Morning Rolls In, Ladybird Lake

Morning Rolls In, Ladybird Lake, 9 x 12 in.

Yesterday I made my way to Red Bud Isle after dropping the kids at school, and set up to paint this view. Red Bud Isle is a leash-free dog park, so during my time there, I made friends with a few happy, wet dogs, one in particular was a golden retriever named Buttercup. (She's a good swimmer, and managed to get me pretty wet at one point post-swim).

The sky was filled with light pink and purple--the clouds were seemingly on their way somewhere west, and floated magnificently along as I tried to pin them down in paint. I tried to capture that lightness and movement. Admittedly, clouds are something I need to study more, and the more I do, the more I find them analogous to trees. (Trees are not a solid mass, though they appear to be, and we can easily make the mistake of representing them that way). There is always more to learn. :)

-julie davis

View to the South

View to the South, 8 x 10 in.

sold

Yesterday was another gorgeous day here. I painted out near my church--there are some lovely views on the west side of Austin. The wildflowers are dying away in many areas now, so the colors of the grasses are more subdued, and the yellows and grays of summer are starting to take hold.

-julie davis

Quiet Cove, Spring

Quiet Cove, Spring, 11 x 14 in.

Austin's weather this time of year is fantastic, and today was no exception. It did begin a little bit overcast, and this painting reflects that. I went back to an old haunt today--the little inlet behind our art school at Laguna Gloria. It's actually very close to my house--and it was nice to be back. I pulled out an old painting tonight for comparison (my first plein air painting from 4 1/2 years ago) -- it was the same scene -- truly, stuff like that will keep one humble. And no, don't ask me to post it. Not happening.

-julie davis

Heaven in Texas

my painting companion today

Heaven in Texas....redundant statement

Heaven in Texas, 11 x 14 in.
sold

I'll start by explaining my post title. It really was sunny most of the morning (despite the overcast sky in the second photo); a sunny, 80 degree April day in Texas where the wildflowers are in full bloom--how can it get any better? Did I mention I was surrounded by bluebonnets?

Several of us in Plein Air Austin met at McKinney Falls Park in Austin today to paint. The water was flowing, but the flowers were impossible to pass up. They'll be gone soon, and I'm hoping the water will be there a little longer than the flowers, though after last summer one never knows. The butterfly above kept me company for half and hour or more today--brave little guy.

-julie davis

Sketch-y

untitled sketch, 6 x 4 in.

I didn't begin painting until I was 37, five years ago. Prior to that, my only real "art" experience involved a ton of sketching and drawing as a girl. I love pencil and paper--the sound the graphite makes on the surface of the paper, the mess it can make on your hands, the ability to erase!

I don't do much drawing anymore--simple thumbnails before I paint are as far as I tend to get. But just sketching this brief piece brought back tactile memories, and a renewed fondness for the line....(something that doesn't truly exist in nature, but sure works when you're drawing). Working a little more drawing into my life might not be such a bad thing. :)

-julie davis

Arthouse Five x Seven event donations

Neighboring Field, 5 x 7 in.

sold

Abundant Field, 5 x 7 in.

sold

Each spring in Austin, AMOA-Arthouse on Congress Avenue has an annual fundraiser called the Five x Seven. It's an art sale and exhibition that benefits AMOA exhibitions and educational programs. The big "Splurge" (art grab) was last Wednesday, and I donated two pieces to the cause, both of which, happily, sold right at the buzzer to some good soul(s). All the art stays on view through April 22, then those not sold immediately travel to Houston and Dallas.

The big excitement of this event is that all artists must sign their pieces on the back, so no one knows which artist created the pieces until they purchase it by plucking its tag when the buzzer sounds. All work is $100. It's a fun event, and a great way to get lots of people excited about art. The best part this year was that two of my daughters decided to participate by donating their photography to the cause--talk about a proud mom!

-julie davis

Leading Edge of Spring, study

Leading Edge of Spring,

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

Last week, I met up with Plein Air Austin at a member's ranch outside of Austin to paint in the gorgeous spring weather. Picasso's "if only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes," came to mind as I fought with myself over the vibrancy of the greens this time of year. It's truly hard to believe just how "spring green" everything around here is right now. The shock of it is twofold after the drought we experienced last spring, summer, and fall. Fortunately, the skies were generous with the rain this winter, and we are enjoying the fruits now.

