Ready, Set, PAINT!!!

Working on fine tuning my website this morning (yes, that is an essential to being an artist now) with master tech, Dan Kuehn of Questa, New Mexico.  Still painting for our studio exhibit 3 ARTISTS OF TAOS - Vistas del Norte which takes place here in Taos over the Memorial Day weekend - 27, 28 and 29.  Doug Yeager and I started hanging his photos and my paintings yesterday - really looks good!   

CAMINITO DE TESUQUE....

10 May 2017 - Framing paintings today in preparation for our studio shows here in Taos over the Memorial Day weekend.  CAMINITO DE TESUQUE (Tesuque, New Mexico) - 28"x22" Original Oil on Belgian Linen, framed, will be featured in my studio.  You are invited!  Ordered three 30"x40" canvases yesterday and more turpentine.  I see a new painting through the sliding glass door looking down Santistevan Lane.  It is so good to be home again!  These places are so familiar! Preview studio inventory!

AFTERNOON VISITORS (Truchas, New Mexico) - Prints, greeting cards....

AFTERNOON VISITORS (Remembering the view from my little adobe house in Truchas, New Mexico) - Fine art prints, greeting cards and many other great items for home and office now available at Fine Art America!

MY TAOS WILDFLOWERS - Fine art prints, greeting cards.......

MY TAOS WILDFLOWERS (Taos, New Mexico) - Fine art prints, greeting cards and many other great items for home and office now available at Fine Art America!

ACEQUIA DEL LLANO - Fine art prints, greeting cards.....

ACEQUIA DEL LLANO - Fine art prints for home and office, greeting cards, posters and many other great items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

IN THE STUDIO TODAY...

5/3/2017 - Varnishing, signing and framing paintings all the rest of this week in preparation for our 3 Artists of Taos studio exhibits - Vistas Del Norte - Memorial Day Weekend.  The studio walls should come to life with all this new work!

A HAPPY LITTLE CLOUD - NEW 36"x60" Original Oil

Studio No. 1417 - A HAPPY LITTLE CLOUD (Looking across the Rio Grande Gorge toward Three Peaks - Taos, New Mexico) - New 36"x60" Original Oil - Preview painting.

FINDING MY WAY.....

1 May 2017 - PASSING STORM - 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian gessoed panel, framed - now available through Collector's Gallery on my website.  Today marks six months after my huge move to this new studio in Taos.  Am still adjusting to all the changes.  The pace has definitely picked up!  Am again working with my friend Dan Kuehn to redo my website so that my entire studio inventory is now available exclusively through my Collector's Gallery.  Seamus Berkeley, Doug Yeager and I have formed a group - 3 ARTISTS OF TAOS.  We are planning a series of studio exhibits - the first will be for the three days over the Memorial Day Weekend.  Today I will complete a 36"x60" canvas called "A Happy Little Cloud" - everything is moving at a pretty swift pace - so far so good - Progress!

LILAS DE TAOS - Fine Art prints, greeting cards.....

LILAS DE TAOS (Taos, New Mexico) - Fine art prints, posters, greeting cards and many other great items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

OVERNIGHT DRYING GLAZING MEDIUM

OVERNIGHT DRYING GLAZING MEDIUM - 6 Ounces of Distilled Turpentine (Winsor-Newton), one ounce Stand Oil, one ounce damar varnish, 1/4 teaspoon Cobalt Dryer.  Caution: Mix in glass container with cap or seal.  This recipe was given to me almost fifty years ago by well-known California painter, Bob Clark.  I use this medium for oils the way water is used in watercolors.  Colors can be laid over the underpainting once it is dry.  Darker colors are perfect colors for glazing (Shadows).  Opaque colors can also be used as semi-transparent colors. 

OVERLOOK (TRUCHAS, N.M.) - 48"X12" ORIG. OIL

STUDIO N0. 717 - OVERLOOK (Truchas, New Mexico) - 48"x12" Original Oil on Canvas, framed.  Now available for purchase. Preview painting.

OVERLOOK (Truchas, N.M.) 48"x12 Work In Prog. Glazes

Studio No. 717 - OVERLOOK (Truchas, New Mexico) - 48"x12" Work in Progress (Glazes) - Glazes are applied with painting medium.  The fast-drying medium has turpentine in it, so it is well to let this phase of the painting sit until the color is dry to the touch.  Color notes:   Trees: Prussian Blue, Burnt Sienna and Chrome Oxide Green Opaque.  Snow:  Permalba Titanium White, Holbein Rose Grey, touch of cobalt blue - some Payne's Grey.

