Wet Paint and Separation Anxiety!

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!

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!!

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!

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!!!  

J

Untitled Wet Paint!!

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!!

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