Good Morning Gorge

Good Morning Gorge  8x10 oil Available at Act I Gallery, Taos, NM

This one just MIGHT have sold last month at my Act I solo show...I forget! But I have some new pieces (similar!) that are headed to ARIZONA for the Phippen Museum Western Art Show in Prescott...come see me there Memorial Weekend!

****

UPCOMING FOR V....

Phippen Museum Western Art Show___Prescott, AZ___May 23-25

Ballad of the Farm: Then. Now. Tomorrow__OPENING__David City, NE__May 23

This event is a VERY SPECIAL exhibit, that I have put my heart into since October, 2014. I will have a month of TARGETED blog posts about this topic, and "unveil" my special painting very soon. Visit Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art for more, and PLEASE follow my journey...soon!

Day's Last Sliver

Day's Last Sliver__6x8 oil__$190 unframed

There was a little sliver of bright light as the storms closed in over the Santa Fe area. I think these are the mountains near Los Alamos, and we were on the way to pick up a couple of our kids in Santa Fe...Love those summer monsoon clouds over the southwest!!!

_________________________________

Here are some locations for a few of my workshops. email me if you want more info on any of these...

And here is a link to a SPECIAL ONE.

I can't wait to see the water go down the drain BACKWARDS there!

July-August ___weekly__Austin___ "Chocolates and Chiaroscuro" 

Sept. 15, 2012___Salado TX

2013___New York City, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania...

2014___February 23-March 1___New Zealand

**BE SURE to tell me if you sign up! I like to send things to my students to get them ready, keep them "seeing", and thinking, and talking about it!

From His Canopy

From His Canopy___6x8 oil study on panel__for Fire House Show, Colorado

Another one from our drive through Taos on the way to Santa Fe. I painted this in the car, just as we left Taos, headed south...each day we have been in southern Colorado, we have had a little bit of rain, at least!...we are really hoping that since water runs downhill, some of this will end up in Texas soon!!

Here are some locations for a few of my workshops. email me if you want more info on any of these...

And here is a link to a SPECIAL ONE.

I can't wait to see the water go down the drain BACKWARDS there!

July-August ___weekly__Austin___ "Chocolates and Chiaroscuro" 

Sept. 15, 2012___Salado TX

2013___New York City, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania...

2014___February 23-March 1___New Zealand

**BE SURE to tell me if you sign up! I like to send things to my students to get them ready, keep them "seeing", and thinking, and talking about it!

Seven Strokes-a Lesson

Stroke Seven__a workshop lesson to paint FASTER__demo $100

One of my usual lessons to help artists paint faster is called "Seven Steps".

The one above was painted in just seven strokes!...REALLY.The image below is the first 4 steps...it's all about planning ahead QUICKLY, mixing color and trusting your outcome! It helps if the class goes step by step with me at first, then they can go off on their own.

I often (usually) grant "mercy" at the end, allowing for a few extra strokes. One time we did "7 plus 17"....this one is "7 plus 5 or 6"

Here are some locations for a few of my workshops. email me if you want more info on any of these...

And here is a link to a SPECIAL ONE.

I can't wait to see the water go down the drain BACKWARDS there!

July-August ___weekly__Austin___ "Chocolates and Chiaroscuro" 

Sept. 15, 2012___Salado TX

2013___New York City, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania...

2014___February 23-March 1___New Zealand

**BE SURE to tell me if you sign up! I like to send things to my students to get them ready, keep them "seeing", and thinking, and talking about it!

Looking West

Looking West___6x8 oil on linen panel for Passing America: The Great Plains

I LOVE road trips. All my life of travel has mostly been by car, and nearly ALWAYS west, through the Great Plains. I have lived ALL my years on the Plains (except that one year I was born, they tell me, but I don't believe them, since I don't remember :)
The biggest thrill along the way, is when the LONG OPEN plains, finally end at the foot of the Rockies. We always keep a "lookout" so we can be first to say "there's the mountains!"...(bad grammar, but we are Texans! We do it on purpose just to annoy people! :)
This is another painting from a winter batch that I delivered along with the rest. My solo exhibit at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln, NE is called Passing America: The Great Plains and runs from Oct. 7, through Dec. 11, 2011. Come meet me at the opening reception on Oct. 7! I will tell a few tales of my journey and purpose for this exhibit.

