Wet Paint and Eatin' Crow!

Ya ever wake up with a song in your head?  I do every single morning.  I went to bed last night watching a video of John Denver and Cass Elliott singing “Leavin’ on a jet plane . . “ and woke up this morning still humming the tune.  Doug even accused me of singing in my sleep!  I happened to mention it to our gracious hosts, Dan and Gail, and after 10 or 15 minutes, Dan said, “still in my head, but I’m resisting the urge to sing it!” 

Hopefully, like a song in your head, some of the nuggets of painting instruction Doug has given this delightful class, will stick!  He shares all. 

This morning we are here on the corner of Walgreens, Hover Car Wash and Mr. Bean coffee shop!  Seriously, of all the places, he chooses here?  That’s Doug for you . . . painting what no one has painted before.  Roll with it, Jeanette, just roll with it.  I’m pretty sure I’m going to regret those comments!

Yesterday we dodged more rain, I’m certain the rain gods were somewhat afraid of this bunch of tenacious painters so the students painted at Thompson Park in the middle of town.  Trees of green, grass of green, shade of the trees that were even more green.  Doug promised Gail he would share the value of Pthalo Green.  The class kicked out some great studies in the park and visited with several “walkers” who “lapped” the park 4 or 5 times.  Read “Students at Longmont” blog to see them and some of their work!

We grabbed some sub sandwiches and headed back to Gail’s and ate on the front porch as Doug started his demo of the beautiful lake across the street.   Here are some progress paintings from that painting.  It turned out beautiful and completely portrayed the peaceful atmosphere of the day.  Still, no rain, a slight breeze and high seventies.

Back to the corner of 18^th and Hover, we gaze at the beauty of the Walgreens across the street . . . the hustle of people going in and out to get their prescriptions.  Prestine, seriously.  Oh, and those people shaking and trembling as they make their way into Mr. Beans coffee, coming back out feeling energized and nerves completely calmed!  Seriously, I will regret this sarcasm . . .

Did I mention our amazing hosts entertained us with their musical talent?  Dan and Gail are a mean guitar-banjo blue-grass duo with voices that mix as smooth as the paint on Doug’s pallet.  Creamy and soothing! 

So here we are with the first steps of the painting and already, I’m starting to recognize the taste of the crow that I have eaten on many occasions and I’m afraid this morning will be no exception.  Getting out my chocolate and maybe some maple syrup to help it go down easier . . .

We have had a blast getting to know past students better and meeting new friends.  Our circle of friends continues to grow every single day and these fun people are no exception.  Dapo Obitayo came to the workshop traveling 12 hours to arrive from Waterloo, Iowa.  He shared that he had been following this blog for 3 years now and decided Colorado would be as close we would get to his stomping grounds so he and his darling family made the sacrifices to get him out here for the workshop.  He joined us for dinner last night at The Good Bird and we learned even more fun and interesting things about him and laughed a LOT.  

About an hour into the demo now.  Here’s where we are now.  Either Doug’s on uneven ground or the 100 mph winds have done their thing on that stop sign!    

See the pole on the corner?   As I ran across the street to get water at Walgreens, I casually strolled up to the pole and struck a pose, maybe, just maybe I’ll get in the painting  but yeah, I think I missed the canvas by THAT much.  I think he did a stroke on the easel instead!  Haha   Thanks babe.  ‘preciate that!  I mean, I am Miss Garfield County, 1980.  When asked if I still had my crown, Doug replied, “Have it?  She WEARS it every day!  It’s currently at the jeweler now getting polished and having more jewels added!” 

Pizza boy just stopped by to see if it was okay if he put his “PIZZA HERE” sign up.  He takes a peak, “Wow!  Dang, that’s good!”  Yeah, we know, he’s a stud.  I think this is really what people remember about Doug—taking the mundane, who-would-ever-think-to-paint-this kind’ve subject matter and making it amazing!  

Doug wow’s the crowd by adding a car . . . Damn, how does he do that?  And the final painting turned out amazing. 

Once again, Braithwaite knocks another one out of the park park-ING lot of Walgreens, and once again, takes my breath away.  

I think I’ll go get my crown and have me some crow. 

Wet Paint, Urban Workshop & an Unfinished Portrait of Mickey Mouse

Wow, where did 2015 go?  And 2016 is flying by so let me catch you up on our happenings!

Doug continues to wow me after almost 30 years!  Yep, we're approaching the big 3-0.  I know, how is that possible when I'm only 39?  Trust me,  the math works out.

