Here's Linda Lover

“Happy are the painters, for they shall not be lonely, light and colour, peace and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day”….Sir Winston Churchill.

Painting has the capacity to bring joy not only to the painter but to the viewer as well.  The beautiful and appreciated works of art that move us usually focus on the ordinary things that are around us every day.   So that which inspires an artist to create often begins with their vision.  Through the years painting has truly made me a keen observer of my surroundings.  When I look at the sky, it’s more about color and mood than it is about checking the weather.  In the fall when I rake the leaves I find myself enjoying all the bright colors of gold and red that have drifted to the ground. I find myself studying shadows and contrasts as well as depth and distance.  Then when I sit at my painting table, I rely on all the things I have observed to help me create my painted scenes.  Touching the brush to a surface opens endless possibilities to tell a story in paint or rekindle a memory.  It seems the more I paint, the more I am inspired.

I feel quite fortunate to find myself very busy with books over the past several months.  Recently my book with simple landscapes was published.  It illustrates how to get more out of designs simply by adding, exchanging, or cropping details or adapting the colors of the seasons.  I truly enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone of landscapes to create with flowers.  I’ve always loved gardens and, of course, the colors were like painting from a rainbow.  This book will be published later this year.  Also awaiting publication is a book with clay pot and saucer projects that were designed to be decorative, useful and even good for gift giving.  My work in progress currently is a book to celebrate the timeless joys of winter.

Painting has been an amazing gift that I’ve given myself and one that I have truly loved sharing with others.

0 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 10:25 AM - Categories: Artist Bios

Meet Shara Reiner

I have been painting 35 years. When I took my first class it was all consuming for me. It still is today.  There is no better therapy than to paint the hours away and not think about another thing.
I worked in a craft store in Poway, California, I taught needlepoint and filled in for what ever else needed to be taught. I was the one who said, “I can not paint!”, but would stand around and watch the painting classes. Finally I broke down and took a class!!!! That was the beginning! I never would have guessed that all these years later I would be travel teaching and writing books.
I have been a student, teacher and shop owner and I love it all. I count my self so lucky that I can work at something that I love.  I still take classes when I can, and think of myself as a beginner every time I do. I will always learn something in a class no matter how long I paint.
This most asked question I get is where do I get my inspiration?? That is a hard one for me. My students are always inspiring me .They will say things like "Why don't you paint a Santa with Christmas trees for boots??? You know I might.  Once I start a project one thing will lead to another and by the time I'm done I will have three projects painted.  We all hit a dry spell from time to time and that is when I go shopping. I have favorite quilt shops and high end gift shops that I visit, and those shopping breaks will get my mind going.
I have met wonderful people in this business and made lifelong friends. Try to remember that there is more painting than finishing a project.  And, be watching for that Santa with Christmas trees for boots!

1 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 7:21 AM - Categories: Artist Bios

Meet Shirley Koenig

SHIRLEY KOENIG
ARTIST AND AUTHOR OF COUNTRY’S EDGE BOOKS

I am a native Texan, born in Austin, Texas. Now I live in Livingston, Texas – about eighty miles north of Houston. The area is called the Big Thicket because of all the pines, hardwood trees, streams and lakes. It is a natural habitat for many species of birds and animals. I also love flowers, and have a field of Bluebonnets and wildflowers in the spring and I plant Zinnia’s and other flowers to attract butterflies.  I feed the birds every day to attract them.

I also like photography and with the trees and flowers – comes the birds and butterflies. These are my favorite subjects to paint. I have always loved to draw and paint using oils, watercolor and acrylics - now use acrylic paint. I like to paint impressionistic backgrounds similar to oils with a realistic subject. I like to thin the paint with water and use watercolor and decorative painting techniques.

Started painting and writing the Country’s Edge books in the 80’s and now try to have a new book every year.

Happy Painting, Shirley

4 comments - Posted by Diane at 8:00 AM - Categories: Artist Bios

Chris Haughey talks about painting resin

When I first saw the Holdiay Buddies, I thought painting a design would be a simple, coloring book approach.  I can't express how much fun it was to play with color and design on these 3-D surfaces.  What a pleasant surprise painting these figurines compared to a traditional flat design.  I just had the best time working with these pieces. 
Because many features are carved there is no frustration about placement and proportions such as painting facial features in the right place, getting the arms and mittens the same size, making sure the legs and feet are “holding up” the bodies.  Since there is absolutely no concern about  overall shapes,  all focus can be channeled into color and design. 
I was thinking how easy it would be to change colors to co-ordinate with any décor.  Think country by using hunter greens, deep blues and rusty reds.  How about a traditional look with Christmas tree greens, holly berry reds, and rich blues.  Switch to Renaissance with jewel tone purples, golds and jade greens.  Soft crèmes and pastels lean towards Victorian. 
It is so much fun to be a painter, think outside the box, and be creative.  One design, one idea is a pebble in the sea of creativity.  The ripples of inspiration just keeps going on and on...

7 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 9:17 AM - Categories: Artist Bios