European and Southern Paintings by Durinda

First Snowfall

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

First Snowfall

oil on linen

10 x 8

Behind every painting is a story. This is a section of an original oil painted last winter. I had not been at home in years during the winter months so being here for the first snowfall was especially exciting. I loaded up my painting gear- in my backpack so I could carry it- in search of the perfect spot to paint. After a few steps in the snow, I decided I liked my view of our yard from the front porch! And, the fact that I could set up my easel on a flat surface, be under the covering to block the wind, and not get my feet wet, well, hey, so much the better, right? Just goes to prove, sometimes the best things are actually right around you, like your home, your family, and your friends.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Cheers!

Durinda

The Secret

2011-11-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

I often get asked, "What is plein air?" I know it sounds like some Secret Code that artists use. True, it isn't something you hear everyday. It means in the open air. It's a term we artists use when we are referring to painting outdoors. And, not sure why we westerners insist on using the French term. We don't use other French terms that much. I guess it relates back to the Americans who went to France to learn the Impressionism style of painting in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They had heard or even seen paintings by these French artists thanks to Mary Cassatt bringing them over. This was something new as far as art styles. Loose choppy brushstrokes, high key color palettes, and painted outdoors?
The French Impressionists weren't the ones who invented painting outdoors. Certainly artists had been carrying sketchbooks outside for centuries. And the British would tell you they were watercoloring outdoors long before Monet painted his "Impression: Sunrise". It just happened that oil paints could now be stored in tubes as opposed to being handground in the studio where it was stored in pots. Adding to that, artists were now painting on linen canvas which could be stretched over supports making it lots lighter than painting on primed wood. Monet even used a boat as a floating studio to paint the populars next to the river bank.

Painting Aspens at Lake Tahoe

Plein air painting can be as rugged a sport as you want to make it. Some artists hike miles in the woods and mountains with their supplies on their backs just to capture their scenes. You can paint in public or not. You can carry large canvases or very small. There just isn't a right or wrong way. So if you see an artist outside set up with their easel and paints, you can say, "Good luck with your plein air painting." And they will know that you know the Secret.

Summer Treats

2011-07-20T06:18:00.001-07:00

Small Treasures

Oil on linen

10 x 8

Brother and Sister

oil on museum quality board
6 x 6

Available

I don't know about you, but it has been really hot here this summer. Seriously, really hot!
My summer teaching stints are over for a now, four weeks of leading teacher professional development in parts of Alabama. It was really hot there too! So I am back in the studio and painting all kinds of happy memories from beaches. Most include children at the water's edge or people enjoying a lazy day of sun and reading. I've been to beaches from coastal Maine through the Carolinas to Key West and up the panhandle from Florida through Mississippi and Louisiana. I've been to the Pacific coast and twice to Hawaii. I have lots of beach memories! The painting of the little tow headed boy will be available for purchase at Tanner Hill Gallery in Chattanooga this Thursday night at the Arts & Education Council's annual fundraiser. The theme this year is "Found" and worked out perfectly for this painting in my series. I am posting the rest on my website: www.Durinda.com under the Coastal category. Hope these little pieces of beach memories remind you of a good time at the beach too. If you have a photo or a memory you would like painted, let me know! I am in the studio for the reminder of the summer!!

Stay cool!

Durinda

Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints

2011-05-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

D & Barbara

Sandra, Susie, D, Ruth

D, Phyllis, Diane

This blog today is dedicated to the women painters I have met over the years. These are not your ordinary, paint in the studio and don't get dirty painters. They are the ones who paint on-site or outdoors in all kinds of weather and all kinds of conditions. We are Sisters of the Traveling Paints.
I have always drawn and painted. I can't remember not doing it. I carried pieces of paper outside as a child and drew what I saw: flowers, bugs, trees. I didn't know it was called "plein air". It was just something you did because you had to. You wanted to capture what attracted you on paper. Save it for looking at later. It was fun.

Today I count myself very lucky to have crossed paths with lots of women who share the same passion for painting outside. They come from many different backgrounds, many different locations, and many different personalities. Some are very representational painters, some are nearly abstract painters. Yet we all paint for basically the same reason: we have to. Along the way, I have come to know a few of these sisters and their families more in depth. It becomes like a network of friends that you hear from occasionally, but you think about more often than that. When one suffers a sickness or a loss, you feel it too. You know that while art is very important in their lives, so is their family. You also rejoice in their victories- awards, sales, new galleries, etc. And in the achievements or expansions of their families as well.

So, here's to you, my fellow Sisters of the Traveling Paints. You have made my journey into painting outdoors a lot more enjoyable by sharing it with you. A few of my oldest paint buddies:

Susie Covert, Bradenton, FL; Barbara Perriotti, Ormand Beach, FL; Diane Johnson, Cary, NC; Linda Blondheim, High Springs, FL; Ruth Cox, Myrtle Beach, S. C.; Phyllis Franklin, Thomaston, GA; Carly Hardy, Darien, GA; Marsha Savage, Smryna, GA; Sandra Babb, Ringgold, GA; Terry Mason, Sarasota, FL; and the many new sisters I have met: Jeanne Salucci, Long Island, NY;Priscilla Watson, Aptos, CA;Barbara Davis, Montgomery, AL; Barrett Edwards, Naples, FL; and others. Thanks for sharing your advice and your friendship.

May you always have your palette ready,
Durinda

Life Springs

2011-04-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Life Springs

oil on linen

12 x 9

private collection

Paintings tell stories. Some paintings tell us everything. Others make us guess. Still others lead us to come up with our own story. This painting was done last week during the Callaway Paintout and Sale at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. Only this particular painting wasn't done at Callaway at all. It was painted on an estate in LaGrange, Georgia. LaGrange is a few miles west of Pine Mountain. But this place was more than a few miles apart in character from Pine Mountain. It was an ocean apart.

The artists in the paintout were divided up into two per team and shuttled to nearby cities to paint in private gardens on Tuesday. I was partnered with Robin Roberts from Ohio. We were met by a gentleman who drove us out to his castle, estate, er home for the day. Now imagine the sites and landscape along the way. LaGrange is a pretty enough town. It has a nice college there and lots of churches in the downtown area. The surrounding landscape is humble houses, small farms, and a few mobile homes sprinkled now and then. We drove through a large stone gated drive and down a long narrow road. Then before us appeared this "mini" Biltmore house. At least 3 stories with a English tudor styling that rivaled anything you would see on the Hudson or Long Island. Vast green lawns stretched forever with stacked stone walls lining them.

I expected Giles or Jeeves to come out and take our humble backpacks crammed with our supplies. Instead, we were shown around by the owner and then set up to paint where we pleased. I love painting architecture. But believe me, I was way too intimated by this place to paint it. No way. So I found a humble smokehouse in the back of a small (comparatively) perennial garden to paint. It was one of the remains of the plantation that once occupied this land.

After lunch, I went up the hill to this spot in the painting: a foundation and chimney left by a former dwelling on the property. The new owner had cleared the area, there were wrought iron chairs and tables nearby and had planted this native azalea. What appealed to me was the way the ruins were so cared for and left as they were. Certainly the owner could have razed the stones and naturalized the area. But here they were: a nod to the inhabitants of years gone by. A slave quarters? Tenant farmers? Gardeners house? And before it, a brightly lit orange azalea that seemed to say life goes on. So when you think about it, we all just pass through this earth. We create dwellings, clear the land, and plant our gardens. Nature really owns it. I think that's why God gave us springtime to remind us.

Happy Earth Day on Friday and Happy Easter to you and yours,

Christ died and rose again. Life Springs Eternal.

Durinda

Karen F. Rose - My Painting Journey: Lake Santa Fe Good Morning

2011-03-29T04:18:00.000-07:00

Karen F. Rose - My Painting Journey: Lake Santa Fe Good Morning

Artists in the Gardens Weekend

2011-03-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Artists in the Gardens at Epcot this weekend!

I am so honored to have been invited back to paint during Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival 2011. This will be my fifth year to paint in the World Showcase. Last year I painted in jolly old England and really enjoyed the cottage gardens and English architecture. You can find me this year in Italy. The horticultural department goes all out with potted flowers and plantings in the different countries. The feature each year are the topiaries of the Disney characters that are scattered throughout Epcot. Having the artists painting on location just adds to the ambiance of the festival. Guests can watch us paint and even purchase a painting to take home. I would be curious to know how many vacation photos I have been in over the years!

It is so much fun to talk to the guests who come from all over the world. The children are the best with their innocent questions and comments. I end up giving away as many paintings as I sell when a child comments they like it!

This is plein air painting at its finest! Shade if you can find it, level ground, beautiful weather, no "real" animals to bother you, and beautiful surroundings to paint makes this a painter's dream. So I hope if you are making spring break plans, you will hop over to the Flower and Garden Festival this year. Just don't ask me the names of any of the plants, OK?

Ciao for now, will try to post a painting or two while there!

Durinda

The Diva Dilemma

2011-03-13T16:40:00.001-07:00

Spring Divas

oil on linen

12 x 9

Available: www.Durinda.com

The Diva Dilemma. If you are a painter, you have surely faced it at least once in your painting career. If you ever sang in a chorus or acted in a play, you faced it. If you even like to decorate rooms, you have probably faced it too. What is it?

It is having more than one Diva in a situation. Like having to decorate a room and you say, "Well, here's a fireplace, a good focal point, let's put seating facing it." And then you see the window in the same room with the great view. "This is such a good view, let's put seating facing it." And then you have two Divas. When you enter the room, where do you face? The fireplace or the window? Maybe that doesn't bother you?

Have you ever tried to watch two performers on stage? In the olden days, Sonny and Cher? Hmm, who was the Diva? Pretty obvious there. You won't see two separate spotlights.

My watercolor mentor was Wayne Wu, AWS. He used to tell us, "There can only be one star. Everyone else is the supporting cast." In other words, have a focal point in your composition. There are several ways to create a central focus and they are not all so obvious. In a floral arrangement, choose one flower or a cluster of flowers to give more color and more detail. Play down the rest. We know they are flowers, let them be cast members. The same for a landscape. Where do you want the viewer to look? Try not to confuse us by having detail on everything unless you are Grandma Moses. Or as Jack Beal says, "Fruit basket painting."

I think the same applies to our appearance. Do you want people to notice your hair, your eyes, your clothes, or your jewelry? Play up your best feature and let the others support it. Wear clothes that compliment your eyes or hair, but if you want us to look at your clothes, fine. Wear something that stands out there. But don't be surprised if people say, "I love your outfit." and not, "Gee, you look great today."

We want viewers to look at our artwork and say,"I love this painting." and not "Gee, you did a good job with all this detail. It looks JUST like a photograph." Get it?

Now, go find your Diva!

From the only Diva in this household,

Durinda

Fudge

2011-02-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

The Painting Lesson

Jack Beal

collection: The Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga

The prior post was on Twinkies. Today I wanted to write about Fudge. By now you know I am not talking about sweets, am I? I have been sending my current painting students an art quote every week (when I think about it). I have many written and filed and a few books on them too. I love reading bios of artists and trying to picture myself interviewing them. What would I ask? What would they respond? I do think I know of one thing that most would admit:

Fudging.

I know that as a young artist and later as an instructor with students, that most if not all people believe that an artist just goes up to a blank canvas and voila! paints a masterpiece. It just flows out of their head. Well, that can happen sometimes I suppose. But I believe every artist has a purpose in their painting whether it is to paint some one's portrait, a place they like, objects they chose, or an expression or feeling they are having. If not, why paint? The real difference in being a "painter" verses an "artist" comes with the interpretation. Just copying exactly what's there will make you a painter. Making changes that create a better painting, makes you an artist. I have been fortunate enough to study under some great artists. Jack Beal says, "Lie, cheat, steal." What is he talking about? He means that painting from life, either a landscape or a group of figures will not be perfect in every way. Nature cannot compose your painting. There may be a clump of even number trees, a telephone pole in the middle of a scene, etc. So your job as an artist is to make use of what's there in creating a work of art.

"The artist does not draw what he sees, but what he must make others see." -E. Degas

So it is not enough to "see- put" as Jack Beal used to comment about some artists who copy nature or photographs. This is where the Fudging comes in. You move a tree, you add a path, you darken, you lighten, you change the colors. You create where you want the viewers to look first, where their eyes should travel and where they should stop.

"Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth." -Picasso

I don't know about you, but I try not to lie about things. I will, however, fudge the truth sometimes in painting. I think it would make Jack Beal proud.

Comments? Questions? Would love to hear from you about how artists create our own "truths".

Twinkies

2011-02-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

French Cottage

oil on canvas

20 x 24

Twinkies? Yes, but not the creme filled cakes you are thinking about. Hmmm, that is a nice thought! I call my paintings that I "revisit" Twinkies. They were close to being finished. I hung them some place where I could sneak up on them and keep looking. This painting of the French Cottage went pretty quickly. I knew what I was going to paint. I had painted a small version on site so I was familiar with the house. But, working in the studio on a larger canvas, the temptation is to copy the photograph pretty closely. Tempting...Tempting.., just like the creme filled cakes.

And so it was hung and it waited.

When I first began painting en plein air or outdoors, I thought that every outdoor painting needed to look JUST like the scene and had to be completed on site. 100%. Wow, what pressure! Then I started reading and looking and listening to other plein air artists. "Your job is to create a beautiful painting. Not copy just what's there." "Nature isn't perfect. You are the creator. Move it, change it, and make it your own. " "Get inspired by nature. Paint what you feel." Finally, I got it! Compose, rearrange, change, but come away with the essence of what attracted you in the first place. You might have to lighten something, smudge something, even eliminate something when you get back into the studio.

Working in the studio, you have the luxury of time. No disappearing light, no dancing shadows, or weather conditions to make you paint like a madman. But, the photograph should only be an inspiration too. If the painting needs something, add it. If it needs something removed, do it!
My cottage scene needed something. I finally realized what it was. Why did I like it in the first place? I liked the flowers and vines growing around it. All I had to do was add more. Twinked!

In the oil classes last week I talked about using a mirror to view your work. It helps to see lines and angles that are not correct, shapes that repeat too often, and other compositional faux pas. But sometimes, all it takes is a little time away. Let the painting tell you what it wants. Put away the photo or the on site sketch. Make a painting that satisfies you and hopefully the viewers.

I am thinking spring, aren't you? And maybe one of those sweet creamy little cakes?

Happy Valentine's to you and those you love.

Durinda

Super Sunday Sale

2011-02-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Midtown Gallery

1912 Broadway

Nashville, TN

Wildflowers I

oil on board

6 x 6

available at http://www.midtowngallery.com/

Looking outdoors at my back yard right now looks nothing like the images I am creating inside. Still trying to keep my spirits up during the winter doldrums, I am painting a series of wildflowers on hillsides and also marshes with "happy clouds". The small square format is perfect for these scenes. The hillsides are based on my Tuscany travels where I have painted. The marshes are images from different locales around Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. One thing I tell my students is to choose your subject in a landscape. Is it the ground or is it the sky? Don't divide your composition by painting the horizon line right in the middle and developing details in both areas. This is a fun (two) series for me and I love the wide floater frames I am using on them. The new paintings are available at Midtown Gallery in Nashville where I am now represented. Midtown Gallery is located on Broadway near Vanderbilt University. I used to be in Local Color Gallery in the same location a few years ago and am very excited to be back showing in the Nashville area. I hope you will drop by Midtown and see my paintings. For Super Bowl Sunday, Gary Tisdale the owner does something pretty unique: he has a Super Art Sale from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. It's a great time to get new works for your collection at great prices. Tell Gary you know me!

Also, I am now a part of Daily Painters of Georgia and you can follow our blog: http://www.dailypaintersofgeorgia.blogspot.com/ I am hoping it will motivate me to shoot, edit, and post my paintings more often. I wish I could say that I don't mind that part of the art trade, but I dread it. So I usually wait until I have several new paintings to shoot before I set things up. This will be an experiment to see if I can do this!

Have a Super Sunday no matter whose team wins today!

Durinda

Housebound and Happy

2011-01-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

WIP in studio

If you are not in the southeast region, our big news here this week is the Big Snow. Over 8 inches at my house. Unusual for our area, especially since we had about 4 inches on Christmas Day. Now for you Yanks out there who get snow all the time and just get out and go in it, we don't have equipment to clear secondary roads. Our 2 or 3 salt trucks work the main interstates. The rest of us are on our own. So, pretty much our whole city is shut down until the snow melts. No school, even the malls were closed yesterday. And yes, I am staying home this winter instead of being at the beach. My S.A.D. has not kicked in yet. I am actually enjoying looking at the snow.