ESTACA IN BLOOM - Fine Art Prints, greeting cards....

ESTACA IN BLOOM (Estaca, New Mexico) - Fine Art Prints (framed or unframed), posters, greeting cards and many other great items now available at FINE ART AMERICA.

UNA SENDA DESCONOCIDO - 22"x28" Original Oil, framed

UNA SENDA DESCONOCIDO (A Path Unknown, Northern New Mexico) - 22"x28" Original Oil, framed in gold with linen liner, now available for purchase - Preview Painting.

ASSEMBLA DE DIOS (Truchas, N.M.) - 40"x40" Orig. Oil, framed

ASSEMBLA DE DIOS (Truchas, New Mexico) - 40"x40" Original Oil on Belgian Linen, framed in gold with linen liner.  Painting preview.

48"x12" Work in Progress (underpainting) - OVERLOOK (Truchas, N.M.)

 Studio No. 717 - OVERLOOK (Truchas, New Mexico) - New 48"x12" Original Work in Progress (Underpainting).  Color Notes: Using Grumbacher MG Fast Drying Underpainting White and Distilled Turpentine -  Sky and Snow: Paynes Grey, small amounts of Prussian Blue.  Trees:  Combinations of Prussian Blue, Burnt Sienna, Chrome Oxide Green Opaque.  Stay tuned!

WASHINGTON AVENUE (Santa Fe, N.M.) - New 10"x10" Original Oil - Sold

Studio No. 617 - WASHINGTON AVENUE (Santa Fe, New Mexico) - New 10"x10" Original Oil on Belgian Linen, Framed in Gold with Linen Liner - Sold

LLANO QUEMADO - New 9"x9" Original Oil, framed

Studio No. 517 - LLANO QUEMADO (Truchas, New Mexico) - New 9"x9" Original Oil on Linen Panel, framed in gold with linen liner, now available for purchase.  Painting preview.

2/10/17 - ON THE EASEL....

10 February 2017 - Taos Studio, New Mexico - On the easel this afternoon!

EL CALLE DE TRUCHAS - New 22"x28" Orig. Oil, Framed

Studio No. 317 - EL CALLE DE TRUCHAS - New 22"x28 Original Oil on Belgian Linen, Framed.  Now available for purchase....Preview

CALLE DE TRUCHAS - NEW 22"X28" Work in Progress (Glazes)

STUDIO NO. 317 - CALLE DE TRUCHAS - 22"x28" Work in Progress (Glazes) - This phase of the painting is where I lay in the dark transparent or semi-transparent colors with fast drying oil painting medium which I mix myself.  Foreground road and adobe buildings - Burnt umber, ultramarine blue, prussian blue, burnt sienna, some mars orange and some ochre.  Establishing the darks, which should make the lighter opaque paints pop right off the canvas! 

EL CALLE DE TRUCHAS - 22"x28" Work in Progress (Underpainting)

Studio No. 317 - EL CALLE DE TRUCHAS (Truchas, New Mexico) - New 22"x28" Work in Progress (Underpainting) - Oil colors are mixed with MG Fast Drying Underpainting White and Distilled Turpentine.  Sky: Payne's Grey.  Trees: burnt sienna and mars orange.  Main building: Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre.  Road: Burnt Sienna, Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre.  Snow:  White with small amount of Cadmium Yelow and Cadmium Red - Prussian Blue Outline.

TAOS SUMMER STORM - 24"x30" Original Oil

Studio No. 417 - TAOS SUMMER STORM (Taos, New Mexico) - New 24"x30" Original Oil on Belgian Linen, framed, now available - PREVIEW.

TAOS SUMMER STORM - 24"x30" Work in Progress (Glazes)

Studio No. 417 - TAOS SUMMER STORM - 24"x30" Work in Progress (Glazes) - Glazes are the dark transparent/semi-transparent oil colors applied over the underpainting with Overnight Glazing Medium (six ounces distilled turp., 1 oz. each of damar varnish and stand oil and 1/4 tsp. cobalt drier)  This phase of the painting sets up the lights (opaque paints) and adds a great deal of richness to the finished painting.  Color notes: Sky: Prussian Blue and Paynes Grey. Foreground:  Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre Deep.  Trees:  Yellow trees same as foreground.  Green:  Chrome Oxide Green Opaque.