New Mexican Plain

New Mexican Plain____6x8 oil on linen__-for Passing America: The Great Plains
This one was painted on the way out of the mountains, heading east and into the Great Plains. The farms there are mainly places that grow feed for the herds of cattle...Ranches, really...I enjoy the discussion about the difference between a "farm" and a "ranch" ...weigh in , if you want to ad your two cents!

Sandia Plain

Sandia Plain___6x8 oil on linen for Passing America: The Great Plains
In my Great Plains studies, I've been amused by the various (and MANY) versions of the boundaries of what we call "The Great Plains". Every "expert" map shows a different line on the eastern boundary, but almost all agree that the Great Plains' western boundary ends where the Rocky Mountains begin.
My favorite drive through the plains might be on I25 where there is a HARD LINE between mountains and plains! ...THe painting here is along that route. Driving along Sandia Peak near Albuquerque, the plains are clearly in view from some of the ridges, as you look of to the east....and when you are out on the plain, one of the most thrilling things is to peel your eyes, hoping for the first glance of the mountains in the distance....

Plains Moon

Plains Full Moon___6x8 oil on linen___for Passing America: The Great Plains
Today I "cleaned up" this little drive-by painting from a couple years ago. Click here to compare the old version with this one. http://vvaughan.blogspot.com/2010/01/blue-moondrive-by.html
When I noticed tonight's moon, I noted how the colors of the landscape from in winter painting are very similar to the summer version I saw tonight. Our draught is so bad, the landscape has the dry color of winter...
Tonight is the last night for my youngest son to sleep at home...tomorrow we take him away to college...I feel a little sad, but am so proud of him and excited FOR him...I remember how wonderful it was to be out on my own for the first time! God Bless You, Samuel!!!

Plain Flurries

Plain Flurries__6x8 oil on linen panel for Passing America: The Great Plains
As I wrap up the details for my upcoming exhibit, I cleaned up this little "drive-by" painting, today...I painted it last year as we came out of the northern New Mexico mountains and had our first view of the plains. Just then, the clouds opened up and let down some light flurries of snow...
By the way, all the plains paintings are for sale, but I will not be able to deliver them until after the event is over (late December)...That gives you time to pay off a lay-away purchase if you want to take your time paying it off....a number of collectors are doing JUST THAT, right now...just e-mail me if you see one you like ! vvaughan8@yahoo.com
My workshop and show/event schedule is below....
My Schedule-----------------
August___Painting the Plains...I will be ALL OVER The place, finishing my project which opens on Oct. 7...
October 7___Passing America: The Great Plains. Lincoln, NE...Reception and Gallery Talk in the evening
Oct. 8-13___Nebraska Workshops...painting farms en plein air
Oct. 18-Nov. 17___Remembering the Farm, Solo show at Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend Church, Austin
October 27___Remembering the Farm Reception and Gallery Talk 5-8 pm. Riverbend, Austin
Nov. 9-11___Fall Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists' School
June 11-13, 2012___Spring Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists School
Summer 2012 Workshop...early August, 2012! TBA!

Edge of the Plain__8x10 oil on linen panel___Passing America: The Great Plains___$550 framed
I am pretty sure I posted this one, too...early on in my project about "Passing America...."
But over the weekend, I began to "finish" the works for the exhibit...I did some adjusting of contrasts to make this a better painting, and not just a "study"....One thing I left "as is": the bead of paint on the flat horizon line...it magnifies the effect there in northern New Mexico where the plains SUDDENLY span away from the foothills. Most people would say this is boring scenery, butI think it is a big thrill to see the great plain distance for as far as the eye can see....





My Schedule-----------------
August___Painting the Plains...I will be ALL OVER The place, finishing my project which opens on Oct. 7...
October 7___Passing America: The Great Plains. Lincoln, NE...Reception and Gallery Talk in the evening
Oct. 8-13___Nebraska Workshops...painting farms en plein air
Oct. 18-Nov. 17___Remembering the Farm, Solo show at Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend Church, Austin
October 27___Remembering the Farm Reception and Gallery Talk 5-8 pm. Riverbend, Austin
Nov. 9-11___Fall Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists' School
June 11-13, 2012___Spring Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists School
Summer 2012 Workshop...early August, 2012! TBA!

