tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27088874137089572252024-02-20T13:02:09.083-08:00Sandy Byers ... paintings of my life1. transitive and intransitive verb, take in art: to repeatedly and alternately inhale and exhale art in order to stay alive.Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-55148403851368687762016-01-06T13:54:00.002-08:002016-01-06T13:54:59.448-08:00Blogger Followers Please ReadWhen logging onto my Blogger account this morning I received this message and want to share it with you <span style="color: #e06666;"><i>in case you still wish to follow my blog</i></span>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">n 2011, </span><a href="https://googleblog.blogspot.ie/2011/11/more-spring-cleaning-out-of-season.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">we announced</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs. </span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-2f00910b-ad92-e9fb-e23f-470365f05187" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Posted by Michael Goddard, Software Engineer</span>Sandy Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701429439194814256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-33504107469576700682015-11-30T12:04:00.000-08:002015-11-30T12:05:12.353-08:00Artistic Suicide battles Creativity<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWgmCgiud0YpUvvjO6-SXjUyZtcdsoos4VqrvqRArFJwF3LpGvSK-LM4NJUAANI1wyFcay0rroO0XuHvn5ReKeBlIjazK9qd5Sm8y6bU1nL12KrMR02rCCXkTTm2bqxIervd9fBjOCy7S/s1600/SandyByers_12x24_Oil_ThereIsALight_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWgmCgiud0YpUvvjO6-SXjUyZtcdsoos4VqrvqRArFJwF3LpGvSK-LM4NJUAANI1wyFcay0rroO0XuHvn5ReKeBlIjazK9qd5Sm8y6bU1nL12KrMR02rCCXkTTm2bqxIervd9fBjOCy7S/s400/SandyByers_12x24_Oil_ThereIsALight_1200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There is a Light (12x24) oil on panel (sold)</i></div>
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Artistic suicide is considered switching your game – in the middle of
your game or when you’re on the top of your game. As an artist, I find it difficult to limit myself...in <i>so</i> many ways so in my mind, artistic suicide means not indulging in one’s personal creative callings. Creative
process, in and of itself, means being open to things that strike the heart of
the artist. I believe that is true for any creative outlet.<br />
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Without that yearn to learn, I might not have attempted the above painting using only a credit card :).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywgy552HR0I7lv0WyB2juqNhh35l2nvcbHk44ahljvTd5dNK4TSUre-mAMKx-HwKlursYj-s-1yyrWQ3OoBivrF87AsKU7oA5FtPi0sZ248eB9UQfSJEIWpJApgoUsfOz28UZp43K5UV/s1600/SandyByers_CreditCardPainting_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywgy552HR0I7lv0WyB2juqNhh35l2nvcbHk44ahljvTd5dNK4TSUre-mAMKx-HwKlursYj-s-1yyrWQ3OoBivrF87AsKU7oA5FtPi0sZ248eB9UQfSJEIWpJApgoUsfOz28UZp43K5UV/s320/SandyByers_CreditCardPainting_blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If one is to learn, one must take chances and to take
chances one must do something beyond what is currently working or comfortable.<i> Stretch </i>is probably the adequate word
here. If I feel content and easy at the easel (in the studio or outdoors) I
pretty much figure I need to work harder and get out of my comfort zone.<br />
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Another piece that took me out of my comfort zone required me to use both hands (to paint) at the same time. Yikes. (Don't worry, I still have half a brain left).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhpzw4kqmnsl_aKk0pKAqP6Qdrvc25FceC7gug1dz12AkX8UHRK27HCNwhCnH4FnSkBKuksTL-fQb2NR9cM_6e-iD3MEEnPv9xTUa1Vp6moZBRdHtgnjAdxH8Vg1qTFBq4V4x6zRRkMos/s1600/PaintingDouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhpzw4kqmnsl_aKk0pKAqP6Qdrvc25FceC7gug1dz12AkX8UHRK27HCNwhCnH4FnSkBKuksTL-fQb2NR9cM_6e-iD3MEEnPv9xTUa1Vp6moZBRdHtgnjAdxH8Vg1qTFBq4V4x6zRRkMos/s1600/PaintingDouble.jpg" /></a></div>
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I find making good art is a struggle. I don’t want to walk up to my easel
every day and say, “Gosh, what a cinch, I can do this in a heartbeat.” Where’s
the learning in that? I have been in this classroom long enough to know that an
attitude such as that does not create fulfilling work. Predictable maybe, but
not fulfilling. <o:p></o:p><br />
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I LOVE to paint large. I also love to work with small studies as a way to
stretch and try new approaches without committing weeks (or months) to a larger
piece. Sometimes, the studies end up being better than the larger pieces that
are produced from the studies. Go figure.<br />
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It is a wonderful gift to be able to produce
images on a blank canvas and I hope I will always reach for the struggle to
improve. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(Often, my studies can be found on my <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/biscuitgravy" target="_blank">eBay</a> and/or <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/sandy-byers-2015/artwork" target="_blank">Daily Paint Works</a> accounts.)</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-63565919169951685612015-09-18T08:53:00.000-07:002015-09-18T08:53:26.091-07:00Study, study, study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Slyku7qjj9AsgOEB-zphRPZE-4TbFfMUUkk7xknOtjPvX-qj1juizMDy_BUHxY8o_DckXyT2rKCN_2PKwxPMIbzuRnB9mXoO4K54Nh5Kq2WfIWuq6BtqJwES_dcIMUNCf8BEKelMtW0/s1600/LightCapture_5x7_pastelOnPaper_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Slyku7qjj9AsgOEB-zphRPZE-4TbFfMUUkk7xknOtjPvX-qj1juizMDy_BUHxY8o_DckXyT2rKCN_2PKwxPMIbzuRnB9mXoO4K54Nh5Kq2WfIWuq6BtqJwES_dcIMUNCf8BEKelMtW0/s320/LightCapture_5x7_pastelOnPaper_35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>5x7 pastel on paper</i></div>
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It has become acutely obvious to me that in this profession of fine art, one never, <i>ever</i>, quits learning. Even though most of us are born with the ability to see, it is only through multitudes of studies that an artist truly learns the skill of seeing what is needed in the field of fine arts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM2-onhXTE3uuyIN-ZCWdGIcIbf9XXqpM7NPkjsU8m0x9iKTxbLS2Db6yYrQJ1DqdcCVI-cQ3bFDbKyhZ5NhS1I-u4WEe0XVdQiiZEAqYB9sK5wTrb3VajscJlGWof_Kjr8vL4xH-nYMP/s1600/ValleyRainfall_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM2-onhXTE3uuyIN-ZCWdGIcIbf9XXqpM7NPkjsU8m0x9iKTxbLS2Db6yYrQJ1DqdcCVI-cQ3bFDbKyhZ5NhS1I-u4WEe0XVdQiiZEAqYB9sK5wTrb3VajscJlGWof_Kjr8vL4xH-nYMP/s320/ValleyRainfall_35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5x7 oil on panel</div>
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So, how does one study? It is likely you would get a different answer for every artist who is asked this question. My answer is that there is no substitute for time spent at the easel; whether it be en plein aire (outdoors) or in the studio, practice is the essence of learning to see and applying that in a uniquely artistic manner. I often use small 5x7 panels so I can capture the energy and color of the moment. Also, I'm not as cautious with a smaller panel as I am with a larger one which can lead to a lot more freedom to explore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewcka7W2OOK26DHWLLNK0oMP-Qoe-QIiDcqLpe7iUTG1rkrOOJ5XgsM5qcPKqPyHpiGnnxalOnRVEpKxl8q8QsznZWLwohjzVSQ0rtBekrZ-DpvhcB2gscOnzU5QHAdwZfwZyUqFa4hZc/s1600/StrawberrySky.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewcka7W2OOK26DHWLLNK0oMP-Qoe-QIiDcqLpe7iUTG1rkrOOJ5XgsM5qcPKqPyHpiGnnxalOnRVEpKxl8q8QsznZWLwohjzVSQ0rtBekrZ-DpvhcB2gscOnzU5QHAdwZfwZyUqFa4hZc/s320/StrawberrySky.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
