tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89805187341973912122024-03-13T23:16:04.585-04:00Maria Bennett HockWearing my heart on my brush, I paint emotional scenes of every day life...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-20746756932211994062018-04-02T12:40:00.000-04:002018-04-02T12:40:52.578-04:00Don't Fence me in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaC0TJrlQFI/WsJbE6TCg9I/AAAAAAAAGIs/p-3PPjFHDScypa835IRUJkBP9R7J5pMvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1286" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaC0TJrlQFI/WsJbE6TCg9I/AAAAAAAAGIs/p-3PPjFHDScypa835IRUJkBP9R7J5pMvwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This painting offers a nod to my Rosie the Riveter series with the red polka dot suspenders. It is essentially about women making their way in the world. The chair represents a fence and the woman's back is to it as if to ignore that it even exists. She has a rather androgynous look indicating that it doesn't make a difference...she is a person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Rosie the Riveter, in my humble opinion, led the way for women to enter the work force in a powerful way. Women realized that they could do whatever they want. There is never any question that women should get paid as much as men. I know plenty of women that do...I know women who would not accept less. Be that woman...don't accept less. Don't wait for anyone to tell that you are equal. be equal.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-52927448439501509192018-03-06T12:49:00.000-05:002018-03-06T12:49:01.830-05:00Blue Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is part of my Rosie the Riveter series and it is significant for a few reasons. For each Rosie I like to have a story and significance to the piece. In this piece she is reading a letter, we used to read letters. I can remember running to the mailbox to see if I got a letter that day. It was a big part of "social media." The letters I got were read over and over again. They were treasured. So in this painting I am bringing you back in time to when the written word was so much more significant than it is today. Of course she has her signature red polka dot kerchief on her head. She also wears a blue star pin. Blue star pins are worn by military family members who have a loved one in harms way...that is... at war. My paternal grandmother had a blue star pin with 4 stars...that means she had four people fighting for our country. They were her husband and three sons. I cannot imagine the angst she felt not knowing how her family was. I am proud to say I still have the pin and it is one of my most prized possessions. The other significant item is the locket around her neck. I painted it in the shape of a heart and my thought is that it holds a picture of her loved one. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-20796610974622403592018-02-05T16:11:00.000-05:002018-02-05T16:11:29.349-05:00Karen Wooly Offutt workshop
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWxEmB1F4PA/WnjHpZEAH1I/AAAAAAAAGHA/eu036CZItbIXl4hKXpwvuLMc77ygnq0mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWxEmB1F4PA/WnjHpZEAH1I/AAAAAAAAGHA/eu036CZItbIXl4hKXpwvuLMc77ygnq0mgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karen wooly Offutt workshop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alia El Bermani studio</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February 2018</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I arrived at Alia’s studio at about 9:30 and most of the
students were there setting up.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I only
knew Judy Tacketts and was anxious to catch up with her and talk about her
latest “Chicks with Balls” painting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If
you haven’t seen Judy’s work you much check it out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As I walked in the room I was greeted by Alia
and Karen…the other students introduced themselves as I walked by.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It was a welcoming atmosphere.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I noticed August Burns and remembered her
from the Portrait Society Conference.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
love her work and may have gushed a bit.<span style="margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first day we had a demo by Karen in the AM and then we
painted in the afternoon while Karen walked around and gave us the benefit of
her expertise.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Her comments were always
complimentary…but she gently nudged me in the right direction.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During Karen’s demo she talked about her palette.<span style="margin: 0px;"> Titanium </span>White and burnt sienna mix her light skin
tones.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Burnt sienna and manganese make a
shadow.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She will mix one color for a basic
skin tone and then take from that puddle of paint adding colors to make darker
and lighter tones.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Karen stressed the
use of optical mixing…when you create paint colors not by mixing on the palette
but through knowledge of color theory and how the eye perceives colors that
abut or overlay each other.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Squint…see shapes and values…place anchor points on the
figure to emphasize areas. Put in all shapes and values…use the same value but
use warmer and cooler colors to turn the form.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Blend on your palette.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Colors can get cloudy if you blend on the
canvas.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great exercise:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>do
a small study THEN do a larger piece using the same number of brush
strokes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It helps keep the spontaneity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were many quotes throughout the three days.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karen quoted David Shelvino “We are not dismantling a bomb
here.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karen’s quote 's included “always paint as if there is not commitment”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “break the rules”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August Burns chimed in “know the rules…then
break them”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “Don’t create challenges you don’t need”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “once you get to a certain point in your
painting you have freedom to play”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> “magic happens in your intuition not in your
logical brain” <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">“Avoid Challenges”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karen’s quote from a Savvy painter podcast “when the task