Plains to There

Plains to There___6x8 oil on linen panel___for Passing America: the Great Plains
For the next few weeks, I am gathering together all of my "drive-by" paintings of farms across the plains. Here is one I painted RIGHT at the beginning of my project. I seem to have a number of paintings created along the edge of the plains (where the edge is OBVIOUS: next to the Rocky Mountains). I am intrigued by the CONTRAST: one side is flat as far as the eye can see, and the sky almost matches the land...featureless, while directly opposite are the mountains with great towering clouds and the upslope which catches light and shadows....this one is at the southern edge, near Santa Fe. The summer sky builds like this every day, watering the mountains, and leaving the farms mostly dry...But the water is there! Available to the farmers for irrigation.
So I am rounding up the small works, to varnish them, tweak the rough ones, clean up the edges and put them in frames. The rest of my frame shipment comes in this week.

My Schedule...
August___Painting the Plains...I will be ALL OVER The place, finishing my project which opens on Oct. 7...
October 7___Passing America: The Great Plains. Lincoln, NE...Reception and Gallery Talk in the evening
Oct. 8-13___Nebraska Workshops...painting farms en plein air
Oct. 18-Nov. 17___Remembering the Farm, Solo show at Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend Church, Austin
October 27___Remembering the Farm Reception and Gallery Talk 5-8 pm. Riverbend, Austin
Nov. 9-11___Fall Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists' School
June 11-13, 2012___Spring Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists School
Summer 2012 Workshop...early August, 2012! TBA!

Step Ladder Sky

Step Ladder Sky___8 x 10 oil on linen panel___for Passing America: The Great Plains
I was going to post this one today, anyway...a drive-by painting in the plains of northern New Mexico. But, this is the first time I have given a title like this...the title goes with that step ladder of cirrus cloudy sky, but it also goes with a LANDMARK EVENT in my life.
For 27 years, I have been a FULL-TIME MOTHER (doing a little art on the side)...This week, my youngest (a 6'4"+ football athlete) goes away to college and the "new normal" begins!...
So, the FIRST THING I noticed about this "new normal", is that since all my TALL KIDS are gone, I do not have easy access to the top shelves, anymore....yesterday, I had to go to Lowes and buy a step ladder....

August___Painting the Plains...I will be ALL OVER The place, finishing my project which opens on Oct. 7...
October 7___Passing America: The Great Plains. Lincoln, NE...Reception and Gallery Talk in the evening
Oct. 8-13___Nebraska Workshops...painting farms en plein air
Oct. 18-Nov. 17___Remembering the Farm, Solo show at Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend Church, Austin
October 27___Remembering the Farm Reception and Gallery Talk 5-8 pm. Riverbend, Austin
Nov. 9-11___Fall Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists' School
June 11-13, 2012___Spring Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists School
Summer 2012 Workshop...early August, 2012! TBA!

Breaking the Plain

Breaking the Plain__8x10 oil on linen panel__for Passing America: The Great Plains

This is a "drive-by" painting, created on the way home from Colorado's cool summer a few days ago. We left before daybreak so that we would be hitting the western edge of the Great Plains at daybreak. PERFECT!
Just east of Santa Fe, the plains open up, and here is where I started my farm observations this time. I like to imagine what is going on at the farms where the little lights are.
My exhibit will be delivered to The University of Nebraska's Great Plains Art Museum next month for the opening of the show on October 7. Y'ALL COME!! Between now nd then, I am finishing up the paintings, and FINALLY posting the studies on the project blog. Click to see the project overview....


August___Painting the Plains...I will be ALL OVER The place, finishing my project which opens on Oct. 7...
October 7___Passing America: The Great Plains. Lincoln, NE...Reception and Gallery Talk in the evening
Oct. 8-13___Nebraska Workshops...painting farms en plein air
Oct. 18-Nov. 17___Remembering the Farm, Solo show at Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend Church, Austin
October 27___Remembering the Farm Reception and Gallery Talk 5-8 pm. Riverbend, Austin
Nov. 9-11___Fall Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists' School
June 11-13, 2012___Spring Workshop at Fredericksburg Artists School
Summer 2012 Workshop...early August, 2012! TBA!

Abiquiu Bluff

Abiquiu Bluff___6x8____for SB
I am headed off to the northern Great Plains tomorrow. A fantastic trip I have planned for over a YEAR is finally going to happen!
Here is the "itinerary" in brief:
From St. Paul, MN I will take the Amtrak Empire Builder across the plains to Montana!...painting all the way! These will be "drive-by" paintings, many studies, and sketches from the rails. MANY of the works will be under the full moon. I am MOST excited about that part.
My oldest friend in the world (well, she is about my age, but I have known her longer than anyone) is coming along for the ride, and we expect to have a blast on the rails.
I hope to blog a little bit, but if not, there will be PLENTY of new thoughts when I get back, next week.

