Five in Five

My grand opening is quickly approaching, and my painting inventory is low... So yesterday I set a goal of finishing five paintings in five days. Today's painting was already started last week, so this wasn't too hard to accomplish.

I also worked on another seascape today that I started years ago when I was teaching Art at Alleghany High. It was actually a commissioned painting that was never finished because I moved to Charlottesville. I finally found the photo last week and am now able to complete it. Hopefully that will be my finished piece tomorrow.

I'm unsure about today's painting - it really doesn't work for me at the moment, but I know sometimes it takes awhile for a piece to grow on me. Hope it happens with this one!

Changes

Ten years ago I lived in rural Virginia and commuted an hour each way to work at one of the big public accounting firms. I made lots of money and regularly pampered myself with pedicures. I was literally bored stiff at my job and hated getting up every morning and dragging myself to work.

Life has certainly changed...I get up every morning and can't wait to get down to my studio to get to work. My commute is five minutes and I take my cool dog with me every day! I never get stressed because I'm running late and I take a long lunch if I need it.

Enjoyment of my current life has replaced money. If only I could have both - is that possible?

I started a new painting today. Here's my progress by the end of the morning. I'll try my best to finish it tomorrow and let you see it. I need to remember to take pictures from the beginning sketch to the end polish!

Today was VERY productive. I got two large canvases stretched and coated and made a good dent in my next batch of monsters. I found a bag of old tie scraps and made a critters out of them. They turned out well nicely, although harvesting ties is no fun.

Six of the neighborhood friends along with two dogs, French Fry and Buster, came for a visit this morning. It was pretty crazy for about ten minutes or so. I asked the kids to come back at 3:00, because I needed to work. These two sweeties came back and we worked on a few drawings. They went on their way around 4:30. It was a nice day!

First Friday and Saturday A Success

Here's a shot of studio entry way, with six of my happy little famsters, waiting to greet the public. (There are only three left - what a hit - time to make some more!)

I arrived at my studio at 5, hoping to do a little final clean up and get one light hung before my opening at 6:00. Porto was still painting my back door and my utility sink was in pieces in the back hallway with trash and rubble strewn everywhere. Porto said they'd be done and gone by 6. At 6:15 my guests were greeted by the banging of Porto's hammer as he tried to make the door knob fit the hole. At 6:30, Porto handed me the door key and left with well wishes that the evening was profitable. Whew - it turned out great.

Aside from not having air conditioning and lights, the evening was a success. I had a great crowd of friends and family and new faces. I'm so glad its light outside until 8:15 or so. If it were December - I'd have been in big trouble. I rigged as many lights as I could, but it still wasn't quite enough at nine. Next month should be faboo with cool air and bright lights!

Thanks to all who came!