Thinking of Holiday Traditions

Each year we do things that bring us together and remind us of traditions specific to ourselves, community and, family and friends. They remind us of who we are and who has come and gone. It is my hope for this year that each of us enjoy and treasure our time together.

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Painting Windows with a History

Welcome to the studio; painting was fun this week. I remembered who, what, when, where of the windows. Each window represents something to me. They hold images, sounds, smells, feelings for me. I lingered while painting them. The door is special also – in it’s odd little way.

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Redrawing is Necessary

Old wooden house sketch with outdoor porch and vintage furniture.

When I started to paint this week, I realized that my drawing had been smudged beyond usefulness. I could not put in the planks of the deck until I knew where the feet of the chairs would go, etc. So the sisters needed to be redrawn more specifically as to place. Redrawing is a necessary part of painting. After painting around and on the subjects, they have become fuzzy and a little pushed around. Creating a clear and concise drawing makes a path to a better painting.

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Painting is Life

Charming porch scene with vintage chair, blooming flowers, and classic architecture.

Painting is Life (Ted Lasso reference). Painting is my life… It’s good to be back. Here is an update on the painting “Comings and Goings,” oil 24×36, Collection of the artist. Blanchard Family Home on Sullivan’s Island.

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From Behind the Easel

Vintage house with red roof and white porch, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

Blanchard Family Home on Sullivan’s Island. This porch has held all my people – while they nursed their sunburns, visited with one another, and told stories – old and new. This view is on the right side of the front door. The dining / party room. I wonder how many times “Happy Birthday” has been sung around that table?

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Springbank Retreat Center

I went straight to Springbank Retreat Center, in Kingstree, South Carolina.  My purpose in going was to deliver a gift from Pam. She had left the Center a world class collection of religious icons she had collected from all over the world. She had wanted to deliver them herself, but became too ill.

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Plein Air Pleasure

Painting “en plein air” is such a pleasure. I carry a studio bag with me at all times. At anytime and anywhere painting can commence! My current sketchbook has just been completed. Time to put a new sketchbook in the bag and share some of my favorites with you.

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A Few More from the Road

Trees to and from Stockbridge were so very beautiful. I painted two when I got home. Finished just this morning. Ironic that today is very much overcast and wet like it was there, just considerably warmer. I am grateful! This will be the final chapter in this trip to the Berkshires, but am planning another trip in the fall.

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Old Growth Trees in Winter

Surrounded by the winter landscape, I was drawn to the old growth trees. Looking at them without their leaves gives insight into their shape, color, and texture. Evidence of good times and bad as they continue to grow.

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Paintings from the Road

Mount Jackson on a Cloudy Day

Don’t you love a road trip? Everything was new to us; absolutely exciting. Connecting with a new landscape on the road. I carry a mobile studio and paint every chance I get – when I am not knitting socks.

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