So, how do you paint snow? My personal preference is a composition with some color in it whether it is blue or violet cast shadows or something architectural like a stone wall or corner of a house. If you are unsure of composing landscapes, use your viewfinder in your camera. I will be watching the light today from the sunroom for cast shadows. Right now, the whole scene is white. The sky is the same color as the ground. I already have a view in mind that I want to paint. I will have my supplies ready in case the sun cooperates with me.

If you are new to painting, use the quiet time to organize your materials. Put your name on your things. Try out your paints by making a color chart and writing the names on it. Email me for a copy of a color wheel you can make. I always find things to do in the studio. I spent a lot of time Sunday cleaning my palette. If you have old magazines, go through them and rip out things you like (scenery, interiors, faces, etc) to start a resource file. It's nice to have a photo of a certain thing if you are painting something similar. I keep flower catalogs to help with painting gardens or flowers in pots. If you are not a painter, you can keep a file too of things you like and would want a painting of some day. It is much easier for the artist to visualize what you have in mind if you can show an example. It doesn't have to be perfect. There is always some research in painting a commission. Even giving a color swatch torn out will help.
In the meantime, I will be snug and warm in my sunroom studio painting flowers I bought Sunday. I'll keep an eye out for the sun to peek through. It's kind of like, "when the moment is right" commercial. When it happens, be ready (to paint, of course).
Take time to enjoy your view!
If you would like to continue to receive this blog, click the title and go to the main page where you can subscribe. The blog is a written commentary on what and where I am painting or traveling. My newsletter features a recent painting and/or updates on shows or paintouts. You can subscribe to it on http://www.durinda.com/email-newsletter. I welcome your comments or suggestions about what you would like to see in the blog. So let me know!

Durinda

Sending Holiday Greetings Your Way

2010-12-22T04:29:00.000-08:00

Tuscan Poms and Grapes

Oil on linen

2010

It has been my tradition to paint or draw my own holiday card image since I was in college. Some years I have ideas in the summer months and have the cards at the printer's in October. Most years I am painting at the last minute and the printer worries that the cards won't be ready Christmas week. As with most people I know, I don't send out as many cards as I once did. I am sure most people think that sending cards will become a thing of the past since so many send email messages now. I still believe that people enjoy receiving a "hard copy" of a greeting. You can look at them more than once, they don't take up memory space on your computer, and they can be shared with others without having to type or click a key. I like seeing the family photos that many send.

My image this year is from a table setting in Tuscany. While going through my photographs to find something to paint, I came across my shot of the bowl of fruit. Very simple, and yet I immediately thought of the symbolism of the pomegranate for abundance, fertility, and good luck. It has been used for centuries as a decoration in many cultures especially Mediterranean countries. All this to say, I wish for you and your family a year ahead of prosperity, happiness, and peacefulness in your heart. If I can be of any service to you this year, please contact me. I cherish the relationship I have with you.

Remember that there would not Christmas without Christ.

Durinda

Painting Classes

2010-12-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Mike working on his watercolor Imke and Maren with their still lifes

I couldn't resist sharing a few shots from my weekly classes at Townsend Atelier since we finish up this week. The students this session were so dedicated and easy to teach. Mike had private sessions in watercolor painting on Mondays. He is an excellent draftsman with graphite (pencil) and wanted to learn to use color with watercolors. He really has developed his skills quickly. Tuesdays the morning "beginners", because most have a background in some form of drawing or graphic design, have sped through some still life paintings. Some with natural light and some had spotlights. The afternoon painters chose a landscape theme for this term and have painted their way through the seasons, finishing with a snow scene. We love our open space at the Atelier where we can arrange easels and setups in different ways. I can't believe the second session is coming to an end. Time flies when you are having fun painting!

New sessions begin January 10 & 11. Many of you know I have spent winters in Florida for the last eight years. This year I am going to try to "stick it out" here. It's not easy for me. I am sure I have S.A.D. So to prevent any downward feelings on these cold dark days, I have decided to have lots of color in the classes! We will use flowers of all sorts and sizes as subjects during the next term. I love to paint close-ups and also floral bouquets. So if you are craving some brightness in January and February, Peggy is taking registrations now! Don't feel you have to be experienced in painting flowers. We will start off with the basics. I will get back to landscapes in the spring, maybe a garden or two? And hopefully take a few of you outdoors with me painting. Until then, I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Colorfully yours,

Durinda

Studio News

2010-11-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

Red Kimono

Watercolor

This is more of a newsletter today. I have several things that I want to share with you!

Join Reflections Gallery and the artists of the Tennessee Watercolor Society for the opening reception of "Color Zone", on Thursday, November 4 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. My painting "Red Kimono" is part of the exhibit. I chose one that had a color in its title. Also, this one is pretty colorful on its own. It will be interesting to see all the different interpretations of the theme. The reception will even have color themed goodies. Reflections Gallery is located at 6922 Lee Highway, Chattanooga. Phone: 423-892-3072.

I just received notice that I have been accepted as a member of the Women Painters of the Southeast. This is a group of, of course, women painters, many of whom are friends of mine. I am excited about joining this group and being a part of their prestigious exhibits.

The weekly painting classes at Townsend Atelier are going strong for the second six weeks session. I have some very nice students who show a lot of promise with painting! We enjoy each other's company while exploring the techniques of painting. The winter session will begin in mid-January. Contact Peggy at Townsend Atelier for more information. Remember: Art Classes make excellent Gifts for that special someone!

Next week right after the Tuesday morning oil class, I will be traveling with friends to Ft Myers Beach, Florida for the Paint the Beach-Sandcastles to Shrimp Boats plein air festival. This event will coincide with the 24h Annual American SandSculpting Championship. I know you have seen these events on television or maybe you have seen one in real life? The sculptors work on the beach and create unbelievable sculptures from the beach sand. So, I am sure there will be lots of interesting things to paint. Along with the paintout, there will be a sale of the paintings for the public Friday through Sunday.

And...a plug for a friend of mine! AndreeTerry has a writeup this month in the Georgia magazine. She is the owner of Andree's Essential Soaps in Athens, Georgia.

Andrea developed her soaps and lotions for her mother when she was receiving chemotherapy and found her skin would get very dry from the treatments. Andree kept making her soaps and lotions using the finest essential oils from around the world after her mother died. Then she too discovered she had breast cancer. Fortunately, it was caught in plenty of time and she is fully recovered. The business means even more to her now as she works to share her products

with other cancer patients. You certainly don't have to be a cancer patient to enjoy her lotions, soaps, and moisturizers. Check out her website to learn more about her wonderful products.

Thanks for allowing me to cover a lot of ground in one blog. I do appreciate your readership and feel free to share the link with others. I still want to write a bit about traveling and painting in Tuscany and now add to that: Ft Myers Beach!

Enjoy your weekday-

Durinda

Treat Yourself to Eye Candy!

2010-10-21T05:51:00.001-07:00

Through the Poppy Field

oil on linen

8 x 10

It's not only time to buy sweets for the little ones, it's fall fix-up time! (Can you tell I watch HGTV?) You have guests for the holidays and parties coming up, you need something new in just the right size and color to liven up that room! This Friday, Oct 22, I will be doing a painting demonstration along with several other regional artists at Artistic Gifts & Framing, Dalton, GA. Donna Hilley, the owner, has lined up an outside street fair of sorts. We will be taking small works on canvas and paper, most unframed, for your gift list! I know when I rearrange things at home, I change out paintings and photos and a few throw pillows for a seasonal look. I am taking some of my little "jewels". Donna has lots of wonderful mouldings that would look great on any artwork you choose. If you don't see something that completely grabs you, commission a piece for that special place or someone. I am back from a wonderful week in Tuscany and really inspired to paint now! Hope to see you Friday!

Durinda

Ciao, ya'll!

2010-10-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Packing up for the Tuscany Workshop week. My bag may be overweight this time. I am carrying my pochade box, tripod, paints, and panels with a week's worth of clothes. Whew! Looking forward to the rolling hills covered with vineyards. We may have rain one day, so already thinking about interiors at the monastery and views out the windows. Don't know if I will be able to post from there or not, but do know that I will be painting, painting, painting! Hope all ya'll have a great week coming up too.

Ciao, ya'll!

Durinda

HIP HOP

2010-09-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

July 4

Watercolor on paper

22 x 15

A new painting for the Tennessee Watercolor Society's Region III members show at Gold Leaf Gallery, Chattanooga. You know me and southern architecture. Here is a doorway in Charleston while we were there over the Fourth of July weekend. My husband wanted to surprise me with a trip for my birthday (July 4) and we both love Charleston. It is a wonderful place to walk. But not in July. It was extremely hot without a breeze even though it is on the coast. We did very little walking except in the evenings and early mornings. This painting is in a champagne wood frame with white mat. It would brighten up any space. I am hoping that it makes you smile and think about holidays like the Fourth you spend at home with your family. Doesn't it say, "Come on in and get an iced tea, the BBQ is cooking in the backyard."?

The TnWS show will open on September 11 with a reception from 5 - 8 pm during the Gallery Hop 2010. Most galleries and studios will be open on that day from 2 - 9 pm with special shows. I will be hopping around too, I hope, as well as painting a demo at Townsend Atelier during that time.

If you are out hopping, come by and see us at Townsend. There will be information about classes and workshops. The open studio drawing class will be sketching a model. See the space- I love it. It makes me feel like I am in a New York City loft studio. BTW, Townsend has a red door also. I think red doors are good luck in China or somewhere. Who cares? They are great to paint.

HOPPING to see you Saturday!

Durinda

Adventures in Painting: Rejection, Stuck, I Think We're Making Progress Here

2010-08-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Painting: Rejection, Stuck, I Think We're Making Progress Here

Opportunity Knocks

2010-07-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Tuscan Door

Oil on linen

There are some subjects that I never tire of. Doors and windows, flower fields, street scenes, and marshes really appeal to me. I am not much on greenie green landscapes. Summer is not my time to paint outdoors unless it includes architecture or flowers. So, I am painting a series of Tuscan and French doors and windows right now. I don't care if my subjects are "romantic" to some people. I like to paint things that I can live with on a daily basis. I want to give viewers the sense of, "Ahh, I would like to be there right now." The difference between a television show and a painting is: you can't turn the painting off if you are tired of it.

So this post is two fold: One, this painting is from my Tuscany workshop last fall. Plans are underway to go in October this year. You have the opportunity to go, tour, paint if you like, eat local cuisine, drink local wine, and enjoy the company of like minded people. My feeling is, you never know what may happen by putting things off that you really want to do. Contact www.ilchiostro.com for registration and do something you've always dreamed about.

Two, this painting will be up for auction at the Arts & Education Council's Art-a-ma-jig on Thursday, July 22 at Tanner Hill Gallery, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Arts & Ed Council sponsor lots of projects in the area. The Young Authors awards I attended this year to see my oldest grandgirl accept a medal for her poem and be included in a published book of works by children from schools across the area. You have an opportunity to support this organization by attending and purchasing original artwork. If you are interested in biding on this painting, email:

www.artsedcouncil.org and let them know.

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. -Maya Angelou

Are you listening?

Durinda

Your World of Art Interview on Charter TV

2010-07-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Cameraman Josh Brown, Charter TV

Donna Hilley, owner of Artistic Gifts and Framing, with Ron Arnold

D with Ron Arnold, host of Your World of Art

Just so you'll know, I was taped for a segment on Your World of Art, a Charter TV show. Donna Hilley of Artistic Gifts and Framing, my gallery in Dalton, Georgia, arranged to have the interview at her shop on June 23. Ron Arnold, the host, and I stood in front of one of my paintings in the gallery and talked about my beginnings as an art student and later as an instructor and professional artist. I tried to be at ease, after all, you are being asked about yourself, nothing you shouldn't already know, right? Ron also interviewed Heidi Ingle, an art teacher from the Dalton area. I went first- gulp! We went straight through, no stops or retakes. You know, it is pretty easy to talk about your work, but making your life sound interesting- well, that is something else entirely. So, I hope I didn't bore anyone to sleep, or maybe if I did, I hope you see images of French cottages and poppy fields in your dreams. That's what I try to dream about.

The show is airing on Charter Cable TV channel 17 (at my house) and maybe channel 22 in other places. I have caught it around 8 pm nightly. It should run during the month of July. I think the whole concept of spotlighting local and regional artists is really kind of nice. We try to promote other things, why not the artists and craftsmen as well? BTW, Ron is a photographer and shows his work at Reflections Gallery in Chattanooga, another gallery of mine. Check out Heidi's cute animals in acrylic. She has been selling at the Chattanooga Market on Sundays. It is always a pleasure to meet other artists and talk "shop". I hope the interview will encourage children and young people to think about following their dream of becoming an artist someday. And, give inspiration to those adults who have always wanted to paint or draw, but just haven't started.

"Life is a great big canvas; and you should throw all the paint on it you can." Danny Kaye

What are you waiting for?

Durinda

A Memorable Weekend

2010-06-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

Frankie Willis, my newest collector with Golden Dreams

My setup at the
stone bridge on Sunday

PAG painters

Bambi, Phyllis, Durinda & Sandra

(We've been painting together for years)

The Reception at Pinky's Parlor

Sandra at the river

I don't know what possesses two reasonably sane people to drive to middle Georgia on Memorial Day weekend, setup to paint outdoors in 90 degree heat with pending thunderstorms, but all it took was a "ya'll come" from friend Phyllis and off Sandra and I went. The event was sponsored by Plein Air Georgia in Flovilla. Yes, Flovilla. I had no idea where it was. It is between Atlanta and Macon. We actually were in the Village of Indian Springs. There is a state park which contains the mineral springs that the Indians thought contained healing powers. The village was in its heyday during the late 1800s until 1920s. Without telling you too much history, it is now restored with a cafe, museum, shops and gallery, rental cottages, and gardens.

So what do you do at a paintout? First, you register and the canvases or paper you think you will use that day are marked or stamped on the back. That insures that you do something on the spot and haven't brought a painting you did earlier or in the studio from a photograph. Then you have a time limit to submit your paintings for judging and a display. Our deadline to have work framed and submitted was 3:00. Whew!

The three of us, Sandra, Phyllis and I painted in or near the botanical garden. I setup on the hillside near a small stream with purple iris lining it. I tried out the new MatteFinish Alkyd paints from Gamblin for my underpainting. Working with them on my linen boards went well. They do dry out quickly on your palette in the heat. After lunch at Pinky's Parlor, I again painted in the same area, this time an arbor with a wooden bridge.

Twelve painters from different areas of Georgia presented one or two works each for the reception. Pat Burns won First Place for her Mossy Tree and two other awards were given. Phyllis had made up the "I Survived" awards for the people who were first timers painting en plein air. I always say painting outdoors is not for sissies. Besides the sun, the wind, the bugs, the animals, the kids eating ice cream, you also deal with folks who just naturally are curious about painters. "Do you know Thomas Kincaid?" a sincere bystander asked Phyllis once. "No, do you?" Well, I am sure that sweet Phyllis had just the right thing to say back, but I would have been tempted to say that.

At the end of the reception, it was such an honor to have Frankie Willis purchase my two oil paintings as well as Sandra's and Phyllis'. Frankie is the one who has brought Indian Springs back to life. What a wonderful support for the local vendors and families. Her insight into recreating the village and establishing the gardens makes the area well worth the trip. You can stay in the state park, the Indian Springs resort, or rent one of the cottages in town. I guess a bonus of being a painter is getting to see interesting places and meeting other artists. It sure helps to have friends who enjoy the same things you do!

Now go make some memories!

Durinda

Dual Identities

2010-05-05T06:58:00.001-07:00

1942 Frogs and Fish

Cordon Art Netherlands

M.C. Escher (1898-1972)

tessellations.org

This image by M.C. Escher is one of his tessellations. It looks simple to us, but he studied the shape and placement of different motifs to make them tessellate. Escher is perhaps best known for his optical illusion images of stairs that go both ways, etc. What I admire about his work is that he never gave up. He kept exploring possibilities and giving himself challenges. In his lifetime he made 448 woodcuts and linocuts and over 2000 drawings. He kept working even when his work wasn't that popular. If he were alive today, he would be amazed that he is such a world renown artist.

Many of you know that I am an art teacher as well as painter. I will be presenting two lessons tomorrow in Demopolis, Alabama for teachers. We will examine the connections between the academic subjects they teach and the arts. Well, I can only hope that the teachers tomorrow will see the connections between what they already teach and what art can add for their students.

