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!!
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
Snow Day!!
"Snow Day!" 10 x 10 oil on panel SOLD
Another bike painting for you. During the winter months, I become obsessed with capturing the variations of grays around me. Here a painting of a dedicated cyclists traveling in a snow storm with style. If I could be so dashing on my bike!
Still time to sign up for classes!
I have room for one more in the Wed morning class and 1 for the 5 week session on Tuesday nights. Join me if you can. Classes start this week!
Favorite Subject For Painting
I love painting scenes of cyclists. I guess it makes me feel the joy of being out on two wheels while working in the studio! Here I'm using a photo by my friend and great photographer Kevin McPeake for my inspiration. You can check out his work on Facbook
I loved this photo when I saw it: love the diffused light and the mystery in the fog. I painted this image about a year ago ( middle image ), but decided to give it another try and work on the grays a little differently. Here's the second attempt ( the image on the right). I was a little bolder with the reds. Although it similar to the first painting, this one feel more like night time to me.
Classes Start Back Next Week!!
Happy New Year!!!!
I hope everyone had a little fun and adventure over the holiday.
I know I'm a little late getting the class schedules out, but here it is. I'll add a few more 1 Day workshops soon, but wanted to get the weekly class schedules out before it was too late!
Classes and Workshops
Tuesday Evening Painting Studio
Tue, Jan 10 - March 21 ( No Class Jan 24 ) 6:15pm - 9:15pm 10 Weeks $295, 5 weeks $175. Next series begins April 4
Painting Techniques for all levels
Wed, Jan 11- Feb 25 ( No Class Jan 25 ) 10:00am - 1:00pm 6 Weeks $225. Next series beginsMarch 16
Plein Air Retreat At Parker Ranch
3 Day Workshop Fri. May 5, 1:00pm through Sun. May 7, 3:00pm
3 1/2 Day Plein Air Retreat Coastal North Carolina
More info soon
3 Day weekend in October- still working on the dates.
3 nights lodging and some meals included. Check in Thurs. - check out Sun afternoon. $485
I hope to see you in a class soon. Please get in touch if you have something in mind you 'd like to see me teach a class on
For more info, check out my Classes page.
Join me if you can. I'd love to paint with you!
Dawn
Just in the Nick of Time
Weekend Getaway 24" X 36" oil on canvas
The frame just came in and I'll be able to deliver this commission tomorrow - Yay!!! We were down to the last minutes, but I'm so happy I'll be able to deliver before Christmas.
I've been working closely with the family on this projects, but it just took time to get all the decisions ironed out. It's always worth taking it slow to make sure it's a painting they love and I'm glad we didn't rush.
Now I look forward to taking a few days to spend with family.
Happy Holidays!
Dawn
On the Easel - Tallulah River
Tallulah River 24 x 36 oil on canvas
This is a good time of the year to tackle those unfinished paintings laying around the studio. Time to give them a little love. Here's one I've almost finished. Yay, time to get to work on another one!
DIY Kitchen - Making New Cabinets from Pallet Wood
Phase 1 - Out with the old sink cabs and in with the new! Over the holiday break I decided to finally redo our kitchen. We've had a plethora of plumbing problems and just couldn't put it off any longer. ( The water was coming out the back wall!) I decided to build the cabinets using palette wood. I like the character of reclaimed wood and at free, the price is right!!
Now to build the wall cabinets! They are a basic box with a facing and shelves. Once built. I filled the cracks and gaps with a wood putty, then sanded everything with a belt sander. Since I'm using various types of wood, I put on a white wash to even out the variations of color. When that dried, I coated them with a stain and several coats of polyurethane
On the wall! Building the wall cabs first meant I could stand on the sink to install these and not worry about messing anything up. Making separate units meant that I could actually carry them and get them on the wall, adding the doors and hardware later.
