A rainy Monday here at the cottage, and I believe tomorrow will be rainy as well.
I started a little project yesterday. I’m going to do a little oil painting every other day or so. Maybe every day, who knows? They are intended to be done quickly without too much editing (though I did do a little editing later in the day.) The intention is to simply get in the habit of painting. To see what happens. I have no idea what my style is; frankly, I don’t think I have a style. I’m a beginner, and that is painfully obvious.
So yesterday, I put a few blobs of different paint colors (I think 5) inside a little tin, grabbed a couple of brushes, and sat down on the glider on the porch. I painted one of my favorite views on the porch. It’s what? Impressionistic? Childlike? I’m not sure. But I did it in less than an hour.
That sketchbook was a gift from reader Kathy. (Kathy, I didn’t prep the paper at all. I suppose I should, but it’s thick enough to take the paint.) I didn’t have the exact colors of paint I needed and because I had vowed to stick with what I had, this is what you get.
I guess you’d call it a ‘study?’ Or a Grandma Moses-type painting? Or maybe just a Claudia-painting.
Anyway, I’m okay with this one. Don LOVES it, but I am more critical. There are things I’d do differently if I had another go at it.
I’m going to take this little journey and find out who I am as a painter. Though I loved painting all the Roseville Pottery, I don’t want to do just that. We’ll see what I come up with.
I’m posting this here to hold myself accountable. You’ll see the good, the okay, and the “what was I thinking?”
I finished the first Richard Osman – The Thursday Night Murder Club – yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s so well-written and plotted. How refreshing to read a book that makes me laugh out loud! While I was reading it, I ordered the next book – The Man Who Died Twice – from the library and because it turned out my local library had it on the shelves, I got it right away. I’ve just started it.
And to prove that reading a chapter a day of an epic classic really does pay off:
Check it out! Look how much we’ve read! (I say ‘we’ because Don is reading W & P, too.) We are heading toward the finish line. Sometimes I fall behind and have to play catch-up, and sometimes, like now, I’m ahead by a chapter or two. TOLSTOY!!! A frigging brilliant writer. Stunningly brilliant.
Next year we’re doing a chapter a day of Hilary Mantel’s Cromwell Trilogy, which includes Wolf Hall, Bring Up The Bodies, and The Mirror and the Light. I’m not drawn to historical fiction and usually avoid it, but when Mantel died, I read a lot about these books and I had a glimmer of an idea that I should read them. Then, when Simon (who hosts the readalong) suggested these books for next year, I was thrilled. A message from the Universe, I think.
I have no idea what I’m going to paint today, Hopefully, I’ll find some inspiration despite the gray skies.
Okay. Remember our new schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
What a thoughtful gift from Kathy….and great first attempt by you. I agree with Don….it’s quite good.
I found my copy of The Thursday Night Murder Club….it’s next up.
Enjoy your day! ;)
Yay! I think you’re going to love it, Donnamae!
Stay safe.
I enjoyed Richard Osman’s books too. I’m reading a series by Jessica Ellicott about 2 women who are “private inquiry agents” set in England after WWI. It’s light mystery reading and I am enjoying it.
Good that you have more time to paint now that you are changing your blogging schedule. See you Wednesday, Claudia!
And more room not to HAVE to blog every day.
Thanks, Ellen.
Stay safe.
I like your little painting! And remember, if you have red, yellow, blue, white, and black—you have all of the colors you’ll ever need. So easy to mix a brush-full at a time.
Yes, good reminder! Unfortunately, I didn’t take all those colors with me yesterday!
Thanks so much, Shanna.
I think your painting quite good, especially as a first attempt. Have you ever taken any painting classes? You definitely have some artistic talent.
See you Wednesday.
Take care
Well, this isn’t a first attempt. My first stab at it after some time off, but I did all the paintings of Roseville vases, etc., a couple of years ago.
Thanks, Marilyn.
Claudia, the corner of your porch looks very inviting, and your painting looks beyond the beginner stage! I like historical fiction, often set during WW II…I do Google things from stories a lot to confirm if something or someplace was real. Enjoy your painting!
That’s a good thing to do – plus, you learn something!
Stay safe, Barrie.
Pleased you’ve resumed your painting, Claudia. It’s very evident that painting for you is very organic. I’ve enjoyed seeing all your works that you’ve posted. Will you branch into other media? How about a series about the wildlife in your area? A groundhog, a rabbit, deer, different birds posed in front of one of your flowering plants?
