The Painting Spectrum - Filling In The Spaces

   I came to a realization this week - I'm getting into full-blown Christmas mode. I'm finally done with Thanksgiving and all that goes with it; from all the gratitude to the leftovers neither my husband nor I could handle anymore. It's officially December; our Christmas tree is up and half the house is decorated. In a sense, my studio is sacred ground. All art, all the time. It keeps me focused. The painting I completed this week was started early Monday morning and was finished the next day. Since other holiday festivities and commitments fill my schedule, it was the only painting I did all week.

   By Saturday, I started going through art withdrawals. To compensate for this, my husband, my only granddaughter, and I went to the monthly Art Lab at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art where we live in Rockland. We all became involved in a sculptural project, where the instructions were to create any part of the large museum and fill it with "art of your own making". We all started with two black "walls" and a "floor" that all made a kitty corner area that was made from thin foam board. The recreation objects included everything from paper, cardboard shapes, puff balls, baubles, trinkets, (everything from buttons to wire to safety pins), toothpicks, dowels, and plastic whimsies too numerous to mention.

   My husband Dave made a very nice piece with geometric shapes using an assortment of objects ranging from wooden objects to tongue depressors. He did a colored pencil sketch and glued it to one of his "walls". He even cut some electrical wire that had connectors on the end and made "wall lights". He finished off his space with a statue in the corner. In the end, it was very symmetrical; but that's the way he is - he's used to balance as well as the "balance of three's" being a photographer. Our granddaughter actually recreated a garden scene complete with an elaborate water fountain. Very intricate but artistic for a 9-year old. She's kind of a combination of Dave and I.

   Mine of course, was a little more of a rough journey. Sculpture is my weakest art form and I hardly dabble in it. This project however, was good for me because not only did it get me out of my head, but it got me out of my comfort zone. For me, it's good to get uncomfortable with art - that's how I learn and learn to grow. I began in the corner with a toothpick and a corrugated cardboard shape to act as a free floating sculpture. I used other toothpicks with flower-like beads for other standing sculptures. I crinkled paper for a 3rd sculpture, glued some puff balls and other trinkets on my "walls" and added some resemblance of human interaction by adding a wooden object that was in the shape of a bench. To be honest, I wasn't really happy with it... until I turned it completely upside down. Now everything was on the ceiling as well as the walls. The instructor raved - "...an inverted art gallery or space! That would be awesome!" I liked it; the instructor totally dug it; others just stared on in confusion. Mission accomplished!

   Getting back to my painting; my non-artistic friends are starting to get a little leary of coming over to visit me while I'm in my studio. I keep asking them what they think of my latest abstract oil spill inspired works. This week I finished a 20x30 oil painting entitled "Catastrophe". It's almost like a sculpture within that space that has to be considered. In a space close to me or in an area that will be "pushed back", what colors do I use to portray distance?

   Red hots allude to being up close where as pastel lavender recedes into the background creating the illusion of more than one plane or surface. That way, the painting doesn't come off as flat. The variety of colors draws the viewers eyes to roam the surface while their mind identifies with something it likes or is drawn to. The goal of the series is to have an eclectic experience of art. Art in its purest form. My expression of inner emotions - nothing more, nothing less. No story here; just unabashed, raw feelings filling in the spaces.

   Until next time,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill

  

The Painting Spectrum - Let's "Process" Art

   It was a disappointing week for me. First off, I wasn't able to paint. For those of you who read my post from last week, may remember that I mentioned this future prediction; I mentioned Thanksgiving week was going to be a stretch to get any painting done. So, if I realized this fact almost a week ago, why am I still disappointed? I'm disappointed because I didn't paint - even though I realized in advanced there was a strong possibility of it not happening. Thus, is the cycle of the artist mindset.

   My second disappointment was the fact that my two pumpkin pies I baked for Thanksgiving dinner turned out to be disasters. It turned out I didn't follow the baking directions properly and I was missing one or two ingredients. Why? I thought it wouldn't matter in the end. What does this have to do with art? Read on.

   A good friend of mine reminded me that like art, many things have a certain process that needs to be followed, or the finished work will not be our best. Time tested procedures and directions must be followed. Shortcuts cannot be taken. If we do that, the finished work may even look somewhat decent, but under closer scrutiny, will show a great deal of flaws. My good friend also got together with me to help bake additional pies. We followed the process to the letter and all of them came out (and tasted) flawless.

   After our pie-making excursion, I invited her to my studio to view my latest paintings. She is not fellow artist, nor an avid art lover. However, I was still surprised at what she had to say about my latest abstract paintings. At one point, she twisted her head sideways to get another view of them.

   "This painting looks like a large bird," she pointed out to me. Then I held up the painting with one of the new frames my husband and I purchased recently. "Wow - it looks great in a frame. The colors really stand out."  I put the frame and canvas down. She walked over to the painting and continued critiquing in her own way; "It looks like energy is coming in from outer space - and in this sky looking area - it looks like the energy is flowing to the ground." 

   This is one of the beautiful aspects about art. We don't always have to try and figure what the painting is about. We don't have to know what each line and/or object is. My friend looked at a painting and identified what she liked about it and what drew her to the painting. That equals why she can enjoy it. Consider it the process of viewing art. Just like there is a creative process to actually paint the painting, the same could be said for viewing it. Ditto for making great pies!

   When I paint, I don't think in the logical sense. As crazy as that sounds, it works. I dance with my paint across the surface of the canvas. It's what I do naturally. This is part of my creative process and it comes to me easily.

   We all have gifts and talents. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my husband, family, friends, and the talents we all have. By the way - here's a picture of my "perfect" pie. And it tasted just as good as it looks. Amazing what happens when you follow a process that works...

Until next time,
The Thankful Painter,
Jill

  

The Painting Spectrum - Painting And Protests

   I honestly thought I would not be using this phrase yet; "The Holiday Season". But we can't blink the fact that it's now right around the corner starting, in my book, on November 25th. With this fact on the table and space already being at a premium in my studio, I knew these past seven days would be a key week to paint daily as much as possible. I almost hit my mark - I was able to paint Monday through Thursday to just that goal. Those of you who follow my blog, know I rarely paint on weekends, so 4 outta 5 ain't bad. Each day, I painted for however long it took me to complete a painting. There were some evenings my arms and shoulders were more sore than others. However, the colors flowed onto the canvas easily and intuitively.

