A moment in Maine and Vermont

I now understand the appeal of a real, on-time, colorful September fall. As a Texan, I know a long, hot summer, and I always appreciate when fall finally decides to reach us, but some lucky people get it way earlier than we do in Austin. Obviously, theirs comes with a long, hard winter, so I can't say I'd trade them, but real fall in September is terrific, and feels really, really good!

Since my husband and I are living in New York this fall, we've tried to explore areas that are relatively close. So, we took a long weekend drive to Maine and Vermont last weekend, and I took my plein air pack and thoroughly enjoyed the times I got to unpack it and paint.

The photo above is in Kennebunkport, Maine, down by the docks where they bring the lobster pots in from the morning fishing trip. While I was painting these lobster buoys, a couple of fishermen walked by and struck up a conversation with me. One told the other I was "memorializing McDougall's buoys." I guess I was. I sure enjoyed the piece.

This is near Manchester, VT, at the covered bridge near Norman Rockwell's home, and below is my process on a gorgeous barn near Barnard, VT.

I could've stayed for days and painted this barn from many angles. The autumn foliage was the icing on the cake. I got a lot of photos and sketches, and hope to get to painting more on this unique structure when we're home. For now, I'm back in NYC painting on the rooftop!

-julie davis

Earth, Land, Property - Oct. 27 through Dec. 1

It's been an insanely long time since I've posted to my blog. I'm sure if you're still paying attention, you've assumed I was never coming back to this platform. Instagram has co-opted my daily posts and made frequent posts easy, but I wanted to put a plug in here for my biggest show yet. Earth, Land, Property opens this Saturday, October 27, and runs through December 1. The opening is at Davis Gallery in Austin, 837 W. 12th St., and is from 7 - 9 pm.

"This five-person exhibit featuring work by Nicholas Baxter, Julie Davis, David Leonard, Garrett Middaugh, and Jason Webb, examines the human perspective of land. This show intends to question our place among nature and how we've chosen to use our land. Each of the five artist's work will represent a specific "locale" on the spectrum between natural land and dense metropolis.

Julie Davis explores the space just outside of our town centers. Her paintings imply a delicate harmony between man and nature. In some of her work, fields are plowed or simple homes are seen in the distance. In other paintings, Davis illustrates nature steadily reclaiming old shuttered shacks."

The pieces below are a few of the 31 pieces I dropped off last week for the show. If you're in the Austin area and can stop by for the opening reception, please find me and introduce yourself!

- julie davis

Kickstand

12 x 9 in., oil on panel 

sold

Marfa Blues

16 x 20 oil on panel

$1100

Grandfather's Barn

11 x 14, oil on panel

$900

Outreach

14 x 11, oil on panel

$900

Texas Capitol Building

Texas Capitol Building

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

After living here in Austin for nearly fourteen years and painting for over half of them, I finally took the opportunity to get out and paint the Texas Capitol building last month. On site I did a little bit larger version, but I wanted a "pocket-sized" one for fun. Here it is. :)

-julie davis

The Value of Color Studies

I first began to create color studies on a regular basis after a workshop given by Jill Carver in Texas in 2015. I'd done them before, but never in the lightning-quick manner Jill had us doing them, and never as my primary means of gathering information outdoors. Jill opened an entirely new practice to me that week, and I owe her a debt of gratitude. Because I often sell my 6 x 8 studies on this blog, I'd always felt decent pressure to make even my studies excellent. Attempting perfection, needless to say, isn't the most productive way to "study."

Above are some studies I completed this morning in my studio using sketches I did outdoors and photo references I took while on site. Notice they're all on one board, which was divided into four sections with painter's tape while I painted (the color difference under the tape is due to the panel I used being an old one that was half-toned). This way I can't sell them--the pressure is gone. (It's certainly possible that I could cut them apart later if one is so amazing I just have to post it for sale).  :)

Below are some quick (like stream-of consciousness-quick) thoughts on the value of doing these studies. Color studies are:

*A natural bridge between a thumbnail sketch and starting a refined, finished painting

*A great way to gather lots of information outdoors in a short time (perfect for times when you're painting outside and the light or weather is changing rapidly)

*Practice for mixing the colors you'll eventually use in the larger painting

*A simple, fast way to get accurate color notes when painting en plein air

*An efficient way to "brainstorm" in paint time-wise and space-wise. Set time limits on yourself (no more than 30 minutes to an hour on each). Also, you can easily get four or six on one panel.

*A way to affirm that you're being productive when all else fails!

*A tool for trying various compositions if you can't decide based on thumbnail sketches

*A good way to stay loose and produce the painterly look that you might want to use in your larger painting

*A great exercise in painting quickly if you're trying to get faster

*Perfect for painting a scene you're in love with but only had time for a sketch and a quick photo (like the amazing scene you discovered after you packed up and were heading to your car, or the one you got a photo of while with your family and had only your phone and sketchbook in hand).

