Change of Artwork at US Bank Lloyd Center Branch

I removed my paintings of Italian scenes from US Bank this morning. Just want to remind you to see Karen Lewis' oil landscape paintings during the month of March at this same site. The bank's staff commented on how much customers enjoy their rotating art display provided by members of Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters. And, we're happy to have the exposure.

"Breakfast in the Gallery"

Every Saturday morning in March, Amato's Gallery in downtown Beaverton will host "Breakfast in the Gallery," from 9 to 11 a.m. Coffee and continental fare will be provided, along with artists' demonstrations in a variety of media. Mark your calendars and start your Saturdays with a dose of artistic inspiration. Amato's Gallery is located within Amato's Florals, 12320 SW 1st Street, Beaverton.

We celebrated our official opening on February 12, with an artists' reception that was lively and very well attended. I'm exhibiting my work there along with sixteen other award-winning area artists; you can imagine how excited we all are to have a permanent fine art gallery in historic downtown Beaverton.

Stop in Monday through Saturday, 10 to 4, to see sculptures by Joni Mitchell, Joe Pogan and John Wisener; glasswork by Diane Ahrendt; ceramics by Beth O'Mahony; jewelry by Bert Cohen, Sheri Gorman, and Rosie Long; oils by Linda Baker and Michael Orwick; pastels by Brenda Boylan, Gretha Lindwood and Christy Perrine; acrylics by Chris Helton and Annie Salness; and watercolors by me. It's a very talented group and I'm proud to be a part of this exciting venture.

Chris Helton will be "up at the easel" on March 6; she'll be happy to share her process and field your comments and questions.

No need for reservations - just show up. Hope to see you there, Donna

Pastel Workshop with Kitty

Why do I always have to start off my blog entries with, "It's been a long time since my last blog." Isn't the point of a blog to make entries on a regular basis. I aim to do better in the future.

With that said, I had to share the delightful experience of the three-day pastel workshop I just attended with Kitty Wallis at the helm. We started Friday morning with color exercises based on value and temperature, and worked on transforming black and white photos into paintings using specific palettes. Of course we worked on Kitty's fabulous Wallis pastel paper - the best ever made. The hours flew and by the end of day one I was hooked. Too much fun - too much color eye candy. Day two started with Kitty demonstrating her pure pigment underpainting technique, followed by application of pastels. We each followed suit, this time working from our own color photograph. Day three was reserved for creating an array of handmade pastels to share and take home for future masterpieces!

The class was small but energy was high, and we all went away with smiles on our faces. New ideas, new materials, new friends - what could be better. I had a wonderful weekend - hope you did as well.

Upcoming Shows

It's been awhile since my last blog. Happy New Year to all and may 2010 be filled with good health and good creative experiences.

I wanted to share two new exhibits of my work, one is for the month of February and the other is installed and ongoing.

The first show will open on the 1st of February at the Lloyd Center branch of U.S. Bank, 1601 NE Weidler Street, Portland 97232. Hours are Monday thru Friday 9-6, and Saturdays 9-2. This exhibit will feature watercolor images of Italy.

The other exhibit is at Amato's, 12320 SW 1st Street, Beaverton OR 97005. My watercolors and mixed media pieces are currently installed along with paintings by Michael Orwick, Brenda Boylan, and Gretha Lindwood; and sculpture by Joni Mitchell and John Weisener. An opening gallery reception will take place on Friday, February 12, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This is an exciting group of award-winning Beaverton artists whose work is varied and engaging. On behalf of owner Karen Amato and the other artists, I hope you will stop by and enjoy our opening reception. Gallery hours are currently Monday thru Friday, 10 to 5 p.m.

PPASP Winter Project #2 Chinook

I had fun with this challenge. Chose to work in pastel on Canson paper and focus on the rock formations and the zigzag quality of the shapes in the photo. To see other PPASP member interpretations, go to www.portlandpleinairandstudiopainters.blog where the photo reference is posted along with resulting images from about 20 members.

I'm happy with how I interpreted this reference and handled the pastel material. Working in pastel seems more like drawing than paiting to me; the material is held directly in the artist's hand like a pencil or a pen or charcoal is when drawing. I enjoyed this more direct contact with the support for a change. My day was good; hope yours was too.

New PPASP Winter Project Result

PPASP Winter Project Participation

Overworking paintings is one of the things I seem to do best these days. In an effort to improve my paintings, I have recently tried more irregular and unpredictable methods, colors, textures, etc. The "irregular" and "unpredictable" elements came from a John Salminen workshop I attended; I know they are tried and true elements of good design. I just haven't mastered them yet.

In a recent attempt at working from a photograph taken by a member of Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters for the group's Winter Project, my husband told me at least three times that he thought I was done. I, however, was not convinced and continued to apply paint in a less conventional way. This was an exercise first and foremost and so an opportunity to experiment. It was a fun experience and I look forward to the posting of the next image in about a week.

I wonder however if an artist should play it safe and quit while the painting has a good traditional quality or risk what's working for a chance at creating something more exciting and original. I think I'm at a stage in my art journey where I need to reach outside my comfort zone. I've posted my interpretation of Winter Project #1 here on my blog.

I had a wonderful day today. Hope you did too.