   My emotions have been running high over the past 10 days or so; everything from the political scene, to the Super-moon last Monday, to a friend being on the receiving end of a racial incident. Another example of mans inhumanity to man. As corny as it may sound in these modern times, I keep hoping and praying there will be harmony and peace on this planet.

   There are still blessings to be found in everyday life, regardless of how chaotic. For example, my husband and I had a chance to spend some time with our oldest grandkids this weekend, while our oldest daughter attended a peaceful protest march in her hometown. The sign she held during the march stated "Tolerance is Humanity". That slogan was good food for thought - what if, in the art world, we did not tolerate works that were "different than ours" or "that we don't understand", or works "we don't agree with". Zero tolerance for new art make a very dull world.

   When my daughter came to pick up her kids, she found our first round of frames that had been delivered to our door for both mine and my husbands art shows that will be taking place next summer and autumn. We were pleased with the quality and how the frames looked. I also liked how the black frame looked against the bright colors of some of my latest oil-spill inspired abstract paintings. The works looked very dramatic, or as my husband and daughter mentioned, "it was so... me". I can't wait for the gallery to display these works. It also made me thankful that this gallery decided to display mine and my husbands works. They are very different than what's being displayed now. I'm glad they took a chance. While others may "protest" in some small way because the works being displayed are not a floral, or landscapes, or still life's (in which there is nothing wrong with these genres), the gallery wanted a change; to shake things up. For this, we're all for it.

   Until next time,
   The Protesting Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Clean Slate, Clean Palette

   It was another whirlwind week filled with voting (and that whole tense situation), making a trip to see my dentist, and a road trip to Massachusetts for a Veterans Day ceremony - and somewhere in all that I managed to finish another oil spill inspired painting. Part of my painting process is to maintain, to the best of my ability, an even emotional keel. My mantra is a desire to paint beauty. Beauty comes in many shapes, forms, and colors. My palette is a rainbow - one mindset I embrace is, if I can begin with happiness, I shall end with happiness.

    This is one reason why for this campaign season (marathon?), I shut off the television and blocked all political posts from my Facebook feed. I stayed informed enough for my comfort level, but that was my personal boundary. This past week however, a heaviness still weighed the atmosphere. By Wednesday morning, it seemed almost all of America had a massive political hangover. I had to strictly regiment my time this past week to avoid negativity at all costs. This meant no media at all; radio, newspaper, TV, and the Internet. My husband burned a massive stack of new CD's, so that is what played almost all week. This is part of my creative process. I need a "clean slate and clean palette" emotionally and mentally in order to paint or I won't be able to focus on my work.

   By midweek, I made my dentist appointment for a routine cleaning. In the hygienist's office, there was a cute stuffed purple dragon in the corner. He had green horns, a purple body, and big red dots on his face. He also had a set of false teeth and was holding an oversized toothbrush.  
"The kids call him Fuzzy," Alice told me as she scraped my teeth. I felt great after I left the dentist and went home to paint.

   One of the first order of operations was to remove the old palette sheet as the last remaining oil paint had dried up and replace it with a new one. On went the rainbow of new color - yellow, orange, red, green, blue and purple. Beginning with yellow, I laid in the design of the oil drip / spill I was going to paint. The other colors followed and their placement was wherever they felt "right" to me. After a few hours, I was satisfied with the finished work and called it done. I set it aside to let the paint start its drying process. As I stepped back, I could have sworn I saw Fuzzy, that happy purple dragon, in my painting... minus the false teeth and toothbrush of course.

   Friday morning came early, but I was blessed with a beautiful sunrise. A short while later, my husband and I embarked on the 3 1/2 hour trek to central Massachusetts. One positive aspect about our trip through Maine and New Hampshire, were no school buses and the road construction workers had the day off. Not so in Massachusetts - we were held up twice by construction (read: huge traffic jams) and arrived with only a 20 minute window to spare before the ceremony started. We were greeted by other family members and made decisions on who was doing what and where we were all sitting. As humans, I guess we all need some sort of "process" regardless of the situation.

   The ceremony was solemn but beautiful. There were the presentations of colors, veterans marching in, speeches (very short ones, thank God) made by local, state, and national (senate) officials. Afterward, there was the presentation of medals, certificates of appreciation, and a commemoration letter written by the President of the United States to over 120 Vietnam veterans. My brother and I accepted the honors in behalf of my deceased father. The ceremony closed with the singing of a few military favorites, the presentation of wreaths, and the playing of taps for all deceased soldiers.

   Even with the massive crowd of almost 1,000 people, we manged to snap some family photos and were interviewed by two local newspaper reporters. One of the questions asked of my mother was how her late husband handled his return home. She told them he didn't talk about it much. The Vietnam war was filled with controversy. There were years of protests and many veterans did not receive a warm welcome home nor the recognition they deserved. My father and my family just did the best they could. It's possible that my father didn't talk about the conflict that much because he wanted to start over with a "clean slate and clean palette" with his young family. It's a shame that it's taken this country 50 years to honor these veterans in some formal way. However, even though it took a half a century, I'm grateful.

   Most of my extended family joined us for a late lunch after the ceremony commenced. While waiting for our table at the restaurant we went to, there was another veteran who struck up a conversation with us. He thanked my father for his service. He didn't know me, my mother, or anyone else. However, there is a common thread of being human. We can all get along despite our opinions and differences. Because of this conversation with this stranger, I came away with a sense of pride, hope, and faith... in all of us. Maybe this is another example of a "clean slate" we all need to move forward in our lives.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Flights Of Fancy

   This past week have been seven days of "priming the pump". This historical term came from a time when people used to have manual wells where they would have to pour a certain amount of water into the well first before it would operate properly. Once water was poured into the system, the well would pump more out to be gotten.

   My "priming the pump" task was when I put the gesso to six canvases this week. The entire process took just over an hour and then drying time used up a few more. Ironically, this process used to fill me with fear. The thought of "...what do I paint?" used to encompass my mind. The process of letting that fear go was even easier this time as I know it will be another form of oil spill inspired abstract. I do still wonder, however, where my process will take me though...

   I'll use the following as an example; I saw a young boy who was approximately 2-3 years old with his mother out at our local boardwalk one afternoon. As I walked, prior to meeting them, I noticed milkweed pods opened and seeds were everywhere. There was also a gentle breeze. As I came around the corner, I saw the boy stomping around, doing an odd dance - then stopping, smiling, and laughing - and then began doing the same ritual all over again. When I got closer, I saw other milkweed pods that had been opened and little seeds floating near him. He was totally enthralled in their flight. I smiled. It was good.

