You've Come Along Way Baby!!

March 1, 2017 Dawn Kinney Martin

"I'm Still Standing!" 18 x 24 oil on panel - Dawn Kinney Martin   SOLD — "I'm Still Standing!" 18 x 24 oil on panel - Dawn Kinney Martin SOLD

I started this one back in June. I was on a plein air trip with friends in my favorite painting town, Elizabeth City, NC, when I found this little gem. Back in the studio, using the plein air study, photos, and memory, I set to work to make my master piece. Months passed. A tweak here, and a tweak there....and there...... It was so close but still needs something.

Well, today, I might just have it! This might just be the day! I think I finally have it pulled together.

If you want to paint this great spot with me in October, I still have 3 spots left in my painting retreat Click HERE

This is the plein air study above and the early beginning of the finished painting

Abrams Falls in the Studio!!

February 23, 2017 Dawn Kinney Martin

Morning  Light  11 X 14 oil on panel - Dawn Kinney Martin       Purchase — Morning Light 11 X 14 oil on panel - Dawn Kinney Martin *Purchase*

I am finally getting around to finishing my plein air studies from the Great Smokies! I have so many wonderful starts, I need to take time in the studio to finish all these ideas. On of the best parts of getting back to these - it takes me right back to the day I was out painting and everything that day.

Paint Yelapa Mexico!!

February 18, 2017 Dawn Kinney Martin

When we found out our amazing friend, Lisa, is part owner of a resort ( casitas - think glamping ) and bar in Yelapa Mexico, Rob and I booked a flight and packed our bags!!! Yelapa is a hidden gem - a beautiful little fishing village tucked away in a southern cove of Mexico. It's super safe, really laid back, weather is perfect, wonderful food, and so affordable!!! Everything you need for a painting trip. You get there by water taxi from Puerto Vellarta and then step away from the crazy pace most of us live in today. This was a discovery trip with the idea of a starting a plein air retreat with Lisa at Oasis by the River in 2018. I could go on and on, but just look at the photos below and decide for yourself. Even if you can't join me for a painting trip at the Oasis, it's worth putting Yelapa on your bucket list.

Join me for a wonderful painting retreat in February 2018. I'll have more info up soon.

Happy Painting,

Dawn

Studio for the Day!

September 28, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

Well, I didn't stay home for long! My friends invited me to come to Tennessee for a couple of days to paint, and I couldn't pass up the offer. This was my studio this morning. Abrams Fall in Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains. So worth the 2.5 mile hike to get there, but I'm not sure if I'll make it back out for a second painting!!

"Welcome to Midtown" Made it to the AJC

June 2, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

Welcome to Midtown 9x12 plein air painting on panel

You just never know who will see you when you're out and about painting the town. What a fun surprise to find my painting on the front of the Living Section today. I really love the improvement around Colony Square. The brightly colored letter are super cool and I like watching how people interact with them. A fun day of painting!!

"Welcome to Midtown" 9 x12 oil on panel. Click here to go to my online store

A Little Local Color - Welcome to Midtown!

May 16, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

Welcome to Midtown! 9x12 oil on panel - plein air

I've lived on Midtown, Atlanta for years, but haven't taken the leap to get out there and try to paint it. My comfort zone really lies with nature scenes. So while I am plenty happy to take my gear and paint in Piedmont Park, I have shied away from the streets and cars.

Why you ask? Because it's hard!!!

Early Lunch Break 12 x 12 oil on panel - plein air

Well, now I'm ready to give it a try. I'll never get any better trying to capture the people walking down the street or bikes and cars zipping along if I don't just get out there and give it a shot.

Study for the Skate Escape (across from Piedmont Park on 12th) 9x12 oil on panel - plein air

Right now, I'm working at street level. Next, I'll have to capture the skyscapers. I'd really like to see if I can get that reflected light ...but that a whole other can of wax.

So, I'll keep it up and maybe before long I'll get there!!

Happy painting,

Dawn

A cautious beginning 9x12 oil on panel. Now where do I go from here?!?

Duluth Plein Air Competition

May 2, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

Call to Painters

Where: Duluth, GA

Event Dates: May 6-8

Application Deadline: May 5, 2016

Event website: www.paintduluth.com

Artist Amenities:

Total cash awards of $1,500
Housing available Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with local art patrons
Plein Air Seminar offered on Thursday, May 5 for $150
Reception Sunday evening, 6pm - 9pm to the general public
Discount coupons from local restaurants and merchants
Maps, water, snacks
Art dinner, Saturday evening ($10 per artist)

Paint Duluth is a plein air adventure in its inaugural year. The event will be held in beautiful Duluth, GA, Friday, May 6 - Sunday, May 8. Painting will be limited to the city limits of Duluth, GA. An optional plein air seminar is offered Thursday, May 5.

Established in 1868, Duluth is a cozy northeastern suburb of Atlanta, located just 35 minutes northeast from downtown Atlanta. Duluth is a southern gem with a growing focus on the arts.

The Duluth area will give artists the opportunity to paint:

Beautiful old southern homes
The historic downtown area of Duluth
The Duluth City Hall and town green
Southeastern Railway Museum features 90 items of rolling stock, including historic Pullman cars and classic steam locomotives
A historic railroad station
The Chattahoochee river with tubers, rafters and fly-fishermen
Nearby farms with cattle, hay bales and old barns

The event is being hosted by the Duluth Public Art Master Plan (DPAC). All monies will help support the Public Art Master Plan and scholarships for Duluth students hoping to continue their higher education in the arts.

Entry Fee: $30

Apply now: www.paintduluth.com/application-form/

Visit: www.paintduluth.com for complete event details

Olmsted Quick Paint

May 1, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

A Day in Dellwood Park 11 x 14 oil on panel - plein air

Nothing like trying to paint a painting on location, in front of a lot of people and in only 2 hours!! This was my attempt at the Olmsted Invitation Quick Paint Competition. It received very positive feed back from the judges, so hopefully, I'm on the right track!

This was my second quick paint, but I didn't rush and just tried my best. I had a good time, and saw several friends out there, so, It was a fun day.

It had been predicted to rain, but the rain held off for the event, and luckily for me, I made it back the the van just as the sky opened up. It was quit the deluge!

Until the next time,

Dawn

Plein air Adventure in Midtown

April 20, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

I had a little bit of a break in my schedule today, so I decided to get out and paint in the neighborhood. This new sign has just been installed just around the corner on Colony Square, and I just love it!

So, I gave it an attempt. It still needs a little work and I hope to get more people walking around in it, but I'm liking it! This is one of the things I like about being an artists in Atlanta, there are so many cool things to paint with in walking ( or biking ) distance.

I went back on Thursday to try a different view.  love this little park across from the Hight Museum! — I went back on Thursday to try a different view. love this little park across from the Hight Museum!

Painting Location: Colony Square

April 17, 2016 Dawn Kinney Martin

This is the Northside on Colony Square at 15th and Peachtree. Across from the High Museum .
I took photos on my jog today. If I looks to busy, there are tons of gorgeous house back in the neighborhood

Parking would be either at Colony Square or find street parking back in the neighborhoods. Just read all the signs. There is metered parking as well. I would drop my supplies and then park.