Doug Braithwaite Art

Wet Paint and Roadblocks

2011-06-23T15:50:00.000-06:00

Hi friends and family -

It's been way too long and believe me, I've missed you a whole lot more than you have missed me! But nonetheless, I'm alive and well and I'm excited to be back in touch. The last few months have been full of what you might call "roadblocks" and too often, when they land in front of me, I look at them, sigh, and say "Lord, stop picking on me!! Enough already!" The problem I have found with complaining to the almighty, however, is that the "parent" in him comes out and he tends to lay it on a little thicker just to make sure you've learned your lesson and realize "it COULD be worse!"

Earlier this year, we were devastated to have lost our sweet Jack Russell, Jade, to a mysterious disappearance. Here one minute, gone the next. No trace. No witnesses. We scoured the neighborhood for weeks, posting signs, checking all the shelters. Being chipped, we were hopeful and optimistic but so far, after 5 months, still no sign or word. Who does that? It has been so very frustrating and thank you to so many of you who have sent your well wishes and words of encouragement. We have missed her terribly but Doug has felt the biggest void. We hope wherever she is, she's being well taken care of and loved. This was the first of many "stumbles."

A few weeks ago, I had a most delightful lunch with a very wise and wonderful friend, Marjorie McClure, who shared with me a most insightful poem which has helped me look at my "roadblocks" a little differently. Thought I'd share . . .

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~

I mean, this Rumi guy was born in the early 1200's!! Seriously? The dude had it figured out! So he's telling me that these "roadblocks" I've been fighting are actually our growing pains and we are to embrace and welcome them! Okay okay, I'll stop whining!

So the last few months have brought on many delightful "guests" and like Rumi says, some have been sorrowful but others have been most joyful! Some of those "joys" have been the wet paint found on Doug's easel! Simply spectacular!

A couple of weeks ago, Doug participated in the Ogden Plein Air competition. It's one of our favorite competitions because it's Doug's own "stompin grounds!" This being where Doug grew up, he looks to each road, each building, and the "boulevard" as his own. Of course, on this day, I had triple booked my calendar (one of my favorite past-times and terrible habits) but was so glad I pushed two of the three aside to join Doug at the Union Station. This first painting was done for the "overall" competition.

"20th and Washington"
12 x 16
"1st Place - Ogden Plein Air Competition 2011"

A winning painting it was! The quick-draw done Saturday morning produced another winning painting as he parked his truck on 25th Street, dropped the tailgate and painted the festival from the end of the street.

"Festival"
8 x 10
"1st Place - Ogden Plein Air Quick Draw 2011"

Following the festival, Doug and I had our first week-long separation for 2011 while he went to Helper to teach a fantastic five-day workshop! Sue Martin, one of the students, was very prompt in sharing her experience of the workshop with her blog http://suemartinfineart.com/blog/32100/a-week-en-plein-air. Wait!! Finish reading mine first!! Here is a demo and some of the students painting:

"Class Demo - Bus"
6 x 6

Shannon Grosko

Steve Chamberlain

With no internet and long teaching days, I was very happy to get him home the night before Father's Day. We spent Father's Day putting together a "smoker" for some "shmokin' good" ribs and then enjoyed all the kids for dinner and some "gee-tar" jammin' and singin! Neither the The Partridge Family NOR the Osmonds has anything over on this bunch! hahaha

We also worked in some golf over the weekend! shocking I know . . . and I did let him win - it being Father's Day and all. We were thrilled to golf with Marco and his most talented artist-wife Shanna Kunz-Hernandez. We had such a great time. Shanna tried to even the playing field by golfing with the wrong "lead" hand. Ahhh thanks Shanna. Such a sport!

Doug also participated in some fund raisers with great causes. The Eccles Foundation Fund Raiser, Art Access 300 Plates Show and Spring City Heritage Days.

"Desert Ponies"
12 x 16

So since I'm trying to catch you up on my happenings over the last few months, my Utah Jazz really fell apart and I became a convert to the Dallas Mavericks! Go figure! I mean, really, Dirk Nowiski and I have never seen eye to eye (because he was so good and generally whooped on my Jazz men) and Mark Cuban, their owner, well we've gone the rounds several times! But after the Jazz didn't make the playoffs (therapy 3 times a week), I decided to root for the team that could beat the LA Lakers. I figured that was the Mavs. Sweeping the Lakers 4-0 was above and beyond my expectations but then to go on and beat Miami in the finals was an uber treat! I'm going through somewhat of a withdrawal now as basketball has ended and I find myself surfing ESPN and Fox Sports for signs of a ball bigger than an orange, but with no luck.

Again, through my roller coaster of the first half of 2011, good ol' steady eddy (that be Doug) kept knockin out some amazing wet paint! These two pieces are going to be shown at the Trailside Gallery Miniature Show in July. I think we've decided to take a mini vacation up to Jackson to go to the opening which is on July 21st. The first one is indeed a FIRST, as this would be Doug's first "fly fisherman" ever painted! see that cute little man out in the water . . . love the hat . . .

"Passing Time"
8 x 10
Trailside Gallery Miniature Show

"Rocky Mountain Headwaters"
8 x 10
Trailside Gallery Miniature Show

A few commissions for some dear friends here and there were the icing on the cake. This first one of an old schoolhouse near Mt. Pleasant. Really? Did I just say that? I mean, it sounds like you all know where Mt. Pleasant is! haha so yeah, you all have google - look it up!!

"School House"
8 x 10
for Dorothy . . .

And for our dear friends, Lyn and Linne, a family home I believe. Looks like a place we see in the movies but doesn't really exist!

This is a favorite with a new "panoramic" style. These are great for our countryside here in Utah. A way to capture the "whole spread!"

Up and coming . . . Doug is heading to Midway to do the plein air competition there - where I'm going to join him on the 30th of June through the 4th of July! Wahoo! I am so excited for a little va-cay!! This painting is for a live auction they're going to have at the Midway Plein air. If you're interested in putting in a bid, contact Pam Weileman at the Midway Art Association. It is spectacular.

"4 Trucks and a Van"
12 x 29

Doug has entered these two beautiful pieces in the Eccles Statewide Competition. Their opening reception will be held on Friday, June 30th in Ogden, Utah. Tell me these aren't going to steal the show!

"Jamming"
40 x 42

"The Artist's Brush"
30 x 40
Zion's National Park

Doug will be heading to Estes Park Plein Air competition in August, Escalante Plein Air in September, Moab one-day workshop and Plein Air competition in October, and the Zion's National Park Plein Air invitational in November. I'm hoping to get to attend some of these with him. We have a full year ahead and I'll be anxious to keep you posted on what wet paint comes out of them.

Marjorie, I'm taking Rumi's advice and inviting each and every house guest in . . . with open arms. I'm putting on my steel-toed boots and kicking each of these roadblocks out of my way. Many of you have been there to help move the big boulders out of my way and for your love and support, I thank you!! Give me your feedback on the wet paint above . . . love to know your faves!

As always, thanks for being part of our lives and humoring me as I share Doug's art, at least from my perspective . . .

Much thanks . . .

Jeanette

PS - Our website is up to date and I will keep you posted on the competitions and paintings! Follow our blog and find both Doug and I on facebook as well! Let's be friends!!

Wet Paint and the Train

2011-02-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hello all -

I am sitting here at my desk gulping down a Coke Zero from Carls Jr. and yes, some other foodage from that establishment, finally taking a few minutes for me. And YOU. I decided the time isn't going to magically appear for me to drop you a note, so I must MAKE the time. I was gently nudged by a few of you wonderful blog readers that you'd checked periodically and nothing new was here! Bless your hearts! Thank you for caring!

My new position here at Stucki, Steele and Rencher law firm is wonderful, but very busy! It's all good stuff and I very much enjoy the work and I love the people! I ride the infamous "Frontrunner" - the train that runs from Northern Utah to downtown Salt Lake City. It's worked out great as I catch it in Clearfield (4 miles from home) and it takes me to downtown Salt Lake City where I then catch the "Trax" that winds it's way through downtown until it drops me off in front of my building! Slick, yes!! Interesting . . . INDEED! Oh, and I'll mention right off the bat that I've already gotten a citation for jay-walking - ugh!

Union Station
12 x 16

My "people watching" skills have increased dramatically and every day is a new adventure! Some days we are packed in like sardines (those would be snowy days when no one wants to drive) and standing cheek to cheek with people from all walks of life is actually really great.

"Double D-Flation"
12 x 16
These were some really great cinedome theaters that have been in Ogden for many years!
They were torn down just a couple of months ago.

I must shamefacedly admit I did have some "train" rage the other day. I know, it's just not like me! It was one of those days when the "trax" was packed and there were many more people getting ON than were getting OFF. Thus a seat shortage. There sat a young man (heading to the University) with his backpack occupying the seat next to him. He had a smug look on his face as people around him scrambled to find something to hold onto as the train stopped and started, sending people flailing into those around them! We looked like a pin ball machine! Several people around me were all looking and whispering about how rude that he would not move his backpack and offer the coveted seat. A woman even went so far as to go and stand right NEXT to his seat and wobbled back and forth in her heals trying to keep herself from falling. Still, nothing--eyes looking straight forward or shifting to look out the window to avoid eye contact.

As you can well imagine, my blood is boiling and I'm DYING to reach over there and wring his neck! Most of the comments around me were whispers, but mine were not. That's shocking, I know! I was conversing with some of the people around me (I have a captive audience on the train - people HAVE to listen!) He absolutely heard the comments but his smugness got even smuggier. (I'm going to skip doing spell check as I'm certain I'm making up words now!)

Finally, as this woman almost fell into the lap of another person, I turned back to him and loudly asked him why on earth he did not have the decency to move his $*!!@* backpack for her to sit down. He had his response ready - just WAITING for someone to ask! "Well, no one ASKED me to move it!" His voice was whiny and nervous with a crackling tone. The train erupted in vocal comments back to him, mumbling in disbelief and then the laughter took over. The comments kept flying and finally he said out loud, looking down at his lap, "OKAY PEOPLE, can we just let it go - it's over. Stop talking about it!" hahahaha Oh my, why do I do this? Seriously - I'm a little nervous about him finding me now! He was disturbed!!

"Playful Descent"
12 x 16

This morning, however, as I got onto a packed Trax, it was so full that there were people standing and yes, one seat still open. Many chose to stand as this sweet little vagrant (missing at least a couple of teeth) looked at me with a smile and patted the seat next to him. I was scared, I'm not gonna lie! I could see why many didn't want to sit there. I couldn't bear to hurt his feelings though. Apparently his offer of his seat had been turned by a few before me. He had some gloves on that had holes in them and a raggedy coat and hat. I made my way down the aisle and scooted in next to him. His eyes lit up and he smiled. Yes, missing more than two teeth! As we passed by the Utah Jazz arena, he said to me, "the Jazz are playing tonight" as his head nodded up and down. I said "Yes they are! Chicago!" His face lit up - he'd hit the jackpot! Someone to talk Jazz with! He began telling me that Carlos Boozer was on their team and that Carlos used to play for the Jazz, ya know! (Did he not know who he was talking to? Had he not seen me doing post-game interviews with Jerry Sloan?? hahaha) I nodded and agreed--we talked Jazz for about 6 minutes until I came to my stop. When it stopped he leaned way over so to whisper in my ear "I hope we win tonight!" I whispered back, "I hope so too!"

I'm not going to bore you with any more stories. Today, anyway. There will be more to come I'm sure! I have a million of 'em! I do want to say that the transition of going back to work has been tough, but Doug and the kids have been fantastic in making my life much easier when I get home! Dinner ready, dishes done, open arms and recorded episodes of the Office, Glee and Outsourced! I sit with my laptop while we watch TV - updating websites, returning emails, finishing up work I didn't get done during the day. But it's all good!

Not being able to watch Doug paint has been disappointmenting so he's done a few "progress" paintings that I thought you might enjoy as well.

Drawing out the painting with a q-tip - too cool for school!

Adding the color values . . .

Almost done . . . you might THINK it's done . . . but the fun little touches
that reach out and grab you are still to come!

"Winter Home"
16 x 20
SOLD

Fabulous, huh? Yeah, I hope seeing these paintings is as big of a treat for you as it is for me. I leave, I come home and voila! A new painting appears! It's amazing!

I should get back at it! Thanks for your patience, your support and gentle prodding to keep this going! It's good for me to "share" my stories - I have a million stories! haha

Thanks everyone! The traveling workshop "Tour La Plein Air" still has 4 spots left! Jump on it - especially if you're fun! I'm going and hoping to be thoroughly entertained with lots of fun things to write about!

Talk soon - I promise!!

xoxo

J'net

"Obscure Occupants"
12 x 16

"Patiently Linger"
12 x 16

"Wintry Illumination"
16 x 12

"Cross Lit"
12 x 16

Wet Paint . . . almost dry!!

2010-12-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Wow - where did November go? It got away from me probably because I was busy celebrating both anniversary (#24) and birthday (also #24 . . . wow, how often does that happen?? I mean, what are the odds!!). You throw in a week at Zions, then Thanksgiving, finishing one job, starting a new job, and yeah, that's pretty much makes any month just a blur!

You're hoping I say "the end" and start with the paintings, but you are sooo not getting off that easy! First off, can I just say that Zion's was the best time ever. Rubbing shoulders and being cool with some of the best in the business was quite a treat! Kate Starling, Ann Weiler-Brown, Susan Gallacher, George Handrahan, Russell Case, Joshua Been, Bill Cramer and Dennis Farris just to name a few. What a blast! We tried out several new restaurants and had some great laughs - shocking, I know - and guess what? Russell's wife, Suzanne, is such a riot! She's funnier than me!! just sayin . . .