   There's so much that I've come to "know" as an adult. But how often do I just stop and wonder about life? Or about the simple things like floating milkweed seeds? I'm currently reading a spiritual book entitled, "One Day My Soul Just Opened Up". There is one essay on creativity that blew my mind. It stated that a power greater than ourselves (whom I choose to call God), "... infuses us with the power to conceive, express, and enjoy our creative power. We create through thought, word, and deed."

   Our expectations are self-fulfilling. Start each day by seeing it the way you would want it to be. See yourself moving through the day with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I can do the same with my painting and creative process. I start this self-fulfillment with "priming my pump". I have to continue this process, via painting, as I want to see my finished work. Usually, I have just a concept, not an exact detailed vision, so my painting can go with the flow. I can paint without fear.

   Another example came from my husband. He shared a story with me of a couple in their 90's who are regular customers at the auto repair shop where he works. They got back about a week or two ago from a 2400 mile round trip to Nova Scotia. They were good health (as far as 90+ year old's go) and have zero fear of traveling. I can take this same creativity process beyond my painting and into my everyday life. I can imagine a larger studio to solve my current space problem. I can imagine more gallery or even museum exhibits and my works selling for more money. And why not?

   My goal is this, and while it does include being an artist, it goes beyond that. That all my fears of people, places, and things would dissolve as I courageously move through life conquering one fear after another. Life (and painting) is meant to be lived and enjoyed! May I be like that couple in their 90's and still filled with the wonder of a 2-3 year old.

   Until next time,
   The creative painter,
   Jill

Halloween Art... Or Sticking With What You Know

   Part of any creative process is searching for ideas. In my experience, it doesn't matter if that idea comes from Mother Nature and the great outdoors, or a picture I see in a magazine or on someone's wall in their home, or on my computer. Since it was Halloween weekend, I took a break from painting to participate in some "spooky" events our friends had planned. This past Friday evening, my husband Dave and I were searching computer images for pumpkin carving ideas and stencils / templates. We found the number of categories to be almost overwhelming. Disney, scary, whimsical, x-rated, and highly unusual were just to name a few.

   Since my husband is a car buff, his first choice was a classic VW bus, but unfortunately he wouldn't have enough time to fully finish the carving given the time frame we had this past Saturday afternoon. He settled on the Cheshire Cat from Alice In Wonderland. This was a good second choice since the pumpkin he was carving came from our youngest daughter who just happens to love cats and VW buses.

   I scrolled on and on through well over 500 images of ghosts, cats, skulls, and who knows what else. I finally spotted one I really liked - a Tigger face. I had a small pumpkin to work with, so I needed a simple design. Dave printed out our templates and I traced the shapes onto our pumpkins with a Sharpie. We stopped at a local big-box store and purchased a pumpkin carving kit while on the way to a good friends house for her annual pumpkin carving party.

   We were one of the first guests to arrive, chose our seating, and were given two large bowls; one for the seeds and one for the guts. Our hostess told us to help ourselves to some of the festive goodies she had put out. Dave and I also grabbed cups of coffee, sat down, and began carving in earnest.

   Following some type of pumpkin carving protocol, I began at the top of the pumpkin with a large knife to cut the customary hole where the stem was. I began scooping out the seeds and guts with a large tablespoon as the hole was quite small. The regular scraper would not fit and neither would my hand. While scooping to the best of my ability, I noticed a growth (probably where a stem would have been), in the center of my pumpkin. I just kept working around it, because to me, it was no big deal.

   Over the next 90 minutes, I used various carving tools making my design. During this time, at least a dozen other guests arrived and filled the other tables in the large living room. Despite everyone's best efforts, seeds and guts ended up in other places besides the bowls. But hey, I figured, this is another art form taking place. Sometimes art is messy.

   Comments galore could be heard; everything from "Gooey", to "Yuck... slimy", to "This is so gross." In the end, I had a good facsimile of Tigger. Everyone guessed at what the design was, and they arrived at the correct answer on their first try. I was pleased. Others, including my husband, installed a candle in their creation and pictures were taken. It was at this juncture where events took a turn for the weird.

   "Aren't you going to put a candle in your pumpkin?" the hostess asked me.
   "I can't. There's a growth in the center of my pumpkin." I replied sheepishly.
   "Let me see." She looked and was stunned. "Oh my God, it's got a pumpkin penis."
 
   Everyone at the party put all carving on hold and came over to gaze at my unusual freak of Nature. One lady suggested I should take a knife and just cut it off. Of course, I couldn't - the center hole was too small. Another gentleman quipped that my pumpkin was "one happy Tigger."

   What started as a family event turned into a PG-13 carving party with lots more male anatomy jokes and humor. For a brief moment I was a little embarrassed, but it was what it was - a go with the flow moment in the journey of life.

   From now on, however, I'm leaving sculpting alone and sticking with my oil painting!
   Until next time,
   The CONFIRMED Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Art For Art's Sake

   There is a great deal going on in the world today - I know I don't need to tell you that. We'll probably agree that people are preoccupied with making a living - or better yet - a survival. We feel we have little or no time available to just live, be, or explore. We sometimes believe that if we don't work 50-70 hours per week, we will go hungry, be poor, and homeless.

   Whether you believe in this concept or not, that trusting the Divine to provide for all of our needs, seems to go untested. If I truly believed in the Divine's love for me, I would have no problem of putting this principle into practice.

   For a number of years, I had a full time job while trying to "work" or "jump-start" my art. I almost went insane on the treadmill of my "regular" career. I ended up pushing and hurting myself physically and mentally to do all that was expected of me, which was an invisible bar I could never reach. In the end, I realized that no matter how hard or much I worked, it was never enough. The sad part was, I put so much effort into a job I was never made to do.

   Up until approximately seven years ago, I never had the time to devote to what I should be doing in regards to my art, or even attempting to take it seriously. No matter how much I planned, wished, or otherwise, something else from my previous career always popped up. Now, since I'm pursuing my art full time, it seems the Divine has opened the doors - other artists are being put into my path, opportunities are presenting themselves, and things seem to be moving forward.

