Rita

Okay! I'm back. I bet you were wondering... I was too, there for a while. I was in a place where expanding and developing my painting efforts was highly desired and very much needed. I am still so very far from having arrived, but am making progress. I finished Rita (below, 14"x11" oil on canvas)! Two more are in process and I will post them as I finish...then off to doing more! It's amazing what a class or workshop can do for you. I feel refreshed and renewed in my painting skills! Let me know what you think.




Have a blessed and happy Summer!

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A Great Weekend

I had a three-day weekend and have really been blessed! I started another new painting, joined Facebook and got out in the sun for a walk (two days in a roll...which is great for me!). I pulled some weeds, and picked and ate some wonderfully sweet strawberries that are growing through the fence from one of my neighbors (love 'em!). R A and I got out and trimmed our trees, too.

I've never been much of a yard person, but my doctor just told me I am low on vitamin D...so I guess I'll start getting out more. I have to admit, I've been feeling much better since I've started.

Well, here is a copy of the still-life I did yesterday and today. It is a 5" x 7" and named The Yellow Squash. I've attempted to paint looser. It probably isn't quite as loose as it should be, yet...I'll keep trying. I will, also, have to learn how to do the beautiful texture that I see in so many fabulous paintings. Feel free to comment, below.

Facebook has been a lot of fun, so far. I can see why people say it can be addicting. I'm having to pull myself away so I can get other things done. It's been so much fun connecting with some of my favorite people. R A isn't for it because of the report on the news about how Facebook appears to be claiming the rights to any content posted. In their new Terms of Service they say that they can do anything they want with our content, forever. Well, I think I'll go ahead and use it. Just so you know, you won't see any of my artwork there. I've posted my blog address so you will still have access.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!


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New Landscape

I started a portrait that just wasn't going right and decided I would have to wait and think about it a little longer. My husband has been after me about painting these hay bails. Out of shear desperation of needing to paint something, I decided to do it on an 11" x 14" canvas and named it Hay Field. So, I started it last night and finished it early this morning. The two reference photos are posted for viewing, as well. The colors on this photo, of course, aren't true to the painting. I Enhanced the photo to match it as close as I could.

I attempted to use larger brushes with this one in order to keep it looser. I hope I did okay...please let me know what you think by clicking the comment link, below. I'm going to try another still life to practice with and, then, eventually get back to the portrait when I am feeling a little more comfortable with loosening up a bit.

Susan Carlin has me mesmerized with her beautiful portraits and amazing painting techniques. She is on Ustream Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. if anyone would like to tune in. It would be worth your time! I will be watching and learning as often as I possibly can.

I had an opportunity to visit the Creative Arts Center in Dallas last Saturday and am excited about beginning an oil painting class there in May with Dave Kramer. He is an award-winning portrait artist who has done numerous illustrations for books, as well. While my husband and I were there, today, waiting to pay for the class, Mr. Kramer invited us in to sit while he illustrated a painting for the current class he is teaching, now. He seems to be very easy going and with lots of grace. That is very comforting as he will probably need it with me!

Be blessed and enjoy the spring flowers!

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Favorite Artists to Share with You

I've been thinking about sharing a couple of my favorite artists with you. I am not finished with the project I'm working on and since I don't have anything to show of my own, this post would be a great opportunity to do so.

One, has not only gained my respect as an artist, but she has been an inspiration for a long time...in fact, all my life. She is my very special and much loved, Momma, Beulah (Bee), (left). These photos are from the early 70's. Look closely and you can see part of two of her other paintings in this photo, the tree foliage on the left, above the fireplace and the Santa (painted on black velvet) on the right.

Mom and Dad are living in a small community in Kansas. They both love the Lord and are where they are supposed to be. Although, to have them move to Texas in order that we could be together more would be a dream-come-true. I would love to be able to spend more time with them.

When I was growing up, my Daddy, Richard (above), would paint cartoons with markers. He loved painting the Wile E. Coyote. It was quite often we'd, also, see him with a piece of wood and a knife, carving all kinds of little figurines and animals. Dad is quite gifted and loves animals.