RIO PUEBLO - 8"x10" Original Oil, framed

RIO PUEBLO (Placitas, New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian Gessoed Panel, framed - Sold

RIO CHIQUITO - 8"x10" Original Oil - Framed

RIO CHIQUITO (Rio Chiquito, New Mexico) - 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian Gessoed Panel, Framed - Sold

TAOS SUMMER STORM - 24"x30" Work in Progress (Underpainting)

Studio No. 417 - TAOS SUMMER STORM (Taos, New Mexico) - New 24"x30" Work in Progress (Underpainting).  Colors are mixed with MG Underpainting White and Distilled Turpentine.  Color Notes:  Sky:  Prussian Blue and Paynes Grey.  Mountains:  Payne's Grey and dirty brush.  Trees:  Cadmium Yellow, Mars Orange, Chrome Oxide Green Opaque.  Foreground:  Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre.  Apply underpainting and let dry for about a week before applying glazes.

ON BEING PEACE.....

“The images of peace are ephemeral. The language of peace is subtle. The reasons for peace, the definitions of peace, the very idea of peace have to be invented, and invented again.

Children, everybody, here’s what to do during war: In a time of destruction, create something. A poem. A parade. A community. A school. A vow. A moral principle. One peaceful moment.”

—From THE FIFTH BOOK OF PEACE, Maxine Hong Kingston

A BEGINNER'S MIND....

6 January 2017 -  This morning while still in bed with all my papers and magazines around me, propped up by several lovely pillows, I called my website tech/good friend and fellow dreamer, Dan Kuehn, to make an appointment for the middle of this month to overhaul the way I do my business. As we were talking it became clear that the art market has changed so profoundly in the past few years that parts of the old ways of selling art have morphed and changed, or are dying off completely.  Yes, here I am, finally awake to some new and exciting ways to sell my paintings.  In Buddhism they call it "the Beginner's Mind" - and I finally got it!  Aha - I am starting all over again....and more will be revealed as I begin this process.  All I can say is that I am ready and willing to start some new creative adventures here in Taos - right now it is all a bunch of beautiful blank canvases - Stay tuned!  In the meantime, here is an old beauty (very appropriate to my time in life) now available as fine art prints and many other great items at FINE ART AMERICA.

 

MY TAOS WILDFLOWERS (Taos, New Mexico)

Each day a New Beginning - Happy New Year!

WINTER GIFTS.....

To Art Friends Everywhere!  Many of you have been with me a long time and know I love to send this greeting every year.  The original of this painting was "adopted" by some great friends and very prolific art collectors years ago and still resides in a lovely home in Taos.  The street in this painting is the main street in Truchas -- I walked to the post office from my little adobe house every day and still keep the memories of that special time and place very close.  The woman is the memory I've kept of my little Polish grandmother, Ella -- she carried a shopping bag with her everywhere -- those were her "gifts" her "surprises".  The words of Fra Giovanni never fail to inspire and uplift - especially at this time of the year.  From my heart I wish each and every one of you all the best of this holiday season -- Hug someone special today!  Sincere best wishes, Donna - Taos, New Mexico 2016

"There  is nothing I can give you which you have not;
But there is much, very much that while I cannot give it,
 you can take.

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts
find rest in today.  TAKE HEAVEN.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden
in this present moment.  TAKE PEACE.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow.
Behind it, yet within reach is joy.
There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see,
and to see we have only to look.  I BESEECH YOU TO LOOK.

Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by
their covering, cast them away as ugly, or heavy or hard.
Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it
a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom with power.

Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel's hand that
brings it to you.  Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or
a duty, believe me that angel's hand is there; the gift is there,
and the wonder of an overshadowing presence.
Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys.
They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

And so, at this time, I greet you.
Not quite as the world sends greetings, but with
profound esteem and with the prayer that for you now and
forever, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away."

Fra Giovanni, 1513 AD

READY, AIM - PAINT!!!!

7 December 2016 - It was exciting to set up my first palette in my new Taos studio this morning!  Am not at all settled yet - most of the basics have been handled, but the "everything in its place thing" will take me until spring.  Have decided that I need to start painting - that's my job in this world!  Will take some time out at the end of every day to settle in; in the meantime, with the exception of one or two long winter naps..... HI HO!  it's off to work we go!  Am getting huge welcome home hugs from old friends - so happy and grateful to be back! One more gentle reminder to check out my  fine art prints framed or unframed perfect for home and office, greeting cards and many other great gift items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

TAOS AFTERNOON SHADOWS - Fine Art Prints, greeting cards.....