We are thrilled to see the weather cooperating with plein air painting (and golfing) and taking Max for his daily walks.  Speaking of Max, one of Max's fellow four-legged friends was laid to rest and Doug did a great little painting for our friends, Bob and Julie.

Tasha (10 x 8) oil on board

He had so much fun painting this one, he's started one of Max!  

Speaking of four-legged friends, this is a common sight first thing in the morning as Doug catches up with his FB perusal.  Jeffrey is the favored grandchild (I still don't have any "human" grandchildren yet so these are as close as I get!).   He belongs to our daughter Amy and we "share" custody of him!  hahaha  

Notice how Max is tucked back behind Jeff.  Jeff will literally step right over him to get to his place of honor--on Doug's legs.  Max is very happy to just sit "near" Jeff.  Jeff, however, does get a little annoyed but he is tolerant.
Doug also found time to build me an amazing sewing room this winter.  It is the most amazing room ever!  It started like this:

I know, it's quite embarrassing but quite frankly, how can I kick out some quality craft projects and quilts in such a disaster.  Even Oscar the dog is sizing up the place . . . it's a disaster.

So Doug went to work, working on the sewing room in the mornings then out to the studio to paint in the afternoons.  Getting some ski paintings out to the galleries.  Here are a few of my faves:

Fly Like an Eagle
9 x 12

Rocket Man
6 x 8

Man Versus
16 x 48

Doug also painted a little painting for our sweet neighbor Joe, who painted my sewing room for me.  He worked tirelessly to get it painted.  This is a painting done of the driveway between our two houses and a beautiful Sunset sunset!

Sunset Sunset
8 x 10

And here is how the sewing room turned out:

So the sewing side is on the right - the "office" is on the left.  He built literally everything--the desks, the shelves, the shelf that holds all my paints, wrapping paper station, everything.  This guy's a keeper I'm telling you!  I'm absolutely in love with this room and having a ball.  Be jealous, ladies!  I'm pretty proud!  I did find this little cross stitch in my organizing efforts.

"We Interrupt this Cross-Stitch to have children!"

 I seriously started this before I had Ryan, back in 1987 or 1988.  It went unfinished and I think I'll leave it as it is.

My first project was piecing this quilt that my mother started many many years ago.  She passed away about 8 years ago and I now have a place to finish some of her wonderful projects.  They saved literally EVERY piece of fabric (and there's a lot of polyester pants and "leisure suits" pieces here.) Some of the blocks were actually PIECED together to make one square.  Love and miss her every single day.

Doug also competed in the Drigg's Digs Plein Air last year and came away with First Place as well as first place for the quick draw in the park.  From there, he headed to Southern Utah for a month of teaching and painting my home town.  It absolutely killed me that he was spending so much time in Escalante and I couldn't go with him.  That's such a fun competition, bringing in over 100 artists to compete!  This painting took 2nd place.  This is a little lane heading out to the Liston home where I spent lots of time as a young girl.  It's now part of the Craig Heitteman and Jill Jessen collection!  So thrilled - Jill looked at it and squeeled.  She fell in love with it!  

View of the Blues
(Robert & Louise Liston Home)
12 x 16

 Here are a few more from down south that are now in the Torrey Gallery.

Boulder Quakies
8 x 10

2nd & Center
8 x 10

Brewing
11 x 14

 He then did a couple of beautiful pieces for the Sears Dixie Invitational at Dixie State University in St. George.  It was great to be invited among some of the great painters of Utah.  There were 130 artists and this painting took 2nd among the oil painters and sold on the opening night:

"Twinkle Twinkle"
25 x 31

So much has happened and since I've had a new sewing room, I'm not making time to blog!!  Well, now I have a space to do it and I'm sitting here at my sweet desk as we speak so I will keep you updated! In the meantime, look at our website and you can always see new work.  Doug's also doing THREE workshops this summer!!

First one is a 3-day workshop (May 18-20) in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City!!  First time ever!!  "Setting an Urban Beat" and you don't want to miss this.  He may even touch on his technique of getting a plein air study then taking it back to the studio and how to use the study to do larger pieces inside.  Here's a couple from downtown Salt Lake City:

Rhythm of the Saints
20 x 24

Positively Painted
18 x 24

Second one is in Driggs, Idaho on July 23-24 in conjunction with the plein air competition .  I think there are only two spots left there so hurry if you want to go north!!