*Freedom to relax--you're not aiming for a finished painting, but the bonus is that sometimes you get one!

Color studies work out the kinks, let you know if your idea has the potential to translate into a successful painting, and keep you at ease while accomplishing both. 

-julie davis

Hill Country Cold Front

Hill Country Cold Front

8 x 6 in., oil on panel

sold

This piece came from a venture out to Wenmoh's Ranch in Cypress Mill, Texas last fall. Though the cold front came through right as we arrived to paint, we were able to brave it for long enough to get several short studies in before we succumbed (I think temps went from 70F to roughly 45F for all you tougher souls from up North). I painted this piece this week from one of those studies.

-julie davis 

Catwalks

Catwalks, 8 x 16 in., oil on panel

*juried into 2016 American Women Artist's National Juried Exhibition,

Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont

available, $850

It's been far too long since I managed to write a blog post. I've honestly found Instagram to be a much more efficient way to share what I'm up to on a daily/weekly basis, and you can find me there at instagram.com/juliedavisstudio/. I'm still committed to selling my small studies here on my blog, I just haven't had that many lately, as I've been working on a bigger series with these silos. I do intend to be back with more soon, so stay tuned!

I've loved working on these, and I've been able to use my palette knife a good bit more than I would in landscapes due to all of the man-made and cast shadow lines that come into play with the silos. This piece is pretty detailed so you might give it a click to see it better.

-julie davis

Weisinger's Hill

Weisinger's Hill

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

nfs

If you've followed my blog long enough, you might recognize this scene from some paintings I did a while ago. The vineyard and winery belongs to my stepfather, who started Weisinger Family Winery in Ashland, Oregon something like 30 years ago. I've been fortunate enough to visit several times, and have enjoyed exploring and painting in the vineyards (followed by a glass of Weisinger's Malbec or Tempranillo, of course!)

I used my old plein air studies to create this 9 x 12, and gave it to my stepfather this Christmas. As he now spends most of his time in Texas, I wanted him to have a window into the vineyards he spent so much time cultivating while he built the heirloom business he owns today. Love you, John!

-julie davis

The One with the Barrel

The One with the Barrel

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

Happy 2016!  Most of us with kids at home are back to an educational system-imposed schedule at this point (can you tell I prefer having my daughters around?). As today is the day ours went back to school, it's my back-to-art cue (which I like almost equally as well as my girls, but really, my girls win). 

This is another little Provence piece in the vein of The One with the Blue Shutters. These names make such sense to me because this is how we referred to these apartments and villas while we walked around and admired them. Sometimes they seemed very similar, but close attention revealed that each had wonderful details and individuality that set it apart from the others (hmmm...kind of like my daughters!).

-julie davis

A Good Day

A Good Day

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

Naming this one seemed simple if I thought of it from a bovine's perspective--which, not to insult the cattle, was relatively easy. Hoping if you're reading this, you're having a good day, too.

-julie davis

View from the Hill

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

Earlier this fall I painted with Plein Air Austin just outside of Austin on some land near the Salt Lick (a relative barbecue institution around here). I came away from the paint-out with several studies, and this piece was derived from one of those 30 minute studies. 

For those of you in Austin for any time over the holidays, Davis Gallery is up and running with its annual Holiday Show. I dropped several new pieces by the gallery last week for it, and Bill, Jen, and crew there have been hard at work hanging everything to have it all ready this week. The show is open now through January 9. Stop by if you get the chance!

Lastly, I'm officially on Instagram now: @juliedavisstudio--give it a look:)

-julie davis

Hillside

Hillside

8 x 6 in., oil on panel

sold in Hurricane Harvey fundraiser for the Rockport Center for the Arts

Small cedar trees like this one dot the landscape in and around Austin, and soon some festive folks will begin decorating the roadside ones with tinsel and ornaments in celebration of the Christmas season. Last year I managed to do a painting of one near our house. I'll definitely try to get to one again this year. 

I liked the way this tree had a small cut in the ground that led up to it with the grasses working to fill in the gaps. I've done a slightly larger version of this study for Davis Gallery's annual holiday show that opens soon here in Austin--I'll announce dates when I have them.

-julie davis

Study - cattle

Cow Study

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

nfs

This is a quick study I did from some photos I took out in Center Point, Texas. Though cattle are slow, they aren't ideal models because they tend to move around a bit more quickly than I can manage to paint them. I never thought I'd be studying the anatomy of cattle, but life is full of surprises. I actually enjoyed a new type of figure and a deviation from trees for a minute.