As a painter, reading about and researching artists for lessons always gets me motivated. When you think about some of the conditions that some of these artists lived in, and yet they still persevered and kept creating their art. Most did not attain wealth or fame during their lifetime. Picasso, Dali, and Monet being a few of the exceptions. And the best part, they kept working in their own style, no matter what the "trend" of the day was, their art represented them. I think that is a lesson for us irregardless of what we do for a career or hobby.

So keep working!
Durinda

New Homes and Gallery

2010-04-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Poppy Walk

oil on canvas

24 x 30

Italian Alley

oil on canvas

10 x 10

Bonjour!

oil on canvas

16 x 20

I am pleased to announce that I will be represented by Artistic Gifts and Framing in Dalton, Georgia. Donna Hilley, the owner, chose four oil paintings for her gallery: French Barns, French Farm, Bonjour!, and Oriental Lilies. The gallery is off Cleveland Highway in the Vista shopping center next door to The Spiced Apple. I hope you will drop in and see not only the artwork she carries, but also the gifts and other handmade items. Donna will custom frame your new artwork purchase too!

Field of Poppies went home with new owners at the Boyd Buchanan School fundraiser Saturday night. It is always an honor to have someone choose your paintings for their homes or businesses. I hope the new owners will enjoy the painting for years to come and thanks for supporting the school!

New works went out to Reflections Gallery in Chattanooga last week. I sent a series of sunset marshes. Other new works from a series of Italian streetscenes went to Ringgold Art & Frame as well as Poppy Walk, another in my series of poppy fields. More to come! I have lots of ideas for the series based on my three weeks in France. Not to slight my Italian poppy fields, I will be using some of those references for paintings too.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Pablo Picasso

Hope you have some art in your life!

Durinda

Lasting Memories

2010-04-14T06:03:00.001-07:00

Field of Poppies

Oil on canvas

16 x 20

So every chance I get to refer back to my photographs and notes of France, I take it. My daughter asked for a painting for the Boyd Buchanan School fundraiser. Of course I have paintings that were finished and framed that I could have chosen, but I wanted to get back to my "zen zone" of painting the wild poppy fields. This is the one I selected for the auction. I hope it will find a good home. The auction is Saturday, April 17, at the school. I am working on a couple more of the fields this same size and smaller works of Italy scenes.

If you would like to see the "La Dolce Vita" show on line here is the link for il chiostro. If that doesn't work, just try www.ilchiostro.com . I would appreciate you voting for my painting The Brass Shop Doorway (watercolor) as one of your 3 favorites. You simply email: info@ilchiostro.com and write VOTE for the subject. Then in the message list your favorites by name and artist. If you love Italy, you will love this show! Workshops are being booked now, so if you are thinking about going with me in October to Tuscany, get your name in! I will furnish you a sketch journal and IF I should win as one of the top favorites from the show, you could be in for a surprise too!

"A landscape is always something other than the reality it portrays. It is essentially a product of the mind." Charles Burchfield

Now go think good thoughts!

Durinda

A LOVER-LY WEEKEND

2010-03-31T07:02:00.001-07:00

My Mickey Award shot by my 5 yr old grandgirl

Blossom showing my art set up

Front: Barbara Perrotti, Dorothy Gardiner :Back Durinda, and Diane Johnson
at the Artists' Reception on Thursday night

English Doorway, oil on canvas, Sold

The Artists in the Gardens weekend was LOVERLY! The gardens were awesome and that is quite a feat given the cold weather that Florida has had this winter. I enjoyed seeing my art friends at the reception and lunches as well as painting in the "United Kingdom". The Epcot cast members take great care of us, providing water and sodas throughout the day. Friday and Saturday the weather was perfect and then Sunday it clouded up and poured later in the afternoon. We were packed up at lunchtime and didn't go back on the streets. I had a few sales, which is always an added bonus, and talked to some really interesting guests. The children are the most fun. I had two young boys who came right up to me and said, "I'm an artist too!" I just loved that!

If you get the chance, visit Epcot during the International Flower and Garden Festival in the spring. The plein air artists are there only the one weekend, but there is lots going on throughout the festival. I am so honored to have taken part in my fourth year and hoping for a return in 2011!

Now, go play in your yard!
Durinda

On the Woad Again....

2010-03-24T05:26:00.001-07:00

In the UK gardens at Epcot in '08

My husband thinks the neighbors don't know I live here, it seems like I have been gone more than I have been home this year (true). We are leaving today for Disneyworld and the Artists in the Gardens weekend. Each spring Epcot hosts the International Flower and Garden Festival with all kinds of gardening exhibits and beautiful flowers in the World Showcase. This is my fourth year to be invited to paint plein air in the park. There will be sixteen artists scattered through the countries painting on location. It is always a fun weekend meeting guests and visitors in the park and getting to paint in such a wonderful location. The UK has the English cottages and gardens full of color. Last year I painted in Canada and it was equally as pretty. I can't wait to see what the horicultural department has done this year with the landscaping.

For your artists, I will be taking my Anderson easel. It has a swivel back that will lay flat because I will be taking my watercolors. I can either stand and paint or sit by adjusting the height. I will be using my transparent colors - no cadimums or earth colors. My Art comber is going again too. It holds everything in the basket and has the chair that pulls out. You never know when a quick rain will pop up in FL and it is good to have a place where everything can go plus it has wheels so it is easy to transport. A good sunhat, sunscreen, and I am ready to woll- eh, roll!

Wishing you a magical week!

Durinda

Sharing Words of Wisdom

2010-03-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

David Leffel with his portrait demo

I had the opportunity to attend the David Leffel workshop on Longboat Key in February. This is my second workshop with David. There were six of us who were returning students. Needless to say, the level of artwork from the students was very high. I guess every field has its superstars and groupies. I read where Einstein had a following. David certainly has his groupies. He turned around once while helping another person and saw me- notebook in hand writing down his every word. I learn so much just from listening to him explain the method of painting. My favorite quote of his is "Painting is a very logical way to putting down what you see." Yes, he makes it sound and look so easy. We all know that it isn't, but we strive to get better.

This year David amazed us by doing a self-portrait. He painted most of it on Thursday night with an audience after teaching all day. I thought it was pretty amazing then. When he worked on it a little the next day in class, it was truly amazing. Just little twinks of brushwork here and there and it really came to life. David has a new book of his many self-portraits. He encouraged all of us to do self-portraits yearly. I haven't done one in years. Something else to strive for. I think I need a few more lifetimes to get everything in I want to paint and do, don't you?

Now, to get ready for the Artists in the Gardens weekend in Disneyworld next week!

Durinda

Mix and Mingle

2010-02-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

God's Gift to us this week

Showing my mini-tonalist painting in progress

Deborah Paris at M Gallery

Silver teapot with fruit ala Abgott

With Anne Abgott in Sarasota

No, this is not a social get together invitation. This is the concept behind Anne Abgott's watercolor paintings. It is so much fun to discover the local artists in Florida. Anne teaches one day workshops all over the place. I first saw her work in the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Show at Art Center Manatee. The show was up with the traveling American Watercolor Show. Anne is a recent signature member of the National Watercolor Society. She has a book called Daring Color. So when she had an opening for a one day workshop painting silver and fruit, I signed up! I have been painting scenes from Italy in watercolor lately and was curious how I could use the transparent palette that Anne used to get those rich darks in my shadows.

Then came the opportunity to study the luminous landscape with Deborah Paris for a week. Deborah is originally from Florida and now is a Texan. She "went to the dark side" a few years ago switching from plein air pastels for which she was well established, to painting Tonalism landscapes in her studio. Tonalist painters include Inness, Turner, and Whistler. Now why was I interested in Tonalism? Again, it relates to my collection of imagery that I someday want to paint. I have these images of sunsets and sunrises, storm clouds, and fog from Venice to Ringgold that I just wasn't sure where to start. Ah, using the layering of glazes, I just might be able to obtain that subtle shift in color that I was seeing. Deborah has a real emotional connection to her subject matter that comes through for the viewer. It was a lot of work, a lot of art talk, and good company for a week.

I know it appears as if I am a workshop junkie this winter! I have happened upon a few artists that I have interest in their techniques. It is the immature artist who ends up copying the style and subject matter of another more well known artist. Who wants to be an art clone? As an instructor myself, I always pick up ideas about teaching, new materials, books they recommend, and colors that I haven't tried. Sometimes it turns out I learn what NOT to do! But mostly I have great respect for artists who share their knowledge with patience. It is also good to be a student again once in a while. It reminds me to slow down and remember to explain things as I go.

It isn't a Gift, if it isn't shared.

Now, go share with someone and Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers of art!

Durinda

Love what you do

2010-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

Approaching storm, south Lido Beach

North Siesta Key Beach, in progress

There's a commercial now for Blackberrys that uses three different scenarios of people overcoming obstacles, a musician, a clothing designer, and a young couple. In the end they are all triumphant and the slogan is "Love what you do." I found my ADD mind saying,"Do what you love." We all know you can't always do that. Sometimes you have to do things you don't really love or like because that's just the way it is. But you can love WHAT you do. Painting is like that. If you don't really care about what you are painting, it shows. When you paint what gives you chill bumps, other people can feel it too.

People have asked me if I find it difficult to sell a painting if I really like it. When I am working on a painting or a series of a subject, I live with that image. It is the last thing I think about at night and the first thing I think about in the morning. What does it need to communicate my idea? What is my next step? How much more work is left? Then, wah-la, it is finished. The point is made. I am onto the next image. Painting is really more about loving the process than loving the product. Once the painting is complete, it is ready for someone else to love. I have a "new baby" to care for.

I have to go now, I hear one calling...

Paint the whole world on an 8 x 10

2010-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

You know who you are! You go outside with your paints and easel and BAM! Everywhere you look it is beautiful. Great light, great sky, glowing colors... it looks so good you just want to paint it all! But wait! You have to put it on an 8 x 10! What's a painter to do?

First, what attracts you most? What do you really want to paint? The sky? The trees? The grass? The water? The alligator? (no, really!) With your idea in mind, use a viewfinder, even cheaper, use your fingers and make a viewfinder, a keyhole, if you will and look JUST at the area you want to paint. Forget the lovely flowers on your left or the white bird- an egret?- that keeps strutting in front of you sticking his neck WAY out. Go away, distraction! The light will change in less than 2 hours and you have to get to work!

Make a sketch if you can, of just the large shapes. OK- you are going to put that on your canvas. Draw with charcoal or thinned paint. Go for the big blocks of local color. Here's your mantra for the day: SQUINT! Reduce the landscape into large masses of values and color. Get the essence, not the entirety ( I made that up!) Sure, it looks simple. The guy behind you is thinking, "I can do that". Yes, he can. That's why he is watching you and not painting himself. He "thinks" he can. He hasn't tried it.

Wow- that part took almost an hour. You still have to make it look like a landscape. Put in your lights. Put in your darkest darks. Hmmm, all you have to do now is tweek the midtones and then a few highlights- a tiny dab of sunlight here and there.

Time is growing short. The light has started creeping onto areas that were dark before. The shadows are much shorter. You are getting warm. A bee lands in your paint. Of course, he is in your most expensive imported white paint. You can paint around him. Naw, better flick him out. He looks like a ghost bee now on the ground. Maybe he can rub off the paint in the grass. Why did he want to dive in it in the first place??

You hear a rustling behind you. The looker is back. "Hmmm," he says,"I can see what you are painting now. Not bad." Thanks, you mumble, scraping off your palette. Note to self: in a little more than 2 hours, I painted "my world". Here's my world and welcome to it....

F-f-f-un Painting in F-F-F-Florida

2010-01-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

Painting at the Myaaka River

Marc Hanson's Demo at the Beach

That's not snow you see there, it's sand, but we look like we could be painting at the Antarctic! Marc brought the cold weather from Minnesota with him so we could experience his same painting conditions. All week in SW Florida it has been 20 - 30 degrees colder than normal. Factor in the wind from the gulf and it feels even colder. Susie Covert called us the "Guerrilla Girls" for braving the out of doors.

Marc was here for a one week workshop in plein air painting through the M Gallery. He has a show there this month also. This was not a workshop for true beginners. We dove right in to working with value, composition, and brushstrokes. Marc kept us working with a timer. Some pressure, huh? Actually, it really kept you thinking about the painting. After all, "our job is to create a good painting" one of the many reminders Marc gave us. His other often quote was,"It is getting warmer, don't you think?" Not! At least it was a way to paint like the midwesterners without having to be there!

The teacher in me was really pleased at Marc's presentations and demeanor. He really tried to encourage us to think about what we were expressing and not just paint what was there. Jack Beal used to call it, "See, Put." You are in control, not the weather, not the paints, not the brushes, etc. My favorite painting of the week was at night- eeks- on a dock looking across the water. Talk about shivering! It was pretty amazing to watch and listen to him talk about keeping the values close. I like my painting looking across at the skyline and can't wait to try more- when it warms up, of course!

It's a wienie bit chilly out this am. After it warms up some, I will retrieve my paintings from the trunk of the car and try shooting a few to post. Marc gave us some advice on that too. Hope I can retain all this knowledge when I am out painting later this week. I am inside with my watercolors right now. Ahhh- it's warm here in the kitchen....

Now go play with some paint!
Durinda

New Paintings for Autumn Art Show

2009-11-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Tuscany Tables

8 x 10

oil on canvas

Lunch in Florence

20 x 24

oil on linen

Two new pieces that I am planning for the Autumn Art Show, Nov. 19 - 22, at the Lookout Mountain Studio, 116 N. Watauga Lane, Lookout Mountain, TN. My "gals" in the Tuesday weekly classes will be showing oils, pastels, and watercolors. Those exhibiting are: Ann Curry, Evelle Dana, Martha Elder, Sarah Fowler, L.J. Huffaker, Betty Moses, Barbara Murray, Jeanne Rudisill, Anne Platt, and Wendy Williams. Some of them have been painting with me for nearly five years now. Their paintings are topnotch, if I do say so myself. I expect over 50 paintings in the show. This show is a great way to add to your collection and by directly from the artists. This is the Third Annual for us and always a pleasure to see the guests and patrons. Let me know if you need directions or have any questions. I would love to see you there!

My heart is still in Tuscany following my workshop there in late Sept and Oct. There is a painting everywhere you look! I am making plans now to return next October so if you are interested, let me know! We will be creating a sketch journal using a variety of media. This experience will inspire you for a very long time.

On the home front, Bill and I are moving back into our "old" neighborhood at the golf course this week. We lived there 18 years in a house we designed and had built until 3 years ago when we decided it was time to downsize. Now we see we need to upsize a little, not much, but this house is just the right size. I am looking forward to having Thanksgiving there.

Happy Fall, Ya'll!
Durinda

Toughing it out in Tuscany!

2009-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Our Paint Group at San Fedele

http://picasaweb.google.com/DurindaCheek/TuscanyWorkshop2009

There is so much to say about our wonderful time in Tuscany for the one-week workshop. Yes, the weather was perfect. Yes, the food was delicious. Yes, the wine was flowing. Yes, the accommodations at San Fedele were excellent. Yes, the directors of Il Chiostro, Linda and Michael along with Michael the Younger, were very attentive and genuinely cared about us. Yes, we had a great time, visiting hilltowns, a winery and wine tasting, grape stomping, and seeing David in Florence. Oh, and yes, we did paint! We also enjoyed the company of the painters with Barrett Edwards who worked in oils.

And for those of you who didn't make it this time, I will be returning next fall. If you are interested, better speak now! I can't imagine a better place to enjoy the scenery, the people, and the food in Tuscany.

Enjoy the first slide show. I shot 698 photos so can't possibly post them all. Now it's back to the studio and paint some of these lovely scenes!

Ciao, Ya'll!

Durinda

Ringgold Gap Festival and Art Exhibit, Oct 2 & 3

2009-09-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Confederate Money Only, General Grant

Oil on Canvas

On Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, a festival celebrating Gen. Cleburne, a confederate civil war leader will take place at the Ringgold Confederate Park on 41 south. A bronze statue will be dedicated to him at 10:00 am Saturday.

The festival includes historical lectures, music, vendors, and living history camps with artillery demonstrations. Go to: www.ringgoldgapfestival.com for more information about the weekend and an article about Gen. Cleburne written by Dr. Smith Murray. You will get the background of why he is being honored and what happened here in 1863.

As part of the festival, an art exhibit will take place inside the historic Ringgold Depot. Raye Brooks, owner of Ringgold Art and Frame Gallery, invited several local artists to participate. I chose the Whitman house in Ringgold and using the information on the historic marker, portrayed the scene when Gen. Grant is offering to pay Mrs. Whitman for his lodging there after the battle of Ringgold Gap. She refuses his Greenbacks and asked for Confederate money instead. He turned to his men and said, "She isn't whipped yet."

