Plein Air Painters enjoy a friendly competition every now and then!  Next week, Saturday, Oct. 6th I'll be painting in Hopkinsville, Ky for their first Paint Out.  Awards and a Reception will be held the same afternoon.   On Oct 19 & 20 I'll be painting in Clarksville, TN for the 2 Rivers Paint Out Friday and Saturday with awards and a reception at 6:00 at the Historic L&N Train Depot.  The photos above are from past 2 Rivers Paint outs. 

I do enjoy painting on location.  I think it is beneficial to me as an artist.  You have a very short time to capture what you see.  The colors are changing by the minute, it's a great way to study light and how it plays on the different surfaces.  Most artists do not mind if you want to sit and watch! Just ask them if they mind. I personally don't mind.  So come on out, visit with the artists and attend the reception later in the day to see the finished creations.  Paintings will be for sale at both events.  The Clarksville Montgomery County Arts and Heritage council receives a portion of each sale.

It was 1:00 today before I made it to the studio.  It felt amazing to get to sit and draw today.  I finished the charcoal drawing above and framed it.  I had it framed, put it down a little too hard and broke the glass.  I re-framed it and got home a little later than planned.  I also packed up for a show in Hopkinsville.  I'm entering a few pieces and taking a few works for an artist friend to save her a trip.   

The drawing above, "Church in the Forest" is the second time I've worked from this photo I took a few years back (2015) in Cades Cove. The first one was a small 6" x 9"  pen & ink and sold almost immediately. The charcoal I did today was 12" x 16". One of these days, I'll do a painting of it too. The charcoal I did today needs a good home too.   

Since my last post I've been so busy.  I volunteer at the county fair and this year was challenged with the move from our old building to our new location.  The move was for the best, it looked great.  I also work with the King Puck Contest, it's a beauty contest for goats and a lot of fun.  I had to go today and take down my artwork that was in Nashville, Parks at Green Hills.  Tomorrow will be doctor appointments and an oil change!  I'll actually be free Thursday and then on the road Friday to take my artwork to Hopkinsville, Ky for the Pennyroyal Exhibit for the month of October at the Hopkinsville Community College. The month of Sept. I had 5 days free. And except for the a painting workshop, I've done nothing as far as my own art.  I won't be volunteering as much at the fair any more after this year and that's a little sad. I do enjoy it.  The photo of the goat, little boy and the King Puck MC Charles Martin (and my preacher)  was taken my Denise Martin, I thought it was a great photo!! She has a good eye!!  Now, I'm hoping to get back to my art!  

I was looking at a few pen & inks that have either been sold or won awards recently. My husband kids me that all I draw or paint are trees. I do love trees, I always have.  I love being in the woods.  I also love drawing with pen & inks, and I always have.  Below are other pen & inks that have sold since the first of the year. I few were sold before I could get a good photo of them.  I think my husband might be right, I do draw and paint a lot of trees. Life is beautiful! 

I've just returned from a Workshop with watercolor artist, Mary Whyte.  Of course, I learned a lot and she was a marvelous instructor. If you want to see some outstanding watercolors, click on the link above in GREEN! I came away very inspired. 
This was my first time in Indianapolis.  I visited their art museum, Newfields.  I was very excited about their permanent collection and I'd love to go back when I have more time. When we got to our hotel, they had already booked all their small room, so we got a site upgrade.  We were too busy to enjoy it but the view was wonderful.  We were right at the State Capital Building.  I so enjoyed the trip but I'm so happy to be home.

I was very proud to have placed 2nd in the professional artist category at Riverfest.  It's a small drawing, 6" x 9", of a spring located behind Carlisle's Market in Carlisle, TN.  This drawing is for sale. 

I volunteer at the Fair each year because I have such great memories of the County Fair as a child and as a parent of two boys.  The County Fair has always been special to me   All the Fair Exhibits inside and outside from kids displaying their arts, vegetables and live stock.  And yes, the carnival is a lot of fun too.  I hope some of you will go visit your county fair this fall. These fairs depend on a lot of wonderful people to volunteer each year and they do a GREAT job.   

2018 Sweet Tea & Southern Art was the best!  More Artists, more visitors and more wonderful works of ART!  The People's Choice Award went to Barbara Lynn, Houston County High School's Art Teacher.  I was fortunate to get a Honorable Mention this year from our viewers.  Here are some pics of some of our Artists with their awards..