Fly 1 - The Poynder

The Poynder

5x7, soft pastel

Well, we're off and running with the January 30in30 Challenge! 

The theme I chose is an artist's nod to the men in my life who love to fish...which is the case for almost all of them I think.  From my dad (who died in a fishing boat accident on the Mississippi) to my brothers, husband, son-in-laws and grandsons the love of fishing has been in my life since day one and is alive and well today. 

I'm sure throughout this month I'm going to learn a whole lot more about fishing...specifically about fly fishing...and more specifically about flies.  I'm planning on painting 30 flies and I've already learned that there are hundreds...no, probably thousands of various fly patterns!  

I chose this first fly solely because it's so darn beautiful!  I don't believe it's a fly that would be used here in the Pacific Northwest because it's an Atlantic salmon fly...a "wet" fly which means it goes under water...as opposed to a "dry" fly which is designed to sit on top of the water.  

A shout out and special thanks to Monte Smith who has graciously allowed me to use his flies as my inspiration.  If you'd like to learn more about flies, check out Monte's blog at http://www.nwflytyer.com it's loaded with lots of fly tying instructions, images and other fishing resources.  Monte is a master at tying flies!  Who knows, by the end of the month, I may be typing my own flies!

Oh God...What have I done?

I said I wouldn't do it.  I promised myself and my husband I wouldn't do it again.  I'm always tapped out....exhausted after doing it... so I said I was done with that nonsense!  After all, I think I'm getting too old to push myself so much!!!!  Too tired to start such a project again!  Not sure it's even beneficial.... and besides which, I'm just toooooo busy!

But then..........

The call to artists came a couple weeks ago...."sign up for the January 30in30 Challenge" Leslie says.  Ha!  (I was solid in my decision)...."sorry, but no.....absolutely not this time'".   I've moved on.

And now, here it is December 28th and I just pulled the trigger and signed up again.  Oh sweet Jesus, what have I done?  Will I never learn??

Maybe this time it will be easier....stay tuned to find out.

Ok...This is an update as of January 5th for the above post....Please forgive my drama queen comments above...the Challenge isn't that bad.  Really it isn't.

Merry Christmas!

Today I had two paintings to wrap up...one, is an acrylic on canvas (24x30 inch) of Scooter "A Warm Place By The Window".  This is a painting you may be familiar with that I thought I'd attempt to paint much larger...and in acrylic no less (a medium which I seldom use and am not proficient at).  It turned out well enough to put up in my studio at least until I decide if it's actually finished.

The second painting is a gift....(I'm hoping I'm not giving it away)...after all, Christmas is a day away but I'm betting this recipient isn't subscribing to my blog.

Atlantic Salmon Fly

5x7, soft pastel

Frozen Dog Day

Frozen Dog Day

11x14, soft pastel     

This is Boone.  He's a very special dog because he's my grand-dog. I had the pleasure of playing with the litter of pups (he is a Pudelpointer)...and helping to pick him out three years ago.  Before he was ready to leave his mom, I visited him and his litter mates several times.  Early on I could tell that he was going to be a good family dog.  More importantly though, the breeder said he was going to be a great bird dog for my son-in-law Jason and grandson Jake.  And that he is!

Boone goes to work on the family farm each day with Jason.  They share many many long days together working the farm.  But on this particular winter's day, it was time for some fun! 

Pudelpoiinters are breed to retrieve birds...a job Boone does well.  So well in fact I think he was completely oblivious to that fact that he was covered in icicles as he posed for his picture at the end of the day.

Boldbrush Win - An Unexpected Honor

Art competitions...haven't been my thing. I guess I'm as competitive as the next person but I really feel that I'm just beginning my journey as an artist (especially a pastelist). That said, I do understand the value of feedback. Especially when the feedback comes from an independent third party. 

I meekly entered a painting in FASO's BoldBrush Competition in October. There were many many excellent entries. Many talented artists out there producing stunning work. So, once I entered I promptly put it out of my mind. Then one day in November, I received an email from a collector who congratulated me on my win. WIN? What win was he talking about? I quickly checked online and sure enough my painting of Scooter received recognition as one of two Outstanding Pastels for that month.  The article below is one of the benefits of that recognition. 