What appealed to me was the fact that since Grant later became our president, he did act as a gentleman. And, Mrs. Whitman showed him how feisty a southern lady can be. Sounds like they had mutual respect for each other. Fortunately, the Whitman house was not burned by Sherman on his way to Savannah. This is unusual for me to paint a historical work. The first was Polo at the Fort that I did for the Sixth Cavalry Museum in Ft. Oglethorpe (www.6thcavalrymuseum.com) Using composite resources and researching is a lot of work. Of course it comes down to the artist's interpretation.

Participating in the show are some of my Studio artists: Ann Currey, Martha Elder, L.J. Huffaker, Betty Moses, Barbara Murray, and Wendy Williams.

Since Ann Currey and I will be flying back from the workshop in Italy that Friday night, I hope to be conscious and coherent enough to come to the festival Saturday. I hope that you will be able to support the festival and see the local artwork in the depot.

Artfully yours,

Durinda

Traveling Tuscany Coming Up!

2009-09-18T16:21:00.001-07:00

I am starting to pack for the Tuscany workshop at San Fedele. I leave on Wednesday out of Atlanta. My whole group will be traveling together- Ann Currey, Faye Woolfork, Lisa Hutcherson, and Cam Busch. We will change planes in Paris and then arrive in Florence on Thursday around noon. From Florence, we will join the others who will be spending the week, an oil plein air group led by Barrett Edwards from Naples, Florida. A short bus ride and we will be in San Fedele.

To say that I am excited is an understatement. This will be my third trip to Tuscany and my first to stay at the converted and updated monastery of San Fedele. It is in the heart of Chianti country. Yes, this is the season for the grape harvest and wine festivals! See, I told you you should come! We will be using our watercolor paints, watercolor pencils, and Sharpie markers to capture all we can. I made our watercolor sketchbooks by cutting paper and matboard and having Office Depot bind them. I will be demonstrating some different techniques with the materials and encouraging everyone to not only sketch, but journal in the book as well.

And just when things couldn't get any better... we were notified that we are invited to exhibit our own paintings in the village that weekend and take part in a Quick Draw painting event on Sunday. So now I am packing a small framed painting to take with me for the show. Cam and Ann will bring along a painting too. I think I had better get another card for my camera! It will be a week of adventure and art. Who could ask for more? Oh yeah, great food, wine, scenery, and new art friends. I guess I will just have to "make do". ; )

If you missed this trip and are interested in one for next fall, let me know now so you can get on the list!

Ciao for now!

Durinda

Poppy Fields Aglow

2009-07-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Studio is filling with French poppy fields this summer!

Besides teaching workshops in professional development this summer, I have been working on a series of paintings based on my stay in France last June. The painting on the left is an 8 x 10 that recently sold at the Art-a-ma-jig auction for the Arts and Education Council in Chattanooga. This scene is the same field where my classes painted one afternoon. My plein air study there was Poppy and Pea Field. The center painting is a farm close to the edge of the village where the classes painted the first day out from a distant view. I did a very small oil study- 4 x 5- and then walked back one afternoon to see the barns closer. The poppies here were scattered amongst the hay field. This painting is French Barns and 20 x 24. The painting on the right is another section of the pea field. This painting is larger: 24 x 30 and on gallery wrap canvas. I love working in a series. One painting gives you ideas for the next. I have another on the easel currently, another drying, and more to come.

The interesting thing in these paintings is working with the complements of red and green. Greens I love. There are so many mixes you can do with greens. Reds are harder. They turn other colors like orange, pink, or violet. You also have to be careful not to layer reds over greens or greens over reds because that makes brown!

Having the experiences of painting on location before painting in the studio brings back the memories of the place, the feeling of being outdoors in the sun and wind, hearing the sounds and smells around you. I feel like I can close my eyes and be back there again. This is what I strive to capture on canvas- that feeling of the moment.

As I am finalizing plans for the Plein Air Journaling Workshop in Tuscany in September, I am looking forward to capturing many more memories to share.

Enjoy your summer days!

Durinda

Arts Infusion in Alabama

2009-07-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

Top: Tina Cherry, assistant; and Durinda

Bottom: A classroom full of teachers

Last week I was in L.A. (Lower Alabama) to teach for a workshop on Arts Infusion. I love that title! We met at the lovely Troy University of Dothan. Teachers from two schools in Dothan, Grandview and Fain Elementary, came for four days of training in presenting the arts along with their regular subjects. We began with a study of Texas artist David Bates who paints people and places that he loves. Our first production was a collage showing a favorite place or memory. Tuesday we worked with Leonardo da Vinci and his work with portraits and inventions. The photo shows the teachers' faces they drew using a grid method of drawing. Wednesday was the study of Jacob Lawrence and his depiction of the scenes and people of Harlem where he lived.
Teachers created paintings with tempera (remember that?). What fun!

It can be out of your comfort zone to paint or draw if you don't ordinarily do anything like that. I was proud that each of them, including their principals and program directors, attempted the productions. I think the arts are VITAL to a child's education and providing them the opportunity to communicate through the arts is so important. We want our children to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. Their world is going to be so different than ours, who knows what problems they will face in the future? Let's give them the tools to be creative!!

Check out http://www.alaarts.blogspot.com for more on teacher professional development this summer.

Spreading the Gospel of Art....

Durinda

Bank Notes

2009-07-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Bank Grand Opening

Durinda, Pam VanZant, Bank of Chickamauga Branch Manager; Larry Kuglar, Director, President & CEO of SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc and First National Bank of Polk County

Friday was an exciting day as the Bank of Chickamauga held its Grand Opening of the new building. I was so honored to have been selected to create paintings for the space. It is a beautiful building. I had the opportunity to "see" it from the blueprints before it existed and watch the stages as it was built. Pam VanZant, the Branch Manager, gave me sample swatches of the furniture and wall colors. She even had a tiny wall of brick built so I could see the colors in it. Having a brick wall in an interior space is an unusual accent, and I loved the idea of bringing the colors and textures indoors. It really warms up the space.

The paintings depict scenes from the historical area of Chickamauga: The Train Depot, now a museum; the Lee and Gordon's Mills; and the original downtown Bank of Chickamauga. I chose a fall color scheme to fit with the interior colors and to tie the three scenes together. My friends at Ringgold Art and Frame did a super job with the framing and I was happy to see Raye Brooks one of the owners of RA&F there for the opening.

It was fun to see man other people I knew in the area who came by for the opening and the ribbon cutting. I also met the contractor Dan Baker and several others who were a part of the project. Visitors enjoyed hotdogs and ice cream under tents outside and received gift bags.

If you get the chance, drop by the bank on US 27 south in Chickamauga and take a peek!

Later,

Durinda

Oh, I come from Alabama.....

2009-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

The Visual Arts Staff on Friday, minus Sally

What a great week with the Alabama Institute for Education in the Visual Arts, June 15 - 19, held at the Montgomery Museum of Art. We had 36 participants from all over the state. This was truly a group "who played together well." My deepest thanks go to my facilitators aka "The A(Art) Team": Sabrina Hubbarb, Donald Myer, James "Doc" Bender, Sally Chambliss, and Margaret Snider. The week could not have gone on without them. Our special guests were Margaret Lynne Ausfeld, curator of paintings and sculpture at MMFA, and Charlie Lucas, sculptor. We were very fortunate to have Pat Wanglie, a seasoned docent from MMFA, joining us for the week. Pat did a great job describing the museum's sculpture collection. She also contributed a lot with our classroom activities

Some of the units we covered during the week were da Vinci's painting and inventions; Van Gogh's expressive painting; Georgia O'Keeffe's nature subjects; Picasso's Cubist sculptures and Charlie Lucas' Outsider art. On Friday, we had a rotation day with the other art institutes and a lesson with Jacob Lawrence. I am hoping that the teachers who attended will be able to share new ideas about using art in their classrooms. I look forward to teaching again at the Arts Integration Workshop in Montgomery and a Professional Development week for Dothan schools in July. I created a new blog for posting art related lessons and photos from the week: http://www.alaarts.blogspot.com/.

Just a plug: the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts has a wonderful collection of American art. It is a beautiful setting in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival park.

Wishing you lots of creative thoughts!

Durinda

Painting the Emerald Coast

2009-06-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Painting at Eden Gardens

Dinner the first night

Evelle painting a wooden bench next to the path

Martha and Barbara working on the cute post office in Watercolor

The group paints a red boutique in Baytowne

Ann painting a view of a home in Watercolor

I hope I can speak for all of the participants when I say that we had a great time painting in the Panhandle. The weather was just perfect; warm, but not too hot, no rain and slight breezes. Our locations were accessible and the foliage and flowers were beautiful. We varied from landscapes to architecture.
When painting outdoors where it can be so overwhelming it is easy to lose focus of what you want to capture. We started at a fountain surrounded by flowers that was in sunlight. By walking around it completely, we were able to find a view that showed the statuary with sunlight and shadow making it appear more three-dimensional. That same day I demoed the mansion from a distance to show how to capture the light and shadows on a white building.

The second day we went to a commons area in a development nearby. There the paths were landscaped and manicured. Evelle even had the gardeners trimming what she was trying to paint! The lesson there was to find a subject where you could work in the shade. Everything was beautiful, but you need to be comfortable as you work. We liked the architecture that peeked through the gardens and paths with dappled light.

The last morning was spent at an area modeled after New Orleans with shops and restaurants. The buildings had the southern architectural style with balconies and ironworks. It was a warm day, but we were able to find shade from a building to paint the scene across from it.

Plein air painting is not for everyone. It can be frustrating when the conditions are not right. But it can also add so much to your ability to "see" the essence of a subject in a way that photographs can not.

Enjoy your summer days!

Durinda

New workshop: Tuscany in the Fall

2009-05-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

Announcing... a week of drawing and painting in Tuscany this September! Bring your sketchbook, drawing tools, and watercolors! Maybe you have been to the area before on one of those whirlwind tours or maybe you went with family. Now see Tuscany through an artist's eyes! It's time to do something for yourself that you will never forget. I have structured this workshop for all levels of experience in drawing or watercolor painting. We will explore the region without heavy equipment, messy paints, or wet canvases. No worries going through the airports with paints. No stained clothes or tired shoulders from carrying easels. This week is all about observing your surroundings and choosing your own focus. The accommodations are superb, the food is excellent, and the company of others will be enjoyable. I have chosen Il Chiostro as our hosts. Linda and Michael will make sure you are well taken care of. Airfares are down, the dollar is strong, now is the time. You only live once!

Check out the information and go ahead and register for this week in the land of dreams. You will be amazed at how much you will get for the price. I will be happy to talk to you further about the trip and will send a supply list with your registration: Durinda@Durinda.com.

Now, Let's go to Tuscany!

Ciao!

Durinda

Chickamauga Trio Preview

2009-04-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

SH-H-H-H! Here's a preview of my commissioned paintings for the new Bank of Chickamauga branch which will open soon (next week?). The "Chickamauga Trio" is finished and at the framer. I apologize for the little bit of glare because I tried to light them with spots in the studio. Each is 36" x 48". The scenes represent the historic area around the town of Chickamauga, Georgia. Chickamauga was the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. A National Battlefield is just north of the city. A house in town was used as a hospital during the war. The streets there are named after civil war generals. The train depot is now a history museum. The original bank is still in use and takes up a corner of town. The town still looks the way it did years ago with the addition of nice streetscaping and parking. It is friendly small town with quaint shops and restaurants.
Lee & Gordon's Mills is located a few miles outside of town. The old mill is used to grind corn into mill and is open on Saturdays. I always thought it should have a water wheel on the outside, but it is underneath the floor.
Let's just hope that the paintings are what they expected! I will let you know how they look after being framed and hung.

Now that they are out of my studio, I am ready to get back to plein air painting for awhile. Wouldn't you know that today was rainy and cold? We went downtown Chattanooga to see the 4 Bridges Art Festival. Thankfully, the artists were in the pavilion. I think there were 150. I truly admire them for being tent artists. That is a hard life on the road with no guarantees of sales and the uncertainty of the weather. This year the festival charged admission and charged for parking. I will be curious to hear how the sales were from some of my friends and also how the money collected will aid the sponsor, The Association for Visual Artists, of which I am a member. Maybe next year I will volunteer to help. I am usually out of town when it happens. Sorry to say, we didn't find anything we couldn't live without, but loved looking.

I am looking forward to the Sketching Callaway workshop coming up next weekend. The mountain laurel, native azaleas, and some early rhododendrons should be in bloom. We will sketch Saturday and Sunday using different media and adding color with watercolor pencils. I also suspect that the huge poppies will be there again in the vegetable garden. Saturday night there will be a concert by the Atlanta Symphony. An extra treat! Here's the contact if you are interested or know someone who might: education@callawaygardens.org.

During June, I will be directing the Visual Arts portion of the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts. I have been writing new curriculum for this year using a different artist as a focus each day. So, here's a quote from one of them that touched me this week:

"It is very hard work to turn out anything that looks like a good painting."
- Georgia O'Keeffe, 1887- 1986

Back to Work!
Durinda

O Canada!

2009-04-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine setting up your easel to paint in a sunken garden with masses of spring flowers and weeping willows cascading over a pond running under a stone bridge. You hear the Canadian national anthem "O Canada" being sung by the wait staff of a restaurant nearby where whiffs of grilled steak permeates the air. It is a comfortable 70 degrees in late March. Life is good!

My adventure in the Artists in the Gardens weekend of Epcot was wonderful. Despite the windy day we had on Saturday, the early Sunday morning rain, and the lack of shade in the afternoons, I had a difficult time choosing what to paint. When I first received my assignment, I thought, "What's in Canada that I would want to paint?" Little did I know that the area is based on the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia. The original sunken gardens were developed in a limestone quarry. Of course the gardens and grass in Epcot were "Mickey" perfect. An ideal setting for a plein air artist, if you can paint and talk to mulitudes of people at the same time. :>) That is really the fun of it all, meeting the guests and talking about your art and art in general. Children are especially curious and ask great questions. I was fortunate to have four paintings go to new owners. I even painted under shelter Sunday when it was pouring down rain!

My "art buds" this year in Canada were Dorothy Gardiner from St Pete and Linda Pence from Gainesville, FL. Both are wonderful artists and old pros at painting en plein air at Epcot. We shared a great host, D.J. Gibson, who normally works in management. He helped with our setups and getting us where we needed to be on time. The three days went quickly and I am so glad that we were able to paint through Sunday this year. Last year, we had stormy weather that called off Sunday afternoon painting. If you have a chance, you should definitely go to WDW during the flower festival months of April and May. You won't be disappointed!

For you painters, I tried out my new Anderson easel that swivels. It has telescoping legs like my Soltek. I think it weighs 7 or 8 pounds and is very easy to put up and carry. It worked great for my watercolors this time because I could lower it and sit down to work, stand and paint upright, or swivel it flat to add detail. The only problem was adding an umbrella. I will have to work on that! I worked on Stratmore's Gemini paper which has a softer tooth than Arches. It took the washes well and worked fine for outdoors where you usually have to really pile on the paint to keep it from disappearing.

Wishing you a season of beauty and good scents!

Durinda

Truth or Dare?

2009-03-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

The bank- first layer of color- tilted to cut the glare

The depot- the drawing

The Mill- a start, with darks and lights.

This seemed like the right title for my post today. As an artist, you can portray what you see as closely as possible to the "real" thing, or you can take an inspiration from nature and do your own interpretation. One way is not better than the other way or more important. The question lies within you. What are you wanting to express? What do you want the viewer to see or feel by looking at your painting or drawing?

I guess I was ready to hear what watercolorist Tom Lynch and oil painter David Leffel were saying during their workshops last month. Both said, "Make a painting." I understood that meant put yourself into the work and the viewer will relate to it. So if that means you change a color, you move a tree, you lighten or darken an area to make the work itself better, then do it! It is not a "put see" as Jack Beal says. You are in control of the painting, it is not in control of you.

All that said, I have been working on my three commissioned paintings and still worrying about what I leave out, what I move, what I change to "make a painting." On most occasions, I work with a client about what they want. I change or enhance to please them. I am on my own with these. Since the images are "real" places and things that people will recognize, I want them to resemble the actual thing. But I also see where I can make the overall image "read" better. So how much of the truth do you give the viewer and how much do you dare to change? Think about it in your art if you paint or in your own line of work. How much will I change?

Stay tuned......

I leave for Epcot this Wednesday to paint in the World Showcase for three days. So as they say in WDW,

Have a Magical Day!

Durinda

It's Spring- time for painting outdoors!