-julie davis

The One with the Blue Shutters, study

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

Taking two months off from posting was never my intention.  I promise that much has been going on beneath the surface. Like a duck's feet paddling underwater, I've been invisibly at work (and play), and I'll send out a newsletter soon with more about that (sign up for it on my website: www.juliedavisstudio.com), but it's time to get back to posting.

I came across this little apartment on our trip to St. Remy in Provence a while back, and admired the blue color they chose for the shutters so much that I stopped to take pictures. I decided to only paint the upstairs--there was not much going on at the street level. I think I envy whoever lives there. 

-julie davis

Exciting news

At Rest

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

sold

General Store

11 x 14 in., oil on panel

$900

available through Davis Gallery, Austin, Texas

512.477.4929

After what seems like quite a long time, I'm home from summer travels and obligations and am able to offer a  post -- with news I'm very excited to share! Within the last few weeks I've learned that the above pieces have been accepted into two separate shows of which I'm really honored to be a part.  At Rest was juried into the American Women Artists 2015 National Juried Exhibition & Annual Member's Show, while General Store was selected for inclusion in the 16th National Exhibition of the American Impressionist Society. These are some of my first stabs at national shows. I couldn't be more honored and am truly jumpy with enthusiasm about it. 

The AIS show will take place October 1 - 29 at Trailside Galleries in Scottsdale, and the AWA exhibition will be held November 12 - 30 at Bonner David Galleries, also in Scottsdale.  I'm looking forward to getting to know Scottsdale a bit better this fall:). I will share more as the shows approach, but I'm super motivated going into what is typically my most productive time of year.

- julie davis

Summer Show at Davis Gallery

"There's a Summer Place We Can Go"

Davis Gallery 

837 W. 12th St., Austin, Texas

512.477.4929

opening reception Saturday, June 27, 7-9 p.m.

Nature's Gateway, 11 x 14, oil on panel

Davis Gallery is hosting its annual summer show now through August 8th, and the opening reception is this Saturday evening from 7-9 p.m. Unfortunately, I'll be out of town for the reception, but if you're in the area I hope you'll stop by! I delivered these five new pieces to the gallery last week.

-julie davis

River's Bend, 9 x 12, oil on panel

sold

Look Both Ways, 11 x 14, oil on panel

Dry Creek Cafe, 11 x 14, oil on panel

sold

Ring of Bales, 16 x 20, oil on panel

sold

Old Garage

Old Garage

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

I don't think any grass in this part of Texas is this color anymore....this was early spring, and after the copious amount of rain we've had in the last few weeks (5 inches today), everything is green. Or underwater. It's actually been quite devastating to many in our area. Wimberly and San Marcos have had flooding not seen in decades. While we desperately need the rain, this pace is hard to sustain. We are hoping for sunshine tomorrow. Like the sunshine on this old garage...:)

-julie davis

Morning by the River

Morning by the River

6 x 8 in., oil on linen panel

I had a few minutes Saturday morning to play with a photo I'd taken years ago in a park here in Austin. I love the light in it, and though I painted this same view back in 2010 when I'd been painting just a couple of years, I felt enough time had passed that another attempt would be free from any vivid memories of the first try. Not that the first try was a bad memory at all, I just wanted it to feel more like a case of first impression.  And thankfully, it did. :)

-julie davis

2010

Near the Water

Near the Water

8 x 8 in., oil on panel

This is another scene from my studies out at Turkey Bend near Marble Falls.  Again, I did four studies on a divided 12 x 16 panel--two were 15 minute studies and two were 30 minutes. I can't describe how unrefined they were, but they were important color and value notes, and I surprised myself at what I accomplished in that short time. And the best part is that instead of walking away with one painting, I walked away with material for several. :)

-julie davis

Red Trailer

Red Trailer

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

Sorry I've been posting inconsistently lately. Spring for students is as busy as Christmas is for adults, and therefore it's busy for mothers of students, too. I spent most of last week on the road to a golf tournament in Houston to watch our girls play and in Waco helping our eldest move some things out of her dorm before the end of the year (and taking our middle daughter on a college tour).  Luckily, the latter two were on the same campus. :) So I haven't pushed much paint consistently in the last month, but I did get to a small piece today.  I really love the energy of line, and I got to play with that a bit in this one.

-julie davis

River's Bend

River's Bend, Study 2

6 x 8 in., oil on linen panel

$120 + tax, $20 s/h

click here to purchase

From my notes, sketches, and studies from Marble Falls last week, I tried a more finished study of one of the compositions I had come up with. Since the first study had a self-imposed 30 minute time limit, it had a few miscalculations:)--I was able to work out some of the drawing flaws here and design this one a little more. It's still just a 6 x 8 study, but I'm planning to work on a larger piece from this one--just experimenting a little bit first.

-julie davis