******** Yellow Ochre + Ivory Black = Amazing Neutral Green **********

My first real attempt at NOt using green for green.   Greens in the tube are usually very bold, dramatic, & .... GREEN.  Dodie tip from last week:  try using simply black and varying yellows to make more neutral greens. I love it.  In combination with the new white highlights -- & a swapped MN license plate -- this painting is just coming to life.  :)

Core Fit 'N Motion -- Delano

Just got back from hanging some paintings at Core Fit 'N Motion -- my kettlebell gym in Delano.  I love love the bright, bold walls -- & Alan was gracious enough to accept my pieces.  Here's the link to Core Fit --- I highly recommend it.** Inspiring people, great strength training, & just complete hardcore goodness:  http://corefitnmotion.com/about/ 

...not to mention some pretty sweet art.  :)EMily

Two separate Tuesdays Dodie & I set up and painted at the end of her driveway.  We worked from 1pm to 3pm both days -- so as to insure similar lighting.  Here is my first 'on the spot' painting.  Rough, yes -- but a start!?!**  (I've painted outside three times since...)

I started this truck painting below a few years back.  It's been up north at our family cabin since.  I grabbed it this past weekend -- and worked on it quite a bit tonight.****

Two quotes hit me today:

Dreams pass into the reality of action.
From the actions stems the dream again. 
And this interdependence produces the
highest form of living. --Anais Nin

Take a look at your natural river. What are you?
Where's your river going? Are you riding with it?
Or are you rowing against it? Don't you see that
there is no effort if you're riding with your river?
--Frederick Frieseke

I am finished teaching math as of today.
Although I love love love those goofy kids -- I know
art is my true 'river.'  My dreams ever-evolve in creativity.  In art.

Perhaps Grant Wood had the correct mindset:
I had to go to France to appreciate Iowa.  :)

BWCA Curtain Falls -- process thus far.***

Dodie had me write up a "Perfect Day Scenario."  If anything, to have as a reference -- a guide to remind myself of where I am and where I long to be. It helped me organize my priorities/thoughts/goals a bit.  Therefore, I highly recommend it & figured I'd share:
****EM's Ideal Day****
6am -Wake up to a sunny, crisp day. Go for a walk or run. Come back to coffee & Monday crossword.  8am -Head out to studio. Organize. Rearrange. Get set-up & PAINT.  1pm -Lunch out on deck.  Munch grapefruit as I finish morning's crossword.  2pm -Back to studio. New piece. Plan it out. Lay foundations.  5pm -Someone offers to clean my brushes. :) Perhaps Dad or a friend comes out to look or just chill in my space.  6pm -Chaotic family dinner. Homegrown goodness. Mom's apple muffins.  7pm -Live twangy music. Laughter. Wine. Perhaps dancing.  10pm -I know its lame, but bed.  Glorious.**

Met with Dodie today.

Dodie, my mentor, is so good for me.  I usually paint off of photos, in the comfort of my little studio.  But today I went to her place & we painted outdoors for a few hours.

It was soooo different than my established routine.  There was no border or no hint as to where the composition should end.  I was almost overwhelmed - confessed I was slightly nervous!?!  Dodie said she still feels anxious when she steps outdoors to paint.

Its just so liberating.  & open.  & unfamiliar. & in a way, slightly frightening.

I think I love it?!  :)

Things I've been up to lately:

 

My dad & I painted the exterior of the pump house.



Story:  Deer got extremely close to my Luther friend's kid - who was seated helplessly in stroller to the right.  Instead of grabbing kid -- Nicole grabbed the camera.**

 


  

When I asked Tamie Kugler if I could attempt this BWCA inspiration -- she told me its Mr. Kugler's resting place. No wonder it caught my eye... goofy K-man seeking a little attention!!?! :)  Borrowed Dodie's Phthalo Blue paint for the sky.  I love love LOVe it.  Much more radiant than my blues...  Huge fan.**



Other life bits: * My vball team is 15-8. * A mouse ran down my easel as I was painting the other night. * I teach math again, since a teacher is on leave w/form of cancer. * Meet up w/Delano 4th grade teachers & principal Wednesday to be official 4th grade visiting artist. * Tom Emmer commercial = shot at my coffee shop & I shake his hand & serve him a fake coffee. * My cow painting tore!! I have no idea why, but perhaps a seam in the canvas?!  I teared up, actually. * Yesterday I drove to Pepin, Wi for Dodie's Fresh Art Tour.  Twas great.  Lots of colorful, wonderful art. * I stopped 7 times on the way home -- beautiful overlooks and random antiquey farm equipment.  <-- next paintings... :)  * Lastly, I am 27 years old as of the 2nd.  Old -- but def. more sophisticated.*********

Closing thought, as life gets busy with things we think we need to be doing:  "Dont ask what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it." H.Thurman  -----Cheers.  --EMily