I've been taking a little break, or have I been a bit too lazy? Sometimes I wonder why I do not get as much done as I used to. It seems like the world has accelerated forward and I have moving slowly backwards. It is disappointing, but I will keep trying- just like in morning Boot Camp, I try to get a wee bit faster daily, just a little bit of an acceleration helps. Life is very busy, there are events occurring every weekend now until November. How could that be? Then there is teaching, and that infamous day job. Pending events are new exhibits...this weekend at Milagros, I have gathered all of those Hot Air Balloon Painting. Then there is the Exhibition Opportunity at the Fort Worth Arts Center in October- I think a few pieces from the Bench series will work nicely there. And finally, in November- it is time for another exhibit at the Farmers and Merchants Gallery in Pilot Point. This will be the newest works- the "Quitaque Gals of Caprock Canyon". Tonight's hosted painting is one of the most recent works from this series.

Beaver Tail Lighthouse

Really, that was its name. It was beautiful, on a little island while I worked up the nerve to drive over a big, scary bridge. An outstanding little diversion, all quite by accident. Painted as Oil on a canvas panel.

Blue Trees Thursday

Went out of town, got back tired and worn out, but mentally rested. So tonight will be another rapid post. A pastel rendering of the Blue Trees.

Artistic Evening

Tonight Dan and I attended the opening event with her original art, at the Johnny Carino's restaurant for Carol Henry. That was a fun and delicious evening event. Now I am satisfied from a delicious dinner, and I need some sleep soon...but quickly...it is a posting of an Azalea's pastel.

Almost time for Golden Aspens

Yes, it's almost time to make a run North to capture the visual stimulation that comes with the changing of colors of the Aspen groves. This is a quick post tonight because it was the first night of class - that Computer Course I am teaching. It is going to be a fun and enriching semester.

ASH or Austin State Hospital

Taking a few days from the day job to reconnect with my Artistic self. Doing the big Art Shuffle, moving paintings from one location to another. Sure wish some of the paintings would begin to be in demand and a few SALES would happen. Maybe a rearrangement and changing placement will help. I finished one painting in the "Quitaque Gals in Caprock Canyon" Series today. It feels so right. I know that is where I am supposed to be - in the Studio. I belong there. All of these other items are just distractions. Maybe that is what LIFE is all about, learning to discern the distractions.
Tonight's painting is another from the Landscape series from one of my working journey's to Austin. It's only a 5x7" Oil rendering of a building on the grounds of Austin State Hospital.

Dallas Arboretum Pastel- Thursday Night

Whew. Lots of meetings this week, and then some disappointing news, and another funeral to attend. Life is kind of harsh sometimes. The good news is I am back on the roster as an ADJUNCT at our local Community College - I'll be teaching about computers again, on Tuesday night. I need to move into teaching some ART too. Loving the opportunities, but it means more work! Still as part of the big master plan, it is all good. Tonight's painting is a Pastel work from the Dallas Arboretum. Tomorrow I head into Fort Worth to wish Mamacita a Happy Birthday, and a check on the lil sis who is not doing so well health wise. Busy world, busy life. I love this life, don't you?

The Red Roof

Another striking pastel of a lovely home in Annapolis, Maryland. A home with a red roof. This is a pastel rendering on illustration board. Woah, it is late and I am tired, so I guess this is all I have to say about it. Oh, except I am hoping to take some more days off next week...days to PAINT! Days to pretend I am living my dream.

The Bench Series Ends where it Began

Tonight's painting was the first in the Bench Series. It is called "Cool Morning Light". When I created this painting, it was like a light bulb went off concerning working thematically. I have enjoyed the unity and structure of working this plan. There are still several themes I wish to explore before my ticket gets punched. Guess I better get busier.
Hard to do after a day job that is mind-numbing and keeps one busy as a cat with a long tail in a room full of rocking chairs.