   For example, I met a fellow artist named Dan last week, who was out painting on our town's Main Street. It was a beautiful sunny day, but also breezy, as he had his tripod weighed down with a rather large backpack full of extra supplies. We chatted - well okay - I did most of the talking. I was a little excited to see another one of our "tribe". I shared on my experience of outdoor painting - how the sea breeze came along and I got wet canvases blown onto me or onto the grass.
"That's why mine is weighted down," he interjected.
"I don't paint outdoors anymore - I've gone totally abstract," I continued.
"Well, there are abstract shapes in reality," he protested slightly as he added a lime green rectangle to a doorpost.
"Do you show anywhere?" I asked.
"Up and down the coast at foundations. They have juried shows. The foundation shows don't require so many pieces of your work, like galleries. You only need one piece and it gets a good deal of foot traffic," he added.
"I didn't know that - thanks. My husband and I are showing in two galleries next summer and we have a great deal of work to do. Lots of framing. They require about 25-30 pieces. I look into it. Thanks again," I said as I turned and left him to concentrate on his work.

The second artist, Jessie, I ran into that same evening. She is a new friend I met at church. She was ecstatic as she mentioned that she sold five paintings over the past two weeks. She is currently in a gallery further south down the coast in Damariscotta, and she has her own studio as well. We started discussing various topics of what we paint, sales, marketing, and more.

This week has had some down time from painting as I was waiting for more Gesso to arrive that I ordered on-line. The local art shops only seem to carry pints or quarts and they are always out of stock. I thought about cracking open the gallon bucket I received, but then realized I had to move some of my paintings that were drying in our main hallway (the joys of painting on large canvases in a small studio - sometimes I just run out of space). We have new appliances arriving on Monday and EVERYTHING needs to be out of this hallway in order to get to the kitchen. So, no - I'm not going to make more work for myself.

   What I am doing is writing more and reading about spirituality. I must admit, I am grateful for the camaraderie of other artists in my life.

Until next time,
The Happy Abstract Painter,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - The 2nd Time Is The Charm

   I worked large this week... on two 24x30 inch works that were started on 1/4" Masonite board. Actually, a more appropriate term would be, "Started, finished, started again". I thought I had these works completed, (more in my oil spill influenced series), but it was afterwards that brought on the change. Over the period of a week, I kept looking at them - and dwelling over them. It seemed the more I looked, the more I saw, and the more I didn't like. One of them, I originally entitled "Orgasm". In this painting, I did in fact see a naked woman, sexual energy, and bright colors. But the more I showed it, several of my friends were pulling other people and images out of the painting as well. I started getting a little freaked out.

At times, it's not easy being an artist, as our own imaginations can get the best of us. I also realize that one of the realities with abstracts is that different people will see different things. However, I ultimately am the one who created it and has to live with it. So, this past week, I put my big girl panties on and decided to either modify or completely paint over two paintings, including this one. I used the same technique as in previous sessions when I painted the rose as well as other works. I ended up with more of a 3-D effect and the naked lady (as well as all other personnel) disappeared. Now, I have what resembles a forest in a canyon or a waterfall in the woods, and a tidal pool. At least this is what I see...

Like the paintings before, I just show up at the canvas or board, prepared to be inspired. I work my method and creative process, so therefore I am not surprised that no two paintings look alike. From quilts, to floral works, to oil spills, the results continue to amaze me. And that's a good thing.

My husband has finished my new website (JillLangdon.com), and we have applied for showings in Tenants Harbor and Camden next summer and fall. These will be joint shows - a first for us. While I am excited about showing and my new paintings, there is always the basic nut-and-bolt work of getting more frames, advertising, marketing, receptions, and so on. Even with all this readiness, I am thrilled to show publicly what I been slaving over.

I was born to paint and someday the entire world will be seeing or using products designed with my works. And it will happen before I'm dead. Some say this is a dream or I can't be certain. However, if I don't put that affirmation out to the cosmos, it has zero chance of happening. Especially if I don't believe it. Time takes time; or as my husband always tells me, "You gotta have more patience..."

Until next time,
The Happy Abstract Painter,
Jill

                     After

                    Before

                  The 2nd work

The Painting Spectrum - To Infinity & Beyond

   This past week, though emotionally trying for me on the personal front, was highly productive on the painting front! It was a week of adding small details, justifying that certain paintings are indeed finished, and tackling in-process paintings with new ideas and concepts.

   On Monday, I applied a second coat on five different oil paintings, all from my second oil spill series. I added contrast to some, others were darkened, still others received more vibrant colors. I was fairly satisfied with the outcome on all five - enough to say "finished".

   The following day, I took a long hard look at two floral paintings, (one being a large 30x40 inch work) I had started last week and then had to put them aside, to not only let some of the paint dry, but also because I felt they were both flat... lifeless. I have a certain creative process in regards to my oil spill series - I turn the canvas upside down and then paint from right to left. I thought I would apply this same process to the smaller of the two floral paintings and see what I could come up with. I also added color, lines, and small waves to the work, very similar to the oil spill paintings I've done over the past 2-3 weeks. After a few hours, I stepped back and it seemed the painting came to life. I was blown away!

   Feeling confident, I put the first painting aside to dry some more and stepped up to the larger canvas that had a large rose in the center. It, too, got the "oil spill" treatment. The end result, however, was different than the first painting. Because of its size, distance viewing mattered a great deal. Up close, one can still see the rose, but the additional colors and lines seem a little scattered. However, from a distance of say 15 feet, the painting actually looks three dimensional. To make sure I wasn't getting delusional from all my painting, I asked a friend over to view the paintings, but mainly to see the rose. At first, she looked at it from about five feet away, then approximately 15-20 feet away. Her only comment was, "Holy crap - you're right! It's like magic! I love it!"

   Less than 24 hours later, one would think I would be riding high and eager to paint, but that wasn't the case. I'm unsure if it was a lack of energy, or crash-and-burn type thinking, but I just couldn't get motivated to go into the studio. I even wallowed in the thought that all my successes had come the day before and how on Earth am I going to top my large 3-D rose painting? I called it a day by early afternoon. Thursday is always my day off - my husband and soul mate has a half-day at work and we spend the afternoon together, which at this point, was very beneficial for me.

   Friday rolled around, and after taking two walks and connecting with other female artists to finally clear my head, I picked up the paintbrush again. The first painting I approached was inspired by a glass sculpture that was outside a Mexican restaurant that my husband and I dined at back in September. The glass was arranged in a circular way, that when you looked at it from above, the design looked like it go on forever into infinity. My first rendition of that inspiration was so off the mark, I abandoned the work for about a month. With great trepidation, I took that same work up, turned the canvas upside down, and "oil spilled" it from right to left.

