Art Making Abundantly!

 This year of semi-hibernation to keep safe has pushed me to make more art than ever. It is partly because I create to express the beauty of nature and oh-my-goodness, I’m taking more hikes than ever too.  Which inspire me to paint even more....it’s a good cycle.  I’ve been painting outdoors quite a bit with art friends too..as long as it’s not TOO cold.

I also make little cloth bird to sell at the Village Artisans Gallery for Christmas or...just to hang on a lamp or wherever.  Here are a few pix!

Stop by Village Artisans for more of my artwork or visit https://www.villageartisans.org/ to see more of my work and my fellow artists’ creations!

Birches - I can make prints

Woodpecker and Birches - I can make prints

Costa Rica and Ladies Luncheon Watercolor

Cloth Birdies 

Zinnia (or Dahlia?) Watercolor

Paint-Out in Yellow Springs OPAS - June 22!

I've organized a Plein Air Paint-Out here in Yellow Springs for all interested in joining us.  I attended the Ohio Plein-Air Annual meeting in April and they encouraged all of us to host (particularly someone in YS - hint - hint).  I found a friend to co-host it with me, Yuki Hall, a wonderful watercolorist whose work I adore.

All are invited to come on Saturday, June 22 between 9am-1pm.  We'll meet at the big stone church on Main St - First Presbyterian (314 Xenia Ave.) between 9-10 for snacks, reconnoitering, etc. then head out to paint the town.  I'll close up the church (plenty of spots for bathrooms in town) and we'll meet up again at 12:30 to share paintings/talk.  I'll close up the church again...folks are welcome to paint on their own, etc. : ).

Plenty of spots to paint - downtown, Antioch College, Glen Helen, along the Little Miami River, the Riding Center, etc.  Lots of barns in the area if you like farm scenes...come one come all

BTW, the town holds an Art Stroll Friday, June 21 from 6-9pm with gallery receptions, etc.  I'll be at Village Artisans Gallery for our reception of 'Pollinators', corner of Dayton and Corry Streets. please visit us!

Monarch to Be - Giclee print

Painting: A way of connecting with 'the Potency of Life'

I'm reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean...a wonderful book about the huge fire at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1987 that devastated the collection, the back story, reflection of books, etc.

Here's a quote from her chapter of how difficult it is to set about to light a book on fire.  She wanted to see how it would feel to do so since the fire was believed to be arson.  Susan can't throw a book away because 'books have souls ... feels like a thing alive in this moment, alive on a continuum, from the moment the thoughts about it first percolated in the writer's mind to the moment it sprang off the printing press - a lifeline tha continues as someone sits with it and marvels over it...'

Susan continues 'Once words and thoughts are poured into them, books are no longer just paper and ink and glue: They take on a kind of human vitality.  She quotes Milton regarding this quality: books take on the 'the potency of life'.

Actually - sometimes, I feel like that about a painting....sometimes I feel I come close to making a painting that has this quality - the potency of life - that speaks to more than a good likeness or a good rendition of light coming through a woodland.  I hope that I can do this more - impart life into works of art...spark a delight or bring a memory of place or thing or person to life in art.

Ohio Plein Air Exhibit at Springfield Museum of Art

'Riding Center' Watercolor Plein Air - OPAS Show 2018

I've got a piece in the current exhibit "Farms En Plein Air' of the Ohio Plein Air Society   It's at the Springfield Museum of Art and the opening reception is this Saturday, December 8 from 5:30-7:30.  I am looking forward to seeing all the beautiful places people have captured on canvas/paper hanging in the museum gallery and of course, talking with fellow artists.  Most of the artwork is in oil.  I hope there are a few other watercolorists there...

I painted this by the fields of the fields of our local gem, the Riding Center.  Our daughters practically grew up on horseback here, under the capable tutelage of Carolyn Bailey.  As I painted, my husband stopped by to say hi....when I turned back to paint, the horses had all migrated to the barns for their suppers!  So - forgive a bit of distortion in horsy shape - chalk it up to me not having my models cooperating : ).

Hope to see you there!
PS - You can always find more of my artwork at Village Artisans Gallery in Yellow Springs, OH.


2018 OPAS Members Show 
at the Springfield Museum of Art
Dec. 8, 2018 – Mar. 9, 2019

YS Community Foundation Show at the Winds Cafe

So very happy to have a piece accepted into the Yellow Springs Community Foundation currently showing at the Winds Cafe in the room off the entryway.  It is a lovely show!

You may see my photograph from the exhibit here:

https://www.yscf.org/2018/01/20/frosty-morning-at-antioch/

There are about 30? photographs of places and beautiful views from the YS area.

There will be a reception on Sunday, Feb. 25 from 4:30-6pm.

