Tennis anyone?

I don't have a painting to post today. I'm working on a commissioned painting of a barn right now. I donated the apple painting from the last post to a benefit auction to raise money for a child in our town who is very sick.

I don't know if I've mentioned before that I also play tennis. I started playing about 3 yrs ago and fell in love immediately. I try to play twice a week or more. As an artist, I find myself getting more and more comfortable being alone which isn't good all the time. Tennis has allowed me to meet people and make really good friendships. This year I decided to join USTA Team Tennis to see if I would like the more competitive play. I've never been a very competitive person so this has been a huge challenge for me. My nerves almost get the better of me before each match. The worst thing is I have not won ANYTHING yet. This is starting to really get in my head and I'm afraid it's now keeping me from winning. I'm trying to remember that it's just a game, I'm not getting paid to do this. I'll keep you posted on my progress and you can be sure I'll let you know the minute I win:) I'm wearing the green shirt in the picture above.

Apple Trio

Today I was determined to start and finish a painting. I knew I better not put too much thinking into or it would never get done. That's how I usually roll. I think more than I do. It still took me until noon to get situated and start painting. Not sure how I will get over all the fussing I do to prepare. Anyway, I used only brights for brushes because I've always liked the look of paintings done in that style. It's hard to leave it alone and not work it to death. I also used Cobalt dryer to speed the drying time and apparently used too much because the paint started drying too quickly. It became so sticky that I had to finish sooner than I probably would have otherwise. Good and bad. I was told after it was all said and done that I should only use the dryer in my white and cadmiums. I'm excited to one tomorrow if I have time. I play in a tennis tournament tomorrow afternoon.

Wino Wednesdays

What a great day today was. I spent it with my friends and fellow artists Tim Tyler and Vicki Ross. I've studied with Tim for about three years and have learned so much from him. He's a great teacher but now a great friend. We meet at Tim's about 9:00 am every Wednesday, paint, talk and listen to great music. We go to lunch, have a couple glasses of wine and then it's back to painting. Today I finished the dog that I've been working on for a while. This dog belongs to the same client who owns Bailey from a previous post. I believe this one's name is Scarlett. I'm excited to let the client know that I'm finished. I have one more dog of hers to paint. Today I also worked on a still life that Tim set up for me of a vase with a beautiful leather mask hanging from it. Can't wait to get back to that next wednesday.