Painting Keeps me Happy!

This time of social distancing has been a true challenge for artists...we create because it is in our blood, something we must do to stay sane and happy but...we also hope to sell a painting occasionally to somehow justify the enormous amount of time and energy we devote to our craft.  I have numerous other responsibilities and jobs, of course.  

The Airbnbs that I run bring in somewhat steady money and require attention.  But - I’ve made time every day to paint, to read about painting, to listen to podcasts about art, even to attend an online painting session with an artist whose work I admire - Vladislav Yeliseyev...so fun.  

I am truly happy to have sold 2 pieced during COVID-19 and a huge batch of custom greeting cards.  I’ve had a friend ask to take watercolor lessons - we’ll figure out how to do that if it ever stops raining and we can do it outside!  I’ve been asked to donate a piece of art to the Yellow Springs Community Foundation - a wonderful organization that organizes many funds that help people, etc here in our town.  I’m happy to give a painting to them...

Please, world,  don’t ask me to donate all the time....sometimes, I feel like the ‘Crane Maiden’, a children’s story about a crane that gives back to the farmer who rescued her from a trap by turning into a woman, then pulling the feathers from her back to weave into cloth..for him to sell : ).

 

‘Primrose’ Watercolor - 24x18 $750 
This painting is in a show ‘Art to Uplift’ at the Winds Cafe thru 9/6/20

Birdies Dining - SOLD, watercolor

‘Island Vibe’  Watercolor  16x12 (20x16 framed) $350

Watercolor Sketch Class Sept. 18

Come join me for a mini workshop next month at the Hertzler House in Springfield, OH!

En Plein Aire Workshop,     Tuesday, September 18, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Hertzler House Museum Advisory Committee Programs

Hertzler House Teacher Libby Rudolf will lead ‘en plein aire’ watercolor workshop at the Hertzler House. Artists should bring their own paints and brushes and a sturdy back board.  Arches paper and ink pens will be provided. ($15 per person) Registration limited to 15.

Watercolor Sketches Plein-Air (outside, if the weather permits).  I’ll teach how to pick a subject for your WC sketch, compose your design and use ink and watercolor to make a lovely painting.  We’ll have the chairs, etc for you to pick your chosen spot, WC paper and ink pens. You bring anything you need to be comfortable outside (hat, sunscreen, water bottle), your paints and a few brushes and a board to paint on (clip board size). I like to use a small and a larger round brush as well as a flat brush.  I’ll bring some extra brushes for people to borrow.  I’ll also bring along some sample watercolor sketches.  Come join us and have fun painting in this beautiful historic setting!

In 1800, ladies were expected to be proficient in a variety of fine arts. The Hertzler House Museum Committee is sponsoring two such crafts for area ladies. (Embroidery class 9/11 w/Sue Rudolf)

If interested in either class, please register and pay in advance by September 1 with Barbara Arnold at 937-864-1046 or bsadragon@sbcglobal.net. Write checks to the Hertzler House at 162 Green Vista Drive, Enon, OH 45323.  Here’s the website from Clark County. http://www.clarkcountyparks.org/upcoming-events/.  

‘Antique Bed’ Watercolor and Ink - Libby Rudolf

New Exhibit at the Senior Center - A FAMILY AFFAIR

'Yuba River'  Watercolor  16x20  $450

  Here is one of my watercolors that will be on display at the YS Senior Center on Main St from early March through the end of April.  There will be a reception on Friday, March 16....4-7, I think.  Should be fun!

  I'm putting together the exhibit with paintings, stained glass, woodwork, embroideries, handmade books and mixed media sculptures from my work and my family.  I'll have one of Dan's computer board designs.  I'll also have one of my Mom's beautiful handknit fisherman sweaters along with Sue's cool designs using dyed fabric, embroidery and various elements, Eric's wooden creations, Melanie's and Lilli's paintings and sculpture creations, etc.  It will be fun figuring out how to best display such a variety of artworks. oh dear... : ).


   I'll also have a hand-made book, Sunshine for Lunch that I did with MLS Elementary teacher Ellen Guest in 2013.  She helped the children raise vegetables and learn about how plants make energy and how that energy goes into us when we eat the soup we make from the veggies!  I did collage with the children for the pages of the book.  Then I took it home and assembled it into the a large book that will be at the Senior Center.  It was a wonderful project that I am so happy have in the show.

I hope that you can come visit the show and celebrate the creativity that runs through our lives, that keep us ticking, so to speak.


Keep Creating!    Artistically yours,  Libby

Art First!

   There are so many things that keep me from painting...er..messi g around with the computer, dog walking, house and town/gallery duties, etc.
   I want to share a quote from Wordsworth that helps me focus.  Here it is in a wee poster with a watercolor sketch I did in Janet Rogers workshop (Janet is awesome!).

