Ugh!

I was hoping to be done with this by now. But this is a painting where my original drawing is much bigger than the painting calls for, so I'm struggling this week with getting the size difference correct. This is something you don't get on most other Painters blogs, the admission that sometimes....we aren't so hot. This canvas has been sitting at the other end of the room for me to stare at while I realize it's something I failed at, several times. A constant reminder. But don't despair, I'll get it right eventually, but it's going to take some time. In fact, I already failed at tonight's attempt. But I'll work through, Malissa has reminded me that I've worked through the hard stuff many times before and always figure it out in the end. Now I'm just tired. Ugh.

What to do?

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope all is fine with you and yours. I'm still beating my head with the current painting, but I started drawing the portrait for my next painting. I'm thinking about trying to do some pieces for an upcoming contest with the Portrait society of America. If I could get in it could spring board me to a new level of recognition as a painter in this country. I have kind of a negative opinion of these contests but still, I might. I guess I'll see how good this one comes out. Check out their site, it's the real deal! http://www.portraitsociety.org/

As the leaves Fell She Wept

I'm still working on the new painting, but I decided to show a piece of Cliffs Art history. The is a piece I painted and sold a few years ago. It's one of the internet sales I had, but shipping really bites into any profits so I backed off, but still, I think a lady in Florida owns it now. This is As the leaves Fells, She Wept. It was a small piece had featured Robin at Anglin Falls. She's a fantastic model and a great person. She as kind as anyone ever and for modeling will crawl, climb or anything to make a great shot. A real sport.

New Painting

Still progressing on this new painting. I have to work hard on the face because it's really small in the painting. I'm feeling more comfortable with the fields, I've been doing rocks and leaves for so long I was really used to them. Love Shaker Town.

Sixth and Main Coffee House Exhibit

Stream Walker sold at the exhibit opening Saturday night. It;s one of my favorite paintings, it has my wife in it. Also, I hung out with some my oldest friends, the people who are with me in the bottom picture.

Framing

Once again I find myself up at 2:00am in the garage working on this frame. I've learned some good things from my boss about making frames better and I was able to utilize some of that knowledge here. Big thanks to him. I'm pretty much ready for the show now. And I invited everyone of you, but if you can't come don't worry. I know most people can't, I just want to send out the invite to let people know I'm active and doing something. It's funny how many times people will see me and say "Still painting" or "You need to announce your shows more often". Strange because they are announced here and on me blog. Anywhoo, everyone take care and have fun!

New Painting

Here is the start of the new painting. I love to paint these hills at Shakertown. I just did a little then walked away but I think this is going to be cool. And this is on a canvas too.

New drawing

Here is the drawing for the next painting, or at least half of it. The drawing is about 11 inches tall, but I decided to do it much smaller because of the canvas I chose to do it on. Yes, canvas. I'm try to use them more, it saves me from having to use my time preparing the wood with a frame on the back for strength. I also found a good sale at Micheal's so I grabbed them. Plus, I wonder if people would buy them more if it was on canvas instead of wood. Canvas is so traditional and all. We'll see. Oh, what I did to finish it as a full, yet smaller drawing is scan it into the computer, print it and then draw a skirt, which took about five minutes. It's about six inches as a full drawing now.

Still painting

Here is where I am now. I'm not done but I'm getting closer. I've been working on a frame the last two nights.You can see it above. I've painted it with Stain markers, stain and color pencil. Right now I'm just gearing up for the Sixth and Main Coffee House show. I put another fence in this one. The other was out of proportion. I feel I'm getting better at capturing the day time light.

Exhibits

I shared a "support your local artists thing" earlier on Facebook, and mentioned my upcoming show in Shelbyville, but don't forget to see my art at Christ Church Cathedral here in Lex if you haven't yet. My piece Hunter of the Valley is there. It's not what I do now, but one of my older pieces. I try to keep showing different things, keep everyone on their toes. I don't want to be boring. This is no particular place but based on the different landscapes I've seen in Kentucky while camping and hiking at night. And I also read Great Horned Owls really like eating skunks.