fine art by... Jeanne Forsyth

What's in the music~

2012-01-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

Music is something that has influenced me for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of music enthusiasts. My Grandmother played violin for the Phoenix Symphony, and my parents both had beautiful singing voices. While my kids were growing up the sounds of drums, clarinets, and trumpets were just a few of the musical sounds to be heard in our home, not to mention yours truly pounding on the piano and tooting her flute;-) I now have a granddaughter that has shown extreme promise by her piano teacher to be a very accomplished pianist.

My adult son has taken quite a different approach and spends his creative time playing the turn table, or otherwise known as Turntablism. Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using phonograph turntables and a DJ mixer. The MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) actually has a display acknowledging this musical art form.

As I sketched this rendering of my son, I could sense the enjoyment he has in creating his music and the joy of performing.

Graphite
Stillman & Birn Alpha Journal

Start to a painting~

2012-01-16T18:44:00.002-07:00

My little water feature out front of my entry is something I have always wanted to attempt to paint. I sketched out my preliminary drawing on my Stillman & Birn Alpha journal.

This is my preliminary sketch.

It's a start~ Now I think I'm ready to try this again on my watercolor 140lb.

I like the water spout on the left better than the right. It shows more white that gives the feel of flowing water better.

Note to Self...

Sketch #36
Stillman & Birn Alpha journal
M. Graham watercolors

On - the - go sketching~

2012-01-12T19:29:00.002-07:00

There is no excuse to sit idle when you can pull out a little pocket journal, pencil, pen, water brush, and a complete palette of watercolors created from just a few watercolor pencils

Laure Ferlita has a great little tutorial on her blog that demos how to make a watercolor kit that is lightweight and will fit right into your purse or bag so when inspiration hits you - you are ready to go! I made up a couple of these little cards to tuck into the back pocket of my Moleskine journal, and got a chance to try them out while waiting for my husband to finish up his dentist apt.

So totally cool!

You can check out Laure's blog >>>here<<< for all the deets!

sketch #35

Moleskine Watercolor Journal
Watercolor pencil: Caran D' Ache Supracolor soft
Lamy Safari pen
Carbon Black ink

A new sketch book~

2012-01-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

The reviews for the Stillman & Birn Alpha Series sketch books have been very positive, so decided to give one a try. I had read the forums regarding breaking in the book, and so that was the first thing I did when this beautiful triple-bound book arrived. Spreading each page completely back was a bit scary, but the book is extremely well made. The pages lay nicely flat to work in.

I work very wet with my watercolors, so I was a bit reluctant as to how these pages would stand up to my process - I was very impressed when at one point I thought I would mask out the koi with packing tape, then cut away - decided this was way too risky and I might cut right through the pages, so took off the tape without any tearing of the pages - whew! The paper stood up to my washes, and even some final brushing to create the ripples at the end.

I would highly recommend this book as an overall media sketch book, and am very anxious to start filling its pages with beautiful color~

sketch #32 of 75

Stillman & Birn Alpha Series journal
Watercolors: Winsor Newton
Noodlers La Reine Mauve
Pilot 78G,
Painted from photo

Free Spirit~

2012-01-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

This little fella was having too much fun!

Inspired by my visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden

sketch #31 of 75

Strathmore Watercolor journal
Watercolors: M. Graham, Winsor Newton
Noodlers La Reine Mauve
Pilot 78G, Duke 209
white gel pen

Painted from photo

a friendship garden~

2012-01-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of my art friends for a day out doing what artsy people like to do - take a camera, sketch book, and pen and head out to find some inspiration. The Japanese Friendship Gardens in Phoenix certainly filled the bill!

I loved this focal point in the area of this wooded garden with the waterfall in the background - so peaceful.

What little beggars!

Perfectly manicured~

This little light of mine...

I observed this view for a little sketching~

I snapped over 200 pictures and didn't delete a single one -
Think I found some inspiration~

Limited Palette~

2012-01-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

As the new year has begun, I am feeling a need to get some of the clutter out of my studio. Kind of simplify things a bit. I received an advertisement from Daniel Smith Art co. with a new color combo they are offering. So I thought I'd check it out. I really liked the simplicity of the package offered working with three colors.
So, instead of ordering MORE paints to add to my collection, I decided to play around with some of my brands to see what they would do. So I selected similar colors and off I went...

Tropical Fish
KOI Watercolors
Palette: 1. Permanent Yellow Deep with Perm orange
2. Quin Rose
3. Cerelean Blue

Japanese Garden
Winsor Newton watercolors: 1. New Gamboge
2. Burnt Umber
Lukas watercolor: 3. Turquoise

I was quite happy with the amount of color combos I was able to mix with these limited pallets.
If you need some inspiration and want to try out some of the color combos just follow the link below and have fun!

Tomorrow I'm off to check out the Japanese Gardens in Phoenix Az. Hope to get some nice photography and get a little sketching in~

Until next time - happy painting~

Daniel Smith Watercolor Tutorials

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T09:36:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! AZ is heading into the new year with sunny, warm days. I actually found myself switching on the AC in my car yesterday - how weird is that? I've resorted to creating my own winter scenes... This little painting was inspired by a drive to the North country just before Christmas.

Up North
available, click here

How cool is this!

Pam Hardy sent me this great calender set that is full of her beautiful photography. Always Artistic is where you can find these wonderful little calendars, along with some of her other art prints, and original ACEOs. Thank you so much Pam!

I am ready to get the new year off and rolling with some new artwork, and maybe a workshop or two - How about you?

Crèche

2011-12-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

One of my favorite displays that I put out every Christmas is a nativity scene that I made out of ceramic about 35 years ago. Each figure is pearl white with a crackled finish. Throughout the years the donkeys have lost both their ears, and the angel has a chipped wing. We even caught our dog chewing up the cow! Each figure has it's special place - camels and donkeys are looking into the barn, the angel is glue-gunned to the top of the barn, (now you know how the wing got chipped;-) and the Magi placed around the center of attention, the baby Jesus.