2009-03-15T14:51:00.001-07:00

I am just getting into the Spirit of Spring after returning home from two months in Florida. How do they know it's spring? Well, I know because it is almost time for my return to WDW's Epcot Artists in the Gardens. The event this year will be March 27, 28 & 29. This will be my third year to get to paint on site in the World Showcase along with twelve or so other artists. This year I will be painting in Canada. I will be taking my watercolors along with mats and bags so the paintings will be ready to go home with someone! It is really fun to be assigned a different country each year. I have been in Italy and the U.K. Having the artists painting in the countries looks very European. We interact with the visitors and are treated to our meals and room. We will be staying in the Wilderness Lodge. I hope we have great weather this year and get lots of painting time. Starting the last week of March and into May, Epcot will be filled with beautiful flowers and garden spots. This is the place to come if you are a garden lover, and who isn't?

Coming up in April will be the Sketching Callaway workshop at another beautiful spot, Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. I taught the workshop last spring in May and we had a great time working in our sketching journals. This year I plan to add tips on drawing buildings or fences in perspective along with the flowers and landscape. Most gardens have some type of structure or rows of plants, so I think it will be helpful to demonstrate. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26. Registration: education@callawaygardens.org or phone 706-663-5153. All supplies are provided.

It's Springtime, let's get out and paint!

Durinda

Working with a Master

2009-03-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

David's painting demo

David's model demo. David starting his painting. My first still life set up.

David and I are all grins

Nancy's portrait by David

Some photos from the week long workshop at Longboat Key with master
artist, David Leffel.

I went back and forth on whether to take it.
I really love his work. I really felt he is a

great American master artist, but was I ready to give up a week of Florida sunshine to paint indoors? Did I feel that I was up to the task of painting with him?

In the end, I was more than happy that I gave up my week outside. David not only is a master artist, he is very personable. Soft spoken, he makes painting seem so effortless. Every stroke has meaning. He just enjoys painting! Some secrets? There are no secrets. There are no tricks. Painting is hard work. You must paint to learn how to paint. No one will love your painting unless you love it first. I could just listen and watch him all day.

You can imagine on the last day how I felt when he came by and told me my jar in my still life was wonderful. I almost cried! I need to shoot my paintings. I have been working all week in the studio on one of three large paintings for a commission due next month! But will try to catch up with my paintings from Florida plus my oil still lifes from the workshop. Before you know it, it will be time to head back to Florida for the Artists in the Gardens in Epcot the last weekend of the month.

Think Spring!

Durinda

Siesta (don't think so) Key Painting Adventures

2009-02-22T04:44:00.000-08:00

Painting at Selby Gardens: Back row: Ruth Cox, Myrtle Beach; Sandra Babb, Ringgold Ga,;Jacq Baldini, New York. Front: Jacq's sister and Durinda

Jacq is here to teach a two day workshop. She is president and founder of International Plein Air Painters. We met up to paint on Thursday before her workshop starts. I know they will have a wonderful weekend to paint.

Ruth painting at Spanish Point. Ruth is a signature member of IPAP.

Ruth and Sandra enjoying a break from painting

Sandra painting a boat repair building (don't know what else to call it). These two gals are part of the Southern Ladies Art Conference which gets together in different areas when we can to paint plein air and talk art! Since there were three of us this time, I guess you could say we had a "mini" SLAC. I will miss seeing them in late March at Callaway Gardens because I will be a guest artist again this year at Epcot that week. There I will paint with other SLACers, Linda Blondheim, L. Diane Johnson, and Barbara Perrotti.

Out in Sunny Florida, Painting! This is Katie Cundiff's Plein Air Group which meets on Mondays. Katie is represented by M Gallery in Sarasota: http://mgalleryoffineart.com/artists/dodsoncundiff_katie

Monday Painters at Ringling Museum: Toni, Eileen, Mary Jo, Marjory, and Katie and Durinda. We had a few more but I missed shooting them at the end of the day. Can you tell our study was on trees?

It was so helpful to really study the values and forget the colors for this exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this group of painters and working with Katie. She is not only a wonderful painter, but a very informative instructor. I will miss you gals!

It's been a great week of painting. Now to clean up and prepare for my workshop with David Leffel. Yes, I will be inside :-( but I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with such a master artist. At least I know I won't be getting green paint all over me next week! (brown, maybe? ;>)

Wishing you a week of wonders!

Durinda

Celebraties

2009-02-15T04:37:00.000-08:00

This is Katie Cundiff painting with a limited palette at the Ringling Museum. Did you know you could make a landscape with just red, yellow, black, and white? So, no excuses about not having the right tube colors.

On Saturday, I painted with the Tom Lynch en plein air watercolor workshop at Marina Jack's in downtown Sarasota. Tom is here for a week of sessions sponsored by Sarasota Art & Frame. You could choose your days and topics. I took part in the Mountains and Mist day on Wednesday also. Tom really gives you a workout with a series of exercises. My "teacher self" was impressed. He also generously gave each of us one of his prints that he signed.

You never know who you will run into while painting en plein air. Ever get that feeling that someone is watching you? Susie Covert and I enjoyed a morning of painting on Lido Key Beach with our new "friends". Lido has some wonderful trees which sounds strange when you think about a beach, but for painters, it is much more interesting than just the flat white sand on the beach.

We also painted with Suncoast Plein Air Florida at a marina on Thursday in the fog! Usually the fog will lift after a while, but this one didn't. Talk about mixing grays! Do not attempt this from a photo! ;>)

So much to paint and so little time!

I also attended a demo this week at M Gallery. Roger Dale Brown from Nashville was in town and showed how he painted in the studio just like he paints outdoors. He uses his computer screen for his image. This scene was in Ocala where he had painted on location and also took some photos. It was interesting to see how he modified the image from the photo to produce a beautiful composition.

With all these new ideas and information, what shall I do today? Hmmmm....paint?

Wishing you a week of new discoveries!

Durinda

Where in the World is.......?

2009-01-24T03:22:00.000-08:00

Durinda? Have you been thinking I disappeared? Actually, I have been on the go! There is so much to see and do and paint in the Sarasota area that I check messages at night and then away I go!

My screened in porch/studio at the house is quickly filling up with paintings!

A few shots from the last 3 weeks: I have been to two watercolor demos at the Venice Art Center with friend and former art teacher from Chattanooga, Christina Anglin, who lives in Englewood now. Dee Winterhalter does beautiful oriental style ink paintings. Her specialty is iris. You can see why.

Ron Sanders is a very traditional watercolorist. His demo was a landscape from the southwest where he combined three photos for the composition.

I don't know how the photos decided to arrange themselves, but if you can follow the flow: I painted outside a new gallery in an area called Burns Court. It was Sunday so it was closed, but the owner Jill Kaplan came by and wanted to shoot me painting there and so I shot her. For you Chattanoogans, she represents John Henry, the sculptor. He has a large work on the Bay here. You can't miss it, it is huge and red! It is part of a peninsula project he has in Florida with works in different cities. I was painting with friends, Susie Covert (in front of the orange building)and Jane Keeling. Both wonderful artists and great gals! Susie is represented by M Gallery here on Palm Avenue.

This area has a very active group of Plein Air Florida called Plein Air Sun
Coast. They paint on Thursdays. We have been to the Powel Crosley Mansion where I painted a lovely window which reminded me of Italy! We also painted at another estate the week before, Phillipi. I set up in the rose garden there. On Mondays, I have been studying with Katie Dodson Cundiff. Katie is a signature member of PAF and teaches plein air out of the Southern Atelier. The first week we painted at the Sarasota Sailing Club where she is talking about her painting of some drydocked boats. Guess what I painted?- a yellow boat (for those who were on Amelia with me, we painted boats). The next week we painted in the Ringling Museum rose garden. I had a young architecture student come by and ask to photograph me painting so I asked if he would shoot me in return!

I put it lots of links in case you want to see some of what's here and some of the great artists around.

Whenever you paint in a new or different area, it can take some time to adjust to the different colors and atmosphere you see. Here on the coast, the light is stronger and changes very quickly. The morning light is very different compared to the afternoon light. The foliage colors and plants are either very grayed if in the sky or very intense up close. I have been working with my double primary palette and then adding some brighter colors of turquoise, violet, and magenta. It is still a challenge to mix what's there! My mantra is "see what you paint and paint what you see."

I leave for Montgomery tomorrow to teach for the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts Arts Integration workshop for three days. Then, fly back and my family is coming for the weekend. We hope to visit Mickey and Minnie for a couple of days.
Coming up in February- my friends will be coming down to paint, Ginny Stiles from Leesburg, Florida and then the SLAC gals will take over the town. I also have a couple of workshops next month. One with noted watercolorist Tom Lynch and a week with the master David Leffel. Very different artists and very different approaches so I am excited to watch them both! So, I will do my best to post what's happening here.
Wishing you sunshine wherever you are!

Durinda

Every Artist's Dream!

2009-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Be prepared for what I am about to tell you! Painting in Monet's Gardens is every painter's dream if you love flowers, gardens, French architecture and landscape. What better way to experience the life of this famous artist than to live in his village and actually paint in his gardens! I have been fortunate to have been twice to experience this. I am about to make you an offer you can't refuse!

Art Study (http://www.artstudy.com/) in Giverny is able to offer us a week of living in Giverny (see the photos above for the house, the sunny kitchen, and the artist studio) at a reduced rate in the early fall. You can read all about them via their website and see that the other workshop sessions are listed. This one would be early September. I have been during that time and the gardens are aglow with dahlias, sunflowers, nasturiums, and the waterlilies! This is THEIR season! I can't guarantee the weather, but it won't be summer and it isn't too cool yet. I remember being quite comfortable painting out. We will have daily access- yes! Daily access to the Gardens to paint!

I have met Cello Bennett and been to her house and toured the studio. I can tell you that she is a very gracious and accommodating hostess. She is carrying on the en plein air experience for artists after the passing of her husband, Gayle, in March of this year. IF you ever thought you would want to see Monet's Gardens and Home, paint the French countryside and small villages, live and eat the French way, and actually paint in Monet's Gardens, this is the time for you!

Because Cello is giving us a reduced rate which includes all meals prepared by our own French chef except 3 lunches and 2 dinners (which will be events in themselves)and includes ground transportation for our side trips to paint around in the area, she is asking that we respond with a YES or a strong MAYBE asap. The deadline I am setting is February 5 for you to respond to me (no deposit yet). I need to tell her we have 7 painters interested! And, you can bring your nonpainting spouse or friend or other! Just remind them that it is a quiet village where they can relax, read, walk, ride bicycles, take photographs, etc. Of course they are welcome with us anywhere we go too! She will give a 10% discount on that second person with you!

This week will be YOUR focus. Bring what you want to work in, Cello will provide easels and turp for work in oils, watercolors or acrylics. I will offer as much or as little direction as you want. Take tons of photos. This is a chance of a lifetime for you as an artist or if you know an artist who might be interested, please tell them to contact me! I know the economy is all we hear about, but it isn't going to get any cheaper and this opportunity may not be offered again and for some of us, we ain't gettin' any younger! ;>)

Email me at: Durindacheek@gmail.com if you are thinking about it, have questions, etc before the deadline of February 5. Feel free to pass this information on to your art groups and friends. I am sure no painter will want to miss out on living every artist's dream!

Dreaming in French!

Durinda

Life at the Beach

2009-01-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

New Year Greetings to Everyone! I hope your holidays were filled with joy. I have been catching up on different blogs and newsletters the last couple of days and really amazed at the determination of artists to make the new year a successful and productive one. Everything from keeping a daily log to writing long term goals, improving marketing, etc. has been in their articles. Good thoughts! I am in my "good place" for two months now; the place I envision when scary or hurtful things are occurring ...the dentist(sorry Jason), etc.. It is also the place where I can let my creative juices flow. No normal routines, no interruptions, nothing to keep me from painting or drawing or just thinking. It also gives me time to self reflect.
I will be working on plans for the coming months: new classes, new workshops, and new paintings, of course. I hope to keep you updated on works in progress.
In the meantime, I hope you will also have a block of time in your life to just enjoy the stillness.
Peace! (that's my message from my "hippie" house at the beach ;>)
Durinda

Gallery Goings

2008-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

Lots of gallery openings this month. On Thursday night a friend and I attended a reception at Hanover Gallery in Riverview. About eight artists are represented, one of them the owner. Most have a very contemporary style with bright colors and simple compositions. The gallery is in what used to be a residential section in a converted garage. The owners have done a great job with hanging panels and display lights.

I went by two Friday night, In Town Gallery and Tanner Hill Gallery. Very different shows. In Town is an artist co-op where I was a member for twelve years. Approximately thirty artists are members now with paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and photographs. The reception was well attended for a cold night in town! In Town is on Frazier Avenue, north of the river. This section of town has been on the upswing with new businesses, condos, and parking garages.

Tanner Hill Gallery is located on the first floor of an old Saddlery building. The building now houses artists' studios upstairs, a photography studio, a yarn shop, the Arts and Education office, and other offices. I love to see the old buildings being restored for other uses. This show had about six or seven artists' works.

Now it's your turn! I have a landscape painting in this show:

You are invited to the Opening Reception of the Tennessee Watercolor Society Region III Exhibition this Sunday, December 14, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, at the North River Civic Center, 1009 Executive Drive, Hixson, Tennessee. On display are works by 27 artists.
The North River Civic Center is located behind Northgate Mall. You turn by the post office. If you need further directions: 423-870-8924. They are open daily. Admission is free. The exhibit continues until February 28, 2009.

Warm your heart- Look at art!
Durinda

Counting Blessings

2008-11-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, we should pause and reflect on the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. As Americans, even with talk of recession and financial problems, we are still among the richest people in the world. When you think about it, we have to rent storage spaces to keep "stuff" we don't have room for in our houses. We have two or even more cars per household. Computers, televisions, cell phones, the list goes on.

We are free to worship in any way. We can vote our convictions. We should be thankful for the privileges we have as Americans.

Greenway Walk, watercolor

My friend from Thomaston, Georgia, is thankful to have been born and live in the south. There is a large variety of scenery, a change of seasons in most southern areas, and somehow, the people just seem friendlier. So even if you weren't born in a southern state, you can still be thankful that you can choose to live there or come visit when you wish.

Mostly, we should be thankful for our family and our friends. Although you can't choose your relatives, most of us have pretty good ones that share our DNA. Our friends are the ones who stick with us, even when we whine about minor things, and we should be glad that someone else who isn't related, likes us for who we are.

If you are traveling to visit loved ones, or have guests coming to see you, I wish you a safe and trouble-free holiday. I am looking forward to having dinner with my "crew" and hearing what the Grands have to be thankful for this year.

Many Blessings to you!

Durinda

Cha-Cha-Changes

2008-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

The new gallery space, 2712 LaFayette Road, Ft Oglethorpe, Georgia

For those youngsters, that was part of a song from some years ago. It was going through my head today when I was thinking about this past week. A lot has changed! My daughter gave birth to a boy Monday night. She has two girls, ages 4 and 6. This new addition is a real cutie- blonde hair and eyebrows, sure to have blue eyes. So now, our family has increased. I didn't think it was possible to love another child as much as I love the others, but it is! Somehow your heart is big enough!

This week also marked a change in locale for my weekly classes. Instead of meeting on Lookout Mountain, we met at my Ft Oglethorpe studio for a Color Workshop. I called it, "Need to Know about Color". They were very enthusiastic about making charts of colors and mixing grays. Hopefully, they all gained something they find usable in their painting.

Then, this weekend, we have been moving the studio to another building just down the road from where we were. I say "we" because I share the space with my husband, Bill. He has an office for his company and I take the majority of the space to paint! Good deal, right? It has been some experience packing and moving supplies, canvases, easels, tables, etc. When I moved from my retail space a year ago, I put everything in storage and went to Italy for two weeks! Needless to say, there are boxes I haven't opened since and here they were, ready to move again. My son and husband have been very patient with me- I have enough canvases if we have a major depression for the next five years. I know this because he told me! So I said, "Right! I can keep on painting while other artists are wishing for canvases." :) So, if you are in need of a painting and NO ONE else in the USA can do it because they are out of canvas, I am your artist!

Of course the major change in our world is our new president elect. I am hopeful that he will be energetic yet methodical in his duties. It's not a job for a sissy! How great is it to live through a stage in history like this?

Back on the "art front", I will be taking commissions for original works through Michael's Fine Arts and Framing in Dalton, Georgia. Now is the time to request a painting in time for Christmas. The house portraits will be offered with framing at a great price. Stop in and see Michael at 1325 Dug Gap Road or phone: 706-278-8840 for more information.

Have a wonderful week and remember our Veterans.