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5x7 oil on panel</div>
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When teaching, I am often asked how one is to develop his/her style. Style, in my opinion, is not developed, it is revealed. It is revealed through hours upon hours of painting. And, not all artists have a single style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMvTIHSFr7UUF4oAjKMB9K78dHAVJPKlbMFHB8ScejrXNb1xcuTUmEF5hzYFxTHxNuu45F0T3ipRjO_a_xB9itVOBRgEpNy2ZF8O_EkFIhqJAbLlSVtsODfM-W7E8waVZDR5ZTq6_3tsv/s1600/LittleVase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMvTIHSFr7UUF4oAjKMB9K78dHAVJPKlbMFHB8ScejrXNb1xcuTUmEF5hzYFxTHxNuu45F0T3ipRjO_a_xB9itVOBRgEpNy2ZF8O_EkFIhqJAbLlSVtsODfM-W7E8waVZDR5ZTq6_3tsv/s320/LittleVase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5x7 oil on panel</div>
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One of the ways I get time at the easel (whether inside or out) is to paint small studies that I may then use to develop larger or more complex paintings. When out in the field (en plein aire) I will often use these studies to capture true colors; colors the camera can't "see." It is a pleasure to have these small pieces to turn to for color accuracy.<br />
<br />
These small studies can often be found for a song on my <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/biscuitgravy" target="_blank">eBay</a> and/or <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/sandy-byers-2015/artwork" target="_blank">Daily Paint Works</a> accounts.<br />
<br />
So, off I go...study, study, study!Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-89081533398828226082015-08-30T15:38:00.003-07:002015-09-17T15:14:16.294-07:00Artist Appreciation Month<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Where does art begin? </i></b>I recall a precise event that changed
the way I saw the world. In my early teens I started drawing and my paper and
pencils became my closest friends. Being the daughter of a Navy officer, our
family moved often. And often, it was difficult to leave friends behind. Now, I
had two new friends that I knew would stay with me the rest of my life.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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While we were stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska, I met a girl
who was a few years older than me. Sadly, I can’t recall her name but I do
recall that she had recently started taking oil painting lessons. When she
showed me her paintings I was ecstatic with the thought I might someday be able
to paint, too. It did not take me long
to run the two blocks home and beg with all my heart for painting lessons! </div>
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My
folks signed me up and the first stroke of oil paint was a miraculous thing to
me. I knew, <i>without a doubt</i>, I had found my medium. I was in love with
everything about painting; the paints, the brushes, the smell…ugh, real
turpentine back then…but I still loved it. During the week, while I had to wait
for the next lesson, I would sift through my tackle box full of oil paints and
tools and imagine what they might help produce.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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My teacher was wonderful and patient. Her name was
Renee Reed and I was so awe-struck by the knowledge and skill she had and shared. She
encouraged me as I struggled with the newness of this practice of fine art. I
have tried to find her via the internet but have not had success. I wonder if
she has any idea how significant of a roll she played in my life? I am thankful
for having the opportunity to study with her.
Thank you for so much, Renee. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This was the second painting I did with Renee. In her classes, we copied other artists' work to hone our technical skills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVTgqGoTWaZOMdjdhel6Gcb81wuVBX0k7NWhenr4ey4VwCL2pWra7ag6ZBkQvfBafNTmbpJvBlHPrQDsVN__5dw9rSTu0RiFEzoZRk5HGRYxxuVgaZVoYIZanNUx2ZYICfqSFTIFhIwA/s1600/2ndpainting_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVTgqGoTWaZOMdjdhel6Gcb81wuVBX0k7NWhenr4ey4VwCL2pWra7ag6ZBkQvfBafNTmbpJvBlHPrQDsVN__5dw9rSTu0RiFEzoZRk5HGRYxxuVgaZVoYIZanNUx2ZYICfqSFTIFhIwA/s320/2ndpainting_sm.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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We continued moving and although I lost Renee as a teacher,
I have always had the blessings of God to guide me to my next steps, in art and life :). Whether it
be a person or this beautiful world He created to draw from, I am grateful
beyond words for this gift.<br />
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***</div>
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The inspiration for this piece was from an invitation from the kind folks at Patience Brewster inviting me to share in <b>Artist Appreciation month</b>. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling back in time to recall my first days of painting. I have been a fan of Patience’s work for many years and hope you get a chance to see some of her creative, fun, and endearing <a href="https://www.patiencebrewster.com/ornaments.html" target="_blank">Christmas Ornaments</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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cheers,</div>
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sandy</div>
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Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-34302899406158639642015-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:002015-08-16T13:33:18.676-07:00To Drone or Not to Drone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaL3ulQrKsFAI3-hJmJOd_RXBTz2qUxsduat4gAct2JngkH5YLIfJpua2wSu3Q8xHoco6a6zFgPk6PLh5ZtHIYPqwEnxBavrVjQYbp30xYBJgcuRKgl07fP1AqZWm6eyEn4UVtC7Kcwt3I/s1600/RiversEdge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaL3ulQrKsFAI3-hJmJOd_RXBTz2qUxsduat4gAct2JngkH5YLIfJpua2wSu3Q8xHoco6a6zFgPk6PLh5ZtHIYPqwEnxBavrVjQYbp30xYBJgcuRKgl07fP1AqZWm6eyEn4UVtC7Kcwt3I/s400/RiversEdge.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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River's Edge<i> study</i> (10x8 oil on panel)</div>
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<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/141743632945?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649" target="_blank">available here for a short time</a></div>
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An aspect of plein air painting that I truly enjoy is the
unknown. I might think I am heading out for a day of painting but more times
than not, it becomes a day of adventure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's been a long hot summer here (in Washington) and I was
reflecting on cooler days of outdoor painting. A particular event from last
February stood out as a fun thing to share. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Larry and I headed out to find "the" spot for the
day and ended up about an hour from the house; in Burlington. Poor Larry, he
has to drive around (and around) until I find "the" spot that feels right.