Sketching this scene was as fun as setting up the manger. With each stroke I became more in touch with the story and the reason for my celebration of God's gift to mankind.

I would like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas. You have encouraged me with you comments and by following my work - I am very grateful for your support.
Thank you~

Little Glass Vessel

2011-12-21T18:55:00.001-07:00

I've been trying a lot of new recipes this Winter from wonderful soups, to many loaves of zucchini bread from my abundance of zucchini out of my garden this year.

Glass Vessel
Click here to bid

This little jar has been the vessel for my oil for many years, and I have always liked the way the light shines through it. I Thought this would make a good little still life challenge for working with reflective surfaces - my favorite~

My neck of the woods:-)

2011-12-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday, late afternoon I was a bit stir crazy from sitting at home - My daughter was bragging about her wonderful chocolate cookies she had baked up - so thought I'd take a little drive over and test them out. It's been rainy and kind of gloomy - just needed to get out. So I grabbed my hot cup of tea and out I go!

Quite a bit of traffic from holiday shoppers heading back home, I thought to myself "I'm so glad I'm all caught up, with everything wrapped and ready" - such a peaceful feeling.
A bit further down the road I look off to the right where the Starbucks is, and I'm thinking this is a perfect cold and cloudy day and a peppermint mocha latte would be really scrumptious right now, but I was being good, as I did carry my hot tea with me, but it still didn't stop me from looking that way...
when I saw this...

What the heck is that? - looks like an ear.... is that an animal in the drive thru .... couldn't be... I'm really curious now - trying to not run off the road I get a bit further and could not believe what was awaiting my view~

Well, it's not everyday you get to see horses all saddled up, tied up out front of a coffee shop - took a quick detour, grabbed my camera - and got some quick shots - Lets see - we have a traffic light and palm trees, and three horses just a chill'n~

I'm thinking this old cowboy knows how to spend a Sunday afternoon - Perfect!

Well, this made my day~ I was so glad I got myself out of the house - you just never know what is waiting around the corner~

At a time when life can be so hectic - it's so nice to see that there are people out enjoying the simple things in life~

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by...

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Reflections

2011-12-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

#18

This week I was inspired by a fellow member of the Artist Journal FB group, to sketch a self portrait - I have always wondered how hard it would be to capture an image of myself - well, let me tell you - VERY hard for me!

I captured my picture on my smart phone and sketched right off of that. The image was very dark - so I lightened it through the phone's edit program just enough so I could see the shadows and form. Turning the sketch upside down was very helpful in working out the proportions - allowing me to concentrate on the form and not my own perception. My sketch book is a pocket-sized and the sketch measures about 3x5.

This was a fun exercise to work on, but now I need to try painting - I'll save that for another day...

Thank you Sharon for the inspiration - you can see her beautiful sketch work here

Well, sounds like rain outside - off to take a look!

Have a wonderful Sunday~

Views from my La-Z-Boy~

2011-12-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

My little Moleskine pocket sketch book is perfect for on the go or in the case of these two sketches, setting by my La-Z-Boy, to pick up and sketch when inspiration hits.

The moment I finally sit down to relax - my little toy chihuahua; Banana, is right there snuggling into our special down blanket to keep warm. Even when I sit down, my mind seems to never stop thinking about the next painting or sketch - So while I'm sitting idle, I thought it would be fun to try and capture my pup while she is snuggling.

These sketches are # 13 and 14 of my 75 days sketch challenge - I'm falling behind already - never been good at challenges or New Year resolutions - so as not to beat myself up - I will just continue at my own pace and enjoy the moment~
Have a good one...

Another Prickly Pear

2011-12-09T21:58:00.003-07:00

SOLD

It's been a while since I painted my favorite subject and that is cacti. This Prickly Pear was inspired by a photo I shot while visiting Montezuma Castle this past summer. I like the way this pops against the dark purple background. It will be a while before these cacti are in bloom again, so for now I will paint from memory~

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Watercolor practice~

2011-12-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Plugging along on my journal, sketch 12... today I decided to work on a still life. This was an all day project. Didn't even attempt to paint in the diamond shapes. I'll save those for another day;-) I painted this with my new Koi paints purchased for sketching on the go. This set fits nicely into my travel painting kit.

While on one of our day drives this past summer, DH and I went to Montezuma's Castle. This little bird was perched on a branch - so decided to work off this picture for sketch #11

I'm pretty pleased with this little paint set - it makes a nice addition to my on-the-go tool box!

Christmas Memories~

2011-11-29T13:13:00.004-07:00

Ho - Ho - Ho...Sold

This little scene brings me back to the night that my youngest boy; who was five years old at the time, was laying in bed the night before Christmas. He, like all little ones couldn't get to sleep. I was sitting by his side and told him to lay still and listen very carefully and he might here the bells of Santa's sleigh traveling over head. His eyes got so big as listened for those bells -- it was so cute when he actually thought he could here them.

Do you have a favorite memory from Christmas's in the past? I'd love to here them~

Remembering Rose~ sketch ten

2011-11-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

Someone just recently asked the question "What does one do to get through grieving the loss of a loved one?" Well, that is a hard question to answer. Each person will process their emotions differently.

My week was going along so beautifully - all of my children were over for Thanksgiving dinner, I had the pleasure of watching my two granddaughters while my son and his wife brought our little Holly into the world. I couldn't be any happier. Then my husband and I were just getting ready to enjoy a quiet little meal after dropping off the girls to their parents when I received a phone call from a friend. The news was sad - a friend and co-worker whom I've known for ten years had just passed away suddenly.

I have been working on an artist journal, and have been trying to add to it daily. It's easier to paint when you can record good days, happy times, but what about the sad days? Painting for me is very therapeutic, I am able to completely absorb myself into the subject I'm painting. My friend's name is Rose, and she has been in a wheel chair for approximately 30 years. I was so amazed at the stamina this lady had - she raised her daughter alone, and worked a 40-hour week. This little sketch is to remember my friend. She is home with the Lord now, and I can just picture her dancing with Jesus - (yes my Jesus dances~)

I am happy for you Rose
You will be missed~

Sunday catch up~

2011-11-27T17:01:00.003-07:00

Sold

Hope you all are recovering from the Thanksgiving holiday.

