Finishing Up Where I Left Off...

Now that I'm home and coming out of a fog, I wanted to finish up where I left off which was Thursday at the workshop. By Friday, time seemed to speed up so much faster than the earlier part of the week - the day you try to shove in as much as you can, get to the places you missed. In New York City, there just isn't enough time in the day to get it all done - not even in a week.

So let me rewind ..... going back to Thursday. We had a longer studio day, planned perfectly because the clouds had moved in and we were ready to hole up and paint, especially after spending the past afternoons out in the city photographing in the sunshine.

I didn't have a planned demo that morning - what happened was one of the artists had worked on a piece Wednesday and by Thursday morning she wasn't pleased with the painting, asked me if she should wipe it and start over. That's a question we all ask ourselves at some point and it's really just a gut feeling if you should keep on or not. My gut said to keep on, and the demo was that I (reluctantly) took over and showed how you can sometimes repair what's not quite right. The photograph she used as her reference was fabulous to begin with - so I was pretty sure it was well worth a try - and I give her a lot of the credit, for that and the ground work she provided, which, with some minor changes, made for a nice painting in the end.

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Friday was our last day together, we still were all very eager to keep painting - here is the demo I painted that morning, an example of how to enjoy a more quick, spontaneous session, not fussing over the unneeded details of a scene.

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Also realizing I did not include Monday's demo, because I hadn't been able to get a good image for you to see - I waited until I got back home and got a much better shot in my own lighting, as well as the others you see above. I brought all the demos home with me, feeling sure I could touch them up if the paint smeared, varnish them and get them back to their rightful owners, safe and sound. Here is the Monday demo .....

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The only regrets I have, now that the workshop is over, is I didn't get the chance to photograph everyone's finished paintings - and I didn't get a group photo of all of us. Next time, I'll be sure to do that. Other than that, I think it was a great experience for all of us - my right-hand man, Vince Fazio, was extremely helpful and vital to the great flow of the week and I'm happy to know he'll be assisting in the same manner with the upcoming workshops, both in Hilton Head and New York next May.

As I was driving home Saturday, I almost wished I could do it all over again. Great group of artists, all very talented, warm and fun to paint with. Thanks to all who spent the week with me, I am grateful for the experience. This last camera shot was on the highway north of Asheville, North Carolina - a breathtaking, scenic drive - seemingly a million miles away from the frantic world that I left that morning.

Thursday at the Academy

Just wanted to say a few things including some pictures of our day in the studio today - the gist of the workshop is for me to share my steps, from taking photos to looking at them on my computer to choosing one to paint then carrying through the process. The students are urged to use their laptops to paint from - Vince Fazio, the director of the Sedona Arts Center, is in the class every day, helping those who would rather paint from a printed out photo - not to mention helping with a thousand other things that makes my job more dedicated to painting and coaching. I couldn't have done it without him. This is Vince, who joined in on painting as well.




Another point I'd like to underline is I am thrilled to have been able to schedule this week in New York, as well as another in November in Hilton Head Island and New York again next May. That is it. I appreciate those who ask when I'm coming to their neck-of-the-woods, but I know my limits. I'm a painter first and perhaps down the road, I'll take on more of the workshops - but those you see listed on the right column are it.

Now for some glimpses of our day, which was extremely rewarding for me.

Wednesday at the Academy

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Our day today was equally as productive and great - I spent the majority of the time giving individual attention and entirely forgot about painting myself. So in the last hour, I jumped in -
stressing the idea of not always aspiring to create a more-realized piece because sometimes we just have a sliver of the day to paint and what's important is that you paint. I used one of my food-art analogies - some days you aspire to make lasagna. You know it'll take hours, you know it will be delicious, but you don't have the time and you don't have the energy - so crack open a can of Chef-Boyardee instead and perhaps tomorrow you'll be inspired to make that lasagna.

The point also can be made that the quick, looser paintings can be liberating and just as satisfying. I love painting this way.