and your ability meet you are fully engaged” </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And finally the long awaited Vincent Desiderio quote “Great technique
is often on the cusp of collapse under the weight of its own ambition.” </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-5088675470376820342018-01-27T23:54:00.000-05:002018-01-27T23:54:02.615-05:00The Future is Now <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfF3x6miQek/Wm1GJNO5DWI/AAAAAAAAGGk/7nFdHAHZLdIRTNUfb8xqliqukWaUV5M5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1211" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfF3x6miQek/Wm1GJNO5DWI/AAAAAAAAGGk/7nFdHAHZLdIRTNUfb8xqliqukWaUV5M5wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is part of my series of women in traditionally male roles. This is Samantha. She works at the United States Senate. The red and white polka dot blouse is a nod to her Rosie the Riveter sisters who wore kerchiefs of the same cloth on their heads. Strong, independent women...cut from the same cloth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Samantha was kind enough to let me into the Senate offices in the Russell building and photograph her in her office, in the senate. The history of the Russell building is impressive to say the least. It was first opened in 1909. This photo was taken in the conference room where countless senators have met. Republicans and Democrats have conferred, argued and agreed. Our country has been shaped by the decisions made in that room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a great photo shoot and I took pictures of her in some very powerful and commanding poses. Then as an aside I asked her to sit cross legged on a table. It is not what I was going for at all, it was a lark. When I analyzed all the pictures and tried to find the ONE...the one that would say what I want it to say this pose kept drawing me in...then I noticed the clock above her head and a light went on...that was it. It is her time...it is our time. The Future is Now. Samantha is our future. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-32292563855658663612017-09-18T15:26:00.000-04:002017-09-18T15:26:17.860-04:00Rosie the Riveter - Contemporary Warrior woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFWvTkY5sq4/WcASdJGasNI/AAAAAAAAGB4/AX9BX1lFzyEohoC1AX9EnJidIOZiFgjvgCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFWvTkY5sq4/WcASdJGasNI/AAAAAAAAGB4/AX9BX1lFzyEohoC1AX9EnJidIOZiFgjvgCLcBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender%2B1.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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Linda - Contemporary Rosie</div>
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Rosie the Riveter is a moniker for women who did traditionally male jobs during world war one and two. They worked in factories, mechanic shops and did manual labor that their male counterparts did before shipping off to war. Their efforts helping the war effort are enormous. For most of my Rosie the Riveter series I have concentrated on original Rosies and how they feel about their contribution today and re-enactments of Rosie in different 40's and 50's settings. <div>
<br />Continuing with my Rosie the Riveter series...this is a contemporary Rosie. Linda is a dear friend. Her story is one of perseverance. She has proven to be a formidable force and rises to any challenge. She works in a traditionally male occupation...she owns and runs the <a href="http://grapevinefoundry.com/">Grapevine fine art Foundry</a>. She has overcome obstacles I cannot even imagine. I am in awe of this woman...she is a Warrior. While I usually am pretty adamant about using only my own resources for paintings, I saw this picture of her and immediately asked if I could use it. She graciously agreed...and so here she is. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-3216324357520731062017-08-30T17:28:00.000-04:002017-08-30T17:28:54.800-04:00Rosie the Riveter on Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eCRRZ4lrkCU/WacdppgyN4I/AAAAAAAAGBI/znl-67RRwjMDrc_A_vs5vC8tu2tf6IOlwCLcBGAs/s320/Rosie%2Bthe%2BRiveter%2Bon%2Bbreak.jpg" width="209" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosie the Riveter on break</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">24 x 36</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing my Rosie the Riveter series I painted this Rosie as she took a break from work. My Rosie's aren't pensive, thoughtful and sometimes portrayed as very tired. It was a trying time for all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rosie the Riveter is representative of all the women who took on traditionally male jobs while the men were out fighting in World war one and two. The women work in factories, mechanic shops, and assembly lines. They did hard, physical labor while still holding their families and homes together. It was a tough time for everyone. Everyone was involved in the war effort. I love that women of all ethnicities worked side by side. I hope by doing this series it shines a new light on how much women were involved in building our great nation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-5429423955039738722017-06-17T15:57:00.004-04:002017-06-17T15:57:50.799-04:00Selfie, Women Artists Mentors, and travel<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to paint a self portrait from time to time. It gives me a chance to paint from life and I get to wear some of my wonderful hats! This time as I was painting it reminded me a funny story...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I belong to a mentoring group. Women, Artists, Mentors...we refer to ourselves as WAM. Debra Kierce, Helen Beacham, Carrie Roets Waller and Kim Minichiello are the members. We work towards helping each other by advising, encouraging, cheering, commiserating, informing, and mutually admiring each others work with a genuine feeling of love and affection. We have been fortunate to be able to travel together from time to time. Our first meeting was a show in Charleston...we were all able to attend except for Carrie who was living in Japan. I hated to see her left out so I decided to take a page from "flat Stanley,s" playbook and printed out a picture of Carrie that I mounted on a stick...so we could include her in all the group photos</span>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago Flat Stanley was all over the internet. Classes would send a cartoon character to friends and relatives to see how far and traveled he could get. It was quite a phenomenon. I decided it was a great way to include Carrie in our show! I often have these ideas and they are not always met with enthusiasm...so you can imagine my delight when my fellow WAM members embraced the idea and it has become part of what we do when we travel. We have pictures of each of our faces and we bring them along whenever two or more of us meet. It is a fun way to keep everyone included. We started calling them flatheads. You can see my four flatheads that grace my studio...my WAM members are always with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Funny story...we recently had a show at a wonderful museum in Miles City Montana. Waterworks art Museum, coincidentally WAM also, hosted us. Deb and I were able to attend so we dutifully brought along the other three flatheads. As we were recounting the story of the flatheads to those in Montana we were quickly told that there is an Indian tribe nearby that are known as the Flatheads! Who Knew???? We certainly did not want to offend and so refrained from using the name for our cutouts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our next WAM adventure will be to Montreal to see Helen's hometown! There will be sightseeing, sketching and we will get to meet Helen's sister. No flatheads will be necessary as all of us are able to make the trip. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-89016992774721364652017-06-10T19:57:00.000-04:002017-06-10T19:57:05.840-04:00bowler hats and vanilla beans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNKKQiaQbRs/WTyCH6Dsk4I/AAAAAAAAF-Q/4FMACNJncxc_ma8Vk7xOpOIxbEaupJI2wCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dNKKQiaQbRs/WTyCH6Dsk4I/AAAAAAAAF-Q/4FMACNJncxc_ma8Vk7xOpOIxbEaupJI2wCLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A twofer! I recently visited my dear friend in Charleston. We celebrate our birthdays together and have for he last 25 years! Having missed last February with her I decided to drive to Charleston during Spoleto to visit and celebrate. Spoleto is a big art festival...my dear friend Helen Beacham participates every year so it was a great way to get to see her too! What a great time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I travel I always bring kimonos and hats with me in the hopes of finding willing models. I am not fussy about whether they sit for let me do a photo shoot...I prefer the sitting but I am happy to have photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dear friend Kathy offered to pose with the bowler and tie...who doesn't love a bowler and tie! I was trying to think of how to spice it up a bit when I thought of a moustache...of course it has been done but I wanted to put my own spin on it. I thought of a vanilla bean! I was fortunate enough to get one that had the perfect little curl at the end...it reminded me of Snidley Whiplash...dating myself but it amused me! After Kathy so generously sat I asked her beautiful daughter in law to do the same. Here are my first two attempts at</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-15344843524678277532017-05-11T16:27:00.000-04:002017-05-11T16:27:07.911-04:00Dog Walker - Can if I Want <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC6PNR-PV64/WRTEGLESz7I/AAAAAAAAF8o/hk4DzopViVsqz9TuU-BKwLCi0ZhoQA0fACLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nC6PNR-PV64/WRTEGLESz7I/AAAAAAAAF8o/hk4DzopViVsqz9TuU-BKwLCi0ZhoQA0fACLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B10.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dog Walker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">24 x 36</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This painting has been through many iterations. I love the little girl...love what she is wearing...such a free spirit! I knew I liked her but wanted to put her in a setting. I decided on putting a dog in the composition then set about trying to compose a background. I am not a landscape painter and struggled with making the painting look like it is deep...like the field is far away. I first put a fence and some buildings back there but didn't really like the result. Then I made the back ground look kind of fuzzy...with the fence still there. I wasn't sure so I sent it to a friend for a critique. She said she loved and and was glad I added the cows to the background. I laughed till I cried when I read that! I wrote back and told her there were no cow in the painting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got down to business and studied how to make the background look like it recedes...darker more vibrant colors in the foreground and lighten up the field as it goes back...making sure not to make it look vibrant...just lighter. Blurring out the background and adding some sky and clouds made it look like a background that recedes. I learned a lot with this one. I almost gave up on it multiple times..it has been in a corner in my studio haunting me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am starting a new series called "Can if I want." It will feature girls in traditionally male roles. I am still fleshing out scenarios and researching. When I finished this piece I thought it fit the series perfectly. It is not a traditionally male role she is filling...but she is following her own path. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is the message I want to convey...Can if I want. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-36998271612067109932017-04-25T21:32:00.000-04:002017-04-25T21:32:17.802-04:00Notes and Sketches from the Portrait Society of America annual conference 2017<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Random notes and sketches from the Portrait Society of America National Conference 2017:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2j0o5bkBxE/WP_wrPEZpyI/AAAAAAAAF70/zGM9BbHlVh0BgC7CtnqLFX1utixJF7xFgCEw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2j0o5bkBxE/WP_wrPEZpyI/AAAAAAAAF70/zGM9BbHlVh0BgC7CtnqLFX1utixJF7xFgCEw/s320/FullSizeRender%2B8.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Everything far away is barely darker than the sky<br />
90% of the job is done on the palette<br />
2 basic values<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kPj7OU7ENo/WP_wiAzpOvI/AAAAAAAAF70/gmUp8oQJjW8I3ix540otUr4C5Vf2dVQKACEw/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kPj7OU7ENo/WP_wiAzpOvI/AAAAAAAAF70/gmUp8oQJjW8I3ix540otUr4C5Vf2dVQKACEw/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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transparent/opaque - warm/cool of each color on his palette<br />
flesh is translucent <br />
even if you don't see it, paint it<br />
paints on ABS plastic<br />
map out features - use higher chroma than actually there.<br />
darks stay thin<br />
form first<br />
with olive skin avoid cool colors<br />
warm color in the shadows<br />
warm light =cool shadows<br />
cool light = warm shadows<br />
orange skin shade with blue"<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfYeJo3zVX0/WP_wiNWFG4I/AAAAAAAAF70/VAbWN_SkfmEUW8bm-Dnaubr5RIL57BlCQCEw/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfYeJo3zVX0/WP_wiNWFG4I/AAAAAAAAF70/VAbWN_SkfmEUW8bm-Dnaubr5RIL57BlCQCEw/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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"As an artist, have a concept then strive to reach it" <br />
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Daniel Greene - color theory- everything is either bluish or yellowish. A simplification but it works for him.<br />
Values, edges, contrast make colors come forward and recede<br />
Flake white dries rapidly and shows brush strokes<br />
