Tools of the Trade

This blog topic is courtesy of Cooper, age 3, who was snooping, uh, visiting my studio. Anytime you have visual art materials it is a magnet for young children and old men (well, that's another story)!
Coop is at the age of asking questions. "Why?" "What is it?" "What do you do with it?" His curiosity about my supplies made me wonder if others would like to know some of the tools of my trade that you might not expect.
Sure there is the usual stock of paint tubes, brushes, and canvas or paper. But a good many of my tools come from the hardware and grocery store too.

Starting with my oil stash: a bungee cord. Pictured here as I use it in the studio on my easel. Also have one that travels with me to hold towels.
My studio palette is a sheet of glass from the hardware store. To clean it I use a paint scrapper. Then there's the level. It helps with checking the level of the easel while painting and also on the camera when shooting my paintings. Hand wipes or baby wipes are a must. Of course there's pliers to open stubborn tubes. Hey, who isn't cleaning off the tube tops?? Oh yeah, that would be me.

Watercolors have a few necessities. I carry a compass and a ruler. Then for BIG mistakes I have Magic Eraser. A small spray bottle comes in handy. A bottle of alcohol (rubbing kind that is) and droppers. I won't go into what all that is for! You need to take one of my watercolor classes for that! Then there's the paint blotter made from a handywipe and towels. Looks weird, but works!

And last but not least, a mirror. My studio has windows on 3 sides and faces north, yeah, I know, lucky me! But that doesn't leave me a wall for hanging a mirror so I use a handheld one. OK, give up? It's for checking my paintings as I work, silly! You can stand back and look but seeing them in reverse will REALLY show up any boo-boos like crooked lines or wrong values. And believe me, I put it to good use!

Another post will have to be about the strange stuff I carry with me when I paint outdoors, yes, there is more!

And here's the Coopster racing by on his hot wheels.  You know his visit was short in the studio because it was time to play outside! 
Now go play!

Durinda

If you haven't already LIKED my FB fan page, please do so!!  I will be able to do giveaways and other things once I reach 400 likes:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/Durindas-Fine-Art-Fan-Page
Also, just posted about the 2013 workshop to Venice!!

Housebound and Happy

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

Painting Classes

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

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!

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!

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

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

Your World of Art Interview on Charter TV

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

Mix and Mingle

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

Toughing it out in Tuscany!

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

Traveling Tuscany Coming Up!

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

Painting the Emerald Coast

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

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

O Canada!

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

It's Spring- time for painting outdoors!

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

Celebraties

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

Life at the Beach

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

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

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

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