I have an internal compass that tends to lead me toward the water. Today was no
exception but the difference is that the water was just beyond my vision. I
could feel it, and hear it; I just couldn't see it...<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Larry goes with me, I often go to more secluded places
than I would when painting alone. In the summer this spot would be buzzing with
the sound of children but, in February, it was devoid of people and it was
cold! What it did offer was a lovely view of sun-stricken trees that lined the
river beyond. And THAT is what made it "the" spot for the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I layered up until I felt like the Michelin Man. Larry help
me set up my gear and then I succumbed to the silence and enjoyment of
painting. Normally, I enjoy folks stopping by when I paint but this day felt
different. I wanted to have full attention on my painting and it was cold so I
was motivated to work diligently and without interruption. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl77PwVPVvPav9XPm8PMUjtcRZkLcICuPvEfxhWr1c48fXfnqB0LOFIrgZ7HyOznbDqv1QaUXSyfwjc4FMlLpiYXtXR9nP9IMS_YhcIHXbke1gOUGb58NeTQ_vu8nbtnls8m9ylS5-5PDd/s1600/IMG_2290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl77PwVPVvPav9XPm8PMUjtcRZkLcICuPvEfxhWr1c48fXfnqB0LOFIrgZ7HyOznbDqv1QaUXSyfwjc4FMlLpiYXtXR9nP9IMS_YhcIHXbke1gOUGb58NeTQ_vu8nbtnls8m9ylS5-5PDd/s320/IMG_2290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Me as the Michelin Man)</div>
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Hours into the piece, and nearly finished, I heard an
unfamiliar truck pull up behind our truck. Knowing Larry was there, I didn't
look and I knew I could stay focused on my painting. I sensed someone behind me so
I turned and a gentleman said "do you mind if I drone over you?" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEckl_X_jNd2wzV4NcmaEL2wzo8B3BS1a_G1U-ACj-xsvHNS0wIRfXNmpCQoOcVxodvdSMhhQRsLknyYN5hQPTe_dRwxS8T8M8pMb3rFifokiJmch_lGwGRPhAiiYWbMydTgto4N8oPpNP/s1600/IMG_2299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEckl_X_jNd2wzV4NcmaEL2wzo8B3BS1a_G1U-ACj-xsvHNS0wIRfXNmpCQoOcVxodvdSMhhQRsLknyYN5hQPTe_dRwxS8T8M8pMb3rFifokiJmch_lGwGRPhAiiYWbMydTgto4N8oPpNP/s320/IMG_2299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Um,
I admit that, until that very day, I was not familiar with being droned. I
kindly replied, "May you what?" (and I was wondering when my knight
in shining armor would arrive). That thought produced my husband out of
thin air. The two of them started chatting and Larry had all kinds of questions
about the drone. Pat (the gentleman) was very gracious with his answers and
then explained he would like to navigate his drone over me while I painted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not the strangest of adventures so once I knew more
about drones; I did not hesitate to say "sure!" Pat sent his drone over me and
then posted it on his website where he has lots of wonderful videos and images. These are the photos he posted of me painting: <a href="http://www.overskagit.com/artist-near-burlington-washington-usa/#more-271" target="_blank">"River's Edge."</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN01-SOLfISB7jtsja4bW-EMp5GtP_2MhqGiODTmhXaUBBqHAzIUhKaOeDKkWqYrYzRBBOjBf3PiOewaEGoD03yXWpcskBclA0UZfrDylE0PspC4sMvJQnSs3wBzmFTVBHUljpyv-v7zz/s1600/drone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN01-SOLfISB7jtsja4bW-EMp5GtP_2MhqGiODTmhXaUBBqHAzIUhKaOeDKkWqYrYzRBBOjBf3PiOewaEGoD03yXWpcskBclA0UZfrDylE0PspC4sMvJQnSs3wBzmFTVBHUljpyv-v7zz/s320/drone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I summed it up as another great adventure in the Pacific
Northwest. I must say, it took me a while to defrost but I'm ready to head out
again. This time I will need my sunscreen. <o:p></o:p></div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-14212417329960782152015-07-15T11:06:00.005-07:002015-07-15T17:21:01.353-07:00Ants, a Peacock and a Snake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So how does one fit <b>ants</b>, <b>a peacock and a snake</b> all in to
one story? Well, if you happen to be a plein air painter, this is fairly easy
to do.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heading off to Skagit Valley (WA) to paint for the day is
always a treat. The valley is lush, fertile land and filled with wildlife; from
miniature donkeys to graceful Trumpeter swans. Truly, the possibilities for an
artist can be overwhelming. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My internal compass usually lands me pretty close to water
and this day was no different. I wandered the back roads until I came upon an
inviting slough. One of the challenges was getting set up securely. The speed
limit on the road is 50 so it seemed a good idea to set up on the
"other" side of the guardrail. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaY-V9UH46CRF1RTra795XWjG_RcEzZrt6ABdOUpUgZ_mdPPZ_UuBo_vbu534nhUPhxz9H59hcFY4F4xoDt4qQnxaYh35Ofx09Kx41LWTaTz4-yCRuHMLBOwRrYoHzmpjWOg3Yqz0Tlx8/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaY-V9UH46CRF1RTra795XWjG_RcEzZrt6ABdOUpUgZ_mdPPZ_UuBo_vbu534nhUPhxz9H59hcFY4F4xoDt4qQnxaYh35Ofx09Kx41LWTaTz4-yCRuHMLBOwRrYoHzmpjWOg3Yqz0Tlx8/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The downside of that decision is that it meant I would be
standing on an incline on a fairly steep slope but I saw no other option. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I generally toss down
a small drop-cloth in case I drop things, or sometimes just to keep the crud
and bugs off my feet. I decided not to do that this day; the slope was too
steep so I opted not to use the drop-cloth but instead got to work setting up
my easel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All set! I was ready for my first stroke of paint when I
realized my feet were on fire!! I looked down and both my feet were <b>covered
with ants</b>! I quickly moved, apologized for stepping on their house and got re situated.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yep, you guessed it; here comes<b> the peacock</b>, wandering down
the side of the road. Seriously? I just didn't expect that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBIh0YKCg9N5lgbdhhRv5hulb47x4-UUvEKEQLYQmT-BYZUEIFx1sgdLJ26XAxxOj_n3BghbC1itOYkjJDrYCnAfqyO92wHeW2sALcm8sx51mAazApY7T0ERNsD45O2cEhc0loaUqRu2Y/s1600/EA4A3906_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBIh0YKCg9N5lgbdhhRv5hulb47x4-UUvEKEQLYQmT-BYZUEIFx1sgdLJ26XAxxOj_n3BghbC1itOYkjJDrYCnAfqyO92wHeW2sALcm8sx51mAazApY7T0ERNsD45O2cEhc0loaUqRu2Y/s320/EA4A3906_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After the distractions, I got some work done and made quick
of packing up my gear. It was hot and I was ready to seek some shade. All
loaded, I took that one giant step over the guardrail, and was within inches of
stepping on <b>a snake</b>!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">So there's how you fit an ant, a peacock and snake into a
story without telling a bar-room joke.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysEIerenm2ErX0eGWvN7VW_TOgObsUEUpKHswhxpAmr0C35hI0NSeyTIt2JBlZ_Vv1rq5RKTrjuGx0KATk8RjEIeWOCuNv4Ol-1I0xiYkAz-enEmTEBorX6SvamSGm7dDr4Oe7KaVFyIb/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysEIerenm2ErX0eGWvN7VW_TOgObsUEUpKHswhxpAmr0C35hI0NSeyTIt2JBlZ_Vv1rq5RKTrjuGx0KATk8RjEIeWOCuNv4Ol-1I0xiYkAz-enEmTEBorX6SvamSGm7dDr4Oe7KaVFyIb/s320/IMG_3207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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cheers,<br />
sandySandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-27522341626537748012015-06-17T15:38:00.002-07:002015-08-16T11:34:02.367-07:00Breathing the Sea; A Salon Day<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW1tMItFZSvr6XuVMvwaozplgbYaC9OxCsx279L0rH_J3pHKTKxksJ2IzOaivK1pL4oQoFaRLz1bmDEe3jLphE_NCe-8HKQnH1SCecVhT1SWFlKc3Wy8sOhwBipHZizQYwxY36Q5uQeZE/s1600/SandyByers_BreathingTheSea_18x38_oil_gallerywrap_2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjW1tMItFZSvr6XuVMvwaozplgbYaC9OxCsx279L0rH_J3pHKTKxksJ2IzOaivK1pL4oQoFaRLz1bmDEe3jLphE_NCe-8HKQnH1SCecVhT1SWFlKc3Wy8sOhwBipHZizQYwxY36Q5uQeZE/s400/SandyByers_BreathingTheSea_18x38_oil_gallerywrap_2000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Breathing the Sea (18x36 oil) SOLD</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
It feels special (and no doubt my head is already expanding) to be asked by <a href="http://www.brackenwoodgallery.com/events/2015/6/20/up-close-with-sandy-byers-an-artist-salon" target="_blank">Brackenwood Gallery</a> to be the star of a Salon Day at their lovely gallery in the quaint little town of Langley, WA.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWGnn48U-ydArj1hSuQxoCcq9ano3K4cXgABGpc7cPRkjOninzf0p_1tO3UDupdPesx4dYhWfjNDZlQcjQ_nqjZxYyS_UOUR79bYxZO5B4IxDAfCHbEDSObHoUccQe8pwrooTyANXmRtY/s1600/SandyByers_StoneyBeach_16x20_oil_panel_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWGnn48U-ydArj1hSuQxoCcq9ano3K4cXgABGpc7cPRkjOninzf0p_1tO3UDupdPesx4dYhWfjNDZlQcjQ_nqjZxYyS_UOUR79bYxZO5B4IxDAfCHbEDSObHoUccQe8pwrooTyANXmRtY/s320/SandyByers_StoneyBeach_16x20_oil_panel_1100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Stoney Beach (16 x 20 oil)</i></div>