It's been a real honor and blessing to be their daughter. I really didn't appreciate their work until I began to paint, myself, just a few years ago...and, now, I am amazed every time I look at what Mom's done and at how good she is. Maybe, one day I can reach the level of her style and expertise. I would love to share more of her work and will probably do that in the future. I am including only a couple of my favorites and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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Hilton Bella Harbor Entry

Below is a copy of my new art piece that is hanging at the Fine Art Gallery in The Hilton Bella Harbor, Rockwall, Texas. Reflections is an 18" x 25" oil on canvas, in a red floater frame, in the hall on the right before you get to the gallery. It will be there until March 29th, so next time you are at the Harbor, stop in, check it out and enjoy looking at all the other artworks. There are 48 artists who participated this time. If you want a catalog, I understand you can pick one up at the desk.

The story behind Reflections is...not really a story. The marbles were handed down to R A, my husband, from his Grandfather, R L Whately. So, with R A being in his 60's, they must be, at least, 100 years old. The jar they are in looks like an old medicine jar to us. Of course, all you can see is the top rim. It really is a cool looking jar, so I included a photo of it with the marbles (right). If you look close, you can see the measurements.

I want to thank all of you who were able to come out to the reception on such a cold night. I understand there were over 300 who attended. I had the privilege of meeting a few of the other artists. One of them being a Contemporary Western Artist, Lyndon Gaither, www.lyndongaither.com. If you get a chance, check out his site. He has works, locally, at The Gaylord in Grapevine, The Cerulean Gallery in Dallas and Bluebonnet Art Gallery in Desoto.

If you haven't been yet, Two Oranges Under Cover is still hanging at Texas Roast in Rockwall. It will be there only until February 7th. Texas Roast is located on Ridge Road, north of IH 30. They are a coffee house similar to Starbucks and make a really good blueberry muffin. Enjoy!

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A Quick Update

Evening Prayer, now 20"x16", Subtracted Charcoal on Paper, 2003, by Candy Prather

After taking a couple of drawing classes while at Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas, 1976 for two years, I got married and started a family. I didn't spend much time doing anything creative outside of only a few drawings, needlework and sewing until about 2002. I began to desire drawing again and started out with pencil and Prismacolors, and, then, I took a drawing class at a local community college. This is where I learned the technique of erasing the highlights from a totally charcoaled background, known as Subtracted Charcoal, such as in Evening Prayer.

I should take this time to explain a little bit about the story behind Evening Prayer. The subject is from an image of my Pastor's father who went home to be with the Lord in 2003. At the Homecoming Service, I was handed a bulletin with the small 2"x1" referenced photographed image of him. As the service went on, and as different ones stood up and shared about his life as a Pastor and all that he stood for, I was, indeed, touched. This Pastor, to me, was a true man of God, who was not only interested in his church, but was interested and heavily involved in his community, as well. The love of God through him truly made a difference in the lives of church members, the community and many, many others. He had many sons and daughters in the faith. While listening to all the many testimonies, I realized the great heritage and heart of my Pastor and his family. I picked up the bulletin and decided, then, that I would paint him with subtracted charcoal as the medium on 18"x24" paper. I later, had it mounted on gatorboard. The very next week I began and was finished within the week. I was amazed because it usually takes me weeks, close to a month to finish one like that. I sensed such a presence of the Holy Spirit as I was painting, and I know it was a divine appointment.

Now, back to the update, I work full-time at a local Christian school as the High School Secretary. The time spent there has been a learning experience. I have had a great opportunity to work with teachers, teenagers, and parents, and have developed some wonderful relationships. It's such a wonderful blessing to see the students grow and finally graduate and become fine young men and women of God.

Even though my time to paint has been limited, I usually spend my Summers to catch up. I ventured into oils by 2005 and love working with a brush. My aspiration has been to paint mostly portraits. Although, I am currently trying my hand at some still-lifes and landscapes. A dear friend has given a lot of his time to mentor me for the past couple of years. I look forward to seeing where God leads me in this journey of life and what all He has for me to learn!

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