After enjoying my little granddaughters for two days while their mom delivered their new baby sister, I sat down for a little relaxation and painted this southwest mission. This is the second of my mission series.

Holly Sophia Rose 8lb 8oz

It's been quite a busy week, and the highlight was seeing these girls faces when they viewed their baby sister for the very first time.

Now it's time to catch up and get ready for Christmas!

So glad you dropped by today~

Petunia~

2011-11-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sketch #7
Petunia from my garden
Graphite and pen

Happy Sunday!

A Show Stopper!

2011-11-18T22:40:00.002-07:00

Sketch #6 was inspired by a little trip we took this week to check out this big show stopper, the Union Pacific 844 that rolled into Coolidge Az for a service stop while heading on to Nevada.

What fun we had along with spectators of all ages who came to get up close, take pictures and watch while they serviced and filled up this big boy~

Releasing pressure~

Impressive!

Macro!

Toot Toot~

Ding-ding~

Hope you have enjoyed these pictures - please feel free to sketch along if you like!

In the corner of my room~

2011-11-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

Sitting quietly in the corner of my room is the most important tool of my trade - my old salon chair. It has seen laughter, tears, anxiety, delight - young and some very old. My cat finds it a great platform to stare out the window. I find it a reminder of; a now 28-year profession that has given me the joy of being a part of making my clients feel renewed.

Sketch Number Five

Gentle Ben~

2011-11-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I sketched this pose of Ben, my Great Pyrenees - then stashed it away as I just wasn't ready to put watercolor to it. After returning from the Sedona workshop, for some reason I felt inspired to see what I could do with it - so pulled it out and wet er down~

Ben
11x15

I think I captured the wonderful nature of this dog - he is one of those dogs that literally has a smile on his face. When he takes a treat from you, he is ever so gentle. I love all my little critters, but there is something very special about Ben.

We originally purchased Ben to be the great protector of our three pet alpacas, and couple of goats in the yard. We soon realized it was just too hot here in the Valley to raise the
alpacas, so donated them to a ranch in cooler country. Ben was beside himself - I felt so bad for him loosing is buddies that he soon became an indoor dog, along with our Chihuahua, and Weimaraner. It didn't take Ben long to make himself right at home - now if he could only figure out how to share my lap with Banana our chihuahua! He follows my every step, and tries to herd me around because that what Pyrenees do~
Now I just need to find a special place on my wall to hang Gentle Ben's new portrait~

Hope you are having a great week so far - thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday Afternoon~

2011-11-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just love this time of year here in Arizona - cool, but sunny - the clouds were dancing around the mountains and the air was clear - can't ask for better than that~ It was a perfect day for sketching out by my little flower garden. These actually are marigolds that I have setting on a baker's rack out in my yard.

One more sketch down - 71 to go;-)

75-Day Sketch

2011-11-14T20:57:00.002-07:00

I am continually trying to improve on my free-hand sketching, and I came across the blog of Brenda Swenson where she specializes in watercolor journals. I thought I would try pushing myself to work on some type of sketching/painting daily, and join her 75-day sketch challenge. Here are the first three to share with you.

Freshly canned pears was my first subject - tip #1 don't use a water soluble pen to sketch with;-)

My favorite paint brushes in my favorite coffee mug~ And another pear for today's subject~

Hum... I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Brenda's 75 day sketch challenge can be found >here<

Have a great day!

Opening Art Reception

2011-11-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Visual Art League

Invites You to Our 9th Annual Fine Art Show
November 8 to 19, 2011

and

Opening Reception
Thursday, November 10 from 6 to 7:30 pm
at Gallery 225
225 North Gilbert Road
Gilbert AZ 85234
480.503.2255

Three of my watercolor paintings are on display now through the 19th of November. If you live in the area, I would be honored if you stopped by!

Sedona workshop with Julie Gilbert Pollard

2011-11-08T12:06:00.005-07:00

I had the best time ever with Julie Gilbert-Pollard and the gals that attended this wonderful four-day En Plein-Air workshop in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona Az.

Day Two ~ The Hike

Friday we hiked 7 miles along Oak Creek into the most magical canyon, and known to be one of the most popular hikes in Az.

Now, picture this - 10 artists over 50, with cameras in hand, stopping at every ooh - aah moment! LOL! We tried to not fall on our faces while concentrating on the perfect picture moment. ( I came back with over 300 images of the hike, filled my memory card, but had my little point and shoot camera for back up - thank goodness!)

Day Three ~ Workshop

I was so excited to wake up to the first day of snow fall for Sedona. This was the view from our balcony~

Well, our outdoor plein air workshop ended up being indoors. Us Arizonian are just too wimpy when it comes to rain and snow~ We could view the beautiful mountains from that picture window in the lodge. Many of us decided to work from that view ~

while others had their own way of getting into their creative right brain so to speak~

The sun danced through the clouds to continually give us amazing views~

Day Four by the creek with Julie

Our final day we walked down to the creek to watch Julie as she put her techniques to work~

What a wonderful way to get close to nature - this was truly an artist dream of a weekend!

My daughter asked "Did you get a lot of painting in?"

Ha! I was so busy taking pictures - eating - drinking and visiting - but I did get a bit of a rough start on that mountain outside our balcony...

WIP 8x10

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you enjoyed these little highlights from my weekend!

Juicy~

2011-11-01T18:24:00.003-07:00

Here is a fun little painting that I started by doing an abstract background.

"Juicy" Sold

After pouring three basic colors of red, blue and yellow, I let the colors mix at will. Did a bit of blowing the colors out to the edges, then started filling in the grapes. Got the inspiration from an online workshop with Lian Quan Zhen who is the master at his artwork. I'm far from a Quan Zhen, but this is a great exercise in letting go and seeing how the painting will evolve.

Wintering

2011-10-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

Click here to bid on "Wintering"

Arizona is trying to find it's Winter - here is a little free form scene that makes me think it might be on it's way...

