I was thrilled to see an article about the Piedmont Outdoor Painting Society a group that I helped start almost 10 years ago in North Carolina. We began to paint on a regional land conservancy's preserved spaces several years ago. It was a perfect fit. We were able to paint in beautiful and interesting places and the Piedmont Land Conservancy received a portion of the sales of our paintings at several events. This partnership has grown over the years. There are so many places that I have painted that have now changed due to development as well as Mother Nature, such as the pine beetle epidemic here. Painting these areas can raise awareness of how beautiful and fragile our world really is...
"In A Rut", 11"x14", plein air. Amy Evans PLC
This is a painting I did of a farm saved by the PLC from development.

"Swan Song", 10"x10", oil.

I have been very interested in the "cube grenade" concept that Clint Watson discussed a week ago. Artist Hugh MacLeoud introduced the idea of putting original art in work cubicles to "shake things up" in the workplace. A wonderful idea...Several years ago, an artist friend of mine's husband would take her paintings to his office . People would stop by to see them and loved it when he would change them out. He sold several of them to other workers. Interesting...having original art had an effect on his workspace. Why not try it? Bring a painting to work and see what happens....

Painting at Peabody Placer area, Breckenridge, CO
What makes for a perfect painting day? For me it is little wind, and finding a spot that speaks to me in a visual way. At first glance this area might seem dull to many...but by using your "artist eye" if you stop, quiet yourself and really begin to look, then you really begin to see...I saw all the beautiful subtle greens and golds of early spring as well as the interesting colors in the water. The light hitting the beaver dam and the crumbling mine..The painting was more than the dam, etc...it is the light I love so much.This was a morning painting..the wind ended my fun for the day..

I also love the gifts that show up when I am outside painting...this time I was greeted by several dogs accompanied by humans hiking...one dog acted like he wanted to learn how to paint. I also observed a coyote observing me from a safe distance. He really blended into the distant brush.

I am getting questions about "how is my art business doing during these hard economic times?". I must say that I didn't have as many sales this past year overall. Another one of my galleries closed and sales have been slower at the others. Show sales are also slow.

 How do I feel about this? Of course I am sad that art is taking a big hit in my price range. I am sad to see people passionate about art having to close their doors.

I also understand the need for us to all step back and evaluate how we spend our money as well as our financial decisions.

What am I doing about it? I am painting. I am gettting new pieces to my galleries. I am sharing my love of painting with others by teaching. I have added a few new paintings done by artists I admire to our collection.

How important is art in your life now? Does it enrich your life? If not why?
If you love art and consider it an important part of your life then get out and support the galleries, shows, and museums.