"Coastal Colors", oil 8"x10"                               "In the Pink", oil, 8"x10"

"Change" is my 2010 Word of the Year. When I was going through an exercise that Christina Kane suggested from her email newsletter I selected the word "Change". Little did I realize that it is such a strong word for my life. Jan 1, my mother, 82, fell and broke her kneecap. She and my father live in Shreveport, LA., in the house they have lived in since my freshman yr in high school. This accident opened up the realization that perhaps it is time for them to rethink their living situation. I flew there, canceling my art classes and workshops, to help my sisters get the home ready for my mother's return. Life will change for them no matter whether they want it or not.

I had to realize that sometimes my life is also changed by others. I can't do anything but adjust and deal with what happens. My art had to be put on hold for a few weeks while I helped my family. I am also dealing with cleaning out a condo and moving stuff to AZ where my husband will work part-time.

Now I am home for a couple of weeks before I have to return. It feels good to have a brush in my hands and move paint around on the canvas. Art is an oasis for me in the midst of all the chaos that change can bring.

     
"Winter Sanctuary", Amy Evans, oil

I have been challenged to think about what was the best thing I did for my art career in 2009. I have accomplished a lot this year. I had a piece accepted in the American Impressionist Society national juried show, I had two pieces accepted in the Women Artists of the West Show, a piece accepted in the Plein Air Artists of Colorado show, was invited to participate in Nomadas del Artes again,  and I was juried into 3 plein air events. I  have two new galleries representing my work.

Those are all fantastic achievements, but the best thing I have done this year was to accept Lori Woodward's challenge to paint 20 hrs per week. I was surprised to discover that I often surpassed those hours. It made me focus on painting and it also gave me new subject matter as well as formats to explore. I believe that I am producing stronger work because of this challenge.

What will 2010 bring? My word of the year is "Change". Stay tuned.

I am enjoying teaching art classes through the Arts District in Breckenridge, CO. It is so rewarding to see my students get excited about painting and learning to see through artist's eyes. It opens up a new world to them. My students are often those who have been so busy in their lives that they haven't had time to learn to paint. I also have students that have formed friendships through their art classes and this becomes a social outlet for them.

One such group from Shreveport, LA, where I grew up, booked a group painting session with me this summer. They decided to travel to Breckenridge together and wanted to explore plein air painting as well as oils. They paint together in a class in LA., and decided to have a painting adventure.

Painting can be a wonderful social outlet...these ladies were supportive of each other's work and enjoyed the challenges I put before them. They are all enjoying the art journey together.

Art is often a solitary endeavor. It can also be highly competitive, when you expose your art to the artworld. It is refreshing to see that there can also be another side.

I have formed special friendships through my painting with groups. It is wonderful to have a support group as well as friends to paint with. I will share my special group with you in a future blog.

Plein air painted at Garvan Gardens, Hot Springs, AR. Plein air events can be challenging due to the time frame, subject matter, and logistics. The "Beauty and the Brush" Plein Air Event, held at Garvan Woodland Gardens proved to be a huge challenge because of the rain that was intermittent and then torrential during the entire painting time frame.I found that shelter with subject matter was the number one objective. That was a difficult combination. Two other artists and I searched high and low for huge umbrellas to use to no avail. Wrong time of the year for that, so I finally resorted to holding the umbrella I had while painting. The umbrella gave off reflected color so I often held it up high. When the rain became heavy I put the umbrella over the painting and easel and ran for cover. I also had to empty my easel palette area occasionally when it became a lake.
What did I gain from all this? I discovered that I had to concentrate on my subject matter and that I retained a looseness because of my frequent escapes from the rain.I liked what happened. For more info about Garvan Woodland Gardens:http://www.garvangardens.org

"Lighting the River", oil, 11"x14", Amy Evans. Painted at Wyoming Plein Air 2009

Why do I  participate in "paint outs"? I sometimes ask myself that same question. They are expensive for the artist. You have to usually stay in a motel, pay for your meals, stay long enough to factor in weather, and produce at least three paintings for the exhibition, which must be framed and ready to show.
I don't participate in as many as in the past because of all the above reasons. There are also so many of them now because they make money for the galleries as well as the sponsoring event. I am more selective and now enjoy painting in varied locations because of new material to paint.
I participate in plein air paint outs for several reasons. I enjoy the challenges and they keep my work fresh. I also enjoy the interaction between artist and observer. What we do is magic to them and it always renews my spirit to be appreciated directly by the non-artist. I enjoy the feedback.
I also enjoy the camaraderie of other artists. What we do is often lonely and it is always great to meet other artists at these events. I always learn something new.
I also benefit from the immersion. I can totally concentrate on painting and am away from everyday life stuff. It is a working vacation from bills, etc.
Sales and recognition are the icing on the cake...

Someone at a recent art gallery opening made a comment to me that they didn't need to collect landscapes because they could look outside their window at beautiful scenery every day. I was somewhat floored by that statement, since that is my primary subject matter. I also have incredible views from my windows at home.

Why even bother to paint from my deck when I can just walk outside ?
I believe that these paintings aren't just pretty pictures of the landscape...on the surface they may seem so, but we need to go beyond that superficial level. Paintings are windows into the soul. Look at the colors and the brushstrokes that are there. It is a captured moment in time...one that you can enjoy at any time of the day. Looking at paintings can relax and soothe...They do have energy to them.
Yes, it is great to be able to look out my windows and enjoy nature's beauty...but painting does more for me. I learn to really see the landscape and share it with others. What could be better than that!

 

I have discussed the balancing act that women artists in particular have to do in regards to life, family, and creating art. I experienced the ultimate joy in a week of celebrating my son's wedding here in Breckenridge. Family and friends converged here and I spent time cooking and entertaining. No painting. Just enjoying this special time in my life. I am still recouperating...all the emotions, etc., really wore me out. I have spent the week slowly getting back to life as well as catching up on everything that I let go. We all have to sometimes leave our easels. In my experience our work will just be stronger when we return...I often see my work in a different way when I get back to painting. Hopefully that will happen when I return to the easel tomorrow. It will feel good.

Painting on deck for 20 hr week challenge. The mountains disappeared..Too white for the camera and then clouds rolled in...
I have been participating in the 20 hr painting challenge this past 2 weeks. It has been fun as well as seeing how much actual painting time I do every week.
I do know that I have a major "life stuff" interference coming up this week...my son's wedding, so the studio is clean and there won't be any painting being done.
We women artists often have "life stuff" that we deal with in addition to our art business. I take care of the books for my husband's business, our personal finances, and my art business in addition to running the house. When my children were at home I took care of their needs as well. Balance, time management, and priorities are the keys to being able to create my art. Balancing my commitments is also crucial to my happiness.
There will always be "life stuff" that has to interrupt our well-laid plans. Not feeling guilty and moving on, while understanding that this will only enrich our life experience and therefore influence our art, will keep our lives vibrant.
So....try the balancing act!