Next up - the sink and counter top.The sink cab and counter top took about a week to make. Drawers are hard!!! It was pretty much the same steps for the cabinet. Putty, sand, white wash and stain, but the counter top was a little different. I cut down a 1/2 inch piece of plywood to size and cut the hole for the sink. Next, I glued and nailed down wood that was the same thickness to the plywood. For contrast, painted the top white with just a touch of the grain coming through. Then 5 coats of urethane gave it a smooth aged character.
I did the back splash just like the counter top, but without all the urethane coats. This made it a little lighter and you can see more of the grain. I don't EVEN want to get in to all the plumbing problems. That was the real headache of the job!!!
And here we go!! Except for the trim, phase 1 of the new kitchen. Leak free with new sink and faucet! Even put in a filtered water faucet. For phase 2, I'll build other cabinets to go around stove, but for now, I can't wait to get back in the studio to paint.
Brookhaven Art Festival This Weekend
The weather is just about perfect right now, so come out to the Brookhaven Arts Festival this weekend and check out my new paintings. There will be a lot of great music, food and fun activities for kids as well.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2016
12 PM – 5 PM
Location: 4047 Peachtree RoadNE
Behind Brookhaven MARTA (Apple Valley Road side)
On October 15-16, 2016, Brookhaven will host the 2nd Annual Brookhaven Arts Festival through the Brookhaven Community Foundation. More than 100 participating artists will feature works of fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and more. Musical performances will take place over two days with featured performers. It’s a great time for individuals and families to enjoy the beauty of fall while enjoying terrific food, music and art. Join us!
Studio for the Day!
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!!
Home Sweet Home!!!
Alexandria was a fantastic show, but it's nice to be home. A great way to wrap up the eastern art tour. These are a few paintings that found new homes. A big thank you to my new art collectors!!
Alexandria VA - This Weekend!!!
Stop by and visit me in booth # 117. I look forward to this quality show each year and I'm excited to be back. My booth is by Royal and King St. Hope to see you! - Dawn
About the Festival
When:
Saturday, September 17th, 2016 from 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where:
480 King St. in Alexandria, VA
Cost:
Free Admission
Classes Start Back Next Week!
Tuesday Evening Painting Studio
- Tue, Sep 13, 20166:15pm Tue, Nov 15, 20169:15pm
- DawnArt Studios
9 Weeks $265, 5 weeks $175 No Class Nov 1
This course emphasizes artistic development in a relaxed and fun studio environment with a variety of music to keep you motivated. Regardless of your level of training or ability. Any Missed classes can be made up next session. You have one year to make up classes.
Back in the Studio!!
Hello everyone,
The month of August has blown by! It was my annual trip to the Northeast for art shows, catching up with friends, and outdoor adventures. I had art shows in Mystic, CT, Mount Gretna, PA, and Pittsburgh, and I'm happy to say the shows were a success! Pictured above are a few of my favorites that found new homes. A big thank you to my new and returning art collectors!
After a month on the road, it's great to get back in the studio and see what I can come up with next. I have 2 more shows this year: Alexandria, VA September 17 and 18, and Brookhaven, GA October 15 and 16.
Classes and Workshops
Tuesday Evening Painting Studio
Tue, Sep 13 - Nov 15, 6:15pm - 9:15pm 9 Weeks $265, 5 weeks $175 No Class Nov 1
Painting Techniques for all levels
Wed, Sep 21- Oct 26, 10:00am - 1:00pm 6 Weeks $225
3 Day Plein Air Workshop Coastal North Carolina
Sun, Oct 30 - Tue, Nov 1, 10:00am - 4:00pm $250 / $225 for AOA members. Elizabeth City, NC
This is a great time to get outside and paint!
For more info, check out my Classes page.
Join me if you can. I'd love to paint with you!
Dawn
Night Fall Over Pittsburgh
I took the incline to the top of Mount Washington to check out the view. I kept hearing about how it's a great view of Pittsburgh. A friend told to stay and watch for the night sky. It was impressive. I really enjoyed watching the eying sky slip away and the light of the city turn on. A beautiful city - it's official - I love this city - in the summer. Great biking, cool architecture, and the rivers. It has it all! It is too bad that I'll have to get back to work soon.