titanium white is the strongest white - use sparingly a lot of titanium will produce a chalky effect<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJALCt-9D2I/WP_winRTO5I/AAAAAAAAF70/0ltxPPu_UWgrY1gFgPrMEWrhIg4ykMM-QCEw/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJALCt-9D2I/WP_winRTO5I/AAAAAAAAF70/0ltxPPu_UWgrY1gFgPrMEWrhIg4ykMM-QCEw/s320/IMG_0841.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Put your painting next to a painting of someone you admire. Compare and see how you can improve<br />
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Great artists don't settle. - Scott Burdick<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlvdqTVy-mY/WP_wiz5NuVI/AAAAAAAAF70/lEe8bTYjIlIXOnca5TShx1-GbQgsXoIGACEw/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlvdqTVy-mY/WP_wiz5NuVI/AAAAAAAAF70/lEe8bTYjIlIXOnca5TShx1-GbQgsXoIGACEw/s320/IMG_0842.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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If it doesn't excite me it probably won't excite anyone else.<br />
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when taking pictures of your subject be at least 6 feet away to avoid distortion.<br />
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Last but not least:<br />
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Use white...don't use white<br />
use black...don't use black<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_4x8NrXr5Y/WP_x1HxaytI/AAAAAAAAF78/9KGoZ9d-Mko444zI3ZIn2Kx2hauZQqLHACEw/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_4x8NrXr5Y/WP_x1HxaytI/AAAAAAAAF78/9KGoZ9d-Mko444zI3ZIn2Kx2hauZQqLHACEw/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The whole conference was wonderful...but all good things must come to an end...</div>
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...random sketches from the airport...</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-42777823318190653692017-04-18T16:12:00.000-04:002017-04-18T16:12:06.278-04:00WAM presents WAM
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNN2bKkqkfQ/WPZtNwaetMI/AAAAAAAAF6w/uchEnbQKAgoI1K3aJlrH_gW1cTZ-5YfwgCLcB/s1600/wam%2Bshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNN2bKkqkfQ/WPZtNwaetMI/AAAAAAAAF6w/uchEnbQKAgoI1K3aJlrH_gW1cTZ-5YfwgCLcB/s320/wam%2Bshow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the sign that greeted us as we entered the Women Artists Mentors show in Miles City, Montana at the Waterworks Art Museum.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyzyUh_xi1k/WPZtNwHFepI/AAAAAAAAF6s/v4kTi0hp4qgvKRyUdfBZiBJ8aQsU6zGfACLcB/s1600/wam%2Bmy%2Bpaintings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyzyUh_xi1k/WPZtNwHFepI/AAAAAAAAF6s/v4kTi0hp4qgvKRyUdfBZiBJ8aQsU6zGfACLcB/s320/wam%2Bmy%2Bpaintings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>This is the view of some of the artwork. What an honor to have my artwork displayed in this wonderful facility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>I just returned from my show with my WAM (Women Artists
Mentors) group in Miles City, Montana at the Waterworks Art Museum…coincidentally
also WAM.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After flying across the
country and driving a couple of hours my artist friend and fellow WAM member,
Debra Keirce, and I arrived at the venue.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were warmly met my Dixie, the director of the museum.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking into the museum is absolutely amazing.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a repurposed water treatment facility
and the character of the original purpose is evident at every turn.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The walls are concrete, original pipes are
present and the original control panel is prominently placed in the foyer.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What looks like a modest building from the
outside reveals itself to be a large series of hallways that hold classrooms, galleries,
offices and other facilities.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
history is fascinating.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were led down a concrete hallway to the main gallery
which held our paintings.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was totally
overwhelmed by the sight of my work in such a magical setting.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each piece placed perfectly on large panels and
lit by spotlights that showcased the work.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking through the gallery was like a dream.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a quick tour then Dixie, Toni, DeNice, Kim, Debra and
I went to the Hole in the Wall Café for dinner.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was like stepping back in time.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the fixtures, woodwork and ambiance are all right out of the past.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was fabulous.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The American home town feeling was
evident.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had our dinner then Debra
and I crashed at the hotel to recuperate and get ready for our demo’s, art
talks, and reception the next day.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up early-ish and off to Spoonful Coffee Shop for a bite to
eat with our gift certificates.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we
arrived they recognized us (new in town) and greeted us warmly.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a delicious treat and headed across
the street to Girl Ran Away with the Spoon shop to browse the eclectic,
interesting, and innovative wares.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
could have spent all day in there…but we had an agenda and places to go.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We did pop out back to the “sale trailer” to
check on bargains and spotted an old pink Desoto in the lot!</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I digress…</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRzjspPilMI/WPZtEIDphyI/AAAAAAAAF6o/tHKv_n6QktIz8POr_Epl-UE-64uMpBFigCEw/s1600/pink%2Bdesoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRzjspPilMI/WPZtEIDphyI/AAAAAAAAF6o/tHKv_n6QktIz8POr_Epl-UE-64uMpBFigCEw/s320/pink%2Bdesoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a bit of time to kill before heading to the demo so
we went to the Range Riders Museum.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
is an enormous display of history, artifacts, and replicas of historic
streets.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was indescribable.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Multiple buildings holding thousands of
artifacts including a donut from the civil war...yes…a donut from the civil
war.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had precious little time to
spend there and could have spent days pouring over all the artifacts. </span></div>
