Red - Just for Fun

Anneliese Hock

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Did you ever have one of those days when you have so much to do it is overwhelming???  Instead of doing what you have to get done you do something totally random...something that you don't need to do...something that is just fun???  Well, that is what I did today.  I met my  husband's, cousin's daughter on facebook.  She just cut her hair...a great cut...it is bright red and I just wanted to paint her.  She is adorable and I don't think I captured her "free" spirit totally, but I had a great time with her.  

Tomorrow...back to what HAS to get done...or maybe not ;)

Life is good.

Carrie Waller is next up - 30 paintings 30 days...artist series

Carrie Roets-Waller

8 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Carrie is an amazing watercolorist.  She paints still life pieces using glass bottles and crystal glasses in her compositions.  She is able to capture light masterfully. Her work is not to be missed.  Visit her blog to see what she is up to.  She often posts works in progress and it is fascinating to follow her as she brings the painting to life.  

When I first wrote to Carrie to ask if I could paint her "mug" I thought I was asking for a picture  of her face to paint from...Carrie read it as a coffee mug and sent this picture!!!  When I better explained what I was looking for she laughed and said "that is the difference between a still life artist and a portrait artist!"  

Leslie Saeta's challenge is going strong.  check out her blog to see all the beautiful paintings.

Dottie Leatherwood fills the 30 in 30 spot for today!

Dottie Leatherwood

6 x 6 

Oil on panel

Whew it has been a whirlwind of a day!  So much to do so little time...and her I am just getting to post this late!  Nevertheless I shall persevere.  Dottie is so beautiful she was hard to capture in such a short time on such a small canvas...but 30 paintings in 30 days dictates the terms and I comply!!!

Dottie is another fabulous artist who does have a blog that simply must be visited!  And then check out Leslie Saeta's band of merry artists still plugging away on the 30 in 30 challenge.  

Lulu - Hilton Head 2012

Lulu - Hilton Head 2012

4 x 4

oil on board

This is Lulu!  Here is Wanda's write up...

Regula (also known as Lulu) is a long time member of the Hilton Head gang and has recently joined an elite splinter group, the Hilton Head Four.  We do not know their true purpose but speculate that it involves creating original art and selling or trading it across international borders.   Lulu travels frequently under the guise of mild mannered artist to workshops or vacations in exotic destinations.  Her goal is ‘establishing individual connections’ and ‘transporting emotions’ which we suspect are for nefarious purposes.  She is often reported being in the vicinity when  shooting happens and we have heard rumours that the “Snoopy Guys” have become targets.  She must be apprehended and removed from the beaches.  Please duplicate the attached image asap and distribute widely.

*******

I thought it would be fun to show you how I begin my painting process.  I start with a rough sketch...and I do mean rough.  I am not concerned with anything other than relationships.  The relationship between the nose, mouth, eyes, etc. I often don't finish the sketch...I just want to make sure I know where everything goes.  Here I can see that the mouth is not angled enough and I make a mental note to correct that when I paint.  I am anxious to start painting but know that this step will save me much frustration. 

And below is the mug shot of Lulu that I painted last year!  She was the second mug to be painted and I remember wiping the board twice before I finished.  

Hilton Head Gang 2012 Karin Jurick is up first!

Karin Jurick

Hilton Head Gang Class of 2012

4 x 4

Oil on Board

The Hilton Head Gang rides again!  Mugs shots were once again taken at the Karin Jurick Workshop on Hilton Head Island.  Everyone tried to look as sinister as they possibly could.  So I am, once again, enjoying this challenge.  

It is another small respite from my 30 in 30 series, but I will have the final ones posted by the end of the week.  I install them on Monday!!!  And the reception will be the 23rd at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center from 5 to 7.  I cannot wait to see them all hung together!

Hilton Head Gang - Another Last Final Mug

Vince "The Organizer"

4 x 4 

Oil on Board

Vince “ The Organizer” is an adjunct member of the notorious Hilton Head Gang.  Vince is the one who made everything at the fabulous Karin Jurick workshop run smoothly.  He is calm, reassuring and more than helpful.  He has tried to disassociate himself from the group but once a Hilton Head Gang member...always a Hilton Head Gang member.  It is like the Hotel California...you can check in any time you want...but you can never leave...hahahahahahahahaha......

AND...here we all are...What a notorious looking group! 

Seriously, folks...this is the last one.  On to new adventures now!

Hilton Head Gang week 19!

Week 19 and Karin Jurick’s students from her fabulous class at Hilton Head Island are still going strong!  This week we introduce one of our more elusive members...

Allyson "Sundance"

4 x 4

Oil on Board

Allyson “Sundance” Schilb does most of her shooting in the evening.  She, too, is one of the more quiet members of the Hilton Head Gang.  We do know that she rides with a biker gang.  She rode all over the island...There were tales of drive by shootings.  When other gang members were strolling beaches, sidewalks and tourist sites, Sundance was laying low...riding quietly and shooting unsuspecting victims.  We also know is she is no less proficient than any of the other members...she is SLR ready and will shoot at will.