Carrots from the garden! I know! 100 lbs at least! haha

Came home to lots of surprises and they were all good!! First thing we came home to was an "already harvested" garden thanks to Ryan and Wesley - all tilled over and ready for next year! Wow! About a hundred pounds of potatoes and carrots that were a hundred pounds each! (okay, you've already figured out that I exaggerate, haven't you!!) One carrot made like 50 carrot sticks - and that's no exaggeration!! Wes, my little Bugs Bunny, was in heaven!

Also came home to a job offer from a law office in Salt Lake that was just too good to refuse. So as we speak, I'm on the frontrunner (the train that travels between home and downtown Salt Lake for you out-of-staters) working out of my "mobile" office--a 18 x 24 inch table! Sweet!!! I'm going into my third week at Stucki, Steele and Rencher, a small law firm that needs someone who can do a little bit of this and a little bit of that! Hey, that's me!! That's what I'm good at. A little HR stuff, payroll, receivables, payables, and all the stuff that generally falls through the cracks. I'm very excited and they are a great group of people--it feels like a perfect fit for me! So, any of you who work in downtown Salt Lake, let me know - let's do lunch!!

Jade, Oscar and Jeff napping after Thanksgiving Dinner!

Last, but not least, we came home to a new puppy!! Ryan had rescued a little weiner dog from some friends who couldn't keep him so yes, we now have Oscar . . . full name: Oscar Milo Weiner . . . dog! ba dum schhhh!! So Thanksgiving was great with Amy coming over and bringing Jeffrey, her "Chug" (chihuahua/pug mix), the three dogs thought they were ruling the roost. From this picture, I guess that would be true!

My birthday was awesome--many of you sent wonderful well-wishes on facebook and emails! I felt incredibly loved and Doug and the kids surprised me with a new phone and of course, Ryan had it all fixed up for me with a "happy birthday" banner on the screen! So yes, I am now an "I-Phone-r" and loving it!! Go ahead, invite me to a game of scrabble--I dare you!!

The wet paint from Zion's is now dry . . . and we were fortunate enough to have left most of them there with red dots! (Gallery-ese for SOLD!) Wahoo!! The weather was absolutely perfect! Here is one that is going to make it's way to a larger painting in the new year!

"Complements"
16 x 12
Oil on board

We also have a great start of filling the Southern Utah Tour la Plein Air workshop in September of 2011! Thanks for jumping on your spot! I have already put in for time off. wahoo!!!

"City View"
12 x 16
Oil on Canvas

Last but not least, we are going to offer our first limited edition of 16x20 signed and numbered giclee prints of one of my favorite paintings, Pine Creek. The original painting being a 40x30 and can be seen at Terzian Gallery if you'd prefer the original! Click below if you're interested in ordering a print. This is our first stab at offering prints so we are offering this first round of 100 prints to our blog readers for $135 and we will cover the shipping.

"Pine Creek"
40 x 30
Oil on Canvas

My last blog of the year will be highlights of the year - so I would love to know what your favorites are as well. If you have any burning questions you'd love to ask, feel free to shoot me an email and I will address it! Have a most fabulous day! The Jazz are winning and looking better than I've ever seen them so needless to say, I'm very pleasant to be around!

Thanks for your support you've shown to our family! We seriously love you to death!!

Click here for the giclee print information or heck, just call me!! Seriously - hurry . .

Loves!!

J

"Road Trip Conversation"

2010-11-03T23:31:00.002-06:00

Over the past several years, Doug and I have taken lots of road trips together. Of course, starting out, they included three kids in the back seat and most of our entertainment came from singing. I was just reminded by our friend, (Uncle Jay to my kids) that he still sings "Daisy Daisy . . ." to his kids that he learned while our families traveled to southern Utah together. As the kids got older, however, singing together was replaced with the kids putting in their head phones listening to their "own" tunes or watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off on their ipod!

Now, it's just the two of us - our travel includes a little reading and crossword puzzles--however the problem is this: Doug's a visual guy. I say, "Okay . . . four letters. Starts with C ends with E." Easy enough, right? No, he's gotta look over and SEE it in the boxes. Keeping his eyes on the road becomes a problem, so yeah, at that point we move on to good ol' "road trip conversation."

Most of what topics come up are things we'd like to do--places we'd like to go. Wouldn't it be cool if . . .

We talk about places we might like to live . . . the accomplishments and struggles of our kids . . . bless their little hearts . . . and of course, most of our conversation fits in the great little phrase "wouldn't it be cool if . . . "

One of our many "wouldn't-it-be-cool-if's" included a perfect little road trip in which we stop at one of our favorite places . . . paint . . . eat . . . relax . . . then travel a little further to another favorite place . . . paint . . . eat . . . see the sights and move on again!

"Sunbathing"
8 x 10

One of these road trips might start in one of our favorite little places with lots of our favorite people! Helper! Stay a day or two, then travel a couple of hours on down through Torrey, take in the red rocks and surroundings of Capitol Reef National Park. After a couple of days, travel on over the Boulder Mountain where we catch the colors of the quakies just as they're turning yellow and red. From Boulder, maybe take in the Burr Trail and then meander our way through the Grand Staircase Escalante, catch the beautiful Calf Creek on the way over and land in Escalante (my home town). Doug paints while I "vist" with cousins galore (definition of vist: a word used by Grandma Griffin to converse across the kitchen table. "Oh, how we did vist 'n vist . . . 'n that thare . . ." can you just hear it?)

"Calf Creek Castles"
8 x 10

From Escalante, travel on over through the spectacular Red Canyon State Park and then end in the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park. Sounds like the perfect painting trip, doesn't it? So perfect, in fact, that I took it a step further. I seriously planned out a nine-day workshop taking in all those places. So yeah, I have appointed myself chief tour guide in charge of accommodations, entertainment and goodies, and have wisely appointed Doug head instructor. (I don't miss a trick, do I?)

"Class Demo"
8 x 10
SOLD

I have a more detailed itinerary posted and have gone ahead made reservations for us (definition of Us: Doug and I and 10 students who want to come along!) Starting September 23, 2011, we will meet in Helper Utah and let the "Southern Utah Tour la Plein Air" begin!! I have negotiated some great rates at some quaint little hotels and some beautiful grand hotels. May even sneak in a rustin dutch oven dinner at a cabin on Boulder Mountain with some fun entertainment! Check out the itinerary and let me know what you think! All I know is . . . #twenty_eleven_best_road_trip_ever!

Click here for itinerary: Workshop Itinerary

Jim & Kim Wachter - Doug's Sedona hosts

Drawing by Robert Goldman

Doug had a fabulous time in Sedona thanks to some wonderful hosts, Jim and Kim Wachter. Doug couldn't stop talking about how great they were. He was most appreciative of their genuine hospitality--catering to his every need. You definitely spoiled him, folks--he's impossible to live with now! haha Seriously, thanks so much for your kindness and care!

Also thanks to one of Doug's students, Ruthie Feldman and her teacher, Bob Goldman, for visiting Doug and "capturing" him while he was painting. Also, thanks to Ruthie for keeping me "fed" with Doug's latest wet paint! Below are some of his Sedona paintings.

"Downtown Jerome"
12 x 16

"Life Partners"
8 x 10

"Dry Creek"
12 x 16
SOLD

"Castle Rock"
12 x 16

"Surf's Up"
12 x 16

"Snoopy"
12 x 16

We are now here at the Zion's Plein Air Invitational and having a fabulous time. We couldn't have ordered better weather and we're rubbing shoulders with a fabulous group of artist's! I will post paintings of Zions very soon!!

Road trip conversation is the best . . . just sayin . . .

xoxo

Jeanette

"Rock" Star!

2010-09-30T11:00:00.003-06:00

And the "tour la plein air" continues and if I don't hustle and keep up, I'm going to miss some great stories to tell you!!

I started my 1100 mile weekend road trip Friday afternoon when I headed to Boulder Mountain to hook up for a great weekend in the Bryan and SueLyn family cabin on Boulder Mountain. With no phone or internet coverage, it is pretty secluded and remote. Luckily, Jade had been keeping Doug company and giving Doug someone to talk to, who doesn't talk back, besides the cows and wild turkeys in the field.

Jade got some privileges that she normally doesn't get. She got to go on a motorcycle ride tucked inside Doug's backpack and turned around so she was "sitting and facing" front! With her head poking out of the back pack and the 60 mph winds blowing in her "smiling" face, Doug got many nods and thumbs up as he passed tourists traveling the Boulder mountain terrain.

She also thoroughly enjoyed being "perched" on the front porch holding ever so still watching for the slightest movement in the pine trees. Watching her head jerk back and forth as she'd see movement from a squirrel or bird kept us in stitches.

I'd almost forgotten how much fun Doug and I have when we get together and we're not stressing about "getting stuff done" in the day-to-day routine. Just chillin' and relaxing was great fun and we laughed all weekend!

His paintings reinforced his title of "Rock Star" literally. He paints rocks like nobody's business!

"Modern Day Cowboy"

12x16

Love how he showed the magnitude of the mountains by putting in a vehicle driving along that skinny road. A nice couple stopped to see what he was painting and sent him this picture they snapped of him along the way!

"Base Camp"

12x16

Up on Boulder Mountain, the hunters are starting to scout out their places for the big hunt. This is a typical sight on Boulder Mountain. Love it!!!

"Boulder Roller Coasters"

12x16

The week of plein air painting ended with him receiving a "your-painting-is-ALMOST-the-best-painting-here Award!" He was, however, fortunate to share one of the two "Merit Awards" with Clay Wagstaff for a close second!

There were some great painters there and we had a great time rubbing shoulders with them. Listening to some great music, including some very talented locals, including the amazing Mecham Sisters, Quinn and Doneen Griffin, one of my favorite people and cousin, Raymond Shurtz, a playright and phenomenal singer, and fellow artist, Lynn Griffin, (and ALSO a cousin) and his lovely wife Judy. Also congratulations to Bill Cramer who took home an honorable mention as well as the "artist's choice" award! This is the painting Doug submitted for the competition.

"Eye Candy"

12x16

This painting was done in Torrey - Doug can't get enough of the red hills and desert.

Here are a couple more paintings he did in Spring City - these are some that didn't make it home with him so he didn't get pictures. Thanks to friends who sent them to us!

"Numerous and Varied"

8x10

SOLD

"Tractor Parking"

8x10

SOLD

Doug and I finished our 1100-mile treks (going separate ways) as he headed back north to gather things for his Helper Workshop while I headed even further south to take a painting to Zion's for the Zion's Invitational which we BOTH will be able to attend the first week in November.

I got to spend a day with my wonderful dad who lives in St. George. We made the always-familiar trek to Mesquite for a prime rib dinner and dropped a few nickels in the machines! As we leave, we always are reminded of a saying my grandmother used often! With a sigh, and as if for a loss of words, "Well, that thare, there'll be some happy ones and some sad ones . . ." This great phrase was used when referring to a wonderful Christmas morning, a devistating loss on the Price is Right, or at the end of a close Jazz game! Grandma's sentences, whether the thought was finished or not, always ended in another sigh, a long pause, and then " 'n that thare . . ." And that was the end of the conversation.

So I'll stop for now . . . and we'll talk soon . . and . . . well . . . . . . 'n that thare . . . see how that works, really, it's brilliant . . .

J

PS - Love to have you share this post with others! Links below to repost on facebook, twitter or email! Thanks friends and family! You're the best!

Wet Paint and the "Tour La Plein Air!"

2010-09-14T21:03:00.001-06:00

Well the two weeks of separation brought a very fun weekend in Estes Park! After picking me up at the Denver Airport, and a wonderful recommendation for dinner from the kind gentlemen sitting next to me, we enjoyed some fabulous food and shopping! Seriously, Doug was so burned out from painting that he very willingly (but not overly enthusiastic) shopped with me up and down Elkhorn Drive and even carried my "goods" while we "milled around" the Art and Craft fair! Bless his little heart!

Doug had a very productive week--with not much else to do, due to a very slow internet connection at the quaint little hotel) so his routine was pretty much paint, eat, read and sleep!! So here is some wet paint from Estes Park! This first one is one of my favorites--click on it to see it bigger if you can. The paint strokes are amazing. I always say with Doug's paintings that they're a "buy one get one free" type deal! It's a different painting from far away. Almost photographic! (he will not like me saying that!) But up close, you see the big rich strokes and every stroke counts! Not too many--just enough!

"Fallen"

8x10

Next one was the wonderful Highwaty 36. Every road leading into Estes Park is beautiful. The rocks were amazing. I'm from Southern Utah and I thought there were no other "cool" rocks around - but this has some pretty amazing stuff! Every turn we made, I was wowed! (Wesley, is that a word? May I use it this once??) haha

"Highway 36"

8x10
SOLD

And then our favorite little town of Ward, where last year we did the process painting and are still laughing about our experience there. Great little town with a handful of people, a Sheriff (only because he wears a sheriff's hat) and I think, more dogs than people! Notice the traffic jam there in the middle of town!

