Camp Stables

Camp Stables, 8 x 10

sold

As promised, here is a painting I just did using a study I did on-site from our Plein Air Austin trip. As I mentioned, I wasn't pleased with several of my plein air pieces--for a variety of reasons. The way my paint was taking to the canvas was one of them--I've since determined that the panels I was using seem to absorb more paint than the one I used here. I really liked the way the paint stands on top of this panel--it's a Pannelli Telati canvas panel from Jerry's. I've been using RayMar, which I like for other reasons, but I think I'll be gessoing the remainder I have to get the results I want. Like anything, it's a learning process.

This stable is one of Camp Waldemar's, in Hunt, Texas. It's the first subject our group of four stopped to paint on our recent PAA annual trip.

-julie davis

Call or Write

Call or Write, 6 x 8

This is one of many driveways off the highway on my route to Hunt, TX. I stop and photograph scenes along the way during my biweekly trips. The sun had been up about an hour and was reflecting on the verticals nicely. Pedestrian scenes like this one are somehow the most inspiring to me....

--julie davis

Compatible

Compatible, 20 x 16

Apologies for being away so long--Spring Break trip with the family took a good bit of prep time, then the actual vacation..... I painted this before I left. It's a larger version of (perhaps too similarly named) "Compatibility", done a couple of weeks ago. I'm hoping to get back on my daily painting kick this week--I've had a lot going on, but am really ready to get back to my routine.

And on an exciting personal note, I'm on the Windrush Gallery website as of last weekend. If you have a chance, check it out. I'm extremely honored to be a part of John McCullough's group of artists--a link to his site is on my blog, and, well, right here.

-julie davis

At Rest

At Rest
6 x 8 in., oil on panel

Austin has this great little organic farm not terribly far from where I live called Boggy Creek Farm. The Plein Air Austin group met there for one of our paint-outs this winter, and while I wound up painting another subject, I took some photos before we painted. This tractor caught my eye. It was parked restfully in the shade, waiting for Spring.

-julie davis

Well-Worn Path

Well-Worn Path

Hints of spring are creeping into the landscape around Austin--huge amounts of spring greens jumped into this painting. I must be ready.

-julie davis

Compatibility

Compatibility, 8 x 6

These two looked like they'd been together for so long--clearly they are compatible. And speaking of compatibility, I'm thrilled to report that I've been asked to join the family of painters at the Windrush Gallery in Sedona, AZ! I've sent several paintings out this week--I'm on cloud nine.....

-julie davis

Meandering Creek

Meandering Creek, 10 x 8

The creeks are full in our part of Texas right now--a refreshing change from the drought this summer. The bonus is that it should be a fantastic spring for the wildflowers (and those who will paint them!)

-julie davis

Farm Study

Farm Study, 8 x 10

donation- The Arc of the Capital Area

There are so many small farms and ranches in Central Texas--they're all very different, but very similar at the same time. I really enjoyed this one.

-julie davis

Sideways

Sideways, 6 x 6

sold

This composition created itself as I set it up. Just a little off, this clementine is. The others are wondering what in the heck it's up to.

-julie davis

Commanding Winter Oaks

Commanding Winter Oaks, 20 x 16

donation

This is a larger version of "Gathering of Oaks" from February 9th's post. It's so easy to pass these oak groves without really noticing them, but they're all unique, and quite lovely. And I've said before how much I love the winter grass--the color is so pleasing.

This painting will go to the annual Art Auction and Gala benefiting the LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center that will take place in Austin later this Spring.

-julie davis

And Then There Was One

And Then There Was One, 6 x 6

In Laurel's class we've studied a block-in technique the last two classes that I've not entirely been a fan of. After a well-deserved wipe-down in the last class, I was determined to slog through it and figure it out at home. This was one of several small studies I did in attempting success at the technique. As classmate Stephen Parker has enumerated the technique on his blog quite well, I'm finding no real reason to restate his eloquent explanation of it! So head to his blog (the "You Guys Are In Trouble" post)to learn more....

-julie davis

Got Your Back

Got Your Back, 6 x 6

sold

A happy Valentine's Day to you--may someone "have your back" today and every day!

-julie davis

Gathering of Oaks

Gathering Oaks I, 8 x 6

sold

My road trips from Austin to Kerrville/Hunt and back are peppered with me turning my head to catch great compositions. (I know I'm not alone here). I've been dialed that way since I was a child--taking photos was my outlet then. My great fortune is that now I get to paint the scenes I capture, and I couldn't have more fun doing it.

On a bright note (actually, no pun intended) , Roisin O'Farrell has nominated me for a blog award called the "Sunshine Award." Thank you, Roisin. It's for creativity and positivity in blogging. I'm to forward the award on to 12 others--though I'd overlap with several of Roisin's choices....:)

The rules for accepting the award are:
Put the logo on your blog or within your post,
Pass the award onto 12 bloggers,
Link the nominees within your post,
Let the nominees know they have received this award.
Link to the person from whom you received this award.

1. Barbara Muir

2. Laurel Daniel

3. Stephen Parker

4. Patricia Siegel

5. Carol Marine

6. Qiang Huang

7. V.Vaughan

8. Leslie Saeta

9. Kerri Settle

10.Pam Holnback

11. Marie Theron

12. Angela Elledge

Check them out--all consistent bloggers; worthy of praise.

-julie davis

Mediation

Mediation, 6 x 6

sold

I apologize for my lack of posts lately--as I explained earlier, the project in the Hill Country is consuming much of my painting time. However, it's progressing, and should be complete soon. Meanwhile, it's a creative outlet, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

The title for this one came too easily. I couldn't resist--the limes in the front look like they simply don't want to be there, and the one in the back looks like it is seriously trying to talk some sense into them. I may have lost it.....

-julie davis

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy, 6 x 8

There are numerous ranch roads like this one along any rural Texas highway--this one is along Highway 290 south of Austin. The grasses this time of year are such a pleasant wheat color.

-julie davis

Surrounded

Surrounded, 8 x 6

I feel like I'm taking baby steps to "get back in the saddle" again with still life. I did this one yesterday early in the morning before class (before getting the kids up for school, actually).

I didn't get to paint today--Leslie Saeta asked about the remodel I referred to yesterday, and that's where I was... We now own a few acres and a house on the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country. The house is wonderful, but we're making some cosmetic changes--lots of paint (somehow much more intimidating when it's on cabinets and walls), adding a room on, updating bathrooms and surfaces. It's got me there at least once a week right now, but it's a ton of fun and soon we'll be finished and able to use it! (And it's a great place to paint:) ).

-julie davis

Between the Posts

Between the Posts, 6 x 8

Today was the third in a very welcomed three-day weekend. I struggled on this one--wiped it down two or three times, and finally came out with something I liked. I wish I knew what made some days like that!

-julie davis

Along Highway 16

Along Highway 16, 10 x 8

A recent (cold) January morning north of Kerrville on Highway 16--the silhouette of the tree forms and telephone and power lines against the sky were enticing. I snapped some photos moving along at 70 mph (my husband was driving:))--sometimes they actually turn out. The Texas landscape here (everywhere) fascinates me, as pedestrian as it may be with the lines, I love it.

-julie davis

New in Town

New in Town, 6 x 8

sold

A familiar sight in and around Austin is hills full of cedar. Around Christmastime, some are magically decorated with tinsel or Santa hats overnight. These were just outside Austin, near Oak Hill. I was drawn to the power lines in the back.

-julie davis

Lines of Communication

Lines of Communication, 6 x 8

sold

These telephone poles follow FM 1340 along the North Fork of the Guadalupe River outside of Hunt, Texas. The specks out to the right are cattle. :)

I think I'm back in the painting groove after a really busy start to the year--just picking up a brush again after so many days was a treat. I've been out to the Hill Country several times this year already, and have collected a number of photos--the new material will be fun for me. It's been so darn cold here--working from photos is about all I'm brave enough to do.

-julie davis