I did notice (as happens when painting outside), that my greens seemed brighter outside....things can tend to "darken" when you bring them in, which simply means my eyes lost the battle to my brain.....maybe next time...

-julie davis

Red Barn

Red Barn, 10 x 8 in., oil on panel

donation, Trinity Episcopal School Auction
sold

So I've violated at least a big rule here--placing the center of interest in the center (ish) of the painting. A fail? I do think there is enough interest in the rest of this painting to keep the eye moving, but also know the composition would've been stronger if I'd avoided this misstep. Should've worked that out before I got too deep into the painting.

On a happier note, I was fortunate to hear from Helen Moreda recently that she'd named me for a Liebster Award, an award based on inspiration. A big thank you to Helen--much appreciated, and I'll list a few folks who have done the same for me. (here are the criteria for the award:)

As part of the tradition it is passed along to 5 bloggers that have
motivated and inspired you.

To accept the award you must:
1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them
2. Post the award to your blog
3. Give the award to3- 5 bloggers with fewer than 200 followers
that you appreciate and value.
4. Leave a comment on the blogs to let them know that they have been offered this award.

Here are my five under 200 who at various times along the journey definitely motivated and inspired me. Thanks, y'all!

1. David Boyd

2. Melanie Nogawski

3. Stephen Parker

4. Ann Rogers

5. Lorraine Shirkus

-julie davis

Desert Creek Bed, Big Bend

Desert Creek Bed, Big Bend

8 x 16 in., oil on panel

sold

This is the last of the paintings I did in Big Bend last week...Laurel and I painted from the cover of a bridge. The bridge covered this dry creek bed, and provided wonderful shade throughout the afternoon for us. Again, the purples in the shadows and pinks in the light really made the scene.

-julie davis

Uncompromising Terrain

Uncompromising Terrain

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

Trees in Big Bend are few and far between, but in one higher altitude area, they are in abundance, neighboring kindly with various cacti, grasses, and scrub brush. At this point in the trip, I was thrilled to see anything green, and found it appealing to play the pinks, purples, and reds against it.

-julie davis

Abandoned in Terlingua

Abandoned in Terlingua

9 x 12 in., oil on panel

I just returned from a trip to the Big Bend of Texas-- beautiful desert country near the Texas/Mexico border--with my good friend Laurel Daniel and the Outdoor Painter's Society. One of the spots we painted was the old ghost town in Terlingua, Texas, an abandoned mining town. This particular day, the winds were gusting ferociously, so Laurel and I barricaded ourselves in a couple of the old ghost town buildings to paint. This was the neighboring house to the one in which I painted.

-julie davis

Sendero

Sendero (study)

6 x 8, oil on panel

nfs

I loved the play of light and shadow in this view through the trees. The "Sendero" is the Spanish word for "path" or "way," used most commonly in my world as a clearing in the trees where my husband just might spot a deer if he's looking. :) Of course, around here we tend to say "sender-a" -- either way, my girls and I know to cast a glance down them when on car trips. :)

-julie davis

Road to the Pasture

Road to the Pasture

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

This piece was a warm-up for yesterday's post. Sometimes you just need that, whether it's by painting, sketching, reading, whatever works!

-julie davis

*and thank you, justin, for contacting me again!

Hay Bales in Line

Hay Bales In Line

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

sold

I've been wanting to paint this subject since this summer in Idaho. I painted a 15 minute plein air piece then, and just never quite found the comfort zone with that one,though I really wanted to paint it larger. This is also a study, just 6" x 8", but I like this one better, and am looking forward to working on a bit larger piece. The hay was so tidy-ly laid out.....

-julie davis

*and on a hopeful note, I have lost an email from a very nice person who was interested in one of my paintings from the Hunt area--a scene along the Guadalupe River. If that person happens to see this, please contact me again! I have no clue how the email disappeared, but I have hunted to no avail.

Still Life study

Lime and Tomatoes On the Vine

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

I love a still life once in a while. Especially when they involve red. Red appeals in a painting, and it's rarely found in a landscape with this intensity, so it's quite fun to use it once in a while like this. I was trying to work out some of the rust, get out of the box a little, and just play with this. Did a bit of all three.