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Throughout the day, I will paint demos in both oils and pastels. Toward the end of the day, there will be a quick change and the gallery will put out yummy nibbles and, of course, fine wines. They always do things right there :). Should you be able to attend, we will have an opportunity to chat about art and the ways of life.<br />
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In the fashion of a "studio," we will be offering framed pieces, unframed pieces, studies and sketches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpjxduSS3L_PAq38rxKJykAjhQw4KmiYpi1CW7eWMPg645tlE0Et5ycEYGZsu8jdhO_tSyfn7ArdMX7useEtUzdTLl6sgyBIg3vnSUe3ZqEsSdDeUnsI4KQFDsv2hZf6R-1s4S425I9OT/s1600/SandyByers_LangleyWave_11x14_dryPasteonPaper_875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpjxduSS3L_PAq38rxKJykAjhQw4KmiYpi1CW7eWMPg645tlE0Et5ycEYGZsu8jdhO_tSyfn7ArdMX7useEtUzdTLl6sgyBIg3vnSUe3ZqEsSdDeUnsI4KQFDsv2hZf6R-1s4S425I9OT/s320/SandyByers_LangleyWave_11x14_dryPasteonPaper_875.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Langley Wave (11 x 14 pastel)</i></div>
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This show is the essence of my love for the sea. I hope you will be able to join us. The event information can be found on <a href="http://www.brackenwoodgallery.com/events/2015/6/20/up-close-with-sandy-byers-an-artist-salon" target="_blank">Brackenwood Gallery's Website</a>.<br />
<br />Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-28938391215654741262015-03-13T15:56:00.000-07:002015-08-16T11:34:12.423-07:00Boys on the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizqOMjhDKbEwl8yJQ2E00zgRABwXosoTaeTEoZVpxiIcpx7as1Le_fj_v9s0Us9FJ6_h-bNQ8RY2Fa7hxPjiVwQJa9orsZbEmhsEeZFKGHV4uKBiKXUrJzb3xbe3xSEjWhMS3FPsiqqdu/s1600/BeachBoys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizqOMjhDKbEwl8yJQ2E00zgRABwXosoTaeTEoZVpxiIcpx7as1Le_fj_v9s0Us9FJ6_h-bNQ8RY2Fa7hxPjiVwQJa9orsZbEmhsEeZFKGHV4uKBiKXUrJzb3xbe3xSEjWhMS3FPsiqqdu/s1600/BeachBoys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beach Boys (11x14 oil on panel) SOLD</div>
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I love it when the title "works" with the piece and admit I sometimes wonder why artists choose the names they do for paintings. Some are obvious; others, we will never understand. </div>
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Realizing the title to this may be a little obscure; I thought I'd share the meaning behind it. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I love (did I say love?) LOVE plein air (outdoor) painting and suspect I have as many stories about those adventures as I do paintbrushes. This one is no exception. A friend and I were just setting up our gear on the beach when a couple of young boys ran over to see what we were doing.</div>
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I am pretty good at guessing what entertains ten year old boys. If I were a gambling girl, I would have lost a big bet on those two. Those boys quietly entertained themselves looking at rocks and turning over seaweed for more than two hours just so they could see our paintings! Wow, well blow me over. I just smiled out loud about that for days. Hence, the name.</div>
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cheers,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
s</div>
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<br /></div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-56135204470839680662014-08-29T15:40:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:45:59.510-07:00Learn, Honor, Create, Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kI2nSudNKZiddvzsP35XAimk1Y4yfFGIyuQ5T-EHf2Gy2tcXinPp8mA0GcNKElKeSW1Q6cij3B_FTSrBTux2t15ihbieHOghyphenhyphen4f-Oxj-wWWx2Q2ahi0l05VOwpsMFvO5kADb8aHoEobX/s1600/LearnHonor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kI2nSudNKZiddvzsP35XAimk1Y4yfFGIyuQ5T-EHf2Gy2tcXinPp8mA0GcNKElKeSW1Q6cij3B_FTSrBTux2t15ihbieHOghyphenhyphen4f-Oxj-wWWx2Q2ahi0l05VOwpsMFvO5kADb8aHoEobX/s1600/LearnHonor.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn, Honor, Create, Play (11x14 dry pastel)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sandybyers.com/a_ORIGINALS/StillLife/LearnHonorCreatePlay.htm" target="_blank">see my website for more information</a></div>
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LEARN, HONOR, CREATE, PLAY</div>
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Still life paintings need to mean something to me on a very personal level for me to enjoy the process of painting them. This one does. Each piece in this painting represents aspects I think are important in creating a happy and healthy life; Learning, Honoring, Creating and Playing.</div>
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It seemed only logical to start with the strong foundation that is required before beginning to build anything. With that in place I added the apple to represent our early stages of learning. </div>
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Next, I placed the lifebowls and it is significant to me that I chose bowls gifted to me by a dear friend to represent the lifebowls. I especially enjoy that they are handmade and not perfectly symmetrical because whose life is?</div>
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Balancing one’s lifebowls can be a bit tricky at times. Mine seemed to stabilized quite nicely once I placed the origami crane smack in the middle of it because, after all, where would we be without honor and loyalty (the traditional meaning of the origami crane)?</div>
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With a good foundation (be it family or religion or both), learning underway and loyal friends, creativity has a chance to thrive. Enter the kitty. Having created her from clay (after my own lovely cat), she seemed perfect to represent my idea of creativity for this little play. And, she had the added benefit of exuding relaxation/vacation which I know is part of a good balance in life. </div>
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The mouse is probably quite obvious but after watching my cat for years, I know how important playtime is!</div>
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All of this is topped off with a huge, red, apple juicy enough to bite into and it is intended to represent our blessed learning that continues year after year that is so absolutely delicious.</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-30379908313586994592014-08-18T17:21:00.000-07:002014-08-18T17:21:45.068-07:00More Serendipity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Abundance at Marymere Falls</i> (10x8 oils, SOLD)</div>
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Last year I was invited to attend an inaugural plein air event on the Olympic Peninsula (in Washington State). The event is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington, and is known as "<a href="http://www.paintthepeninsula.org/schedule-of-events.html" target="_blank">Paint the Peninsula</a>." Since I had recently fallen in love with plein air painting, and anything associated with it, I jumped at the opportunity. </div>
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If you have attended such events, you likely know that the back of the substrates you plan to use during the competition are stamped before painters head out in all directions. This assures that all paintings are, in fact, done within the confines of the event. I got my substrates stamped and headed out to see the world.<br />
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My ever-loving husband, Larry, accompanied me for the event and was always willing to be my sherpa (not to be confused with a shar pei :). I don't recall which day it was when we decided to hike in to Marymere Falls. It's not a long hike; just under a mile from the trailhead but Larry was nice enough to carry my gear for me.<br />
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When we got to the falls, I unpacked my stuff and realized I had forgotten my stamped panels. Larry, as always, came to my rescue and hoofed it back to the trailhead to get them for me. Now, he had three miles under foot as he returned. I had my panels. Yay! I could paint. I went to retrieve my painting tools and, believe it or not (I am typically a very organized person) I didn't have my painting tools either!! I was not about to ask Larry to go another two miles because of my mistake.<br />
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After a few minutes, I thought to pull out my credit card and started painting with that. I rather liked what was happening so I continued until I felt the piece was done. I wiped off my credit card, later hung the piece for the event, and was shocked, thankful and amazed when it won a special "Juror's Award!" </div>
