Not Much is New

Since I've been home I've worked on two paintings.  I  helped Meredith do an action painting for her bathroom.

And I did another version of the Mt. Timpanogos painting to see what difference using "mud" as a base would make.  I learned about mud in Chicago.  I also tried to loosen up the brushstroke in the flowers more.  I'll let her choose.
 

Meredith suggested the quail, and I like them better than the deer. 

The Class

I came home EXHAUSTED from my class.  It was not the quiet studio class I was expecting--it was work.  I was always on my feet or on the floor painting, installing, or coloring.  Although I learned some techniques, it was more about how to think like an artist.  What questions to ask and how to push yourself forward.  I overcame my fears about being a legitimate artist, and I understand more the "struggle" involved in creating. It was a worthwhile experience.  Here are some photos from the week.  When I got home, Jeff and Meredith had a graduation celebration waiting for me.

*Note: This post comes a week late because our internet was down for several days.

Chicago

Starting on Monday I will be in a one week intensive painting and drawing class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).  I've never done anything like this before, and I'm excited and apprehensive.  I can't wait to see what I do and learn, but I really don't know what to expect.  I think it will be fun.  Minerva Teichert began her art education there, so I feel like I'm making a good start.

Fresia

I painted this to practice, once again, a free brush stroke.  I figured flowers are good for that.  I also enjoyed painting a vase that I got in the flee market in Amberg, Germany.

Mt. Timpanogos

Wanda picked up her painting of the mailboxes when she came through here, and LaNell placed an order for a painting of Mt. Timpanogos with a meadow in the foreground.  I did a little research and found that most of the views of Timp with a meadow are atypical views of the mountain, so did a little cutting and pasting.  I painted a recognizable view of the mountain in the distance with a meadow that would be found on a different side.  I put the deer in there just because, and I'm uncertain about it.  But, LaNell likes it there.