Artists Group: Messages by Nana64

Last week I entered a few of my paintings in a local jurored show. Didn't expect anything, but my "Morning at Grand Isle" took first in oil/acrylic. "Bryan's World" got an honorable mention. I was surprised for two reasons: My work is too representational for most judges, and there was much competition. I don't get much time to paint for the joy of it, so it was a real boost to my ego. Just thought I would share.

Do artists go away for the weekend or get so involved in their work that they don't remember to post? We certainly aren't as chatty as a lot of the groups.
What is everyone working on?
I have to paint a birthday gift right now, but will be back later to bore you with all my current projects, (way too many!) and the joys of being one's own boss. ( Do I send myself flowers on boss' day?) Also, there is no way to call in sick!
Cheers!

Well, as promised, here is what I am up to: Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce committee to put on an Animal Fair in the spring. We are going to raffle off a quilt made up of musilin squares, every other square depicting a wild animal or bird found in our county. Another artist and I are painting the animals.
Some trophy items for the Flatcoated Retriever Club and the Columbia Terrier Assn.
Almost all of the trophies for the Silky Terrier Club of America National Specialty.
( Trophy items are mostly wooden items, leash racks, picnic baskets, keepsake boxes, etc. painted with the breed of dog in keeping with the theme of the show.)
Working with the local Art Guild to put on an open studio day and outdoor festival in the late spring.
Individual orders for painted items and portraits as well as working on items to sell in our gift shop. I also care for and feed 6 horses, two dogs, and one husband.
In my spare time......uh oh, don't know what that is!

This is for the newest member, crains. I just read your profile and you sound like such a happy and bubbly person, surely all that joie de vivre is reflected in your painting! Post some things for us to see. Andrew Weyeth did most of his paintings using subject matter no farther than a few miles from home. Welcome to the group!

Hey there guys and gals! Has anyone else seen the movie, The Girl with the Pearl Earring? In one scene, Vermeer was teaching the servant girl to grind and mix his paint. I was struck by the contrast between what an artist had to go through just to obtain his materials. We are so fortunate to be able to walk into a store and choose from great quantities of the supplies we need for our art. Better yet, we can tap a few keys and the stuff is delivered to our door by Fed-X or UPS! Are we spoiled or what?

First of all, thanks John Henry for your kind remarks. I am not that private, I haven't learned how to navigate this website. I filled out a profile on the home page, is there something like that in the groups?
My painting is from a photo I snapped of my 1 1/2 year old grandson just before his dad left for a year in Afghanistan. He put his fat little foot on the desert boot and giggled! It was rather heart wrenching for my son to miss so much time in his little son's life and I gave the painting to my daughter-in-law for Mothers day that year. I am happy to report that "Daddy" returned safely, and with a Bronze Star.

I am a 64, (actually 63 years,51weeks) year old mother of two, grandmother of 3, and I am an artist. I have spent the major portion of my life painting for a living, though I at times took on some unrelated jobs to supplement the art. At last, in the past few years, my efforts have paid off. I know I will never be able to sit back and rake in tons of money, but I found a niche, and am well known in certain circles. I work in all media and have done everything from murals to minatures, but my cottage industry as a painter for dog fanciers is my main pursuit. I attend dog shows as a vendor several times a year, and spend most of the remainder painting items which are used as trophies or awards. When time allows, I do some painting for my own satisfaction and I teach classes several times a week to adults as well as summer classes for children. I am looking forward to reading your messages and possibly chatting with people who have similar interests.
Nana64