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Since then I have done quite a few more paintings using my credit cards (<i>swiping</i> took on a whole new meaning for me). </div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-32026342355137956382014-07-22T10:01:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:45:02.393-07:00Embracing Serendipity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyBqYyYaXLx1k9R8NZPDFmsA1JshxRy-yeEt4Yu4cb2Jy1RIhp2DI9EVnkblPFLCfE03XcAG4MwIM53tbzU7ezV2QqSAg7qEFjxNpMbQYlGJOfpN3ucW7oEoZmdfmrdcsqi_ayAKlaz7Z/s1600/ForestGypsies_oil_36x24_2800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyBqYyYaXLx1k9R8NZPDFmsA1JshxRy-yeEt4Yu4cb2Jy1RIhp2DI9EVnkblPFLCfE03XcAG4MwIM53tbzU7ezV2QqSAg7qEFjxNpMbQYlGJOfpN3ucW7oEoZmdfmrdcsqi_ayAKlaz7Z/s1600/ForestGypsies_oil_36x24_2800.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></div>
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<b>Forest Gypsies</b> (36 x 24 oils, gallery-wrap canvas)<br />
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<i>Racing waves in the sea by day</i></div>
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<i>And wind by night</i></div>
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<i>Time captures hoof-prints in the sand</i></div>
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<i>The spirit of the Forest provides</i></div>
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One of the great joys of painting is the connection between my subject matter and my heart. Plein air (outdoor) painting is one of the ways I eliminate interference when applying art to my canvas. </div>
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On this particular adventure, I was on my way to the west side of Whidbey Island because there are a few beaches there where I love to paint. On the way, I thought about which beach I would land on and how I might portray the scene that is so familiar to me. Driving across the island, I took a shortcut through a housing complex that quickly turns into rural area. Just past the houses, I happened to look to my left and my heart jumped to my throat when I spotted a small family of horses drenched in the only sunlight within a mile of where I was!</div>
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I made a u-turn in the middle of the road and had my painting gear set up within minutes. My connection with animals is a gift I treasure beyond words. </div>
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Throughout the course of my painting stay, I was visited by each horse in what seemed an organized progression. Each came close enough to see what I was working on, and then gave up its turn for the next one. I felt so privileged.</div>
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The painting at the top of the page, <i>Forest Gypsies</i>, is a result of embracing serendipity.</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-45117451761540731932014-02-23T14:24:00.001-08:002014-02-23T14:24:28.717-08:00Now, Where Was I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, yes, back to Deception Pass. This time with pastels and a slightly different angle. I love this park! It's no wonder there are over 2 million visitors annually. Let's not even count the number of people who then fall in love with Washington.<br />
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I thought I would show you the box I made to carry in my backpack for plein air painting. I wanted something super-light and just the right size to fit in my pack. I found that one of my (saved) Sennelier Pastel boxes worked wonderfully for this project.<br />
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I covered it in scrapbook paper (and couldn't resist some stickers).and then covered the entire top with clear packing tape to give it a little extra protection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8QXOerMFQTIop_-hJLqXkZL0DamIvElxGbexT_A65nOQkd5LTSwbFPofiaxS9BsgNZDyOOK8d0yqCfzXJHBvLghlZy4-B3GpVC7-ac54ecxtd4YQVjXpCAfOjsSy6SGxj2_hzSIofnjp/s1600/boxside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8QXOerMFQTIop_-hJLqXkZL0DamIvElxGbexT_A65nOQkd5LTSwbFPofiaxS9BsgNZDyOOK8d0yqCfzXJHBvLghlZy4-B3GpVC7-ac54ecxtd4YQVjXpCAfOjsSy6SGxj2_hzSIofnjp/s1600/boxside.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I added a few strips of velcro so I could a) velcro the box closed and b) velcro the two halves of the box together to place on my easel butler.<br />
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So far, this is working out really well. I'm not sure how long the box will last since it is made out of cardboard but so far, so good.<br />
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It's almost time for me to head outdoors to paint and I am more than happy to do some more testing.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
SandySandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-21658619969685337282013-10-08T18:19:00.000-07:002013-10-08T18:19:50.072-07:00Fall on the Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpQCDtO6m1Ds3IvrjdSmCfHic2whS5hlEblanEcF1Eg3cL1PeBS1ODn8_dAlInQDM8lJdeRUIL40zKA3yxeXgKVgwvOiDqQb14AB-vp4k0myzNazdgJAAee908BgGlJY9LAjr5zYbQ4GM/s1600/FallAtDeceptionPassPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpQCDtO6m1Ds3IvrjdSmCfHic2whS5hlEblanEcF1Eg3cL1PeBS1ODn8_dAlInQDM8lJdeRUIL40zKA3yxeXgKVgwvOiDqQb14AB-vp4k0myzNazdgJAAee908BgGlJY9LAjr5zYbQ4GM/s320/FallAtDeceptionPassPark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>Fall at Deception Pass Park</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (11 x 14 oil on linen panel)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am proud to say my father served in the Navy for over forty years (thanks, Dad!) and by way of his service, I was a Navy "brat" (probably in more ways than one). On average, I think we moved about every 18 months. I have lived abroad, lived in more states than I can recall, and have traveled through all of them at one point or another in my lifetime. Out of all those places, I feel very blessed to call Whidbey Island, Washington, my home (and to have my parents living right next door and my siblings within spitting distance). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps I have been a bit swayed by the remarkable Summer we had this year. And, now, a beautiful Fall. I doubt I am celebrating all by myself but I AM celebrating! I am taking every opportunity to be outside and enjoy these glorious days and practice my plein air painting. Ah, what a LIFE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The painting above is from a day at Deception Pass Park; a most glorious park. A short little hike and, presto; a little piece of heaven. Sun, paint, lunch, paint, sun, paint, sunset.</span> </div>
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my plein air set-up (work in progress)</div>
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Cheers, </div>
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Sandy</div>
<br />Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-74973288825910090862013-08-19T11:53:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:47:22.493-07:00Twilight Color Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Twilight Color Study</div>
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(8x10 pastel)</div>
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How many surfaces can an artist be in love with at any given moment? Um, I don't really have the answer to that question but I am adding one more to my list. After reading a recent article in the <em>Pastel Journal</em> about <a href="http://www.multimediaartboard.com/Home_Page.php" target="_blank">Multimedia Artboards for Pastels</a>, I ordered some. Oh, my! I am love-crazed, yet again. I have every intention of trying this for oils, too. I just haven't gotten there, yet. </div>
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The study above is part of the work I am doing for a larger oil painting so it was a perfect opportunity to try the new surface. The pastel went on nicely and stayed where I put it. I also enjoyed that the surface takes multiple layers very well without mooshing (yes, that is a word in pastel-speak) the layers below. </div>
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Back to testing...</div>
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Cheers, </div>
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Sandy</div>
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<br />Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-20296606893938107942013-08-16T12:58:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:00:03.282-07:00This Way to the Beach<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where does a girl go for the entire summer, you ask?
