Painting " En Plein Air"

Ok... so I have been dabbling in the Arts for years. I have finally found my niche...
Painting En Plein Air... or out doors. When I was younger my mother was an avid oil painter. She took classes with a local artist named Dale Wilson. His focus was on Barns, Landscape of all kinds, mostly pastoral. My mother tended to work on subjects from photos. She painted lovely images of young Navajo girls, complete with satin skirts and every fold painted lovingly. I admired her talent and not until she was very sick did I decide to take up oil painting myself. I tried my hand at watercolor, pastel,fibers, lampwork beadmaking... and many other art forms but when I tried oil I was in love. I painted one painting before she passed away, she did not have the chance to see my work. After her death I put down the brushes and this Spring,six years later, I picked them up again. I know I touched on this in an earlier blog so I will not expound.


I have taken lessons from 2 artist this Spring. Robert Pennor, a landscape artist was the one that got me back on track. His dry sense of humor, and my classmate, made for a great experience. I was working on my landscape painting so that I might build some skills to use in my plein air class. I thought I would be at the bottom of the class with such little experience... After my landscape class I think I was prepared. I read books, made color charts, worked on my skills every chance I could get.

My first outdoor painting class was fun, my teacher, Jacquline France, a delight. Setting up outdoors was a challenge. I have an Alla Prima Pochade box. I love it. I am still looking for a tripod for it. I found one on ebay and am hoping it will arrive in time for my last class. I found the exact tripod online that my dad used to use for photography. I was unable to find his in the belongings that were left behind after his passing. We set up in Wheaton in Adams park... my first lesson was a Quick paint of sorts. I found that I was painting the entire park rather than focusing on a smaller detailed area. That was my first lesson. The next time we set up was at Seven Gables. Another park in Wheaton, IL. I found that I had an accurate depiction of my subject, several white barns, but was not using enough paint to give it a " painterly " effect.

I picked up a book " Inside & Out" By Kevin Macpherson. I found it a great study book. I was inspired by his limited palette of colors, helping to pack a light bag by reducing paint tubes. Today I tried my hand at Herrick Lake in Wheaton, a lovely placid lake and a nice color study. Every woman in my class is so talented. All have such a different approach and a different eye, but each painting a delight to see. After packing up my things I had so much paint left on my palette that I decided to paint a quick paint in my own front yard when I returned home.

I have included my painting here in my blog. I don't think it is too bad for my 10th painting in 6 years. I hope to continue to be inspired by painting outdoors. It is amazing how differently one looks at things through an artists eye. The color of clouds, water, sky, pastures... shapes, contrast, value... it has really opened up this " artists eye" I can't wait to paint again ... soon

Rock-a-bye Sweet Baby James!

The Setting: Ravinia June 6 th 2008 some 30 years later... Sun, surely sinking down and the moon slowly rising. Trees ablaze, rimmed in what seemed to be vibrant crimson flames from the brightly glowing orb. Casting long shadows on the Ravinia Lawn across the pavilion.


My sister had been given tickets to the previously sold out concert. Attending had mearly been a dream to this point. One phone call the night before and we were in. She arrived several hours in advance and I wandered in ten minutes before he took the stage. Unable to sit, like the other thousands on the lawn... as though listening to him on a "Bose" at home... I stood just outside the pavilions East side. Surrounded by many other adoring fans... I waited my turn to move closer to the front. Once there, My sister joined me and her friends Lana and her daughter Carley, who before had had several brushes with both James and Ben, arrived by my side. We listened and danced in a pack of women and men who were there to enjoy every moment of his performance... unlike the " blue" faces in the pavilion staring as though watching a television screen and with as much life... It was our moment.

I had whispered to my gals ( the four of us) that at the opportune time, we would plan to holler... " we love you James"! It was the time we had planned... he was pulling up a stool and his acoustic for a toned down tune... three, two, one ... from our very depths we let our voices resound as one! A moments pause and James, pulling his microphone closer, looked our way and replied... "And I love you, too". We raised our arms and whooped upon knowing he had heard us and knowing he was replying only to us... in the crowd of thousands... He then replied ( as he has on other occasions, to other adoring fans) "Perhaps it is better that we not know one another". The crowd rumbled with laughter but THAT was our moment. We loved James and we told him so, He heard us and Loved us as well. All of the women around the four of us were a clammer. They were shouting..."he loves you! Did you hear him... he was talking to YOU"! It was as if we had finally been able to tell him personally, albiet in our own rebel rousing way and in front of thousands, what we all had been feeling for some thirty years....

What a memorable moment. Then followed by Sweet Baby James.... need I say more.


After the songs were sung... we retreated for a glass of wine at the typical candle lit table, freshly made goodies, candles and a makeshift fragrant centerpiece with peony and roses from my garden...and conversation. Knowing that we had the satisfaction the he knew we were there... among the up-lit trees, and the smell of the heavy summer air.
now that is love.

