Last years Weekly Art Challenge, a look at painting geese!

"You Lookin' at Me" 9x12" Pastel Painting

Seems I'm always 10 inspirations behind.... I had the photo of this weekly art challenge sitting by my easel since October. The afternoon painting the geese though, was spontaneous!  Painting the geese was a freeing experience much like slapping paint on a canvas in a  carefree abandon.... my way of starting the new year with a fresh look at the world.  

I will share with you...I did spend some time, laughing as I looked at these geese and thinking about them staring at one another challenging "You lookin' at me"!   

Gesture Drawings Inspired by Music

For my husband's birthday last year I bought season tickets to the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra.  I didn't imagine the inspiration that I would gain as an artist!  During the first symphony we attended I began thinking about how live musical performances have inspired other artists in the past.  Being an impressionist my first thought was Degas and his wonderful pastel paintings of dancers.  As I sat there I  regretted not brings any materials to do a few drawings.  The second concert I stuck in my purse,  a 3x4 sketch book and a pencil.  Unfortunately, I didn't bring enough pencils and the one I brought soon needed sharpening. This past weekend I came  prepared, bringing a 7x8 inch sketchbook and 4 fine point markers!   I was finally able to experience the excitement of creating quick gesture drawings in the tradition of many other artists before me!  After the event, inspired by capturing the moment through quick gesture drawings, I wanted to see what other artists had done.  One of the drawings I found was by John Singer Sargent, shown above.  As I look at his drawing, I can imagine the applause of the crowd and thrill of the moment! I hope the  3 drawings below that I did during the symphony on January 28th inspire you the with excitement of the evening!  We artists need to not forget to be open to new possibilities and ways to "capture the moment"! 

What is it and WHY?

"Full Metal Jacket" Mixed Media 18x24"

It's been a very long time since I have worked in mixed media, but something kept pulling at me... to paint like this again (taking a break from pastels).  I was thrilled that my first attempt, in all these years, won a 2nd place award in Mixed Media at the RSVP show in Cheyenne.  You may wonder why I am just now posting after the show is over?  I must admit I was actually putting the finishing touches on the painting the day before it was due and forgot about taking a photo, so here it is! As I worked in this abstract mixed media, I kept asking what do I see, and what is the story I am telling and the big question WHY?  My answers may not be yours and that is OK the exciting thing about abstract is the journey in finding your story in the painting....and the wondering WHY?  I would love to hear about where the painting takes you!

Art Partnering with MER Tax Accounting and Consulting

"Pond at Dubois" Pastel Painting can be viewed at MER Accounting

A few months ago I became part of an exciting new organization in Cheyenne, Art Partners.  The Arts Alliance of Cheyenne initially began the project by assisting and bringing together local artists with businesses which belong to the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.  The idea of the project is to promote the growth of the arts in Cheyenne, beautify chamber businesses and provide a gallery option for local artists.

My first Chamber event was to attend the Business Expo held earlier in November.  Having never been to a chamber function I found Little America to be contagious with enthusiasm.  I made a connection with Mary Richey, local business owner of MER Tax Accounting and Consulting and I now have 6 of my paintings in her business located at 4104 Laramie Drive here in Cheyenne!  If you are looking for an accounting service check out MER and while there take a peek at some of my work hanging on her walls.  All this December I am offering 20% OFF my paintings exhibited at the local businesses, MER Accounting and Sedona Fitness for Women.

2011 RSVP SHOW IN CHEYENNE

"Reflections on the Lake"

Pastel Painting

"Plein Air Painting at
Shellback Ranch"  Oil Painting

This past weekend was was the reception for the RSVP Show at the library here in Cheyenne.  I was excited to receive awards in two categories.  I won 3rd place for my impressionist painting "Reflections on the Lake" and 2nd place in mixed media for my abstract painting, "Full Metal Jacket".  Completing my  mixed media piece was down to the wire, putting in the finishing details up to the evening before.  I was running so late, I  forgot to take a photo, so I will have to show you it at a later!  If you are at the library you can check out the show which will hang until December 19th.  My 3 paintings can be found in the display windows in the first floor hall.  Don't forget to check out all 3 floors for all the art!  