-julie davis

Upstream

Upstream

sold

Rhythm can be difficult to re-establish once it's broken. I'm struggling with getting back in the groove of things after the move and all that comes along with it, but I'm making progress! I'm very much enjoying my new studio space, and the deliciously large easel I was able to get. Makes these 6 x 8s seem so tiny. Which is part of my method....giving myself the environment in which to create larger pieces than I have before. I think part of the break in my rhythm is the "pressure" to paint larger. The name of this piece says a lot about how I'm feeling momentarily. :)

-julie davis

Sunset

Sunset

6 x 8 in., oil on panel
sold in Hurricane Harvey fundraiser for the Rockport Center for the Arts

I'm in love with the pinks in this little study. This particular sunset was this summer in Wyoming. I've had this painting for a bit, and am ready to try it larger. Sometimes I have to live with a painting a while to process what it is I like about it and where I want to take it. I'm sure this is not profound, but I've noticed how good it feels sometimes to live with a piece for a while before working a larger version. Then again, sometimes I'm ready the same day.

-julie davis

Fall at Western Lake

Fall at Western Lake

6 x 8 in., oil on panel

nfs

Happy new year! I apologize for my absence, but I took a much needed post-move break over the holidays. School began again today for the girls, so my attention turned back to my work. I entered doorway of my new studio this morning with total anticipation (and trepidation) about painting in a new space, on a new easel, and after what was for me, an extended amount of time "off the brush."

I painted this piece over Thanksgiving, in a favorite spot of mine--Watercolor, Florida. Fall there is so beautiful, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect for plein air painting. I began a larger version of this today, then ditched it for a small tree study when I realized what I really needed in my new environment was something familiar. Very soon, I'll post a larger version.

-julie davis

Seasonal Pond

Seasonal Pond, 11 x 14 in.

sold

I've been silent for so long because just before Thanksgiving, we moved (same area of Austin), and life was a bit nuts. Things are settling down, and I'm happy to say that I'll be participating in Davis Gallery's Holiday Group show that starts this Saturday, Dec. 3. The opening is Saturday night from 7-9p. I'll be there, and if you're in the area, please stop by (837 W. 12th)! Work by all the artists will be up through Dec. 31.

-julie davis

Fenceline Grove

Fenceline Grove, 6 x 8 in.

sold

Sincere apologies for the inconsistency in posting lately. We have sold our house and are moving! In town....but hectic doesn't quite describe the last few weeks. I'm trying to get my painting legs under me again, and am most excited that I'll have a larger studio--a whole room all my own. Things might be a little off and on for the next few weeks, but I'll post when I can and know that I'll be consistent again soon.

This little painting was from my Idaho trip--this old fence just blended into the trees along it. With a lovely field adjacent, it caught my attention.

-julie davis

Cattle and Cottonwoods

Cattle and Cottonwoods, 11 x 14 in.

sold

This is another enlargement from a study done this summer based on my time in Wyoming and Idaho. The cottonwood trees group themselves in such a variety of ways. Wonderful windows of space between groups of trees create beautiful forms in what could be called "negative space." I prefer to think of it as not the absence of mass, but the presence of a shape. (Kinda think I'm sounding a little nuts....) But I do think that's what makes the cottonwood trees so appealing to me.

-julie davis

Early Evening Calm

Early Evening Calm, 16 x 20 in.

contact the artist to purchase 

I've been off the grid for a bit, slammed at home, but have lots to say! First, fantastic news to report.....it's official, I'm now proud (ecstatic, elated, etc.) to be represented by Davis Gallery (no relation) here in Austin!! I feel like I may have to say "no relation" every time I mention the gallery, but really, no, I don't own a gallery! This has been brewing since the show last spring, but I'm officially on the website now, and hope you'll all check it out. Here's the link: davisgalleryaustin.com/artists.davis.html. Click on my bio in the top right corner for more info. :)

Second, last weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the opening of Scott Christensen's and Quang Ho's show at the Insight Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas. The opening was Friday, and they had a demo on Saturday morning, which was delightful. Their work was amazing, and Insight represents many other of my favorite artists, whose work was also on display, so it was a treat to be there.

And last, I love this painting above--can I say that?? I feel like I crossed some invisible threshold with it. It's based on a study I did of the cottonwoods this summer, and I actually did another one this size first, then began a new canvas, correcting things the second time around that I didn't care for in the first enlargement. I came out of the summer with plenty of "tree inspiration," and this is finally one of the products.