   When I felt I was done, I moved the easel about five feet away, walk over to a comfy old sofa I have in the studio, and said, "Dear God - let me see the beauty of this painting." Then I opened my eyes. Lo and behold, I not only saw beauty in this work, but new patterns, designs, color combinations, and numerous other possibilities that just weren't there before. I was so moved by this painting, as have others, that it will grace my newest batch of business cards, my website, as well as my Facebook page.

   Speaking of websites, my new website, JillLangdon.com, is finally finished. Please check it out and bookmark it as more works will be added to the "Gallery" section and you can stay up to date with showings, classes, etc.

Until next time, I'm going to infinity and beyond,
Jill

                   Infinity copyright 2016 Jill Langdon

                   Rose copyright 2016 Jill Langdon

The Painting Spectrum; What's In A Name?

Lots of art news this week - the new website is under construction and about half done. With the help of my husband Dave, the newer and simpler website should be a reality in about a week. The other news is I will be displaying, for the first time ever, in a joint showing with Dave next summer in Tenants Harbor Maine. It will take place at the newly built Jackson Memorial Library's art gallery. When we drove down the peninsula to meet with the exhibition coordinator, I was amazed at how much space they have dedicated to art work. Some local galleries aren't even this big - label me impressed!

Then reality hit me; especially when the coordinator said, "We'll need about 25-30 pieces." At first I panicked. How on Earth am I going to put together that many pieces, framed and ready to go, within nine months? It doesn't sound like much, but the task is more daunting than most people realize, especially when my husband and I also work and we do our own framing. I breathed a little easier when I remembered I'm sharing this showing with my husband, so I'll only need 12-15 pieces, but I have to remind Dave, "Hey - don't get behind the 8-ball in framing your half of the art show!"

I was also pleased that there was room for larger works, (24x30 inches and up). I was ecstatic about this possibility until I got home - I have done several paintings in this size lately and now I can't decide which one to hang there. One of my recent works has gone through the gamut of names since it was finished about 10 days ago. At first, I named it "Orgasm". Seriously. But I realize I may have to re-title this work, even if only for this show, because the art (and titles) must be suitable for all ages. I looked at the painting closer and saw what looked like several mushrooms. However, when I turned the work upside down, it resembled one or more lilies.

That evening, my hubby Dave and I got into a discussion about art in general. When we were at the library in Tenants Harbor, there were lots of works on display. No offense to those artists, and with all due respect, but almost all the paintings could be grouped into a few categories; mainly floral, landscapes, and nautical. The library coordinator said she was looking for art that didn't fit this genre - she wanted something different... really different. She wanted diversity.

Dave and I agree that numerous artists paint representational or realistic objects and then title the work what it represents. While the art may be easily recognizable and identifiable, there is no imagination required. Abstracts however, and my series inspired by oil spills, represent what I might see, but I can inject a great deal of color, line, and movement, so not only is it pleasing and intriguing, but also thought provoking and engaging.

When it came to titles, that's where our opinions (or at least the thought process) parted ways. I was content to title my works "Oil Spill #1", then "Oil Spill #2", etc., on and on down the line. Dave commented, "...that's not very original. In my opinion, it's sort of a cop-out; like "Untitled". When I see "Untitled", I feel the artist doesn't even know what the finished work is or what it stands for. It doesn't allow the viewer to see what they are drawn to, what they might see, or what they might think it is. If you put an obvious or commanding title to an abstract, the viewer becomes less engaged." Then he suggested, "Why don't you title them, "What would title this painting?" That would be cool."

I thought about his concept for a few minutes, but logistically that wouldn't work. I have to catalog all my paintings in my computer and one of the requirements of the show is to title all works to be able to identify it. I thought we would be breaking the customs of the art community. Dave quipped, "Isn't that what art is all about? Breaking rules; pushing limits? Dare to be different?"

What do you say? To title or not to title?

Until next time,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Bold Streaks; Inspired By Oil Spills

I have found my freedom. I am no longer constrained to what is considered making "pretty pictures". The latest series of paintings I've been working on over the past two weeks are an exposure of my soul - the good, the bad, and the ugly... raw emotion. I run the gamut.

Happiness is bright or pastel colors for me. When I'm playing or after I've spent time with any of my grandchildren, I'm usually in a good mood for quite some time afterwards. However, some colors can speak the opposite. Black, for example. To me, this represents loss or grief. In a few of my paintings I either created or work on this week, it showed this as a good friend of mine moved to Louisiana. While it may sound pessimistic, I doubt I'll ever see her again as she is not in the best of health. I miss her already.

One of my works, a painting inspired by glass jars in the shape of an infinity design flopped. What I envisioned in my head, I wasn't able to produce on canvas. It was a learning experience! With another painting, I envisioned seed pods. That turned to including embryo's as symbols of new life. Just as a caterpillar spins its cocoon, so am I creating anew.

For years, a website utilizing my first and last name was not a reality; another user somewhere out in the great Internet void had that domain. It is now available and I grabbed it! Hopefully as early as next week (beginning of October), my new website, JillLangdon.com will be live. "Pretty pictures" are not on the menu. The real me is emerging and with and with that metamorphosis are my experiments with oil spills. Brave, bold, and courageous colors. They speak from the heart to the heart. The paintings evoke raw emotions in the viewing of them.

Not to get deeply spiritual, but there have been many times in my life when it was only God and I. Awe inspiring to say the least. I feel that God joins me while I'm painting and takes over with His small voice directing me what to do next. Maybe it's the same for you. Maybe there's some inner spirit that's greater than yourself that leads you as well. Maybe you think I'm nuts - that's okay.

Expressing myself is my greatest pursuit. The goal for me is to find the beauty within each painting - even the ones (works or subject matter) I consider ugly. However, what I might consider ugly, another person may consider it s bold streak of genius with a color combination.

I've been asking guests who visit my studio, as well as friends and family which paintings from my new series they like. At times, I've been astonished by their responses. I will admit, like many artists, I don't give myself enough credit. I can be overly critical of myself as well as my work.

Onward with my process: Two more large canvases were prepared this weekend ready to be explored upon over the coming week. What will become of them? I'll let you know next week...

I'll close this post with some quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Geothe;
 - "Whatever you can do or dream, you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."
 -  "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
 - "As soon as we trust ourselves, we will know how to live."

I'm working on that last one, as the jury seems out on that statement.
Until next time,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Process And Progress; Week One

Monday, September 12, 2016; this was it - starting a series of oil paintings inspired by man-made oil spills, big and small. The first painting I begin working on has a Gesso foundation on the canvas and a rough sketch - and I've already titled it. There are times when I truly wonder why I name my paintings, sometimes giving them titles that seem to have almost nothing to do with the series I'm working on. Maybe I do this as part of my creative process. By the way, this first painting is entitled "Sundance".