I liken the experience to being hit by lightening. I don't expect it to happen again...but I was very pleasantly surprised and very humbled. Ok, I guess being hit by lightening isn't a pleasant surprise...but you get the idea.

ISSUE #1778 - (Sponsored by FASO) Call for Artists! Wanted: Artists Who Need Professional Marketing But Would Rather Be In The Studio As an artist, you're constantly being reminded that effective art marketing includes sending an email newsletter, blogging regularly, and maintaining a professional, up to date website. FASO Artist Websites have integrated blogs, an in-house newsletter system, and a multi-image uploader all managed from one central control panel - making it easier than ever for you to get your marketing done and back to the studio. Get started on your professional website now. Informed Collector Recommends: Cindy Gillett A Warm Spot By The Window by Cindy Gillett was awarded Outstanding Pastel in the October 2015 BoldBrush Painting Competition. Biography Cindy Gillett was born in Keokuk, Iowa. Growing up in a small riverboat town along the Mississippi River, she enjoyed the laid back casual lifestyle many small Midwest communities have to offer.  While Cindy was drawn to art at an early age, which is often the case with artists, there were few opportunities to study art within the small schools she attended. During her senior year in high school, an art class was offered to students. However, that art class was developed as a freshman level credit. Regardless, Cindy petitioned the school to attend the art class in lieu of study hall and was allowed to attend. As a result of this class, Cindy received a scholarship to attend a two week art workshop at the University of Green Bay in Wisconsin. The one high school art class and the workshop in Green Bay gave Cindy a small glimpse into the broad exciting world of art. A world she knew she would someday pursue.  Relocating to Idaho, Cindy attended business courses at Boise State University, University of Michigan and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cindy's artistic development has been largely self-taught over the years. Fast forward 35 years later, Cindy is now pursuing her artistic dreams after caring for her family and accomplishing a successful career in the corporate world. Over the years Cindy dabbled in painting with oils, acrylics, watercolors, and most recently drawing with graphite and colored pencils. She became accomplished in graphite drawing focusing on selling portraits and more specifically pet portraits over the course of several years. Continuing her search for the perfect painting medium, she realized that painting with soft pastels was a natural progression from drawing and complimented her skill set. In January of 2014 she knew she had found the medium that suited her. Since that time Cindy has immersed herself in furthering her art education and working extensively with soft pastels.  Cindy has studied with nationally recognized artists such as Barbara Jaenicke and Stan Sperlak. She is a member of the Pastel Society of the West Coast (PSWC), Treasure Valley Artist Alliance (TVAA), and Plein Air Painters of Idaho (PAPI). She received second place honors in a local (Idaho) plein air event in Sept. 2015 and Outstanding Pastel in the October 2015 BoldBrush Online Competition sponsored by FASO. Cindy and her husband Vic reside in Meridian, Idaho. Together they have four children and six grandchildren all of whom are enjoying life in the Pacific Northwest. Learn More About Cindy Gillett Copyright 2007-2015 BoldBrush Technology LLC Licensed To BoldBrush, Inc. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Sent from: http://informedcollector.com Informed Collector by Canvoo PO Box 700534 San Antonio, TX 78270 USA    unsubscribe from this newsletter

Darby

Darby

8x6, soft pastel

Darby left this world a few days ago and is greatly missed by his human.  The first week is especially tough.  So, I thought I'd try to cheer her up today and remind her of happier times.

That's the funny thing about Facebook...or any other social media site.  You can communicate with like minded people and support one another through all the trials and tribulations this crazy life throws at you.  It was fun painting Darby with his gorgeous pink ears..even the grass was reflecting off the fur on his chin! I imagined him running and playing (wherever it is we all go)...maybe with Scooter and Tubby!

Hollyhocks 2

Hollyhocks 2

12x9 soft pastel

For some reason I failed to share this second Hollyhocks painting (the first one was completed last May).  I love this scene...it was captured on an early morning walk in Door County, Wi.  I just had to try it again.  It hangs in my house and I love it...must be the vibrant colors!

Amaryllis

Amaryllis

10x8, soft pastel

This past week was crazy busy but I managed to find time to paint at the greenhouse along with a few of my plein air buddies.  Although it was a bit cold, I was able to persevere long enough to paint a flower (red of course). Not liking it at all...but that's how it goes!