August is the Hottest Month

And sometimes it seems like the most sad month too. We lost a friend this month. It just underscores the brevity and sanctity that is life. After the numbness and sadness stopped jangling the nerves, some small things got done. That is the way life is - we go on until we leave for that next great and mysterious journey.
I guess I am going to hide all of the following phrases in the great big painting on the easel right now. You think about it - do they all mean the same thing? "It is what it is, A matter of Fate, It's chance, Que Garne, It's destiny, are you in the right place at the right time?, Everything is going somewhere, All that begins must end..." These are words to be hidden in the painting titled "Blue Chair". The painting that eludes me tonight.
Tonight's listing, however, is a study for a part of the Bench Series called "Spectrum". Spectrum because of the rich, wide range of color.
Tomorrow I will talk about the good parts of this weekend. That would be hanging out at Mecca on Main, and reorganizing the space. I shot some photo's as I left, and will add those to this blog.

Finished Commission-Waiting to Dry

Three new works, that took far too long because of far too many interruptions. Tonight we impatiently await for them to dry so they can be shipped to their most patient patrons! I wish I could see their face when they review these newest images of the originals.
Did you know you could have your own original? Now is the time to order, well before Christmas. All it takes is an email, small deposit and a high quality image of your precious pet.

Another Week as Time Slips on By

Some days it is harder than others not to get discouraged. I think that means that I did not do enough for someone else today, or I did not create something new today. We have to move outside of our world and our personal demands in order to push past our daily pains and worries. Getting out of that bubble is a requirement to be whole. This is why painting, drawing and creating work well to ward off our discouragement. Creating steps us outside of our world, and humbly presents our personal vision. This weekend was purposeful and much was accomplished. There are two small works developing nicely on the easel, and there are two dog portraits drying and soon to ship.
But for today, since 4:30am comes so early, this day is about done- and tonight's painting is a study called Sentries. Two wonderful chairs in the woods, more places to emotionally and mentally rest.

Another Place to Rest-In the Fall

I need to go back and visit the Dallas Arboretum -where this is painted from. It is HIGH Summer right now. I have done Spring and Fall, I need to do the intense seasons- Summer and Winter. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this evening's post and that it brings you a place to mentally rest. This is a 5x7" original Oil.

Another Place to Rest Midweek

Another hasty posting as the week goes on. This is another small oil in the bench painting series.

Awesome Opening Night at Oxide

WOW! This was a great fun night! An opening at the Oxide Gallery in Denton. Lots of family and lots of friends. Beautiful! Quick posting tonight...as it ended up being a late night, and tomorrow morning comes nice and early. Tonight's posting we have another in the Bench Series.

Bench Painting Series and Manic Monday

When I go to the day job, I am always planning on taking a 5 minute break and doing one thing about my art each day. You would think I could take that 5 minute break. But life is so hectic there that the 5 minutes is never available. I'm going to work harder at that, especially on Monday's. Even if it is 5 minutes to plan on working on the evening's painting....to do some mental painting, so to speak. When I do that, I find the painting is done much faster. Tonight's offering is a 22x28" pastel on board. Remember to drop me an email if you are ever interested in acquiring any of the works you see here.

Wonderful Weekend - Perfect World

Wow! This was a perfect world weekend. This morning I was rocking in the gentle waves of a very calm lake, hanging outside of the sailboat in a sandy cove. We were out on the Lake almost at sun-up, and the world was most outstanding. Now I realize this means I was not in the Studio cranking out the work, but everything was so soothing and perfect that I suspect there will be artistic residuals. And there has been something very positive and invigorating about removing the exhaustion factor. Tonight's posting is a 5x7" in the Bench Series of paintings.

Bench Painting before Wild and Wicked Weekend

Escaping for the weekend, so a quick post of another bench painting before the crazy, busy weekend begins. This is an oil on canvas. I feel a little bit guilty about playing this weekend, then again, it is LIFE and I really need to LIVE IT! How about you?

Park Bench 2 and the Late Night again-oops!

Does anyone else notice there just are not enough hours in the day. I really dig leaving deeply though. Life is a blast! Today I got glasses, wow! wish you could see what I have been missing. Then again, my world is soft and fuzzy without these new glasses. This weekend is a party at Mecca on Main in Aubrey AND I am going camping. Can life get any better than that? Tonight's painting is an 8x10 park bench from the Dallas Arboretum.

