Eat, Paint, Love!

Well, I did return home on Saturday. The first few days back is always a little tough. I'm still getting settled and will post some photos from the trip later in the week. I have about 2000 to dig through.
The workshop was amazing. The group that joined me in Southern France were open and eager to dig in and learn, grow and break through into some new territory. And they did!
It feels amazing to have worked with these 9 students who had an incredible desire and drive to follow it through as we worked on several concepts in painting.
I am so grateful for them....

Some of us started with a few days exploring Paris. We then joined the remainder of our group in Limoux, France, located in the farthest part of Southern France..

We were treated to some amazingly beautiful and luxurious accommodations along with a private chef or two, 4 star restaurants and local wine and cheese. Also we were led by two expert guides through the region to discover the historic villages and oh, did I mention some incredibly beautiful painting spots?

Quite a few of the painters who joined me for this workshop were new to painting outdoors and adapted with grace to the unpredictable wind gusts and a little rain. 

I will be sharing with you in future posts more about the lessons in painting and some of the beautiful locations we were escorted to in order to eat, paint and learn... Hmm, which reminds me we are all now part of our own private sisterhood of the traveling sketchbook club..!  Maybe we should write a book called "Eat, Paint, Love".!!

Photos From France Trip

Market Day in Beaune, Burgundy

 This is the little river that runs through town. We walked along and took photos on our first day. This is very Monet like!

 The river led to this beautiful pond.

 An evening stroll after dinner. The sky was really that beautiful and amazing.

 The little River again. 

 Market day on Saturday's

I know most of you want to see photos from France. I've been digging through them the last couple days. I guess I'll continue with the Beaune photos because we started there. It was such a lovely little town. I want to go back and paint there next year.
I'm already planning our next trip. We didn't paint this time, but there was so much to paint I want to make it one of our primary destinations for my workshop next year in France.

Beaune (French pronunciation: [bon]) is the wine capital of Burgundy in the Cote d'Or department in eastern France. It is located between Parisand Geneva.

Beaune is one of the key wine centers in France and the annual wine auction of the Hospices de Beaune is the primary wine auction in France. The town is surrounded by some of the world's most famous wine villages, while the facilities and cellars of many producers, large and small, are situated in Beaune itself. With a rich historical and architectural heritage, Beaune is considered the "Capital of Burgundy wines".

It is an ancient and historic town on a plain by the hills of the Cote d'Or, with features remaining from the pre-Roman and Roman eras, through the medieval and renaissance periods and up to recent history and modern times.

Beaune is a walled city, with about half of the battlements, ramparts, and the moat, having survived and in good condition, and the central "old town" is extensive. Historically Beaune is intimately connected with the Dukes of Burgundy.

Landmarks in Beaune include the Halles, the Hospices, the Beffroi, and Notre Dame.

There is a comprehensive "traditional" shopping area clustered around the central square with a focus on gourmet food, fashion, and wine, while large supermarkets, business parks, etc., are situated on the outskirts of town.

Beaune is the center for wine industry services (such as tractors and equipment for vat-rooms) as well as a number of wine-related institutes and education facilities. The train station is served by TGV, through Dijon or Lyon.

Beaune has a major fine food market on Saturdays, where there are a large number of stall holders supplying a broad selection of products and specialties from Burgundy and the surrounding regions. For example, Bresse chickens, Jura cheeses, small goods, spices, produce of every variety as well as seasonal specialties such as truffles.^[1] There is a smaller market on Wednesday, and special-event markets and fetes are held throughout the year.

Although Beaune is not primarily a tourist town but one centred around the wine industry, it nevertheless attracts a large amount of tourism. About five traditional smaller hotels are located within the city walls with around five chain hotels on the outskirts.

Technically Beaune is a commune in eastern France, a sub-prefecture of department 21, the Côte-d'Or department, in the Bourgogne region.