"Why, outside, of course."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, yes, I have been back plein air painting and off on
some wild adventures. So many that I have barely been on the computer; it's all
I can do to stay in the house. One of my favorite spots is on the west side of
Whidbey Island (Washington). There is something so serene about painting the water while listening
to the waves rolling onto the shore in the background. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last time I mentioned my set up, it was larger. I'm now working so everything fits in my backpack and I've chosen a standard size of 8x10. It makes it easier for me to plan things that way. I may switch out to a 9x12 later but for now I am enjoying this small size. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8u26GqJCQfH8ApL0xqgeRoNnff6qA8LMJOgvu8NUXVAeR-bpgkTdRIQ8qCGnQtuE4KK1MVNc0E2TXbMEYVXiL0m0jxQW9NF-3HAIwBgJt3LC3egsh3IzqvHx3Xb5ysezVmypuQvMc-OM/s1600/AllGearedUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8u26GqJCQfH8ApL0xqgeRoNnff6qA8LMJOgvu8NUXVAeR-bpgkTdRIQ8qCGnQtuE4KK1MVNc0E2TXbMEYVXiL0m0jxQW9NF-3HAIwBgJt3LC3egsh3IzqvHx3Xb5ysezVmypuQvMc-OM/s320/AllGearedUp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, because I wanted to work smaller, Larry built an even smaller Attaché Board (we've nicknamed him "Pierre") - here he is all decked out:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKJT45NR2Ecg-ehUhPr13gqK7tWIWNC5-_1sJXSxRkdX1PuPea9bClbsC-HSUfEPyZPp4byMjSLxQCMF_a5pxGpl0prffoYyqOB6Irc3hPkD3BDYFyErzpG50fDWBEOZ7ZpEBVHLYx6lN/s1600/pa_wb_IMG_0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKJT45NR2Ecg-ehUhPr13gqK7tWIWNC5-_1sJXSxRkdX1PuPea9bClbsC-HSUfEPyZPp4byMjSLxQCMF_a5pxGpl0prffoYyqOB6Irc3hPkD3BDYFyErzpG50fDWBEOZ7ZpEBVHLYx6lN/s320/pa_wb_IMG_0158.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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This is my little plein air oil painting for my stint at West Beach:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLa_5fo6efrFnCvUY_WU4IW7OUrZ8eL7Knkg2wG3mAZb56VtWMpWqzYQbEiwOcDv3ZuzAx2-P8E_s94vyU-JWBIgclG7ea5MPm3CBN2SKlWh9wcy0W8tSrTH6Meurw8_KsZo_snzjIGUJW/s1600/WestBeachMidDayIMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLa_5fo6efrFnCvUY_WU4IW7OUrZ8eL7Knkg2wG3mAZb56VtWMpWqzYQbEiwOcDv3ZuzAx2-P8E_s94vyU-JWBIgclG7ea5MPm3CBN2SKlWh9wcy0W8tSrTH6Meurw8_KsZo_snzjIGUJW/s320/WestBeachMidDayIMG_0103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cheers, <br />
SandySandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-87839573082283466712013-04-03T14:23:00.000-07:002013-04-03T14:24:03.147-07:00Kitty Kitty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6IdFXqTcNxZkQayCepN2vxrWmV-K2_nLCBifMKA7Ib1n43xalslqMnRzW4xHSK2w8KRpMf0ZFk_Hb9QOb-fKCbbOfpEvqE6f_FWkkEBYhhAqxpQQG9QBFfja6Pu8y1nUh_THm_8BPui4/s1600/DoubleTrouble_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6IdFXqTcNxZkQayCepN2vxrWmV-K2_nLCBifMKA7Ib1n43xalslqMnRzW4xHSK2w8KRpMf0ZFk_Hb9QOb-fKCbbOfpEvqE6f_FWkkEBYhhAqxpQQG9QBFfja6Pu8y1nUh_THm_8BPui4/s400/DoubleTrouble_us.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<em>Double Trouble</em> (36 x 24, oil on linen panel) - click for a larger view</div>
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<a href="http://sandybyers.com/a_ORIGINALS/CatsOnly/DoubleTrouble.htm" target="_blank">availability and info on my website</a></div>
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Generally, when I approach a painting with this amount of complexity, I have a pretty good plan for executing it. I hope I won't take the magic away by telling you that this kitty (Rosie) was not actually sleeping on that slipper, nor was she actually playing with that string, nor was she actually asleep on that particular floor. Those are all elements I wanted to introduce to tell "my" painting's story. When working through the steps, initially I thought I would paint Rosie and then paint her full reflection on the black tiled floor. </div>
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Um, what was I thinking?! As soon as I started painting Rosie, I realized I would need to paint both Rosies at the same time so I could exactly match the color on my brush for both cats and (as accurately as possible) capture the exact opposite stroke/direction for the fur in the reflection. Well, I wasn't using my right hand for much anyway so I turned the canvas horizontally and picked up a second paintbrush. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIgd_IcFzINBpNugDuMTfc10vZGV-11Dd00manBjcLO8_UxI_gssgbxCM18XdOKwUUCRnsIEW_cTSYVAP6FKBdATVxgLvCCMPvzSg4V5L6L44IMWOSpoaOBxSCfK_H3cOIM5F5MJVNdXs/s1600/PaintingDouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIgd_IcFzINBpNugDuMTfc10vZGV-11Dd00manBjcLO8_UxI_gssgbxCM18XdOKwUUCRnsIEW_cTSYVAP6FKBdATVxgLvCCMPvzSg4V5L6L44IMWOSpoaOBxSCfK_H3cOIM5F5MJVNdXs/s320/PaintingDouble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this was how I painted most of the painting. There were points where I thought maybe I was headed for the crazy house (or perhaps I was already there) but, like a really good puzzle, I found that concentrating on one section at a time was my only hope for sanity. In the end, I like to think I was able to maintain that :).</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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Sandy</div>
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Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-62715038373479844892013-03-14T15:24:00.000-07:002015-08-16T11:37:23.638-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSeVBX5v_ya5Q58PzNvHTHD-cmCMWWxRhyhDG59e9OVvrYwjk8n1ioe5ZEmV_IDoh8kglB9L2FJ8I_UAJX4YPp1FRok6dYYJgpXFcOUU-3mxC6Nx72gIIN3aUmqUjxEA43T6_EhUZUKIs/s1600/LoveIsLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSeVBX5v_ya5Q58PzNvHTHD-cmCMWWxRhyhDG59e9OVvrYwjk8n1ioe5ZEmV_IDoh8kglB9L2FJ8I_UAJX4YPp1FRok6dYYJgpXFcOUU-3mxC6Nx72gIIN3aUmqUjxEA43T6_EhUZUKIs/s320/LoveIsLove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Love is Love (</em>18 x 24 pastel on La Carte) SOLD</div>
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<blockquote>
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<span style="color: #7a7a76; font-family: inherit;">Through flight and fields of feathers, true love
returns to where it belongs because regardless, <i>Love is
Love</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #7a7a76;">The Trumpeter Swans gather in the fields of Skagit Valley
(Washington) every year and every year I dash out with my camera hoping to see
them. They cover the fields in the valleys, nearly looking like fields of snow
from a distance. It doesn't seem to matter that I saw them last year, I want to
see them again<i> this</i> year. I want to meet the new arrivals and watch their
spectacular displays (always keeping a respectful distance, of course). </span>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #7a7a76;">Until one sees them up close, you might not realize how large these
birds are. In fact, they are the largest waterfowl of North America with a
wingspan (males) of six to eight feet. And you might be able to imagine what a
field of trumpets, all playing at the same time, must sound like! It is
something to behold.</span>
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7a7a76; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another lovely fact; Trumpeter Swans, generally having a lifespan of
twenty to thirty years, also mate for life.</span> </span></div>
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Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-2780364467334138202012-11-29T11:25:00.000-08:002015-08-16T11:35:29.907-07:00Stand Beside Her (work in progress)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tGpAJqWczjSJXurPPQAWHSjDqH4KcTzSz_ostrTHdzWQFyu0urQupBFzv-GFb0OY28b79c3QNir_HTqlQw7gFnvqX_p1gB4R5gbjBeMdOIUCRXha0dq6vHqof1gVVXRcpTWz0iTxtI9b/s1600/StandBesideHer_wip4fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tGpAJqWczjSJXurPPQAWHSjDqH4KcTzSz_ostrTHdzWQFyu0urQupBFzv-GFb0OY28b79c3QNir_HTqlQw7gFnvqX_p1gB4R5gbjBeMdOIUCRXha0dq6vHqof1gVVXRcpTWz0iTxtI9b/s320/StandBesideHer_wip4fin.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<em>Stand Beside Her</em> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(24 x 18 dry pastel) SOLD</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It feels to me that I live in the most blessed place on earth. It doesn't seem to matter what simple chore I am doing, I am surrounded by beauty. Lucky me, lucky, lucky me. I have to stop what I love doing (painting) to dash to the grocery store (which I don't like doing) and am greeted with THIS view on the way. Along my merry way. So, it is an incident as simple as this that renews my living philosophy that God is ever-present and blessings abound in every task.</span></span><br />