Tuesday at the Academy

Before I dragged my bones back out there - I wanted to share some work that my students are painting. It's been a great experience for me and I'm really, really proud of all the group.

















The painting below was my demo for this morning.

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If You Can Drive In There, You Can Drive In Anywhere

I hate to be dramatic about it, but driving into New York City has got to be the most nerve-racking thing I've ever experienced. Yikes! I will never complain again about the traffic in Atlanta. Hands down, this metropolis takes the prize. I made it, safe and sound - the rest of my time here will gladly be on foot or in a cab. Whew.



First thing I gravitated towards was a hot pretzel which was about the size of my head. Had to get that out of my system right away - then onto Bryant Park, which is one of the best people watching spots.




Time to rest ..... it's been a l-o-n-g day. Over and out.

The BIG Apple

5th Avenue
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I am packing up my car and heading to New York City - I can't help but think how lucky I am to have this opportunity to hold this workshop in a city that is a goldmine of imagery. Last time I was there was 2006, during a record heat wave. How I did it, I'll never know. Despite the heat, it proved to be one of the most inspiring trips I've ever taken.

I plan to post photos all next week, let you know how we're all doing - just keep in touch. So I'll see you back here the beginning of next week.

Happy Trails ~ Karin J

Q & A Friday

Happy Friday all ~

I've finished up 6 pieces for my mini-solo show in June and I'll carry on with that project when I return from New York. I wish I could show the work, but I do have to curb my enthusiasm. The opening is June 19th, in Asheville - you'll be seeing those paintings online a few days before that weekend.

As for now, I start organizing and packing up my paints for my trip to the Big Apple - my first workshop held at the National Academy, a few blocks from the Guggenheim Museum. I cannot wait.

I'm game for another Q & A weekend - post your questions on the comments and I'll be happy to answer up until dinner time Sunday. Before you ask, check back on the previous Q & A posts, you may just find your answers there.

Thanks and enjoy your weekend ~

"Just Passing Thru"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
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A couple enjoying the water view behind San Francisco's Ferry Market, while a passerby excuses the interruption. This painting is included in a group show opening tomorrow at the Howard/Mandville Gallery.

Please click here for a larger view.

added note........ Q & A Friday will resume next week. I'm working overtime at the moment.

"Franky"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite

I have this great affection for dachshunds. My family had Choo-Choo, born in Bangkok and he eventually became a U.S. citizen. Great dog. This little guy posed for me in the sunshine during an all-breed dog show. He will also be included in the group show opening this Saturday at Howard/Mandville Gallery.

Please click here for a larger view and purchase information.

"Park Avenue"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
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If this doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will. This happy dog is taking part in Howard/Mandville's Anniversary Show, opening this Saturday, May 8th. For a sneak peek at my new paintings included in the group show, click here.

Please click here for a larger view.

Q & A Friday

These weeks just fly by, don't they? I'm working on a mini-solo show opening June 19th, at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville - albeit a last-minute plan - but it motivates me and that's a good thing. Three weeks from today I'll be heading to New York for the workshop, needless to say, time is of the essence. Yikes.

I'll take questions until dinner time Sunday. Ask away...... and please read the past Q&A's first, I'm getting a lot of repeat questions. Thanks.

Q & A Friday

I'm open to your questions all weekend - ask away. Before you leave your question, you may want to read the past Q&A's first or do a search on my blog for past posts - you may find the answers there. You can ask away by leaving a comment on the link below.

Thanks and have a great weekend.

"Minty Fresh"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
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Sometimes I think I do my best paintings on rainy days. Less distractions. Total Zen.

This older gentleman was resting out in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in his minty-fresh socks.

"Leaner Times"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
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From the sunny steps in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

"Alledged"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
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Knowing I'll be in New York next month for the workshop, I pulled up some photographs taking in the city a few years back - sort of reacquainting myself with the surroundings. I am looking forward to going back to, probably, the best people-watching place on earth.