View from Aurel, Provence

This painting was kinda fun. An exercise in atmospheric perspective to be sure, but I couldn't get away with using a lot of cool colors while doing it. I'm not sure it is really done yet. Do you see anything that would help me finish it up? A lot of the time I take photos so I can see the problems with a painting. I'd appreciate your suggestions. I need to finish it up and get it to a show in about a week....

Christmas Week in Truckee

Every year my family spends the week between Christmas and New Years day up in our family cabin in Truckee California. It is usually a quick drive from Folsom. This year a little longer with the recent snowfall. It is amazingly beautiful up here. Last night we got at least 2 feet of new snow. It has been a wonderful few days so far, and I've been catching up with my twin sister Candy and her daughter Ashley.
Last night I was ready to paint. It has been too long.

It was late in the afternoon yesterday when I got started on this scene in France from a photo. The lighting in the cabin is not good at night so I wanted to just lay in the under painting. It started snowing last night and stormed until this morning. I couldn't believe the amount of snow we got overnight.

It looks like a good day to stay in and finish my painting!

I want to share my feelings with you......

I just have to share with you a recent letter I received from a friend. She and I used to share in some things in life together, and we have somehow lost touch with each other over the years. Our kids are friends and we do see each other, but only occasionally. I had posted on my blog and shared the post on facebook. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I read her words, so honest and heartfelt.....

Randy,

This is going to seem really strange to you to hear from me, but artists are people who "feel"in order to create and I want to share my feelings with you.

I was on Facebook, I saw your beautiful painting, and I wanted to look at it more, so I clicked on your blog. Suddenly, I was in another world. I started clicking the older posts link so I could read more about Paris and Provence. I found myself getting very emotional, and suddenly I started to cry. I didn't know why, but I imagine it has to do with several things. One, the beauty of the country held me. Then, reading about the joy that you were feeling while you were there moved me greatly. When I read about the man at the station trying to help you, I imagined you all alone, a bit fearful, and how brave you were to try to maneuver through this unfamiliar territory. I began to think of all the times that I have been in that position and thinking to myself "What's the worst thing that could happen? I could die, surely, but other than that, I'm ok." Unfortunately, it was never about a wonderful journey like yours, but nonetheless, it was the same feeling, I should think. I began to think about how I have always wanted to paint. I am a very good sketch artist, but painting has always intrigued me. I then began to think about my life and how it is solely made up of working and raising kids. I will never have an opportunity to go to France and study art. I will never be able to even stay anywhere in a first class hotel in America! I'm 57 years old, I have done most everything I ever wanted to do in my life, except have money enough to relax and enjoy it. Your blog touched me beyond words. In a way, I am sad for what I miss out on, but mostly, I am moved by the beauty of this world. Should I make a bucket list, or should I be content that God has given me a home and healthy children? Do I leave care to the wind and charge up a trip to a place that pulls at my heart, or spend all my money on this house and the repairs? In a few years, both my kids will be grown and I will be nearing retirement age. Will I have enough to survive, let alone enough to enjoy what remains of my life?

I am not asking for pity, at all. I am not even sure why I am telling you this, except the painting of a well dressed homeless French man brings me to tears and a picture of beautiful gardens where a famous artist once painted does the same. Is this the power of art? Does it move you so much that you begin exploring within yourself and go to places where you don't want to? I am not going to paint, as I imagine you will invite me, because I simply don't have any energy left. But, I thought to myself, "I wonder if Randy thinks about what people are feeling when they read her posts? Does she think that only artists and students of art are reading it? Does she think that her friends are reading it because they love her and want to see what she is up to? Or does some old friend from the past curiously explore her world and find emotions that haven't dredged up in a very long time?"

I think I should thank you, for the emotion that has come over me. I am not jealous, because I learned a long time ago that what I have is what God wants me to have. I just want you to have this gift, this knowledge that a simple post on Facebook has changed me today. Maybe just for today, I don't know. Or maybe it is the beginning of something that needs to stir inside of me.