Third one is going to be in Longmont Colorado!  August 4-7 - this will be a 3 1/2 day workshop with 7 sessions and I'm coming to facilitate the FUN part of the workshop.   To register for any of the workshops, go to our website at www.dougbraithwaite.com and then to "workshops" and there will be links and information on how to register!

Please give me a call if you have questions regarding the workshops or if you want some quilting tips!  I truly do appreciate that you share with me a love of Doug's work.

I also will really appreciate any of you who have more grandchildren than you can handle!  I think my grand-dogs have me well trained so I'm ready to graduate to real babies!!  If you have any to share, let me know!  Otherwise, I will do my best to be patient!

Last note, in case you didn't catch this magazine on news stands, super proud of this guy for getting the cover of Plein Air Magazine in November of 2015 and a wonderful article inside written by Editor-in-Chief Steven Doherty.

November 2015 Cover
Gills Rock Geometry
10 x 10
Click HERE to read the article

There are still more amazing paintings on the website if you want to check that out!  He's been a busy busy guy!!

Thanks for reading!!

All my best,

Jeanette

Wet Paint and Artistic Desserts!

It's been a great few weeks since the show in St. George and we've been busy with STUFF!  I mean, the days fill up and the evenings come fast and furious!

We started a little project of tearing up our laundry room, pulling out the washer and dryer, cleaning behind them--seriously?  I mean - super clean!  No lint or anything!!  Yeah right . . . oh, truly, it was downright embarrassing!  We replaced hoses and tidied everything up and decided to throw on a little paint.  I started out and Doug, being the very smart man he is, said "Hon, you're doing a fabulous job at this painting!!"  Me:  "Ya think??  Well, you wait till tomorrow and see what else I can do!"  And the rest is history - I painted the whole room and Doug was proud as punch and he didn't have to lift a brush, except in his studio!!  I told you he was smart and a sweet talker!!  The curtains are kinda "artsy".  Here's what he kicked out while I was painting in the laundry room!

"A Change of Scenery"
14 x 11
Oil on Panel

 I included the frame in the picture because it just looks amazing with the frame.  It's a boat from back in Wisconsin.  It's spectacular.  Now at Terzian Gallery if you want to see it up close and personal.

Mornings are filled with yard work and gardening for the past couple of weeks.  Gym memberships have gone unused because the sun feels so good and we're pooped by the time we get through!

Doug's got an amazing garden going.  He laid down a big tarp, then laid out some "raised boxes" in a big open area.  Put the sprinklers below the boxes and then cut the tarp, peeled it back, dug down a ways and then filled with some good rich soil.  VOILA!  The guy is brilliant I tell you I, said "hon! you are doing a fabulous job with this garden! . . . tee hee  nuf said?"  

So we have 10 tomato plants, then in these small "mini" raised beds, we have zucchini, butternut squash, eggplant, 3 different melons, and cucumbers. Then another larger raised bed with just peppers.  All kinds . . . we even went for a ghost pepper.  So we'll see how that goes . . . will we even see it grow??  ooooooo . . .  Here's me working while Doug is planting and doing such an amazing job, did I mention?  

So then, in the middle of watching our garden grow, he does this!

"Apple Blossoms"
20 x 21
Oil on Canvas

Amazing, right?  I know - a little surprising and not as "Doug-esque" as you would expect.  But he does like to paint the unexpected, right?  

I have been being a little artistic myself and not just painting the laundry room - I know I got duped there!  but every Sunday, we have all the kids over and it's so fun to cook for the fam!!  Here's a couple of my fun desserts that were damn close to being too pretty to eat!!  To the left is a great funnel cake and don't get all impressed because it's very cool-looking - I have a pan for that and it's so heavy-duty, they literally just fall right out!  and to the right, a sour cream chocolate cake with a dark chocolate, almost bitter, chocolate glaze that seriously, it was to die for.  Yeah, I took the picture on a doily and put a strawberry next to it - dorkie, I know!  But hey, this was good stuff!!  If you're in the neighborhood, you really should "drop" in some Sunday night - there's always good food, good fun, sometimes a fire out back and usually a great card game that we've renamed "Bloody Hell!!"  don't ask . . . Bloody hell, just come and play!!  

Classes are filling up - Huntsville will be perfect weather in June!!  Don't miss out.  Love to have you  jump in.  Here's the two paintings he did as demos last year - they were both spectacular and students started a bidding war on them!!  We've had such great feedback from the students who took this class. It's just such a great setting and Doug knows every nook and cranny up there!

