And So it Begins!

 Yesterday was my last class for the season and maybe forever...I decided to take on a season of teaching thinking covid was clearing up and after a year of grieving, I thought I needed to get back into it. I am so glad I did. I love to teach and I love the people I am teaching. It filled my day and kept me from thinking too much. I needed to be around people and they lit me up. So it was a melancholy feeling, my last class. 

This morning I took my time getting up. Trying to conjure up positive thoughts. We were picking up the Airstream today! I was terrified, but kept my feeling at bay. I went through my morning in slow motion. Christine was on her way and we were to take a class to teach us how to use our new home. When she came to the door she looked excited and asked if I was too. At this time in my life (because of grief) I don't get too excited about anything. I try to be open minded and not think too much about what's next so I don't worry myself too much. But deep down inside, I really was terrified about hauling the RV. I did everything I could think of to get the truck in tip top shape. I have never done anything like this before so I had no idea what was in store.

We arrived in Nashua a little late, but the guys at Airstream were wonderful. Jason took us through the entire outside and then the entire inside. He was very thorough. At the end he took me for a test drive around the building giving me helpful hints on driving. It felt great! And with as much courage as I could muster, we took off. It was like nothing was on the back. We didn't have a lot of traffic and we made it home with no problems. The Airstream is a magnificent RV and the engineers thought of everything. It was dark when I got home, so I left it on the front lawn and Christine took some packed bags and put them inside. Tomorrow we will unpack and set things up. 

We were hoping to take a few short trips before leaving but with the weather getting colder, the RV is winterized, so we will wait till we are ready to go. I have my nephew staying at my house while we are gone and we have to check the weather, but we are planning on leaving in the near future. 

Stay tuned to see us begin our new adventure! We are planning on doing podcasts, blogs and a few other things to keep everyone up to date. We have lots of things planned, but mainly to paint, paint, paint!

Art Saves Lives

 Looking back on my posts made me sad. The last three years have been brutal. But I am slowly moving forward. I have done so much since September to move on past this grief. With the pandemic, it has been an Olympian feat! I have traveled with my recently widowed friend from Florida all the way up to Maine. Trying to paint away my sadness. I have often felt like a criminal escaping jail.

I haven't painted as much as I did before all of this happened, but I feel that my work is more meaningful or deep. I'm not sure if what has happened has anything to do with it or I am just growing, but I have had a major response from people and most of it is selling rapidly.

Painting is the only time when I feel like myself. I have to think about what I am doing, so I am not dwelling in the past. It is a relief. People stop by to look and have no idea what I've been through so I can have normal conversations. It gives me purpose and forces me to leave my home. I can paint without crowds so I don't have to worry about covid. I think the worse thing about the pandemic is that you have to hibernate from people and that is completely depressing to someone who loves to be social.

I can definitely say that art saves lives. It is saving mine... It has made me friends, paid my bills and kept my sanity,(for the most part). It forces me outdoors and comforts me. It has inspired me and humbled me.

And then....

As I look at my last post, I see how naive I was. One minute I was a traveling fool, the next minute... tragedy emerges. After intuitively knowing my husband was sick, there was no more ignoring it. He has cancer. The next few months my life was thrown into a cauldron of emotions and trauma.

I had just come from a vacation in Florida where I was painting with my friends. We were laughing and carefree. At that time, I had an intuition that Glenn was sick. I had been trying to get him to a doctor for at least three years. I had related this to my friends at the time. It was abstract. I couldn't imagine what would happen next.

When I got home, after Glenn had gone to the doctors for what they thought was an average UTI, they discovered that he had a tumor in his bladder and they wanted to take care of it ASAP. This begins one of the most traumatic times of our lives.

As he goes into his surgery to remove this tumor, a one day, outpatient event, we begin our journey into the world of cancer. A place I never thought I would go.

When they remove the tumor with none surgical procedure, they discover that he has a bigger tumor in his colon. This is the original tumor that has grown into his bladder, spread to his abdomen and has created 3 inch legions in his liver. A death sentence. This tumor in his colon has burst through into his bladder and causes a fistula. It is a door from his colon into his bladder. Bad news. The colon is filled with bacteria and can not get into his bladder, and if the surgeons let this go, he would be dead in hours. So he has to have another surgery to close off the colon and they had to put on a colostomy bag.

This wasn't so bad in it's self , but what he went through in the next two years was hell on earth.

He passed away September 9, 2020. It was the worse year you could ever imagine. He was told he had a month to live and managed to go 19 months more. My Dad passed away that December. After moving into my house for only 3 hours, he decided that he was going to "croak here or in the hospital". He was right. We sent him to the hospital and he died the next day. That year I lost 3 friends, a cousin, my godfather, my husband and my father. Everything in my house seemed break or expire during that year as well. And lets not forget the pandemic. So I guess 2018 was my gift from God to get through the next three years.

