North Country

Keeping up with a blog is harder than it looks.  Life has a way of taking off in odd directions.  Last night we went to a very rainy field hockey game for our daughter's team, getting home hungry and cold at 9 pm.  I find that having all of the pieces in place on a given day has been a challenge - the painting, the picture, the computer interface, the energy, the time...   I haves a nice piece sketched out on the easel and hope to get to it after work today:)

Art in the Slow Lane

Well, my speedy painting a day challenge has ended abruptly with the addition of teaching to my already full days.  I began teaching an evening course in strategy two weeks ago, then took a trip to Florida.  Last week, I taught both Wednesday and Thursday after a full day at work.  This is really crimping my painting time!   However, I did manage to get into the studio on Saturday and painted this little 8 x 8 oil of some more beach cottages near Provincetown.  I'm pleased.  My pace may slow, but pleases keep following.  I hope to post once or twice per week - lots more fun ahead!

Summer Studio

I missed the past week of my 30 day challenge due to travel and teaching.  This is my first experience with teaching a strategy course at the college level, and it is taking way more time than I had anticipated.  Fun, exhausting, challenging - and taking away from painting!   I didn't want to miss the finale on day 30.  This one is an 11 x 14 of the little out building that I use as a studio on the Cape in the summer.  It is full of possibilities.  My plan is to complete the challenge - 8 more paintings in the next 10 days.  30 paintings in 40 days.  Here goes!

Sunny Days

Day 21 -  8x10 - Another from the Bonnet House grounds in Ft. Lauderdale.  The yellow buildings on this property reflect the sun and warm me up.  It is 17 degrees here in Boston this morning.  Heading south later this week!

Bass Rocks

Day 20!  I thought I would play with knife painting today and I must say I learned some things with this little 8 x 10 study of the rocks off the coast of Gloucester.   10 Days to go in this challenge!

Boston Market

Day 19 of the January painting challenge!  This is an 11 x 14 oil that I   had blocked in two years ago and decided to finish as part of the challenge.  In the summer, the city has wonderful markets near Trinity Church and the library.  The sunflowers caught my eye.

Favorites

A keeper.  Sometimes the paint feels right and you capture what captured you in he first place.  This is one of a series of very familiar cottages near Truro.  I love them every time I see them and really like to visit them in paint from time to time.  May do more....

I had some fun last night with this one.  Something about the colors of the pears and I chose a warm background.  The blue bowl is one of my favorites here at home.  All in all, a nice way to spend some time.  Tonight I am afraid I'll miss time in the studio. My office moved today and I am so tired, and there is book club tonight where I'll see my great girlfriends.  I'll have to catch up another day.

Running on empty

Well, this little day 15 apple study was all I could manage last night.  This process of painting and posting can feel like a tough task master sometimes.  I'm not sure I am fond of painting and posting things that are not representative of my work some days.  And yet,  the accountability of doing the work, of producing something and playing with the paint is excellent.  Half way there!

All along Ft. Lauderdale beach you see these wonderful posts and lighted walls.  I'd love to work on them a bit until I can take on a large version.  This is an 8 x 8.  Off to work!

Bouys

Day 10 of the Leslie Saeta 30 Day challenge - 1/3 of the way - Woo hoo!  I am so enjoying the time spent playing with paint.  This scene was one I came across this summer on a wharf in Harwich, MA.  Bouys are everywhere in the coastal regions here - feels like home!

Wake Up

Day 9 - One more from southern Florida.  I am really enjoying spending time in my studio and having a compelling reason which forces me to choose that over all of the other mundane possibilities each evening.

Apple a Day

Day 8 -Well, painting every day isn't easy - especially when you work late.  I got home at 7:30 last night - ugh!  So, when in doubt paint your groceries.  I like painting fruits and vegetables - they are bright and colorful and great practice.  Here's today's offering.

Let it Snow!

 In January, there are people who are in bathing suits and flip flops while I am in Boston and it is 20 degrees. Went small and fast with this little 6 x 6  - fun!

Day 6 Back to sunny Florida.  I think I took on a bit too much yesterday and need to paint smaller.  This one is 9x12 and still needs a bit of finishing,  I love the little art deco neighborhoods in the Central Beach area in Fort Lauderdale.  Some of these old relics have been revitalized and the shape of this one caught my eye.

Bonnet House

11x14oil on Panel

If you go to Fort Lauderdale, don't miss the Bonnet House right across from the beaches on A1A.  This is a preserved artist's home which is truly old Florida.  The grounds are wonderful.  This corner of the house always catches my eye.

Day 4 - I generally paint from places that I spend a great deal of time.  Cape Cod is one of those places and I have so many photo references that take me back to sunny summer and fall days.  Painting on a Friday night in very cold and snowy Boston, I decided to grab some summer and work on something warm.  With a glass of white wine, this was a fabulous way to spend an evening!

Lemonade

I am learning that it is not easy to paint in the evenings after work, but it is extremely refreshing.  Day 3 and I found that I just wanted something small, easy and bright.  I am so enjoying this challenge!

Day 2 of my 30 day painting-a-day challenge.  These are some colorful artists stalls in Quebec City that caught my eye.  I love primaries and I think that is what stood out for me.  Back at work today - I'd rather be painting!

Refreshed and painting again!

I have organized my studio and spent yesterday working on this street scene from Quebec City where we spent our anniversary this summer.  Great light on these quiet little back streets in a city with so much charm.