A few days ago, we were tempted into thinking we had turned the corner into spring. We had some warmish, sunny days that couldn’t be missed. I enjoyed walking outside without my face turning pink from the cold. But this week, I went out walking in the morning and realized it was in the 20s again, much colder than I thought, and I was back to coming home pink-faced. The last remnants of snow have almost melted, though, and I know from looking at posts from previous Marches that we’re not far from the garden waking up.
I need to make some time soon to do a bit of weeding, pruning, and tidying.
Until then, here are my four things: Alla Prima, sea shanties, lightning bolts, and the latest commission paintings.
what I’m reading
I decided I would pick up Alla Prima II by Richard Schmid and read it again, now that I have more experience with oil paints. I read it early in my oil-painting journey, and the information was overwhelming. There were bits and pieces that were helpful, but I felt like most of it went over my head. I’m looking forward to reading it again, and hopefully getting even more out of it.
what I’m watching
I had Fisherman’s Friends in my watch list for years , and Jeff and I finally decided to watch it. We inadvertently watched the sequel before the first movie, though! I’m still not sure how that happened, but I told him a few times that it felt like there were details we were supposed to know that were missing. We ended up liking the sequel better than the first movie, but both were good. The movies tell the story of the real Cornish band, Fisherman’s Friends. They sing old sea shanties in amazing harmony.
We enjoyed the music and the scenery. It’s filmed in Port Isaac, the same small seaside village where Doc Martin is set.
what I’m loving
“The routine is as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration. Maybe even more.” – Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit
I think we often sit around waiting for those lightning bolt experiences. Perhaps we wonder why it seems to happen to others, not to us. Yes, sometimes there are lightning bolt ideas, but most of the time, the success is found in the mundane tedium of habit. Simply put, inspiration shows up when we do.
what I’m working on
It’s that time of year! We are heading to Isle of Palms for a few days of family, shelling, and relaxing on the beach. So, this week, I’ve been trying to get as many commission paintings completed before we leave. I’ve also been working on a few more things for my book and drafting a few blog posts, so they are ready to go.
Here are a few of this week’s paintings…
I am bringing my paints and easel to the beach, so I will be painting there. I might even do some plein air painting on the beach if we have a day when the wind is calm enough.
What have you been reading, watching, loving, and working on?
7 Responses
Your animal paintings are so beautiful. The eyes look so soulful. You are very talented. I love reading what you are doing at your home.
Reading Anna Karenina at nearly age 70. I felt like my education had been incomplete up until now! Watching reels of a singing duo by the name Sons of Legion. Such beautiful, gritty, soulful singing! Loving seeing the goldfish swimming around and eating after the snow/ice storm here in Kentucky a few weeks ago. Resting after working on acrylic painting of my granddaughters when they were much smaller. Portrait painting is not my thing, I have decided.
love Richard Schmid I have a video of him painting a sea captain…and I have always wanted to try painting one, I have two different men I asked to take a photo because they look like one , but never took the time to paint it ….someday
check out Poppy Palser oil paintings of the sea , she does small plein air ones also watercolor
stock up on those blue shells
Each time I see one of your pet portraits, I think this is my favorite yet and then you paint another one and I second guess myself! While you are in Isle of Palms, you need to check out Village Emporium and Mt. Pleasant Antique Mall just a short distance away. Both stores have very nicely displayed booths and some beautiful finds.
I’m reading The Watchmakers Daughter about Corrie Ten Boom. Going to start watching the Count of Monte Cristo tomorrow night now that it is on Amazon Prime. I’m also working on a few sewing projects. And I’m so looking forward to Spring especially with the time change. The daffodils are popping up, and that just makes me happy.
We have about three feet of snow on the ground here in mid state New Hampshire. Somewhat warmer temps are on the way for the coming days, but we a long way to go before we see any sprouts of anything! I’m watching an older movie called Memento with Guy Pierce. It’s directed by Christopher Nolan and I’d never heard of it. I came across it scrolling for a movie to watch. Its concept is interesting, a man trying to solve his wife’s murder and he has no short term memory. I was intrigued. It’s very good, but no distractions as I found I had to pay attention. Enjoy Isle of Palms!!
Marian, you are such an accomplished artist! I love all the pet paintings which I know are difficult to do. Having the ability to capture their souls in your art is such a gift. Kudos to you! I wish I was as disciplined as you to paint on a regular basis. However, I am always inspired by you! Safe travels to Isle of Palms.