Also there will be a special  Christmas Parade Arts and Crafts Show in the Cottonwood Room  at the library on Friday and Saturday,  November 25-26 featuring different works of art by the artists participating in the RSVP show.  I will be showing 3 more paintings with note cards and notebooks.

LARAMIE COUNTY LIBRARY IN CHEYENNE

2200  Pioneer Avenue

Cheyenne, Wy 82001

307-634-3561

Hours:

Monday-Thursday  10am - 9pm

Friday and Saturday  10am - 6pm

Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Storm Warning

Pastel painting "Storm Warning"

Recently I finished this painting studying the Wyoming skies.  I treasure our sunsets here in Wyoming, they are a beauty to behold!  In this painting I was interested in showing a sunset with a treat of a storm building.  Most every color can be found in our skies and clouds.  Next time your outside look carefully and you will see colors from vivid orange reds to pale yellows and greens, as well as typical blues.  

Art Design and Dine at I.Qlinary

The Grocery List at I.Qlinary

Paintings of fruit, vegetables and other edibles by 
Gail Watford and Vanda Edington

November 10th from 5-8 PM,  Art Design and Dine is serving up pastels good enough to eat at Cheyenne's newest venue, I.Qlinary.  The pastel duo of Vanda Edington  and Gail Watford will be showing their "Grocery List"  of some of their favorite foods painted to celebrate the opening of this innovative new business located at 1900 Thomes Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001.  For more information about  what's cooking at IQ  you can call Pam or Katie at 307-514-0416.  Check out their website at www.iqlinary.com.

Food for the I.Q?

"Sweet and Sour" 9x12 Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

I just finished another painting for the upcoming show at I.Qlinary during Art Design and Dine on November 10th.  Come out from 5-8 pm  and see Vanda Edington's and my food paintings celebrating the opening of I.Q.

Figure Drawing at the Hynds Building with Art Design and Dine!

Art Design and Dine in Cheyenne has quickly becoming an exciting art happening the second Thursday of each month during most of the year!  Last month Vanda Edington and I hosted our show of pastel paintings at Nagel Warren Mansion during Art Design and Dine.  This month I was off for my first trip to see the Hynds Building in action and take part in the weekly figure drawing session available to the community.  All I can say is...what a fun evening!  We set up and began drawing at 5 pm.  Soon the building was filled with art, a jazz band in the front room and theater vignettes in the back room, and those of us  doing figure drawing was located in the middle room.  The energy from the interaction of people coming in to check out art at the Hynds was contagious!   If you haven't come out to the Art Design and Dine gallery tour I would recommend putting it on your calendar!  November 10th  is sure to be another wonderful evening!

To give you a taste of what I did last night, I am posting a  couple of pages from my sketch book.  These are just quick unfinished sketches done in some of our  10 or 15 minutes poses. The study drawings began with gestural drawing of 2 minutes each, working our way to the last  25 minute drawing ending at 8 pm. All my drawings were done in pencil and charcoal.  

Hopefully, I have spurred your interest to get out and see what's going on with the art community! To find out more about Art Design and Dine, check out there web site http://www.artdesigndine.com/ .  Arts Alliance, also has a wonderful web site, giving you all the information about the arts community in Cheyenne. There web site is   http://artsalliancecheyenne.com/

"The Grocery List" at I.Qlinary

"Uneven Table with Apple, Pear and Orange"  9x12 Pastel Painting

When working on shows I have found you have to move quickly from one theme to another.  Last week was Halloween for me!   I had a great time studying the supernatural and doing

the painting Sabrina's Sorrow.  This week, I am working on an new upcoming show "The Grocery List" at I.Qlinary.  This show will be a food themed show held at one of Cheyenne's newest businesses.   At I.Qlinary, a new food preparation idea, you order ahead the meals 

you like.  At your appointment you prepare your meals from spices, prechopped vegetables and ready to go meats moving from station to station.  All you have to do is measure and place in a zip lock bag.  Plus, one of the best things is there is no kitchen to  clean.   When I tried it I was in and out of IQ in about an hour with 6 meals ready to cook or go in the freezer!  If only painting could go so fast!!!  But so much for cooking ...an idea for a painting of a pie is calling so I must get back to to the studio.  I will have more news about this show later.  

