30 in 30 -- an update

In case any of you are paying attention, I have fallen way behind in this challenge. One good thing has happened though. The painting below of the Pyrenees from Carcassonne has just been accepted in the October Regional Exhibit at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. That might not have happened had it not been for this challenge.

2 more for 30 in 30

I've been working from my France trip sketchbook. (You can see the sketchbook pages if you scroll down to the post where I uploaded them.) These are much looser than I usually work so I feel like they aren't finished. Let me know what you think. I've got about 3 more that still need some work and I'm starting new ones every day.

 Castle Beynac on the Dordogne

View of the Pyrenees from Carcassonne

Art Attack 2013

Had a great time Saturday painting with about 60 other artists in downtown Fredericksburg. It was a PERFECT day--clear blue sky, temp in the 70s, and a big crowd. I did more talking than painting but everyone was interested in my sketchbook. I actually did 3 small paintings working from sketches (which I hardly ever do). I haven't had a chance to scan them but will post them soon. Meanwhile, here's a shot of me working that my pal Robyn Ryan took:

No 7 of "30 in 30"

Here are the next 4 painting in the "30 in 30" challenge...

 This is my very first attempt at a seascape. The colors are a little distorted on my computer but you get the idea. My friend Risa too the photo that I worked from in Collioure after I broke my foot and couldn't tour the town.

 This is a castle on the Dordogne River this is owned by Americans! It's not open to the public but I kept seeing it (from the ramparts of Castle Beynac, from the river on a boat, etc.). Very Disneyesque!

Loved this watering can in the Jardins de Cadiot. It looked like it got a lot of use.

This is a window somewhere near Beynac. I love to paint stone walls.

Day 3 of "30 in 30"

Here's a little sketch I did last night. I ran out of daylight so had to go with something inside. I've enjoyed these end-of-summer flowers so thought I'd try a sketch of them. I may make this into a larger painting. There is a lot I see "off" with this one but it doesn't really bother me since it is just a quickie.

I would like to work more on the glass vase and the shine on the table. Looking at it online, the reflection of the books doesn't really "read" and the perspective of the table is wonky. Not that it has to be perfect, but if one part is like that, it seems to me the rest should be as well. Maybe I just need to do it again and make it all more wonky. Perhaps left handed. This one will serve as a decent study.

30 in 30 - Days 1 and 2

Here are my paintings for Sept 1 and 2. The first one of my garden shed was done standing up at my new En Plein Air easel. I felt like I was slipping on ice -- no control. This is going to take some serious getting used to. The house painting is of my neighbors house across the street. They are moving to TN so I gave this to them last night as a farewell gift. I painted it sitting down.