A young woman I spotted sitting on a ledge off the sidewalk in Manhattan.

Q & A Weekend

I just finished four new paintings for a group show at Howard/Mandville Gallery - you'll see those in a couple of weeks. Three are dogs, and you know how I love to paint dogs. The rest of my painting time has been frustrating and continuous wipe-offs. It happens - just have to work through it.

Meanwhile ..... I thought I would start Question & Answer Weekends. Please ask your questions by clicking on 'comments' and I'll be sure to post my answers during the weekend. Thank you.

"Cuttings"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
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From where I sit and paint, I can see the one Dogwood tree that was here when I first bought my house fifteen years ago. It was the only tree in my back yard. Now it lives among Cherry trees, Crepe Myrtles, River Birches, Japanese Maples and a Lilac tree. It's happy.

"Santa Cruz de Tenerife"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
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And now for something completely different.......... a street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands - inspired by this month's Virtual Paintout. The reference photograph was captured from Google Map's street view. It was great fun to paint.

"Painterly"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
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Ode to April - I'm glad you're here.

This gentlemen is in charge of keeping the Central Baptist Church fresh and colorful - from Charleston, South Carolina.

"Fashionistas"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
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Two sharply dressed women I spotted in the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Sibyl"

8 x 8"

oil on masonite

The fun of painting a marble sculpture is that it's a figure, which I love to paint, and the creamy-white surface reflects all colors, both warm and cool.

This is 'The Libyan Sibyl', by William Wetmore Story, sculpted in 1868, a tribute to Sojourner Truth - a modern-day oracle who fought for women's rights and abolition. The Libyan Sibyl, named Phemonie, was the daughter of Zeus and Lamia, according to the Greeks. This statue and Story's Cleopatra are two of my favorites - now residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Please click here for a larger view and purchase information.

"Line Backers"

16 x 7-3/4"
oil on masonite
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This new piece is another visual obsession of mine - lines of people. When there are several figures in a composition, the challenge is to enjoy painting each individual but pay close attention to how they relate to each other - mostly with respect to proportions.



That's the tough part - especially given that we're all different heights and weights. It's truly a great exercise with figures.

Taken from the upper level in the American Art wing of the Art Institute of Chicago - where patrons frequently form a line to enter a special exhibition.

Please click here for a larger view.

Proud Moments

I'm back home - returning from the opening reception for a three-artist show at the Morris & Whiteside Gallery held Friday evening - and I must thank all of you who came to the gallery, it was a great pleasure meeting you. There was a huge turnout, around 135 people, and I'd like to also thank Mother Nature for providing a beautiful, sunny, warm spring day and evening leading up to the party - it just made everything perfect.

My appreciation extends to Ben Whiteside and Jack Morris, the owners of the gallery - they really know how to treat their artists and patrons right. They sold a dozen of my paintings and continually make me beam with pride.

Speaking of beaming with pride, Charley Parker, the host of my favorite art blog lines and colors, featured my work in his latest post - please click here for that article. Thank you Charley, I'm honored to be included in your writings and observations.

To see all of my paintings included in the group show, click here.

"Truckin'"

6 x 12"
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If you do some people-watching on any beach, you're bound to see the likes of this woman, truckin' down the edge of the water - faster, I may add, than I can. I have wanted to paint her for months - a truly chiseled body of bones and muscles.

Speaking of motoring - I'm heading to the coast to attend the opening reception at the Morris & Whiteside Gallery this Friday night. I'm really looking forward to meeting a few of my collectors and friends - please join us if you're able.

Happy Trails ~

My Good Friend Karen

My good friend Karen Hollingsworth is one of the hardest working artists I'll ever know - same with her husband Neil. Every so often, we'll get together just because we need to get out of the studio and act like regular people - something I always look forward to.

This Friday night at Mason Murer Fine Art in Atlanta, Karen's new paintings will be featured in a group show - if you're in the area, please join the party. Below is one of my personal favorites.

Elephant Beach
by Karen Hollingsworth