A Halloween show at the Cheyenne Artist Guild

"Sabrina's Sorrow" 11x14 inch Pastel Painting by Gail Watford

October is upon us.  Leaves starting to turn, cool crisp evenings... soon the fireplace will warm us with its glow.  With my thoughts turning to fall,  I was reminded of the upcoming autumn shows.  The first at the  Cheyenne Artist Guild, is a themed show "Ghosts, Goblins and things that go bump in the night".  While working on other projects my thoughts for the ghost and goblins show kept returning to a photo of Sabrina, a friend of mine from Arkansas/Oklahoma area.  She inspired this painting with a beautiful haunted look in a photo she posted on Facebook, by the way in the photo, she was not dressed up as a ghost!  I just used my artist license to make her one!    Hope you enjoy my ghostly interpretation of Sabrina! If you are in Cheyenne, the show will be up all the month of October with a Halloween party and reception during the monthly meeting on October 3rd at 7 pm. 

"Pastel Visions" at Nagel Warren Mansion in September

The days are becoming shorter so we know the last days of summer are upon us as well as the last chance to catch the summer exhibits of my paintings and those of my pastel painting buddy, Vanda Edington.  If you are in Cheyenne on September 8Th from 5-8pm drop by for  the opening of  our exhibit "Pastel Visions" during September Art Design and Dine . Relax and enjoy the hospitality of Nagel Warren Mansion Bed and Breakfast as you view our art in a setting that takes you back to years gone by.  

Nagel Warren Mansion

222 East 17Th 

Cheyenne, WY 82001

Pastel Society of Colorado-- Signature Status Achieved!

Entering into juried shows can be a humbling experience, wondering why certain paintings don't make it into a show and the joy felt when others are accepted by the judges in the next show.  I have only participated in entering these juried shows for the last few years and have a long way to go to truly understanding the whole process.  But I must say.... it is so exciting to get that letter that says your painting is in!  With the acceptance of my pastel painting "Apple, Crackers and Cheese" into the Arkansas Pastel Society show I was thrilled  to find out that  I had  also completed the points needed to earn Signature Status in the Pastel Society of Colorado!  I am truly honored to be added to the list of artists that have already achieved this honor.  It is going to be exciting to be able to sign my next paintings with the letters PSC!  

Juried into the Arkansas Pastel Society Show

"Apples, Crackers and Cheese" 5x7 Pastel Painting

I'm excited I just got word that my painting "Apple, Crackers and Cheese" has been juried into the Arkansas Pastel Society National Exhibition showing in Little Rock, AR this October -January!  I haven't shipped art with glass before, hope I do it right!!!  

2 Receptions this Weekend

"Morning Light"  11x14 Pastel Painting done for Plein Air Event

It hard to believe so much can be packed into one short summer! At least for me it has definitely been a whirlwind summer! I wanted to let you know Vanda Edington and I will be having our 2nd reception at the Y, if you were unable to make it to the first. For those of you that came out last month we have new pieces for the month of August! The reception for "Art on the Walls at the Y" will be this Friday at 5 to 6 PM at the YMCA. 

Vanda and I, are both involved in the "Prairies to Peaks Plein Air Event" at Deselms Fine Art. You can check out our works as well as the work of 49 other artists from around the country this Saturday from 4-8 pm at Deselms Fine Art gallery for the opening of Prairies to Peaks. The exhibit will be up till the end of September.  

