Appleton Museum

Back from our Roadtrex (motor home) rally in Silver Springs.  When is the Florida Sunshine going to return!!!! After a cold rainy day touring the springs, my husband and I veered off on our own and visited the Appleton Museum of Art of Central Florida Community College.  What a gem of a museum!  Their current exhibition was entitled "The New Reality; The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century".  It was sponsored by the International Guild of Realism.  It was a fascinating exhibit!!  To quote this is " the first of this century to not only look at the state of Realism painting around the world, but to also compare those artworks with their historic predecessors". Each artist was asked to identify an historical painting that could be used to compare and contrast today's work with  the pioneers of this art technique.  A photo of the historic painting was included next to the actual painting by today's artist. I was delighted to see two of my favorite artists. I have always loved seeing Grace Kim's work.  Her Still Lifes' are exquisitely beautiful.  When we go to Sante Fe next month I will again steep myself in her works.  Jane Jones was also part of the exhibit.  I did my first still life from one of her DVDs.  It taught me a lot. If you get a chance to visit Ocala, Fl. take a moment to visit this wonderful museum.  Unfortunately the current exhibit will be replaced soon.

"Sunny Afternoon"

I can just see myself sitting under on of the trees, being absorbed by the water view and feeling at peace with my world.  This painting was a lesson in finding and laying in the masses, putting in the light and finally adding a just a few details (had to restrain myself and not get too fussy).  How many times I have read that yet with a some help from a great local artist Bill McCoy, it all came together.  Thanks Bill.

"Best Laid plans of mice and men"

My New Years resolution was to blog at least 3-4 x a week.  Lay that resolution to rest.  Actually have had what some might call valid reasons for the long periods between blogging BUT....  I am actually still painting and am working hard on improving.  I have done quite a bit but end up using them for learning and the last thing I want to do is post them.  I have been rereading "Mastering Composition" by Ian Roberts and WOW... what a difference practice and time makes.  I am getting so much more from reading it again as I am able to bring more experience to it.  Same holds true of visiting museums.  The more I learn, the greater my appreciation of the great masters.  My husband and I are off again on a Roadtrex rally and come mid April will be revisiting Sante Fe and Denver (get to see grandkids) so may still be sketchy posting but will be constantly reading my bloggers friends as they are a source of inspiration.  I am going to follow Ian Roberts suggestion of doing a compositional sketch a day.  I know the practice will help with drawing, values, edges and composition.   This is a painting I did in sepia quite a while back.  Decided I wanted it in color. I love the intensity (focus) of the little one.