Durinda

Art is Comfort Food for the Soul

2008-10-16T05:36:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you have to express what is in your heart. This has been on my mind for a couple of weeks (understandably). When you make your money from selling art or from selling anything right now it can be nerve wrecking to think about. So I hope that no matter what business you are in, this message will lift your spirits and give you ideas that are helpful.

Lundi (Monday) Oil on Canvas, Durinda Cheek

A lot of preparation goes into a show or any event where you have invited the public and depend on them for the revenue. Once artwork is chosen, framing is considered, titles, prices, hanging, buying advertising, mailing invitations. . . the list goes on. The news we are hearing about the economy isn't great which makes anyone nervous. You need to have sales to cover your expenses and it would be nice to come out ahead.

People are willing to pay for products that they feel they "need". Artwork is an emotional purchase. It either "grabs" a person for its subject matter, style, color, shape, or some type of connection. In my opinion, art is not a luxury item. People have the need to surround themselves with things they admire, things they are proud of, or things that have meaning to them. Art is Comfort Food for the Soul.

As an artist, I am honored when someone purchases my paintings. I have a connection with them now because they have a "piece" of my heart. I don't paint things that I don't like. I don't like ugly art, political statements, explicit sexual content, or violent scenes. I probably wouldn't have been commissioned to paint during any political uprising! I want my paintings to bring joy to the owners. Is it a memory of a place they loved? Someplace they would like to be? Colors that embrace their personality? If it "goes" with their sofa, that's great. That means it has the color palette that they want around them. I like those colors too or I wouldn't have chosen them for the work.

I am so proud of the students' works in their upcoming Autumn Art Show next weekend. Some of them have been with me almost three years and others are fairly new to my weekly classes. They are all special to me and I am blessed to have them in my life. I hope that many of their friends and the invited public will come to support them. And, who knows? You may go away with a little Comfort for Your Soul.

Autumn Art Show

October 23 - 26

Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Friday & Saturday, 11:00 - 5:00

Sunday, 1:00 - 5:00

Happy Painters' Studio

116 N Watauga Lane

Lookout Mountain, TN

All About Amelia

2008-10-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is our group during the week on Amelia Island. The gals are Martha Elder, Ann Currey, Barbara Murray, Betty Moses,
Sarah Fowler, and

L.J. Huffaker.

Sorry the photos are

so jumbled up- use your creativity to figure out which are which!

Yes, we had a little fun with our studies at the Amelia Island workshop. Here they are calling on their inner Creative Goddesses while going over the notes for the week. The boas made for a different interpretation of "feathers flying". I am sure that L.J. will have to explain to her husband about the feathers everywhere in their home on Amelia Plantation. The highlight was the burning of the creative blockers in her outdoor firepit. We were now ready to paint!

Tuesday we set up at Walker's Landing, a wonderful park including a boat launch and event house that overlooked the marshes. Absolutely a stunning view! Tuesday night we had dinner at the Ocean Club, an Amelia Island Plantation owner's exclusive. It was make your own pasta night with everything you could imagine, including a dessert table. After all the hard work outside that day, we deserved that wonderful meal.

Wednesday was Paint the Town day. Our group lined up across from The Addison House, a bed and breakfast in the historic section of Fernandina Beach. Our lesson that day had been drawing in perspective and this house had lots of it! We were able to have lunch outdoors in the courtyard of La Bodega Cafe downtown. That afternoon we visited Amelia SanJon Gallery (see earlier posts) where I am the featured artist this month with paintings of beach chairs and marshes. (L.J. stands with some of my works and Sandy's display of jewelry and pottery in the gallery)

Thursday we painted at the Tiger Point marina. I had driven there during the summer and loved the drydocked boats. Lucky for us, the marina let us use their event house decks that just so happened to overlook the docks. Artist friend, Barbara Perrotti www.barbaraperrottistudio.com from Ormond Beach, FL phoned to invite all of us to an opening of her artwork on Amelia that night! (That's her in the hot pink jacket at the opening). It was so fun to see Barbara and husband, Lou, and her beautiful paintings of children and figures in beach settings. Another great meal that night at Brett's, a waterfront restaurant in town. The week really flew for me. I hope the gals who were brave enough to go with me enjoyed the introduction to plein air painting Amelia Island style!

If you are interested in information about my next workshop, email me to keep you on an update list: Durinda@Durinda.com.

Happy Painting!

Durinda

Southern Light- Show at Michael's Fine Arts & Framing, Dalton, GA

2008-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sandra Babb ( www.sandrababb.com) and I will be showing at Michael's Fine Arts and Framing in Dalton, Georgia for the month of October. The show is called "Southern Light" and features Sandra's landscapes in oil and my architectural watercolors. Sandra and I paint together frequently and it seems that we both favor scenes with lights, shadows, and color.

Here Michael and I are choosing framing for a new watercolor (that I posted earlier). Center: Savannah Stairs, watercolor, 22 x 15

Right: Sandra and I are posing in front of a painting in the gallery from the September show. Wasn't it funny that we both wore the same shade of green that day?

The opening reception will be Friday, October 3, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. That night is also the opening for the Creative Arts Guild show in Dalton so we are hoping that it will be a night of culture in Dalton, carpet capitol of the world! Michael has a fun night planned with catering by a popular Italian restaurant and light jazz.

Michael and I went to high school together. He was also very good in art. I think he said that he has owned his gallery twenty years this fall. (maybe 25?) Anyway, he has an anniversary coming up this month for the gallery.

While I will be partying in Dalton, Ga, Sandra Baker-Hinton will be having the opening at her Amelia SanJon Gallery in Fernandina Beach on Friday night. My paintings have been mailed, let's hope they make it OK and that someone will want a painting that night too!

Celebrate Fall!

Durinda

Hunter Eddy Workshop Notes and Upcoming Show

2008-09-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

Studio class with Hunter Eddy

painting demo

Shown at top is the painting demo by Hunter Eddy next to the real vase of money plant. Hunter was in town at the Gold Leaf Gallery (http://www.shuptrinefineartgroup.com/) for his show. He gave a talk/demo on how he paints. Hunter is an instructor at the Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy (http://www.florenceacademyofart.com/) . It was very enlightening to have him explain the procedures of painting that require precise measurements and accurate color mixing. His work is not photographic, but soft edged and very subtle. They remind me of Jean-Baptiste Chardin (1699-1779). Hunter also does large figure paintings, mostly nudes, from models at the Academy.

The other photo is part of the our oil class from the Lookout Mountain Studio who attended the demo: Anne Platt, Sarah Fowler, Hunter Eddy, Durinda, Evelle Dana, and Martha Elder. We now have our notes and observations to compare. On our next workshop trip to Tuscany, we will definitely visit the Academy and see Hunter's studio. Evelle Dana's son, Brent, attended one year after graduation from Baylor and loved it. The first year is very strict about learning to draw from life using plaster casts and then drawing from models. Excellent instruction that some of our American art schools are not teaching. Everyone who wants to paint realism should study drawing, in my opinion. I know there are artists who have never taken formal classes, but drawing consistently in a sketchbook counts too. It is all in training your eye.

Featured Artist for October at Amelia SanJon Gallery:

I will have 5 or so paintings for the First Friday opening, October 3, at Sandy Hinton's gallery in Fernandina Beach. See earlier posts: Around Amelia and Amelia Island Part 2. The show will be up through October. Here is one painting based on my stay there this summer. I fell in love with the area and decided to do a series of beach chairs in different sizes and situations from 30" x 36" to 4" x 4". This is Dune Buddies, 36" x 36", oil on canvas. I also have a couple of paintings of the wonderful Victorian porches and the marshes. An article is in today's Town Talk in the Chattanooga TimesFree Press about the show and the upcoming workshop with students from Happy Painters': L.J. Huffaker, Anne Platt, Martha Elder, Sarah Fowler, Barbara Murray, Ann Currey, and Betty Moses. I am hoping that there will be interest in doing another workshop there again soon.

Lots of things coming up- hope you are having a great start to fall too!

"Every artist was at first an amateur," Ralph Waldo Emerson

Durinda

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home," Twayla Tharp

2008-09-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

"Precious Phoebe", watercolor, 10 x 10

This is a portrait commission of Phoebe, a Maltese mix who was beloved by Bob and L.J. Huffaker. I remember reading that pets are relatives we can choose and I think that is right. They give us so much in our lives. Phoebe left a loving legacy to a new brother, Crosby, who joined the family a couple of weeks ago. My daughter also lost a precious pet pug, Prissy, who had been in her family for over ten years. Prissy was a good model for me in several paintings. Mainly because she had such a inquisitive face that I loved to paint.

If you paint pet portraits or would like to have a portrait done of a pet, most artists will work from photographs. I like to meet the pet and shoot my own photographs, but that is not always possible. Most people shoot looking down on a cat or dog which makes their head appear larger and foreshortens their body and legs. Better to get on their level and shoot, thinking about what you would want painted, a side view, frontal, seated, etc. Unfortunately, pets think we are getting on their level to play or pet them so they tend to come towards us while we are aiming. It's fun, it's like trying to get a toddler to sit still- and look at you- and smile- and not put their hands or anything else in their mouth. Cats will just walk off and leave you sitting there too. So sometimes you need to know something about the anatomy of an animal in order to paint it in proportion because your photographs are not often the perfect shot. Sketching, cropping, making changes are all a part of designing the portrait, just like you would do for a person. Then, I really like it when my patron lets me decide if it should be an oil or watercolor. Phoebe had such silky shiny fur that I saw her as a watercolor.

Tomorrow I will sit in on a painting demonstration by Hunter Eddy, an oil painter who teaches at the Florence Academy of Art. He does striking still lifes. I will share my observations about his technique with my classes Tuesday and also later in the blog.

On another thought, I was nominated for a blog award by Vicki Ross and I graciously accept! It is my turn to nominate a few people and I will contact them with the news. I will have to go into my bookmarks and get their addresses to share with you so will post them next time.

Hope you have some "away" time this week to enjoy what you love doing.

Happy Painting!

Durinda

HOP, HOP, HOP!!

2008-09-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Harvest Moon I

Watercolor

Saturday, September 13, is the Gallery Hop in Chattanooga. Several galleries and artists' studios will be open from 2 - 9 pm with receptions. Some are opening new shows. This is my painting that is in the Tennessee Watercolor Society Exhibit at Gold Leaf Gallery, 2646 Broad Street. The exhibit's theme is "Harvest". There are 20 paintings in the show. A list of the galleries is in today's paper and also available at each gallery. Sounds like a fun time to see area art and friends! Bill and I will be stopping by Gold Leaf sometime that evening and peeking in a few others too.

I collect "skies". This was a section of a photo I took from my front yard when we lived at the golf course. I didn't know at the time that the September full moon was called the Harvest moon until later. I am just a city girl, after all. This year's Harvest moon is September 15. Hope I am out with my new Nikon that night too. We have a natural field across the street from us right now with a view of a ridge behind so that would make a good view.

Hope to see you Hopping and Happy Painting!

Durinda

"The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that outlasts it." William James

2008-09-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

I like to collect quotes, don't you? It all started with a sixth grade teacher, Ms. Lanham, who would write a quote on the board every day. Did I write them down? Of course not. But I do remember thinking about some of them and who said them. Who writes all this stuff down? If I say something "profound", who will ever know it? My cat? She's like the Bush beans dog, she "ain't tellin". :)

This one speaks to me as an artist. Hopefully, the "good" ones will live on and I can mercifully get rid of the "bad" ones while I am still around. All forms of communication: writing, songwriting, painting, etc take some thought, some editing, some twinking before they are audience ready. I like to have my paintings around for awhile in the studio and sneak up on them sometimes to see if there is something not quite right. A color? A value? A kissed edge? When you self-critique, you should first say what's good about it. What did you do well? What did you learn from this painting? Then, look at what can you improve? What didn't work? Would you attempt a "do over?" Why or why not? Unless you are Margaret Mitchell, you probably have more than one story in you. Keep going!

Happy Painting!

Durinda

Amelia Island part 2 and fall paintings

2008-08-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

This is SanJon Gallery in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Fl.

Here is the shot of Sandy Hinton and me in front of some of her wonderful works in her gallery I talked about last week. Sandy paints in acrylic and watercolor. She had a painting in the Tennessee Watercolor Society exhibit this year. I put links to her work and the gallery in last time. I hope to show a few tropical paintings in her gallery during October. Amelia will be a great place for the workshop. Lots of interesting things to paint!

I don't know why I couldn't load my photos last week, but I think the computer is trying to tell me something. I think I have every photo on it that I have ever shot with a digital. HMMM- time for a cleaning?

This week in the studio I have been working on fall landscapes. Never too early to get ready for fall shows! My concern has always been how to keep fall landscapes from looking like "Kmart", excuse me, but the contrast of reds, oranges, and yellows, with greens and browns can be too much. I credit Diane Johnson with getting me in the North Carolina mountains one fall to paint foliage. Her advice was to mix a complement with the colors. Since the sap is going away, so is the color, so you need to dull it. Only where the sun hits directly on upturned leaves would there be a brighter hue. I try to keep that in mind when painting fall scenes.

Get out and enjoy the summer while you can!

Durinda

Around Amelia

2008-08-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a long weekend on Amelia Island, Fl. Our visit had a dual purpose: I wanted to check out spots to paint in October when I teach a painting workshop, and Bill wanted a little R & R which included good seafood. So, we managed to do both.

Sandy Hinton, artist and owner of SanJon Gallery in Fernandina, is formerly from North Georgia. She was a founding member of In Town Gallery, the artist co-op in Chattanooga, a past president of Tennessee Watercolor Society, and a signature member of National Watercolor Society. Sandy's gallery is in the historic section of town in a house built in the 1800's. Sandy was very helpful in giving me ideas of places to paint and Bill places to eat. You can see her work on her website: www.sandrabaker-hinton.com and check out the gallery: www.ameliasanjongallery.com. Sandy does a lot of work with the endangered sea turtles, helping the babies to get to the water and keeping an eye on the nests. Seems everything likes turtle eggs!

Fernandina has 50 blocks of old Victorian era houses and commercial buildings. I was able to paint a row of houses on Friday morning by standing on the sidewalk across the street, under a tree. It is nice when a town has wide sidewalks and some shade! I tried to download my photos for you, but I think my camera was set on large file and they were too large to use. I will have to work on that! My new Nikon D80 is great, I love the clarity and playing with my zoom lens, but the manual is like a textbook and I haven't gotten very far!

Another wonderful feature of the area is the marshlands. I love them! I can't wait to see them in October when they will be golden. We saw pink spoonbills on Saturday. From the road they looked as bright as flamingos. Beautiful! It was also pretty amazing that the island had a sunrise view on the Atlantic side and a sunset view over the Amelia River. So much to paint and so little time! It will be hard to decide what to paint in October!

The regular classes at Happy Painters start soon. I am excited to see what everyone has been working on this summer.

Off to paint now!
Durinda

New Gallery Space Idea in Chattanooga

2008-07-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

A new idea in creating gallery space has opened in Chattanooga. Charline West, wife of artist Terry A. West, has partnered with Eastgate Town Center to show and sell artwork within the corporate space. Eastgate was the original mall of the area and now houses several large companies and medical offices. Charline met one of the owners and director, Hoss Baghay, who expressed interest in placing art within the space after he commissioned paintings from Terry for his home. Charline, the business mind of the partnership, saw the opportunity to showcase professional work. She has invited artists of varying styles and mediums to be part of the new Spence Gallery.

Artists include Sandy Bose, oils; Judith Briton, pastels; Helen Burton, watercolors; Durinda Cheek, oils; Jere Chumley, acrylics; Valerie Fleming, photography; Carolyn Kaufman, mixed-media; Will Rhodarmer, acrylics; Sandy Washburn, acrylics; and Terry Wes, watercolors and acrylics. I am honored to be a part of this fine group of artists from all around the region!

The best part is the artwork is available to the public seven days a week, plenty of free parking, good lighting, and plenty of space to view the work. Every tag shows the contact person on site available for sales. Charline has thoughts of placing a million dollars worth of original art! For those who don't want to go into a "gallery" setting, for those who want to see a variety of work under one roof, and for those who work the same time that other galleries are open, this space will be ideal for shopping for art! Isn't it wonderful when the corporate world wants to support the arts!

Back to painting!
Durinda

Floral Painting Workshop Coming July 31 & Aug 1!

2008-07-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

I will be leading a two-day workshop in painting flowers at the Happy Painters Studio on Lookout Mountain. This is a class that I have been thinking about since teaching the Sketching Callaway workshop in April. I envision lots of flowers on a center table with artists circled around it. We will begin with sketching individual flowers to explore the structures. Next, we will work with composition, different techniques, and color with setups. Each artist will complete a larger painting in the medium of his/her choice.