Be Afraid

Today is January 1, 2019. I have no idea what this year has in plan for me. But I hope it will be as exhilarating as last year.

Last September as I was returning from Ireland, I sat at my desk and questioned, what's next in my head. In the next minute the phone rang and it was Claudia Post inviting me to do a painting trip in Wyoming. I said yes, not knowing how I would manage it. It was an adventure I wasn't going to miss especially because I asked a question and was answered so quickly by that phone call. I decided because I need so much equipment and that I had a new car, I would drive cross country to Big Horn. Everyone in my world thought I was crazy. I was terrified! But it felt right and I wasn't going to let my fear stop me. My husband Glenn came up with every scary thing the trip could offer. Bear and snake attacks, bad weather, bad people, etc...

May 26, I took off on my journey filled with excitement and terror! Because of bluetooth in my car, my husband kept in touch with weather reports and good places to end up in for gas and lodging. After  about 4 hours in, I started to relax and enjoy myself. As I got my hotel rooms each night, I would do it as quickly as possible so no one would see I was alone. I would bunker in and jam a chair in the door so no one could enter.

When I made it to Sioux Falls South Dakota it was still early and Glenn had done a little research of the area and suggested I go to Sioux Falls. It was supposed to be really pretty. I brought my paints and was happy he was right. It was a beautiful spot. There were many great people who talked to me including a group of teachers having an outing on their last day of school riding on a bar/bicycle contraption. I actually sold my painting off the easel! I couldn't wait to tell Glenn when I got back to my hotel room.

My next stop was Mount Rushmore. I don't know why I wanted to see it so bad, but it was on my bucket list and I had to stop there. I again brought my paints and did a quick painting. Thank God I did stop there because if I hadn't, I would have been hit by a tornado that touched ground in Gillette, Wyoming!!!

It took me four days to drive out there. I enjoyed every minute of it. People told me to take books on tape because the scenery would be drab in the Dakotas. But I couldn't listen to them because I didn't want to miss the scenery! It was gorgeous!!!

As I was finally approaching Big Horn, out of no where a storm came in. It was stunning, but terrifying. I had to pull over to take pictures! It looked like a tornado was forming! Glenn was watching the weather, but this came in fast. He didn't see it!!! I made it just in time to Big Horn to see a rainbow. It was the universe telling me everything was going to be alright!

Alright it was!!! Claudia met me in the front of the ranch and I soon met the first group of artists that were going to be there the first two weeks. It was to be two of the best weeks of my life! Our landlord was John Wayne in the flesh! As handsome and charismatic as the actor. We all got along so wonderfully! Our group connected and we had some incredible adventures! Everywhere we went we seemed to be there at the right time. We were taking pictures of some cows and a woman came by asked us what we were doing and introduced us to the farmers. They invited us on their property to paint and bought my painting! It was a magical time that two weeks.. So many great people we were introduced to. Joel Ostlind, the most amazing artist, had Claudia and I in his studio. We were so entranced we missed dinner. He is an amazing artist and person!!!! We shuffled off the Buffalo and there were all these Model A cars in front of the Occidental Hotel. As soon as we were done taking pictures, the cars left!!!

In the end, I did 54 paintings. I had hoped to do 100, but the adventures got in the way. I have sold 14 of them! Probably more than I would have sold if I was home that month.

After coming back from Wyoming, a dear friend asked me to go to Ireland again with her. We went together last year and had a fabulous time. Again, I had no idea how I would pay for it!!!! We went to the Beara Peninsula. It was incredibly beautiful. We spent a lot of our time trying to find stone circles. There are over 100 there. We managed to find 3! I sold most of the paintings I did there!

When I got home, a friend who trades a painting for her cottage asked me to do it again. How could I say no? Her place is so friendly with amazingly good vibes... I love to stay there. Jackie Jones spent some time with me. She was one of the artists from the first two weeks in Wyoming. It was great to spend more time with her. She blew me away with her paintings and it was great to reconnect!

Thinking my traveling was done, I was supposed to go on a trip with the woman who plans all of my trips abroad, but we couldn't fill it. One of the girls who was going to go on the trip suggested we go to the village she grew up in in Anversa, Italy. I asked her to see what it costs to fly there. In a blink of the eye, we had 6 people who wanted to go. Most of them my dear friends. So, here I am flying into Rome a week after being on the Cape. What a fairy tale!!! Needless to say we had an amazing time! We stayed with Rita Delvecchio's family. They were amazing! They brought us expresso and wine while we were painting outdoors and made us dinner and drove us around. Her family also brought us bottles of Proseco as we were painting. What a giving town! They opened their house to us! We all got along so well. We spent the last 3 nights in Rome in a fantastic Air BnB. We couldn't have had a better time!