I asked her if I could post her letter. She said I could, maybe an excerpt. But I had a hard time leaving anything out. Yes, she is an artist. But until I read this I thought she was an actress and I didn't know she was interested in painting. So, maybe some day she will decide to give it a go. I hope so. What I love most about being a teacher is seeing how much painting can bring joy, just pure joy, into one's life!
Why do I get to live my dream and not her? I think we shall find a way my friend. Blessings to you......

Bistro Jeanty

I started a new painting this morning. Will finish later today I hope. If you have not eaten at this French Bistro in Yountville, you must. Authentic French food. Yum! It's the next best thing to being in Paris!

10 x 10" Oil on Linen

Back to Monet's Garden

Back to Monet's Garden
Oil on Canvas  6 x  8"

Availabe $75

In the Mood for Poppies.....

Coming Up Poppies       Oil on Linen   24x24x1.5"

I decided to post a new photo of this painting that I did on Tuesday. It was such a whirlwind experience that I quickly snapped the photo I had up there and went to bed. I was tired and had class yesterday so now that I took a second look, decided to post a better photo. Although it still isn't coming out that good.
You might know that I've been working on a new series of paintings from the streets of Paris, France. Still consumed by my experience last summer in France. Anyway, I was struggling with these street scenes, (all new to me), and needed to let loose! This painting is the result.

In other news....
Life is good, and busy. Classes are going great on Wednesdays at the Capital Art Center. I also just hung new paintings at the Smith Gallery in downtown Sacramento. Come by for second Saturday if you can! Click on the link for more info.

Also, I want to thank all of you who have been coming by the blog and leaving your comments! This is really fun, and I'm enjoying your blogs as well. Check out some of them on the right side of the blog, by scrolling down.

I am also really looking forward to my first workshop/retreat! I am bringing a few students up to my second home in the Lake Tahoe area in September. This will be a special time to share tips, do a couple of demos and perhaps some plein air painting in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Not only that, I want to take time to relax and just paint or play, watch some how to videos, cook for one another and hike.  Good times ahead.

Soon after that trip I will be traveling down to Los Angeles to take a workshop myself! More on that later.

New Painting in "Paris" Series....

"The Well Dressed Street Man", Paris Series

I sneaked a photo of a man on the streets of Paris last summer. He just looked so different than the people you might see on the streets of San Francisco or New York. My thought was "wow, even street people in Paris dress well!" If I didn't see his belongings sitting there in a basket I wouldn't have believed that he lived on the street.....

I was so embarrassed to take the photo that it is a "moving photo" which was good for the painting because it left me with very little detail. I might make a few adjustments now after seeing the photo. What do you think?

More Good Stuff From Fine Art Views

Just wanted to share the latest blog from Fine Art Views. Just what I need to hear right now. Above is a photo from last summer in Avignon, France.

10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life

by Louise B. Hafesh

This post is by guest author, Louise B. Hafesh. This article has been edited and published with the author's permission. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Last year around the holidays, a good friend sent me a list entitled: "40 tips for a Better Life," which I have since seen published with various additions and deletions as "Enjoy the Ride," "45 life lessons and 5 to grown on," "20 tips for a better New Year."

As I read over the 40 inspiring tips, I realized with a little tweaking, some of the themes could easily be applied to us artists and set about drafting a version that became my 2009 New Year blog post. Heading into 2010, I took up the challenge again. Here, then, revamped are my "10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life."

1. Set consistent work habits and painting goals; then stick to them. Start each painting session by abandoning preconceived notions and stumbling blocks.

2. Be true to YOUR 'art and soul'. Encourage your inner vision; listen to your private voice; let your imagination soar, and don't concern yourself with what others may think of your work.

3. Take short breaks, particularly when you've hit a rough spot or are experiencing a painting block. Stand back from your canvas on occasion. Quietly review your day’s work and take it all in with a fresh eye.

4. Take pleasure in the painting process. Continually advance your skills. Read instructional books, attend workshops and exhibits, frequent museums, and study the masters.