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My biggest regret for the weekend is that this hat shop was closed...a hat shop. I certainly would have left with a new hat had it been open.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7IxIs7P1zQ/WPZtCO5VvzI/AAAAAAAAF6g/IozZsoJudbY53pXPr3CR6-ey0KLKuyUcQCEw/s1600/kickin%2Bass%2Bhat%2Bco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7IxIs7P1zQ/WPZtCO5VvzI/AAAAAAAAF6g/IozZsoJudbY53pXPr3CR6-ey0KLKuyUcQCEw/s320/kickin%2Bass%2Bhat%2Bco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our demos began at 4 pm. Deb set up at a table to let people try their hand at painting miniatures and I set up nearby painting a portrait. One of the many visitors was Karen Stevenson…an author.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was anxious to talk to me about one of my paintings.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is of a woman wearing white and holding a
white umbrella…the comment was the woman in the painting looks just like
someone from Miles City.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was an
activist and quite well known in the area…Elise Fox.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karen was amazed by the resemblance and
presented me with the book she wrote about Elsie and picture of her.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The woman in my painting is actually Dot, the
mother of my neighbor and dear friend LaVonda!</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Such an interesting happenstance.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w774MbDLMtU/WPZthiZiC9I/AAAAAAAAF60/d4glUHkaefUbKylLJTIODcR1brEFP7brgCEw/s1600/White%2Bkimono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w774MbDLMtU/WPZthiZiC9I/AAAAAAAAF60/d4glUHkaefUbKylLJTIODcR1brEFP7brgCEw/s320/White%2Bkimono.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our demos were over and we geared up for our reception and
art talk.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a nice crowd of enthusiastic,
inquisitive art lovers and our talks were well received.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We mingled and stayed past our 9 o'clock
closing…I, for one, did not want the evening to end.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was all so wonderful.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot thank everyone enough.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole weekend was like a dream.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFekoGaX3OQ/WPZw9SyJsTI/AAAAAAAAF64/F1xPKXC29NwULhnfr7vlnRCxH-0OgQA7ACLcB/s1600/whispers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFekoGaX3OQ/WPZw9SyJsTI/AAAAAAAAF64/F1xPKXC29NwULhnfr7vlnRCxH-0OgQA7ACLcB/s320/whispers1.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-46057276403084216372017-03-27T11:54:00.000-04:002017-03-27T11:54:04.210-04:00Pride of the Corps '74 - United States Military Academy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik1bdWMqkLI/WNkwjC9ohSI/AAAAAAAAF5c/k9pMfq2mhjgD3izwwcsMipPdEkkTcZX1wCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik1bdWMqkLI/WNkwjC9ohSI/AAAAAAAAF5c/k9pMfq2mhjgD3izwwcsMipPdEkkTcZX1wCLcB/s320/FullSizeRender%2B7.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pride of the Corps '74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you asked my husband where he went to college he would reply "a small school on the Hudson in Upstate New York." That small school is the Military Academy at West Point. My husband never brags and never calls attention to himself, He just quietly excels. He wore this uniform proudly for 4 years and wore an Army uniform proudly for 27 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I painted this study to prepare for a larger piece with someone actually wearing that uniform. I wish I could say it is my husband's uniform ... but unfortunately I am not a saver...I throw away, clean out, and get rid of stuff. I was fortunate to be able to borrow this uniform from one of Bruce's classmates. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-26548675021895981872017-03-24T20:02:00.000-04:002017-03-24T20:02:45.826-04:00Amazing Grace - Guitar player<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idBVd0u8S-o/WNWWIJru4tI/AAAAAAAAF5A/yKTzFgbZ9s8etap_zRH7n9lBfcnn2b0ygCLcB/s1600/chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idBVd0u8S-o/WNWWIJru4tI/AAAAAAAAF5A/yKTzFgbZ9s8etap_zRH7n9lBfcnn2b0ygCLcB/s320/chris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazing Grace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18 x 24</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am always looking for inspiration. One of my favorite things to do is visit friends and relatives to see if they will model for me. I come equipped with my hats, kimonos and other props to see what I can talk them into! My cousins and I have "art days"... since I moved away it may be a while before we have another! During one of our art sessions the lovely Alice borrowed my camera and snapped some shots of her dad playing the guitar. Christopher Russell has been in bands for years and now plays regularly at church. I love this particular pose for so many reasons. It is calm, the slight downward tilt of the head, the placement of the fingers and hands. It is just everything I want in a composition. I decided to put a glow around his head and as I glazed and added more colors daily, it really took on a life of its own. Then I wanted to make it personal so I found out three of his favorite hymns and wrote the lyrics across the glow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every painting I do is a learning experience. I have experimented with glazing a bit but wanted to do more so I glazed the glow and also did quite a bit of glazing on the hands and face. I wanted the face to have definite planes and temperature and color changes and I wanted the face to be the focal point with the rest of the piece out of focus just a bit. I still have a lot to learn but with each painting I will push myself. I am so excited about the future. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-21136661020529010332017-03-17T21:22:00.000-04:002017-03-17T21:22:56.277-04:00copying at the National Gallery of art - Young Woman in a Kimono<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KosXewI-S1A/WMsuVEgB19I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/JDL3M2hMzu0hllVNlNvd3cbinV7ZQxCXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KosXewI-S1A/WMsuVEgB19I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/JDL3M2hMzu0hllVNlNvd3cbinV7ZQxCXwCLcB/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beginning of my copy of "Young Woman in Kimono"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">copied at the National Gallery of art in Washington DC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently spent a week in Washington DC and was able to paint a copy at the National Gallery of Art. I became a copyist when I lived near DC and tried to continuously work on copying one of the master's paintings on a weekly basis. Now as an "out of towner" I apply to copy for a week at a time...or however many days I can get into a gallery in a week's time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The copyist program is a wonderful opportunity to study the masters and learn as much as possible about strokes, colors, composition and the lives of these amazing artists. I study the artist, their palette, their life and spend some time sketching the piece I am going to copy. Once I get to the gallery I set up and begin. I always start with a blank white canvas and just dive in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The painting I chose for this copyist session is, Young Woman in Kimono by Alfred Maurer. I chose it because it has a rich color palette of muted tones with bright swashes of red accenting the kimono. I do love kimonos and have a collection of my own that I love to paint. I had not heard of Alfred Maurer and was excited to discover a new artist...new to me! After checking out his work I must admit that the painting I copied is my favorite of all his works. I feel very fortunate. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10dRYVw4TDA/WMsuV7X8EVI/AAAAAAAAF4k/Xhf2mrIvd0EqZ3VV3OGeM6zUj7AJHWgaACLcB/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10dRYVw4TDA/WMsuV7X8EVI/AAAAAAAAF4k/Xhf2mrIvd0EqZ3VV3OGeM6zUj7AJHWgaACLcB/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is where I am after a couple of long days of work. I still have a way to go but my time in DC has come to an end and must stop work for now. My options are to re-apply to complete this work or I can simply move on to another copy. I will bring it home and make a decision after I digest what I have done.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIvUxKKQNVU/WMsuU01r3-I/AAAAAAAAF4U/8V1UT9I74lMMeZXVY7Q8Wi9P8ijD8ASiQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIvUxKKQNVU/WMsuU01r3-I/AAAAAAAAF4U/8V1UT9I74lMMeZXVY7Q8Wi9P8ijD8ASiQCLcB/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The National Gallery of Art is always an adventure. While copying this gentleman introduced himself as a distant relative of Frank Benson! How cool is that? We chatted for a short while about my favorite work of Benson's "Margaret Gretchen Strong." I fell in love with that painting when I first started painting and have loved it ever since. It was exciting to meet someone who could have a great Frank Benson talk with me!. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another perk of copying at the National Gallery is the concert that was given at on the of atriums near me. So nice to hear such beautiful music as I painted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was also fortunate to have some friends stop by. Since I am no longer in the area it is fun to catch a quick lunch and chat with friends. The steady stream of visitors to the gallery are always polite but very curious. I enjoy my visits immensely and look forward to my next visit. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-59698752139025908352017-02-13T12:14:00.000-05:002017-03-18T08:36:23.726-04:00Colors in the hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuK2gZHnyIQ/WKHl5gVD0vI/AAAAAAAAF2c/XpvZhuMqKn8_U7h2OHiedAHVG8Yl_-N9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuK2gZHnyIQ/WKHl5gVD0vI/AAAAAAAAF2c/XpvZhuMqKn8_U7h2OHiedAHVG8Yl_-N9wCLcB/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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WIP</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am doing a series of hands. I decided to do hand paintings because I need the practice AND hands are very interesting! They are intricate, complicated and the configurations for composition is endless. It is fun, educational and hands are always available to paint as I always have mine with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I start my paintings pretty much the same way...I block in colors...darks, mediums, lights. I try to incorporate interesting color combinations. As I am laying in the darks, lights, reds, blues, yellows, literally every color on my palette I started thinking about skin tones and racial conflict. I was brought up in a military family. I went to school with very diverse classmates. I never thought of color of skin as a difference. As I am painting I realize we all have the same colors...just in different combinations. We are all so different and so much the same. My wish for the world is to be kind...be generous...treat people like you would want to be treated. PSA over...now back to my easel! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-2168462655957709582017-01-01T18:54:00.000-05:002017-01-01T18:54:07.124-05:00Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6mEFAHQfZc/WGmO6cJs_TI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/7xmWIeb8TeEbbSWOZmZqtqJBbK34u4O3wCLcB/s1600/sunshiine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6mEFAHQfZc/WGmO6cJs_TI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/7xmWIeb8TeEbbSWOZmZqtqJBbK34u4O3wCLcB/s320/sunshiine.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunshine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">24 x 36</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually paint from life or my own photographs. Often I will start from life then finish up with a photo reference. Sometimes I think I am smart enough to finish up with no reference but I soon learn I still need guidance. It is a good exercise for me and I am constantly learning and pushing myself. I mention my methods because this painting was done from a photo reference that is not mine. My brother, Dan Bennett, is a photographer and I love his work. When I saw this photo I was so happy with the gesture and composition I asked if I could please paint it. After checking with his model I was given the go ahead and set out painting. I changed a few things but left the girl and umbrella essentially the same. I love the bright yellow shirt and blue umbrella. Getting to paint the blue hair and profile was a bonus.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Painting challenges me and I am constantly experimenting to improve my work. I have been working with a limited palette lately and really enjoying it. It has forced me to work on my colors more...to really figure out which colors I need to mix to achieve my goals. Right now my palette is <br />
Cad yellow light<br />
Yellow Ochre<br />
Cad red light<br />
alizarin crimson<br />
cerulean blue<br />
ultramarine blue <br />
white<br />
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I sometimes put some black on my palette but find I do better without it so I am trying to wean myself from it. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see some of Dan's work at http://www.shotophoto.com/f700133950</span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-56363406745310419912016-12-01T15:48:00.001-05:002016-12-01T15:48:48.005-05:00Whispers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9kukH21Abo/WEB4nm7VuPI/AAAAAAAAFz8/SfBLwp1DduM3hnS2INWwDYWTae8UWIZeACLcB/s1600/whispers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9kukH21Abo/WEB4nm7VuPI/AAAAAAAAFz8/SfBLwp1DduM3hnS2INWwDYWTae8UWIZeACLcB/s320/whispers1.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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Whispers</div>
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Recently I hosted a "model party"! It was such fun. I invited 5 women over to participate. I was a bit nervous having not done this before and not really knowing the models well. Some I had just met, two I had never met and two I knew but had only brief encounters with. I just had a feeling they would all get along and had a feeling that they were up for some fun. </div>