"Rush Hour in Ward"

8x10
SOLD

The show in Boulder on Saturday night was great and Pearl Street in Boulder was a riot! It's a "walking" street with lots of wonderful shops. ahhh, I was in heaven Almost like a mall except it's outside! The weather was perfect and the "kiosks" down the middle included dozens of college students sharing their talents for your "spare change!" We enjoyed everything from violin music to juggling to a contortionist who "folded" himself into a small square box. Crazy!!

Thank you to Ron and Anne and the great staff at Earthwood Gallery for hosting such a great show! The paintings looked amazing and we had a great "gallery stroll" crowd! Thank you, especially, to some fabulous friends who made a great effort, some coming 70+ miles, to show their support--Lynn and Lyn, Amy and Rick, Cozan and Lonnie, and Lou and Maggie! Thank you thank you for your support!! Lynn and Lyn, hope you are enjoying Mt. Side Cohorts!!

The weather was perfect. We enjoyed being outside most of the day and took a great evening walk around Lily Lake, but hiking up the mountain at about 8,500 feet, I had to take a break about every 20 steps! But amazingly so, everywhere we stopped was a gorgeous view which invited a candid phone shot by me!! It took me five tries to get Doug into the picture! hahaha It was a perfect way ease a little bit of the stress of our lives--even if just for a weekend!

The drive home started out by enjoying the beauty of the Park following a river for almost an hour. Going through small towns was great, stopping for kettle corn and jerky from a "fruit stand!"

Then disaster struck!! Unbelievable. Like night and day. Yes . . . we came to the dreaded turnoff that heads west and jumped onto I-80 and, well, the yawning began! I curled up and found my pillow--sleeping peacefully until I was rudely awakened by a "whistling" windshield--which happens when winds are coming at you at 60 mph! Well, the rest of the 8+ hour drive into the wind included my reading out loud--a new Harlan Coben book and doing crossword puzzles that I cut out of the pile of newspapers that had built up on my front porch! We made it home without incident and found the house still standing and in beautiful order! Thanks, boys! (and all the neighborhood who, I'm sure, were there to help eat the food in the fridge) I love ya all!!

Doug got 24-36 hours of "home" before jumping back in the Element and heading to Spring City for the plein air competition. With phone service only available on the corner of Main and Center in Mt. Pleasant, we didn't get to talk much! But Doug enjoyed his time immensely--some of the greatest people we know! Big thanks to Susan Gallacher, one of our favorite painters, for a place to stay--thanks to Dorothy, our "adopted" sister, for a lunch-date for Doug, and great big thanks to Chris and Allyson Anderson for providing such "food of plenty" during the week! You guys are an amazing support to the arts, and please know how much you are appreciated! I'm sorry I couldn't have been there.

Here are some of Doug's paintings from his stay.

"Ebbs & Flows"

12x16

"Hit & Miss"

12x16

"Imaginary Boundaries"

12x16

So Doug's "tour la plein air" I totally made that up, seriously - it sounds so legit, huh? continues this coming weekend as he heads to Escalante - which is MY stomping grounds, by the way, where Doug is the husband to Jeanette Griffin!! yeah, right, that ended about 6 years ago! ugh! I'm still not over it . . . Hoping to see some of you down there. After that, Doug goes straight from Escalante to Helper to teach his fall workshop! Last workshop till next summer--if you need some motivation to paint through the winter, you better call me and get a spot! Or call and tell me which painting above you can't live without! Or . . . just call me!! Maybe say "hey, let's go golf!!" I will love hearing from you for whatever reason!! Have a fabulous week!!

We shall talk soon!

and remember, this is all just from my perspective . . .

J'net

Wet Paint and Separation Anxiety!

2010-08-24T22:52:00.003-06:00

Pearl Street Plaza

12x16

Doug’s been gone three days and already we’re having severe separation anxiety. There are a few . . . no, several . . . uh . . . okay, let’s face it, there are LOTS of things that Doug does that I don’t even give a second thought to.

So I’m lying there in bed, sound asleep, when I sit right up in a cold sweat! “CRAP! Did Doug's shop get locked up?” “AHHH!! I wonder if the someone gave Jade her pill?" "SHOOT! I was supposed to water the garden!" "Did Jade get FED?" “Did I get Doug’s mail?”

Not being able to tag along with Doug this year was pretty much a drag but we’re both gaining a much better appreciation of each other! Being the “detailed organizer” that I am, Doug left with a purple manila folder with an itinerary for the next two weeks along with “Exhibits A-F” of google maps and hotel confirmations, addresses and phone numbers! Doug is painting in Estes Park as we speak and today, had a great day with near perfect weather. Thank ya much, weatherman!

This past weekend, as Doug was heading east, my BFF Julie and I headed southeast and spent the weekend in Helper at the Arts Festival. We went to see my daughter, Amy, who works at the town-favorite café “The Balanced Rock.” With it being festival time and all, she spent the biggest part of our “bonding” time waiting tables with a smile, a sore back and very tired feet, while Julie and I strolled up and down the main street with Amy’s dog, Jeffrey, a Chihuahua/pug mix that we like to call a “chug!” Here’s a pic of Jeff and I chillin on the deck Sunday morning.

It’s great to be somewhere where time really kind've stands still. Or better yet, time moves forward and, quite frankly, you don’t care because you have no agenda and nowhere to be. That’s how my weekend in Helper felt and I have to say, I don’t remember the last time I felt that way! It was amazing!

On the flip side, I talked with Doug after he’d finally arrived to his resting place for the night, and much to my chagrin, unthinkingly asked if he had decided on a spot to paint the next day. Silence. I felt much like Homer Simpson "DOH!! Did I really say that or was I just thinking it?!" haha I’m pretty sure I heard the phone drop to the ground as his hands flew up in air with an “are-you-kidding-me" look on his face. My bad. Yeah . . . he left home at o'dark thirty, drove well over 500 miles, stopped in Estes Park to get boards stamped for the plein air competition, then went on to Boulder to drop off 18 paintings for his upcoming show, and then followed my handy-dandy google maps back to find his hotel, which wasn’t as slick as I had hoped! So yeah, asking if he’d scouted out his spot to paint went over much like giving someone a vacuum cleaner for mother's day! haha . . . and just for the record, that's never happened! Doug is much too smart a man! He's thinking, "Geez, honey, ya slave driver!" . . . so sorry darlin, really, I am!! At that point, I tried to recover by sounding like we’d had an exhausting day of, uh, yeah, walking Jeffrey all over Helper on the hot pavement (main street's like 3 blocks ya know!) and throwing Jeffrey's mangled tennis ball over and over again in a grueling game of fetch! I was near exhaustion! Yeah, I know, no one is buying that.

Well thanks for sticking with me through that . . here is your treat! A preview of the show - I'm tellin' ya, the guy's a machine and rock star! What can I say! His opening reception opens on Saturday, September 4th from 6-9 pm at Earthwood Gallery on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO. I found a great deal on a one-way ticket so I’m going to fly out next weekend and then make the 500+ mile trek home with him! Should be great fun! Would love LOVE LOVE to see some of you at the show if you’re in the Denver/Boulder area. Also, side note, there are still a couple of spots left in the Helper fall workshop! Come on down--Helper's a great little town!! that totally rhymed, did you catch that . . . it just flowed off my tongue . . . crazy, I know . .

Pine Creek Pass
30x40

This painting was the product of the great little study I posted a couple of months ago that was so tastefully snagged by our Estes Park friend, Linne Haddock, who also purchased a "buddy" to go with it! We are thrilled that they have found such a great home, Linne! Hope Doug gets to see you Estes Park! Call him!

Mountain Side Cohorts

12x16

Ahh, I'm not sure where this is, but I am loving the purple flowers. Students from Torrey are feeling the love here? I certainly am. Doug putting the flowers in a painting makes me happy!

Table Prep

8x10

A great little place where I'm sure Doug is going to take me for lunch - and I'll bet he picks me a flower and puts it on my plate! Fer-SHER!

Smouldering

12x16

Another beautiful Boulder Mountain spot! That's a little heaven on earth that is! We need to do another class there. Hey - flash thought - we are putting together a "traveling" workshop that we are going to try and do next "late-summer-early-fall" where we'll travel throughout Utah and spend a couple of days in each place. Helper, Boulder Mountain, Escalante, Zions . . . just givin you a heads up . . .

Amble

12x16

I feel some shoes and jewelry shopping on the horizon . . .

Triumphant

40x30

The Torrey skies and clouds were amazing. I can just almost feel the heat from the rocks, ahhh and a slight breeze, I think.

Summit Slopes

11x14

One last view of Boulder Mountain. This scene in the fall is something unbelievable. Love watching the quakies' leaves shake and shimmer in the sunlight. Almost look like shiny coins . . .

Love to know what your favorites are . . .

Talk soon!!

J'net

Wet Paint - One Step at a Time!

2010-07-13T21:48:00.001-06:00

Wow, where to start to talk about the last month! First off, the workshops were phenomenal! I wasn't able to make it to the Helper Workshop which I was so sad about, but I heard from many that it was a blast (just as I figured! ugh! I knew I was missing out!) Got some great feedback from some students. In fact, Vern Schwarz wrote a great blog about his Helper experience which you should check out . . . as soon as you're done reading mine, of course, and Jordan Wright, a student from Utah State University said it was the best decision he'd ever made. "I learned more from him in one week than I have in over a year in college studying painting!" One thing that Jordan said that everyone really agreed on was the fact that Doug is so willing to give you his entire process, "step by step, beginning to end, without holding anything back." He posted some great paintings on his blog from the workshop, including a great value study of an alley in Helper. The students loved watching the demonstration paintings. Here are some of the finished demo paintings, some of which you will see the "process" pictures of!

Oh, just a side note, when Doug sent me these images, of course, he had to title them before he could save them . . . so yes, he has come up with some very clever names for these . . let's start with the first one. "Demo 1" hmmm, whadaya think? Got a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I'm tellin' ya, the man's got a gift for namin' paintings! The guy's a walking thesaurus.

Okay okay, I know most of you support Doug in this, just like you all supported the ugly t-shirts, and, yes, his gift of painting far outweighs his gift of "titling" so . . . I'm going to let these names slide. This time.

"Demo 1"

9x12

Sand Creek Road just outside of Torrey. I would have named this flowering something or other.

"Demo 2"

8x10

Boulder Mountain meadow. Gotta love these quakies. In the fall, the colors are absolutely breathtaking. If you haven't been to Boulder Mountain, seriously worth a trip!!

"Demo 3"

8x10

Hillside outside of Helper

"Demo 4"

8x10

On the mountain between Boulder and Torrey - more on the Boulder side. The clouds were constantly changing. Got some great shots of Doug working the sky. He makes it look so easy. But it's not! Trust me. I know.

"Demo 5"

8x10

Outskirts of Teasdale I believe - I missed this one. Again, love how he captures the heat of the day.

"Demo 6"

8x10

House in Teasdale. Anybody home?? And the rocks, yeah, how do you get them to look like that?

"Demo 8"

8x10

Vern posted this one on his blog, at midpoint I believe.

Okay - so I did make it down to the Torrey workshop and guess what?? I actually did a painting one morning!! The students asked if I painted. I said NO! Never had a paintbrush in my hand. So they kept on me until I consented to paint the next morning. So with easel set up and brush in hand, I attempted to paint a red rock and a tree! Doug seriously makes it look so easy but it's not! To all of you painters out there from all of us non-painters, I drop my messy paintbrush at your feet and grovel!

Jeanette's First Painting

8x10

Yeah well, it was fun anyway!! If there are any strokes in this painting that look like Doug's confident strokes, they probably are! It needed help and he came to my rescue!

Okay - so let's go back to the meadow where I spread out the red checkered blanket. The meadow was beautiful and peaceful. There were hawks in the distance that were not very happy about us invading their space!

Doug started the demo painting with the dark purple "wash" that generally kinda freaks people out and then proceeds to "draw" the painting out with such tools as q-tips or a paper towel! This is where he puts in the values of the painting. The lighter areas, the darker areas. It's a great exercise.

After he got the painting "drawn" in, he then talked about the two different kinds of color matching--the first being "absolute color" which is matching the paint to the subject, i.e. tree, sky or grass. The students below are color-matching the paint on their pallet knife with the subject.

The other type of matching is "relative color" looking at what's on your painting already and see if tree next to it is lighter or darker, relatively speaking! You're seeing here that I'm truly understanding the concept, right?!! So below is a series of the painting "Demo 7" (clever), going from the "drawing" stage to the signature at the end!

Final Painting

"Demo 7"

8x10

Finished and signed. Doug B.

So many things intrigued me, especially after I attempted to paint. Everything from the soft edges, to the clouds, to the trees. Doug explained, on my "painting" I'll use that term loosely that I was trying to paint the sage brush individually, rather than looking for "shapes" or "blocks" or color. He used that same comparison in painting the pine trees or sections of grass. I realized we see much less detail than we think we do.

Hope you enjoyed the process paintings . . . I have more! I will do another one next week. I will also have more workshop pictures on our website along with links to Vern's and Jordan's blogs!

Oh, and on a final note, when I asked about the "brown" color, I was kindly "educated" that "there is no such color as brown!" Pffff!! Whatever!! I'm certain there is a brown crayon in my crayola box . . . just sayin . . .

Big BIG thanks to the students this summer! It was fabulous to meet you!! I am looking forward to meeting more students in September as there is one more workshop in Helper! September 27 - October 2. #good.times.in.helper!! Below are some more pictures from the workshops!

Thanks for your patience in waiting for this blog - my apologies!

