Cedarburg 2013 From my point of view!

For most of the last  two weeks 170 artists converged on a smaller historical community just north of Milwaukee called Cedarburg. In it's 13th year I believe this is the largest open plein air competition in the country! I may have a somewhat unique view of this event as I have been one of nine people on the planning committee. We meet nearly all year to create this event which is fun but also a whole bunch of work!! This year we needed to limit the number of artists to 170 as we have run out of space to hang all the art!! How crazy is that??

The 2013 Cedarburg Plein Air Event planning Committee

In spite of a deluge of distractions (the usual health issues...water heater going out at home and leaking pipes...of course while the hubby was gone!) I had a great time!!! And I think I produced some of my better work (but you can decide that).

Turbulence
20x16 oil
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What is absolute gold to me at this event is being able to spend time with artists friends who I other wise only find on social media etc. I value the openings...lunch with friends...painting next to other painters and the talk. Talk about art, color, composition, brushwork, excellence, motivation, other events, edges, form, light and so on all sprinkled liberally with laughter! I crave this interaction with my peers and if I missed seeing you I am sorry. So many established artists are open and willing to help those who have just begun it gives me hope for this state. Time will tell but I think a day may be coming when the good people of Wisconsin will buy art instead of beer (...or maybe buy art while drinking beer!) They certainly showed up seeking art at this event as much art was sold!!

A bunch of artists talking shop at the Port Washington opening!

So here is the rest of the work I produced this week...see you next year Cedarburg!!

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My First Ever Self Portrait!

Self Portrait
16x20 oil on linen panel

I've never done a self portrait before and (as my grandson's classmate said the other day) I am old. 59 in fact. I have been painting now for over thirteen years and I thought it was time to tackle my own face.  The model kept moving...can you believe it? I did learn a lot and will probably do this again not because I am enamored with myself but because I am determined to learn how to paint people in all their nuances! I did discover a real cool way to make a lovely deep flesh tone by mixing Grumbacher Red and Richeson Shiva Yellow Citron (which is a relatively new color on my palate that I am in love with). My friend Carolyn said I was the kid in school who always had the big box of crayons!! Ha!

30 Day Painting Challenge: Day 7: Tarnished

Tarnished
12x12 oil on linen panel
$390

                                                              

Day 7: WHEW! This was an all day wrestle!!! I think I won...you tell me! Again my aim was juicy pieces of color while still remaining fresh. Because of the gray teapot surface I kept just getting mud. I really needed to keep the values right while changing out color. I was tempted to give up on this a number of times so I took a break...took a nap...walked the dog. I kept going back to the easel determined to have my way with this piece. Tomorrows got to be easier...right???

Day 6: 30 Day Challenge Wee Teapot

Wee Teapot
12x12 oil on linen panel
$390

                                                             

Day 6: Ok...I am feeling like a painter again! Gotta tell you I was a little rushed for time today so I got out my palette knife right from the start. There is a LOT of paint on this surface and I love it.  Every canvas...a lesson. That's my motto! I love these beat up old teapots...I buy them because of it. Gives me hope that this beat up old soul could still be loved!

30 Day Challenge: Day 4: Blue Vessel

Blue Vessel
12x9 oil on panel
$300

                                                              

So Day 4: I am getting into a rhythm of sorts. It is helping to paint the familiar and loved. Way in the back of your mind the shape is already there. You will be seeing more of my teapot collection in this series...they hold residence on the rail between my kitchen and my dining room. More are scattered around the area not unlike punctuation marks in the decor! See you tomorrow! Oh by the way, if you should happen to come to my house this month...it's a mess...just sayin...:)

30 Day Painting Challenge: Day 3 Czechoslovakian Pitcher

Czechoslovakian Pitcher
9x12 oil on panel
$190

                                                             

Day 3: This pitcher was calling me after painting the sugar and creamer! I am beginning to feel like an artist is awakening in me again! Thank you Leslie Byrd Saeta (http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/) for creating this 30 day challenge. Well over 200 artists are doing it and you can see their work on Leslie's blog! I'm thinking the first 3 make a great set...don't you?

30 Day Paint Challenge: Day 2 Czechoslovakian Sugar Bowl

Czechoslovakian Sugar Bowl
8x8 oil on 3/8" panel
$150

                                                              
Day 2: I have decided to continue painting things found around my home (unless I can get outside to do some plein air I will stick with this for this challenge)! There is some comfort in painting familiar things that have form and color and sheen you "know". An interesting thing happens as you paint...you find a new respect for them...you notice things before unseen. I always loved the bright colors of this pottery and there is another personal connection with them as they were collected by a friend! Stay tuned for tomorrow!

ps...should you wish to purchase more than one painting...I could be talked into a bit of a discount...just e-mail me!

30 Day Painting Challenge: Day One: Czechoslovakian Creamer

Czechoslovakian Creamer
8x8 oil on 3/8"panel (unframed)
$150

                                                              

OK so day one was a bit of a struggle but I am determined!!! For today...I painted! Mostly done with my palette knife this is one of many pieces I have in my home. Tune in tomorrow!