I finished my last commission for the time being. Monday I plan to start some new things, but right now I just want to sit back and acknowledge how grateful I am to have had this consistent work over the past seven weeks. It’s been a great boon to my bank account, but it’s also given me an opportunity to work with clients, to set deadlines for myself, and to grow as an artist. Couldn’t ask for more.
Next week my plan is to focus on some paintings of the high school in my neighborhood which is a beloved, historic building. I went on a tour a few weeks ago and realized why people love it so much. It really is a cool place. I took several photos and I plan on painting them in different sizes. There’s a bakery up the street that lets artist hang their work. I think I’ll see if I can hang them there and also offer prints on Etsy. Hopefully I can get the neighborhood pumped up.
I’ve been doing some color mixing. I took all the blues I have - Thalo, Cobolt, and Ultramarine - and mixed them with the reds I have - Cad Light, Cad Medium, Aliziran, and Quinacranome Magenta. Next week I’ll mix the reds with greens. I’m noticing that the Cad reds mix more brown than purple. Aliziran and Quin mix more purple. In fact, it doesn’t take much blue to get some really beautiful purples. I guess that’s why people spend time mixing. Now I know more.
I’m heading out soon to meet a client for lunch. She’s happy with the dog portrait I did and wants to meet up. Also, it’s Friday, which has me in a good mood. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold and rainy. I’m planning on sitting in front of a roaring fire. Yes, that’s the plan for the entire day. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m going to read books and put my feet up.
Next week is a short week. Wednesday I’m picking up a maple pecan pie from Earl Abel’s and a vegan holiday meal from Green. I’m not vegan, it’s for someone else, but this meal is good. I’ve had it in the past. Their mashed potatoes are some of the best. I guess I could add that eating good food, whether it’s a real turkey or not, puts me in the holiday spirit. The rain doesn’t hurt either. The dark, overcast skies feel cozy to me. Right now we’re pretty socked in. It’s gray and sprinkling a little. I’m going to try and enjoy the things that are working and let go of the things that aren’t. Happy Holidays.