For more about the The Hilton Head Gang check out their blog at http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Hilton Head Gang week 18 Kit "The Rebel"

The Hilton Head Gang has reached week 18!  Karin Jurick’s class from Hilton Head Island is still on the sidestepping authorities.  I must admit my company has slowed my pace a bit...but they will all vacate my home on Tuesday and I will be in my studio Wednesday morning to catch up.  So much to do! 

Kit "The Rebel"

4 x 4 Oil on board

Kit “The Rebel” Kit does things her own way...follows her own path...beats to the beat of a different drummer.  Kit hit town and immediately started shaking things up.  She shoots where no one else shoots...she paints what no one else paints...she is a true rebel.  If you think you know where Kit is or what she is thinking...you are wrong...If you think you know where she is...you don’t...AND if you think you can figure her out...well...you guessed it...

For more about the The Hilton Head Gang check out their blog at http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Hilton Head Gang Week 17!

It is week 17 and we can really see the end of our quest...but there is still work to do so I shall present our next Hilton Head Gang member from the famous Karin Jurick workshop...

Judy "Fashionista"

4 x 4

Oil on Board

Judy “Fashionista” Elias is a petite blonde.  She looks harmless enough, but with camera in hand she can be as devious as any member of the Hilton Head Gang.  Her petite stature allows her to sneak into venues with seemingly childlike innocence...but don’t let that fool you.  She enters, shoots then escapes before she is discovered.  She is often enveloped in large decorative scarves that disguise her camera to make it easy for her to focus on unsuspecting victims...then she shoots and is out of sight before she is detected.   

For more about the The Hilton Head Gang check out their blog at http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Week 16 Hilton Head Gang

Week 16 finds us looking for the next member of the Hilton Head Gang...Karin Jurick’s motley crew of wayward artists...still evading capture.

Diane “The Flash” Howard so named because she doesn’t use one.  she purposely turns off her flash to get the proper shadows, lights and darks on her subject.  What she cannot accomplish with the camera she adjusts with her palette.  She is a master of color manipulation and can mask any subject to make them seem anonymous...she remains anonymous also...and uses the darkness to escaped the authorities.  

For more about the The Hilton Head Gang check out their blog at http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Hilton Head Gang Week 15

Cheryl "Red" 

4 x 4 Oil on Canvas

$50.

Week 15 and the saga continues.  The HIlton Head Gang from Karin Jurick’s workshop...now notoriously famous...is still on the lam.  This week we feature one of the more elusive members.

Sheryl “Red” Lott with her fiery red hair and syrupy southern accent immediately disarms her victims.  She sashays into venues or onto the beach oozing that southern charm that lulls her victims into a false sense of security.  She is no less dangerous than the rest of the gang...she just looks harmless.  Her stash of covertly taken photographs is testament to her devious nature.  How she can remain anonymous with her blazing red locks we will never know.  Don’t let her demure southern behavior fool you...be on the lookout!

For more about the The Hilton Head Gang check out their blog at http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Hilton Head Gang Week #14

It is week 14 and we continue on...The Hilton Head Gang is a group of artists who attended a Karin Jurick workshop on Hilton Head Island.  Their antics are chronicled in this series...

Linda "Goldie"

4 x 4

Oil on Board

Week 14 features Linda “Goldie” Nickles...All that glitters is not always gold.  Goldie is as notorious as the rest of the gang.  We believe she has a hideout on the island but authorities have not been able to locate the area she resides in nor apprehend her.  Beware because she is a seasoned traveler and can assimilate herself into any environment...she is no less devious than the rest of the gang despite her petite stature and innocent look...she will shoot first and ask questions later.  If you have been shot check local galleries for your likeness.  If you are visiting Hilton Head be especially cautious...she has been known to walk among the visitors and shoot using her silencer...

Her blog is http://lindanicklesfineart.blogspot.com/

Check out all the Hilton Head Gang mugs on their Blog  http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com/

Hilton Head Gang Week 13

It is lucky week 13 in the search for the Hilton Head Gang.  The gang originally attended a class given by Karin Jurick and now they are on the loose...each week we feature one member and will do so until each member has been featured.  

Cathy "The Traveler"

4 x 4

Oil on Board

 Cathy  “The Traveler” Engberg was first seen in Chicago shooting and Wreaking havoc in popular tourist sites.  Wherever there was a crowd Cathy would stealthily make her way into the venue and begin shooting.  Millennium Park is still recovering from her visit.  She then was seen with the Hilton Head Gang.  It isn’t known whether the rest of the gang was in Chicago also or if she travels alone.  What is known is that she is armed and dangerous.  Shots will be fired...paintings will be rendered.  Check out local galleries for her artwork.  Don’t approach her without backup.  