Warmest regards,

J'net

Spring has sprung . . . and awful t-shirts!!

2010-06-11T14:45:00.000-06:00

Yea! Spring has sprung! It went from 30 to 85 degrees in zero to sixty seconds! okay I'm exaggerating just a little! But seriously, I had about decided that Mother Nature was suffering from a bad case of "old timers" disease and didn't know which season it was. The garden is in and Doug is kicking out some serious wet paint, while fighting the urge to pull weeds out of the garden, plant flowers and try for 3 "even par" games in a row! which he ALMOST did . . damn bogey on that last hole!!

First painting here is, of course, not titled, so we're going to call it "Untitled Something or Other" for now! Yes, we'll take suggestions! Untitled or not, this painting rocks! rocks . . . hahah sometimes I just really crack myself up! yeah, well anyway . . . I went over to the studio the other day--it had been a few days--and, WHOA, these three paintings were all lined up so I said "I'll take all three this week!!" I think the first two are Southern Utah and the last one, up in the valley.

"Untitled Something or Other"

8 x 10

He's getting very excited to get back down south to paint this country again. If you've been debating whether to take a workshop, seriously, jump on the Torrey band wagon and come on down! There are a couple of spots left! It's a short 3-day workshop with the weekend and Cathy has arranged for rooms for $50/night and she's kicking in dinner for 2 of the 3 nights!! And I'm coming down on Friday to bring fun!! Helper Workshop starts Monday!!

Okay - onto more wet paint . . Pine Creek Pass is the next painting - again, just wanna drop my feet in the creek bed. Love the colors and the way the light plays on the rocks. This is a small study done for a larger painting that will be up and coming for his Boulder Show in September and it's already been started. It's going to be an amazing painting. It's going to be a 30x40. mmm mmm mmm!!

"Pine Creek Pass"

10 x 8

The last one was done with the famous group of northern utah plein air painters! They go out on Wednesdays and Doug loves being part of this group! This is Pineview Reservoir up in the valley, another one of Doug's favorite places to paint.

"Pineview Study"

8 x 10

Okay one last thought - I've been doing some spring cleaning and I've cleaned out our closet. I need your help here - but Doug has umpteen "painting" t-shirts that to me, have crossed the line of being able to be called an article of clothing. period. (umpteen, by the way, is a number that is equivalent to "too many" just so you know). I mean, these are shirts that have so much paint on them, they don't BEND!! And they are so worn, they have holes under the arms, the ribbing around the neck is worn out and you have ragged edges. I would be fine if he just painted in them, but he goes out into public! My Grandma would have said "lard, sonny, you look like a rag muffin! I try to toss them into the rag drawer, but he pulls them out and says "Hon, this is my favorite painting shirt!" Are you with me here???

Soooooo, here's where I need your help here . . . IF you see Doug sometime and his shirt appears to be on it's last leg, first, look down at the shirt, give an "eeewwww, that shirt is gross" kind've look, then please drop me a note and give me a brief description and I will, in a most gentle and kind way, RIP that sucker to shreds and make it unrecognizable!! that will be great fun as well . . .

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest! (and an awful shirt off of Dougs!)

Make it a great week!

Will be doing a "painting process" blog in a couple of weeks - I'm going to Torrey to tag along and ask questions and take pictures! Oh, this is going to be soooo much fun!! Doug is going to LOVE having me along!! mwahahahaha . . . yes, that is an evil laugh!

Till then!!

J'net

Man vs. Machine - Wet Paint!

2010-05-24T20:14:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy week and Doug and I are running in two different directions! I am in Albuquerque with my work and Doug is in Midway teaching a class!! We are hoping that our kids are being well taken-care of . . . hmmmm we just hope they are taking care of themselves and not requiring the assistance of dozens of neighborhood friends to hold the fort down!! Anyone . . . anyone . . . check on them, will ya? They're great kids - not worried!

This week's "wet paint" is another great subject matter - now anyone wanna guess? Hmmm, not anything he's done before.

Nope, no trees. good guess tho.
No cars either.
No stoplights, but there is a light in it . . .
Other guesses???
Nope, no cows, or animals of any kind. There is a man with a hat tho . .
No water, no clouds - it's not plein air! It's sort've a "steel" life!

I know, what else does the Braithwaite paint??

Well, if you guess the inside of a brewery, you were spot on!! I'm certain a few of you guessed that, right?

"Man vs. Machine"

14x16

This is the inside of Uintah Brewery in Salt Lake City. Seriously, who woulda thought the inside of the brewery would make such a cool painting? Well, not me!! But this is pretty dang cool.

Made it home from Albuquerque and attended the 300 Plates Show in Salt Lake. What a fun event! They are making it better every year - very organized and structured. Saw many of you there and it was great to chat with you! Thanks to my sweet sister, Patrice (Rodeo Queen 1968 haha), for going with me! Doug was still teaching his class but did make it down on Friday to attend the "Untitled" show at the Rio! We also slipped over to Williams Fine Art to see an amazing show by Erin Westenskow Berrett and David Meikle! Phenomenal!! Thumbs up, Erin and David!

The house was still standing when I arrived home so, thanks boys, for holding the fort down! Was able to wrestle a couple of "demos" out of Doug that he did for his plein air workshop in Midway. Always looking for an opportunity to wrestle!!

"Back Yard in Midway"

8 x 10

"Mountain Side Near Willard"

8 x 10

Love the wet gooey paint here . . . I could SOOO mess this up right now! hahaha

Up and coming . . . Workshop in Helper June 14-19, Torrey Workshop June 24-27 and Ogden Workshop July 15-17.

Do what you like--like what you do . . . and life is good . . . gotta love it . . .

Cheers!!!

Untitled Wet Paint!!

2010-05-08T08:52:00.000-06:00

So this week's wet paint is seriously competiting as one of my all-time favorites. Click on it and look at the detail (or non-detail). Detail you THINK you see but really don't--the wrinkles in curtains, the reflections on the windows of the car, the lamppost. Just so cool how one stroke creates the illusory detail that we think we see. Anyway, after you've taken a minute to drool over this painting, we have to talk about one of Doug's biggest "hang-ups" if you will, in creating such a masterpiece!!

"Untitled"

16 x 20

Ya ready? Seriously . . I don't want to rush you if you're not done ooo'ing and ahhhh'ing. Okay. Well, I'm going to fill you in on one of Doug's little hang-ups.

Naming the paintings has always been one of Doug's favorite parts of the painting process.

Seriously?

No. He hates it.

When we are out painting, I love how I say "we are out painting" hahaha I get anxious to get an image of the painting and then I say "what shall we name this one" and that's where the eyes glaze over and smoke starts to come out of his ears! haha That's when the fun goes OUT of painting. Especially coming up with a name that hasn't been used before. And let's not be too clever or funny, for heaven sakes! There are a few of the duplicates that have given us some heartburn on occasion . . . Roadside. I mean, boy, so many paintings were painted on the side of the road. I suggest "Bill's Farm" or "Prairie Lane" but no, let's go with "Roadside." Hmmmmm. I like that, I usually say. haha

Well imagine Doug's excitement when he gets an invite to be part of an "Untitled Show." You paint the painting, let the public give it a name! Doug is so all over it. This painting is going to the "Untitled" show which will be very fun and interractive with both artists and YOU!! It is sponsored by the Utah Art's Council and an artist of whom we both admire and adore, Brad Slaugh, was chosen to be the curator of the show. He has chosen 30 fabulous artists to submit an untitled painting and the public will get involved in suggesting names. It will be held at the Rio Gallery 455 West 300 South in Salt Lake City and will run from May 13-June 10. Opening Night will be great fun and we will be in attendance! May 13 from 6-9 I believe. And, if you don't know who Brad Slaugh is, well you best be googling his name!! Now there's a guy who knows how to title a painting! We have a couple of Brad's paintings, but one lovely piece in particular Brad titled "Doug's Ugly Kids." Ahhhh now isn't that tender? I'll try and get a picture of it posted next week but in the meantime, check out Brad's work. He rocks! (He's one of our friends on facebook too!)

So anyway, jump on here and give us some ideas for names . . .obviously, Doug came up with "The Wall" which I thought was extremely clever. uh huh . . . Sorry honey, just couldn't hold back!

And may I take this opportunity to wish my sweetie a Happy 46th Birthday! Yes, he and I are sharing May 9th this year as his birthday falls on MY Mother's Day! Gosh, can't we find another day for you to celebrate your birthday??? hahaha Just kiddin! We will do a few of Doug's favorite things, golf and barbeque a ribeye steak and a few of my favorite things--play cards and watch basketball!! See, how fun will that be!!

Hoping you all have a wonderful week!! Sorry this is late - wet paint right around the corner for next week!! I may give him his birthday OFF!! Ahhh, I am soooo sweet!!

Another week from my perspective . . .

J'net

Forgiveness . . . Wet Paint Rocks!!

2010-04-26T15:08:00.003-06:00

Okay - I'm not gonna lie . . . I was a little miffed that my "wet paint" didn't arrive on my email doorstep last Sunday, but when you see the wet paint that's come off the easel, you'll see why my heart melted and I not only offered forgiveness, I groveled at his feet!! Is it just me, or is this guy a rock star?? hahaha yeah - well alrighty then!!

So this first painting that was being worked on last week is a larger version of the ever-popular "This and That" that debuted at Doug's show at Terzian Gallery in February. It was the one that was used on the invitation and so Doug used that painting as a study to do a bigger version!! This one is 32 x 30 and, I'm certain, is going to have a very short stay at Terzian Gallery before it finds a permanent home! It is spectacular. I love the fall colors and the soft mountains in the back.

"Some of This Some of That"

32 x 30

Available at Terzian Gallery

This next wet painting was just finished literally a few minutes ago. In the midst of watching NBA playoff games, I've been walking to the studio and impatiently tapping my ruler on the palm of my hand waiting for this painting to get done. It was fun to watch the progress and I'm sorry I didn't take pictures to let you see the process, but initially, I thought "what the heck are you painting here?"

It's so interesting to have the kind of mind that Doug has--a mind that visualizes this painting finished and wet with paint. Seriously, I would have NEVER EVER imagined that this would be a painting that would take my breath away. When we were in Salt Lake a few weeks ago, Doug went around and was taking picture references around town. As we got to a big building, he said "I wonder if I can get to the top of that building?" I'm like, "huh???" So we proceed to circle this building and find a parking terrace. In we go, up we climb. The parking spaces become more and more plentiful as we continue heading upward. Doug is always looking out the window, slowing down, backing up, moving forward again. I'll offer to drive, but no thanks, hon. So he stops. Backs up. Get out and pulls the camera out. I'm not seein' the amazing visual and besides, it's drizzly and cold so of course, I don't get out! I'm trying to tap into some wi-fi in the parking terrace. No luck. He comes back and off we go. Well, voila! Here is what came from that little parking lot "venture."

"Rain Snow Mix"

12x16

Is this crazy good or what? This was painted for a show at the Salt Lake Art's Center and will be part of a "silent auction" fund raiser for the "Not Just Another Pretty Face" Gala on June 5th, 2010. Contact Raven at 801-328-4201 ext. 112 at the Salt Lake Art Center if you are interested in putting in a bid!

The workshop season is almost underway with the first workshop in Midway starting on May 19th. This workshop is full but we still have room in the Torrey 3-day workshop! Cathy Bagley has done a great job or coordinating this workshop and will include two evening meals with tuition. Also, she has arranged for a great rate at rooms at the Rim Rock Inn for around $50/night! Doug's painted that area so much and he will soooo be in his element amidst the red rocks!! I'm hoping to get to "tag along" if I've not been made the President & CEO by then! haha Helper is also gearing up for some great workshops this summer - these are five-day workshops (which is really more like a painting vacation . . . I mean, how hard is it to slap a little bit of paint on a canvas?? hahaha Oh I'm going to PAY for that one! Doug loves it when I say "you should paint that!" He says "Yeah, YOU should paint that hon!!"  We've also added one more workshop in Ogden for the Ogden Nature Center which will be a 3-day workshop as well--July 15-17. Go to our website and click on the workshop link to sign up! (Have you been to check out our website yet? Oh yeah, probably so . . well, I'm still thinking it is amazing, which would make ME amazing, I guess . . . that's the rumor I'm spreading anyway!)

Many of you, bless your hearts, have asked about the new job, so here is the ten-cent update! The company is Sunbridge Healthcare. Sunbridge is part of a larger corporation, Sun Health Care and we (I use that term now because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be a big wig real soon!) yes, WE own over 200 health and rehab centers across the US. It's a great corporation and some great people to work with. I mean, I'm going to be old and broken down someday, so just as well start working on providing the best place for me to stay, right? I work in the Western Division Office and WE do what we can to provide the best services at the 60 western locations that are part of our Division. So there ya have it - that was more like the 25-cent update! BONUS!! hahaha

Well, gotta fly. Busy busy ya know! Did I mention that my Utah Jazz are up 3 games to 1 against Denver in the playoffs? MWAHAHAHA (evil laugh there - Denver fans, I am sooooo sorry . . . really . . I am) I really really really love this game and I'm really really nervous about sending the Jazz back to your arena to win just ONE MORE GAME!

Hoping you are having a fabulous day!! Doug has promised more wet paint on Sunday . . . we shall see! Golf and garden season is approaching . . . hard to keep a paint brush in his hand . . . he'd rather have a rake or a golf club!!

My best to you all . . . and if I haven't said thanks for reading and following our blog, well, thanks soooo much for reading and following our blog!!

love love love ya!

