Sounding like a broken record.

          But working through it! You've got to!  I can't tell how long it will take to get the groove back but it's important to NOT make the efforts seem insurmountable.  For now I've been doing smaller gouache works.  I picked up some more clay.  I use Low Fire White Earthenware.  So I have been working 3D with great satisfaction.  I have been taking a little time to go back to reading about other artists, contemporary and historical, to glean any inspiration I can whether working processes or whatever!
         You can always find some great clips on Facebook.  I read a short article on Alex Katz.  Watched a You Tube on Ingres.  Read another one on Frank Auerbach. I was wondering, "have I looked at too much art that has caused this block that I have to work through daily waiting." Nothing to do but put one foot in front of the other and go do another load of laundry!  Some samples below.   

         

   

Coming up!

Coming up this July 2nd and 3rd.  I will be teaching a 2 day workshop in Laguna Beach, CA.  One of my favorite places on this planet!  I am going to take the class and we are going to walk right out on to the beach from our starting point of the Vanessa Rothe Gallery.  I hope to show the students how I capture those "moving targets".  To add to this  I will be participating in a show the Friday evening of the 2nd.  I hope you can join us! 

Always the Figure.

There are so many subjects for me but yes, it's mostly the figure.  So I have to say I've been stuck for awhile.  I do think teaching has interfered with needed growth but it is what it is.  I have needed to help more with the income with a loved one ill and insurance not covering many of the doctors.  And why don't these doctors accept the Affordable Care Act Insurance.  I hope for improvements.  We were forced into our plan.  But in the meantime and on a brighter note I have found solutions!  I do a lot of work in gouache.  AND my husband, Ray Roberts, and I have renewed our attendance to the Open Studio Sessions!  We feel like we have a new lease on life.  Painting the figure from life, there's nothing like it for us.  Just free.  A few examples follow.  Hey!  Thanks for following me!

These were quick 2 minute poses.  I use gouache and a sable round.  This is on a 11" x 14" sheet of Strathmore acid free paper.  I take a lot of pads so I can go from one to the next and the paint is dry by the time I come back to the original pad.

What fun poses! 8" x 10" Gouache

Drawing a lot from life, I can't say enough great things about it.  The lawn bowling club in Laguna Beach is great.  They actually stand still for a minute or two.  And they generally come back to these stances as they go back and forth.  9" x 12" Gouache

There are times when I am not crazy about the pose the group has chosen so I paint the other artists.  Really fun.

Played with color on this one.  This was a 20 minute pose.  The page is 11" x 14" so not big.

And when there's not a figure to paint I find something at the house or on the road.  Couldn't resist the beautiful day outside it was and I love my yard tools.

8" x 10" Gouache