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Following are some images of how she was created. Well, you know, not from the beginning, just my feeble attempt on the easel...</div>
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This is the"rough-in" stage on salmon-colored Sennelier La Carte paper.<br />
(click image for larger views) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7pCaj9kNAN8oDc8qRnGCeMsB9Pmzb97GVdoGpmrODTTlesoDFh5jyo5oF1pi_AHiSGAlZZS9MncbNV_ViC1kF2sgtSoU2201Fs95svZoItjR0_m4ZdCHScaHFjptaJV3-_9dAHpzHTSA/s1600/sbh_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7pCaj9kNAN8oDc8qRnGCeMsB9Pmzb97GVdoGpmrODTTlesoDFh5jyo5oF1pi_AHiSGAlZZS9MncbNV_ViC1kF2sgtSoU2201Fs95svZoItjR0_m4ZdCHScaHFjptaJV3-_9dAHpzHTSA/s320/sbh_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pastels are MADE for painting clouds. I think it's as close as one can get to the feeling of actually making real ones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkHYG-qRUkGL8XCkpon9TvoZcKINwnjZPG1OddemEa6OMsRvUmlir2ZgkdLmDVpiE6py6Sn-yB_hiYu2zRrvUqMK_KQY9gb6OhM2xIAlVtkb2cSfk7IPf3zS5SyjcCOXs3QG94E-nhDvW/s1600/StandBesideHer_wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkHYG-qRUkGL8XCkpon9TvoZcKINwnjZPG1OddemEa6OMsRvUmlir2ZgkdLmDVpiE6py6Sn-yB_hiYu2zRrvUqMK_KQY9gb6OhM2xIAlVtkb2cSfk7IPf3zS5SyjcCOXs3QG94E-nhDvW/s320/StandBesideHer_wip1.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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After getting the sky pretty much in place, I started working on the land, from the furthest piece forward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xcbTsdcxW5UUb3_pOwi003PaVuheZvS_ojZBBV-m-Pk_V5FUV_RH7dJxbGThrDDQhXA36uFG77FIp5pD44IdyAR1dXlSeZpuTdtEEuOPgfq6dncK_Zfr2gvgr85x52I-w1BrT09nReq9/s1600/StandBesideHer_wip3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xcbTsdcxW5UUb3_pOwi003PaVuheZvS_ojZBBV-m-Pk_V5FUV_RH7dJxbGThrDDQhXA36uFG77FIp5pD44IdyAR1dXlSeZpuTdtEEuOPgfq6dncK_Zfr2gvgr85x52I-w1BrT09nReq9/s320/StandBesideHer_wip3.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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And, here's the final again - just to complete the WIP series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJRQ7bwBELzwtiOcgRWDHbYrkzVIPM5Sd2zObLNLo852pQ0eRz-ordq-W_15V5wQaoYBiOmK6olGT5j5JwzZ2eHiu66s5jhKslW-Cz0wykVPsjXbjlNqicsnNX_u2DiaV0_G4BKZuLODd/s1600/StandBesideHer_wip4fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJRQ7bwBELzwtiOcgRWDHbYrkzVIPM5Sd2zObLNLo852pQ0eRz-ordq-W_15V5wQaoYBiOmK6olGT5j5JwzZ2eHiu66s5jhKslW-Cz0wykVPsjXbjlNqicsnNX_u2DiaV0_G4BKZuLODd/s320/StandBesideHer_wip4fin.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by<br />
Cheers,<br />
Sandy</div>
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Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-55852509383402762092012-10-26T12:22:00.000-07:002012-10-26T12:25:04.449-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dG5qwpdXEb7k5GHcOcCve25_G2CrEPKaUIF6LDUIR7807_V6YO-41usM85HHVcFQufl8g-I3nTO0a30f4gJEwpSZXue9hR4oScISjWM-oAKObYFh7LTbD1w0RxWwMo2V_Ut068Hl9cT8/s1600/Pumpkin+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dG5qwpdXEb7k5GHcOcCve25_G2CrEPKaUIF6LDUIR7807_V6YO-41usM85HHVcFQufl8g-I3nTO0a30f4gJEwpSZXue9hR4oScISjWM-oAKObYFh7LTbD1w0RxWwMo2V_Ut068Hl9cT8/s320/Pumpkin+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Pumpkin</em> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(11 x 14 pastel on Sennelier La Carte)</span></div>
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availability info <a href="http://sandybyers.com/a_ORIGINALS/CatsOnly/Pumpkin.htm" target="_blank">on my website</a></div>
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You know, Pumpkin can hardly WAIT...</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-60264532054273202232012-10-15T14:08:00.000-07:002012-10-15T14:08:10.685-07:0020 minutes - what's the rush?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFGfvU5ComfcM4ssopqjALfyxNHRrMVvda1nJ2exT0Iei412IWtwuf34lEi0kSo6NYDMZzygUwcomDdYvVaBV1YimJ9wleErS2YMwNMUeDCUiZ4mapTWKXl8WgDutQb6HP19x9fwtiPYF/s1600/quickdraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFGfvU5ComfcM4ssopqjALfyxNHRrMVvda1nJ2exT0Iei412IWtwuf34lEi0kSo6NYDMZzygUwcomDdYvVaBV1YimJ9wleErS2YMwNMUeDCUiZ4mapTWKXl8WgDutQb6HP19x9fwtiPYF/s320/quickdraw.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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14 x 11 value study/quick draw - oil on linen panel</div>
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A friend and I hired a lovely model for our value and color exercise. It amazes me how quickly 20 minutes can fly by when one is trying to put eyeballs and noses in the correct place. I can see I did not do that in this piece but I am allowing myself those errors since this was a 20 minute piece with no room nor time for fixes. The purpose of this quickdraw was to warm up to the model's facial structure in increasingly longer poses. We started with a 5 minute pose, then a 10 minute pose, then 20 minutes then an hour+ with breaks for the model every 20 minutes. The time certainly flew by for us artists, especially under these conditions! Now that I have a value study and a color study, I feel confident I can produce a nice piece from the photos I took during the model session. We'll see :). </div>
<br />Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-88626110671646624892012-10-14T16:21:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:48:15.508-07:00October Skies, Plein Aire Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D-FJ0A1KO-A-5P8vo0hsODkH0J5RKp8p1VN3GWXrimT5IFNOerEa0tDHO3Qv8fm4dE5NMznpO9iZi-KNs3hsB7w2f-hGSHKmkyUDOpMyliexu8nxOHcg6pjqtLjwyweZTIh9MI2lcYCb/s1600/OctoberSkyStudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D-FJ0A1KO-A-5P8vo0hsODkH0J5RKp8p1VN3GWXrimT5IFNOerEa0tDHO3Qv8fm4dE5NMznpO9iZi-KNs3hsB7w2f-hGSHKmkyUDOpMyliexu8nxOHcg6pjqtLjwyweZTIh9MI2lcYCb/s320/OctoberSkyStudy.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>October Skies</strong></em> (10 x 8 Plein Aire Study)</div>
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I'm finding with plein aire painting (I'm new to this) that there is a pull between slowing down and speeding things up and knowing the right time to do which one. For instance, I have found it important to spend some time getting a "feel" for the place I am going to paint. I don't want to just jump in and start painting. I want to bond. Maybe it's corny but it's the truth. That being said, I also find once I am set up and ready to paint, nature takes over and sometimes pushes me along to paint faster before the sun leaves <em>that</em> spot or before the <em>storm</em> arrives. Both of which were the case in the painting above from a couple days ago. </div>
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Of course, it's not always like that but I am finding lots of enjoyment in the challenges being tossed at me with each new adventure!</div>
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This is my simple set-up just before starting the painting. You can almost see the gray clouds forming on the left. They didn't stop me though, today I headed back to the beach in 25 mph winds :). </div>
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Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-15867234430330738262012-10-10T11:15:00.000-07:002012-10-14T16:24:14.253-07:00Out there, somewhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't been "here" because I've been out "there" and I'm trying to catch those few extra rays of sunshine while we still have them. I never used to be too keen on painting outside (plein air) but I think that might be because I didn't have the right setup. Now, I do (thank you Larry). <br />
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I started out with carts full of stuff and the setup seemed so cumbersome. Now, I am down to things I can just sling over my shoulder so I'm pretty mobile. Here's what I started with - yes, I know, it looks like my entire studio on wheels. But, because I didn't have the <em>right</em> stuff, I needed a lot of <em>extra</em> stuff. Until I got my Best Brella, I had to have the cart to attach my umbrella to (otherwise it would fly away) and I had to have the smaller cart because I didn't have anyplace to put my palette when I worked with oils. <em>And</em>, I had to have the bigger cart because my little cart couldn't go most places I wanted to go because the wheels are too small.<br />