I laid the foundation coat of colors on this work and within a few hours had to put it aside so the oil would start to dry. I began my next painting already entitled "Waterfall". I struggled to find the color I was after. It's moments like these where I wish oil paint came in bright fluorescent colors like Hot Pink. Brilliant Red mixed with pure white did not produce the pink I was after.

In mild desperation, I went rummaging through an old suitcase that was filled with paint and other art supplies. Much to my joy, I found a half-used tube of Cadmium Red Rose. I mixed that paint with my white and came close to a hot pink as I was going to get. I'm satisfied with the bright color even if it isn't screaming fluorescent. A friend of mine asked, "Why don't you just use an acrylic?" Oil paint lasts longer than acrylics... way longer. Hence one reason why the tubes of paint are expensive. Plus the textures and look are different.

On Tuesday, I began "Jewels", only to have created what looked like the face of an alien in a left-hand side circle (another friends description, not mine - although I totally agreed with her). This painting was inspired by a small oil puddle mixing with water on asphalt with the sun hitting it. The blue oil drops on the faded tar that was in my painting stood out like eyes. It was not only distracting, but also disturbing. I let that painting dry for two days.

By mid-week, I went back to working on "Waterfall". I felt like I needed some additional inspiration, so on went the classical music and I "conducted" the painting. My technique was to commence with all the yellows first, as well as the other lighter shades of color, and then have the darker shades be the outlines of shapes, forms, and lines.

On Thursday, I painted "Tapestry". Have you ever experienced working on multiple paintings and some just seem to flow or come together better and/or faster? With this work, it seemed as if I was weaving it together, not stitch by stitch, but color by color.

Friday - time to wrap things up. This was officially touch-up day. On "Sundance", I blended in oil purple to take away some of the pink. I know - after all that searching for the right color, I blended some of it away. Next, I worked the inner circles to have a more oiled feel to them - as if they were flowing from one color to the next.
With the "Jewels" painting, I added black over the asphalt portions of the painting and those so-called "eyes" my friend pointed out, disappeared. The finished painting has a more peaceful look. I did the same procedure to "Waterfall" and gave it a purple glaze over where the asphalt would've been.
Lastly, on "Tapestry", I outlined in dark green some areas that were still bare and lacking color.

Looking back, I had a great week! I'm pleased so far with the paintings as well as the process. We'll see how week #2 goes. I also hope you enjoy these new creations.

The "well-oiled" painter,
Jill

"Jewels"

"Waterfall"

"Tapestry"

"Sundance"

The Painting Spectrum - Oil Paint Spills

For those of you who clicked on this blog post hoping to find an easy cleanup for when you topple over a vast amount of oil paint while painting an art work; sorry to disappoint. We're going to dig a little deeper today. I'm reading a book entitled, "The Happiness of Present - Finding The Quest That Will Bring Purpose To Your Life", by Chris Guillebeau, and I have decided to venture on a quest with my painting journey.

In the past, I've painted realism of flowers, oceans, driftwood, sea shells, animals, sunrises, sunsets, as well as landscapes. I've also abstracted these very same themes. My other abstract works have also contained words, have had paint dripped and splattered onto the canvas, and contained psychedelic lines. All these paintings I've done have increased my drawing and painting skills as well as a sense of design.

Uniting my passion of bright colors and oil paint, I have come to a unique focal point with my work. After having been in a dry spell for the past two months and at times felt like I was dying because I could not create if my life depended on it, I have turned a corner and feel alive like a phoenix rising out of the ashes.

I managed to produce enough sales over the summer to clear out a large portion of my older inventory. Any canvases that were not sold have been glazed over with multiple layers of gesso. Another goal was reached that has also been long awaited; art lovers have become more alerted to my work. So - what does all this have to do with "oil paint spills"?

I live very close to the ocean - the large body of salt water as well as its creatures are very dear to me. Remember the BP (British Petroleum) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred just over six years ago? Their enormous oil rig caught fire and sank causing the largest environmental disaster in US history. Thanks to the fact that it took 87 days to cap the spill, and all the BP corporate BS, it took massive coordinated efforts from the federal government, the EPA, the Coast Guard, BP itself, and tens of thousands of volunteers, to help with the eventual cleanup that no one was truly prepared for. Even three years later, 4.6 million pounds of "oiled material" was removed from the Louisiana coastline.

My latest quest is to raise awareness of how our own oil consumption (as well as other countries) effects the planet. I'm bringing forth two basic concepts; the beauty of color and how this wild color looks on dirt, water, and other natural surfaces, ie; "spills". My inspiration or "oil spills" have come from numerous places. For example, a vehicle leaking oil onto wet pavement or a heavily photo-shopped digital picture of land and water.

Now that I have canvases to paint on and more room to paint, my goal is to create as many "oil spills" as it takes to raise 4.6 million dollars for environmental protection in the event of another oil spill. Each painting is 16"x20" in size and will sell for $1250 dollars. I realize that this goal will be impossible to reach
overnight or even in the next decade. However, I have given myself a goal of 30 years to accomplish this. That's approximately 100 paintings a year. Given my history, this is entirely doable. I've been averaging between 75-80 a year - and this has been accomplished while taking extensive time off for travel and previous health reasons. Will I reach my goal? I don't know - one day at a time. The joy is in the journey, not the destination.

I have begun numerous paintings already. Each work begins with a rough sketch with burnt umber. The work featured today is entitled "Sundance". You will see why in a few days to a week when it is finished. Until then, paint on!

Jill

The Painting Specrum - Why Beauty Matters

When I logged into my blog account this morning, I was stunned that it has been almost six months since my last post. I could use summer as an excuse, but since the summer weather didn't really start until mid to late May, that leaves about a two month gap in my excuse. I could use the reasons of teaching a painting class, or having displays - but my friends who know me, know that wouldn't fly either. There would still be gaps unaccounted for. However, if I dig deep within myself, I have been on a soul-searching mission in regards to my art. Not just what I paint - but my creative process and where that actually comes from and where my art is going from here.

Did I ever tell you that I love the town I live in? Like many other towns and small cities, it's not perfect. However, not only does it border the ocean, have incredible late spring, summer, and early fall weather, but a good number of people take pride in our towns appearance. For example, numerous people take pride in their homes. It's not solely because we live in a financially affluent area, (even though many of us are not wealthy), but many homes are old sea-captains estates, accented with lush bushes and prolific flower gardens. Many of these homes are located on the side-streets where I take my daily walk.