Have a beautiful day~

Acceptance Letter~

2011-10-26T14:57:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to announce that my artwork has been accepted into the 9th Annual Gilbert Visual Art League Juiried Fine Art Show! This is my first ever art show, so I'm pretty stoked!

Saguaro Blossoms 2011 16x20

Needles of Light 2010 14x11

Bison Country 2011 8x10

The GVAL show will be hosted by Mary Ellen Fresquez at Gallery 225, which is located at 225 N Gilbert Rd., Gilbert AZ

The show opens November 8th at 10am, There will be an opening reception with awards on Thursday November 10th from 6-7:30pm. All awards with the exception of People's Choice will be awarded at the opening reception. People's Choice will be awarded at the closing reception, which is Saturday, November 19th from 5-6:30pm.

If you are in the area - I hope you'll stop by and enjoy some of the talented art work on display!

Winter Preview~

2011-10-23T10:59:00.001-07:00

It amazes me how quickly this year is flying by - how about you? I'm not one to rush the seasons, but winter is approaching and will be here before we know it.

"Holly" Sold

I'm thinking holly is a good way to start focusing on some winter painting.

Have a beautiful Sunday~

New Goodies!

2011-10-19T12:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

I'm like a kid with new crayon! Just received my new M Graham watercolors that I'll be using in my next workshop. So Cool! First thing was to open and sort into the palette, then make a color chart - oh how exciting! Not only did I purchase new paints, but I'm also trying a new brand of watercolor paper I had not used before~

Fall Study #1
Click here to >>Buy<<

Now to put these babies to work! The Fall study above is actually my second attempt, as the first one went to the trash;-( The paper (Lanaquarelle 140lb cp) was very nice, quite white, a bit smoother than the Arches that I'm very used to. It always takes me a while to get use to new paints as I am a Winsor Newton snob~ The M Grahams are beautiful, but I'm afraid my WN are a bit meatier. I'm sure a paint critic would be shaking their head now as I describe these paints!

Fall Study #2
Click here to >>>bid<<<

I now needed to try the painting on my Arches with the Winsor Newtons - Can you tell any difference? After looking at the two, I really think they both deliver nice rich and vibrant color! The M Grahams are very creamy, honey based - so they will be nice for plein air work. They mix quickly with water, but I will keep my old faithfuls close by for studio work. As far as the paper goes, they are both very acceptable to work on. If you have used the M Grahams, or worked with the Lanaquarell paper - I'd love to here how you like them.

Thanks so much for stopping by - hope your week is going great!

Sunday Practice ~ Waterscapes

2011-10-16T12:31:00.003-07:00

Maybe if I paint the cool country it might make me feel better about the hot temps here in AZ - Hah! Ya think?

"Waves" Sold

"Crashing Waves"
Purchase Info

"Cascade"
Purchase Info

Happy Sunday! Thanks for stopping by~

Spattering of Fall~

2011-10-14T09:30:00.002-07:00

Happy Friday! It's so hard to believe that we are still having temps in the high 90-100 here in the Valley of the Sun! I am so ready for Fall!

"Changing Seasons" SOLD

Every one gets into painting slumps now and then, and I am no exception! The other day I was trying to paint a street scene with PEOPLE in it, and what a disaster! I ended up trash-canning two attempts. I was wondering if I have any skills at painting at all! It seems like a normal affair with us artists~ I decided it was time to walk away - take a breather - just go watch the boob tube for a while! After a good night's rest I was ready to get the brushes wet again, but decided for now I would take a different direction. Maybe street scenes are not for me - at least not now; however, a great challenge that I will revisit again someday....

Today I worked on a technique of spattering to depict foliage, and texture. Julie Gilbert Pollard's online workshop goes over this technique in her painting of Autumn Landscapes. I will be studying with Julie in Sedona in a couple of weeks. Getting excited! Decided to get some practice in as she uses this technique quite a bit in her paintings, and don't want to look like a complete idiot~ We will be painting en plein air in the Oak Creek Canyon - the leaves should have started showing some color change - should be gorgeous!

Hope you have a great Friday and on into the weekend!

Thanks for stopping by~

Bison Study #2

2011-10-12T13:03:00.002-07:00

Click here to purchase "Bison Study #2"

I finally finished up this little bison study that I started a couple weeks ago - then got side tracked and there it set~ The story of my life;-) I kind of liked the partial body so left it to your imagination to finish. I'm think'n this old guy is up to his ears in dry pasture. What do you think?

Happy hump day~

Tractor Kitty~

2011-10-07T16:19:00.003-07:00

NO!... No More PETS!!!

WE ARE NOT FEEDING THIS ONE!!!!!

This little cat showed up on our property about a week or so ago. Really until today I didn't get a good look at him/her. It was just a fur ball on the run when we would open the garage door. I was hoping the sweet little creature would just move along, and besides our other feline is not particularly fond of another cat in his territory~ I let my husband know that under no circumstances are we acquiring another pet!!! If that cat is hungry he'll just eat the mice and the many little critters that roam our acre+ property. I feel that three dogs, one cat, 10 chickens, 2 goats, 3, cockatiels, and 1 parakeet is quite enough for two people to take care of.

OK, maybe I should see if he/she will let me come close~

THIS CAT IS NO STRAY... I'm positive somebody dumped him/her off. That cat totally wants to be picked up!

Yes we take a closer look and think Wow, it sure seems to look healthy and kind of fat~

On further investigation the cat is a SHE... and we feel a lump in the tummy area. Oh what if she's with child, or with several chillins. Now my motherly instincts surface - is she getting enough to eat if she is; in fact, preggers? Will she stay warm enough at night? Where will the little ones be born?

OK, I'll put out some dry food, and water... and maybe we should move the carpet hotel that the other cat wasn't interested in into the garage - after all she will need a place warm to give birth - RIGHT?

Got any ideas for a name?

