Artist Stirring: Quck Painting of a Barn

Artist Stirring: Quck Painting of a Barn: This is a painting I did 5 days after we buried my mother, who passed away on October 24, 2012. I painted it in an oil painting class, th...

Quick Painting of a Barn

This is a painting I did 5 days after we buried my mother, who passed away on October 24, 2012. I painted it in an oil painting class, that I take a few months during the year, to fine tune my skills and to make sure I actually paint something (I rarely paint at home with my family, because I'm easily distracted and always feel pulled to complete my housework, instead of painting). Anyway, I had already missed 3 of my previous classes due to sickness, tiredness and the loss of my mother. Therefore, I made myself get out of bed that morning and go to class. But when I got to class (late as usual- by 30 minutes, this time!), it took me a while to really get started. I admit, it takes me nearly 30 minutes to set up my paint and easel. No wonder Mama always got on to me about being slow!

After the 30 minute set-up came another 30 minutes of "thinking" about how to start. I had a small photograph as my inspiration. I had to mentally decide exactly where I would place that old barn, as well as the horizon line. Then, I had to decide how to paint all those shrubs and bushes I saw on the photograph (I didn't!). Next, what colors should I mix to paint the sky and have it look like a SKY. Next, what brushes should I use? And what color green could I use to paint those trees? Hmmm... Well, let's see, next- what colors would I use to paint the barn and it rusty tin roof? I think you get the picture... I was being very careful and probably doing a bit of mental procrastinating.

Finally, I decided I'd just start painting. "Who cares? My mother just died!" I didn't expect anyone to fuss at me about how wrong my painting was, if I messed up. Certainly, no one would do that to a grieving woman! Honestly, no one ever "fusses" at anyone in my art class. It's full of nice, warm old ladies (don't tell them I called them old. Lol!) Usually, what you get is a "suggestion" of how to make your painting a bit better than it already is.

So, after an hour of "wasting time" I finally put the brush to the canvas- slowly- I brushed the sky back and forth in a dazed like fashion. But, oddly, my teacher came over and corrected me, reminding me of the proper way to paint a sky. Never paint it back and forth, but in a criss cross fashion, so it will look "atmospheric." I knew that, already... Thanks, Mrs. Dollye for correcting me. Somehow, that woke me up from my dazed condition. I only had one hour left! I decided, "I will have a picture painted before I leave today!" I took the leap of faith and put the brush to canvas! By the end of class, I had a painting made (not perfected, but made). I was proud of myself. I had finally painted something the way you should paint- with your emotions, and not mere logic.

Looking forward to the next class!

Preparing for Exhibit at Oddfellows Gallery

I plan to deliver five of my paintings to Oddfellows Gallery in Downtown Hattiesburg, tomorrow. It's one of the newest galleries here and was recently nominated for "Best Local Art" in the Festival South-Best of the Pine Belt competition. Actually, I haven't seen the gallery, yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing it. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012. Hope to see my friends there!

At the Desk I've Sat

I've spent the last two (or three?) days sitting at my office desk and I'm starting to feel a little fat. Yes, that's right. I've skipped my usual exercise routine and my daily "get out of this house!" excursions. Well, I did leave to go get lunch for the kids and a few necessities from the Dollar Store up the road. But, I haven't taken any trips to the mall or Wal-mart or to the walking trail in front of our local hospital.

So, why would any artist, who should be somewhere painting or taking creative photo shots, be stuck in front of the computer for two or more days? I've been trying to "market" my art. I've spent hours picking out photos from my computer files and uploading them to the Internet. Hey, it's not like anyone is coming by my house to see my art!

I want to make prints of my artwork available to those who admire it, but may not be prepared to pay the price of an original work. I've discovered a website that produces BEAUTIFUL PRINTS- I know, because I've ordered a few samples for myself. So, I've taken the time to put some of my recent artworks on the site, so that you will be able to buy a print for as low as $4.95. That's the price of a Greeting Card, but guess what? You can frame a greeting card just as well as any other print! No one would know the difference ;-).

Well, if you, too, are stuck at the desk, then this would be the perfect time to stop by and look at some of my art. Buy a greeting card or a print for yourself or someone special!

To view my art, CLICK http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/phebe-smith.html

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of my blog readers! I admit that I didn't give you very much at all to read last year... and it wasn't because I was inactive. For one, I was trying to manage two blogs The other blog was called "Hey Guess What?" Can you guess what that was about? :-/ Anyway, I relinquished it.

The other reason I didn't write much was that I limited myself to talking about paintings. Since I don't paint daily- like some other disciplined and freed artists out there- I didn't talk daily. Well, I now realize that I may have lost the original intent of my blog, which was to generally share the many creative things in my life, including painting, cooking, decorating, landscaping, writing, sewing, graphic design and more.

There may be times when my blog seems a bit hurried- that's because I have four kids and a husband hanging around me as I write. In fact, I have been interrupted at least three times up to this point! That's also why I don't paint everyday, folks. I need a little peace and quiet- and that ain't happening much around here!

On the same note, I am thankful for the many ways I can use my creativity in my everyday life. And I would like to share them with you, my readers. Hopefully, I will inspire another busy wife and mom to "use what you got" in every way that you can!

Once again, I wish you all a Happy New Year. Let's get stirring!!