Begin the Bench Series

Showing the large and finished work before the study this time. This is a 36x48" oil with bright delicious colors and many hidden icons and images throughout. My apologies for the late night and exhausted posting tonight. I guess this is just the way it is.

Flowers on the Steps - Vacation's Over

Well, I was not really on vacation, but I took a break from the Blog to get fresh again and work my schedule to get new artwork inspiration, and artwork ongoing. I also went to visit with some artist and to look at their art. I forget how invigorating and inspiring that is.
Had a conference for most of last week in San Antonio. WOW! Very Hot, but the walk around the river with all the rocks and water, and landscaping was great. There was also a section I want to go back and visit when I am not working all the time....I think it was called La Villita Historic Arts Village. It sure was cool but I did not get to visit when the Artists were there and working. I guess I will have to go back.
Now I did get some great images, and some stamped into my brain. And I DID get to visit the McNay Art Museum and see the private art collection of Mr. Tom Slick. Awesome!
Then I had a whirlwind gig in Austin on Wednesday of last week. That kind of timed out my week. The good part about it was how close it was to the Laguna Gloria Austin Art Museum. Anyway, I got some paintings on the easel, and time to get busy with the Blog again and maybe the website revamping too!

Art Weekend

WOW! I cannot wait to live this life full time. I took off work Friday and went to the Galleries and Openings. I visited with the other Artist that are working hard to survive in this economy. It's a tough row to hoe right now, but they all have smiles on their faces and sure seem like they enjoy what they do. I also appreciate the support for one another. I want to be that person. Then on Saturday was that person and I spent the whole day at Mecca on Main re-arranging the Studio there. That was a lot of fun, and it looks so much better. Mecca is really growing and evolving. I am happy to be there. Tonight's posting is a large 18 x 24" pastel on black paper, the Austin Lotus. I took a lot of images of this subject in San Angelo last year. I need to get those out and start working on them. I am also strongly encouraged to paint some of the lighthouses I have visited in the last few years. Several friends collect light house paintings. Hey, those will also make great ATC's - Art Trading Cards. I HAVE got to get that going at Mecca. I want it to be a place to trade our cards too.

Stella the Boxer -Friday!

Well, today is a little diversion from the Macro-Floral series. Today is Stella's day. She is a lovely little boxer that I met at the Fort Worth Buffalo Boogie. The Buffalo Boogie occurred in May and is a fund-raising event for the Fort Worth Nature Center and Dogs and Cats everywhere. Stella's human thought it would be cool if she was immortalized, and so she is. Stella is painted in oil on a 5x7" archival wood panel.

Peachy Iris- Thursday Evening

Beautiful pastel of a Peach Iris...

Fuschia Flower on Wednesday Evening

Not many words tonight, just a quick post of a pastel rendering of the Fuschia Flower. Tomorrow will post the commission piece of this beautiful Boxer.

Oxide Gallery Opening in Denton on a Summer Night

It feels right to be getting back out and visiting the Galleries, attending the Openings, browsing and supporting the local artists. How cool is this, no wait! It is hot summer, and I am doing cool stuff. Ha, joking! My fingers seem to have a mind of their own tonight...some strange effects from that are occurring. Guess we better keep it short and sweet.
Tonight is time to launch a series that will run for a very long time. This is the Macro Florals...I love to put my eyeballs right up to the heart of the flowers, then I like to try to emulate that feeling and sensation on a 2 dimensional surface. I am so enamored with everything about this wonderful eye candy of Life.
Let's begin with a bright red Spring Tulip, 18x24" pastel on paper.

Motivational Mondays-Moving Forward! Last of the Western Series~

Here we go with the end of the Western Series. One of the "running buffalo" works. Oil on 16x20 canvas. Now this week we are going to have to crank up another series. I need to get busy photographing new works, too. I have a commission from the Buffalo Boogie, and I just completed my first Fallen Soldier Tribute painting. I am available for more, as it is most certainly, the right thing to do.
This study of the Buffalo shows the special marks that conceal the secret messages in my work. Can you see them?