Earth

2011-10-04T12:04:00.003-07:00

EARTH
5X7

"Earth"
Buy Now

I am so fortunate to be able to look out my kitchen window and see this marvelous mountain range. The Superstitions are my favorite of all the mountains around me. When going through tough times in my past, I would look to that range, and feel a presence of God near to me. We moved to our property about 11 years ago, and the view of this range was a top selling point. I always thought new housing, or a large structure would probably obstruct my view eventually, but so far that hasn't happened. Maybe God knows my heart, and has allowed them to stay in sight.

Earth was painted using mixed media of watercolor and acrylic paints. This image was captured as the sun was starting to set with soft billowing clouds in the background. My favorite time of day as the colors begin to dance.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy~

Yep! Those are Purple Cows~

2011-10-02T19:28:00.004-07:00

Evening Graze SOLD

While traveling through Montana this summer we stayed at a KOA that was right next to a pasture of grazing cattle. I was out walking Banana, and turned my head to see the most beautiful silhouette that I had to capture to take back home with me. The cloudscape was breathtaking. I will never begin to do justice to God's design, but what a challenge to attempt.

Summer's End

2011-09-25T20:18:00.004-07:00

Well, the vacations have come to an end for me, and I must say I'm glad to be back in my quiet little house. This summer has brought new opportunities from traveling through the Midwest, to visiting NYC with my daughter. AZ is about to cool down, and I'm ready for Fall~

Summer's End SOLD

Today one of our fellow watercolor artists challenged our Create 38 alumni group to paint this scene of Kruse Farms in Roseburg Oregon. There is a lot going on in this picture, and I'm not use to doing landscapes, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give this a try. Ha ha! I've decided I'm better at planting the flower than painting them.

Speaking of planting - my winter salad garden is in! I planted several types of lettuce, spinach, snow peas, kale, scallions, and carrots. Now bring on the fresh salads! I certainly need greens after eating fantabulous food from NYC!

That's about all I have for you today - thanks for stopping by - hope your week heads off to a great start!

Oh give me a home~

2011-09-12T23:02:00.002-07:00

Bison Country 2.5 x 3.5 inches

Today I finally had some time to play with some of the images I took on our trip through Yellowstone Park. One thing for sure is these fellows were certainly show stoppers! This friendly Bison was grazing in a pasture right at the entrance of the park.

I am trying some new techniques that I've been studying lately. Acrylic paints have been something I've been avoiding for quite a long time, but after watching a tutorial with Julie Gilbert Pollard, I decided to give them a try. Using the acrylics to lay down the darkest values brings a new and rich tone to the painting. Once the acrylic dried, I was then able to masked off the grasses, I worked wet into wet spattering mixes of yellow, greens, and purple to complete this fun, free-formed painting. This week the DPW challenge is a value challenge, and this is the perfect entry~

Thanks for dropping by and have a great week!

Awakening~Amazing Grace

2011-09-11T07:59:00.001-07:00

I named this painting Awakening, and it was painted last year in July. I can't remember much about how I even began, or the process that took me to the end.

The original was sold also last year, but this morning a buyer from Etsy purchased a small print of this painting. When I was reading the info in my email the date 9-11 jumped out at me. I took a closer look at what painting was being purchased, and thought, Awakening - what an appropriate image for this day. I have been watching some of the 9-11 ceremonies in NYC and tears well-up from the stories of family members of loved ones lost. As a young lady played so beautifully on her flute the hymn Amazing Grace - it all came together for me. God has shown us such grace throughout the years. The stories of healing from these individuals have touched my heart. I don't remember much about that painting, but I do remember and will never forget where I was and the feelings I experienced that morning on September 11th, at work, and just wanting to so badly be at home with my family.

Next week my daughter and I will be going to NYC for the very first time. One of our visits will be to the 9-11 Memorial. We will experience a lot of history in New York, but for us the 9-11 tragedy was in our lifetime, and to see this beautiful memorial is certain to be the most memorable place and highlight of our visit.

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound....

Still my first love~

2011-09-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

We are back in the Valley of the Sun, which truly is my first love - home at last! I've had a wonderful two weeks of traveling throughout the Midwest, and Western states.

I've captured so many memories to now edit and sort out, then to come back and remember as I attempt to create new works in watercolor. I am looking forward to sharing some of those images with you as I go along~

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Do we have to move on?

2011-08-31T11:33:00.001-07:00

Burr it's cold in Yellowstone in the morning for a girl from Arizona!

Man, did Banana and I have a hard time getting out of that warm sleeping bag this morning! But moving on we must! It's off to the Grand Tetons which; by the way, is my friend Susan's pick of places to be sure to check out~

This morning's drive out has been glorious with a sky full of sunshine dancing through the clouds, my favorite of all for picture taking~ I was actually able to get some images of a hawk capturing it's morning meal out of the river - so totally cool!

Well, the venture goes on, and now ...
on to the Tetons!

Thanks for stopping by~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Trish's Pick~

2011-08-30T07:15:00.005-07:00

Before retiring from my day job, I asked my coworkers for some suggestions of places to be sure to see along our travels. Trish was the first to put her two cents in.


Gateway Arch SOLD

The Gateway Arch in St Louis MO was at the top of her list, so that was our first destination. Wow! It was way bigger than I had imagined. I braved the height and took the tour all by myself to the top while my DH stayed on the ground protecting Banana (dog), as she was too afraid of heights wink-wink;-) I could have spent a few more days exploring this wonderful city. I did come away with tons of reference pictures that I will sort out when I'm home.

Before leaving on our trip I put together this great little travel kit. I got the idea from my online watercolor class Create 38. Thanks to Vinita for the innovative ideas! Speaking of innovative ideas, I have found that (unused) doggy pee pads make great table protectors for working in watercolor while traveling. Should you spill (like I did) the absorbent side catches the water nicely. They also came in handy to line the drawers in the trailer. Just say'n~

Today we are off to do some more exploring through Yellowstone~
Hope your day goes great!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The best laid plans, but there's an App for that!

2011-08-29T12:33:00.002-07:00

OK, I have gathered all my art supplies - DH's IPad, and Dell are packed, my E-slate is packed - smart phones in - car power cords, ac adapters in....

