The finished work...."The Demo"

Here's a view of the painting on my easel with the photo reference.

Checking values here.....

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23"x 17"  Pastel on Wallis paper.

I love that I'm able to get some candid camera shots when Bill Printy is giving demonstrations at Iron & Lace. This particular day he was working at his outdoor forge, creating a metal leaf in front of a group of 3rd & 4th graders.

Easel work space at Iron & Lace store

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I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post.

I've been working the past week on this painting at the Printy's store "Iron & Lace".  It could've been done long before now and I'll continue working on it today.  The shirt and hands area aren't finished yet.

The view out the window is the front porch of the store.  To my left, a large picture window that has a spectacular view of the Des Moines river.  Betty's Raku pottery is highlighted in this area. (the rabbit here).

I have endless inspiration for paintings around me.  Bill Printy (here- the Blacksmith) provides plenty of opportunities to watch him work at his craft.  The photo I'm using as reference for this pastel was taken last year while he was demonstrating for a group of Elem. school kids.

First in a series.......

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24"x18" Pastel on board

This is the first of 4 (maybe 5) pastel paintings that I'm doing of Bentonsport, IA. I'm hoping to have the image made into posters....maybe a limited edition of 500 of each painting.  They will be available one year at a time.  This one is for 2014.  All proceeds from the sale of 500 signed  posters will be designated for maintaining the newly renovated Stone House.  The original paintings are being donated to the Bentonsport Improvement Association.

The images here, starting from the top, are of the Old Iron Bridge across the Des Moines River, partial image of the Gazebo in the park and rose bush and irises from the Rose Garden.  The main painting is of the Presbyterian Church, built in 1855.   It sits high on the North hillside in the middle of town.  The other building is of the newly renovated Stone House that is along the main highway J40 which runs through the center of Bentonsport.   The Bentonsport Improvement Association is responsible for maintaining both of these buildings.

The church is used for weddings and hosts non-denomination services during warm weather months. (no heat...old wood stove is just kept for looks)

The BIA received a grant in 2013 to renovate the shell of a building known as The Stone House.  It was originally a 2 story structure built in the early 1800's.  It now will be available for rent as a gathering place for family reunions, wedding receptions, Village Folk School classes, etc.   It is handicapped accessible and has a beautiful kitchen area.  Just guessing here, but I believe I overheard someone state the open space can easily hold approx.80 people that can mingle and sit at tables that are provided.

Posters should be available in May.   They can be  purchased at the Iron & Lace store in Bentonsport.

"The Clancy's"

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40"x30" Oil on stretched canvas

I was able to get a better picture of this oil painting I did last month.  It's hard for me to capture a true likeness of a work when there's a lot of really dark colors.  The handle of the rifle is distinct from Nancy's gown in the painting.   

This couple used to travel to participate in Civil War Enactments through out the Midwest.  Brent moved on last year, to walk a higher path with God.  Nancy has since opened an antique store on the West side of the business square in Bloomfield Iowa. She shares her knowledge and passion of the Civil War era with anyone that is interested.   

This year during the enactment of a raid near Bloomfield (always held on the second weekend in October), there is plans for an evening  formal ball in period dress.  I may be taking my oldest Granddaughter to this event.  Definitely want my camera with me.  Nancy plans to help us out with the appropriate dress code for  the time.

Having fun with palette knife painting

Here's a little treat :D   This is what we painted in Oil Class Saturday.  I'm missing one picture here.  The student left, carrying her work home with her.

Most the time, we  (yes, me included) work with thin layers of oil paint......being conservative with the precious commodity.  Creating a painting using only a palette knife forced us to lay the paint on thicker to the canvas.

I always have at least one class reserved to do this sort of painting during a month of sessions.  It's the only time I may work laying the canvas flat on a table. It's easier to move the piece sideways, upside down.....you get the idea.

Alla Prima Paint Out March 8th

Hard at work here!

As promised, here are more pics of the artists while working yesterday morning at the 

Courtyard Gallery & Studio

 Here above is what Marybeth (Betsy) Heikes worked on during the morning.  I love watching how she applies her watercolors....blocking in shapes with such rich, vibrant colors. 

Above, Deb Baughman shared wonderful new reference photos of her neighbors flowers.  She always finds interesting shapes.  Deb has a real talent for finding beauty where most of us would just overlook.

 Connie Morris always brings a fresh outlook to what she chooses to paint.  Here she showed her skill with composing her version of the photo she was working from.

 Carroll Michalek effortlessly  creates a stunning landscape with brilliant hues.  She applied all the colors using the same brush through out the painting.  I hope she posts this work on her blog.

 Here's the finished 6"x6" pastel I worked on during the day.  I started it with blocking in color  with gouache paints, then finishing the work with soft pastels.  As usual, I didn't think of taking pictures of the work in progress.  

 Above: Betsy Heikes and I taking pictures of each other taking pictures.

and

Jeanne Dixon, gallery owner, preparing the refreshment table for the artist reception that was 1pm to 4pm.

Overall, it was WONDERFUL sharing time with all these ladies and greeting guests that came to see the show during the  afternoon. 

"Alla Prima Paint Out" & Artist Reception TODAY !

Check out this space.....this is part of the studio at the Courtyard Gallery & Studio where a few of my painting friends and I plan to paint away this morning beginning around 10am.

So far, the artists I know of that will be at the studio today are Marybeth Heikes, Deb Baughman, Carroll Michalek, Connie Morris and I.  More may be joining us.

"Evening Glow" Pastel ....this work is one of the landscapes (skyscapes) that can be seen this month at the gallery.  It, along with 42 other artworks, make up the feature artist show "Gin Lammert: After 2009".

I hope we have a GREAT turn out today at the reception which is 1pm to 4pm.  We're having a drawing for a small original work (framed 6"x6" painting) today at 4pm.  You must come in the gallery today, March 8th, and sign the gallery's guest book to be eligible for the drawing.  

.....and here's the address again.  Courtyard Gallery & Studio, 106 S. Madison St., Bloomfield, IA.   West side of the Business square in Bloomfield.   641-664-2646