Studio Stories from our WAOW Artists
Betty ~ Elizabeth J Billups • Idaho • Studio Stories
Betty -Elizabeth Billups
Odd subject to write about, for me! First, the majority of my art is captured “en plein air”, which means, ON LOCATION, no studio. These creations can range from 8”x10” up to 6 x12 foot murals> obviously these were captured on my hands and knees, and ALWAYS on location!
And usually painting “solo” there are no photos of me painting!
When I purchased my first home, back in 1991, the only space on a hardwood floor was about a 4x4 foot area, and this became my “studio”...tho I never thought of it that way, until WAOW created this "idea".
Marie Kash Weltzheimer • Oklahoma • Studio Stories
TWO WOMEN OF WAOW AND A CHILDHOOD FRIENDSHIP
In my last studio story I talked about having burnout. May 28, I had just delivered 25 paintings for a 2-person show “Abundance”. One painting remained on my easel with only the imprimatura underpainting which I had planned to finish and submit to a show. I had heard all about the Bosque Art Classic from artist friends and I was eager to enter due to its reputation and drivable distance, but I was exhausted and this was a pretty large painting. I’m proud and honored to report that this piece was accepted to the 41st Annual Bosque Art Classic, but if it were not for the encouragement of one special friend, Kathy, I would have scrapped the whole thing.
Judy Thompson • Iowa • Studio Stories
When Alix, Gallery Director at Rehfelds Modern, called to tell me that my painting Full Bloom had been acquired for the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, I was both surprised and deeply honored.
Marie Kash Weltzheimer • Oklahoma • Studio Stories
FROM BURNOUT TO REJUVINATION – A PASTEL STORY
Sometimes artists suffer burnout. I told myself that after the opening reception for our 2-person show in June, "Abundance!", I was going to take a break, a real summer vacation ALL summer. I needed it badly. But much has happened in a positive way and I can’t complain about that.
I work in both, pastel and oil, but my pastels sadly have been used only occasionally these past years. The pastel trays in the photo are from my very first professional set I ever owned. It was a Christmas gift, a set of Rembrandt pastels from my husband in 1986. Pure pigment rolled into a stick, they were magical to me! I created a lot of pastel art the following 30+ years, becoming a signature member with Pastel Society of America and Master Circle artist with the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Laurie Pace • Studio Stories
Treasures of the Heart
This morning I wasn't searching for a painting. I found myself searching for the artist I was at that time.
Back in the early days of blogging, around 2006, I was painting almost every day as part of the Daily Painters movement. While many artists were creating small daily works, I found myself filling larger canvases—18 × 27, 24 × 30, even 30 × 40—and sharing the journey through my blog.
Those years became more than paintings. They became books. Every year I gathered my artwork and the stories behind the different collections documenting my work and my life as a mom, a wife and an artist.
Deborah Allison • Studio Stories
It's a beautiful time of the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico! And it is also the time when Santa Fe artists open their studios to the public. There will be about 95 studios participating this year in one of the largest art communities in the US.
Though #38 is a small studio, I will have loads of artwork on display and for sale during the two weekends at the end of June. It is the perfect opportunity to see how I work and to ask any burning questions about my methods, color choices and inspirations. I will have my palettes, sketches and demonstrations on display as well.
Ever Changing Studio . Painter Amy Evans
“My studio has changed according to where I live. One constant is that I have a portable one for occasions when I am in the outdoors. My outdoor studio is the one I frequent the most since I love painting the landscape. I use my indoor studio for large paintings as well as studio paintings derived from my references.” Amy Evans
“Before it Hits” by Amy Evans 20 × 16
From an Exta Bedroom to a Studio . Painter Mary Russell
“My first studio space was in an extra bedroom when my daughter was eleven. I would get her off to school, walk over piles of laundry, and get right to my easel. I loved it!
In time, I had an opportunity to have a studio away from the house which I shared with another artist. It was a huge space in an old shopping center. ” Mary