When I say something is "beautiful", what I'm describing is a quality of the world that God has infused into all creation and what humans do with that creation. The three characteristics usually given in descriptions of beauty are:
 - Unity or Harmony
 - Particularity
 - Awakening of Desire

For example, take a beautiful latte espresso - work with me on this one and read on. First, all parts are well unified: the bean variety, the ground, water temperature, milk, the timing to make the beverage, the foam, and the loving care with which the espresso was made and served. The harmony of the latte-ness if you will. Secondly, the espresso is exactly what it needs to be. We love it for what it is - it's not a cappuccino, or a macchiato. Lastly, the beverage provokes the latte lover pure joyous outbursts. The latte awoke in us a desire for another one, perhaps tomorrow.

Beauty stirs an ache of longing in our hearts. A longing for a sense of order in our lives; a sense of my unique place in the cosmos, and a sense of being caught up in something larger and greater than myself. The power of beauty lies in the extent that we find something beautiful - whether it be a chocolate bar or a huge European cathedral. Beauty invites us to desire an experience of order over the forces of alienation and loneliness.

Likewise, to the extent we experience particularity, it invites us to long for the God of our understanding through our works of culture-making. Daily reminders are needed because the dissolving, homogenizing forces in our lives are powerful. Overly hectic schedules, broken and/or strained relationships, acts of self-sabotage, and other such realities rob us of the sense that each good thing in this world is a gift from God.

I am rededicating myself to beauty. We have the abilities within us to see beauty - and to make beauty shine - from all sorts of things, even broken ones. We just have to refocus our energies. Dreams, goals, and aspirations are important and worthwhile. However, they cannot be the number one or sole focus of our life. We need to look inside as well as outside of ourselves. I can only hope that my paintings and other art works God inspires me to create show love through them.

Until next time,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - When Is Enough... Enough?

   If you look back through my blog archives, you'll notice that this is my first post since January 2016, and only one of a hand-full in the past six months. I'm still painting, but more of my energy lately has been involved in selling works for the Christmas season, marketing myself, writing my second book, reevaluating where I'm going with my art work, and recently celebrating half a century on the planet. Yes - it's been a busy couple of months.

   It seems I'm at a crossroads with my painting - not whether to continue and/or keep selling, but whether or not I should paint over some "older" canvases. After 30 years of painting, and not having the luxury of selling every single work I've ever created, canvases have been mounting up to the point where I'm running out of room. Not just in my studio, but also in my living space as well as a storage closet at my youngest daughters house 10 miles away. I've done it before - last time was about 10 years ago - painted over "older" canvases or works that I felt weren't up to my standard of potential at the time... if that makes any sense.

   But here's the rub - after all these years and even doing the "painting over" process once before, I'm still scared to actually do it. My husband has diligently photographed and cataloged every single piece of artwork I've ever done; including pen and inks, process drawings, works that have been sold or long since painted over. But my mind runs through the arguments; "It can still be used for inspiration for another painting." or "What if someone wants to buy the original 10 years from now?"

   The other side of the coin is that my process has improved over the years. Aspects like perspective, dimension, and balance have resulted in better paintings. For example, I gave a hard look at some floral works I did upwards of 15-20 years ago, and I must admit they seemed more flawed than more recent paintings. The perspective seems off, the flowers are too "flat", and to make matters worse, ultra-violet rays from indirect sunlight have faded and/or altered the pigment colors. Because of that, part of me is more than likely to paint over it - the work has had its time. Time to move on. The other part of me thinks I'm painting over history - my history - and I would be destroying it.

   Apparently, many artists struggle with this conflict and challenge. I read an article recently that even famous artists throughout history have been known to paint over and at times destroy or burn original works. They, like a lot of us, simply run out of space.

   However, the most frustrating aspect of this challenge is that I've had more people than I can count tell me I'm a great artist, or that I'm very talented, and that they love my work. I've even had a few people try talking me out of my idea of painting over an older work. "How can you even think that? You just can't paint over that - it's gorgeous!" Point taken, I think. Then I ask them since they love the work so much, how about they buy the painting... at a greatly reduced price... or, hold on a minute, I'll give it to you. It will go to a good home. After all, you just told me you love it. Awkward look and dead silence. And they don't take the painting either...

   Granted, not every scenario plays out this way. I've had numerous people accept my works as either gifts or purchases with enthusiasm and open arms. I'm trying to come up with some different ideas so I can "thin the herd" and alleviate my storage problem. One concept I came up with is a penny auction, perhaps on my Etsy website. I would list numerous older works at prices ranging from one dollar down to a penny. The only other expense the customer would have to pay for would be shipping and insurance. What do you think? Do you have any other ideas? Send a reply or comment below and let me know what you think. Serious ideas only, please.

Until next time,
The Happy Over-Stocked Painter,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Expanding Your Horizons Part Two

   Mine was a week marked with some anxiety, mixed doubt, a little fear, a turn-around surprise, and terrific success. With my perceptions at times, if I don't have a problem - I can create one in my mind. I began last week thinking I would only get one day and maybe an additional hour somewhere to work on the ocean sunrise mural I've been commissioned to do, as my client's schedule and mine did not coincide. I imagined all sorts of chaos and fiasco's that could happen (but didn't) like spilling large jars of paint all over the floor and not having enough cleaning supplies to take care of the mess.

   As the days passed, I visualized the colors I was going to paint and had a decent, clear idea of what I wanted as an end result. By Thursday, the day before I was due at my clients house again, my frustrations were mounting. I usually allow myself at least a 4-5 hour block to paint; whether it be a large canvas or a large wall. I also imagined (there's that word again) only getting a fraction done of what I wanted to accomplish. By Thursday evening however, things started turning around. My Friday morning appointment with another client postponed a week, and my husband Dave carpooled with a co-worker so I could have the car all day. That made things much easier. I finally broached the time block subject with my client and we resolved that issue that was spinning around in my head.

   Friday came, I gathered my supplies and headed over to my clients house. I can be so OCD at times and this was one of them; I had packed my painting supplies days before, so I could just grab and go. As I was heading out the door, I was still double checking that I had everything I needed.

