Quotidian #4

This is a 5" x 7" (oil on paper) of my favorite paint...which is Farrow and Ball.  This company makes the most yummy, subtle colors for your home.  Every time I look at the little sample can in my studio I smile because it is so lovely.
 As to my day today...it was pretty frustrating.  Had to do lots of business details all day, there was a disheartening family trauma, and didn't get to my studio til late.  The light wasn't so good so I used artificial light, which is not my favorite and harder to see by as I get older.  But, I showed up and did a little work...nothing to write home about. But here's the thing:  If I didn't even show up and try, I would feel even worse about my day.  So maybe my daily redemption to be had in "just
showing up"?  Possibly.

Quotidian # 3

Okay, this is an 8" x 12" oil on masonite painting of my favorite olive oils.  I am LOVING painting my favorite things.  Maybe I should start humming the 'Sound of Music" song while I paint!  Although, to be honest, I am often freaked out and worried when I work.  I HAVE to paint. I know that it is gift that has been given to me... and yet I suffer from major 'imposter syndrome' (you know the voice in your head that tells you that you are not a REAL painter, or writer, or film-maker). I am sure, that any minute, everyone is gonna find out that I can't really paint...or that the 'muse' has left the building.  So I ignore the inner voices and try to do what all of my heroes advise, "You just need to keep showing up every day, and doing the work."  Some of my heroes are Peter Brown Hoffmeister (the writer), Carol Marine (painter) and Alice Neel (painter who just kept going no matter what life dealt her).  So if you are a doubting artist out there, I want to encourage you to "Just keep swimming" (Dory) xo

Quotidian #2

This set of four (oil on watercolor paper) studies is 11" x 14".  Each individual study is 5" x 7".   Lately, I just want to paint the portraits of all of my favorite things.  This is a red lacquer paper
mache box that sits by my bedside.  I got it from my 94 yr old beautiful neighbor!  So it is both beautiful and reminds me of her.

Quotidian #1

I know that I have been missing in action all summer.  I was living in our wonderful old house in Eugene and hosting every single kid and grandkid...it was awesome.  I am blessed indeed.  Now I am starting a new series of quotidian (fun word that I love which simply means "daily") people, things and places.  The stuff of life, which many of us are experience and maybe don't really see, or particularly notice.  I know that I am guilty of that a lot!!  So here goes...I promise that it will be humble stuff, often very ordinary. xo