Acrylic vs. Oil Paint

November at Lake Massabesic.  I enjoyed walking with a friend along the Audubon trails through the woods to the lake. I took a few photos. Acrylic paint on gessoed board, 16" X 20".  This was an experiement on a Richeson hardwood board (panel), not on canvas. I used two coats of gesso and sanded in between.

I have to admit that I am getting a little frustrated learning how to use oil paint. I took a break this weekend and started a scene with acrylic paint. I still have a long way to go, but I didn't feel the level of frustration with waiting for a layer to dry before I could proceed. On the other hand, I missed the way the oils mix and their texture. I guess I'll continue to use both at different times. I have three more classes this semester. I won't be taking any painting classes during the winter since we will be traveling during the month of March, but I expect that I'll continue to paint. I have books and DVD's and a few good artist friends to inspire me.

This was play time for me. I used an old piece of Japanese Masa paper which wrinkles well, a brayer (a type of roller) and acrylic paint. I used a brush for the letters.

I have packaged up some of my cards for my next fair, Saturday, December 12th, 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH, 10-2.  I usually sell quite a few cards at this holiday market. I'll bring some small original paintings with me too. Last year I was happy to sell one of a very happy horse (Mug Shot).

I think this painting of Gregory and his mares is almost done. I'm not sure if I'll change anything before I call it "finished". It's always hard to know when a painting is finished. Gregory is a palomino Missouri Foxtrotter (good trail horse) who is a gelding, but he still watches out for the mares.  He lives in Mojave, California for now with family, but may be moving to Idaho next year.

Another example of not knowing if the painting is done. The small painting of the Canadian "Mounties" was done with oil paint and palette knife so the oil paint is very thick. I'm letting it dry and I'll think about it some more. Just a cute image from my trip last June. These mounties were guarding the gift shop at one of the tourist sites (to the glacier).

Thanksgiving was very enjoyable this year since I only had to cook a few things to bring with me. Next up is Chanukah on Sunday evening, Dec. 6th. I will be cooking for that one with help from my hubby and family. Happy Holidays to all. Merry Christmas to my Christian friends.

Craft Fair in December

I am only doing one local craft fair this year. My husband, author Joe Smiga (www.joesmiga.com) and I will be sharing a table at the Intown Holiday Market fair on Saturday, December 12, 2015. The fair is at 1000 Elm Street, Manchester, NH and runs from 9:00 - 2:00 pm.  I will have some of my urban downtown Manchester paintings on exhibit along with cards and sets of cards that can be given as gifts (or used for yourself). Stop by and say hello.

Joe is having a good year and doing more fairs. He's finishing up his 8th novel now. I've read the first 35 chapters and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of them. He has a very scary, but realistic, view of terrorism.  He will be happy to sign a book for you.  His events are listed on his web page: http://www.joesmiga.com/up-coming-events/

Fall in New Hampshire

The beautiful fall weather has been very distracting and I haven't thought much about writing. I've been enjoying walking on some of the trails I usually go cross country skiing on and I'm looking forward to snow.

 

This scene is one I had painted with a snowmobile in the winter.

The sled dogs need their exercise even without the snow. They were happy to be out on the trail too.

We took a long drive (over 2 hours) to the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, Chesterfield, NH, to see the Madame Sherri Forest. I'm not sure if I'll try painting this, but it was certainly interesting.

The trails were not well marked to we didn't walk there too long. That corner of the state also has Pisgah State Park which has well marked trails that we have enjoyed in the past.

And home sweet home. This is the view of my yard. Most of these leaves are down today and I'll be raking them up for a while.

I'm still working on some of my paintings in my class. I'm not happy with them yet. I'll post them when they are closer to being finished.