   After I set up my work area and laid down my drop cloth to catch any of those spills my mind was determined I would make, I began at the top of the wall lettering in the words: "EACH DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING". So far so good. I then mixed up a batch of color that consisted of brown, white and yellow, painted in a bunch of dunes and rolled it across the bottom. I effectively covered up the last of the Caribbean Blue color.

   Next I was going to paint on a pale Cobalt Blue for the sky, but I couldn't find in either of my painting bags. I was positive that I packed it - but it wasn't here! I was frantic. Now what do I do? I paused, prayed and reflected. The idea to use a different shade of purple came to me. I mixed another batch of purple and white that resulted in a rich lavender and rolled it on the sides of what hadn't painted over yet. Afterwards, I was pleased with this improvisation. I then speckled it throughout the top of the mural going over my guidelines for the lettering. Moving forward, I went back to the yellow, mixed in white, and went over the sun. I wasn't happy with the yellow - I could still see the Caribbean Blue through it. I also painted on the sparkles of the glistening water.

   I stood back, pulled out a chair, and sat down - looking over my mural contemplating my next move. My next idea that came to me actually crossed my mind two weeks ago; to paint in the pink clouds with crumpled paper towels. I felt a small wave of fear course through me, but then it passed. I boldly stood up, mixed red and white paint into a pretty pink, dunked the paper towel in it and smeared the wall with it. When I relaxed, the fun began. That's one thing my husband always tells me to do when I paint - above all, have fun! I danced the paint on the wall as well as covered myself with it. I had a blast! I redid the lettering with a glaze of yellow and then redid the sun yet again. Lastly, I paper toweled in some orange in the clouds.

   Realizing I was entering the home stretch, I painted in the walkway and the details with the dunes. For a moment, I exited my painter zone and realized there had been noises outside, but I never registered what was going on. My plan was now that the dunes were done, I was going to sit down and appreciate how the mural finally came together, but I ended up going to a window instead. That's when I saw some large front-loader tractors clearing the streets of snow. Once again, my brain kicked into gear and I thought that they might have my car towed. I hurried to my painting area, took a picture of the mural, hustled the clean up process, and ended up leaving an hour before I had planned. And no, my car did not get towed...

   I felt so alive and exuberant. Satisfied at a job well done! It feels good that I can still produce a type of art work that I hadn't done in a long time. I am ready for my next wall. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Expand Your Horizons Part One

   As I write this latest entry, I occasionally glance out the window and watch the falling snow. It has been a mild winter so far here in coastal Maine and this storm is no exception; the snow has been mixing with sleet as well as rain. I'm reminded of the quote; "In the depths of winter, I learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus.

   My husband Dave and I performed all our usual Saturday errands earlier and a little more hurried this morning in order to be back home before the roads became too slick. I purchased a few magazines with the intention of spending a dreamy afternoon making collages. At this juncture, I have already flipped through the somewhat similar pages - for some reason, they all depict winter getaways to Caribbean locales. The pictures are indeed warm and inviting on a bleak January day. After I finish posting today's blog, I will embark on making said collages.

   The colors of the Caribbean and summer in general reminded me of one of my other winter projects; I am currently painting a mural of a sunrise over the ocean. This project began as a conversation around Thanksgiving after I began working on a series ocean sunrises and sunsets all done in oil. My then future client gravitated towards one work that was already sold. My first thought was, "Great! When can I start?" But the more I thought about it, the more nervous I became.

   First off, this would be an indoor mural painted in the dead of winter. That means an acrylic paint would have to be used (no smell) as there would not be proper ventilation for oil paint. Remember - this is in a persons house... not my studio. I love the smell of paint! They, on the other hand, may not be a huge fan of the odor regardless of how beautiful the mural looks! Using acrylic paint also requires a different process than working in oils and the colors are limited. Mixing these colors in order to get the exact shade one wants can be a time consuming endeavor.

   Nothing more was mentioned about the mural until early January. I was then shown the wall where my client wanted the finished work. Challenge number two reared its ugly head - most of the wall is slanted. Nervousness turned into a pang of fear. How am I going to pull this off? I discussed my concern afterwards with another experienced artist and he told me to paint the sun (and horizon line) below eye level where the wall was vertical.

   Okay, I thought. That sounds right. However, I was unsure if there would be enough room for the beach, dunes, and small boardwalk / walkway leading out to the water that the client was hoping to add to the mural. I must admit, this project has taught me some valuable lessons:
 - When in business as a professional artist, one must have a written contract. Since my client was also my friend, we only had a verbal agreement. While that was fine with this particular arrangement, I would not be able to do this with a total stranger.
 - While I did this second aspect after I started, I should have included a printout of a picture that would be a close rendering of the finished work from the get-go. By having both of these articles, it allows both partners to have input on what is expected. While the expression, "...just use your best judgement.", can be a huge ego boost, I cannot utilize it as a plan.
 - Make sure we both know and remember when I plan to come over and paint. Even though we have calendars on our walls as well as in our phones (complete with reminder tones), people still forget or mistake days and/or times. One thing I found is I need to make my intent more clear and it is my responsibility to confirm all my appointments.
 - One of my favorite colors is not necessarily one of your favorite colors! One example was an acrylic paint bottle I used that showed a pale Caribbean blue - perfect for the sky. However, when I finished that portion of the mural, the color looked darker than I anticipated. I thought it might be because the room was getting dark and it would look great in the morning when the sun lit up the room. Nope! The color remained too dark and too powerful. I still liked it, but my client didn't.
 - I have to remember that not everyone is going to like what I like. I'm not the one who has to live with it - they are! If I use colors my client likes, I will have a satisfied customer (as well as a treasured friend).

   After we talked about what direction she wanted to go in, it was on to operation redo: painting over almost all of that too powerful blue. In a project of this size, I'm also finding that a small paint roller can be a huge blessing. It is a massive time saver especially on a wall this size. Other blessings include the use of drop cloths (I can thank my husband for that... um... suggestion). Again, I have to remember I am in someones private home, not my studio. It is not artistic license to trash the place in the name of fine art.

   After a good portion of the re-painting was done and some solid design was put down, I was chatting with another good friend of mine who mentioned "... I was expanding my horizons." I laughed out loud although she did not get her unintended pun at first. Nothing like a good friend to keep you grounded and out of your head. And nothing like a winter project to make summer dreams come true. While I have yet to complete this work, I will be available in a few weeks during the month of February to paint a mural on your wall, be it home or work place. Please visit my website http://artscapedesignstudio.wix.com/jadl or my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Artscape-Studio-119342494755215/. You can contact me through either one of those sites.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill