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...)  

Plein Air Painting Workshop in France

As you may know Elizabeth and I have cooked up another painting workshop, this one in the south of France.  (No experience necessary.)

I did this little fantasy field of lavender painting on a 5"x7" claybord panel-I love these panels!  Smooth and quick drying.

Plein Air Painting in France

Elizabeth and I are going to France and you can come too!  We are offering two plein air painting retreats at a restored 14th century chateau in the south west of France.

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."

Imagining a Book

I put some of my moroccan sketches in a blurb book, Imagining Morocco, here.  Elizabeth and I are suggesting that participants in the Moroccan Sketchbook Retreat use an online publisher to print their own books of sketches, photos and notes from the trip.

Tea by the Sea

6"x6" watercolor.  Another hoped for place; more of my ongoing Moroccon thing.  (Do check out our upcoming workshop in Marrakech!)

Tea and Oranges

I am just imagining away over here.  8.25"x12", watercolor, pencil, pen, AD markers on paper.  Available here.  Find out about painting in Marrakech by checking out the Moroccan Sketchbook retreat.  (You can even like it on facebook; enjoy.)

Imagined Moroccan Interior

Inspired by my aunt LJ's photos from her trip to Marrakech.  Thanks LJ!  You can go with me and fellow teacher Elizabeth Hutchinson to Marrakech next March for Moroccan Sketchbook, a painting retreat at Peacock Pavilions.

Yes Morocco!

 Soulbird was  kind enough to interview me in light of my upcoming painting workshop in Morocco with Elizabeth Hutchinson.    Here is a particularly wise and witty moment:

Q: What are the important traits or skills of a successful artist?

A: Grit, I suppose, as with most things. To continue to inhabit an attitude of playful inquiry despite the cacophony of critical voices in your head. (and the dishes in the sink.) 

Perhaps you can see from this sketch why I describe my style as "impatient".  (watercolor, pencil, sharpie and AD markers.)