Art on the Walls at the Y

Summer Memories by Gail Watford

Gail Watford and Vanda Edington

would like to invite you to

ART ON THE WALLS AT THE Y

Open daily all July and August at the

YMCA

1426 East Lincolnway

Cheyenne, WY

Reception: Friday, July 15 from 5 TO 6 PM

Reception: Friday, August 12 from 5 to 6 PM

We will be showing some of our latest art work

and look forward to seeing you there!

For more information and

a map to the YMCA see the write-up by the Cheyenne Artist Alliance at:

http://artsalliancecheyenne.com/events/art-on-the-walls-reception-at-the-ymca-2/  

Gailwatford.com  

  

  Vandaedington.blogspot.com

   

Painting in the Tetons at the Jim Wilcox Workshop

A nice lady passing by the trail had me to do an artist pose in front of my painting.

I just got back from a Jim Wilcox plein air workshop in Jackson WY.  It was a wonderful experience painting in the Tetons with Jim as an instructor.  My work for the last few years has been primarily in pastels but during this workshop I tried to paint the mountains in oils.  What a challenge!  And much too much to absorb to get even one painting finished!

Karen Bright, Jim Wilcox giving a daily demo and Wendy Wang.

My new friend, Lura Joseph and I rode together everyday to our designated
 painting spot.  This is Lura hard at work and my unfinished painting on the last day of the workshop.

Spring Chickens

I finished these two 5x7 colorful chickens a few weeks ago, I just haven't had time to post any work. Summer is finally here and I thought there is no time like now.  My goal in doing these paintings was to play around and do something whimsical that is purely fun!  I even used iridescent pastels in areas of the paintings though, I doubt you    can tell when viewing online!!!

"Yellow Spring Chicken" 5x7 Pastel Painting

"Orange Spring Chicken" 5x7 Pastel Paintings

Catching up as usual!

For me a non-stop weekend  usually means  half  of the next  week catching up!  Last Friday night I attended the  opening of a show at the CoCoa Gallery in Fort Collins where one of my paintings is now hanging.  With no time to linger in Fort Collins, I had to get home early, finish packing my supplies and be ready bright and early for a Plein Air workshop with Jeanne Mackenzie.  I haven't had to opportunity to do very much Plein Air painting so I was excited to try something new!   We spent Saturday afternoon painting at Holliday park in Cheyenne and all day Sunday at the historic Shellback Ranch west of Cheyenne.    The workshop was primarily an oils workshop, but  those that wanted could use other media.  Bringing both oils and pastels, I decided to focus on working in oils.  I haven't painted with oils for many years since I lived in Arkansas which  is the opposite of the dry high plains climate of Cheyenne.  It was  a little unnerving to jump in the water so to speak and not have a clue what was going to happen, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying  the weekend  working  in oils. Though, I was shocked by how fast the paint dried compared to Arkansas and learned my lesson a couple of days later, as I was scrubbing dried paint off my pallet!  That won't happen again!!!

This is one of the paintings I did over the weekend,  there are probably other things that could be done to improve and finish the painting but right now I am pleased to leave it alone-- not taking a chance of losing the Plein Air feel.  What do you think, should I experiment more with oils?

"Asters and Ivy" juried into the CoCOA Regional Show

This painting is off of Fort Collins, Co for the month of June!  I am pleased to be one of those juried into the CoCOA Regional Show.  The opening will be this Friday during the monthly art walk in Fort Collins from 6 -9 pm.  You can check out CoCOA's website to see whats going on at their gallery and come by for a visit in the month of June.


Colorado Coalition of Artists

148 West Oak Street, Suite C

Fort Collins, CO 80524

"ASTERS AND IVY" 

This 8x10 pastel painting can be viewed from

June 3-27, 2011 at the CoCOA gallery 

Morning Swim

MORNING SWIM
9x12 Pastel Painting

This past  April,  I went back to my hometown in Arkansas to visit with my family, spring was in full bloom and young wildlife  abound.  Among  the wildlife were some families of wild geese  that have made residence at  two of my parents ponds.  Because the geese come back every year to have their families, what started as two adults have now grown to a sizeable group.  It's a joy to see the mothers taking care of the young and  amazing to watch the care she gives  them!  The two ponds the geese call home  are  separated by a two-lane highway.   Many times, my Mom and I have watched from my parents windows as the adult geese make sure the babies are safe while swimming in the pond or as they carefully guard the traffic leading the babies across the busy highway to safety from one pond to another.  