Ohio Plein Air Show and W. OH Watercolor shows

    I'm so delighted to have a painting chosen to be in the Ohio Plein Air Exhibit at the Columbus Art Museum!  The show '2017 Best of OPAS' will be on exhibit March 3 until June 18, 2017.  Next up - submit art to Western Ohio Watercolor by 'Tomorrow'!!!

    This juried event will celebrate the plein air tradition by exhibiting and promoting an exclusive group of works painted outdoors in the true spirit of plein air painting. Our juror will select the finest plein air works from members of the Ohio Plein Air Society. We will celebrate at an opening on Thursday March 2, 6:00 –8:00 PM.   

   I'll be picking up my a painting from the Springfield Art Museum that has been in the OPAS 2016 show for about 3 months....very cool.   The painting on exhibit is the one on the right below....it wasn't quite finished when I took the photo.  I painted it in Vermont.

painting with friends and pup in Springfield

paintings - on the rocks - of stream, etc....

Fall Beauty - getting colors on my brush

Today - I WILL paint - so many things get in the way of laying out the paint and taking up the brush. My days get filled with walking and entertaining the puppy, caring for house and grounds, outside obligations.

but - I have to go to the kids Halloween Parade in town....and I have to walk the dog...and figure out a feast for the family this coming w.e. since we'll be scattered at Thanksgiving....walk the dog....take care of the church biz...walk the dog....did I say he's a very active dog?

AND - I will paint!

Here's a painting I made from our visit to St Croix a few years ago.  They had a big farmers market with the catch of the day pulled up onto the board and cut up for you into steaks....sooooooooo good.
I can still hear the chop of his knife slicing it up.

'Fish Monger' - watercolor on aquaboard

Ken DeWaard Oil Workshop with Ohio Plein Air Society

I just returned from an outstanding workshop with master painter Ken DeWaard, judge of the Ohio Plein Air competition in Bay Arts, OH near Cleveland.  I went up with a few friends and we visited the Cleveland Art Museum - Go there if you can!  We painted for 3 solid days rain or shine.  Ken did a demo on the porch of the gallery simply looking down at the bar area at the end - amazing how he transformed a chaotic scene into beauty.

explaining the layout, colors, etc.

painting his demo

Ken gave us a waterfall of information, explaining the complexities of creating a successful painting, referencing numerous artists who have influenced him and basically - overwhelming us with his mastery....  It was an honor to watch him paint.  When we worked on our own pieces that afternoon, he made sure to come discuss each person's work, what he saw needed yet to be done, etc.  

  Since I am primarily a watercolor painter, I still have a lot-to-learn when it comes to painting in oil.

I've been working in oils off and on for the last few months.  It helps of course to have been working out the composition/colors/values, etc for decades in watercolor and other mediums.  Half of the skills I need to build is managing the palate, keeping clean colors, learning layering techniques.  

   As I took this painting off the easel, it fell on my head!  You can see the lovely 'brush=work to the left on the rock.  You could say I'm wearing my colors - tee hee.   I need to figure out how to lighten my plein-air gear. Phew!  I feel that this is a good start - I'm going to subscribe to Plein Air magazine and keep going down this road.  I'll keep painting in watercolor too - my first love.  

Many thanks to Grama Lil for her painting box and encouragement as I grew up and to Sue who gave me brushes that are much higher quality than what I had to work with!

I have a piece in the OPAS 'Parks' Show currently at the Springfield Art Museum - Opening 10/15 AT 5:30~ come to the Open Studio Tour and then over to Springfield for this opening : ).

Art show at the Winds Cafe - Thoughts onTeaching

May and June, I will host a show at the Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs for the months of May and June with friend and artist Pam Geisel.  We're working on a title...Color and Light - Brush and Needle.  Pam creates art quilts and I mainly work in watercolor.  I am musing, dreaming up my next paintings to include, exploring themes....

    I've been painting my whole life but concentrating on it for about 15 years.  Yesterday, I taught a private lesson and thoroughly enjoyed working with an artist to help her realize her vision.  So often, watercolor is difficult for artists because they fear to make a mistake.  They often use tiny amounts of paint and great quantities of water.
 
   There are certain skills that will help along the path to a successful painting such as wet-into-wet painting but paying attention to the timing and wetness of the paper....  If you don't have sufficient pigment on your brush, the color will simply disappear as it dries.  Of course you can continue to glaze or add layers.  I think I helped her paint more freely and wield the brush more assertively.

   I truly love to help inspire confidence, freeing people from inhibition of the creative process.  Here is a photo from a mini-workshop I taught last winter - helping people go wild w/color!  Joy  Joy Joy

me with "Kimono"

My piece 'Kimono' has been accepted into the UC Health Womens' Center Juried Art Exhibit - Survivor- Art and Healing which will hang in their offices for a year.  I am truly honored to be included. It is a wonderful facility next to West Chester Hospital.  They will be holding an artist reception and you bet we'll be there.

I honor all of my friends who are fighting cancer right now or who have or will....with love

Libby

ColorfuLibby - Watercolor Show!