I think we are going to be well connected to all the social networking possible! I am ready to paint and blog my way across the Midwest. Right?
Well not quite! I go to set up MY computer, and go to hook up to power, and you guessed it - the power cord is still plugged into my electric back home:(

A week into the trip, and having some serious techno withdrawals, I decided to Google blogging using an IPad, and guess what? there's an App for that! Apple I think I may have to reconsider my relationship with you. So, here it is - my very first blog post using the iPad!

The above sketch, and doodling was of my view on the drive into Montana, headed toward Yellow Stone. I had been studying design concepts while traveling, and started this sketch with the thoughts of a cruciform design pattern. I could spend hours creating cloud formations - one shadow after another all the way through the state.

Well, off to explore Yellow Stone... Thanks for stopping by~

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Retirement Yea!

2011-08-14T08:13:00.003-07:00

I said my good byes to my fun and crazy coworkers; who by the way, sent me off with warm hugs and wonderful well wishes on Thursday.


ARIZONA ROAD Original Watercolor ACEO 2.5 x 3.5 inches SOLD

I am looking forward to this new phase in my life. A road trip is now being planned with my hubby and Banana (chihuahua) ~ off to see some unexplored territory! I will be sketching and painting along the way, taking in memories to remember forever...

Hope you will come along~

practice - practice- practice...

2011-08-06T08:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome! This week I have been working on some online tutorials.

This first piece is working with water and rocks. I am definitely going to come back to this again. Water is pretty tricky. This November I will be spending 3 days in Sedona with Julie Gilbert Pollard Plein Air painting by Oak Creek. Julie's work is colorful and full of excitement, and I can't wait for this workshop!

My next two paintings are from a study mixing greens with Vinita Pappas from Create 38. The first painting using warm greens first, then following with a cool version on the below.

After the background dried we were to randomly paint whatever...
Another assignment was to create a Z composition - with that in mind I tried to incorporate that in my designs. These studies have allowed me to play with some fun techniques, and explore more color mixing. I will revisit both of these studies now with a little different approach and see how they come out~

Have a great weekend - and be sure to check out these creative sites~

Julie Gilbert Pollard

Create 38

The forgotten Koi~

2011-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday!
I was cleaning in my studio this morning and ran into this little painting that I had painted a couple of weeks ago - laid it aside and totally forgot about it.

Koi Available >Here<

I have been wanting to work at koi and pond studies, and this was one of those studies. We have a small pond that we stocked with a few tiny gold fish about 10 years ago - let me tell you, some of those fish look like they are ready for the fry pan! I am amazed they have lived happily for so long. They are also still reproducing; although, we usually don't see the babies as they get eaten before they get big. The last few times I've cleaned out the filter though, I have found a baby swimming around - too funny - so I save it's little soul, and graduate it into the big pond with the others;-)

Hope you have a wonderful day - thanks for stopping by~

Nature's Arrangement

2011-07-24T16:15:00.001-07:00

Available >>HERE<<

This week's challenge over at DPW was really geared to the oil or acrylic artist. With a lot of criteria to follow from flower subject, distance to paint, 3 colors only, 3 brush sizes, dark to light and only take one hour.

First of all AZ in middle of July doesn't offer a lot of flowers to paint; however, I did manage to find a lovely water lily in bloom from my pond. This was the only bit of color on the whole property!

I sketched my subject very quickly as It was 102 and a bit miserable outside. No way would I stay out for one hour to paint;-)

Watercolors are generally painted from light to dark. You have to plan to save the lights. Since we were to go from dark to light, I was able to execute this nicely with my subject.

After my background was established I was then able to go in and create the lily pads by removing the paint with a brush, and very lightly give contour to the flower.

Hope you will check out some of the other talented artist works over at DPW!

Happy Sunday~

The Best Of 2010-11 A NEW BOOK~

2011-07-23T21:38:00.002-07:00

I just completed a project I've been working on for the past few days. I have pulled together some of my favorite watercolor paintings from 2010 to now into a neat little book. It was fun looking back on some of my painting from the past year.

Vibrant Watercolor Paintings by Jeanne Forsyth | Make Your Own Book

After you preview the book, I would love to read your feedback - any suggestions would be welcomed - thanks for looking~

ACEO Finds~

2011-07-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've been painting small format painting for a couple of years now, but really had not joined in collecting these little pretties - WELL guess what? The bug has now hit! After interacting with other artist through online art blogs, and contests, I have wanted to have a piece of these talented artist from around the world.

Little Cottages by Lee Pierce

This sweet little painting is from an artist in St Helens Oregon. I spent a few years of my younger years living in Oregon, and when I came across Lee's cute Little Cottages - they brought me back to the cool country I remember.

Buffalo Skull

by Karen Anne Brady aka IrelandBrady

Karen is an artist from Portland Oregon. What drew me to this piece was, of course the rich color, and all the texture going on. Karen has a section of very reasonable art prints for $1.00 in her Etsy Shop - you can't beat that~

Sweet Paradise by Iwona Jankowski

This colorful canvas print by Iwona Jankowski was my very first ACEO to collect. I found her work on eBay, and being a bird lover - this one captured my heart~ Iwona was born in Poland, but now resides in the US. She paints in all mediums, and her work is outstanding.

Be sure to check out these artists works by clicking on their name below

LEE PIERCE

KAREN ANNE BRADY

IWONA JANKOWSKI

Hope your week is going grand~

Inspired by a song...

2011-07-17T14:09:00.001-07:00

This week's DPW challenge was to let a song or music inspire your painting.


Title: Beauty from Pain ACEO 2.5 x 3.5 inches Media: Watercolor Sold

I've been working on cactus blossoms, and today I decided to let the music dictate the outcome of my work. Pandora radio was set to inspirational music by Christian artists, and one that came to mind and the title I gave to this piece was "Beauty from Pain" by Superchick.

Be sure to see some of the other art over at the DPW challenge~

Thanks for dropping by - have a great week!