Back at my home in Cheyenne, I was missing the time with my mother, as we watched  the view of the ponds,  the geese and  their young.   This painting captures memories of watching a mother goose as she took her babies for their early morning swim!  

Accepted into Juried Show!

I am excited!!!  I got my notification I have been accepted into Sagebrush Art Center Juried Show in Sheridan WY, June 1-30th.  The accepted pieces are two you have seen before in my blog "Apple, Crackers and Cheese" and "Wind River Reflections". So if you're vacationing and happen to be in Sheridan in June you will have to check out the show!



APPLE, CRACKERS AND CHEESE
5X7 Pastel Painting



WINDRIVER REFLECTIONS
9x12  Pastel Painting



Wyoming Art for the Cure

PICNIC AT HAYDEN VALLEY my donation to Art for the Cure 9x12 pastel painting done in the summer of 2010 at Yellowstone Park Wyoming Art for the Cure, a live and silent art auction of art work by regional artists  will be held on April 29, 2011 from 6-9pm at Little America Hotel! The event is open to the community, and all monies raised at the Wyoming Art for the Cure event are donated directly to the Wyoming Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Find out about how to purchase tickets at their website http://www.artforthecure.org/home/.

Another one finished ...this time the Wilderness Art Challenge

Buffalo Sunrise 
11x14 Watercolor and Pastel Painting

In March I started this painting as part of Gary Keimig's Wilderness Art Challenge.  I began the painting as a watercolor but wanted to make it more atmospheric so I used my pastels to create a light misty effect.  I used the challenge photograph for the initial painting, but I was strongly influenced by my memory of a wonderful vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Up early one morning my husband and I encountered a group of buffalo grazing in an early morning fog.  That morning gathering was mystical and would never be forgotten!

Finished the Painting! Turquoise Pot with Vegetables....



"Turquoise Pot with Vegetables"



I just finished the large 12 by 16 inch version of my pastel painting "Turquoise Pot with Vegetables". The two little studies, one of which I showed you last week,  went quick but I kept fussing with the large one for all of the past week.  If you read my blog you know I have been working toward using more vivid colors.  Now that I am getting more comfortable, I really am having fun working in the color red! Growing up as a redhead, I never wore any red clothing so subconsciously I think I ignored it in my art.  To get to the point, it has only been maybe the last 6 months that I have ventured in the world of  red.  So stand by, and we will see where the road leads!

Easter Show at the Cheyenne Artist Guild



The Turquoise Pot

I am in the process of completing a 12 x 16 inch still life of a potted plant with veggies.  While working on the large piece, I did two small studies in pastel of the pot with a small portion of the plant visible.  This  5x8 inch study can be seen at the Cheyenne Artist Guild's Easter Show through the month of April. 

New Adventures

Yesterday, for the first time in my life I was interviewed on television!  Andrea Presse from the Wyoming Women's Business Center asked me to join her in an interview by representing my art business on a  segment on our local Channel 5 television station. Andrea and I have become friends over the past year, after I  attended some of her workshops that were geared to help women plan as well as start up a small business.  Because she also has an art background, she has been instrumental  in helping me  figure out what would be needed to get my business going as well as supporting me in learning about all the paperwork that needs to be filed.  As an artist, the tendency is to stay isolated, working  in the studio but Andrea encouraged me to venture outside and explore new possibilities in the world of art.  During the television segment, I was surprised to learn  that Wyoming is at the top of the nation for businesses owned by women.  In my opinion, the numbers have partially  been reached through encouragement and the programs available at the Wyoming Women's Business Center.  It is exciting to be part of the group of women in Wyoming that are taking the initiative to reach for their dreams.    Thanks, Andrea for your support!