Check out the colors in the tree below.  The photo doesn't do it justice - the original was magical to look at:

Here's the link to sign up for the class.  Go to our website - then click on "Workshops!"  

www.dougbraithwaite.com

Workshop goes from June 25-28 (that's a Thursday morning through Sunday morning - 7 sessions).  

K - check back soon as there are a couple of killer paintings on the easel right now I can't wait to share with you!!  

Also this Friday, May 1 from 6-9 pm, we are going to participate in "Ogden's Finest" at Shanna Kunz-Hernandez' wonderful little gallery "Bella Muse Studio & Galleries."  It should be an incredible compilation of some of Ogden's finest artists.  There's some amazing artists in this area and we are excited to be part of that show!!  and I'm helping make some delectable desserts for the show!   

Signing off with a great picture (one of a bagillion pictures we take of our only grandchildren at this point.)  Max is "chillin'" with Doug and when I say "chillin'" I mean, it was really chilly!  Max was shaking like a leaf so Doug tucked him in his coat!  Aren't they both just cute as can be?  Both have very nicely groomed mustaches, don't they?   

And Jeffrey, well, he's just damn cute!  He absolutely loved our whirlwind snowstorm in the middle of April.  Me,  not so much . .  Bloody hell . . .

Good Night!!

J'net

There's No Place Like Home - Holiday Show!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

I really missed out on blogging these past few months by not being able to go with Doug on all of his little adventures across the country and most disappointly, my own stomping grounds in Escalante!  He spends a week down there and I didn't get to go.  Sadness.  But much goodness came out of his trips!  He took his three-week adventure back to Wisconsin as I talked about in my last blog.  He then taught a class in Torrey in September and then headed to Escalante for the plein air competition.  Then another week at Zion's National Park.  The body of work that he created is beyond words.  I know, I have no words.  Weird, huh?  We decided that we absolutely should do a holiday show and put this body of work together, even if for just a short time.  Close to 70 original paintings in our gallery and then a lit pathway leading you to the Braithwaite Open Studio in our back yard where we have 30+ giclee prints of some of our favorite paintings, beautifully framed and hanging in his studio.

The whole fam damily has pitched in and helped put this little shindig together.  As we started putting work together, we realized that Doug has been quite prolific this year, with having Wesley "apprentice" for him by making all of his frames, prepping his boards, etc.  Doug has really had more time to paint!  and golf . . . 

So we assigned him the task of doing a painting for our invitation and this is what he came up with.  Fell in love with it!  A little holiday scene just a couple of doors down from our home!  Frank and Gayla's awesome snowman created by their granddaughter, Amanda!  Doug came up with the perfect theme for our show: There's No Place Like Home!  Our life this past year is so much about our home . . . first off, Doug being on the road so much, he said quite often "I can't wait to get home!"  The painting of Frosty - painted from our front yard looking south on our street!  And then, lastly, the show being here at our home - where we work.  Pretty sweet deal - and truly, there is no place like home.  

"Frosty"
9x12

I feel so fortunate to be working so close to home as well.  I'm just 2 miles from home so, on occasion, I get to dash home for lunch!  What a treat!  Doug, of course, loves his commute - two doors down to the gallery / frame shop and then a quick meander to the back yard to his studio.

He absolutely loves getting the little studies back to the studio and creating larger works there.  Here are some larger pieces he did in the studio from his summer ventures:

This one is Iceberg Lake up at Glacier National Park:

"Iceberg Lake"
18 x 24

These were for the Zion's Plein Air Invitation - studio pieces:

"Ranch on the Road to Kolob"
18 x 24

This one is of Angel's Landing in Zion's:

"First Light in the Grotto" (Angel's Landing)
18 x 24

And lastly, also from some references from Zion's:

"Desert Candy"
18 x 24

Speaking of Desert . . . I'm going to take this opportunity to digress - I mean, it's my blog, right?  I can digress whenever I want.  So we are sitting at a restaurant the other night and Wesley mentioned that one of his professors had given them a "trick" to remember how to spell "dessert" and "desert."  He said "you deserve desert!"  I said "No, one S is the dry, dusty desert.  The "treat" of dessert is spelled with 2 S's."  This is shocking I know, but he had the nerve to question me on it!!  Are you kidding?  I said "What??  You're questioning your mother on spelling?  Seriously?  How long have you been my son?"  Doug shook his head, "Dude, you should never question your mother when it comes to spelling."  Being the stubborn little soul that he is, however, he proceeded to confirm this by asking Siri and she ALSO said "don't question your mother on spelling, dude!  What the hell is wrong with you?"  I love Siri!!  It's kinda one of the few things I'm really pretty damn good at - spelling.  Oh, and typeing.   haha, just kidding!  I know there's no E!   

