Musings

How fun to see some family and friends that I rarely see! So I traveled to Minneapolis and surrounding areas and revisited an area where I grew up.  Seeing how really beautiful the area is with the many many lakes, fresh air, greenery and lovely landscaping was an artistic feast for me. I so enjoyed my daily walks and outings to nearby parks and art fairs, neighborhood coffee shops, attending my grandnieces birthday party and so many other things. The time in Minnesota was a smorgasbord of good feelings and love. 

Then just a few days later, off to Mexico! I haven’t traveled out of the country often however, visiting San Miguel de Allende has been on my bucket list for years and it worked out perfectly. Artwork is present in almost every shop and venue. I found artists that I loved at the Fabrica Aurora where over 70 artists display their works in beautiful galleries.  Mexico was an adventure for sure. Traveling solo I met amazing people, friendly people everywhere and though I don’t speak Spanish yet, it didn’t seem to matter.  I negotiated with the market people and purchased good food and stayed healthy! A goal! It was good for me to see that an artist can paint anything they want to paint and letting go—loosening up..helps indeed! Just enjoy painting! Enjoy art and artists! It so adds to our lives!

Probably my biggest block in becoming a professional artist has been my difficulty with technology. I am so happy to now have my work on the web, a place where  I can "paint into".

There is a lot of becoming in "becoming an artist."I don't think it matters whether you have been an artist for years and years or just starting. There is a strong learning curve and tendency to believe you are just starting. For me, I've been painting now for about ten years and I still feel very much like a newbie.  I  notice that as I actually sit down to paint, I become more clear about what I like and don't. For me, being an artist is very much an organic experience. And most of the time, I like that it is organic. Painting reaches the depths of who I am if I allow it. WhenI do, I am just simply in awe at how some works turn out.  The message of the painting including its title come through when I am finished with a piece. 

The website experience has challenged me to be more clear about my direction and message. As I view my current body of work, it is speaking to me about where I am and what I want to say.   Sometimes, there does not seem to be a message and I am ok with that as well. Sometimes it is just playing and delighting in playing! What a gift to spend time being a painter! /artist.

You are invited to come and paint with me. Several couple and individuals have joined me on the Square for a two-hour painting experience. Would you enjoy being surrounded by other artists, musicians, brass bands  and visitors from all over the world. The you might enjoy the painting experience on the Square.  It most certainly is a fun way to enjoy New Orleans. I will help you “find the artist within you!” There is absolutely an artist in each of us! No pressure to produce a Picasso, but rather an exploration of that more creative side of you—that you may be ready for now! 

My enthusiasm for painting will rub off on you for sure since I became an artist after a long corporate career.  You have an "original" within you that no one can deny is yours only!

Just a few months ago, I moved into my own home/art studio!  What a blessing this has been for me!

I have great light, space, storage, easy access to my car and am only ten minutes to Jackson Square! And I have a porch for when I need lots of air and extra space. There is a possibility of making this into a place to do small art classes and to continually hanging my own art in my own gallery.  This will evolve as my work is not just studio art but also plein air painting (outdoors). I will have “events” here and when people want to "pain" with me they can come to my studio. How fun would that be? Time to celebrate!

One of the things I LOVE about being an artist is that I am on a continuous adventure of discovering!  When I started painting on Pirates Alley, I painted angels on wood pieces because I was painting right next to the St. Louis Cathedral. I was looking for things that would “sell”.  It has taken me a long time to realize, that people are drawn to what I love and even to my process as an artist.  People often remark about how they would love to be doing what I am doing. I am blessed and am so happy to be able to share and inspire others to start painting.

During this past year, I started working more with texture. I have tried a number of things over the years, however I have found that using a caulk as a first step in some of my paintings has gotten positive responses from my audience. So here you will see how this first step looks.  Step 2 is to actually paint using acrylic paint usually. And I may go back 2 or 3 times, until the paint looks as I want it to look. Step 3 involves spraying with a glossy varnish. The colors become more vibrant and finished with this varnish. Voila!! Beautiful!

I have also used an epoxy resin as the final step in some of my paintings. This product also adds a very professional look—a glasslike finish. Everyone wants to touch it!! 

I've also enjoyed taking classes from established painters. This picture of Shelby Keefes class in Lafayette was enjoyable and I learned a lot! Online classes include many on youtube.com as well as Craftsy.com and of course the Plein Air convention this year.

Welcome to my site! I am happy to start my art adventure with you!

You Can Find Me on Jackson Square Now!

After spending 3 years showing my art on Pirates Alley I am now on Jackson Square.  It  has been an amazing experience! There is much more space, people, street artist, and activity. There are a few drawbacks as well which I won't go into here. 

Jackson Square is famous all over the world! People come here to buy art.  And for artists, it is one of, if not the very best outdoor art markets available.  You will notice a wide variety of art styles. Saturday and Sunday are the biggest sale days. Hours are from 5 am to 6 pm.  And artists have no assigned spots although many try to be one general location for their customers.  I hope to see you on the Square!