Starting Over

2011-11-09T23:18:00.000-05:00


Work in progress, acrylic 12x12

I'm back!

You'll be thankful that I've opted to skip the miserable details of how difficult posting the previous blog was for me. I know I'm not terribly computer savvy, but the experience was so discouraging and demoralizing that I nearly took to my bed. I kept away from the old laptop for the longest time and decided to never blog again. That was then. I'm at one of those crossroads right now; feeling bold and itching for some change.

I've decided to go back to painting with oils and bid a fond farewell to my ten year fling with acrylics. Oh, it's been a satisfying and comfortable relationship, but the thrill is gone and I need something more. Maybe I'll come crawling back after a few months, maybe I'll make it work. Who knows? I really thought I could (with enough practice, knowledge and determination) make the acrylics do my bidding and behave in a more oil-like manner. Older and wiser, I now know better.

And so, as I finish up a few acrylic paintings that have been languishing in the dark corners of the studio, I am glancing with desire at the seductive array of new, untouched tubes of oils. They are virtually bursting with buttery possibility. I do hope I can finish the acrylics - I hope we can still be friends.

Wet Dogs and Sunshine - Galesville

2010-04-14T22:56:00.005-04:00

As with Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, serendipity is the real reward of plein air painting - you just never know.

Painting in Galesville, Maryland this past weekend was nothing less than an absolute delight - a well earned reward for enduring previous sessions in downpours and record snows. The town itself is sleepy enough to allow fearless painting along the roadside, and welcoming to artists - offering painting locations on private property (along with coffee and donuts).

The sun was warm and soft in that April way and by duct taping the beach umbrella to John's chair (and ordering him to stay seated) the sometimes gusty wind was managed.

Saturday and Sunday sessions produced two paintings now at the River Gallery in Galesville. But for us, the weekend was a delicious slow paced salute to Spring and all that it promises - a summer of sailboats,of barefoot children, of wet dogs and sunshine.

Barbara Nelsen

Starting Over

Wet Dogs and Sunshine - Galesville