Tuesday, October 25, 2005

This past Saturday was the Oil Painters of America's National Paint Out in Illinois. There had to have been at least 30 painters participating. We painted at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest. It was so much fun seeing old friends and meeting new artist from all over the area. There was a bit of rain throughout the day but not enough to keep us away from gathering together as fellow painters, excited to capture, if only a taste of this beautiful world we live in. After the Paint Out we gathered at Diane Rath’s house/studio for lunch, camp fire and viewing of the morning paintings. I’d have to say it was quite a treat; this is the artist’s life. We are so lucky, so blessed to be given such a gift. It’s wonderful to be pursuing your passion, and then to hang out, chat, share new ideas and revelations with the many others who share that same passion.

This is the painting I did during the Paint Out. Other painters were scattered up and down the small path, painting away. I'm so thankful to Denny for hooking me up with an attachment for my umbrella, I used it the whole time.

Friday, October 21, 2005

A Thought on Fear

Why does fear always get in the way of things? We're all the same when it comes to learning something new. I remember one of the first painting classes I had, I was so nervous. Was my painting going to look as good as the person’s next to me? Erasing, scraping away a stroke I just put down, afraid someone might see my terrible mistake before it was too late.
Fear paralyzes us. It keeps us from becoming who we're meant to be, but what do we have to be afraid of? The classroom/studio is our laboratory; we’re allowed to make mistakes. You have to be able to let it go, that your painting might not be as good as those next to you that your portrait doesn’t quite look like a person. You have to let these things go so you can learn. Allow yourself to make mistakes; it’s the only way you’ll grow. No one is perfect. Don’t put that kind of stress on yourself, As Scott Tallman would say "No Worries". Imagine what we’re all capable of if we just didn’t care what other people thought. A lesson I need to remind myself of all the time.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

A Weekend of Painting

This is a painting I did on Sunday. The last day of the painting retreat up in Wisconsin. I'll post more picture soon.


"Red Car"
6x8

P&C Retreat


Some Images from the P&C/Barnsite retreat this past weekend. We had a wonderful time. I'm writing up a little something to let you all know what we did. More images to follow.

"Tony's Boat"

6x8 Oil on canvas







Our model session outdoors

















Ken Dewaard & Aaron Holland, 2 wonderful painters and
Instructors at the Barnsite Academy perform the critique
on Saturday night. (Those are Bill's paintings on the easles)