Marina

Painted next to the boat ramp at the park today. I think today was the busiest I've ever seen it there. Four vehicles wide on the ramp at times. Can't believe I didn't see an accident.

Marina
16" x 20", oil, plein air

It's Not the Heat

How can one person sweat so much. I wasn't jumping up and down while painting this one. I moved my arm a lot, and stepped back a couple hundred times, but nothing to warrant this kind of perspiration. This little heat and humidity wave needs to end soon so I can get back to a semi-normal appearance and stop scaring little children.

It's Not the Heat
16" x 20", oil, plein air

Pondscape with Corn

Did this really quick 16" x 20" on a dark ground canvas during plein air class tonight.

Pondscape with Corn
16" x 20", oil, plein air

Demonstrations for Clinton County Schools

I recently had the pleasure to talk to the Clinton County (Kentucky) Middle School and High School students regarding my artwork. I like talking to people even though I feel very introverted at times, so the invitation to come speak to the students in the art class was welcomed.

This was the first demo I would perform for a school system, so I was excited and a little nervous. I thought I could talk to these kids about my paintings with no problem since they were in art class and had some idea of what I do.

Just to make it clear, this was a volunteered demo, i.e. no pay. Which is totally against all advice I have ever seen regarding doing a demo. Even though I had heard many times to never do something like this for "exposure" I chose to forge ahead and do it anyway. I mean, a little exposure really couldn't hurt, could it?

Before the date of the demo the school system decided to expand the demo to include all students at both the middle and high school. A little more pressure but nothing I couldn't handle. In fact, I  was looking forward to speaking to the kids, even if there was going to be lots of them. I wrote out a short guideline of topics I wanted to touch on, and prepared myself to tackle very quick demonstrations for each class.

I took 4 display easels, 2 charcoal portraits, 8 paintings ranging from 5" x 7" up to 30" x 40", my outdoor easel, paintbox, and supplies with my backpack, charcoal supplies and paper, a large dropcloth, and some blank canvas.

I got to do about 5 minutes of charcoal and maybe 10 minutes of oil demonstrations for each group.

My schedule looked like this...

8th Grade, then 7th, then 6th at the Middle School. About 40 minutes for each class.

Then Ms. Miniard (the art teacher) and I made our way to the High School. We set my stuff up there, this time with a camera and digital projector in play to project my demos on the big screen at the end of the gym. I didn't mind this at all, but it did require me to set up under one of the basketball goals instead of front and center. Looking back on it, it's probably a good thing I wasn't so up close and personal with these high school kids. Teenagers can be a sullen bunch. ;) About 40 minutes first group and 30 for the second group.

After the demos at the High School we were off to the Middle School again to finish up the day with the 5th grade class. At the end of this shortened class, another 30 minute demo, there were so many questions I couldn't get to them all before the bell rang. As the teachers told the kids to leave for their next class I was inundated for business cards and gave away all that I had. I also garnered some great sketches from some very talented students. Thanks girls, I love the drawings!

My favorite question of the day was "Are you married?" Not sure if the 8th grader was looking for herself or her mom, or grandma... I thought it was a funny question though.

Tired, a little sweaty, and a tad bit hungry was how I left the school on Friday. Extremely satisfied with how things went, I couldn't have asked for better support from the staff at both the Clinton County Middle School and the Clinton County High School. The gift card and note of thanks were very much appreciated.

The experience was a gratifying, learning one. Taking all the things that went into play on Friday, I think I could do something like this again, without as much stress and work.

Here are some photos of my day at the schools. Hope you enjoy them.

Along Ashley Lane

Did this small one for the September Virtual Paintout.

Along Ashley Lane
5" x 7", oil, palette knife

Dockside

Painted at the Marina at the park today.

Dockside
16" x 20", oil, plein air

L & N Depot

My first train painting from life. The Railpark and Museum, and the old L & N Depot in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

L & N Depot
16" x 20", oil, plein air

The Mouth of Crocus Creek

Put this one back on the easel and touched up some areas. Added light and contrast.

The Mouth of Crocus Creek
20" x 30", oil

Just for the Weekend

Painted next to the pool at the park today as my daughter swam nearby. She can almost swim from one end to the other underwater. Really proud of her. While she swam I painted a camper.

Just for the Weekend
18" x 24", oil, plein air

Above the Fields

Painted on the river bluff yesterday.

Above the Fields
24" x 30", oil, plein air

Deck View

Painted on the deck at the State Park again this afternoon. Talked to many nice people. The staff at the park are the best! They let me stop and paint anytime. The deck is my fall back place. Always there when nothing else catches my eye.

Deck View
16" x 20", oil, plein air

Park Store

Painted at the park today. A little rain every now and then. Sold this one off the easel. That always feels good.

Park Store
18" x 24", oil, plein air

Barns - A Plein Air Demonstration Video

Here is a video I did of my demo painting, Barns. I painted it in 45 minutes, it is oil on a 16" x 20" linen panel.

Thanks for looking.

And I Say It's Alright

Another reworked painting. This one started as a rough demo I did for plein air class one evening. Switched things up a little with this one.

And I Say It's Alright
18" x 24", oil

Barns

Did this one as a demo for youtube this afternoon. Tried to paint fast and loose. Total painting time was 45 minutes. I'll get the video up either tonight or tomorrow and will post a link.

Barns
16" x 20", oil, plein air

Shed with Flowers

Reworked an older plein air piece.

Shed with Flowers
16" x 20", oil

30% Off Sale!

Cornfield, Pond and a Red Gate

Painted in the bright, full sun today.

Cornfield, Pond and a Red Gate
16" x 20", oil, plein air

Lexington Cityscapes Plein Air Paint Out

Painted in Lexington, Kentucky today for the Lexington Cityscapes plein air paint out. This picture is not the best, and I'll never see it again. It sold before I finished it. Owner of the restaurant/bar called the gallery running the paint out and told them to mark it sold.

I didn't stay for the reception tonight. Not expecting a place in the awards. About 60 artists participating, and I saw some really good work.

Parlay Social
20" x 16", oil, plein air