Uh, Kinda Busy Here! WhatEVer!

Hi everyone!  Great to be back on here!  I have to tell you how I was inspired to write this blog this morning!  I haven't stopped laughing for 48 hours now . . . I had just picked up some mats and frames for Doug in Salt Lake when I pulled into the studio driveway and decided to give Doug a call and have him come help me bring them in.  I called.  No answer.  Called again, no answer.

A little preturbed,  I "huff" a bit and turn off the car, get into the back seat, drag out the mat boards and frames, shut the back door with the snap of my foot behind me, then open the latch on the gate with my elbow.  are you getting a visual here?  Same elbow opens the sliding door to the back of the studio, same foot slides it closed.  A semi-sweet "hello!" gets a quick response back, "hello!"

"Oh, you're here!  Not answering your phone??"  a little sassiness in my voice . . . he'd argue on the "little!"  "No - kinda busy here!"  "Whatever!!" I said under my breath.  "No problem, I can bring this stuff in myself," I thought I said under my breath, but like Homer Simpson sometimes does, it comes out of the mouth instead of staying in the head.  DOH!  How does that happen!

I start back out to the car and he says, "Hey hon, come here!"  Hesitating, I turn around and step in to where he is painting to a room full of students from Utah State University watching Doug do a demo at his easel.  They all have big smiles on their faces as mine turns every shade of red!  I gave the "beauty queen" wave and introduced myself as the "ornery wife!"  We all had a good laugh and I slithered my way back out of the studio, but before sliding the glass door closed, I yelled in, "Next time, answer your damn phone!"

They were a great group of students and I was courageous enough to go back over before they left - ya know, to try and win them over with my "shweetness!"  I mean, really, I'm ornery once in 25 stinkin years, and it just happens to be in front of witnesses! What are the odds??  hahaha  Thanks, Zach Proctor for bringing your students down to see the studio, and thanks, Claire Harlos, for being such a fan of my blog and encouraging me to write more!  You, and many others who have written such encouraging notes and emails, have inspired and motivated me!  So THANK YOU!!

It has been a crazy year of highs and lows and I'll have to spend the next year telling you about it or we will be here all day!  One of the highlights:  Doug and I celebrated 25 years of marriage!  Wahoo!  We celebrated in Zions National Park at the Plein Air Invitational!  Doug worked, I played.  That's fair, right?  We had a great time with a wonderful group of people down there and I got to spend some time with my dad in St. George as well as Doug's folks who live there as well.  Doug received their Award of Excellence. Here's one of my faves from that week:

"Traces"
16 x 20 

This one was also of Zion and was in Doug's show at Terzian Gallery in December.

"The Artist's Brush"
30 x 40

This year also marked the anniversary of my 20th Annual 30th Birthday Party!  Yes, indeed, it was fantastic!  I was sooo preparing myself for the big five-oh and was determined not to be "F & F!"  (that being FIFTY and an F word that means plump!)  Well, I have come to the conclusion that it is okay to be F & F . . . fifty and FABULOUS!  (I'm down 12 lbs. in six weeks and seriously, as my dad would say, before long, when I turn sideways, I won't even make a shadow!)  Wahoo!  Go me!!

Doug did three plein air competitions this year:  Ogden, Midway and Moab.  Ogden 1st Place in the competition as well as 1st place in the quick draw.  Ahh, that's my boy!

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

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

Spending a week in Midway and Heber was great fun - just before the 4th of July.  I was able to go up and spend the last few days with him.  It was gorgeous weather and we got a little golf in as well!  He also took 1st Place at Midway and also won a Purchase Award.  I have posted all of those paintings on our website at www.dougbraithwaite.com as well.  This one was my favorite from Midway:

"Midway Farm"
12 x 16

Doug taught a one-day workshop in Moab and then spent the rest of the week painting in their competition.  He won their quick-draw competition with this piece:

"Center & Main"
10 x 8

We attended the Eccles Annual Fundraising Gala in Ogden, Utah.  What a great time!  Doug was the featured artist and it was great to run into some old familiar faces (let me clarify that to mean that they have been familiar faces for a LONG time, NOT that they are OLD!! haha)  This first one was used for their advertising for the show and was sold in the live auction last night.  Not sure who the lucky recipient was, but it was a SICK!  that's cool hip talk for freakin amazing!  just sayin . . . 

"24th Street"
20 x 24

December brought on a great surprise as I rounded the corner of my street one night as I was getting home from work . . . what to my wondering eyes did appear, but Christmas lights strung across the front of my house, down the sides, around the windows, around the door.  WHAT???  Who are you and what have you done with my husband who thinks a simple bulb in a porch light is "tastefully done!"  He and Wesley had surprised me with lights on the house.  No, seriously, first time in 25 years.  It was fabulous and I could NOT have been more surprised had there been a whole new house sitting there!  

December also featured a great show at Terzian Gallery.  Thank you to Karen and her new husband, Jan, for their always-kind and genuine hospitality while we are in Park City!  Here are a few of my favorites from the show!

"Wintry Exposure"
30 x 40

"Summertime Trappings"
40 x 42

"On a Clear Day"
20 x 24

"Regards"
40 x 30

Okay - going to post this before anymore time passes!  I can't wait to share with you some new 2012 work that has recently dried on the easel!   Can you say cupcake?  yep!  Life is good, kids are great, paintings keep coming and are getting better and better and I'm fifty and fab!!  And this blog, my friends, is merely from my perspective . . .  

Talk soon!

J'net

Share our blog . . . and visit our website!  www.dougbraithwaite.com 

Wet Paint and Roadblocks

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

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!!

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"

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