Garden Party Project, Nan's Jello Salad

I'm working on a presentation for guests to the Garden Party. I am going to split this four stage painting up and put them on a science project board. I used this painting to do a larger oil painting, which will show the transition from the study process to the finished refined work.




8x10 inches
oil on panel


I'm thinking that people will really enjoy this and will get a good understanding of how paintings are constructed. It is something I can use again at studio parties or speaking engagements and it's cheap. The medium was gouache. I just love playing around with these kinds of projects.

Back in the day, when I was teaching children, I used to do story board projects with them for art and writing skills. They really loved it. I have done a few story boards for various companies and event planners over the years and it is one of the coolest ways to do art. Of course they were used for films forever but I don't know whether they are still used in that industry. Perhaps the computer artists do that now.

I wish I could get my students into the habit of doing these progressive paintings regularly. They are one of the very best ways to learn good composition and design in painting. They allow you to fully explore all of the possibilities for a good painting composition before you are committed to the large format. I can tell you from experience that I lose a lot fewer big paintings now than I used to, because I take the time to process through the scene I wish to paint before I commit myself.


I want to have a museum or gallery exhibition for my river paintings someday and I intend to display all of the studies on paper I have done along with the finished paintings. The next step for me is to put together a proposal for a show and get that sent out, but it will be summer before I have time to think through that process. I think I will need to have Valerie write it for me. I really should already have done this paperwork stuff and have sent out the proposals but have put it off because I like painting more than paperwork. I was thinking that the Museum of Natural History would be a good venue, or one of the Visitors Centers in Florida. I don't really care that much about the hoity toity museum venues. I want to have the show in a place where many people would feel comfortable in going. My whole purpose for the project is to raise awareness of our natural beauty in Florida's wetlands and waterways. Perhaps some of you might have suggestions for good venues to approach.


Congrats to Marian Fortunati for winning a first place award in her recent art show in California.. I'm always happy to spead that kind of news. HERE








Today’s Recipe:



Nan Sherwood's Jell-O Salad

Boil together:

1 large can crushed pineapple
1 large box lemon Jell-O

add juice of 1/2 lemon
chill and stir until slightly congealed

add 2 C low fat buttermilk. Stir and chill more

Stir in 1 C mini marshmallows
1/2 C chopped pecans

Fold in a small container of whipped topping

Pour in a flat dish and let set up. Cut in squares for serving.

This sounds sooo rich and good!! Thanks Nan!