Anywho, there's no place like home, and we would be honored to have you come visit ours--we promise tons of fun, an amazing showing of work that will take your breath away, and my own collection of favorite foods have been created in my kitchen!  It is also my birthday and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to see all of you!!  Additionally, a beautiful "snow" painting that just came off the easel that he hasn't even photographed yet is hanging at the gallery - it's a 28 x 22 -- and this Yellowstone piece also came from his travels through the Tetons.  

"Crossing"
18 x 24

Yes, those are buffalo, yet another first for Doug!   

Address is 461 West 1800 North in Sunset.  Park on 475 West rather than 1800 North.  Seriously would love to see you.  

Hoping to get a painting for my birthday!! 

With love from the birthday girl!

Feel free to call if you have questions or need directions!

801-668-3409 

Wet Paint and Orange Barrels at Taco Time!!

So O-Dark-Thirty rolls around and yeah, it's still dark!  Doug, what are you thinking?  I think he's thinking no one would get up and notice!  But hey, it's early but baby, it's Taco Time!!

Doug, of course, was there at 6:00 and a wonderful friend and fan of ours was there to watch before her 7:00 meeting!!  What a loyal follower!  Bambi Gibson has been a dear friend of ours for many years and has touched our hearts with her heartfelt sentiments about Doug's work.  I will never forget her tell me of her reaction to "Boulders on Boulder Mountain" when she walked into the show at Park City and saw this breathtaking painting clear in the back of the gallery.  She got choked up and told how emotional it was to see that painting even from 25 feet away.  It's so neat that she feels such a connection with Doug's work and is kind enough to share it with us.  So, watching him paint has always been something she's wanted to do so she was thrilled at the opportunity to come watch and ask questions!!

Bambi asking some questions about the set up, paints, and all that good stuff.
William Brison, commented on this picture on facebook and I laughed till I cried!
"Yes ma'am, this kit will make you a world-renowned painter in just three days.  And if
you buy it now, I'll throw in this truck!  Don't mind the paint splatters on the dash or the steering wheel!"
Bahaha!  thanks for that commentary!  And I thought I was the funny one here!  sheesh!!

Waiting for some sun (since it's barely past o-dark thirty) was not really a challenge for this old-time veteran!  He kinda starts 'em all the same anyway!  

oooo . . and I'm loving the . . uh . . .  shadows?  lighting?  hmmm . . . yeah.  Good start, hun!!  

I'm looking at the corner thinking, what's he going to paint?  It was dark enough when we got here that the stores all still had their lights on but right at 7:30, Auto Zone turned their light off (ahhh) and the street lights go off too!  

Angie Ellsworth is another one of our very "artsy" friends with very VERY "artsy" children!  What a grand experience for her to bring her two oldest kids to watch Doug paint!  

The "Audience" all set up - oooo front row seats!  What?  No popcorn?  Lame! 

Closer up . . . super cool!

This was cool watching the "drawing" happen by taking off paint with the paper towel and q-tips!  He has very expensive drawing tools!  

Colors coming together and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds.  Maybe the drab sky will end up having some color, who knows!  

And it's coming along nicely! 

Always love the orange barrels.  Those remind me of, years ago, our little family performing a musical number for a family reunion.  Yes, we heard a song on the Bob and Tom show.  I say "we" but I didn't really listen to Bob and Tom.  I listened to Sports Radio (I'll elaborate on my sports addiction in another blog on another day!)  Doug and the kids listened to Bob and Tom and decided this "Orange Barrels" song would be perfect to learn (since they already knew it!)  Hmmm okay.  I'm sure we had to edit the words and please don't google it, because I'm certain I'll be super embarrassed!  But at least the words I remember were pretty funny!  Gaby, I know you're googling it right now, damn it!  I'm already embarrassed and you're going to be laughing your head off!!  

Painting finished and what's it called?  Taco Time!!  Ahhh, and I'm so sad that this Taco Time is no longer opened.  Just an empty parking lot screaming for artists to come and paint it's beautiful surroundings and orange barrels!

"Taco Time"
8 x 10
For Sale!

Thanks for following the blog!  It means the world to me.  If you aren't "following" up along the right hand side, please do!  Share it with other you think might enjoy it as well.  

As always, this is just from my perspective . . . 

Jeanette

xoxo