Jeanette

LIfe of Leisure - NUAMES & VSA 300 Plates!!

2010-04-13T11:52:00.003-06:00

My life of leisure is nearing an end as I’m going to start a full-time job here come next Monday! I’m very excited but will absolutely miss my come-and-go-as-I-please-life of leisure! It has been, I would probably say, one of the most fun years of my life! I was going to say “funnest” but technically that’s not a word, and well, damn it, Wesley would be all over me!) Being able to “putter” around the house, flitting here and there, great phrases I learned from my mom! on my own time schedule has been a blast (and, quite frankly, I don’t have to do that if I don’t want to!)

One thing I'm really going to miss is the ability to just take off and go with Doug as I please! Going out to the plein air competitions was an absolute blast! We probably spent at least 5 or 6 weeks away from home this year. That’s like a six-week vacation for me! We spent two weeks in Estes Park, a week in Idaho Falls, several days in Spring City as well as shorter stays in Midway, Torrey, Arizona and St. George! He would go out painting while I was, uh, yeah, on vacation! Oh, I’d do some work on the computer, but that didn’t take long so I got to read some great books, drink lots of Fresca and yes, I must confess, played poker with my facebook poker buddies! It did give me the chance to meet soooo many of you who are now readers of our blog and for that, I am eternally grateful! I still plan to come to many of the plein air competitions and have been assured by my new employer that they are incredibly flexible and will allow me to still travel a little with my main squeeze!

Our “Wet Paint” for this week is a plate for the “VSA 300 Plates” show which will be held at Art Access in Salt Lake City on Friday, May 20 from 6-9 pm. This event is going into it’s eighth year and each year it gets better and better! VSA raises money to help provide quality art activities for adults and children with disabilities. “The arts are truly a universal and essential language that challenge people to look beyond themselves and celebrate diversity.” What a great cause!

"Snowy Sides"

10x11

2010 VSA 300 Plate Show

So, this is how it works: VSA extends an invitation to some phenomenal artists across the state to paint on a “plate.” It’s not a round dinner plate mind you, but just a metal square plate with two holes punched in the top. The plates are organized around the gallery and are numbered starting with, I believe, #65. They go all the way up to #365 with a few that are put on a “silent auction” wall. The painting “number” is also the price! So there are some incredible bargains to be had! It has grown so popular over the years that now, when you get there, your name is put into a “hat” and, after you’ve had a chance to peruse the gallery and find your “picks,” they draw out a name and you then get the opportunity to purchase your “bargain” painting! This keeps us from tackling other people who are going for our same painting! haha We’ve gotten some great little paintings over the years, including a John Erickson, Tracy Strauss and last year, a great little broom painting by Joe Carter! We love them all!!

Last year Doug painted “Dueling Banjos” which most people loved but didn’t get the title.

"Dueling Banjos"

10x11
2009 VSA Plate Show

Doug is always very fascinated with the graffiti painted on the trains and always comments to me “isn’t that some awesome painting on that train!” Dueling Banjos represents the friendly rivalry between “graffiti” artists and plein air painters in their quest for “who’s the best in the west” I suppose!

If you’ve never been to the Plate Show, contact Ruth Lubbers at Art Access to get on their mailing list! We will most certainly be there and would love to see you there as well! Hey, let’s do dinner!

Another thing I'm going to miss is teaching!! I’ve been substitute teaching, as I mentioned before, at the Northern Utah Academy of Math, Engineering and Science (NUAMES) and DANG, I am sooo going to miss that! Since I was in high school myself, I have always dreamed of teaching school. I guess because of some of the great teachers I had myself that really made an impact on my life.

I seriously just love these kids! It’s not easy being a teenager so it’s really great when you have someone there that truly WANTS you to succeed. It’s easy to teach the good kids, the ones that do their homework and are totally prepared day in and day out. It takes a really good teacher, however, to love the ones who don't--to help motivate the kids that are, well, unmotivated for whatEVer reason. Sometimes they are too smart for their britches and are bored, or sometimes they are overwhelmed with a lot of stress at home. Reaching out to those that need a smile, a pat on the back, a little gentle nudge or a swift kick in the butt! So to my friends at NUAMES, (and I’d name names, but there are too many, and I most certainly would leave someone out - but you know who you are) I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me feel welcome at your school and for helping me fulfill a dream I had of teaching! (a term I use loosely!)

See, being a “regular teacher” is a piece of cake, you get to not only teach your specialty, but you have your own lessons prepared and do your own curriculum. Being a sub, however, well, that’s tough stuff! Here’s your lesson plan and by the way, we’re learning about algorithms and poly-something-or-others! I loved teaching the English stuff, PE, Finance and World Civ, but when they asked if I could sub for Chemistry . . . “Well, I DO own a Honda ELEMENT so I’m pretty sure I’m qualified! I am seriously campaigning for “Sub of the Year!” (an award I created myself so I’m quite certain I will win!!)

Off to work . . . or not, . . . maybe I’ll just putter in the kitchen . . .

Cheers to all clink clink here’s to . . . full-time jobs with health insurance!! :)

Jeanette

PS . . . the weekly blog will continue without interruption, like it or not!!

"Easter Traditions & Rodeo Queen . . . Well, good!"

2010-04-06T07:31:00.002-06:00

Happy Easter everyone! As I posted on facebook, I love that the Easter Bunny still comes even though my kids are big, and contrary to Doug’s belief, the kids were pretty excited too!! See the look on Ryan's face, that's pure excitement!!

Holidays at our house have always been somewhat of a challenge because “he-who-shall-not-be-named is somewhat of a “holiday scrooge.” he will totally deny that! I seriously love the holidays, and I do get sucked into all of the holiday marketing! I make a big deal out of every holiday that comes along. Hiding eggs throughout the house is always a good time, but our biggest tradition has been to hide plastic eggs OUTSIDE (rain, snow or shine) with “stuff” inside! Each child would have their assigned “color” of eggs they could find. There were amazing things inside, like mini reeses peanut butter cups, or mini hershey bars, or better yet, a quarter and a dime! I know, I am soooo clever! I remember going through my “change” cup the night before and sorting all the change I could get my hands on, dividing it out three ways right to the penny. As they all brought in their “goods” and dumped the ”egg contents,” they would sort out all their candy, and divide the “coinage” into quarters, dimes and nickels, when finally one would loudly announce “Eight dollars and sixty-eight cents!” Then of course, Ryan tries to throw out the "I'm the favorite" card by declaring "I got ten dollars and fifty cents!!" Looks of despair dart my way as I confidently reply with reassurance, “No ya don’t! Everyone's is the same!!” Ryan grins as I give him the "evil eye!"

We carry on many of the traditions that we grew up with, and I remember hunting for eggs out on our lawn--sometimes for months after Easter! Remember those big ol’ easter eggs that were filled with white sugary hard stuff?? If you’re over 40, (a mature adult like me!) you may remember them! They were nasty! Maybe even a health hazard! My mother would make my dad go out and help her hide eggs and on the most part, he would take his handful and give them a big toss across the lawn and say “there, I’m done!” We would find those hard eggs buried deep in the grass long into the summer months and they would, on occasion, “argue” with the lawn mower! We’d hear the “clunk clunk clunk” and then we’d laugh - “Ahhh, there’s another easter egg! Hope we didn’t break a blade!”

Okay - off the subject, but I have to throw this out there and get it off my chest! We had a discussion this morning at breakfast over the usage of the word “good.” Now, where I came from, someone says “How ya doin?” We responded “Good!” or on a better day “REAL good!” Of late, however, my sweet Wesley (bless his little heart) has been correcting me with “Don’t you mean “well” Mom?” Now, mind you, I’ve tried to catch myself--really I have. Being corrected by my 16-year old son SEVERAL times a day over my “bad grammar” has gotten a little, well, annoying! yeah - annoying! Truth is, sometimes “good” just fits better as to how I really feel!! If my brother, Boyd, from Cleveland, Utah were to call and ask “How the hell ya doin, Nettie?” Well, quite frankly, if I were to say “I’m well!” He’d say, “Who is this???” As it is, he knows it’s me if I answer with an enthusiastic “pretty damn good!!” So yeah, Wes, I know it’s “proper” to say “well” but, just give us a break for a while, k?? Ryan and I decided to “pay back” some annoyance this morning so I asked Ryan “How’s your eggs, Ryan?” He said “They were really WELL!!” We both laughed hysterically as Wesley rolled his eyes. Doug chimed in with the suggestion that as soon as Mr. Webster decides “good” is not only an adjective but could be used as an adverb, then, it’s all GOOD again!! Well, good. I am glad to get that off my chest!

Wet paint, you ask? Ahhh, Doug was working on it this morning! Another pretty unique subject matter.

" Ropin' "

8 x 10

Horses! Yeah, whoda thunk? Doug’s probably painted less than a dozen horse paintings, I would guess. If you want to test me on that, you could go to our new website and check out the archives! Okay - I have become a computer nerd and have redone Doug’s website. If I don’t mind saying so myself, I think it looks, well, really good!! hahaha used grammatically correct - in your face, Wesley!! I will keep it updated on a weekly basis with new work and new information so feel free to “drop in” at the website and send me your feedback if you have any!!

The rodeo painting! Pretty sweet huh? On a final note, it reminds me of my sister who is, quite frankly, one of Escalante’s greatest rodeo queens! I so wish she were here to tell this story, or better yet, the story gets even better when told by my brother, Randy!! (it doesn’t coincide with Patrice’s story, I’m sure!! haha) but suffice it to say she gave the image of “Escalante Rodeo Queen” a whole new “look!” (snowboots look almost like the real thing don’t they? Well, you get the picture!! Love ya Treesie!!) Hoping you’re all well and ready for spring! My golf clubs are still screaming at me!! We are sooooo ready!!

Till next week . . .

Jeanette

PS - some favorites that can be found in the "Archives" part of the new website! Some I haven't thought about in years! Enjoy! Website is just www.dougbraithwaite.com.

"Against the Wind"

14 x 16

One of Doug's favorites painted in 2004. This reminds me of the snowstorm that hit just last night!

What's up with this weather??

"Fall Colors Near Calf Creek"

32 x 30

One of my favorites of all-time. Painted in 2006, it was one of his biggest paintings he'd done to date.

At 30x32, it was breathtaking.

"Evening Shift"

16 x 20

A fun little "burger stand" up in Roy, Burger Bar. One of our favorite places. I love the "time stamp" that these paintings create in our lives. It's like a really amazing "journal" of our lives!

Torrey: Small Town Charm and Griffin Family Band!

2010-03-30T13:13:00.000-06:00

So, it's Saturday about noon and I'm enjoying my day--feeling a great sense of accomplishment! I had gotten up early, been through a huge list of "things to do" and was chillin' with Ryan watching NCAA playoffs with my computer on my lap, when low and behold, I get an email from Doug with an attachment. "Hi Hon, here's my painting for the week!" What the ??? I still have three days to relax before my blog is due! Gosh, he's such an over achiever!!

Well, I anxiously opened the file, and, well, WOW!

"Torrey Wash"

8x10

"Torrey Wash" really shocked my emotions! Memories of red sand oozing through my toes as I walk barefoot through a wash flooded my mind of this great little area we Southern Utahn's like to call "God's Country." I was suddenly inspired to write about this charming little town called "Torrey."

Torrey is in Wayne County near Capital Reef for those of you who don't know the area. If you haven't been there, you should! Hopefully by the end of this blog, you'll be booking your flights, or getting out your calendar, googling it on MapQuest to figure out how and when you're going to get down there for some "Torrey time!"

As you may remember, I grew up in Escalante, a town just 60 miles from Torrey (over the mountain and through the staircase!) One memory of Torrey is driving through, to quote my dad, "one helluva snow storm" to play for a dance. Yes, I am the youngest of one of the original members of the Griffin Family Band! We played for every dance in Southern Utah, be it the 4th of July celebration or someone's weddin', we were booked! (sorry, when I get into my Southern Utah mindset, I start to take on the dialect as well!)

My folks, Bill and Dawn Griffin, were amazing musicians and between the two of them, could play any one of several different instruments: piano, guitar, accordion, banjo and marimba to name a few. Then with six little "chillins" to add to it, we added in a trumpet, drums, flute and lots of singers who could sing parts! Well, okay, let me clarify a few things--we all knew at least 3 chords--that's the bare minimum to play most songs. My mother, at the piano, would call out a chord. "A minor!" What?? A minor?? hmmm If we didn't know it, we would strum "softly" and fake it. But if it was C, F or G, we really "let 'er rip!" I remember telling my kids you officially knew how to play an instrument if you knew C F and G. They would give me a puzzled look. Years later, I found out, they never really understood what that meant . . . now they ask with a smile "Mom, what exactly is "see effin' G?" haha smart alecks . .

As we got older and got together, my mother would have a song she'd been working on and would hand out the parts. "Doug," she'd say, "you'll be singing bass on this one." Doug, bless his heart, has a great singing voice but wouldn't sing if I asked him, but would answer with a pleasant "Okay, Mom!" He never refused to sing when she asked and she always asked without hesitation. In the words of my Grandma Griffin, "Laaaard, sonny, you've got the talent, now use it! Ya don't need to be coaxed!" Oh if you could only hear me say that, it would be very, very funny, trust me!