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I welcomed each of the ladies and had prepared some light snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for them to socialize and enjoy while the photo shoot took place. I thought a relaxed atmosphere would lend itself to helping everyone get acquainted and relax. I am fortunate to have traveled to Japan to visit my dear friend <a href="http://carriewallerfineart.com/">Carrie Roets Waller</a>...accompanied by my travel buddy <a href="http://debkart.com/">Debra Kierce</a>...while there I was able to pick up some fabulous kimonos so I had a kimono for everyone. They tried out different colors...I photographed them in two's three's and four's and the grand finale of all 5 in their luxurious fabrics. It was such a fun experiment for me and, I think, for them too as I got many offers to return for another photoshoot! </div>
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This painting is of sisters...they are both young with fabulous, thick, curly hair. Every thing I suggested they were enthusiastic about. They were so natural and the connection between them is undeniable. </div>
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I do paint from photographs, obviously, but I paint from life as often as I can. When using the photos I often refer to life for particular body part. I will check out my hands in a mirror to see joints and shadows. If I need to see someone holding hands or a position I cannot see while I am painting I ask neighbors or friends to come over and let me see how a certain angle looks in "real life". Studying anatomy has also been a great resource. If a photo is fuzzy or out of focus I know what a body part usually looks like so I can put together things that are missing or hard to see. Most of my work is a conglomeration of photos, life and what is in my mind. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-59574367089333026452016-11-22T20:35:00.000-05:002016-11-22T20:35:02.234-05:00Cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Continuing my hat series...This is my brown bowler. It is one of my favorite hats and one of the first hats I bought. It is symbolic that the hat is either being put on or taken off. My hat is the last thing I put on before I go out and usually the first thing I take off. I wear one primarily to protect my eyes from the sun. I had cataract surgery many years ago and have done all I can to protect my eyes ever since then. I have lots of hats and always wear sunglasses when outside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I called this one "Cover" as a nod...or tip of the hat...to my military ties. A hat in the military is called a cover. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-7371538990484497602016-11-15T21:22:00.000-05:002016-11-15T21:22:54.343-05:00We Can Do It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fevr8mmDQnA/WCu0oD-advI/AAAAAAAAFzE/a9CxA9sRcn41UjJFRPQgLI2-FRX3TzjhQCLcB/s1600/Working.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fevr8mmDQnA/WCu0oD-advI/AAAAAAAAFzE/a9CxA9sRcn41UjJFRPQgLI2-FRX3TzjhQCLcB/s320/Working.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a continuation of my "Rosie the Riveter" series. These amazing women took over when the men were called to serve overseas. They held jobs traditionally held by men...not glamorous...but they saw and need and rose to the occasion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The war touched everyone's lives in many ways. My Grandfather, Uncles, Aunt and my Dad were all active duty service members during World War II. My grandmother wore this blue star pin. </span><br />
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It has one star for every family member she had in harms way. While the men, and some women were fighting overseas my aunt Adrienne worked as a mechanic...along with scores of other women picking up unglamorous jobs that had to be done. Everyone did their part for the war effort. I do find it amusing that my Aunt Adrienne could fix and engine but never got her drivers license!<br />
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I feel it is important to remember how much these women did during the war, they sacrificed, worked hard, and kept our county running...doing their part to help win the war. <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-38815693906046905142016-10-18T13:01:00.000-04:002016-10-18T13:01:09.798-04:00PCS...Permanant Change of Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVfmt-jAGmU/WAZO4NT951I/AAAAAAAAFyM/ZaHaP7I_GG0N55ACF_TB936flIG4y5wUgCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVfmt-jAGmU/WAZO4NT951I/AAAAAAAAFyM/ZaHaP7I_GG0N55ACF_TB936flIG4y5wUgCLcB/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PCS=Permanent Change of Station</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Permanent Change of Station or PCS is what happens to military families every 2, 3 or 4 years. It is a way of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is another of my Military Spouse Series. I began this piece so long ago I can't even remember but I always thought it needed something else. It has been critiqued by more people than any other piece I have even painted. It has been reworked time and time again. I tackled it again this week and decided it is done. It is depicting a mood. It is a place I have been many, many times as have millions of other military spouses. It is moving day. It doesn't matter if the moving is to or from the current location...the feeling is the same. It is a feeling of being overwhelmed. It seems like unsurmountable obstacles in the path to move forward...but it all gets done...it will be fine. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-48313731841379968492016-10-04T12:56:00.002-04:002016-10-04T12:56:59.299-04:00Top Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZaABFGtneE/V_Pd2-vOLuI/AAAAAAAAFxw/stzZIqVJZL0Mcs24lmz4XQcbSRs0ioMXgCLcB/s1600/top%2Bhat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZaABFGtneE/V_Pd2-vOLuI/AAAAAAAAFxw/stzZIqVJZL0Mcs24lmz4XQcbSRs0ioMXgCLcB/s400/top%2Bhat2.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why, yes, I do have a leather top hat! My obsession with hats started after cataract surgery. I had to protect my eyes from the glare of the sun...so I started wearing hats. I started with baseball caps and moved on to bowlers, fedoras and now the sky is the limit! I just love this leather top hat. I found the green tinted glasses at an antique fair. I am always looking for interesting props to add to my collection. I love having model dress up for painting sessions and photo shoots. This painting is the first of a series of self portrait featuring my hats!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-28383205960233158422016-09-18T21:14:00.000-04:002016-09-18T21:14:25.524-04:00China Doll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfkAy4d2uAQ/V980s31w2XI/AAAAAAAAFxA/a7OFSzsv2fYOBwHUFzNEXwIyI5rnJI8ZwCLcB/s1600/China%2Bdoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfkAy4d2uAQ/V980s31w2XI/AAAAAAAAFxA/a7OFSzsv2fYOBwHUFzNEXwIyI5rnJI8ZwCLcB/s320/China%2Bdoll.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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Recently I was fortunate to be able to travel to Japan to visit Carrie Roets Waller a dear friend that does magnificent water color paintings rich in colors that reflect her impressions of her travels. My traveling buddy Debra Kierce joined me on this venture and we enjoyed all the art, sighseeing and shopping we could fit into our short visit. Debra is also an amazing arrists who specializes in painting miniature works...some as small as or smaller than a business card. </div>