Frosty Morning at Antioch - Libby Rudolf

Merry Christmas to One and All!

Here's hoping that you have a joy-filled holiday season...

This has been a busy year - full of creating lots of ART, going to dynamic ART workshops, traveling far and wide (and painting on-site), experimenting with new ways of painting, etc.

The day usually starts with a romp with the dog who is very energetic!!! and needs a lot of walks.  Of course, that's good for me too.  If you sit/stand to paint, you have to balance it out with activity, right?

To help celebrate the holiday, I made a little illustrated poem about 'Lucky', our Border Collie.  Here you are!  It is on a website that hosts videos (though this is more of a slide show).  Enjoy : )

https://vimeo.com/247328258

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....

Watercolors at Wheat Penny until March!

Come visit my latest show at the Wheat Penny Oven and Bar - a bright, happy place with scrumptious food!   I will be there on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 6-9ish to meet and greet for a 'Toast the Show' - just a come and BYOB : ).   I hope you can come!  There a several new pieces in the show.   Love every one of you that come to see my art!!!

New Show at Wheat Penny in Dayton - Dec 18

Yellow Springs Coloring Page

Here's a coloring page for you of the town we live in - color it bright and happy for the season!

    I'm about to hang a show at Wheat Penny Restaurant on Wayne Ave.  They're open M-Sat for scrumptious pizza and a variety of creative tasty fare.  I love to hang my work in restaurants because it is such a good pairing - food and fine art - the restaurant gets new artwork regularly and artists have the opportunity to have their work out in new spaces.  We went to assess the space last night and I'll be bringing in some of my brightest pieces - they have lively colors on the walls.  
 
   I need to express my deep gratitude to each of you and the greater community for purchasing my artwork throughout this year.  This has been my busiest year - 5 shows - plus maintaining my exhibit at Village Artisans Gallery!  I loved opening my home for the Open Studio Tour.  I take part in a few painting groups as time allows and help gather local artist friends in a once-a-month group Monday Morning Artists - it helps to keep us creating.  Thanks to YS Arts Council for supporting artists!

  I also had the opportunity to study in workshops in WC and Oil via the Western Ohio Watercolor Society and the Ohio Plein Air Society.  I've got work in the show at the Springfield Art Museum OPAS show.  I hope to have work accepted into the WOWs exhibit in January.

   happy holidays -  Merry Christmas!

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 : ).

Color and Light - Brush and Needle at the Winds Cafe

I will have watercolor paintings and Pam will have her art quilts at the Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs.  It is a great place to hang an art exhibit - and wonderful spot to dine.  I am truly grateful to have the opportunity every other year to hang my work there....many thanks to Mary Kay and crew for their TLC!

 The Winds Cafe has a superb wine selection, local beers, etc  and a seasonal menu with old favorites always available.  

Hope you can come to see our joint art exhibit!  I'm debating whether to do a mini-workshop during the show some morning and winding up at the Winds for lunch!  will keep you posted... : )

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

Dayton City Paper - 'There's something in the Watercolor'

Dayton City Paper's writer Lisa Bennet wrote up a splendid article on me and my life/work.
I hope it inspires you to stop by the Y S Brewery or Village Artisans in Yellow Springs to see my work.

Golden Harvest (Honey Biz II)

Click here to see the article...   Dayton City Paper article

Framing up Art and keeping the shop filled

   As I continue to frame up my watercolors for my upcoming show at the Yellow Springs Brewery (ColorfuLibby...12/23!), I am also working to keep my space in Village Artisans full of enticing artwork.

  I enjoy playing around with beads, wire, glass, fabric, etc so I make holiday goodies. I'm calling them  "Libby's Fancies".  Come check out the gallery in our sweet littl Village Yellow Springs.
  I'll share the poster for my show soon...come to the reception Dec. 30 from 5-7p and nosh on organic goodies, see the Art, learn about Community Food Initiatives.
Xox, Libby

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.  

Montenegro Scene from Melanie and Lilli's travels

Working on pieces for my upcoming show at the Yellow Springs Brewery!  I will put up work in late December and have a reception on Dec 27...I think.  I'd actually love to do it on Dec 31!  What a great way to ring in the new year.  will work on that - more later

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.

A Mermaid swum onto my WC paper...

I am minding the Village Artisans gallery today and it is way too quiet. So..bring out the paint and wc-doodle. I need to paint something related to 'family of animals' for the Art Council show...so...this little mermaid swam in with her friends.  Well...I always wanted to grow up to be a mermaid....

This painting is in the YSArts Council Member Show: “Family and Other Animals”

February 20 – March 15. 

 There is an opening on Friday, Feb 20 with awards, snacks, etc.

Yellow Springs Arts Council