The workshop will be 10 am - 2 pm on Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1. Artists will need to bring their painting supplies, supports (paper or canvas), and a sketchbook with sketching pencils. Cost is $100. The class will be limited to six. You can bring a lunch or order from the Mountain Cafe. Email me to register: Durinda@Durinda.com.

Let's Paint!

Durinda

Lucky Cat is Ready for Art-a-ma-jig Auction!

2008-07-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is my painting, "Lucky Cat" for the Arts and Education Council of Chattanooga's fundraiser. Lucky is based on my cat from Hawaii that Bill and I brought back from Maui. We had been in several shops there they had a cat like this. Finally, I asked what the cat meant. According to ancient legend, this cat stood in the doorway of the Gotoku-ji temple and raised her paw in the traditional Japanese beckoning gesture to a feudal lord who was passing by. The feudal lord followed the cat into the temple and instantly, a lightning bolt struck the place where the lord had been standing. Thus, the cat saved his life.
In business the cat is said to bring success. Her raised paw beckons in customers and welcomes personal happiness and harmony. I like her too, because she looks like a calico cat.

The oil painting is 10 x 8 with a gold edged floating frame. I did the reflection of the cat on the table by looking at a piece of plexiglass on the tabletop.

The theme for this year's Art-a-ma-jig is Fortune. Some of the artists that are invited to submit don't follow the themes, but I think it is fun to challenge yourself.

The auction will be Thursday, July 24, 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the Tanner Hill Gallery on South Broad Street, Chattanooga. For more information, go to www.artsedcouncil.org. Hope to see you there!
Sayonara!
Durinda

New Workshop! Architecture Drawing in the Landscape

2008-07-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a new workshop at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia, September 20 & 21, 2008. "Architecture Drawing in the Landscape" is designed to teach you techniques for including three-dimensional objects in your drawings or paintings. Topics will include one and two-point perspective for drawing buildings, barns, houses, fences, etc and atmospheric perspective for creating depth. We will be drawing on-site using the structures in the Gardens. I will offer demonstrations as well as worksheets on the different techniques. No experience in drawing or painting is necessary.
Fee is $150 for the two days which includes admission into the Gardens and a discount at their resorts. I will offer all the supplies you need (yours to keep) for $25.00. If you would like to bring your watercolor or acrylic supplies, let me know. The class size is limited so everyone will get individual attention.
Registration: education@callawaygardens.org or call 706-663-5153.
If you have questions, contact me: Durinda@Durinda.com
Let's get outside and draw!
Durinda

Paintings from France

2008-06-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here a few of the paintings from the Fountaine-Fourches workshop in France.

The first is a door on the barn/studio. I painted it one late afternoon when the sun was out. Then later I was able to "kick up" some values on the sunlit parts. It is oil on multi-media board that had been gessoed.

The center painting is part of the climbing rose over the pergola on the house. The window with the geraniums in the boxes is actually the room where I stayed. This was a morning painting. It is oil on Sourcetek panel.

The last painting is of a cottage in a village called Gravon. We set up to paint across the street from it. Ann, Sarah, and L.J. worked in watercolor while Anne painted in oil. Faye did a beautiful sketch of a door on another cottage and Kippy worked on the street scene in pastel. The lady of the house came out several times to see our progress. She was so nice. Kippy invited her to our final night reception and she came! I am very honored to say that all three were purchased that night. I will post a few others later to give you some idea of the picturesque landscape and architecture of the region.

One of the nicest things about staying in one place is the opportunity to work more on something when the conditions are right. Monet always worked on more than one painting at a time and would go back to work on them when the light and atmospheric conditions were the same. If the light and shadows change while you are working, stop! Sometimes you can "nail" the shadows first and get away with painting after the sun goes behind a cloud, but it is hard to remember all the colors you saw while it was shining. It is better to go back at the same time another day and finish it.

Another thing about staying in an area is you can locate the best time of day to paint. I like cast shadows when painting architecture, so I want the sun on it and behind me. One of our stops was the lovely town of Moret-sur-Loring, where Alfred Sisley painted. Our view of the river and mill was in shadow that afternoon. I had to move up the bank and to the left to see the light hitting the facade of a building across the bank and see the sunlight dancing on the water. (That will be another post!)

Hope you have a great National Holiday week and enjoy being with family and friends. I will celebrate my birthday with fireworks and a cookout. Sometimes, it pays to have a July 4 birthday!

Back to painting!

Durinda

Au Revoir, La Bonne Etoile!

2008-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Our workshop ended on Friday night with a "Vernisage" in the studio. Kippy explained that it was the night that the artists who were juried into the Salon in Paris would put the final coat of varnish on their works before the show opened to the public. It was the preview night for the patrons with a reception. Ours was lovely! The studio had tables decorated with flowers and of course, cheese, wine and champagne!

Each artist had a panel of their paintings and sketches from the workshop on display. Our watercolorists also had their sketchbooks out. Kippy and Jerome invited several guests including our chef Marc; the sculptor John-Paul; Chantal the art restoration expert; the house manager Madame DeLahye and her husband; neighbors; French friends Monique and Raymond from Gravon; artist Nicole and her husband from Villuis; and even ladies from Marnay-sur-Seine where we painted.

I was very proud of the work that each of the participants had completed from their first en plein air experience! I hope that they will all look back on this with many happy memories as I will: Living the life of an artist in France!

Check out my Picasa web photos for more workshop scenes!
Durinda

Here we are in Paris!

2008-06-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

L to R: Durinda, Sarah Fowler, L.J. Huffaker, Anne Platt, Ann Currey, Faye Woolfolk

This is the group of Happy Painters in front of the Musee D'Orsay in Paris. Yes- it is June 12, it is summer, and it is COLD here in France, to us. We keep hearing about the 90 degree weather in Chattanooga, but it is in the 60s with wind and a lot of rain showers here. Neverless, when the sun does shine, we have been trooping out to farm fields and village gardens to paint. Nothing like seeing a large poppy and pea field close up. We toured a large chateau with beautiful furnishings very close to where we are staying. Our train trip to Paris included a guided tour of the Impressionists paintings, followed by lunch in the museum restaurant (tres chic!) and then a visit to L'Orangerie where Monet's large waterlily paintings are displayed.

Saturday found us in the medieval walled city of Provins where a medieval festival was being held. It was a lot like the Renaissance festivals we have, but this was in the REAL thing with the tents set up in the mote around the outside of the city. What was so cool were all the people who came to the festival ALSO dressed in costumes: mothers, dads, children and even babies! It was hard to tell the performers from the visitors!

The group has been working on still life paintings in the studio with a copper pot, wine glass, and fresh produce when we can't get outside to paint. There is always a way!

A busy week ahead for the painters! Let's hope the weather cooperates and we get lots of outdoor painting time!

Au Revoir for now!

Durinda

Bonjour from Fountaine-Fourches, France

2008-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I can post any photos on this, I am trying to read the French on Mon Yahoo to know what to do. It is beautiful here in the countryside. It has been rainy and cool. I am sitting beside a fire after painting outside for an hour or so. I got cool- yes, I know it is quite warm back in the southeast US, but it is more like March here right now than June. I haven't been able to paint outdoors as much as I had planned, but the rest has been wonderful so far.

Tomorrow the workshop participants will arrive! I am ready to get to painting for the next two weeks. Kippy has driven me around to several villages and spots that will be perfect for our plein air experience. IF the weather continues to be cool and damp, we will use her barn/studio that has all the comforts and paint tres francais pottery, linens, fruits, vegetables, and beautiful roses from her garden.

As for painting, I am most happy with my Sourcetek panels. I wish I had brought a dozen more! I am painting with my Gamblin paints and trying out a medium called archival lean from Chroma that Kippy had in the studio. I will let you know how I like it. It is similar to Liquin, but not as gel-like, more like Galkyd Lite. I have been painting here around the house and studio, one of the door to the boiler room, but I call it the pottery shed, one of the rooftop of the house with the roses over the arbor, and one of the barn doors which lead to the studio upstairs. Will try to shoot and post them soon!

Until next time,

Au Revoir!

Durinda

Sourcetek Artist Panels for Plein Air Painting

2008-05-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Sourcetek at www.canvaspanels.com that I had won $100 of their products in their monthly drawing! I had gone on the site to order their artist panels for the upcoming France workshop and saw their promotion for their 10 year anniversary. I registered with the thoughts of placing my order later.

Sourcetek makes handmade artist canvas panels. I have used their birch panels for quite a while for my plein air work. They are easily packed, carried, and stored. Perfect for plein air work. This time, I am trying the Gatorboard panels. They will be even lighter to carry. I am so excited to share the panels with my workshop participants.

The owner, Will Pierce, also phoned to offer his help with the workshop. He will be sending sample product panels as well. This will allow my students to try the different supports and canvases to find their preference. Thanks Sourcetek! You will also see on their website the other products they carry such as brushes, paints, cleaners, and carriers. It is really nice to have a company with such top quality products that makes an artist's life much easier!

Keep painting!
Durinda

Scenes from Callaway Workshop

2008-05-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the participants in the Sketching Callaway workshop last weekend in beautiful Callaway Gardens. We started on Saturday drawing close-ups of leaves and flowers and then ventured into the Rhododendron Trail on Sunday to capture the plants in the landscape. The group was just wonderful to work with and so open to trying new things. We enjoyed having Katie Steinhoff, Interpretive Horticulturist, explain the gardens and plants in bloom for us. I hope that that everyone will continue to use a sketchbook to record their surroundings and feelings.

I am pleased to announce that I have been invited back to teach Perspective Drawing, a two day workshop on drawing buildings, fences, etc in the landscape. Dates are September 20 & 21, 2008. We will work on the mechanics of drawing and use sections in the Garden that contain structures. Registration will be with Callaway: education@callawaygardens.org.

I am also looking forward to teaching another Sketching Callaway workshop next April. I will post the info as soon as everything is worked out.

Just a reminder: The Spring Show at Happy Painter's Studio, Lookout Mountain, continues until May 30. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 - 3:00 or by appointment. This is your chance to buy directly from the artists!

Also, coming up is the workshop in France! I am getting excited about the trip and all the sites and images we will see and paint while there. If you are thinking of painting outdoors this summer, see my past posts on oil and watercolor gear to pack.

Have a Marvelous Mother's Day Sunday!

Durinda

Surprise Guest at U.K. garden

2008-04-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

I had just blocked in the painting of the cottage and garden when I looked up to see this lovely lady "floating" down the path towards me. She leaned over my shoulder to look at my painting and said, "How Love-r-ly!" I was thrilled. So I asked her very politely if she would just pause on the path so I could put her in the painting and she said," De-light-ed!" No sooner had I brushed the white paint for her dress then she had disappeared!
Can you guess who she is?

Ta-Ta!
Durinda

Successful Show at Happy Painters

2008-04-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a group shot of the watercolor class at Happy Painters' Studio on Wednesday. Our show opened Friday night and it was very well attended. I was so proud to hear many comments that the artwork this spring was even better than the previous show in the fall. Congratulations to all the artists who sold on opening night: Estelle Skoretz, Ann Currey, Wendy Williams, Betty Moses, Anne Platt, Jeanne Rudisill, and Margaret Sexton. The show will remain on view until May 30. The gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm or by appointment. Don't worry, each artist has another work to replace the one that sold, so the gallery will have plenty of wonderful original works for sale during the show.

Condo Showcase Thursday

2008-04-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

This is a view of the lovely model condo that will be part of the Open House at The Pinnacle this Thursday, April 24, 5:00 - 8:00 pm. I will have several original paintings for sale in place of the model ones for this event. The living/dining room will feature my newest Tuscany series including one that is 4' x 4' in soft greens. The kitchen and hallway will have my Wine Tasting series in oil. The two bedrooms will be watercolors of Savannah and Charleston.

This condo is 8B. Coyee Langston will have her works in model 8G and Sandra Babb will be in 11 E. This event is sponsored by Renaissance ReMax. Downstairs all three of the artists will have works in the Clubroom. A live band will be on the terrace by the pool and of course there will be plenty of food and drinks.

The owner has also offered a $2000 allowance for the purchaser of a condo to buy original art that night!

Of course you don't have to buy a condo to buy a work of art!

The Pinnacle is located off Manning Street. It has wonderful views of downtown. If you or someone you know is in the market for downtown living, come check this out!

See you Thursday night at The Pinnacle!

Durinda

Spring Art Show Opens Friday Night

2008-04-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the opening this Friday night, April 25th, at the Happy Painters Studio. This is the second exhibit for the Studio classes and includes watercolor and oil paintings. The reception begins at 5:00 pm. Parking is available on the street and also in the lot to the right of the building. This is a great way to add something "spring" to your collection by buying directly from the artists.
I am very proud of the work that everyone has done. I know you will want to be there to support their efforts too.

Happy Painters Studio

116 N Watauga Lane

Lookout Mountain, TN

See you Friday!

Durinda

Paintings from Epcot's U.K.

2008-04-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

What fun to see my paintings from Epcot again! The U.K.'s gardens were fabulous! I have never been to England, but if it looks like this, I am there! :)

I always learn something about myself when I paint. This time, I learned I need to learn a lot more about identifying flowers and plants! The vine that grew over the doorway and on the arch into the gardens drew a lot of attention from guests. It had purple blossoms that cascaded a lot like wisteria, but not really. It also had red berries! The birds and squirrels loved them. I had no clue what it was. I told people it was probably native to England. Sounded good, huh? Then, with D.J's help and the horticulturists, I found out that it really came from one of their yards in Florida. I can't remember the scientific name, but it is called The Potato Vine. Kinda took the romance out of it then!
The thatched roof cottage I call Pooh's Corner. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him while I was there, because I was painting on the other side. I did, however, have another guest that I will post next time. I started that painting in the afternoon when the clouds started rolling in, so I need to "twink" it some before shooting it.

This was my first trip with my new Soltek easel. It took some getting used to. Thankfully, I had my pal gal Diane to show me how to lock the legs. I thought I was going to have to hold it the entire time! I was really glad I had it when we had to run for rain cover a few times. You just fold it up and go!
The paintings are all in oil. Email me if you are interested in a purchase. I can throw in a pizza box too!
Durinda's Art To Go....

Artists in the Gardens- Great Fun!

2008-04-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

Photos from the Artists in the Gardens weekend at Walt Disneyworld's International Garden and Flower Festival.

Top left: Barbara Perrotti (portrait demo)Top Center: Barbara, Durinda, and Dorothy Gardiner. Top right: Durinda painting in the U.K. before the park opened (photo by D.J. Gibson, Jr.) Left: Martin Figlinsky at his easel. Center: D.J. (cast member in charge of U.K. artists) and Durinda. Right: Durinda, Linda Blondheim, Barbara Perrotti, and L.Diane Johnson, seated (a few of the Southern Ladies Artists that enjoy painting together regionally).

I was assigned to the U.K. this year. It was absolutely beautiful with the cottage gardens. Other artists with me were Martin Figlinsky, Panama City, FL; Dorothy Gardiner, Clearwater, FL; and Alberto Ortego, Orlando, FL. The other countries with painters were Canada, France, and Italy. We stayed in the cottages of the Boardwalk Inn, enjoyed a banquet on Thursday night, and lunch together daily. And yes, we painted! It is so much fun to paint there and meet all the visitors with questions and thoughts about art. Linda Blondheim does a wonderful job getting everything and everybody together. The Horticultural staff along with the other department cast members really make us feel special. You don't have to be a "art lover" to enjoy this weekend, there are concerts, special seminars, and lots of other activities, but I did meet several guests who said they come just to see the artists paint in the countries each year. It is especially fun to talk to the children who are so interested in art. One small boy in a stroller was drawing little stick figures. I asked him if I could have one and he said, "No!" I told his mom to hold onto the drawings, they would be worth something some day! Another girl stayed with me while I painted a foxglove. When she came back through late in the day, I signed it and gave it to her as my "youngest collector". She was thrilled.

This week has been hectic, getting back to the "real" world! I still need to take my paintings out of the pizza boxes and shoot them. Will post them next week!

Enjoy Spring!!

Durinda

See you at Epcot's Festival of Flowers!

2008-03-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Artists

in the Gardens at Epcot. I will be part of a group of plein air artists who will be painting in the World Showcase countries of England, Canada, France, and Italy. I won't know my assignment until I check in Thursday. Last year I painted in Italy. It was beautifully decked out with potted plants and hanging baskets. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of meeting the guests, the other artists, and the cast members of Epcot. It is amazing how much goes on there!

