Got some things done, More study with gouache, Stove Top Chicken and Dumplings

The river painting continues...





I got a lot done yesterday for my first paint out trip. I ordered 10 frames to add to the ones I have boxed up and ready. All of the ones I have boxed up are 12x16 and 14x18. I felt like I needed some smaller frames too, so I ordered 5 5x7, and 5 8x10. In addition, I already have 4 6x8 and 3 more 5x7. I ordered 10 12x16 inch preprimed panels, because I am almost out of that size in masonite panels.

e I spent all day gessoing panels in various sizes, so I don't want to have to do anymore before I go. I will use the left over panels from Wekiva for the Disney paint out. I don't have to take frames to Disney. I put out the hardware I will need to install the paintings and a few tools to take with me. I think I will use one of those reinforced heavy tote bags for all of my framing stuff this year. I have a tendancy to scatter stuff about in the car and I believe that will help. I am gathering up paints and brushes to take along. As you can imagine, my car is packed absolutely full for each of these adventures.

After those two events, I will evaluate what I need for the big paint out here in Marion County. That is going the be the most important one for me because it is on my home turf and it is the first time for me to do this one. I am anxious to do it right.

I don't think most people realize how complicated it is to plan multiple 7-10 day events. For one thing, the cost is very high even though we have a place to stay at most of them. Gas is high and I will have to drive from my house about 80 miles a day for the Heart of Florida event. Frames and paints, panels, hardware, food, are all part of the expense. If you don't sell, you must wait to sell your work in another market and that can take months, or not at all. If you do sell, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to get your check, and the promoter gets 50% The hours are long and there is a lot of pressure because you are going up against the best painters, all of you hoping to get a piece of the patron pie.

The + to these events is the cameraderie between artists, knowing that you are accepted by your peers, top level painters either regionally or nationally depending on the event. The opportunity to spend a long period of time with no thought except to paint all day each day, a rarety for me. Having no cooking, laundry or other domestic chores is heaven. Finally, the chance to make inroads into new markets, meeting some very interesting and delightful people, and seeing places not always open to you under normal circumstances.

I was totally burned out on paint outs by the end of May last year, but I've been off the road since June and now I'm starting to get excited again.


I'm still playing with gouache and I think it works quite well on paper. I'm not as happy with it yet on panel but it did varnish very well. For the paper studies it is really terrific.


Palms
2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches
gouache on index paper



Todays Recipe:

This is so quick. i make it when I'm in a hurry but i still want home cookin!

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Put in a pan and sear them.

Add the folloing to the pan. I use a cast iron skillet but any deep pan will work.

diced celery, onion and carrots, about a cup each.
1/2 can mushroom slices
1/2 cup canned corn
1/2 cup small English peas
2 T spaghetti sauce
salt/pepper/leaf thyme
2 T wine
one can chicken stock
one can cream of chicken soup(do not dilute)

Take one can of biscuits out of the fridge and cut each into quarters. Drop the biscuit pieces into the chicken and cover. Simmer until its tender and the biscuits are puffy and done.