TAOS AFTERNOON SHADOWS (Taos, New Mexico) - Fine art prints framed or unframed for home and office, greeting cards, posters and other great gift items now available at FINE ART AMERICA.

CAMINITO DE TESUQUE - Fine Art Prints, greeting cards.....

CAMINITO DE TESUQUE (Tesuque, New Mexico) - Fine art prints framed or unframed for home and office, greeting cards, posters and other great gift items now available at FINE ART AMERICA.

WINTER DREAMS - Fine art prints, greeting cards.....

WINTER DREAMS - Fine art prints framed or unframed for home and office, greeting cards, posters and many other fine gift items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

PUEBLO MORNING LIGHT - Fine Art Prints, Greeting Cards. posters.....

PUEBLO MORNING LIGHT (Taos Pueblo, New Mexico) - Fine Art Prints framed or unframed for home and office, greeting cards, posters and many other great gift items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

WINTERLIGHT - Fine Art Prints, posters, greeting cards........

 

WINTERLIGHT - Fine Art Prints (framed and unframed) for home and office, Posters, Greeting Cards and many other great items now available at FINE ART AMERICA!

11/13/16 - NEW TAOS STUDIO

Moved back "home" to Taos on the first of Nov.  Thirteen days later I am still unpacking boxes - books today.  Progress, not perfection....... yet!  Stay tuned. 

LAST LIGHT - NEW 12"x12" Original Oil, Framed

 Studio No. 2116 - LAST LIGHT (Taos, New Mexico) - NEW 12"x12" Original Oil, framed, now available - Preview/Purchase.

200 Small Paintings No. 137 - ON THE RIO GRANDE, 6"X8" Original Oil, framed

200 Small Paintings No. 137 - ON THE RIO GRANDE (Pilar, New Mexico) - New 6"x8" Original Oil on Italian Gessoed Panel, framed and now available - Preview/Purchase.

JIMENEZ ROAD, New 8"x10" Original Oil

Studio No. 2016 - JIMENEZ ROAD (Tesuque, New Mexico) - New 8"x10" Original Oil on Gessoed panel - Sold

200 Small Paintings No. 135 - PASSING STORM, 6"X6" Orig. Oil, Framed - Sold

200 Small Paintings No. 135 - PASSING STORM (Truchas, New Mexico) -  6"x6" Original Oil on Linen Panel, Sold

TWILIGHT TIME _ New 12"x12" Original Oil, Framed

Studio No. 1916 - TWILIGHT TIME (Taos, New Mexico) - 12"x12" Original Oil on Canvas, framed - Preview/Purchase.

EARLY SNOW CLOUDS - New 8"x10" Original Oil, framed

Studio No. 1716 - EARLY SNOW CLOUDS (Hyde Park - Santa Fe, New Mexico) - New 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian panel, framed - Preview/Purchase.

UNA TARDE DE TAOS - New 8"x10" Originsl Oil, framed

 
 UNA TARDE DE TAOS (Taos, New Mexico) - New 8"x10" Original Oil on Italian panel - Sold

ORACION DE LA NOCHE - NEW 10"x10" Original Oil, Framed

Studio No. 1416 - ORACION DE LA NOCHE (Evening Prayers - Taos, New Mexico) - NEW 10"x10" Original Oil on Belgian Linen, Framed in Gold with Linen Liner - Preview/Purchase.

200 Small Paintings No. 134 - RANCHITOS PASTORAL - Sold

No. 134 - RANCHITOS PASTORAL (Taos, New Mexico) - 6"x6"x1" Original Oil on Canvas - Sold

200 Small Paintings No. 133 - LA CRUZ DE ESTACA - SOLD

200 SMALL PAINTINGS NO. 133 - LA CRUZ DE ESTACA (Estaca, New Mexico) - 6"x6"x1" Original Oil on Canvas with gallery wrap - SOLD.

ALMOST HOME - Fine art prints, greeting cards......

ALMOST HOME (Cundiyo, New Mexico) - Fine art prints, posters, greeting cards and other great items for home and office now available at FINE ART AMERICA.

PICURIS PUEBLO - Fine art prints, posters, greeting cards....

PICURIS PUEBLO (Picuris, New Mexico) - Fine art prints, posters and many other great items for home and office now available at FINE ART AMERICA.