The last time the Griffin Family Band was officially together for a "gig" was at my Dad's 80th birthday party in October of 2006. We had a great time singing and sharing all of our favorite songs with friends and family. The following year, however, we lost my mother very suddenly to an aneurism. She and Dad were a few months shy of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Needless to say, her shoes have been very hard to fill. Nicki, my oldest sister, has really stepped up to the challenge though. She really is amazing on the piano and can play by ear, just like our mother. We have had a good time, standing around the piano singing and figuring out some of these songs, as we'd stop her on occasion, "Hey, I don't think that's the chord Mom used to play!" Thanks, Nik, for sharin' your talent!

This coming July, Boulder Heritage Days, in Boulder, Utah, is paying tribute to Boulder women, of which my mother is one. They have asked our family to come and entertain and pay tribute to our mother by singing some of our favorite songs and "biggest hits!" We are very excited about the chance to get together again. Tickets are going fast so book your flights now!! Haha, okay, well, it's free and you'll kinda need to bring your own camp chairs - but get there early, the front row "mosh pit" will fill up fast! Boulder is just over the mountain from Torrey, of which you could enjoy the most beautiful drive of your life.

"Preparations"

16 x 20

The quakies over the mountain are breathtaking - this was taken in the fall as the leaves were changing

Torrey is one of Doug's favorite places to paint as well. He's represented by Torrey Gallery there on the "main drag" and has recently been asked to teach a workshop there! So, effective immediately, Torrey has been added to Doug's "Workshop Tour!" June 23-26 are the dates. Go to the link to the right of this blog or on our website and fill out a registration form. The response to the workshops this year has been phenomenal and they are filling up fast. We are excited to spend some time with you artists!!

I'm adding a few other paintings of Torrey and Boulder Mountain to get you inspired to either visit or paint. It may just be from my perspective, but I do believe this country is one of the most well-kept secrets in the world!! shhhh let's just keep that between you and me . . .

xoxo

Jeanette

"Typically Torrey"

16x20

"Torrey Cliffs"

8x10

"Chuckwagon"

8x10

Doug painted this onsite in front of Torrey Gallery up Main Street to the Chuckwagon.

"Wet Paint" & Workshops!

2010-03-23T13:34:00.002-06:00

As promised, here is another blog--but the topic of my new-found fame at NUAMES is not quite as exciting as the fact that Doug provided as promised, a new little painting to post! I was thrilled! So we’re going to call this our weekly "wet paint" and these will be available for purchase exclusively to our blog readers so if it catches your eye, act fast! You know how to reach me! It is set inside the black “float” and a maple frame and could be shipped anywhere in the country within the week!

"Feeding"

oil on board

6 x 8

Seriously, watching Doug paint is so cool. Sometimes, when I sit down in my easy chair (yes, the one with quite a bit of green paint on it now) he doesn’t understand why it’s so fascinating to watch him paint! On the most part, Doug’s somewhat of a “hermit” painter. Not a big show-boy! But those who have had the opportunity to watch him paint will absolutely agree with me--it’s an amazing process to watch!

I think that is why he has been such a successful teacher. He has an amazing talent for teaching. As mentioned by one of his students, Dallin Phillips, who was an educator at Utah State University for many years himself, “Taking Doug’s class was an incredible experience. I was really nervous going into it but enjoyed it so much. Doug is an incredible teacher—many who “do” can’t teach, but he is the exception.”

Doug’s mentioned that teaching is a great learning experience for him as well. “It’s a humbling experience for me, that people are willing to pay money to have me teach them to paint!” I think that is one of Doug’s most endearing traits. He always welcomes feedback from the students and tries to incorporate those changes to make the classes better.

I’m giving you this from my perspective, of course, cuz that’s what this blog is about, so from feedback I’ve gotten from his students, and from those workshops that I’ve been able to “hang out” and get to know the students, I’ll hit their favorite parts!

He starts a workshop with an introduction that talks about the pallet, the set up, the preparation of the boards, talking about values, mixing paint and the integration of color upon color--having all the tools to get started is so important to having a good experience in painting. seriously, you should see this "custom made" easel - it has a slot for his q-tips container and the paper towel roll for heaven's sake! I have seriously debated whether to take the class myself—there have been a few beginner-beginners like myself so I think one of these days I will. But first I'm going to have to figure out what "integration of color upon color" means . . . Pretty sure I’m going to test this man’s patience and teaching abilities!!

Another fun part of the workshop is when Doug does a demo and the students get to see the painting from start to finish. Sue Valentine is a well-known Utah artist and this was one of her favorite parts.

“Your demo’s were worth a thousand words! The limited pallet, color mixing and value lessons helped me learn not only how to paint, but how to see! I felt I learned more in five days than I have learned in a whole semester at school. You simplified what seemed so complicated to me. Honestly, your workshop was one of the best I have taken.”

Many of Doug’s students came to take the class because they wanted a jump-start in painting. They’ve wanted to paint more seriously for years, but have never found the time to “take time” for themselves! Michelle Burnett received this workshop as a Mother’s Day gift from her family! What a treat for her to come and spend a week just painting! Tracy Grant was another who has made great strides in the painting world! Both Michelle and Tracy received awards in a painting competition at Gallery 25 in Ogden! Way to go, ladies!!

“Taking Doug’s workshop was one of the best things I have done for myself in a very long time! I feel like I learned a lot and your clear presentation and explanations made it even better. I must say that even though the weather was not what I would have wished for, it made me see that you can still go outside and paint!”

I always loved the “adapting” to the weather challenges as well. I recall one afternoon when the weather was anything but cooperative, Doug had students set up everywhere between the studio and our home! Blake Luther was painting under the patio and Emily Sanders was out in the game room, painting a still life of a piece of our daughter's birthday cake!

Coming to see Doug’s studio wasn’t something he used to do—only when the weather prevented them from painting outside did they come to the studio. He didn’t take my word for it that it was something people would really love to see! “Who wants to come and see my studio?” he’d say! Well, I guess a lot of students would because it is the highlight of the workshop for many!! Thanks to Ed Adair, for finally putting the issue to rest! Doug really valued your priceless feedback, Ed!

“On the matter of meeting at your studio...I think that that experience was a highlight of the workshop, to see how a professional worked in an environment. . . the efficiencies, the insights to the professional art market. The still life was just a great and wonderful experience. Do not underestimate the benefits of this part of your workshop! Doug, you are a very good teacher...you conveyed much of the intuitiveness and, I think, the emotional-spiritual aspect of the total painting process. And, I must say, that your wife did a great job in making our day at your studio an enjoyable event...her lunch was a real nice touch, and, of course, one that was not expected.

I truly appreciated the week and in becoming acquainted with you.”

Ah Ed, thanks for those kind words! I enjoyed the chance to “chill” with the students and get to know everyone better as well!

"What a fantastic experience! I loved the class - learned tons - and I'm excited to do more. I came away feeling that I had great new information to move forward with. I'm ready to start counting my 10,000 hours utilizing my new skills. It was really great to know you all. I hope to see you again. Thanks to Jeanette for taking care of us. Best to all, Bunny Kauffman"

We have met some wonderful people throughout the years who have become very dear friends. We have appreciated many of you who have stayed in touch and stop by the studio now and again to say hi and share your progress in the painting world! Thanks to Carol Gnade for these great pictures! It made writing this blog very easy and she and Jade became great friends during the “studio” visit. She also took the picture of Jade in front of the “color wheel” on the last blog!

Doug is doing at least 3 workshops this year! The three we are certain about are May 19-21 in Midway for the Midway Art Association (Cost is $250). What a beautiful place to paint in May! This is reserved FIRST for their members, but will have a waiting list and will fill the class up from that list after the first of May!

The other two workshops are going to be through Helper Workshops in Helper, Utah, and I could write a whole blog about that fun place – I can’t say enough about what a great experience that is!! (Cost for those are $420) The summer workshop is from June 14-19 and the fall workshop will be from September 27 – October 2^nd. There may be another workshop in Austin, Texas in the late fall!

Below is a link to a registration form that you can fill out and simply submit. You’ll then receive an email back with all the information regarding that particular workshop, cost, accommodations and materials needed! In case you’re wondering, of course, I’m hoping to be to all the workshops to provide comedy, fun and most likely, treats!

All my best till next week and another weekly "wet paint" fresh off the easel! Can't wait!! xoxo

Jeanette

Registration Link

Someone's Been Sitting in my Chair!

2010-03-16T10:28:00.000-06:00

Wow – where has the time gone?? I will quickly ask for apologies for my “leave of absence” and then I’m going to move on! I just watched Julie and Julia so needless to say, I am motivated to get back to sharing my random thoughts about art, but also about everything else! So from here on out, this blog will come much more often and probably be much more random! J

You’ve missed me, right?? SAW WHEAT!!!! (say it fast!!) 'n there ya go! Glad ya missed me. J

We have had a very busy few months. I have been running in every direction you can imagine . . . teaching school, consulting, doing books, attending school, learning web site design, cheering on my Utah Jazz and cleaning out cupboards . . . everything except two things: blogging and exercising! I intend to do more of, well, at least one of those two things . . . J

Doug, however, has been enjoying his winter hibernation in his “man cave.”

Okay – I have to tell you about Doug’s haven. Hopefully, everyone has their space where they can keep their “stuff” and DO their favorite “stuff.” Ya know, where you can just "chillax!" I'm pretty sure I didn't just make up that word . . . Doug’s haven is his studio. It fits him like a glove. I mean, a renovated old house with everything a man could ever want for a “dog house!” What a great “getaway” to spend the day “working.” did I just put that in quotes . . . I don't think I meant to! hee hee Here's a visual . . He has one room with his framing table with 4 vices, a room for storing shipping and packing materials and storing old “retired” paintings and frames, and one room has been transformed into an “office” for his lovely wife and amazing office manager--emphasis added by editor ;)

The living room, however, has become the “master suite!” The easel (that moves up and down at the push of a button) sits smack dab in the middle of the room. The pallet, to his right, is tailored with slots and shelves to meet every need. On the left, is a table housing his computer, his camera and a custom-made “music stand” for his guitar book.

He has built a little “perch” for Jade so she can look out the window and watch the kids walk to and from school! He has also, so considerately, placed a nice big easy chair for me to sit in and watch him paint. all together now, "ahhhhhhhhh." Oh . . . well . . . yeah, I think he sits in it on occasion, and for those rare times, he has covered the chair with an old sheet so as to protect it from Thalo green paint that might be on his hands or his clothes, but that’s a rare occasion, I’m sure! Oh, did I mention there is a little TV mounted strategically up in the corner so I can see it from the easy chair – how sweet is that?!!

The kitchen has been designated as the “gesso” room – prepping both boards and canvases, with a big flat file where the stove used to be. The fridge, however, needed to stay. All the “necessities” of an “office” lunchroom-–microwave, toaster oven, half of my dishes, bowls, my favorite glasses and half my set of silverware. I find my favorite paring knives missing and somehow my roll of paper towel in my kitchen magically disappears. What the heck? You have a nicer vacuum here than I do in my house? Grrrrrr . . . deep breath . . . I’ll go on . . . The stereo system has been wired to go into every room – with a switch of a button. Nice! Did I say EVERY room? Oh, yeah, I did. But . . . . and yes, it’s a big but . . . (but a “but” with only 1 “t” mind you) . . . with the paintings that have come off that easel in the master suite, I have resorted to the fact that the boy can have as many of my paring knives and dishes as he wants and, now that I think about it, there's no stereo sound in the bathroom . . . hmm, hon, you should work on that - you really should have music in the bathroom!!

With all of the chaos that I have in my life, Doug is as steady as an old work horse. He has been the stability in my life and has had a phenomenal year!! Below is a picture of me (I'm inside the jar) and Doug is portrayed by the brush . . . we call this little piece "Stimulus Package!"

"Stimulus Package"

16 x 20

This was part of a fantastic show at Terzian Gallery a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who were “in the neighborhood” and stopped by, I think you had a real treat! I’m going to post a few of my favorites here. He’s also promised a painting a week for me to post if I’ll pen a few lines! Deal!!! I’m on it! I have a million great stories to tell you so check back soon! I will be back within the week to share with you my newfound popularity at NUAMES High School – officially the favorite substitute teacher EVER to step foot on their campus!!

This blogging has worn me out . . . I think I’m going to take a break and rest in MY easy chair . . . hey, is it just me, or is there quite a bit of green paint on this chair . . . J

"This and That"
14 x 16
SOLD

"Over the Edge"

14 x 16

SOLD

"Jay Walking"

16 x 20

SOLD

"Flying Solo"

42 x 40

"Fading Fast"

42 x 40

"Looking for a Lift"

14 x 16

SOLD

"Park City Post Office"

42 x 40

"All Shapes & Sizes"

12 x 16

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-11-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Davida Schulman has awarded me a Kreativ Blogger Award. The rules for accepting this award are the following:

Enter your "acceptance" on your own blog. List seven things about yourself and then list seven other art bloggers that you admire. You'll be tempted to list bloggers who are not artists or artists who are not bloggers but stick to artists who blog!