Moving Forward~

2011-07-10T16:17:00.004-07:00

Cactus Blossom Study #2
SOLD

This past week I got my cast off my hand, and I feel like a new woman! What freedom~ I am amazed at how quickly my hand is now responding and becoming stronger with each day. I have been working on more cactus blossoms in mini size ACEO - This is the second in this study. The first is shown in the eBay listing featured above this post. I have two more blocked out to complete this study.

Now I'm moving forward and getting ready to head back to work after 6 weeks off - back to the grind;-)

Thanks for dropping in - Have a great week!

but it's a dry heat~

2011-06-30T17:02:00.006-07:00

OK, this is the time of year us Arizonians just draw the shades, and recluse to our dark dens to stay out of the heat. Today it is 106, but climbing to 118 by the weekend;-(


Prickly Pear 5 x 7 inches Watercolor SOLD~

Painting cactus from indoors works for me. This is a Prickly Pear blossom painted on Hot press watercolor paper. This paper is a bit tricky, but I love the way the paint flows on the surface allowing me to manipulate it. I think I will give this a go on some cold pressed and see how that turns out~

Thanks for dropping by, and stay cool!

Tulips~

2011-06-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have been working on the June challenge from Wet Canvas colored pencil forum.

The image was titles "Pinkful Peace" by frazzlet in the forums art library. My primary goal with this piece was to get the color values down.

I converted the original picture to black and white in order to see the values more clear.

Now here is mine converted to black and white

The hardest part in this was getting the darkest value, but I think I accomplished it OK~

Have a great week!

Colored Pencils Revisited

2011-06-16T16:41:00.001-07:00

In Flight ACEO
Sold

Today I revisited my colored pencils. It has been a very long time since I have worked with them. I had listened to a Webinar discussion on that medium, and thought I would play around a bit.

This beautiful butterfly was lingering around my garden one morning while I was out taking some pictures - I was able to capture several shots of it. I would like to do this now in watercolor - my all time favorite medium;-)

Hope you are having a great week so far! Thanks for stopping by~

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-06-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to step back and LOL!

When I came into my craft room to do a little work, I found my crazy cat Gobber curled up in my photo cube just chill'n. I was able to get a couple of shots before he decided I had interrupted his solitude~

Have a happy Monday~

Vintage~

2011-06-12T06:00:00.029-07:00

This painting was inspired by a darling window display from Designs on You located on Main St. in old town Jerome Az. This shop is located in the four-story historic Sullivan Apartments built back in 1917.

SOLD

This is the first painting I've done working with Hot press watercolor paper. I think I've found a new favorite. The surface is very smooth, allowing the paint to float on the surface. I love how the colors mixed and mingled, but most of all the vibrancy of the color stays on the surface - not absorbing into the paper.

Today I will be off to a watercolor demo in Tempe for a study on painting cactus with Valerie Toliver -

Have a great Sunday~

Passage Through Jerome

2011-06-11T07:30:00.003-07:00

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While exploring Jerome Az. I wandered up this pathway that connected the upper level of the city, and the old main town area. I took quite a few pictures just on my climb up.

When I came back home and was zooming in on one of the pictures I discovered something that at first kind of freaked me out. There was an image in the picture that seemed way out of order.

Now I know Jerome and Sedona are known to be the center of new age and spiritual transformation - SO, Im' think'n...maybe there's something to this - and there was a little spirit girl hoovering in the tree watching over her garden.... NO... I'm not really into that....

OK - so I zoomed back out and studied this further - I discovered some other little trinkets hanging around in the tree. I was probably more concerned about not falling down the stairs holding my camera and with a gimpy hand that I completely missed these little surprises.

mouse over to magnify

Go figure - Only in Jerome - that little artsy district:D

Have a great weekend!

Quietly Painting~

2011-06-10T06:22:00.005-07:00

This is an image I captured (with permission) at the Pura Vida Gallery in Jerome AZ. We had a beautiful day wandering and enjoying the character this old town offers.

I now just need to paint.

Have a blessed day~

PURPLE PLEASE...

2011-06-09T06:07:00.001-07:00

Why is it that I always gravitate to the color purple? This is something I have heard is common of a lot of artists. I did a Google search on the Color Purple, and was enlightened.

It is said that purple is the color of good judgment~ OK I like that.

It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment~ I never can get too much of that!

Thursday's color is Purple~ Well, today is Thursday~

SCROLL DOWN>>>

KEEP GOING>>>>

ALMOST THERE>>>

Did you know if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind?

Since this will be my attire for the next four weeks, I thought PURPLE would be the best color for me:D

I'M LUV'N IT!

Thank you Sherry Key from EBSQ for including me in this beautiful treasury~ Which by the way is my other favorite, and goes so well with PURPLE;-)

Copper Treasures By EBSQ Artists' by sherrykey

Copper jewelry, paints, and treasures created by EBSQ artists at ETSY

mad hatter fashion ... jewelstreet $28.00	Tribal Amethyst Nec... BeadedHeron1 $95.00	Zebra Tigers Eye Pe... MandarinMoon $40.00	Handmade Journal Ru... ElisCooke $33.00
Necklace Altered Vi... ViragoCreation... $35.00	Arch 101 Original A... intotheblystic $75.00	SALE - FREE SHIPPIN... danamarieart $33.75	Scrabble Tile Penda... nannysroom $5.99
Jade Copper Bracele... BeadedHeron1 $65.00	Zombie Land ACEO Po... MandarinMoon $30.00	SALE - Original Dan... danamarieart $33.75	magnolia copper stu... jewelstreet $18.00
Vintage Jewelry Mos... laurawinzeler $140.00	Handmade Journal Tu... ElisCooke $33.00	Lunar IV Original A... intotheblystic $60.00	Altered Copper Pend... ViragoCreation... $8.75

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Nibby

2011-06-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

Nibbler SOLD

My pet goat Nibby was posing for me while I sketched him from my studio window. This goat has it made - no worries, as he knows his owners are big softies, we even pull the weeds and hand feed them to him and his sister Tinkerbell - I think there is something wrong with this picture - don't you;-)

Think I'll throw this one up on eBay later~

Serene~

2011-06-07T09:59:00.004-07:00

My latest painting "Serene" was inspired by some of my mother's gourd art.