Too much time on my hands!...but never really ever enough!

Ok,
So... I admit that I have too much time on my hands. This Spring, as I mentioned before, I have been spending time online. I have found an artist that I love.
Years ago, just as my mother took ill, I tried my hand at oil painting. My mother took lessons for years from a man named Dale Wilson. He specialized in painting barns and outdoor scenes. It was not until recently that I realized many of the subjects of his works were, in fact, Door County barns and harbors. A place dear to my heart. I digress... My mother was never able to see my work as she was too Ill to travel, but I told her about them during many conversations we had toward the end of her life. I have recently decided that after 4 years of putting down the brushes... I would pick them up again.

I was searching for my inspiration online and found it in Kim Parker ( her painting Lush Garden can be seen above). She is an accomplished musician whose creative outlet turned to painting and designing. Her paintings, mostly of flowers, are bold and bright. I love the whimsey of it all. I would like to learn to paint in the free style that she seems to have. To that end... I have taken several photos of flowers from my garden to use as inspiration. I have tried to blur the photos so that my eye sees them differently ( my art teacher gave me that tip years ago). I tend to paint exacting images and want to be more "loose" in my technique.

Tomorrow I attempt a landscaping class. I am still trying to find a photo I may have taken in the past to paint from. I have several that include different elements, a bright blue sky in one, a row of golden trees in another, a field of wavy grain in yet another... maybe I can blend them together and see what I get.

My ultimate plan is to take an "en plein air" class in August so that I can learn to develop techniques to work quickly and entirely outdoors. I would love to paint subjects, as Dale Wilson did, in Door County...but paint while in the environment...with the ever changing conditions...Shadows, light, wind, Sun, Bugs... and whatever else comes my way.

Spring into Summer!

This Spring I discovered the best web site EVER...www.etsy.com... Everything handmade ( and some vintage listings too!). I have had too much fun being inspired by this darling site. I have ordered gloves, eyeshadow and even "Brainscan" coffee. Roasted by a gal in New York, I believe. I have to admit... when I approached my mailbox I could smell the coffee beans from five feet away. I tried it this morning and it was fab! I recommend it to all ( the best part is that it is half caf and half decaf) . How great it feels to be buying American.
I have spent far too much of this Spring indoors on Etsy.com and nearly missed the blooming of my tulips. This Spring has been a long one. I have heard the lament of many customers at JB mentioning how long and drawn out it has been. That is , unless you are a lover of spring blooms. It has been glorious. My Tulips were blooming almost until June.
I have tried to get my pond and fountains up and running but it is a daunting task that must be undertaken each year and several times in between. I am almost there. I have SO much more to do in the garden but so little time.
I will continue to plant and tend to the blooms in the garden when I can, into the Summer. Enjoy yours!

" Give the Lady what she wants!"

This afternoon I was sent an email from someone named Vanessa asking my opinion of Macy's stores. All I can surmise is that perhaps she found my name and Email on another "Blog" online regarding the subject. Here is her email and my response follows... It was not until after completing the email and sending it, that a friend suggested checking her out online ... it turns out she is a prominant writer for the Wall Street Journal... Perhaps some of my quotes will be published there someday!

Sent: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 1:19 pm
Subject: outreach from WSJ reporter on Macy's

Hello,

I am a reporter at the Journal in New York, covering
retail. I was wondering whether
you have you heard about the
company's plan to try to localize the national Macy's stores? (See below.) I would love to get your thoughts on
that strategy.
Also, have you been in the State Street store recently?
If so, when? And what did you think of it?

Thanks kindly in
advance,
Vanessa



Vanessa,
Thank you for your note regarding Macy's stores in the Chicagoland area. I looked over the article you passed on regarding the localization strategy and feel that in this day and age many of us are beginning to swing back to embracing our regional retailers. I believe the swing from the national "Chains" to a more localized market would be well received only if the local, familiar names were still recognized. I believe folks would come flocking back to the Macy's stores in Chicago only if the name change back to Marshall Fields were recognized.


I know personally many families who used to visit the State Street store specifically at Christmastime, to visit Santa and have a bite to eat at the Walnut room, that are no longer continuing that long standing family tradition ... simply because of the name change to Macy's . It seems that Customer service is sorely lacking, as it is difficult to find a sales associate to help you. Personal attention is what Fields used to specialize in. Macy's is no more than a run down target to me. I compare it to Penny's or even to Sears as far as the quality of advertising and the condition of the store itself.

Macy's has its place in New York. It was a well respected retailer before it took on the " strong arm " image that is has today. The bowling over of Regionally recognized retailers in lieu of making a name for itself across the country.