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During my time in Japan I purchased as many kimonos and obis along with other interesting props and costumes as I could afford! I mailed home boxes of treasures. It was just like Christmas to get home and open all the great finds. </div>
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This kimono, worn by my great niece Ellen, was one of the many Kimonos I purchased...along with the precious little doll she is holding. She is a marvelous model and I look forward to painting her again. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-56926732362491748542016-09-06T19:28:00.000-04:002016-09-06T19:28:03.221-04:00Anticipation - Military Spouse Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvYDBQCzQ5U/V8d7r8GaZyI/AAAAAAAAFu8/NoE6D29616AhWUwsb8YqzPc8eziWk-ayACLcB/s1600/anticipation%2B-%2Bspouse%2Bseries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvYDBQCzQ5U/V8d7r8GaZyI/AAAAAAAAFu8/NoE6D29616AhWUwsb8YqzPc8eziWk-ayACLcB/s400/anticipation%2B-%2Bspouse%2Bseries.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anticipation - Waiting for the birth of her child. This is part of my military spouse series...this woman is a military spouse. She is lucky her husband was with her for the birth of their child. I know many military spouses who have had to have their children while their spouse was deployed. It is a hard time..but the military family is strong and we stick together. Help is always available. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When my oldest son was born we were living in Germany. I was two weeks from my due date and my husband was called out on maneuvers. Since it was an exercise and not the real thing there was some leeway and my husband was allowed to come in and check on me. He came in just in time! He rushed me to the hospital and a couple of hours later...literally a couple of hours...I had very quick labor and deliveries... I gave birth to our son! Of course as soon as I had given birth he left to rejoin his unit. Since we were in Germany I didn't have any immediate family nearly and only immediate family was allowed to visit. I heard the Battalion Commander's wife at the nurses station saying she wanted to visit. When they told her only family could enter the ward she replied "of course I am family!" and she walked past the desk to see me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have know much kindness in my life. My goal is to pay back. </span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-22703754039860087812016-08-15T20:24:00.000-04:002016-08-15T20:24:35.437-04:00Arlington - Military Spouse Series <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6L5G55AbqnQ/V7JUE-Lky6I/AAAAAAAAFuc/0B82BytMpOoDLTDdkJGzwjceBvEjYrNVACLcB/s1600/Peg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6L5G55AbqnQ/V7JUE-Lky6I/AAAAAAAAFuc/0B82BytMpOoDLTDdkJGzwjceBvEjYrNVACLcB/s320/Peg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am continuing my Military Spouse with an emotional painting titled "Arlington." Arlington is the Cemetery that lays to rest those who served in the military. It is located in Washington DC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The subject of this piece is the wife of a classmate of my husband, graduating from West Point in 1974. We attended the funeral...the first Arlington funeral I attended. The solemn, traditional ceremony was beautiful, meaningful and very moving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then I have laid holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members, specifically classmates of my husband. Meeting the families is always a highlight of a solemn occasion. They are from all over the country and have amazing stories of lives lived to the fullest. Some stayed in the military after graduation, some followed other paths, but West Point shaped their lives in many ways and they have a camaraderie that cannot be denied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course the most moving burial was that of my father. I am proud to say he is buried in Arlington. His ceremony was beautiful. The staff at Arlington is caring and professional. I cannot imagine having a job that requires such compassion constantly. I am forever grateful. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980518734197391212.post-66385660976996931262016-08-01T16:28:00.000-04:002016-08-01T16:28:21.893-04:00The Letter - Military Spouse Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DGb80ZWIjo/V5-uCUFkv7I/AAAAAAAAFuM/Eeyn_hUAlEEPHsHmFs2PUfcyAdW1u21mQCLcB/s1600/letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DGb80ZWIjo/V5-uCUFkv7I/AAAAAAAAFuM/Eeyn_hUAlEEPHsHmFs2PUfcyAdW1u21mQCLcB/s320/letter.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last post showed a portion of this painting...here is the entire piece. Her name is Maria...here is a bit of her story:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">In 1992, Maria married her college sweetheart LT Greg Bowie. However, it was more than 10 years later before they resided in one place –together and permanently. During early marriage, LT Bowie was assigned to the USS Nimitz and in 1994-5 the ship served as the test platform for a “new thing” called e-mail. Writing brief messages, just a couple lines long, families and friends were able to communicate for the first time with a surface ship at sea in a matter of hours, instead of days, weeks or months. Despite the huge leap in technology and convenience, they continue today to add to their families’ history of handwritten letters and cards, like the generation before. They live with their son, Gunnar, in Arlington, Virginia where black ink and crisp stationery are in good supply. </span></blockquote>
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When Maria first told me she was able to email her husband...among the first to do so...I just assumed that she wrote a newsy, lengthy note telling him of her daily happenings. I didn't realize that it would be just a couple of lines. It makes me feel so fortunate to be able to communicate at length whenever I want. </div>
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I still like handwritten notes and do write especially thank you notes. I don't write as often as I would like...but whenever I get a personal note I feel special and make a new resolve to write more often. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1