 I enjoy marketing and making connections with others but this item is beyond silly. I thought the unicorn drink at Starbucks was amusing and a bit of fun but this item is beyond good marketing and frankly a bit insulting to those of us who have a season called "Mud Season". I forgot to say this is an actual item for sale at Nordstroms.
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 It is that time of year again. This is the month when I paint peonies until I can't hold a brush in my hand any more. Each year they get better and better. This year will be the best one ever.  This peony is for sale fully framed behind glass in a beautiful neutral wood frame. It is 13x13 inches and is currently in my show at the Governor's Gallery but it could be yours today for $375 dollars Free Shipping! In the meantime check out my floral page here What I have learned so far: Each year is a new beginning. For me the new year begins in June when everything is possible. All you need is warm weather and a willing heart.  I have to share my most exciting news. The opening of my show was Thursday night and I was told the State Governor and his staff liked my work so much he was taking time out of his schedule to make some remarks at the opening. I was asked if I would like to meet him and say a few words about my show . Well, I am no dummy....I said "of course". Then I started to think I was going to pass out because I am a very shy artist. But I did it. I met him . He laughed at my joke. He asked how long I had been painting and I said 10 years. He looked doubtful so I said " Well if you do something everyday you will get much better at it ". He laughed and said "Some of my staff might not think so " but everybody laughed and his staff cracked up. I don't have any pictures because the security was on full duty. But it was a wonderful moment I won't forget. After he left many friends came and my brain and emotions became overwhelmed and I don't remember much. But my husband said I acted very composed and comfortable. What I have learned so far:
Being prepared helps when you are required to be spontaneous. I am a bit out of practice with my public speaking skills but I was able to conjure them up when necessary. I think it also helped to have a universal theme for the show that could be interpreted in many different positive ways no matter where you are in your social and emotional life. We are all having a human experience.  I have made a small chart of the color Ultramarine Blue with different amounts of water added to it. The value of a color or how light or dark it is can be determined not just by the hue but by how much medium is used to dilute it. This took me a long time to figure out.  Another tool for determining value is a piece of red plexiglass. You can see the dark areas show up as almost black . So if I wanted to get those dark areas to show up better I might use a thicker consistency of paint or add layers to achieve the deep tone.
What I have learned so far; Watercolor is really not as much "water" as it is "color". It takes some courage but it helps to keep your paint wells wet and really load the brush with color. At least your paintings will be strong. I say this knowing my big art opening at the Governor's Gallery is on Thursday the 13th. I have to dig into my well and be present and ready for everything that comes my way. Live your life! Live Your Life! Live your Life!   Today we hung the show at the Governor's Gallery and let me tell you it really does take a village to get a "Jo Mackenzie" project off the ground. Tom Mackenzie and Joanne Mankoff were my wing men. David Schutz, the State curator met us and helped us up to the fifth floor where the Governor has his offices. Mary Admasian made us feel welcome in the large space and Jack Zeilenga Assistant State Curator and Paul Gruhler did all the heavy lifting and hanging.  What I have learned so far: You really do know everything you need to know in Kindergarten. I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said I wanted to be an artist, because I could not imagine anything more fun than coloring all day.  |
About MeI am a watercolor coach, watercolorist, and author. Ask me about booking a watercolor coaching session online or in-person. 
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