-julie davis

Light Canopy

Light Canopy, 9 x 12 in.

sold

I love finding a grove of spindly young oaks. Although my favorites are the natural groves that have a shape of their own, it's not unusual to find these small oaks kept in check along fence lines, where some unique vista is revealed through the trunks. These are some of my favorite views--I look for what the view will be almost as if I'm anticipating what is inside a wrapped gift.

-julie davis

Quiet Pond

Quiet Pond, 6 x 8 in.

donation to ARC of the Capital art auction

This one is from references from my trip to Idaho in July. More on the tree theme. I think this makes 19, but here I was focused not simply on the structure of the trees, but on the structures along the horizon line. I did enjoy the trees the most, though--it's like an illness.....

-julie davis

Point Lobos Rocks

Point Lobos Rocks, 6 x 8 in.
sold

I'm continuing to explore the ocean/rocks theme through photos I took at Point Lobos, and through the studies and color notes I made while there. The coast in that area offers an endless number of compositions--every time you turn there is a unique rock configuration and a new look to the light or water or both. I can see why so many artists spend years painting the area!

-julie davis

Point Lobos Cypress

Point Lobos Cypress, 6 x 8 in.
sold

While in California painting at Point Lobos, I saw, but never got a chance to paint, this scene, though it was at my back or just around a cove just about the entire time. I snapped several photos, and with the ability to use my studies on site for color references, painted this study this week. I've actually done a larger version already, and have had a good bit of fun with it!

-julie davis

Point Lobos Study 5

Point Lobos Study 5, 8 x 6 in.

sold

This was my final study during Kevin MacPherson's workshop at Weekend with the Masters. On the first two studies, he had us using very limited and differing palettes to teach relationships. For the last, we were able to use our usual palette. Mine is limited to a warm and a cool of each primary, plus white, so that is what I used here. I had quite a bit of fun with this fast piece, and particularly enjoyed the blues I was able to play with.

-julie davis

Point Lobos Studies 3 and 4

Point Lobos, Study 3, 12 x 9 in.

white, dioxazine purple, phthalo green, cadmium orange

The second painting day at Weekend with the Masters, I again spent the day with Kevin MacPherson. This time his focus was on using a (very) limited palette, to promote harmony in the painting, and to primarily teach that everything in a painting is relationships. The colors used in this first study are listed above. Seeing what color relationships we could build just using these four--and that they were not the primaries, surprised all of us, I think.

Point Lobos Study 4, 9 x 12 in.

For this next study, he gave us individual limited palette assignments. This one was done with white, my standard "black mix" (aliz., ult. blue, raw umber), cad yellow lemon, and cad red light.

-julie davis

Point Lobos, CA

Point Lobos Study 1, 6 x 8 in.
nfs

Point Lobos Study 2, 9 x 12 in.
nfs

Last week I was able to travel to California to attend the Weekend with the Masters conference and workshop in Monterey. I spent four days soaking in everything I could in a fantastic learning environment, and painting in some very beautiful (but cold!) spots.

These are the first two studies I did--both in Kevin MacPherson's class, and both at Point Lobos. Kevin's emphasis in this class was on simplifying the outdoors--a lesson that continuously bears repeating. Doing a thumbnail sketch, or several, and keeping those simple, can help focus your composition. As Kevin pointed out, there are many things vying for our attention when we paint outdoors. Finding your darkest darks and your sunlight and shadow sides, keeping your lines connected (versus creating various separate shapes), and finding the rhythms that go through your composition help to keep a focused composition.

It was quite foggy, cold, and windy the first two days we were outside--think eight layers--so we got plenty of "gray days" studying in!

-julie davis

Tree Study 18

Tree Study 18, 8 x 6 in.

This is a scene from a small pond in Idaho that I did from a little different angle while there. In this angle I wanted to include more of the pond and its reflections. I'm pretty pleased with it.

I'm headed off tomorrow for Weekend With the Masters again in CA--cannot wait! I'll try to post some from there, but down time is usually at a minimum, so I'm not sure what I'll get to do. I'm looking forward to taking some classes with Joe Paquet and Kevin MacPherson, not to mention many others I'll get to see demos or hear lectures from. Super excited, and can't thank my husband and kids enough for giving me the break to run and do this!!

-julie davis