Now that cleanup of the Open Studio Tour is 99% done, it is on to completing a couple of commissions and some plein air works. Happily, I sold two of the new plein air paintings that I completed in Moss Landing area. I was somewhat concerned that the looser style( by necessity outdoors) may not be appealing to those who prefer the detailed realism of many of my studio works but it seems all were well received.
      I have had inquiries about classes--and yes, I will be holding at least one beginning watercolor class, provided those interested are available mid week. Weekends might work also but cannot do both.

       One item on the list has nothing to do with art,but all to do with responsibilities. Due to my son not being available at the ranch-- yours truly is elected to do the mowing. Rather than do my one-day knock down drag-out, dawn til dusk foray, I've elected to stay a couple of days ( maybe longer) and possibly paint a little during my "break " times. 
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    In the works, I hope, will be some entries into the National, and American Watercolor Societies yearly shows, and a few other shows if I can manage to meet deadlines. I will keep all posted as to entries and results. I have long considered doing this, and keep telling myself I am ready, yet somehow stuff comes up-- this is the year to ignore the stuff!

       This is Monday after the first weekend of The Santa Cruz County Open Studios Tour, and I am dragging. Setup is always hard and somewhat last minute,so requires hurrying up and down the stairs
lugging panels, signs, and paintings. Choosing where they will hang( without adding more nail holes in our newly painted living room) is always a daunting task. I finished about eleven on Friday night, took my Advil, and was just drifting off to sleep, when  I suddenly realized I was missing a few large paintings.  There was no way I was going to get back out of bed, so I set the alarm for an extra hour earlier than planned. I found them tucked away in my storage closet. The trick then was to find somewhere to hang them, as I had everything already in place. The spare room is still waiting for new paint so a few more nail holes didn't cause a problem and it became a secondary "gallery" 
     An Encore weekend is coming up, where many if not most artists have chosen to stay open.  It can be very tiring, but rewarding when a painting sells and you can tell the client just loves it. There are many new people to meet, and many beginning artists asking about instruction.
        It always amazes me that there are so many artists in this county --280 +/- a few, that were juried into the open studio tour--not counting those that applied and did not get accepted. Not only are there artists everywhere, I find that the average ( non-artist) people have no clue just how many talented artists live and work in this area.
        An event at our local mall--filling the empty store fronts for one night-- had many people asking if I was local, have I been here long. and do I sell my art anywhere else.  When I explained about the Open Studios tour  that takes place every October, many were dumbfounded and replied they sort of remember some green signs but didn't know what they were for. Personally I remain optimistic that somehow we artists will get more than a small blurb in our local paper throughout the year--possibly and weekly column with an artist each week.
    So if you are reading my blog, and live anywhere near, grab some friends and come to Santa Cruz county this weekend and support some artists-----even if you don't buy--moral support is good too!
Ask  questions, find out how we make our art, what it takes to be an artist--learn something and maybe take some some art for your house! 
               Who knows, maybe you'll decide you want to become an artist!