New Show at the Yellow Springs Brewery coming up SOON!  I will have an exhibit at the Y S Brewery Dec 23, 2015 thru Feb 1, 2016 and RECEPTION on Wednesday, Dec. 30 from 5-7pm...so come one...come all.  I will put in recent paintings from out in the wilds as well a a few from a trip to St Croix - full of color, that's for sure.  

The Brewery is a fun place to hang out and try all the special beers, get some munchies or buy dinner from the variety of food trucks that come by...non-alcoholic options available too

Sunflower Fields - watercolor Libby Rudolf

    A contribution of 15 percent from sales will go to favorite non-profit - Community Food Initiatives.   They are located in Athens, OH and work to ensure that everyone has access to healthy local food.  They believe that by "naming our assets—soil,seeds and an Appalachian heritage of food production and preservation—everyone in Southeast Ohio can see their place in strengthening our community."  Donations may also be made during the reception and directly through their website http://www.communityfoodinitiatives.org

   Our daughter, Melanie is interning with CFI and hosts the donation station at the Athens Farmers Market as well as helps harvest, etc as part of her Environmental Biology Sustainability major at Ohio University in Athens.  

Tecumseh Land Trust 25/25 Exhibit at the Winds Cafe July thru August

July 12th, 25/25 Art Exhibition, Opening at the Winds Cafe,                                                       4:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a reading at 5pm by Bill Felker, nature writer (Poor Wills Almanac)

Please join us for the opening of TLT's exciting 25/25 Art Exhibition at the Winds, featuring some of Ohio's best landscape artists.  Help us celebrate TLT's 25th anniversary and the preservation of 25,000 acres of farmland, forests, meadows and river corridors!!  Much of this gorgeous art work was created on preserved properties.  The art will be for sale, with proceeds shared by the artists and TLT.  

It will be a glorious show!   please come visit - - - - 

From TLT site -  Founded in 1990 by citizens in Yellow Springs and Miami township, Tecumseh Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization serving Greene and Clark Counties of Ohio and surrounding areas. The purpose of Tecumseh Land Trust is to preserve agricultural land, natural areas, water resources, and historic sites, in voluntary cooperation with landowners, and to educate the public about permanent land preservation. We assist landowners in navigating state and federal easement programs, as well as, accept donated easements on farmland and natural areas.  When current Projects are complete, we will have preserved over 24,000 acres in our working area.

Upcoming events and classes with...me!

I'll be teaching a few classes soon..the first is an exploration of watercolor techniques and materials at the YSArts Council - May 17, 2-5p for $20 Contact YSAC ysartcouncil.org.
   I'll also teach my second class at YS senior Center...this time on "Flowers in WC" on a donation basis...bring your supplies to paint with me..I'll bring paper.
  In June, I'm helping put up a display for Monday Morning Artist group at the YS Library.
  In July MMA will host a group show  of "Reflections" with an opening 7/17, 6-9p at YSAC. I'll teach a class Sat., 7/18, 2-3p "Watercolor Tricks" for $12 pp.  Many others in the group will teach classes too! Yuki Hall, Sandy Kinnamon, Mary Cargan...even a kid-class with Clara Rose...: )

 Happy Spring...

More flowers...and joining the Ohio Watercolor Society

  As I amble along the shores of the Little Miami River here in OH, I often come across things I simply must paint,,,,now!  I've made a painting of the Spring Beauties that emerge first in the brown mud and bracken of winter.
 

'First Spring Beauties' wc - Libby Rudolf

  I've decided to rejoin the Ohio Watercolor Society so that I can submit a few paintings for their annual competition.  It is somewhat stressful, submitting work to organizations, hoping that the judge sees the excellence in your painting...the spirit/essence that you have endeavored to capture.  I wonder if this one will catch the eye and heart of the judge.  Even if it doesn't, I still love it.

Little Miami - 30x30  $600.00    SOLD!

Reception this Sunday for the exhibition - hoping the weather is fine and folks will be strolling in, hungry for a watercolor filled with color/light....and for the cookies I'm baking right this moment!  

Yipes - time to pull them out...

Reception at the Winds Cafe in 
Yellow Springs,OH
Sunday, March 30        4-6pm

Come make a flower for the group collage in honor of Vanessa and those who are or have fought cancer...

love,
Libby

'Garden of Hope' invitational collage

Every year, I make up a Christmas card for my parents, gathering photos of all the family and endeavoring to put in something that speaks of our family customs for the season.  This year, I'll make a border of the wonderful little Mexican painted and decorated ornaments that Mom and Dad received from Gr. and Gr. Loomis in 1962-3.  That year, Mom was pregnant with my sister and couldn't make the trek down to Wash DC.  So....Gr brought Christmas to Michigan - a tin tree all decked out...and several ornaments that still decorate Mom's table each season.  

We have had a very difficult year - have lost loved ones, but yet - we rejoice and are thankful for the happy years we shared with them....

Happy Holidays to you and yours!