cushings patient and I also have vertigo, so with each cut, i became more ill. This is a long complicated story so I will not try to go into it.
January 2008 thru May 2008, I took a break from the medical part and had some time to regroup, visit with my family, and prepare for the next phase.
I am now starting the last phase- Phase Two. I plan to go from 10mg cortef to -0-. I also plan to start 25mg zoloft which will help with the vertigo. In addition I will be taking Genatropin .02 Growth Hormone shots since my GH is low. This should all take a period of three months. I hope to be in a better place at that time.


I am going to try to start back in with my art. There is a strong chance of me being in a group showing in October, 2008 and this should push me along. I will have days of dizziness, sickness, nausea, and pain during this time, but we shall see what it is i can accomplish.


Today is my first day back. May 19th, 2008.

Aunt Mary and Eileen (blocked in colors)

Again, trying to block in paint colors and then finish with detail. Hope to have this finished this month. Hope to have a great deal of detail to make this a painting worth giving my cousin.

Photo of Painting in Progress

This is my first visit to my blog in a few months. Trying to start the New Year out right. This, a photo of my aunt and cousin, was taken a few years ago and I have decided to paint this...oil painting about 30" by 40". I will show the first preview on next post. Changing from black and white to color has been a challenge.

.yet another picture from Maine

...driving past an old house that was filled with beautiful birdhouses...(having trouble posting these pictures as the resolution must be to high)....... Yes Fall was beautiful in Maine, and these birdhouses will soon have snow, much snow, on them.......so I will enjoy them while I can.

..another picture from Maine

...It is already October 29th and I have yet to paint anything, but have enjoyed looking at others paintings. I have some really good excuses, or reasons why I have not been painting, but I have promised to keep this blog strictly art related. So having said that, enjoy the picture and I may post a few more.

Photo from my trip to Maine

Returned yesterday from a week trip to Boston and Kennebunkport, Maine. Gorgeous weather and wonderful time. Need to get back to painting.