5. Be generous with your knowledge. Whenever possible, exchange ideas, tips, techniques with other artists. Fine Art Views ("FAV") is a great place to start, as are Facebook and Twitter. The more you share, the more you learn, and the benefits of networking are limitless.

6. Be passionate about creating your art, but do make time to nurture relationships. As in all things in life, balance is key!

7. Clear out the clutter from your studio. It will help you hone in and focus. Reassess unfinished work. Categorize as salvageable or not. Discard or sand down any canvases that don't make the grade and start anew.

8. Learn from the challenges that each painting offers and move on to your next masterpiece. Keep a positive mindset and resist being over critical. Give yourself the right to make mistakes, a free rein to experiment. Remember, oil paint is forgiving, can be wiped out if wet; painted over when dry.

9. Bring HEART to your work. Treasure wisdom and innocence wherever you may find it.

10. Work from promise not fear... the best is yet to come! Think of that blank canvas as an opportunity to color your world!



----------------------------------------------

This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews by Canvoo,

a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,

collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).



This article originally appeared at:

http://clintwatson.net/blog/16278/10-Tips-for-a-Better-Painting-Life



For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

Christ was born for us!

Hey All,


I taught my last class of the year last Wednesday. Class will reconvene on Wednesday, January 6th. It's that time of year again, already, and I'm looking forward to Christmas with my family.

These past few weeks have been a struggle for me as an artist. Don't know for sure why but I'm guessing it has to do with the fact that I have a huge desire to get onto canvas the ideas in my head, but I have not had too much success. Too much new information, not enough practice. I have the terrible habit of telling myself that I'm a failure as an artist if I can't paint the way I want! How silly is that?

Anyway, I've been working hard, but with nothing much to show for it. Well that's not altogether true. I did spit out a couple of promising pieces this week, so we'll see. But, when I am in the truth of it all I can see that it is just my lack of patience with myself and that I shouldn't let that get in the way of my progress. Let's face it, painting can be a struggle at times.

This year has been a year of learning. I had a wonderful trip to France. That was amazing! Things at home are wonderful and I'm so proud of my kids this year. My husband is the best.

I just want to wish you all a blessed Christmas filled with the joy of Our Lord. He was born into the world to be like us, and to take on all of our sin and conquer it to give us freedom from our sin, and life with Him!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Just a Few Tips

By doing a few things different while painting, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and who needs trouble when painting is hard enough?  (It's not that I"m an expert on these matters, but along the way I have learned ways to make my life easier.)

It may seem like a small thing but cleaning brushes correctly is going to save your brushes. This goes for me too! If you want your brushes to last, it's important to take the time to keep them clean and conditioned. There are many ways to go about this, and I'm not saying mine is the best but this is how I do it (with very good results):
When I'm painting in the studio I use my brushes starting with the large ones and moving to the smaller ones. When I clean them, I start with the smaller ones and move to the larger ones. When I'm finished painting, I wipe each brush and squeeze out the paint with a paper towel. Then I dip it into the mineral spirits. The first dip (and this goes for during painting also), doesn't touch the bottom of the can. It will get the brush wet enough to get more paint out of it with another squeeze of the paper towel. The next dip is the swish into the tray inside the spirit can. Try to  gently wipe the brush back and forth inside the can to remove the paint. Wipe again with a paper towel. Do this one more time. Now dry the brush with the towel as much as you can to get the mineral spirits off. Mineral spirits, when left in the brush will dry the brush and make it brittle. After a brush gets brittle, the hair will break, and you will be buying another new brush before you know it. If you are going to clean your brushes with soap when you get home, you can put them away. If you are not going to get to it, take another step before you pack up. Invest in some walnut (or other)  oil and dip your brush into it, wipe again with your paper towel. As you wipe shape it and put it away. This will keep your brushes conditioned until you can soap them. When you use soap, use a gentle soap. http://www.brushflush.com/
I use brush flush. It will get paint out of anything and everything, even dried paint. It is very important that you don't let the paint dry in your brush. When cleaning with the soap, dip it into the soap and a little water, suds it up in your (gloved) hand, rinse. Repeat this until there is no more color coming out in the rinse water. Now wipe a little bit of the clean suds onto the bristles, shape with your fingers and lay flat to dry.