I’m reading the latest Barker and Llewelyn novel by Will Thomas, about two private inquiry agents in Victorian England. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to a tome like W&P!
See you Wednesday!
Not wildlife or people yet. I do not have those skills at this point.
Thanks, Wendy!
Stay safe.
Gray skies can be a great “moody” background for a painting, especially with the potential color contrasts.
Yes, I’ve done that on a few paintings.
Stay safe, Ranee!
Claudia…..love,love,love your painting style. It is bold and yet controlled. You captured the scene and it is as inviting as the photo. Charming. I would like to see some more of your drawings (pen and ink….quick sketches) Good idea…..leaving some paints and paper at the ready. I find little bits of time during the day to mess around with my watercolor s and pens. I know that if I tidy things up too much and put my stuff away…..I loose the motivation. So happy you shared.
Gave me a shot of inspiration|
So true. My tendency is to clean up, but I think you’re right. I need a little ‘messy.’
Stay safe, Maria.
I think your painting is fantastic! I couldn’t even begin to paint like you do! I guess I’ve never tried but I’m 99% certain it would not look very good! If you think you could do some things differently you should try the same scene and show us the differences. I’d love to see it!
I’m going to miss you on Tuesdays and Thursdays but glad you will be taking a break for yourself!
Thank you for your kind words, Darlene.
Stay safe!
wowee, claudia … that is another wonderful painting!!!
congratulations on your return to painting. you sure do have a gift for it!
by the way (in case i didn’t mention it before … and sorry if i didn’t … :o …), depending on what you want to do with your art, you might want to prep before painting or sketching in that book. it is not archival. not at all. i use mine only for fun (experiments usually), swatching and just because i like the color and feel of that chipboard.
anyway, please continue on your painting journey … you’re doing great!
congratulations, too, to you and don on all that reading of “war and peace”.
bone-building shot this morning (not at 100%, not close, probably never will be, but at least the number is stable and not decreasing). trying to help family members with a big plumbing problem (hate that). received a call today that the new cushion is ready so i can pick it up along with the chair tomorrow (glad about that). earl greeted me at the deck door this morning (glad he knows he’s safe with us, but i don’t want him to think he can get all his food from just us or trust everyone. i tell him that and pray for him and all creatures, the whole world). oh, life …
happy monday. stay safe.
kathy
Oh, I know it’s not archival. I’m just playing. The archival paper I use is what I used for the Roseville pottery paintings.
Can’t wait to hear how your chair and cushion looks!
Stay safe.
Love your little painting. I’m glad you’re nuturing your talent. Good job reading War and Peace. It must be heavy to hold. Hugs, Elaine
Not at all! It’s a paperback and the paper is, purposely I think, very thin and lightweight.
Stay safe, Elaine.
I like how you put yourself out there with your painting. It inspires me to be braver in my own pursuits. I hope my statements make sense.
Take Care,
Kaye
They do. Thank you, Kaye.
Stay safe!
Your painting is charming and very Claudia, the flowers just glow, it’s a very inviting view. It will be fun to see who you become as a painter. Thanks for sharing with us
Right now, I have no idea what I will or won’t become! I’ll have to choose patience and see what happens over time.
Stay safe.
Long time reader, first time commenter
Since that’s your favorite view, what if you did a monthly painting of it, documenting the seasonal changes and the subtle color shifts? Like your Roseville series.
And a question: I read your blog through Feedly, does that still counts as views for your blog revenue?
Thanks for all the enjoyable content.
No, it doesn’t count. It only counts when you visit the actual blog, like you did to make this comment. Thanks for asking, Liz.
Stay safe!
You clearly have talent. A good eye and ability to express yourself on canvas, something I sure wish I’d inherited. My dad was the artist in the family.
You are inspiring me to put War and Peace on my reading list, perhaps for deep in next winter.
Take care,
Kay
It would be perfect for winter, Kay. It’s an extraordinary story.
Stay safe.
I’m thrilled you are painting again! And if I had to choose between the pottery and this (and I’m glad I don’t have to) I love your study even more. There is a free-ness, a spontenaeity to it that is lovely, impressionistic, beautiful. (I have tried spelling spontaneity three ways. I think I got it right just now!) I love this look and hope you continue. You know you will be able to mix a zillion colors from your five, too!
I loved the Wolf Hall trilogy (my favorite, though, was the first). She was pretty remarkable and I find the history fascinating!
Oh, thank you so much, Jeanie. I was a bit negative about the end result, so your positive words really help.
Bless you!
Stay safe.