Art, Inspiration, Creation

The More the Merrier

4/17/2018 8:08:26 AM

This past weekend, I was delighted to get together with new and old artist friends to paint in Gay, a small town of Meriwether County Georgia. We experienced a  sense of "rural america" away from our comfort zones. We painted around the county for 3 days and enjoyed each others company and attended a wonderful reception on Sunday. This is the second year, which was headed up by David Boyd, Jr to help promote arts in the county, where we donate 50% of the proceeds of our sales, through the Artisans on the Square Gallery in Greenville, GA to the Meriwether Arts. 

What a wonderful sense of energy, love of the land, laughter and perfect excuse  to get together. The local towns were small, and a breath of fresh air away from our busy lives. We spent most of our meals together around a table, or in a picnic area, as restaurants were not easily accessible. This enabled us to feel a sense of closeness and support that you may not get in a competitive environment, or anywhere else, for that matter. Getting like-minded people together for a cause we all believe in, had a synergy that I can not quite explain. We complimented each other, critiqued each other, and met people that we have only admired from afar. It was a joy! 

I even heard a few people mention the contagious energy that we all felt, that inspired us to paint more paintings than we would normally do at home. These types of "get togethers" are good for inspiration and creativity. Pushing yourself and your art to new heights, new levels, and having fun in the process. We have all heard the saying "The more the merrier", and this held true for all of us, I hope. The newness of Spring, and blossoms of promise, forced us to see life in a different manner, with happy people that LOVE to paint, or maybe they are happy because they are painting. 

If you are suffering still from the winter blues, or need a bit of inspiration, find a painting group! Google local artists, invite people to come together and do something outside your box, your house, and go outside and paint! 

Even the windy days didn't keep our easles inside. We all laughed about the dedication of holding down an easle in one hand and a brush in the other. Juggling a passion that never dies or at least is renewed by the gathering of like-minded people on brisk spring days.  

Happy Painting!!

Jennifer

P.S. You may buy this painting "Rural America" 12"x24" through Artisans on the Square Gallery, until May 1. You will be helping the ARTS in Meriwether as 50% goes to them. It is a great contribution and I believe a tax deductible item. It is a bargain at $1450 with a beautiful Frame. Contact 

Traveling Abroad with Oil Paints

4/8/2018 9:55:52 AM

I love to travel! Meeting new people and painting new subjects have become almost an obsession in my life although traveling with oil paints make me slightly nervous.  By following some simple guidelines and preparing early you should be able to travel without a glitch.  One option is to wait until you arrive at your destination before buying your paints but that can be a hassle, an added expense and you may not find what you are accustomed to using.   I like to take all the guess work out of creating my art so traveling with my choice of Michael Harding paints is a necessity for me!

Here are the tips: 

1. Put all oils paints in your CHECK-IN bag.

2. Write on the outside of your paints (box or bag) "Artist's Colors"

3. Print out a letter from the manufacturer or MSDS Sheets and put it WITH YOUR PAINTS. 

    Place your paints together in a clear plastic bag.

4. Don't create added attention by asking the authorities if it is OK.  There is no need to say anything to draw attention to yourself.      

     DON'T create SUSPICION in a foreign country.

5. Another recommendation would be to have a translation letter for each country with the above information.

6. Make sure no other items you take are combustible.  If you have ONE combustible item WITH your paints, guess what....

    BYE-BYE to all your paints.

7. HAVE FUN PAINTING in NEW AREAS!!

You can also mail your paints to your destination, but allow 6-8 weeks for delivery, as it could get held up in customs. 

There are some items that are combustible that are NOT allowed on the plane. Please see the link below from W&N to see what those products are. THOSE items need to be purchased at your destination country or make arrangements ahead of time as to how to get items such as MINERAL SPIRITS. There are replacements for cleaning your oil brushes that are OK on the plane, such as Lavender Oil. 

These rules also hold true for flying within the US.

I am teaching my first France Workshop this summer and I can't wait! I hope you can join me this year or in the near future. 

If you use Michael Harding Paints, go to this link below:

Traveling with Michael Harding Paints (Downloadable Letter to put in luggage)

Here are tips from Winsor Newton:

Traveling abroad with Oil Paints 

Be safe, travel light, and paint a lot!!! 

Happy creating,

Jennifer