"Sitting Pretty in Italy" SOLD

"Sitting Pretty in Italy"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$550

Today was Day 1 of my workshop in Maysville,KY.
Nearly an hour drive through the heart of the country, my day started with view after view of those kind of things  that bring a calm and steadiness to the heart.
Foggy mists lying in valleys low, strong morning sun streaming through colorful trees--and a few cows that looked my way, albeit a bit disinterestedly:)))
It was a great way to ease into my next to last workshop for 2011.
I feel so honored to meet and teach the people that somehow have found their way into a workshop with me:))  Their energy, their beingness, is truly a gift.

And who would have guessed.  Eddie...in an attempt to clean up his bad boy reputation--ACTUALLY SENT FLOWERS!!!

Well, actually, it was Rosemary---with Rosemary Brand brushes attached--and they weren't sent, they were delivered in person by artist Barbara Lowry who said Phyllis was part of the game plan too.  I actually think Barbara and Phyl put it together.  I can't imagine Eddie thinking of someone besides his own little furry self.

Guess I'll find out when my bill hits.  If he indeed was the gifter, he will have, no doubt, gifted me via my own credit card---that's how Ed rolls.

And I can't wait to try the new brushes!!  I have a feeling Eddie was only on board for those because he thought it would be a "brush his fur" kind of brush...

Workshop photos heading your way, so stay tuned:))  Wish you were here painting with us!

In Other News:  "Dreama's Favorite Art Stuff"  I get emails asking about lots of things-- from how I photograph my work to what colors I use on my palette and what books do I think are the best--so I have created a little store with just those kinds of goodies in it:))  My favorites and why.  You can have a peek by clicking here.

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"Maysville, Clooney, and Maggie"

What a beautiful ending to another great workshop in Maysville, KY!  I am scheduled to return  here next year, last week of October 2011--which is good 'cause it feels like home..:))  From Barbara who says she thought this was her 6th workshop with me (I call these people repeat offenders..:) to Ann, Bill, Cheryl, Rene and Susan who I met for the first time--it was altogether an incredible 3 days! 

Ann Tristani, Claudia, Susan, Marilyn, Rene, Donna, Vicki (missing from photo due to photographer (me) forgetting to snap photo earlier...) Bill Brison, Sarah, Barbara, Anne, Betsy, Ann, Barbara, Brenda, and Cheryl.  The girls you see here hung around and helped me pack up all my stuff---how sweet is that!! 

Some of the girls ran into Nick Clooney  at one of the local restaurants and he sang to them.  I am thinking he did so after hearing about his son, George, being an "almost" guest on  my internet radio show.  Just sayin'...

 Another day in the paint mines....

We played some good music for our musical easels exercise and Bill danced. At least I think that's what he was doing...

Workshops can be unpredictable--you think you know people 'til you spend three days with them and their loaded paintbrushes.... 

So one workshop is ending and another one begins...next Friday in Lexington, KY.  Just the right amount of time to rest my feet, paint some paintings, and let Eddie wear on my last nerve....

Gratitude Mission, Day 5: Thank someone who makes a loved one’s life better

#30Thanks Day 5




My husband's friend is who I would like to thank today.  This friend of 4 years has been responsible for so many good things in my husbands life.  They hang out together and I notice Ron is always more relaxed for having done so.  Everyone needs a great listener in their life and this friend is one of the best I've seen.  This friend has  even influenced my husband in taking better care of himself, getting some regular walking time in spite of a hectic schedule.  They like the same movies, the same food--they even have the same taste  in furniture!  And to beat it all--it's a girl.  Good thing I'm not jealous.  Thanks Maggie for being the best friend a guy could have and making Ron's life so good, every day.  I think you are awesome no matter what Eddie says.