Sold

I incorporated some new-to-me techniques allowing me to create a lot of texture and interest on this miniature ACEO. This piece is available in my Etsy Store

Speaking of Etsy, I was featured in an a gorgeous Etsy Treasury curated by Amanda Makepeace.
See if you can you find my art?

'Window to my Soul?' by naturescharms

gallantandjone... $215.00	fricdementol $40.00	ParadiseHillDe... $23.00	theblackbirdsi... $35.00
nannysroom $35.00	IleanaHunter $9.99	missemilygene $10.00	jewelstreet $18.00
rachelrolseth $25.00	TeoStudio $	dashbyart $100.00	thewheatfield $15.00
GCorless $15.00	GeraldineTouco... $25.00	CreativeElemen... $20.00	ClassicObsessi... $18.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

ACEO ARTISTS!

THE ACEO CHALLENGE BLOG

I will be giving away a one of my wearable art necklaces to the winning entry for June. Be sure to check out the aceo challenge blog for all the details - and good luck!

Thanks for dropping by - have a happy Tuesday~

stepping away~

2011-06-05T07:49:00.005-07:00

This cute little kitty has become my new obsession, and I find myself completely losing track of time as I try to sketch this image.

mouse over to enlarge

I started a four-part workshop on sketching with Melody Smith this weekend, and I think I'm really in for some good practice. You can never get enough practice in this area. This kitten was my choice of two pictures to work from. I'm thinking... I should have picked the parrot~ Creating the fur could take up the REST OF MY LIFE!

Next week we get to draw some still life objects, so until then I'll continue to create fur on this cat ;-)

Have a relaxing Sunday - and thanks for dropping by~

hoover over me~

2011-06-03T09:29:00.004-07:00

I am having some fun in blogger cleaning up and giving my blog some new features. Today I added a great feature that allows you to move your cursor around the picture to get a nice close up and to see details of the work.

mouse over to magnify

Another little project I have accomplished is to move my photo stage to a more accessible location in my office.

I can now sit and sketch from where my drawing area is located - Yea! One more thing to make creating a bit easier~

One of my future projects I would like to attempt is to do a painting of these wonderful pieces my mother created from gourds. She does amazing creations, and although I have the pleasure of looking at these pieces everyday - I think they would make a great subject for a still life.

To see more of Betty Powers' gourds click >here<

That's it for today, hope you have a fabulous weekend, and thanks for stopping by~

one week down~

2011-06-02T20:50:00.007-07:00

mouse over to magnify

It's been exactly a week since my surgery, and I must say I MISS MY HAND! For now I am doing a lot of thinking about where my next project will come from. I do have some ideas - so we'll see what develops. I have signed up for some sketching classes for the next four weekends through June which is perfect for my situation right now - quietly working on evaluating shapes and perspective. This will be a good time to plan out my next projects.

My blogging buddy Etha sent me an inspiring picture of the view she will be looking at from her new house that is under construction in Colorado - I am so jealous! My rendering above was sketched using pen and watercolor pencils for my next journal entry.

Today I listened to a wonderful feature on Artists Helping Artists blog talk radio where the feature was "Blogging Tips" This got me inspired to do some house cleaning on my own site. I hope you like the new face lift.

Thanks for stopping by today!

from my Lazy Boy

2011-05-29T11:47:00.002-07:00

This week I am recovering from a hand surgery, and boy is it hard to stay down;-( The pain killers keep me from moving around, as I end up falling asleep.

In between naps, my eyes wander to the view from my Lazy Boy. The San Tan mountains are just to the south, and when I look out my window I get a lovely view.

What I can do while I am recovering is to study and read the art forums. Wet Canvas has a world of helps and tutorials. I studied painting skies with Ona Kingdon in one of her previous threads.

Using pen by dotting in swirls gives some movement to this windy sky.

After spending the day on Saturday sketching and practicing skies, I jumped over to the DPW challenge for this week, and I think it was specifically designed for me. The challenge was to look from inside and paint what you see from your window. - HOW FUNNY IS THAT! Seriously, I had already started this challenge and didn't even know it;-) Now I had to give my sketch a try in a painting. I'm not exactly crazy about my work, but considering working with one hand, and all the trouble that it took to get to this point, I'd say not too bad~

I have six weeks of improvising with one hand, thank goodness my left hand is the one under the cast~

Thanks for stopping by - have a great week!

It's all in the Value~

2011-05-22T19:14:00.010-07:00

This week's challenge from DPW is a Value study. We were to paint ALL the values you see - just arrange it so you have a dominant amount of one value range using (lights, mids or darks), a secondary amount of another, and a smidge of another all in one pigment - Burnt Umber.


mouse over to magnify To Purchase click >here<

I had just picked the first two tomatoes of this season from my greenhouse this week, and put them on the kitchen window sill to fully ripen.

I took a couple of pictures for reference and they have now become my subject for this challenge. In Photoshop, I converted the picture to black and white, as that is the best way to see only the values in a picture. Photoshop also allowed me to insert the grid view over my picture, then I sketched my drawing directly onto my watercolor paper. Keeping the image in front of me I began my value study.

This challenge really stretched me to work on first sketching directly onto the watercolor paper, then the practice of visually determining the right amount of shading to bring out the form of my subject.

Thank you for joining me, and be sure to check out the other talented artists in this challenge.

Look'n for a title;-)

2011-05-19T06:00:00.005-07:00

Among the menagerie of critters on our little farm, we have 13 hens and 1 lucky rooster! Last week I went out and captured some pictures of these funny little creatures.

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The sun was starting to set and the lighting gave to some nice shadows and interest. I must say, chickens are about the dumbest animals on the face of this earth; however, they do give us an abundance of fresh eggs every day, so guess I'll let them stay~

I'm still thinking on a title for this one, so any suggestions would be great!

Thanks for stopping by~