Work Harder-Work More!

It's a large oil painting of Taos Pueblo. The colors are quiet unique, and the light was just right

Monday, Monday & the Cows - Western Works

Quick Post tonight! A 5x7" study of the cows in the pasture, waiting for their feed.

Draft Horses on a Saturday Night

A lovely shade of blue makes these two Draft Horses really stand out. An 8x10" original Oil and nearing the end of the Western Series. Until the new beginnings, at least.

Texas on Friday Evening

The temperature is much too high. I think they said it was 109 degrees with the Heat Index. I believe it. We look forward to the Sunset here. Tonight's work is the daytime compliment to the day before. Another 20x30" Pastel.

Texas Work on Thursday Evening

Long day at the Office. I need to get back in the mode of belly up to the Easel as soon as dinner is done. Otherwise, the minutes just flitter away. Tonight's post is a 20 x 30" Pastel on illustration board of a Cowboy and the Texas Flag. It's a little bit experimental, and I could probably push it a lot further.

Where Have I Been on Western Wednesday?

Time goes by so quickly. Tonight's painting is a large pastel rendering from the Fort Worth Stock Exchange. So happy the week is winding down. It's been a busy one. I am looking forward to getting more new works done quickly. So far, so good, too.

Steamy Stewing Sunday-and Western Painting

I could have sworn I posted the last couple of days. Don't get it, usually don't miss 2 in a row. Alas. Such is the hot, fast-paced world. They say it is peaking HOT at 3 digit's today. Good ole Texas. I'll hang out in my cozy studio today. It sure needs some cleaning though. Today is Father's Day, albeit it is a quiet one. A very good day for a Siesta in the heat of the day. Play in the extreme early mornings before sunrise, and in the late evenings when the weather starts getting this way. This is how we survive. I worry about the young ones out there in the heat of the day without enough sunscreen. The consequences are not kind....so apply generous doses of sunscreen.
My goals this week are-
1. finish my ARRMP (After Retirement Art Marketing Plan)
2. Finish the Boxer Dog Portrait Commission
3. Inquire about another Fallen Soldier Tribute Painting
4. Get rolling on the Two Sisters portraits
5. Begin to review the requirements for applying for a grant for my idea for the next series I really want to complete in this lifetime. Called the "Family" Series. It will be an awesome biography and Life Testament...but not necessarily something that will sell, so almost have to land a Grant to be able to survive. Either that or I have to keep working at the 8-5, and the Series will come together so much slower.
6. Layout the next works in the "Quitaque Ladies" Series.

Going to be an ambitious week. Tonight's posting- well, was looking for something suitable for Father's Day in the Western Series, but most that were suitable have already run. Reckon it will be a little cowboy, that will have to grow into the role. An oil on 5x7" canvas panel.

Thursday Evening Western Works

Yeah. Tomorrow is my favorite day. It will be a busy one at the salt mine, and it will therefore go by quickly. Then there is an Opening of a friend of mine's, and then work to be done in the Studio. Saturday the plan is to take some work out at Mecca on Main and paint there for a while. Maybe wrap up those commissions. Then on the way home, do a little "shopping" for some Father's Day gifts. Which reminds me I should get busy tonight and get a card in the mail.
Tonight's painting is a small 5x7" Oil rendering titled "Two Cowboys at the Fair". It is what it is.

Wednesday Evening Westerns

Yep, it's a certainty - I do not have the energy I used to have. But getting things done is motivating, so I keep on keeping on. Note to self: Making a list of the things to do when I do get a few days off and catch up. Second note to self- I've found the tribute paintings for Fallen Soldiers, are a good thing to do. I'm thinking it would be a good idea to also research and gently approach my nephews about doing tribute paintings for the Fire Department. Tonight's Western Work is a small oil painting on wooden panel of a classic Orange Longhorn. You can feel the heat of the Texas sun in this rendering.

Late on Tuesday Evening

By now you know exhaustion is my common complaint. I'm tired, but not too tired for a quick post...another bright pastel of a Cynthia Parker descendant.

