Adventures in Gouache

Well, I felt like my art was at a bit of a standstill. I think most artists are never satisfied with their work. I have been struggling to get a softer, more detailed look with my acrylics with the emphasis on stuggling. Don't get me wrong, I have been fortunate enough to win awards for my work, but I am dissatisfied! Last week I decided to paint a gazebo scene using gouache (opaque watercolor) and the end results are posted above. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and found that I could get better detail with the gouache than acrylic. Some of my fellow miniature artists have given this piece high marks. Although it still looks like my work, it is more detailed. Let me know what you think!

It was very cold and damp in my studio today. Even my dogs were piled up against each other looking for warmth. My husband was doing computer work today, in anticipation of taxes ,while wrapped up in a quilt. No wonder retirees move to Florida! Anyway, I did start a second gouache piece, but its too soon to tell how it is going. I finally quit painting and wrapped up in a quilt of my own. Oh well,there is always tomorrow.

Till next time,

Gail

We're Baaaack!

Well, all good things must come to an end, I guess. My husband and I arrived home from Florida very early Sunday morning. It was a smooth but long drive of 20 hours. We were staying at Disney World Old Key West resort for a week. We purchased a timeshare there many years ago and go at least once a year. Above is a picture of the condo and below is the view from the patio. As you can see many of the trees and tropical foliage were greatly damaged by the heavy frost that blasted through Florida earlier this month. I thought I was in a time warp with dead leaves flying around. Is it January or October-who can tell.

While in Florida we attended the Miniature Art Society of Florida show during the collectors preview day. It was fun saying Hi to Wes and Rachelle Siegrist who were working the show as well as Bev Abbott! Everyone's work looked great and the show itself was well assembled. Sales were brisk that day with collectors lined up Saturday morning waiting to pay for art!!! I was having so much fun, I forgot to take pictures, sorry about that.

Mid January is a great time to be at Disney World because the crowds are way down. Although we go every year, my husband and I decided to visit the parks a couple times just to soak up the atmosphere. I was wearing a pedometer during the week and was pleased that I was able to log 20 miles of walking. This is a real milestone for me as I have been recovering from 2 surgeries and at one point unable to walk even half a mile without considerable pain.

As you can see, the weather was beautiful. The one thing I dislike about Michigan is the lack of sun and blue sky in the winter months. I could get used to this Florida living!

On another outing to the park we visited the Germany Pavilion at Epcot where I said hi to Jutta, a full time Disney artist who paints miniatures on eggs. She is the reason I am now working in miniature! Jutta is originally from Germany and has worked at Epcot for a number of years. I buy her eggs and she buys my paintings. If you are ever at Epcot be sure to look her up and see her wonderful work.

I am back in my studio this week and working on a painting of a gazebo. I am thinking Summer.
I must admit it feels really good to get back to painting. Vacations can't last forever.

Till next time,

Gail