Above Abiquiu

Above Abiquiu, New Mexico__16x20__available at Act I Gallery, Taos, NM
This area of New Mexico is where Georgia O'Keefe lived and worked. It is still a remote and beautiful place. I started this one last summer and just got around to finishing it....Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! No matter what you are going through, there is SOMETHING to be thankful for...even good old memories :)

Chamisa Shack

Chamisa Shack__16x20 oil on linen__available at Act I Gallery in Taos...next week

I have not sent this one to Taos, yet, so you are first to know about it!..If it looks familiar, scroll down and you might have seen this sketch which I posted a few weeks ago. I actually did the PAINTING FIRST! It was my field study and has been unfinished till I made some "oil changes" today...now I can call it "done" and will send it off to Taos....the sketch is in my Colorado sketchbook, and I did the sketch to solve some problems in the painting! Click Here to see the whole sketchbook on my web site. RIGHT NOW I am offering the sketchbook for sale. THE WHOLE SKETCHBOOK, with field notes, grocery lists and all! I have never done this before, so I am just going to see what happens. The sale is over on Oct. 23, unless someone does "Buy it Now".

WORKSHOP in Rockport, TX this month. Email me for details! vvaughan8@yahoo.com

click to see and Watch the Sketchbook Sale on Ebay

San Pedro From the Back_church, sketch, New Mexico, southwest

San Pedro y San Rafael from the Back__#18 from my Colorado sketchbook...auction soon!

At this great location, we spent the whole morning painting, sketching, photographing and running for cover from lightning and hail! It was a BEAUTIFUL morning! Only a plein air painter will call hail "beautiful"....I LOVE this church!...Not just because it carries my name ("PEDRO" is my maiden name), but because it reflects the culture of this area of Colorado...so close to New Mexico....also, after the rain and hail cleared out, the southwestern sunshine makes crisp edges of light on the building, and hard shadow edges in the clear, dry air....

I am building the page for displaying all 30 sketches in my Colorado sketchbook. I have decided to have an auction, to sell the entire sketchbook...complete with my field notes. I have never really finished a WHOLE sketchbook before...usually halfway through I begin using pages to tear out for grocery lists or brainstorm lists......Even in this book I couldn't help myself, though I tried HARD! ...There are notes and lists inside the front cover ...I wrote them lightly, so that they can be erased if someone hates them :)

Chamisa Shack__sketch, New Mexico, adobe

Chamisa Shack__Sketch #17 from my Colorado sketchbook to be auctioned in September

To explain this sketch, I could say "ditto" to yesterday's post! This is the same location, the same chamisa bushes and fence line. If you could see to the left of this shack, you would see the church from yesterday! This was one of those locations where you could stay in the same place and paint 4 or 5 great compositions!

Ditto, also, to the wedding plan things I mentioned yesterday.

Chamisa Study

Chamisa Study_sketch 16 from my Colorado sketchbook__auction soon

Chamisa is this rugged plant that grows over the mesas in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. In the early fall they turn golden yellow with little flowers. Here you can see the San Pedro church in the distance. For a fuller view of the little church, page back to my sketch #15. I will post more Great Plains "drive-by" paintings as soon as I photograph them.

The sketch above continues the 30 sketches from Colorado. I plan to offer the entire sketchbook in an online auction soon.

Right now I am snowed under, wrapping up details from my summer Plains excursions....but MAINLY, I am planning my part of my son's wedding! The bride's family has done the big heavy lifting so far, but now is my time to plan a few parties and gather photos and things for the ceremony and rehearsals...So, I might be out of touch, off and on ...

Abiquiu Start

Abiquiu Start___16 x 20 study on canvas
In my Fredericksburg workshop today we started the day before sunrise. Later in the day, I demonstrated how I lay out or "block in" all my larger works. This image above is a 16 x 20 "start". I used a photo of mine, taken last year near Abiquiu, NM...Georgia O'Keefe country. I begin the larger works by using a paper towel to sketch the big forms and wipe in the values....I will "finish " this one soon....All week long I will post the demos and lessons from the workshop.
Let me know if you want to plan ahead for a similar workshop next year at tbout the same time of year. vvaughan8@yahoo.com