More Western Works-

Hey, I have several commissions going on. I have been doing a bit of schmoozing and visiting with folks and I've also begun to work as a "tribute" artist, rendering oil paintings of fallen soldiers. The next works are two little girls, then a boxer, then a golden retriever. This is fun, I'd like to do this full time very soon. I visited a friend in her "Summer Studio" where she is doing "Hot Art". Her studio is awesome and I expect great large works being generated from there this summer.
I also hung out at a kind of Art Event on Saturday at Mecca on Main. It is coming along nicely, with a warm and inviting ambiance. Just painting and visiting, and now they have added a little sandwich venue.
Tonight's painting is loosely painted 8x10" Oil rendering of a family Trail Ride. I am not pleased with the aspen tree splitting the painting. But it happens. I wish I was there right now.

Westerns on the Weekend

Quick post. It is already the weekend and I have a ton of things to do! Tonight's posting is a 36 x 48" oil painting of the parade in Crowell, Texas and the Santa Rosa Rider's.

Wednesday Evening Westerns

Losing track of time here. But I promise I have not yet placed the keys in the refrigerator. Spectacular storms here tonight, then awesome evening images. But 5am comes really early so we shan't get much done tonight. A quick post for the Western Series. This is one of my most favorite images over the years. A pastel of a young cowboy with a snowcone, thus the title "SnowCone Cowboy".

More Westerns on Monday Evening

Great, long weekend. Got to go for another great day of sailing and got some new paintings started. Portrait Commissions are now under way. Life is rocking and rolling on along. This is a large Oil Painting on Canvas of the Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico. A strong thunderhead is creeping up on the horizon.

Western Works and the Weekend

Woah. Tired tonight. So this will be a quick posting of one of my favorite works. 3 women, three friends. The title of this pastel is lyrical, "Fireflies and Falling Stars". This image is also available as a Giclee Print. Contact me at lin@studiointheback.com for more information.

Thursday Night believe it!

Tonight was my dear, dear friend...Kathy...it was her birthday celebration. The big SIX OH no...Can you believe it? And tonight's favorite posting of a pastel on board, the decedents of Quanah Parker pastels continue.

Western Series Begins tonight, Tuesday Evening

I believe it is time to start the Western Series. Still rising at 4am, realigning my bionic schedule. No more 3 am nights for me. Life improves. This is a painting of a descendant of Quanah Parker, and it is titled "Teal Dancer". It is a 20x30" pastel rendering on illustration board.

One final Hot Air Balloon on Monday Evening

Haven't I told you how much I hate Monday's? I find them challenging days. I think I am going to have to work out a way to deal with them and make an attitude adjustment. I need to LIKE Monday's. They need to become the beginning. They need to be that ONE STEP CLOSER to a goal. Tonight's rendering is the last new Hot Air Balloon. An Oil painting on wooden panel.

Hearts on Friday Hot Air Balloon

Okay, May is almost done. Let's make this an outstanding weekend. I am looking forward to the weekend. Tonight is the first posting of the new Hot Air Balloon studies. These are oil on small 5x7" wood panel. The evening has grown warm, so imagine the cool breezes of the Hot Air Balloon of Hearts as she drifts across the baby blue sky.

WOW! What do you think about all of these Hot Air Balloon Paintings? Want more? Time to get a bit more completed, and the ones on the easel need to get photographed and posted here as well. At any rate, this is the last of the series that is ready to go. I'll try to get those digital pics ready this weekend. Tomorrow is Friday, and I am ready for another weekend...how about you?

Watching the Balloons on Wednesday Night

It is a pastel painting of children watching a launching of Hot Air Balloons.

Tired again on Tuesday & Hot Air Balloons

This is a long narrow painting. One of those challenging spaces that was fun to fill.
I am so tired on Tuesday. I need more sleep. But the storms tonight look so fine...to stand outside and watch the cold front come in with colorful clouds and arrogant atmosphere.

Red, White & Blue Hot Air Balloon, Memorial Day

A day of events and ceremony, and those bittersweet visits to the National Cemetery in Texas. A sober day.