June 2026

June 30, 2026

June 2026

Drawing, teaching, painting and learning. That’s pretty much the routine these days and I’m perfectly fine with it! Most of my time is spent on Palmetto Bluff work, and I have a pretty good stash of reference photos but I’m also pushing myself to look at those photos in new ways so that I can continue to paint from them. It’s a good creative challenge. Some days I paint with pastel, other times acrylic, other times oil. Sometimes I limit my palette to three colors, or use a square format, anything to mix it up.

Met with Antonin and reviewed a bunch of new paintings. There were some value issues and that was disappointing at first because I thought I had that under better control. After our call I went back to my reference photos and realized that the lighting was a bit too even, so I’ve fixed that issue. Lighting is so tricky - too dark and it won’t look impressionistic; too light and there isn’t enough drama. More work to do on that front. The flower paintings at the top of the page were painted after making lighting adjustments.

Classes are rockin along. The Acworth crew is phenomenal. It’s very rewarding to see them make so much progress so quickly. They work hard and they’re getting results. The classes are full with a waiting list and that’s after adding another day of teaching into the mix. Who knew there were so many people in Acworth who want to learn how to draw??

Student Work

On the personal development front, I’ve been meeting with a life coach. The big 6-0 is right around the corner and that seems like an opportunity to reflect, think about the future, analyze some obstacles, etc. She asks a lot of questions and gives me exercises that stimulate ideas and prompt new ways of thinking about some of the same ol stuff.

After our first call I realized something that seems really important … the first 30-40 years of my life were rough, not happy, chaotic, dysfunctional, and honestly, sad. It motivates me to create, to experience as much as possible and to make whatever time I have left as positive, happy, productive and peaceful as possible.

The big excitement for June was going back to Townsend Atelier in Chattanooga for a 3 day workshop with legendary artist Dan Thompson. I remember hearing George talk so fondly about Dan, and George really isn’t the kind of guy to do that, so I just had this hunch that he would be a pretty special guy and he was. What stood out to me were his humility and his pure love of art and teaching. On day one he said, “When it comes to drawing, I always assume I’m wrong.” That’s someone who does not lead with their ego. How often do you meet people like that?

I learned a long time ago not to fawn over people or treat anyone else like they have some sort of super power. We are all human beings, created equally. But there are some people who work harder than others, who have dived deeper on various subject matter. That’s Dan. Humble, hard working and an incredible respect for his fellow humans. Sadly, it feels like it’s rarer than ever to meet people like that, so it really had an impact on me. Just so happens he also loves Egon Schiele and Albrecht Durer!

Hands and Feet. I had no idea there was so much to learn about hands and feet. I know the words metatarsal and phalanges, but tuberosity? Calcaneus? Navicular? Pisiform? Sagittal line? Oooof, my head hurt so bad at the end of each day because I just did not know the terminology. On the drive home I had time to think, process and I had to remind myself that classical atelier drawing is wayyyy more intense than every day sort of learning. I don’t think my drawing students want to go that deep (I’ll ask them next week!) and I don’t think you have to go that deep to get a decent hand or foot drawing, but it inspired me to learn more.

I’m taking a little summer break from docent work but keeping an eye out for a few things that are coming soon to the museum: 1) a tree drawing exhibition that opens July 31 and 2) a completely revamped American floor that should be opening any day.

COMING IN JULY: more drawing classes and a trip out west!

OTIS , WINNIE AND LOU LOU