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This is my new setup :).</div>
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Attache Aire (for oil or pastel) & bag (holds my pastels, paper/panels)</div>
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Winsor Newton Easel / Easel Butler (for pastels)</div>
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Best Brella</div>
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Walkstool</div>
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Accessory bag (turp/oils/brushes)</div>
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This is the Attache Aire set up for pastels. Those pointy things are magnetic & there's a tray below the painting so the dust doesn't get all over the pastels below. The paper on this is 11 x 14.</div>
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This is the Attache Aire set up for oils with a vertical palette! SO awesome for keeping the palette on the same light plane as the working surface (in the shade). I can't take credit for the idea, it was an idea inspired by David Kassan and shared by my friend, Cary. Larry adapted it to our <a href="http://www.artstudiotools.com/" target="_blank">Attache Board</a> (still in protype) and now to the smaller Attache Aire. I am in love with this puppy!</div>
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This is so, cool, too - the palette flips over and screws facedown onto the board for transporting wet paint and fits into a Masterson Wet Palette storage container for longer term storage. Nice.</div>
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So what about the horse? Hahaha. Well, I was painting last night with a friend and this horse showed up for a nice stroll along the beach. Okay, he did have a friend with him, too, but it was still a little out of the ordinary and just another great reason why I enjoy going outside to paint. </div>
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Cheers, all!</div>
<br />Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-58239116890475253732012-08-14T10:56:00.001-07:002012-08-14T10:56:57.798-07:00Golden Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofSU2tDET3K_slWUzjuuFAG-EIzRv5Ah49KWz3sTR9zkak_RWXezLtinlUrK3qj2N29hjDGUkYdHKbZd6vUgP9sV1nEnL29zPUW400mBWKDXFuWWDZRj0taSJcWF-3FIMmwZvAz-N4UN8/s1600/GoldenTrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofSU2tDET3K_slWUzjuuFAG-EIzRv5Ah49KWz3sTR9zkak_RWXezLtinlUrK3qj2N29hjDGUkYdHKbZd6vUgP9sV1nEnL29zPUW400mBWKDXFuWWDZRj0taSJcWF-3FIMmwZvAz-N4UN8/s400/GoldenTrail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Golden Trail</em> (12 x 18, dry pastel, <a href="http://sandybyers.com/a_ORIGINALS/LandAndSea/GoldenTrail.htm" target="_blank">info on my website</a>)</div>
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Having just juried one art show and soon getting ready to jury entries for the Pastel Journal Pastel 100 competition, I've been doing a lot of thinking about what makes a good painting. Of course, over the years of learning to paint, we artist all consider these things practically daily! What I find extremely useful when jurying a show is being accountable for the choices I make. Writing critiques makes me think harder and longer about why I make the choices I do; not just for the work of others but also for my own work. </div>
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There are lots of reasons artists enter competitions; exposure of work, prize money, building a resume, etc. I am not a competitive person but I do consistently try to find ways to push myself beyond my own comfort zone when it comes to my art. One way I have found that helps me improve, and work a little harder to get a little better, is to enter competitions. Lest you think I might get full of myself when I win an award, please take note that I have a folder full of rejection letters to keep me in line. It is my opinion that an artist who chooses to enter competitions needs to build up competition calluses. And, like calluses, the first ones are a little tougher to take than the later ones but eventually, you take them in stride. </div>
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Last year, a painting that won first place (for me) didn't make it into the finals the year before. I reviewed the painting, thought about the results, decided I was still quite pleased with the piece and felt it was strong in all aspects. I left it as it was and re-entered it. Jury results can be a useful tool but ultimately you are the one who is the best judge of your work. </div>
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Cheers, </div>
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Sandy</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-57975280201299759562012-07-16T17:48:00.000-07:002012-08-17T08:41:43.216-07:00Chasing Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Chasing Summer</em>, 20 x 16 oil on linen</div>
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I never tire of seeing little feet in the sand nor water rushing to shore.</div>
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Below are a few progress photos of this painting that is done on one of my hand mounted linen boards. Pure luxury, as far as I am concerned...</div>
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Click on any of the images below for a larger view.</div>
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Below are details images showing the lusciousness of the linen.</div>
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Paint, live, love, enjoy and thank you so much for visiting my blog!</div>
Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708887413708957225.post-66133869382212202212012-07-15T09:15:00.000-07:002012-07-15T09:15:36.823-07:00Here Fishy Fishy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIrP2OUBW4H6XWc87Mn2hDAyliFoVe6iefcIG2jNtWutVjIq-ZwUFC-dUdSHEJL_iDfh_3G6RECCvNopDbmEmTuRlcTQ5xBnOYoCwKwNjEoLp-YNGZE79kEa5QRB3xky-gxQmTzRzjSGf/s1600/LilyPlayground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIrP2OUBW4H6XWc87Mn2hDAyliFoVe6iefcIG2jNtWutVjIq-ZwUFC-dUdSHEJL_iDfh_3G6RECCvNopDbmEmTuRlcTQ5xBnOYoCwKwNjEoLp-YNGZE79kEa5QRB3xky-gxQmTzRzjSGf/s400/LilyPlayground.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Lilypad Playground</em> (dry pastel, 25 x 41 framed) by Sandy Byers</div>
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As a child, I could spend endless hours laying on a dock with my head hanging over the edge just waiting for something to move. Anything! Then, when it did, I recall getting all excited trying to figure out what made the ripples in the water. I looked quickly from side to side and checked under the dock and around the poles, searching for the culprit. </div>
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Sometimes, it would be something a small as a minnow kissing the air that would set off circles and circles of waves intended to drift out to sea. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltFlrlRhihkAE1YtTaigU4J6-TB3W51xmIgbl8vVgcDdYECQwxaUIOoVaWVMlfpWLEPnJljmSVwkEqBOU9MxymDojwJvCT2TtvlFQBVvrREsMhR_0J2BnSkZDTM_abcU5YkI8PdnM9E5E/s1600/LilyPlayground_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltFlrlRhihkAE1YtTaigU4J6-TB3W51xmIgbl8vVgcDdYECQwxaUIOoVaWVMlfpWLEPnJljmSVwkEqBOU9MxymDojwJvCT2TtvlFQBVvrREsMhR_0J2BnSkZDTM_abcU5YkI8PdnM9E5E/s400/LilyPlayground_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I still find that enjoyment in the water at the edge of a dock. </div>
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This piece will be part of my upcoming show at the <a href="http://scottmilo.com/" target="_blank">Scott Milo Gallery</a> in Anacortes. If you get a chance to stop by during the opening reception, I would love your company. Plus, it will be during the <a href="http://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/" target="_blank">Anacortes Arts Festival</a> so there will be lots and lots of fun things to see and do!</div>
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<strong>Scott Milo Gallery</strong></div>
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<strong>August 3rd - Sept 4th </strong></div>
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<strong>Artist Reception August 3rd (Friday) 6-9 pm</strong></div>
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<br /></div>Sandy Byershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11983876602371359610noreply@blogger.com6