Daily Painting

A Painting a Day Workshop

Join me at Portsmouth Arts Guild for a painting workshop, Saturday June 23, 9AM-4PM.  I will be demonstrating alla prima painting technique I most often use in my daily painting practice.  We will work painting single objects from multiple points of view.  Leave with the confidence that you can make a painting a day.  I encountered the notion of a painting a day many years ago on Duane Keiser's daily painting blog. Somehow, miraculously, I am inspired rather than intimidated by his virtuosity and I enjoy myself far more beacuase of more frequent painting efforts.  

Presentation on Morocco- in French!

I'll be giving a casual presentation on my trip to Morocco. June 22, 11 am,  Alliance Francaise Smith St. in Providence for their friday Cafe/Croissant.  With lots of help from my friends at the Alliance me give lecture talking French on Morocco.  This reminds me of how much laughing outloud I did while reading David Sedaris' book Me talk Pretty one Day.  The lecture won't be that funny but will undoubdtedly make you laugh for one reason or another. It wil also include pretty pictures and people who do actually speak French fluently.  The lecture is free and open to the public, a small donation to the Alliance is appriciated.

Now I think I am going to get an audio copy of that particular David Sedaris book.  (I wonder if I can get just the audio of my favorite silly movies like bow finger, what about bob and il mostro?  that could completely change my studio life...)  

Moineau et Hibou at the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge

Thank you to the Audubon society of rhode island for another lovely day.  This time at the Bristol McIntosh Wildlife Refuge (always a good time).  During story time I snuck off to sketch for a few minutes.  Today's "animal interview" was with a barred owl. In french class this evening I learned that the word for owl is hibou and for sparrow-moineau .

Southern France in Rhode island

5"x7", oil on clayboard panel.  Its not designed for oil paint but its instant absorbancy is novel.  (I am, of course, thinking of France.)

Captain Spectacular is on vacation so this moment of painting feels particularly miraculous.  Twice last week we went to the ectotarium where they have a giant chess board among other delights.  

Beneath the Surface

Roger Williams University is still offering family swim on Sundays from 1-5.  It makes for a fun afternoon.  We brought the submersible camera.

The Drawing Room

 I had great fun yesterday kicking off another semester of The Drawing Room at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum.  We made thumbnails sketches in the Grand Gallery.  It is such a pleasure: to meet new artists, see everyone's work and individual approach, have the honor of encouraging them in their endeavors; to be in a galleryful of people inquisitively examining the paintings and intent on their drawings; and simply to get to spend a couple of hours luxuriating in a few pieces of art.  It never fails to amaze me how a mere minutes puzzling out a piece of artwork with pencil and paper can so drastically change my perception of it and appreciation for it.  (This course is sold out but you can get on the wait list for next semester by filling out the form here.) Above are some of my rough thumbnail demos.

Hive O'Clock! February 21

Come make some sunshine at this month's Hive O'Clock.  Tuesday February 21, 5:30-7PM at Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill, 131 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903.  

"No drawing experience necessary! Trust us, Margaret will guide you through creating expressive paintings using a variety of prompts and inspiring images. Come relax, create, and learn the art of sketching with COLOR!"

$10 ($5 for members!) Chips and salsa, materials, and festive atmosphere included.  End your day with art! 

Sponsored by Rhode Island's Hive Archive, a feminist organization that belives that "art and creativity are essential aspects of the human experience. We support a diverse range of interests, skill levels, and knowledge, and we are committed to making the arts and creative expression accessible to all."

Not From Life

10"x10", oil on canvas, from a watercolor painting.  Not working from life leaves so many blank spaces.  The relatively quick drying watercolors rely on details that I cannot achieve in oil with my impatient demeanor.  So I growl and fuss and stand stumped at my easel.  I think last one worked out because I did it in a few sittings, letting it dry in between. The watercolor original for this paitning is featured along with me in an article, "A Providence Artist in Marrakech" by Renee Doucette for the East Side Monthly.

Providence Art Windows

This morning I hung some art at 191 Westminster St. Providence RI for Providence Art Windows, a super cool program run by Rebecca Siemering.  Thank you rebecca!  (Then I came home and made a bowl of delicious soup.)

Red Car

Portrait of a car for Carlos at Rego's Autobody, in Providence, right behind the Foxy Lady.  Oil on canvas, 36"x48".  (Michael informed me that its a Ferrari not a Porche or Corvette as I had been calling it.)