Wyoming Women's Business Center
http://www.wyomingwomen.org

Back to an impression of the landscape



"The Day before Spring"  5x7 Pastel Painting



My first love in paintings has always been Impressionism.  This past week was my turn to submit a photo for the Weekly Art Challenge.  I took the opportunity to go back to my favorite style with a photo of Curt Goudy Park showing the lake frozen in early spring.  When taking the photo I was impressed by the sparking colors of the snow and ice  helping me to visualize a soft atmospheric painting with just a hint of the impression of  reflections of a winter wonderland.  The photo could not capture the true beauty of the day or the way the light would show through the haze  letting me know spring would  soon be here and that the pristine winter landscape would soon be full of the warm glow of life's new season.  Fortunately, the photo was enough to jog my memory of the beauty of Curt Goudy Park that early spring day,  renewing my enthusiasm to paint the scene.  I hope my painting can jog your memory of such a time and place.

An Exercise in Color

THE RED PEPPER

You may think I have gone totally crazy with my colors this week,  but there is a reason for the madness as they say.....  I didn't go into this painting expecting the brightness but kept thinking about a group of artists that came after the Impressionists, they painted with wild abandon  and vivid colors. They were called the Fauves or "wild beasts".  In this painting I wanted  to get away from tightness in style, color and work toward a using just a few strokes to get across the idea.  My painting is done on 9 x12" Wallis paper, using primarily Nu Pastels and a few Rembrandts.  So till next week... I'm turning it in and letting the results of the experience gel on my shelf for a while, calling it quits from this "beastly" painting!

Wow, what an exciting weekend at the Western Spirit Art Show!

Yes, I had a exciting weekend! Friday evening, we artists and the sponsors met at the Holiday Inn to  visit with  friends old and new.  While we were visiting slides of our art were projected on a big screen, making an exciting 1st glimpse of Saturdays unveiling!  The next day during the artist's seminar we  were glued to our seats absorbing invaluable knowledge relayed to us by various speakers among which were the judges, Jerry Palen, Matt Flint and Sarah Woods.  Also speaking was Cheyenne's own Mike Beeman, discussing the importance of simplifying subject matter.  After an information packed day  and a couple of hours of rest, we met that evening for the opening of the 2011 exhibit.  The Old Fort Museum was jam packed with wonderful art, a huge crowd, and plenty of food, drink and music.  A fantastic party was had by all that attended.  So if you didn't make it out Saturday evening, drop by the museum sometime before April 17th and check out the great art from around the country!




Reflections on the Lake, one of my pastel paintings jured into this show.

 

Western Spirit Art Show

It's almost time for the Old West Museum to present the annual  Western Spirit Art Show and Sale with all its  informative fun festivities and also showcasing the works of over 130 artists!  I am excited and proud to be one of the artist which had been juried into this premier exhibit! You can come out and see my 6 pastel  pieces of art on display from March 5- April 17, 2011. The exhibit kicks off On March 5th at 8 am with an artist seminar on Saturday.  In the evening the opening night reception, will be an exciting Cheyenne event with food, music and at 7:30 a quick draw by some of the participating artists! Their work will  then be auctioned.  For more information on attending this Cheyenne event check out the link at the Old West Museum.

Here are two of my pastel paintings that will  be shown  during this  exhibit. 




Cheyenne Iris

 


Trout Pond

 

Chickadee in the Snow

I just finished this 5x7 pastel painting inspired by the Wilderness Art Challenge Blog with photos posted by artist, Gary Keimig.  Once a month he posts a photo and artists from far and near post their version of his challenge!  It's allways fun and thought provoking to see so many different versions of one photograph. While painting my chicadee, I was thinking about  the snow  we have here in this part of the world and I had to make my little change to the subject matter to express my love of our Wyoming winter!

If you want to see more Chicadees check out Gary's blog for the rest of the month at http://wildernessartchallenge.blogspot.com/