                                                                 
                                                                                    Maggie Pin It

"Happy Dots" SOLD

"Happy Dots"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

(yet to be signed and tweaked, will be available for purchase end of week..:))

Polka dots make me happy.  They seem just a bit juvenile and a little carefree.  It seemed like a good combination for a paint along with the class today.  As you can see below, I planted this painting and it has produced a bumper crop..:))  These artists are moving fast--can't wait to see what they come up with tomorrow--which will be the last day.  It always flies by so fast, I can hardly believe it!  Tomorrow a group photo is in order so you can see the faces behind these beautiful paintings..:))  

Gratitude Mission, Day 4: Thank a utility or service worker

#30Thanks  Day 4

Okay.  This one wasn't as easy for me.  I had to stop and give it some thought.  Which, after having expended brain cells all day teaching, was quite the effort..:))  But I do appreciate all the people behind the scenes who work at  keeping me (us) in electricity.  From keeping my air in my studio clean to lights to paint by, from hot baths to soak tired feet  (after workshop) to microwaves to make hot chocolate --my life would require a lot more work to achieve the same results.  Ever heated water on a wood stove to try and get enough to take a bath with???  Yep, I can pretty much say a very hearty thank-you to all the folks who keep the juice running to my home.  I take so much for granted when I flip on a switch and have a world of conveniences at my fingertips.  Life is so good!  Thanks to all who work as utility and service workers! 

Since I a sure it has crossed your mind---  I did ask Eddie if he wanted to take part in the gratitude mission.  I thought it might help him to put things in perspective a bit.  Now I am wishing I hadn't .  He handed me his list this morning. 

It started with him "thanking all the little people" and went south from there....

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"A Delightful Day 1/Maysville Workshop"

"Day One Demo"

12 x 12

Wow.  Today has been a full day, but like when you overeat during the holidays, given the same opportunity.....I'd do it again..:))!!  Day 1 of my workshop at Maysville was picture perfect (pardon the pun) in every way.  It may have been cold and gray outside, but we had lots of color kickin' indoors.  The artists who are in this workshop---well, what can I say---spending time with them I feel such warmth and good  feelings, it is truly a gift!

Ann Tristani of Minnesota has got her painting well under way.  

She does beautiful work, click here to have a look! 

 And some shots of the group painting away!

After the workshop was over for the day, I paired up with Leslie Saeta to do our Artists Helping Artists radio show (which is, by the way, available for you to listen too, no matter where you live, because you listen to it via the internet). 

Just go to the Artists Helping Artists Blog ( http://artistshelpingartistsblog.blogspot.com/ ) and click on the links under each show topic to catch up on some of the great shows we have been having.  Next week's guest will be Scott Christensen. 

Gratitude Mission, Day 3: Thank someone who makes you             laugh!

#30Thanks Day 3

My sister Rhonda has been making me laugh for all of my life (she's 4 years older).  That kind of wheezing, can't get your words out, laugh 'til you are  crying kind.  And over the most ridiculous of things.  Like the time we donned swimsuits that had "shrunk" since we last had them on, barely covered our self with motel sized towels (think hand towel size), to make a mad dash for the elevator to ride down to the hotel  hot tub--made the dash without being seen and as we are congratulating ourselves on our victory, turned to face the back of the elevator which turned out to be  all glass and was  lowering us down into the bar/restaurant area.  Sister's famous line??  "And there we stood....looking like a couple of marshmallows with tourniquets on."  Thanks sister for all the times you have made me laugh out loud and giggle like a 5 year old..:))) Pin It

"On the Banks of the Ohio... the Maysville, KY Workshop!"

It's going to sound a bit corny, but I actually got a little sad tonight realizing this workshop was coming to a close. Tomorrow is the last day. So many precious people that I have had the privilege of spending some time with, painting, laughing, teasing, and getting a peek into their personalities. There are so many special people on this planet and I feel like they are the ones that show up for my workshops! This is the last group for 2009 and they, like all of the others this year, have enriched my life, made me think, helped me grow. It's interesting 'cause I always work hard to give my best, but the truth is, the goodness from the people I am around comes rushing back so fast it could knock you down! Wow, wow, and wow!!

I hope to post photos of their work tomorrow--my computer is misbehaving this evening. These girls have worked hard and produced a lot of great pieces---I swear, they said they did lunch today, but when I came back from the break, they were in the same spots painting.....I am not really sure they stopped to eat! This is a motivated, dedicated bunch of artists!

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