What's to love about droopy?

I love spring and one thing that calls me to do as an artist- bring some flowers in to paint! I did some drawing first, hating then loving the droopiness of these pink tulips. Why aren't they standing up better- more like how I imagine and want them to be?

I looked more closely and found another connection.

Not unlike my own body, the perky, springy part is harder to access these days. Yet it is there- often rediscovered through loving kindness to myself and gratitude for all that this body has done for me. Today, free from disease, only hindered by minor aches and pains and my own attachment to them, I delight as another spring comes near. 

In a couple of days the clocks move forward and I'll be right there- celebrating the light and the new season.

Seabirds from another angle

Here is another interpretation of the beach, the ocean tides and the birds that are along the shore. 

I'm very excited as this painting and the one from my post of 1/29/19 were purchased by a couple for their new seaside home. 

Just the perfect location I had hoped for. 

20 x20 gallery wrapped canvas. 

Shoulder to Heel

Because I haven't been consistent about my figure drawing practice, I'm relying on techniques I've learned to find where I am. It's so easy to get lost and forget to use the landmarks. So, I left the lines to illustrate how useful they were. 
Top of her left shoulder to heel; one nipple to the other; heel to bent knee are three lines I established to help me get the proportions right.
Although the pose was only 20 minutes, I feel as though I made good use of these techniques instead of aimlessly drawing and hoping for the best! 

Figure Drawing

When I found out there was an open life drawing session coming up at the Hilton Head Art League, I signed right up. It was wonderful to just relax and draw- no expectations. I used a pen for the drawing, then added some broader strokes with a Prismacolor Premier, 50% French Grey. I love this perfect triangle pose- and that hat was sure fun!

Atlantic Seabirds

A different approach for me. We walk the beach every day here in Hilton Head and I've been watching birds and of course, taking I- phone pictures. Try painting from an I-phone! Ha! 
I could have photos printed but.....
Instead, I've used memory and my impressions of the beach. The air, the smell, the colors all around. I'm playing more and have to admit- what fun! 
As an artist who has relied primarily on direct observation- I feel a little like I'm cheating. 
As an artist who wants to push herself- I feel strangely elated!
20x20 oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

The juror didn't chose my painting and that's ok

I submitted this 24x24" oil painting titled Off Mill to the Newport Art Museum for the annual Member's Show and it didn't get in. From a field of 265 - 90 were chosen. Some years I've gotten in, other years not and I can reflect on my own growth over the years since I started submitting.
A thick skin was something I didn't have at all, and not being accepted was always taken personally back in those days. I could intellectually understand that it wasn't about ME but when you're taking a big chance to submit at all and then not chosen- it's hard to not feel hurt. I've been rejected is what just ran through my mind.
A few tips that have helped me over the years-
1. Love my work and feel it represents me in the best possible way. If I submit a piece that doesn't excite or satisfy me in some way, how can I expect it to move a juror?
2. Never paint for a specific show but look through my work to choose a painting that fits the theme. I have learned this the hard way when I once submitted to a colored pencil show and I'm not a colored pencil artist! It was a fun exercise, but not show worthy.
3. Remember that the juror is looking in a subjective way and what may not be chosen for one show can win a prize in another. So many factors go into jurying a show that are beyond my control.
4. My experience with being a juror myself and knowing how hard the choices can be. I looked for work that was technically well done and also roused some emotion in me. I picked work that touched me in a personal way. 

Inspired to paint more, see things differently and push myself to new places is always what I want when I pick up my brush.

And so too in life. There are many stumbles, and times when I didn't get what I wanted at the time. Only to find there were better things waiting for me around the next corner. Don't ever give up!

FOMO

Fear of missing out- it used to keep me going when I was already exhausted, overcommitted and running on empty. Then I heard one of my husbands favorite phrases- under commit and over deliver! A concept that has taken me years to really put into action. I am finally ok when I say no to take care of myself first. I've given up the idea that I have to multitask and always be DOING. 
I'm in Hilton Head for the next three months and missed the opening of CITY LIFE, the new show at Spring Bull Gallery, in Newport, RI. 
I missed out and it's okay. A change in my perspective lets me be grateful for what I have and where I am. Each day.
My painting is titled CHAT ROOM  and is oil on panel. 16x20.