Unexpected Kindness

I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of kindness in response to my family's heart rending news. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to us. Sincerely, Leona Fry

Go To Sea Young Man 7"x5" #7

Yesterday was one of those days when I was filled with doubt about what I am doing and asking myself, am I insane for trying to make art my life? Some days it does seem like it would be easier to go back to being an insurance agent even if I did hate almost every minute of the last seven years being one. Everyone needs insurance but no one likes the fact they have to have it. Anyway, I solved my dilemma by hiding under a blanket on the couch, eating mini Reese's cups, and watching cartoons with the cats. Plus it was cold here in Texas and the laundry room/studio is not plugged into the central heating yet.

So, I had my day and today came back into the 50 degree studio with new resolve and number 7 is the result. I enjoyed letting some of the black gesso undercoat bleed through. It was fun to experiment with brush strokes as well. So what it comes down to, painting in a 50 degree studio is a lot more fun that sitting in a dull grey cubicle with people yelling at me. Problem solved.

Me!! Catch the mouse in your studio?!! You must be joking!!!

Darby NOT catching the mouse that is freaking me out in my studio. Yes, I know I'm much bigger than it but it's a MOUSE.

Early Morning Wader 7"x9" #6

I'm having a great deal of fun experimenting with color right now. I will have to look up what kind of bird this is in my coastal bird guide. I enjoyed watching him fish for his breakfast.

Three For Wading 7"x9" #5

 

Well, the eyes cleared up and the birds came to wade. You know I always find something wrong with my paintings. I can't help it. But this one, I just plain like. It was so much fun. I thought I'd try water for a change and it was interesting. I especially enjoyed the muddy marsh water where the birds are wading. So presenting #5 and to my great relief, I am on track again! I apologize for the quality of the picture. It didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. I'm still learning with my new camera.

Empty Beach 5"x7" #4

Imagine you've just been to the eye doctor for your annual checkup. Imagine that he dilates your eyes and for the next 6 hours or so everything becomes a little surreal. Like holding a paint brush and wondering is it actually touching the canvas yet? Surreal. But, imagine, more importantly, you are one painting behind in your own challenge! Where there's a will there really is a way.

Gulf Flight 7"x9" #2

So here is number 2 of my 30 day 30 paintings challenge. I wanted to try to add more color and keep the gull as loose as possible. I don't really know if it works but I guess I'll have to live with it for a while and see what I think. I am pretty happy with the sky and enjoyed trying the different colors. We learn from everything we do.

Nice Flight Charlie Chan 10"x20" #1

Yes, Mary, Charlie Chan is finally done. I talked, rather moaned, to my friend that whenever I tried to finish this gull's face, it kept turning out like the cartoon Charlie Chan. I don't know that this bird has ever investigated any mysteries with a large family in tow but, I'm sure stranger things have happened.

I have now decided to give myself a challenge. I am going to do 30 paintings in 30 days with this being the first. I am not limiting myself to any subject matter, it even might be... gulp, a still life! I have this irrational fear of painting fruit so don't be looking for that anytime soon! Maybe one day....