Each spring the International Flower and Garden Festival is held in the World Showcase. Besides the beautiful scenery, there are seminars on gardening, and Flower Power concerts of music from the 60's.

I will be posting my paintings when I return. Hopefully some will find new homes while I enjoy painting in the park. If you are planning to be in Disneyworld during April 4 - 6, I would love to see you!

Durinda

Going Green

2008-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

"Going Green" really has little to do with the jonquils. They are just a reminder that we are keepers of this earth. My concerns for the environment involve the responsibilities of making art. When painting outside, be careful not to disturb the area where you are setup. This includes not dumping water containers filled with acrylic pigment or God forbid, turpentine or mineral spirits on the ground or ground water. Carry a trash bag, empty jars with lids, and paper towels that you can use to soak up the liquids. And take it all with you!
I saw a workshop artist throw his paper towels on the ground that he used to wipe extra oil paint from his brushes. His theory was, paint fast and then pick up the mess when you are through. Mine is, the paint is touching either plants, grass, or dirt where animals, insects, or reptiles may come into contact. Why take that chance?
In the studio, you can, of course, keep recycling your paint thinner. You know too, not to pour anything down the sink. For more on studio safety, check with www.gamblincolors.com/studio.safety/index.html.
Now, let's get outside and paint!
Durinda

Beginner Six Week Oil Class

2008-03-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

I will be offering a Beginner/Refresher Oil Class on Tuesdays starting April 1. The class will meet on Lookout Mountain at the Happy Painters Studio, 116 N Watauga Lane. We will start at 9:30 am and finish by noon. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please let me know as soon as possible. The class will be limited to six. I will provide a supply list when you register. Fee is $180 for the six classes. This will be a great time of year to get back into or to start painting with oils!
Let's Paint!
Durinda

Valentine's Painting

2008-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

OK, I do have a mean streak once in a while. This is what was left of my Valentine's Day bouquet from my husband Bill. I thought I would show it next to my painting. My point being, you have to paint fast when you work with live flowers! They were here a few days before I finally gave in and started painting them. These actually kept well and you can see the daisies are still not bad, but the roses and other flowers are long gone. I finished the painting last week and yes, tossed the flowers!

For you painters, try working close to life size when you have flowers or a still life set up. Use as large a brush as you can and get the paint on there!
I used some impasto strokes (thick) on some of the flowers. Bill said it reminded him of a Van Gogh. (He was just trying to impress me with his art knowledge- ha!)
Now to finish painting those potted jonquils that I bought last week for my art classes and no one chose to paint them. I guess I am just a sucker for flowers this time of year!
Enjoy your week!
Durinda

Watercolor Paint Out Gear

2008-03-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

This is a shot of my supplies for painting watercolor on site. I like a block or pad of 140# cold-press paper, a mechanical pencil, my travel palette, paints (I carry in a zipper bag), a brush or two, and a water carrier. A few sheets of Viva paper towels and I am ready to go. Everything fits in a tote or backpack easily. If I won't be painting long, I just take a bottle of water. If it is going to be all day, I carry a gallon of water in the trunk.

Usually I hold my pad in my lap and set the water on the ground. I do try to take a folding chair if I will be out in a field or woods. If parking nearby is available, I carry an old tv tray to set next to me. There are watercolor travel easels available. I just prefer to sit when I paint. I have tried using my french easel with the watercolors, but I felt like I was leaning over too much.

Recently I saw a watercolorist put a vinyl tablecloth on the ground under her chair. Hmmm- must have been for fire ants? I have painted places with them too. With watercolors, it is important to sit in the shade so you won't have a glare on your paper. If you can really carry a lot of supplies, you might take a beach umbrella. Just be sure that it is a solid color and not striped. The stripes will reflect on your paper and throw off your color mixing. You can usually adjust to a solid color.

For anyone who is wanting to paint plein air with watercolors or oils, for that matter, I recommend starting in your own backyard. Carrry your equipment and set up. Try different ways of sitting or standing and see what you prefer. Watch how much time it takes you to draw and paint outdoors. You will get faster as you practice. Think of your watercolors as sketches or studies and not finished pieces. Allow yourself to be looser than you would in the studio and you will enjoy your experience outdoors!

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know! I plan several excursions this spring out and about in this area.

Let's Paint!

Durinda

Paintings from Florida

2008-02-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the paintings I worked on while in Siesta Key.
The first is a group of bottles and glasses that I set up in the kitchen. While my other paintings with wine bottles are in very neutral colors, this one reminds me of the friends that came to visit and brought paintings to critique from our plein air painting trips. The center painting is en plein air from a house outside the Selby Gardens gate. Barbara and I were in search of "color" that morning. The fog was heavy and she showed me how to paint the sky very gray and then punch in the color when the fog lifts. Guess what? It worked! I think it needs a little more work here and there, but I like it.
The last painting was started at the Artists in the Gardens paintout in Epcot last April. I carried it with me to Florida because I kept thinking that it needed something. By adding some variations in color to the blossoms and hitting the highlights again with whites, I think that did it. I may do a larger painting from this study. What do you think? That is what is nice about doing smaller paintings, you can work out the problems and then paint a larger version from them.
I have a few more to post from that month away including some en plein air watercolors and some watercolor studies of ballerinas who posed at the Sarasota Art Center.
Just a few more weeks until spring!
Durinda

Parting Shots

2008-02-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am home to the mountains of northwest Georgia after a wonderful month at Siesta Key. There is never enough time to paint everything, see everything, visit with everyone, and go everywhere while there so that is why I keep going back! This year I so enjoyed painting with the Sun Coast group of Plein Air Florida and with friends who joined me, including Mr Buttons, the neighborhood cat who checked on me every day.

Photos: Lunch in Venice with Fran White and Susie Covert; Susie painting outside the restaurant; Barbara Perotti in the Ringling Rose Garden; Sandra Babb at the Myakka River; Ali Light with her work at the Canvas Cafe; and grandgirls Camryn and Caylea at the beach house.

I brought back lots of plein air paintings and large wet canvases in the car! I am now looking forward to the Wednesday oil and watercolor classes this week and the new watercolor class that begins next Tuesday.

Have a great week and stay warm!

Durinda

My Oil Painting Gear

2008-01-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

I had originally thought I would be sending out my blog more frequently from Florida, but I found that I was too busy painting!

For those who are painting outdoors with oils, or who aspire to do so, I shot my paint gear today before loading it once again in the car. What you can't see is my backpack on wheels that holds everything except the panel carrier and the tripod. Actually, I can strap the tripod to the pack so I can roll it easily, but if I am getting out fairly close to the car, I don't bother with it. The tripod is one for cameras and it holds my pochade box with an attachment.

The largest panel I can use with this easel is a 12 x 16. I prefer the linen oil primed panels. I also have a cardboard carrier that I like since it is lightweight and easily packable.

I use filberts or brights brushes and a few rounds. For larger works, I also like flats. In the studio, of course I have a wider variety of brushes, but outdoors, it is better to carry only a few.

My paints of choice are Gamblin's. As many of you know, I owned a gallery/teaching studio for three years where I also sold art supplies. After trying many brands, I have been impressed with Gamblin's quality and consistency. You also see Gamsol which is the thinner. When going out on location, I usually pour some into a jar and not carry the container. For the photo, I wanted to show the name so you would remember it. I use their Galkyd and Galkyd Lite mediums in the studio. They help speed the drying time of oils without getting sticky. When I paint outside, it is usually going to be "alla prima" and hopefully finished in two hours so drying layers or glazing is not an issue.

I recently added Gamblin's Quick Dry White to my plein air paints. Mixing it with the other paints helps speed their dry time as well. You can check out their line of products: www.gamblincolors.com. You can order their products through Jerry's or others. Let me know if you have any questions about the paints or gear and if you have any comments about what you have used.

For those watercolorists, I will post my palette and gear next. I enjoy my watercolors outside too.

Now, get to painting!
Durinda

Sketching Callaway- May 3 & 4

2008-01-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Callaway Gardens has posted the 2008 workshops on their website. Sketching Callaway is my new workshop that will take place in the gardens May 3 & 4. We will be working in a sketchbook with pens and watercolor pencils. One of the education staff will work with us to identify the different plants in the area. My goal is to have everyone create a "Garden Journal" with notes, thoughts, and sketches.

The webpage is: www.callawaygardens.org/foundation/info/education.workshops.aspx

Their phone# is 706-663-5153

Or email: education@callawaygardens.org

If you are interested in the workshop, please register with the education department. As many of you know, I have been fortunate to paint in the gardens several times and belong to the Callaway Painters. It is a beautiful setting. Accommodations are available in the gardens and in Pine Mountain. You are sure to enjoy this opportunity!

New Classes in February

2008-01-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

Starting February 19, a six-week course in Beginner/Refresher Watercolor will meet mornings and a Beginner/Refresher Oil Class will meet in the afternoons at the Happy Painters Studio on Lookout Mountain. This is a step-by-step class covering all the basics of handling and mixing colors, values, and composition. We will work from still lifes and photographs. One of my loves is to introduce people to the pleasure of painting. I am looking forward to working with those who want to learn a new medium or just refresh their skills and get back into painting. If you are interested, or know someone who is, please email me for registration. The class size is limited to six.

Durinda@Durinda.com
423-802-9787

Warmest Season's Wishes

2007-12-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

From Our House to Yours

May your Christmas Season be warm, colorful, and shared with others!

Bill and Durinda

Caylea Williams Wins First Art Award in Turkey Contest

2007-12-16T13:53:00.001-08:00

This is my pretty Princess Caylea who came to the art opening at Hollis Gallery. Today in the Chattanooga TimesFree Press the award winners for the Turkey Coloring Contest were posted and Caylea won Third Place for the 2 - 5 yr olds. I had saved her our copy of the turkey to color when she came to visit a few weeks ago, but she said she had already colored one and her mom had entered it in the contest. Caylea received a gift certificate from Wal-Mart. She loves to draw and create her own "books" with stories she writes. I predict lots more awards in her future!

Class Luncheon for Mountain Classes

2007-12-13T04:52:00.000-08:00

Our last classes met Wednesday before the holidays and the January break. At noon we traveled to the home of Anne and Peter Platt. We were greeted by a very festive Tally. She invited us in for a wonderful lunch. The two classes of watercolor and oil enjoyed seeing Anne's eclectic art collection and sharing upcoming holiday plans. Thanks to guest artist Wanda Lacy who snapped this for us. I will miss you girls in the next few weeks while I am in Florida! Keep Painting!

Tennessee Watercolor Opening

2007-12-13T04:42:00.001-08:00

Opening night at the Tennessee Watercolor Society Region III's show at Raymond James, Chattanooga.
Left: Harriet Chipley in front of my painting.

Center: Region III director, Helen Burton

Right: Betty Jo Smith with her painting

The reception was very well attended with TnWS members, their guests, Raymond James staffers, and their invited clients. I enjoyed seeing the artists and also meeting new ones. It will remain on view until April.

Tennessee Watercolor Regional Show

2007-12-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is my watercolor painting "Clouds Over San Gimingnano" that is currently on exhibit with the Tennessee Watercolor Society Region III show. This is the Chattanooga regional members show with twenty-seven members participating. Statewide, the society has over two hundred members. The theme of the show is "Square Off". All the paintings selected are in the square format.
My painting is 22 x 22 on cold pressed Arches paper matted to 30 x 30 with a wood frame. It is based on one of my Tuscany stays in San Gimingnano looking out my hotel window. For you watercolorists out there, I created the textures in the tiles using salt and letting it crystalize.
The exhibit is in the Raymond James & Associates main office, 537 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee and will open on Tuesday, December 11 with a reception. It will be available for viewing during office hours: 8:00 - 5:00 daily. The works are for sale. I hope if you are downtown, you will stop by and see the show! I got a preview when I took my painting in and it is very diverse in technques and sizes. If you need directions or have other questions, email me or call them: 423-756-2371.

Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church

2007-11-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist sharing this church with you this week. Thankful Memorial Episcopal Church is located in the historic St Elmo community of Chattanooga on where else? Thankful Place.

Thankful Treasures

2007-11-19T06:36:00.000-08:00

This week I received an invitation to submit to an art show titled "Treasures." I have given some thought to this title. I thought about jewels, gold, silver, fine wines, sport cars, etc, a lot of "things" that people treasure. What have I painted that would represent a treasure to me? Then, it really came to me.

What I treasure the most is not a cache of "things." What I treasure the most are my loving family and my wonderful friends. You can't pick your family, but I think I picked a good husband, even though we were both very young. I was blessed with Christian parents who encouraged me and helped me in any way they could. My son and daughter are both caring individuals with lovely families now. My other blessings are in my friends, some I have known for decades through schools and teaching jobs. Others share my love of art and are so supportive of my career. And others are happen chance, they just come into my life and it seems we have known each other for years.

So forgive my sentimental message this week. I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving, sharing with your family and/or friends. In the rush to get ready for dinners and reunions, think about what you treasure the most. I bet it is the same as mine.

Durinda

Acrylic vs. Oil vs. Watercolor vs Pastel?

2007-11-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

Many times I am asked which media is best for plein air (on location) painters: oil, watercolor, acrylic or pastel? I think there are advantages and disadvantages of each. I love oil for the creaminess and the smoothness of blending. Of course, oil is messy, dries slowly and takes more equipment. Watercolor on the other hand, uses the white of the paper, dries quickly, less weight to carry around and is the least messy. Then there is pastel, which requires paper and pigments, usually an easel and in my case, can be messy. Acrylic would seem to be the most ideal medium to take outdoors since it mixes with water and dries quickly. It can be painted on paper or on canvas, most likely you would carry an easel.
I have to confess, I am bias towards watercolor and oils. I don't mind having green fingers and smudges on my clothes from the oils. There is something I like about blending the edges of distant treelines and smoothing the clouds in the sky. I like the spontaneity of painting with watercolor on paper because you can be so portable with it. I tend to draw more for the watercolors and sometimes that can be a problem if you are pressed for time.
I have tried acrylics outdoors and just can't seem to adjust to their quick drying time. I also find that the colors dry darker, which is a problem painting outside with any media, except watercolors, that tend to dry lighter, I think. Pastels are the purest pigments so their color is the truest. It just seems that you need a good many colors with you. If you don't know what you are doing, you can create a lot of "muddy" colors by overpainting too much. They are dusty and you have to be careful how you transport them.
So I think the best solution is to match your personality to the media. If you are used to sitting down in your studio, then plan to take a chair and an adjustable easel. Otherwise, invest in a sturdy easel that will hold the size canvas or board you prefer. Try working outside in your own backyard first or a nearby park where there is shade and flat terrain. Once you get accustomed to packing your supplies, the rest is just painting!

Autumn Art Show at Mountain Mirror Gallery

2007-11-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

You are invited to the Autumn Art Show Opening on Friday, November 9, 6:00 - 9:00 pm. The gallery will be filled with wonderful paintings by the Studio artists who come weekly to paint. The show will feature acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings and will remain on view until December 15, being refreshed with new works as others find new homes.
The Mountain Mirror Gallery is next door to the Lookout Mountain Mirror office on N. Watauga Lane. The easiest way to get there is to stay on Scenic Highway to the business district. The Mirror is directly behind the Post Office, Twigs, and the Mountain Day Spa. Turn at the Mountain Cafe and it is the second building on the right. There is parking on the street and a lot right beside the gallery.
Thanks to Billy Parker, owner of the Mirror, for allowing us to use this space for our studio classes and gallery. We hope that he will have works in the gallery that night too.
I am so honored to work with these lovely and talented ladies: Evelle Dana, Sarah Fowler, Anne Platt, Jeanne Rudisill, Charlotte Wardlaw, Lisa Whittle, Ann Currey, L. J. Huffaker, Jan Michaels, Betty Moses, Barbara Murray, Wendy Williams, Margaret Sexton, Rita Bickerstaff, and Estelle Skoretz.
We are expecting a crowd, so come early for the best selection! If you need further directions or have questions, email me: Durinda@Durinda.com.

Ginny's Sunflowers

2007-11-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the painting that my friend, Ginny Stiles, did from last week's posting of Searching for Subjects. Ginny and I met in Sarasota a few years ago and enjoy seeing and painting with each other at least once a year. Mostly we keep in touch via email. Ginny is a wonderful watercolor artist and teacher. Recently she has experimented with acrylics. This is an acrylic. Since I have been "playing" with acrylics lately too, it has been fun to share the joys and woes of trying a new medium. I am seeing what I can do with acrylic underpainting for my oils. Still not sure if it saves time or not. I think Ginny has adapted very well to the acrylic. Beautiful painting, Ginny!