I am always trying to find ways to keep my mineral spirits clean while I'm painting. This in turn will keep my painting clean because my paint will stay cleaner. Also, if my mineral spirits aren't too mucked up, my brush will be cleaner and I can paint a brush stroke with clean color.
So let's say I've been painting in my studio, as I'm painting I wipe my brush after every brushstroke or two with my paper towels. I use as many paper towels as I need in order to keep the paint from getting all over everything. It is well worth going through a bunch of paper towels in order to get good results. It does you no good whatsoever to continue to try to use a paper towel if it is covered with paint! So, don't hesitate to throw away your paper towel, even if it is not half way used. You won't be sorry and your paint won't be all over you and your hands. (And everything else!)

It is also very important to keep your palette clean. After I've laid in my painting, I clean my palette. Scrape it with your palette knife, save your piles so you can use them in your painting, and wipe it down. If you need to you can dip your paper towel into your mineral spirits and wipe. A baby wipe works well to, but be careful because it may leave a little residue on your palette. Now you are ready to continue painting. This will save you considerable greif! Repeat as many times as you need. At the end of a session, use your razor blade scraper and scrape down your palette. I move my piles of paint at this point, into a clean area, clean underneath the area where the paint sits, and them put the paint back in it's place. I am now ready for my next session with clean juicy paint (and brushes). Put a lid on your palette. If you don't have a lid, wrap it with saran wrap, tightly. When you get home, put it in your freezer. It will last longer and be fresh the next day.

Photos from July in Paris. Isn't she beautiful? Tomorrow I'm driving to the Bay Area again for my Plein Air class with Brigitte Curt.  http://www.classart.org/  I'm hoping for a good painting day, and I'm beginning to feel like maybe I can really be an artist some day!

The Village of Brantes

On a beautiful warm day we drove to the village of Brantes. It sits on a hill in the Luberon Valley, a little bit farther for us to drive. Before entering the village we stopped on a hairpin curve where Jim told us we were going to paint. Okay! After that, we earned our lunch and dinner just walking up into the village. The bell tower stood above it all. A very historic place with an old, old church that was open to the public. And then, as we get beyond the bell tower, an incredible view! The valley below with a few ranches and then the huge mountain range behind. We had lunch right there in a little restaurant/book store, outside looking at the view.

After lunch, it was time to take a historic tour by our walking encyclopedia/teacher. For the rest of the afternoon, we opened our sketch books to record some of the beauty inside the village. Finally, we had the opportunity to visit the local potter and his wife. Ooo la la!

To leave a comment on this blog click  onto the comment link at the bottom of the blog. I'd love to know what you think and we can reply to each other if you would like to discuss anything about painting or France!

My French Getaway

Got back on Tuesday night, after two days of travel. Trained from Southern France on Monday up to Paris, and flew out on Tuesday, 14 hours of flight. Surprisingly, I feel pretty good. Slept throughout the night (mostly) these last two nights. I'm up early this morning watching the Tour de France, as they are cycling right through the same region in which I've spent the last couple of weeks. Beautiful country, sky's, fields of lavender and warm weather!

I've taken over 23oo photos and now face the task of trying to organize and post the ones I want to share with you. My trip started with five days in Paris, so I will start with those photos first and document my trip so you can follow along! So much to share so I'll be working hard to get it all posted. I'm excited about the photos. For me, this was the trip of a lifetime and I want to share the experience. Originally I was to take the workshop in Provence but since this was my first trip abroad I decided right away that I couldn't go all the way to France and not spend at least a few days in Paris. It all worked out beautifully and was better than my greatest hopes.

More to come...