Check out her blog at http://cathyengberg.blogspot.com/

and the Hilton Head Gang Blog at http://Hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com/

Six at Sixty Number Six

6 @ 60 # 6

Oil on Board

This is it!  The final portrait in my series and the beginning of my next adventure in life.  I bet you are thinking I will be announcing a new red convertible, or a shiny diamond ring, or some other extravagant gift....but no...not this year.  What I have come to realize in my 60 years of life is that the intangible is what is most important.  I have a wonderful life, a loving husband and family, my health, wonderful friends and the ability to pursue my love of painting.  Of course I told bruce I could appreciate all that while driving a new red convertible...I do look good in red...but alas...no car...I am so glad I married such a wise man.  

And just in case you think Bruce is NOT a wise man...we will be visiting Tiffany's tomorrow...Yes, he is a wise man.

Hilton Head Gang Week 12

4 x 4 Oil on board

Dawn “The Shadow” Hartigan is so named because she is deceptively quiet. She sneaks in with an unassuming look and an unsuspecting public can expect to be exposed.  Shots will be fired in rapid succession and before you know it “The Shadow” has moved to her next victim.  Paintings will be painted, shown in galleries, and bought by people you don’t even know.  You could actually be hanging in someone else’s home without your knowledge.  You won’t even know...only “The Shadow” knows...

As always, check out Dawn’s blog at 

http://dawnhartigan.blogspot.com/

for more information about her whereabouts and her artwork.

The rest of the Hilton Head Gang information can be found at 

http://hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com

Hilton Head Gang - Week 11

Terri "Bones"

4 x 4 Oil on Board

Its week 11 in the search for the Hilton Head Gang...the notorious members of Karin Jurick’s workshop.   The trail is still hot...so we shall continue on.  We are determined to feature one member each week until they are all accounted for.

Terri Buchholz “Bones” is a nurse and uses her position to gain unsuspecting victim’s confidence.  As soon as she sees you are vulnerable she swoops in and reveals herself as an expert in the field...she shoots and then disappears into the crowd.  She can see a victim a mile away...authorities believe she has a telephoto lens that gives her access to otherwise unavailable victims.  Be on the lookout...she too...is armed and dangerous!

For more information about her possible whereabouts check out her blog: 

http://splattermark.blogspot.com/

Information can also be found on the Hilton Head Gang Blog...

http://Hiltonheadgang.blogspot.com/

Six at Sixty Series Number Five

6 @ 60 # 5

4 x 4

I have entered my birthday month and my 6 @ 60 series is nearing the end...here is number 5.  I found out that if you look up you really don’t have wrinkles...it shortens your nose so you appear younger, no jowls...it is like magic!   I think I will be looking up for many, many more portraits.  No presents yet...The pressure is on Bruce...I wonder if he knows that...hahaha...note to Bruce...READ MY BLOG!!!

Six at Sixty Number Four

6 @ 60 # 4

4 x 4 oil on board

I continue with my series 6 @ 60, posting a self portrait every few days until I post the final one on my 60th birthday.  This is number four.  Still working on getting a present for every portrait but Bruce is not buying it...literally.  We went to the mall and I had the opportunity to select something but nothing seems significant enough for such a milestone birthday.  I tried to steer Bruce towards a car dealership but to no avail...I shall persevere...

Six at Sixty - Number Three

6 @ 60 #3

4 x 4 oil on board

I continue celebrating the completion of my 6th decade of life with the third in my series of six self portraits...6 @ 60.  I am posting a self portrait every few days...posting the sixth one on my birthday.  What I realize now is that if I had started this telling my husband I should get a present every time I post one of these it would have made the celebration even better.  Ah, wisdom...I am almost 60...where are you???

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 

― Albert Einstein

Week 9 Hilton Head Gang Search

THIS JUST IN...the Hilton Head Gang along with their fearless leader, Karin Jurick, will be participating in a gallery show at the Sedona Arts Center...The show is titled “A Sense of Place” and begins January 25th.  If you are in the Sedona area stop by to see if you can catch a glimpse of any Hilton Head Gang members. 

It is week 9 in the search for the Hilton Head Gang...the notorious members of Karin Jurick’s workshop.   The trail is still hot...so we shall continue on.  We are determined to feature one member each week until they are all accounted for.

Chris “the Moniker” Werst  comes by her alias honestly.  She misses nothing.    At beaches, Galleries, tourist attractions...She retains everything.  She is very proficient at finding out and remembering names of people, places and things.  She uses this to her advantage.  She will call your name and then act like she knows you...by the time you realize she is a stranger it is too late...you are digitally immortalized and destined to become canvas bound.  Her whereabouts is totally unknown as she does not...at this writing...have a blog.