About myself:

1. I live in Sunset, Utah in the same house that I grew up in
2. I have painted since I was 10 years old - my first painting had a $2 price tag on it!
3. I have a great studio that is two doors down from my home, making for a great commute every morning
4. I have been married to my best friend, Jeanette, for 23 years and we have three amazing kids, Ryan 21, Amy 20 and Wesley 16
5. My painting buddy is Jade, our Jack Russell Terrier
6. I have the greatest family and friends (they're all family) in the world!
7. I once golfed 27 out of 31 days in a month during a painting class in Helper, Utah

Seven Artists who blog that I greatly admire:

1. Karin Jurick
2. Jennifer McChristian
3. Josh Been
4. Eldon Warren
5. Lane Bennion
6. Zach Procter
7. Wendy Chidester

A Masterpiece of Another Sort - November 2009

2009-11-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

With as much as we were gone this summer, you would have thought that our garden would have been a big flop! But thanks to our 16-year-old Wesley, (youngest of our three beautiful children, pictured below left to right: Wesley, Amy and Ryan) who faithfully got up at 6:30 am all summer long to water our garden, it was the talk of the town! Right on the main drag in Sunset, many couldn’t believe the Braithwaite garden. The zucchini provided zucchini brownies for half the neighborhood, which included a plate to sample, an exact two cups of zucchini in a baggie and a recipe to make and share!

One of our admirers was our sweet neighbor, Charlyne Wise. Passing by one day, she asked “What in the world is that gray plant?” We finally figured out that it was an artichoke--a new addition to the garden this year. “Well you know you’re supposed to cut off the mother choke first, don’t you?” What?!! Choke the mother? I didn’t get it. Well this was news to us, so Doug and the kids finally (about mid August) had a ceremony in which they decapitated the mother choke and finally the artichokes began to grow!

Charlyne’s walking route includes a stroll by our garden every day so she was thrilled when we finally “dechoked” the mother! Needless to say, with such a short growing season left for the “chokes,” our biggest artichoke was barely bigger than a pea! It was our “joke” of the garden. We enjoyed telling that story to our friends.

One day while Doug was showing our friends, Bret Bryant and Julie Auguson around the garden, he told them the story of the artichokes. As he told them about the failure and the pea-sized artichokes, Bret looks in the center of the one plant and, with a befuddled look on his face, sees a full-size artichoke. He looked confused – “what’s this then?” he asked. Doug’s mouth dropped open as there in the center of the 2nd artichoke plant was a full-size beautiful artichoke! “What the . . ?” He reached down and picked it up. It was neatly severed at the stem . . . he looked at me and back at the artichoke and almost simultaneously, a smile came across our faces as we both said out loud “Charlyne!” We had a good laugh!!

In the midst of finally getting back into the studio, Doug and I have been trying to get our garden harvested and the yard and house winterized. So other than the artichoke failure, our garden was amazing.

Yielding probably over a thousand tomatoes, some of what are still in the “cool” back room getting promoted from the green box to the pink box to the red box! Salsa, melons, potatoes, peppers and zucchini, and apples coming out of our ears. Oh and I finally found my carrots after pulling up the pepper plants! (this is the other “garden joke” - - we put a $500 chain link fence around the garden to keep Jade from eating my 12 carrot plants!)

Some potatoes were almost as big as Doug’s head! I took a picture and sent it to my friend, Julie Williams– she sent a note back saying that she thought there was quite a resemblance between the potato and Doug, and wondered if he’d been cheating on me! hahaha good one Julie!

The apples kept coming – seriously if I didn’t get the bucket emptied by the end of the day, there was another bucket magically appeared the next morning. Applesauce, dried apples with sugar and cinnamon and apple pie filling. Plus eating apples with peanut butter was a treat!

The salsa was out of this world! Hot yet sweet . . . secret ingredient: peaches ☺ Special going on this month: Buy a painting and I throw in a bottle of my amazing salsa!!

Doug just finished tilling the garden, giving it a rest and time to rejuvenate itself, preparing it for the next growing season come spring. I really think this is a special ingredient to our amazing garden. It reminds me of how an amazing masterpiece comes about. Starting with a freshly-stretched canvas or board, ready for it’s first layer of gesso, then another, then another, until finally it is prepped and ready for its first brush stroke. They both are well thought-out, laid out carefully and nurtured step by step. Taking them full-circle – start to finish. Both masterpieces – one amazing artist – well that’s just from my perspective . . . and my very lame excuse for not posting a blog for over a month!

PS: his work has been amazing since returning to the studio. Here's a sneak peak . . .

Boulders on Boulder Mountain
40 x 42

This is a sneak peak of his February 2010 Show at Terzian Gallery in Park City! This is unbelievably amazing! It's life-size . . . I want to step into it and put my feet in the water . . .

Morning Porch Light
12 x 16

This was painted at the Spring City Plein Air Competition and was on display at the Eccles Community Art Center's "Eight & Friends" Show that opened last night! Many didn't get to see it because someone who doesn't live in the valley (with exquisite taste, I must say) came in at the beginning of the night and purchased it with the stipulation of being able to take it with them!! This was painted "en plein air" in about 4 hours. Amazing!!

Weber River
8 x 10

This is also at the Eccles Center "Eight & Friends" Show. Love it - you should go see it in person! 27th and Jefferson in Ogden. Great show with some great plein air painters, George Handrahan, Shanna Kunz and Susan Gallagher to name a few! Beautiful show!

Southbound Right Lane
8 x 10
This little painting was done as a "quick draw" at an opening at the Idaho Falls Art Center in Carr Gallery in Idaho Falls. That show was up through October - a Doug Braithwaite / Brad Slaugh duo! It was a fantastic showing. This painting is also at Eccles Art Center up for the next month or so. No one can paint a freeway intersection like Braithwaite! (course, has anyone else tried? Why would they! hahaha)

Misty Cliffs
5 x 6
This great little piece is at Crowley/Wilkerson Gallery in Elevated Spaces on 25th Street in Ogden. This show opened last night as well and is a "mini" show of over 150 beautiful paintings. Seriously, it's a must-check-out show as well. This was painted in Torrey on a very drizzly morning. Certainly a rain drop or two on this painting!

Creekside
12 x 16
This is one of the most recent paintings finished in the studio. This, too, was sold during a "pre-viewing" of the show at Crowley/Wilkerson Gallery! But, fortunately, is still there to view for the next few weeks! Talking with a cute young couple, who were admiring the painting, said they enjoyed the "two views" of Doug's work - up close and the "far back" view. I always say "Doug's paintings are kind've a "buy one get one free" kinda deal--one painting to look at up close and another painting to view from afar! I'm brilliant, I tell you! ;)

Joe's
11 x 14
This was painted in Huntsville I believe - on a paint-out with the plein air painting group! Starting to cool off and a touch of snow in the tops of those mountains! Are we ready for winter? I think not . . . This is also at Eccles Community Art Center "Eight & Friends" show. Call them at the center if you're interested in one of these paintings - they'd love to sell you one!

Changing of the Guard
12 x 16

Last but not least is this gorgeous fall landscape that was recently painted as well. Fall colors are beautiful! This is also in the "Eight & Friends" show at Eccles.

Estes Park Plein Air Competition

2009-09-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

Estes Park welcomed us with open arms with our first contact being a very gracious host, Diana, at Paradise on the River, a great RV Park where we set up our base camp for the next 12 days and were well taken care of by Diana, Robin, Jane and Rod. A comfortable trailer with all the necessities for comfort—soft bed, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and chairs by the river! What more do you need?

We met some amazing people while in Estes Park! For starters, Ron and Ann Wilcocks, owners of Earthwood Collections, were among our favorites! Down-to-earth and genuine were some of the ways we described them. We received warm greetings by them, both at their gallery and at their home where food and fun were plentiful to dozens of artists. Ann made all feel welcome by keeping drinks in hand and delicious food on our plates while Ron invited all to the kitchen to having a bonding moment with tequila shots, giving everyone the full blown experience offering the very best of tequila, along with the salt on hand, topped off with the slice of lime! Ah, smooth going down!

We met many terrific artists to whom we are now thrilled to not only follow their work, but also to add them to our circle of friends. I have added their blogs or web pages over under “links.” A favorite couple we met at the social at Ron and Ann’s home were Lou and Maggie Renner. Lou is a rock-climbing instructor and learned to get a better feel of how to climb the mountain by being encouraged to sketch the mountains he was going to climb. Maggie enjoys climbing with Lou, while Lou has become very proficient in painting while supporting Maggie’s profession! What a great team!

From On the Rock

16 x 12

From all the wonderful artists we met, we learned that there are people who do art for fun and those who do art to teach. Then there are those who are in the trenches to make a living. This was the group that we met. These were hard-working artists, performing like rock stars, making a living . . . not afraid to pack up their painting gear and make a 4-mile hike to paint a beautiful mountain peak, or set up in a crowded park and “perform” in front of hundreds of people.

Peaceful Valley

8 x 10

With the loaded Element, we debated whether we had room for Jade, but the sad look on her face as we packed our bags, told us we best squeeze her in! She thoroughly enjoyed her time out painting with Doug or sitting outside near the trailer. She was entertained for hours either way, just “watching” for critters! Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, she begged to get back up on my lap so she could see the elk out the window! (notice the scratches on my leg from her excitement!) Estes also had a great playground for Jade . . . a dog park! What a dog-friendly community! When we arrived at the dog park, there were 7 or 8 fairly good size dogs there already and they came bounding to say “hey” to Jade! All tails wagging and ready to play, with no threat of “this is my territory!” Jade was in “sniff” heaven! Sooooo much to sniff and so little time! Also water nearby and Jade swam a few “laps” playing fetch while Doug threw a tennis ball out into the water.

South Saint Vraines

12 x 16

Food was amazing as we always try to enjoy the “local” restaurants and food. Best in the West wings were pretty amazing .. . we tried those a couple of different times, along with Poppy’s Pizza and Mountain Home Café for a great breakfast! And let’s not forget Fish Fry Night at our RV Park, where everyone in the park brought a pot luck dish and the park provided fish from the river! It was amazing and we met some great friends who thought we were a little young to be retired! We decided if we ever retire, we’ll be doing pretty much what we’re doing now - - painting and golfing!

A childhood friend of mine, Cozan, who moved away when she was in 6^th grade, came one afternoon to take me to lunch and shop in town! We had a fabulous time laughing and reminiscing over a great enchilada at the Grumpy Gringos and then window shopping and giggling, like a couple of school girls, over fashion merchandise that looked EXACTLY like the “perdy outfits” we used to wear in Escalante. We were also pretty easily amused by the t-shirts - maybe you had to be there, but we thought they were hysterical! “Dude - I Think This Whole Town is High--Estes Park, Elevation: 7,542 feet” being one of our favorites. So seriously, did you think that was funny or were WE high that day? haha I also finally got to vent my dissatisfaction of her getting the cutest boyfriend in 4^th grade and “assigning” me to, I think, my 3^rd cousin! what the heck was that all about? Well anyway, glad to get that off my chest. We ended the afternoon with a visit to the chocolate shop, where, if we spent $18, we got a ¼ pound of chocolate free! I mean, seriously, who can pass up a bargain like that! mmm, toffee, chocolate covered caramels, suckers, and turtles, just to name a few of the bargains we walked outta there with . . . They are now permanently affixed to my thighs, however . . .

Of course, we couldn’t have a “working trip” without some golf where you get to share the tee box with elk! No kidding! Elk not 10 feet from the tee box and people just walk right up and tee off without giving them a second thought. Met one of Doug’s framing suppliers, Amy Lorenz and her husband Rick, for a great 18 holes at Estes Park Golf Course. It wasn’t our best round of golf, but when Doug finally got his driver to cooperate, was affectionately called a jerk-ass by Rick for making such an amazing drive! They were a lot of fun!

Downtown Ward

12 x 16

One of our painting days was spent in Ward, Colorado. I’m trying to find the right way to describe this little mining town without offending! Quaint yet sweet . . . friendly, yet, almost “ghost-town” spooky! Doug’s painting of “Downtown Ward” might help you visualize the setting. We were approached by the town sheriff who’s “look” resembled the rest of the people we saw—beard halfway down his chest, with hair length about the same, except HIS hat said “SHERIFF” across the front. He was very friendly and said we weren’t the first “of our kind” to come and set up and paint their little town. Also said he thought we’d be "jist fine parked there as it didn’t seem too busy" that day. We also had a visit from a 3-legged dog that was as close to a bear as I saw. We also got a kick out of a couple of the “locals” who just “chilled” in the middle of the road – and I’m not sure, but I think they were the designated crossing guards during rush hour!

The final day brought a quick-draw in the downtown park which meant 90 minutes to paint a painting and there were over 300 spectators walking around watching them paint! Doug did a great painting of an Estes alleyway. 50+ artists set up all within a one-block radius was very entertaining for Jade and I, and all the spectators.

Estes Alley

5 x 7

The competition ended with a gallery stroll and announcement of winners. Doug received a third place for Glacier Creek, of which also won the Director’s Purchase Award! Yahoo! Very exciting for "the new kid on the block."

Glacier Creek

12 x 16

Estes was a wonderful experience. The people were warm and friendly—the countryside was beautiful and serene. And did I mention, the chocolate was to die for! It’s a place now vividly imprinted on the “timestamp” of my journey through life that I won’t soon forget. And that, my friends, was our Estes adventure from my perspective . . .

Lunch Tables

8 x 10

A Dog's Life in a Painter's World

2009-08-19T12:35:00.000-06:00

Jade is on alert – standing on the tailtage of the Element she is watching for any movement at all and keeping us safe from any and all unwelcome wildlife! Her head jerks from side to side as the brush rustles in the breeze. It’s drizzling and a balmy 62 degrees here at the lakeside of Pineview Reservoir. Jade’s little body is shivering but she refuses to go inside the truck and lie down on her blanket. She is dying to jump off the tailgate and dive into those bushes to see what lies beneath.