Several weeks ago I walked through the Macy's in Oakbrook, IL , only to purchase some Marshall Field's Frango Mints for a gift (my first Macy's purchase I might add). As I walked into the shop, the tile floors were in horrid conditon. The once beautiful marble tile was pitted and filled with a brownish, puttylike concrete. Not very attractive for a store that is trying to attract an upscale customer. I passed by the shoe department where boxes were strewn about on a tables, with discount signs littering them. It was so haphazard that I quickly veered from the area. It was as though the associates saw no value in keeping the boxes straight or even attempting to straighten them, or help the customers find the boots they were looking for. It reminded me of a Kohls shoe department a kind of "do it yourself" approach. Boxes, paper, shoes mismatched all about.

I walked past sales associate upon sales associate who were engaged in conversation with other associates while paying no attention to customers who were lined up waiting for one to become free to make their transaction. I never saw one of the associates come from behind the counter to help the customer. The store was barren. Field's used to be hustle and bustle. And that is what made it an exciting place to shop. It was alive.

I am a sales associate for a small nationally recognized "one of a kind" home decor shop. A manager as a matter of fact. If I conducted my business by standing behind counters (hiding behind them essentially) The shop where I work would never have been recognized for it's customer service. The product must be there and of good quality but in this day and age it is the customer service that sets one store apart from the others. Unfortunately in the climate we have in retail today, there is no quality in product or customer relations.

I feel Macy's did itself a disservice by renaming the Chicagoland stores. I feel that the customers in Chicago are brand loyal and like to have their traditions. I am still hoping that Macys corporate will reconsider and bring back the name. Folks will return , however if it is not something they are considering in the near future I am afraid they will have " cut off their noses to spite their faces"... it will be too little too late.

As for the State Street store. I have only run through it once as of late. I just can't bring myself to pay the prices for the lack of service. I have even stopped going to see the windows at the store at Christmas.

I hope my input helps.

Thanks bunches!
Martha

A Fond Childhood Memory

With the coming of Spring I am reminded of my Childhood in California... When I was a young girl I lived just outside of Oakland Ca. My father worked in a big building in Downtown San Francisco. I have a memory of a day when I went into the city with my father. My mother had dressed me in my Sunday best floral dress with lots of layers and ruffles. Little white gloves on my hands... We would wear white gloves whenever we went somewhere" fancy".

I remember going to Chinatown. What a treat! A wonderful cultural experience all its own! All of the beautiful dolls and fun little toys one would find there. Riding Cable cars, their bells clanging feverishly, up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.

One of my fondest memories of that day in San Francisco is of my father and I walking hand in hand through the bustling city and he stopped at one of the many whitewashed, wheeled flower carts. Lush with every kind of fresh and beautiful bloom. He asked for a small bunch of violets for me. She lifted the purple posies from the cart and wrapped them in a small bit of green paper. I remember raising my little gloved hand to clutch the beautiful bunch. How wonderful that my father had stopped to pick out some lightly fragranced violets just for me!

Fast forward some 15 years... We attended a wedding in California and my father and I, once again were walking along together in Ghirardelli Square. The sun was just peeking below the building and , once again, Spring was in the air... when we came upon a flower cart. I looked at dad and he looked at me...He stopped and asked the attendant for a small bunch of violets, again wrapped in paper, and this time tied with a neat little satin ribbon. It was all I could do to hold back my tears. Harkening back to a sweeter time, a simpler time...that special day when my father and I walked hand in hand through the streets of San francisco. What A wonderful memory for me ...as I lost my father to Cancer some 8 years later.

He is greatly missed!

A Breath of Fresh Air!

Have you ever waited, through the duldrums of winter... hoping against hope that each snowfall is the last? Although I love Snow, and have loved this season. .. Vacillating between deep drifts of fluffy white snow and endless rainy days, can make for a long, long Winter. Those are the days that I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time indoors...in a darling little Antiques and Home Decor shop called JB Winterberry.

Every time I set foot in the door it is as though the "pixies" as I call them, have arrived and sprinkled their magic dust about the place. Creating imaginative vignettes throughout the three store Shop is their specialty. There's nothing I don't love about the "winterberry shop" as many of the regular customers call it.

The owners are fantastic! Julie and Barb are a mother and daughter duo. They are both extremely gifted. Julie tends to work on the "big picture" while Barb specializes in the details. It is truly a wonder to behold. Each display is lovingly created. It is such an easy going atmosphere that they have created together.



I work with many wonderful peers. Ages ranging from 17-80. It is amazing what Women can achieve when they work together. I have never, nor will I probably ever again, work in a place where they make you feel so at home. They cater to the Emloyees! Birthdays are traditionally celebrated with a Harvey Wallbanger Cake....yummy... if you have never tried one you should! Not one of us has a bad word to say about any of the other women that work there. We respect others and truly celebrate each and every one of them.

I am so thankful everyday for the Breath of Fresh Air that I have as an employee at J.B.!