Have a great weekend,
Dawn
Pittsburgh - This Weekend
Shady Side Art Festival on Walnut Street - Booth #57 at Walnut and S. Aiken
When:
- Saturday, August 27th, 2016
10:00am to 7:00pm
- Sunday, August 28th, 2016
10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: - Find me in Booth #57 at Walnut and S. Aiken
739 Bellefonte St in Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free Admission
RSVP:
The 20th Annual Shadyside… The Art Festival on Walnut Street is a proven summer weekend art show located in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, PA. On August 27th and 28th this popular neighborhood of tree-lined streets, historic homes and trendy businesses will again be transformed into an outdoor gallery of fine art. The Shadyside locals look forward to this fine art show each year. Walnut Street offers something for everyone – national retail stores, unique locally owned shops, numerous restaurants, bars and eateries featuring a vast variety of cuisines. Hope to see you our there!!
Venue: Walnut Street in Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA)
3 Day Color Confidence Workshop
3 Day Color Confidence Workshop
- Sat, Jul 23, 201610:00am
Mon, Jul 25, 20163:00pm
- Dawn Art Studios180 11th ST NEAtlanta GA 30309
$265.00 3 Day Workshop
$175.00 Sat and Sunday only
Class size limited to 5
Take control and paint with confidence In this intensive workshop you will learn to control your color and get the color you want.
In this class you will learn about pure color, get comfortable moving color from one hue to another, ways to get the most life out of your mixtures and how to keep your mixture clean and other store bought hues. There will be demos along with painting projects to reinforce the lessons. Such as using color to make your landscapes recede on the canvas or using color and value to create a sense of form in you paintings. Sat and Sunday will be demos and exercises, Monday you will bring in a photo to work from and put your new color knowledge to work. You can sign up for Sat & Sunday only if you can't make Monday.
Supply list
I prefer working in oils because my mixture will stay wet for the class. Acrylic willdry quicklyso you will need to keep them wet with water or a retarder.
- Alizarin crimson
- Permanent Rose
- Hansa yellow or as yellow light
- Yellow ochre Optional
- Ultramarine blue and phtalo blue green shade. Get pthalo if just getting one
- Sap green Optional
- Titanium white
- 2 each - 9x12, 12x12 panel
- 6x8 practice panels We will start with a little practice, so please bring a canvas pad, economy cotton panel, or something not expensive to practice on.
- Palette knife
- Sketch pad and pencils
- Paper towels
- Acrylic and oil disposable Palette Pad 16x20 . You can use a roll wax paper
- Sketch pad
- Pencil
- Roll of paper towels
- Paint medium to help base coat your canvas and block in color. I fill a flip top bottle (think small dish liquid bottle) with 80% Liquinand 20% Damar Varnish to thin and speed the drying for oils. if you are working in acrylics use Liquitex glazing medium and water Great for base layers
- Odorless mineral spirit and a sealed container for cleaning brushes. There are several Eco friendly products out there now as well
- For iPhone and iPad users, here my favorite app Accuview https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/accuview/id407578464?mt=8
July 16
Get Started Painting! For True Beginners
July 30
Palette Knife: Boats on the Water
Channeling my Inner Fauvist
Summer in the Mountain 10 x 10 oil on panel - plein air
A good friend had us out to paint in the North Ga Mountains last week and everything was just so green. After piddling around a little bit, I decided just to have a little fun with it and just go bold. Below is the actual scene I was working from. I think you can find the stairs but see if you can find the Adirondack chair in my painting....just kidding : ) - Dawn
Still Life Demo
White and Blue 11" x 14" oil on panel
I have been teaching still life classes the past few weeks and that has be back painting florals. This was from todays class. I was thinking a bout a red, white and blue theme, thinking about the 4th of July. So I used warm colors in the red family for the background and the wonderful hydrangeas from the yard.
Everyone did a great job, but it was a little more challenging than I anticipated for a beginning class. I'll have to simplify the next assignment.
Happy painting - Dawn