Doug is painting this morning in the Ogden Valley Plein Air competition in Huntsville, Utah and I’m along for the ride. We haven’t had a drop of rain for a month and now it decides it’s ready to unload on the 50+ painters out doing their thing this morning! Such is the life of plein air painting! After getting the rest of the I’s dotted and T’s crossed (coffee, breakfast, crucial ipod and a jacket for me) we’re ready to settle down.

I’m taking pictures with “Photobooth” on my mac because I forgot my camera (I’ve been fired twice already this morning! We were late for registration as well ☺) Pi-shaw! You can’t fire me, I’m free labor! We’re here overlooking Pineview and the rain has finally stopped! Doug plugs in the ipod which is set to "shuffle" and gives him a variety of 5000+ songs to listen to--everything from classical guitar music to Pink Floyd to the soundtrack from Chicago. I, however, am snuggled in the Element with a jacket and blanket! Doug’s a true plein air painter, can handle any of the elements, but I’m more of a . . . what you might call, a "fair-weather-painting-reporter!”

Going out painting has always been something our “painter dogs” have enjoyed. Buddy was our first. Buddy was a beagle that was supposed to weigh between 18 and 20 pounds. However, over the years, he grew to be over 60 pounds! He was so big, Doug would put him on a dolly or in the wheel barrow to take to the studio to work!

We had Buddy for over 11 years and, when he peaked out at 60+ pounds and could hardly walk, Doug put him on weight training, which included running on the treadmill and taking a thyroid pill every day! He shed 25 pounds and got his life back! We were so thrilled to have our Buddy back!

Doug has many fun stories of he and Buddy out painting. He enjoyed finding a warm spot on the rocks to rest while Doug painted near the river. My favorite story, however, goes back to the late 90’s while Doug and Buddy were out “on location.”

To preface this story, let me give you a little more background on Buddy – he had SERIOUS separation anxiety. He HATED being left alone. Going to Home Depot was always a crap shoot – do we take Buddy or leave him home? Leaving him home meant whining, moping, digging up the back yard, and then pouting upon our return. But taking him meant leaving him in the truck with the windows rolled down, but not enough that he could jump out, because he would, and then having him howl non-stop till the intercom at Home Depot would announce there was a dog near death in a black truck in the parking lot! (true story!)

With that being said, I’ll continue with the story. Doug and Buddy had been painting on a cold, rainy morning from the cab of his Toyota Tacoma with Buddy nestled comfortably in the back seat. As the rain subsided, Doug decided that maybe he could move to painting outside, so he got out and went to the back of the truck to drop the tailgail and set up his easel. When he returned to the cab, Buddy had, in a moment of panic, JUMPED to the front seat (seriously, he must have had a serious adrenelin rush to jump the seat – he’s 60+ pounds remember) and jumped right into the pallet of paint. In a matter of 15 seconds, he managed to get Thalo Green paint from one end of the cab to the other, running from door to door, window to window, rubbing his nose . . . covered in paint . . . with his paws . . . covered in paint . . . to get this green stuff off.

When Doug walked back to the door, well, you can only imagine the expletives that described his . . . surprise . . . (words that I'm certain he hasn't used since) . . . The entire cab covered in paint, seriously, this included every single window, dashboard, steering wheel, not to mention the dog, completely covered in paint, licking his GREEN wounds! Well . . . needless to say, the painting didn’t get finished, I’m not sure how Doug got it all together and got he and Buddy down the mountain . . . ALIVE . . . he says it’s all a blur . . . ☺ but in the end, Doug and I enjoyed a long, but somewhat EXPENSIVE, lunch while we dropped off Buddy at the pet salon for a detoxifying “wash and color treatment” (green was just not a good color on him!) and the truck off for a deluxe wash and upholstery cleaning!

I've seen this companionship between Doug and his dogs over the last 23 years--I guess being a painter is somewhat of a lonely profession! Talking and answering yourself is one thing, but when you start to argue with yourself, well, there's where we need to get some help! So having a "buddy" to take to work with you has pretty much saved his sanity! It's a great life for both Doug AND dog!

Well,the painting is getting it's final touches and I’m sitting here taking pictures of Jade trying to lick my face off. Part of my job as "head reporter" is to REPORT what is going on outside this warm car . . . so in an effort to not get fired a third time, I did take "progression" pictures of the painting which I will post at a later time as I have Doug walk me through the steps of a painting from start to finish. Don't thank me now, thank me when you see me with something wonderful! :)

I know, most of you are saying, "well it's about time we got to the painting part of this blog!" Well, I aim to please, so here is the "dessert" you've all been patiently waiting for . . some recent plein air paintings Doug has done in the last couple of months, out paintin' just he and his dog, and of course, their trusty reporter, just tagging along giving you a little insight "from my perspective . . ."

Spring Shelter
8 x 10

Summer Trees
8 x 10

Shelter Study
8 x 10

Torrey Fields
8 x 10

"What?! You're Painting a Used Car Lot?"

2009-08-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

As many of you have figured out by now, Doug doesn’t paint just the same ol' “traditional” stuff! He paints what his world is made of, much the same way Charles Russell painted cowboys and indians. I remember the first time Doug decided to paint a car lot in Ogden, I thought to myself, and unfortunately out loud, "A big gorilla hanging over a couple of used cars? Are you kidding me? Who in the world would want a painting like that hanging in their living room!” Well, I ate my words. Not only ate those words for lunch but for years to come! mmmmm, how I've learned to love crow! And as they say in Boulder, Utah, they were pretty darn good! Since that time, car lots with the big blow-up "enticements" have made their way into Doug's painting archives. (some of which are on his website) The Rookie and Quality Assurance are two of my favorites.

The Rookie
8 x 10

From the car lots, he began looking for interesting compositions from just driving down a street, again, the streets that we drive every day. "Saccos Fruit Stand," that we drive by on almost a daily basis, was painted in 2004 in Roy, Utah was one of the pioneers that was recognized by locals with just the big “banana” sign! here I am, eating more crow! Who'da thunk? A banana sign? Seriously? Other iconic signs were easily recognized, such as China Nite's Buddah (Call of the Moorlocks) in Ogden, Classic’s bowling pin (6:19 Downtown) in Salt Lake City or Carls Jr. burger stand (Hunters Gatherers) in St. George are among the hundreds of cityscapes that are in Doug’s archives.

Quality Assurance
8 x 10

A little about us . . . Doug and I have been married for almost 23 years and live in the home that Doug grew up in. He has always been the "stay at home dad" and I have always worked outside the home, thus never getting the opportunity to "tag along" on painting trips . . . until this summer. Can I just say that . . . well . . . this has been THE GREATEST SUMMER EEEEVER! I've been on all these "working" trips. Yeah right . . . whatever. They were full-fledged vacations for me with all the crucial elements of the perfect vacation . . . hotel, pool, golf, reading, more golf, good food and, of course, a constant supply of ice and fresca! I tried to look busy . . . ya know, checking emails, sending in entry forms, balancing the checkbook! But seriously, it's been fantastic!

Recently we spent four days in Midway where we did a plein air competition. Notice how I say WE? :) This quaint little town with red barns and fields was so terrific! Doug would go out and paint in the morning while I "worked" vigilantly by the pool and then when Doug was done painting, we would head to Wasatch Golf Course to exercise play 9 holes of golf . . . this turned out to be a lot of work on my part--hitting the ball so many times in one afternoon is draining! WE were so tired after such a rough day at work!)

Barn Study
5 x 7

To make myself more useful and feel more a part of this "we" painting venture, I tagged along for the quick-draw competition. "Wow hon, are you sure you can work that into your schedule today?" Doug asked with a wink and a smile. Well, tagging along meant that I was going to sit in the Element and read Twilight! Oh, and of course, I'll go get water . . . we were only a half a block from 7-11! Nice choice of locations!! We had many visitors who walked by, and one in particular said "hey, that's the view from our house!" which incidentally ended up being the title of the painting!

It was great watching the painting come together. A little purple paint was used to "draw" the composition, using all kinds of things besides just his brushes, like his fingers and q-tips! I would check the progress every half hour or so (it's part of my job, ya know!) but I have to say, the last 15 or 20 minutes were the BEST!

Watching him put the final touches on this little painting was great. Mix a little paint, match the color, then balancing the “painting hand” on the other arm, make a strategic “stroke” or “dot” on a sign, post, for-sale sign, or a rose bush. One stroke. Done. Cleans off the brush. My heckling comments vary . . . “That’s it? One dot? You're done? You gonna waste all that paint? Well shoot, I could do that!” No response. I'm thinking, he's so patient with me! Then I realize, he's got his ipod in and can't hear a word I'm saying!

A View From Our House
5 x 7

He's certainly got a knack for capturing his surroundings and our lives as we know them now. . . . each painting a little time stamp of a place where Doug and his paintbrush spent a little time . . . it may be your street, it may be your farm, it may be you at a local water park (Clearfield Water Park)! Nonetheless, it's been a great way to capture the last 23 years of our lives! And that, my friends, is a little more from my perspective . . .

Boulder, Utah

2009-07-23T12:21:00.000-06:00

Many of you have voiced your interest in painting with Doug so I thought I would tag along and see what all the hype was about! Many of you HAVE been painting with him, and I welcome your feedback as well, but for those of you who haven’t, I’m going to share with you my experiences on this blog " . . . from my perspective.”

Not being a painter myself, I may not understand all the technical painting terms, so I will be asking lots of questions as I go, which hopefully will not get me banned from tagging along! Jade, our jack russell terrier, has been tagging along for quite some time now and she’s actually treated like royalty so let’s see how it goes for me!

Our venture this past week has been just outside the beautiful little town of Boulder, Utah, just 30 miles from my hometown of Escalante. For those of you who have been to Boulder, you’ll understand there’s a new meaning to the word “laid back.” No one is in too big of a hurry, and everyone would literally give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. You also get very straight-forward conversation, as I did when I ran into an old high school classmate who had no problem telling me he didn’t recognize me because I had gained weight since he’d seen me last! Ouch! The truth hurts!

We spent the week in my brother’s beautiful yet rustic log cabin, which is just far enough up the mountain that the nighttime doesn’t just turn the lights down, it brings pitch-black darkness! It is also eerily quiet with the exception of some crickets, hoot owls and an occasional bellowing of a lost cow! The stars, however, are nothing short of spectacular! Scouring the sky looking at bagillions of stars (yes, in Southern Utah, that’s a word!) is breathtaking! Spotting shooting stars is a nightly event that brings many “ooos and aaahs.”

Okay, so back to the main event here – this is a painting trip, isn’t it? Well, yes, eventually Doug pulled the paints out after a few days of R & R, (Doug carrying our friend's 60-pound dog with burned paws out of Calf Creek Falls is kinda like rest, isn’t it?) and teaching me to ride a motorcycle was also very relaxing for him I’m sure!

One evening on our way to Escalante, we stopped on the highway just above Calf Creek Falls to get a shot of the breathtaking view of the Escalante River going up through these magnanimous red mountains with bright green trees lining the river. The road is narrow and it’s straight down on both sides (yikes) but we shall stop anyway – apparently this is the perfect shot . . . except for the sun . . . it’s behind a cloud. "Let’s just wait a minute and wait for the right evening light – I want to see the sun hit on this side (pointing to the left), and the dark shadows on the other." Dramatic light! Oooh, interesting . . . Of course, the cloud is NOT budging, and we wait for quite some time . . . never fully getting the shot he wants (like sitting around watching grass grow).

Finally, I say, “Ooh, there ya go, now there’s some nice light!” (because I’m hungry and I’m ready to go). He gives me a look, “Nah, that’s not the light I'm after.” Dang it! Never realized how important the sunlight is to a plein air painter. I’ve heard Doug talk about “nice light” or “flat light” which I always just went along with. Now, I find that early morning light and evening light are “nice light” because it drags wonderful dramatic shadows across his painting . . . flat light being straight up above, offering no shadows whatsoever. I had never noticed shadows before, but in looking at some of Doug’s paintings, the shadows are amazing! I was taking them for granted.

Well, we didn’t get the light we wanted on that tiny little ledge (where I held my breath until we got on our way). He set out early the next morning to do a great color study. He wants to do a very large painting of this spot and this color study gave him all the right colors of each of the rocks, the trees, clouds, and sky. As he takes the detail from his digital images, the colors from the study will help him create the right view from that tiny ledge. That larger painting will be forthcoming in the months to come!

Our ventures onto the Boulder Highways (dirt roads) were hot and dusty. Jade panted patiently in the back of Doug’s Element as the heat took its toll on her. Doug looked for places to paint where there was some shade for his dog and of course, his lovely wife who is now tagging along asking questions! Ah, that’s tender! These paintings were painted on the same road, but facing three different directions on three different days.

Black Ledge Road
8 x 10

Boulder Back Drop
8 x 10

On occasion, a local will stop and ask “whatcha doin?” A brilliant and clever comeback is always tempting, but kindly Doug generally responds with a polite “just paintin!” He’s always gracious with a thank you when they come back with “well, that’s perdy darn good!”

Summer Clouds
8 x 10

Capturing the simplicity of this little community and the genuine goodness of its inhabitants is what makes these paintings so amazing to me. The paintings captured the feel of the dust in my mouth, the grit in my hair and the heat from the sun.

Let me know what you think . . . I might be prejudice but I think they’re amazing . . . course, that’s just from my perspective . . .