Heart of the Arts, the 1912 Center "CenterPiece" Show

East Entrance, 1912 Center, 16"x12" oil on canvas

SOLD, thank you!

Part of the Centerpiece Exhibit for the Centennial Celebration of the 1912 Center, Heart of the Arts, Moscow. Open House on Friday, February 1st from 3-5pm. 

Palouse Plein Air 2012

My Piece, "Pines Between The Fields" made Honorable Mention at the Palouse Plein Air 2012 Competition this year. Congrats to all the winners! It's a great show, lots of great work. I think two of the winners came up from Boise, ID to participate. 

 I will post more soon, but I figured I would get this up now. Many thanks to my fellow Plein Air companion, Gloria, for supplying snacks, drinks and transportation to great venues. I am very thankful for her wide knowledge of the area, as well as her infectious enthusiasm. 

Proof! 

                                     

MoonRaker, 6"x6" oil on hardboard panel. $110. 

This piece was done the day before the competition. The Latah County Fair was in town. Bunch of shiny rides in candy colors. And a challenging "warm-up". Thanks to my friend Gloria for the suggestion.

Wheel of Fire, 6"x8" Oil on canvasboard panel $125.

Another piece at the Latah County Fair. 

Railroad Lines (WaWaWai Park) 6"x8" Oil on Canvasboard panel. $145.

Day 1 of the Plein Air. The wildfires made the air smoky but we soldiered on. This is a view of the lower portion of the buttes across the Snake River, with the Railroad track & trees in the foreground

Butte, (WaWaWai Park), 10"x8" Oil on Canvasboard panel, $175.

We were sitting in the Park, overlooking a small lake that led out to the Snake River. This was behind me.

Day Two

 The Distant Shore, 8"x8" oil on cradled wood panel, $230.

(Spring Valley Reservoir, near Troy, ID)

I honestly love this piece. No idea why - it's not that refined, but looking at it in retrospect, it gives me a sense of calm. 

Smoke on the Mountain - 5"x7" Oil on hardboard panel - $100.

(Spring Valley Reservoir, near Troy, ID)

Trying to capture the smoky air - this was a day between the big flare ups from the wildfires in nearby Washington State. The air was still smoky but there was a cool breeze and the sky cleared up to a beautiful pale blue for a couple hours. 

Day Three

After the Harvest, 8"x10" Oil on hardboard panel, $175.

(from Kamiak Butte)

Kamiak Butte gave us great views of the Palouse. And the challenge of the wide panoramic view. Something I need to work on. And trees. Darn trees. The great thing about the locations, for the most part we were within walking distance of a public bathroom. Score! 

The Pines Between the Fields, 6"x6" Oil on hardboard panel, $130

(from Kamiak Butte)

I am happy with this painting. I zeroed in on two trees from the previous composition. Focused on a variety of oranges/ochres in the background. Thought color, color, color. And value, of course. 

Day Four 

Moscow Roofscape, 4"x12" oil on gallery wrap canvas, $175.

(Across the street from the Recycling center, Moscow, ID)

I had forgotten that Plein Air wasn't just rural views. So I tried a view that I walk by almost everyday. This is a snippet of downtown Moscow, seen from one street over. The building that kinda looks like a ship is the Water Department. I was standing near a tractor/farm equipment supply store. What did I learn? I need to lose some edges. But this was fun! 

Moscow ArtWalk 2012 - Drawing Demos

The ArtWalk was amazing! We lucked out, it was a gorgeous, warm sunny day. The sun did not set til after 9pm. The live music was lively and loud.  I did not get a chance to walk around, or take any pictures. I was photographed a couple times, so I might see pictures of me in action soon... I drew 9 portraits. 20 minute increments. 3 year olds, 4 year olds, teen girls, adults and one dog. It was a great experience, and quite a whirlwind. I can only hope I did my subjects justice - and I really learned a lot in the process. I hope to do this again during the regular Saturday Farmers Markets, until October.

All drawings were 9x12 on Strathmore Felt Grey Charcoal paper.

My Own Private Idaho

On August 18th, 2011 we loaded (stuffed) the final boxes and remnants from our life in Seattle into a 17 foot U-Haul truck. Packed up our Corolla Station Wagon, herded one dog (Dan & Darcy, Dana & Pete) into each vehicle. At about 7:30 am we started the 5.5 hour drive across Washington State to our new home in Moscow, ID.

It was a hot, dry trip across the state, it was also a welcome change from the coolness of the Pacific Northwest. We arrived early afternoon, it took about two days to unload, unpack, and settle down. We were delighted to discover we are within walking distance of the "downtown" area, small local shops and restaurants, and access to most of what we need without having to get in a car. The University of Idaho campus is also within walking/biking distance.

Our new place is roomier with a nice large yard for the doggies. It's been very exciting for them, and they are taking it in stride. Mostly basking in the hot sun in the yard. Pete likes to spend most of his time in his bed in the bedroom (when not outside). The dogs have also discovered any toys the previous owners' dog abandoned in the yard - found toys are the best!

Dan started his job as part of the Nez Perce Legal Team on Monday, August 22nd. I'm still getting my bearings, but am optimistic about the opportunities a town like Moscow can offer an artist. I will maintain my art sites on Etsy etc.. so of course, my work is still available for purchase!

We don't miss Seattle per se, but I do miss my friends. Thankfully they are only a commuter flight away. ;)