When I got home, it was back to business. I was lucky with full classes. But things were still tight. In early December I had many bounced checks. Talk about scary! But at the end of 2018, one of the best years of my life, things are in the black.

I AM GRATEFUL!

Be afraid! It wakes you up!

Packing to Paint Out of the Country

I have been fortunate, especially this year, to head again to Europe. I just finished a painting trip to Ireland and now I am going back to Italy. I am taking a new group, so I decided to write this post to inform them on how I pack. So far, I have been lucky enough not to have anything confiscated! You can downsize this if necessary, but this works for me.

I begin with a bag large enough to carry my wet paint carrier. Since I use Judson Art's guerrilla box, 9 x 12, I use a wet paint carrier from them as well and put in my canvas panels. I use 1/8" Lu an wood I prime myself. It holds about 15.
(www.judsonsart.com). I can fit my laptop and a small purse in there as well and this all fits under my seat on the plane.

In my overhead bag, I put my empty guerrilla box except for my 3 canvases and my well for medium, my tripod that I unscrew at the top and a full roll of paper towel that I unroll and lay flat at the bottom. Paper towels are hard to find in Europe! I also put a few brushes. I have a little space for an extra set of clothes for those just in case moments. I also stash a lot of small plastic bags in the sleeve. These bags really come in handy in Europe where they don't like to give them away! This all weighs about 23 pounds. I have about 28 pounds for the limit.

In my checked bag, I put all of my paints, turpenoid natural (get the paperwork for this), masters brush cleaner and palette knives in a puncture proof bag. I then download the paperwork for my Oil Colors* and highlight the flash points and non toxic parts on the sheets which I get at www.dickblick.com. If I order paint from them, next to the quantity box is a paper icon. If you press that, it tells you what is in the paint. I print that and then highlight it. I also put some business cards/brochures in it so if someone sees the paint, they can see how it is used. I will put my brushes in a tube next to this sac.

Oil Paint: Rembrandt paint - Cadmium Red Medium, Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Yellow Ochre, Viridian Green, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White, Winsor Newton Artist Series - Alizarin Crimson. If I use all Winsor Newton Artist series, I use Cadmium Red instead of the medium. 
Brushes, canvas, easel, paper towels, odorless turpentine and a mirror and anything else you may need to paint.

For clothes, I try to pack loose, light, color coordinated clothes and plan to layer. Black and white, black and tan... The weather will be cool in the mountains, so bring a sweater. I like to wear my jeans and a fleece on the plane and take a pair of black pants and a nice pair of pants, so only 2 pants in the suitcase. I like to bring lots of comfortable dull colored tee shirts that I can dress up with jewelry and sweaters. Don't wear bright colors when painting! Don't forget an apron, so you can wear descent clothes while you paint. Bring a hat too!  I usually pack too much! You can always wash something to wear twice! Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes. I have heard not to wear sneakers in Europe, but Nikes were always popular when I have been there. I also like to bring a lightweight umbrella and/or poncho. Keep your luggage under 50 pounds! Plus, there is only so much room in your vans.

I have found a light weight backpack that fits in the palm of your hand at T J Maxx. They also have the special adapters for plugs there. Or you can carry your gear in your overhead bag.

It is always a good idea to photo copy your credit cards (both sides) and passport and keep them separate from the originals. Bring copies of any important prescriptions or medical info too. Don't bring anything that could be remotely considered a weapon.... Cigarette lighters, metal nail files, wine openers, etc... 

I like to bring about a $100 in Euros in small bills. I can get whatever else I need by using my credit card or their ATMs.

Leave your loved ones an itinerary of where you will be, your flight numbers, etc..

I hope I am not forgetting anything! Have a great trip!

* Make sure you say your supplies are OIL COLORS, not oil paint! They do not accept paint!

Artists Paint Big Horn, Wyoming

Last September, I was sitting at my desk fresh from a wonderful trip to Ireland. I said to myself, "What's Next?" At that very moment, Claudia Post calls me with am idea for a trip to Wyoming. She went on and on explaining her idea. I really didn't hear a word she said because my ears were ringing and I was kinda in shock... It was like the universe had heard me! As soon as she stopped talking, I had one thing to say....YES! I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I was not backing down! I would figure it out! I knew if the universe wanted me to do this, that I would have to! So for the last nine months I have tied myself to my easel trying to make the best paintings I have ever done to pay for this trip. I did every thing I could think of to raise money. Even trying to pre-sell the work I will do in Wyoming. I had a solo show at the South Street Gallery and did pretty good. I got some commissions and even painted live at a supermarket! My friends came to the rescue buying some of my work and others simply put money in cards for me! I couldn't get over their generosity! My friend Sandra pointed out how it was a show of support for me. My gratitude is so deep!

In January we made a date for all of the artists to get together. I had met David Lussier a couple of times and did a demo with a group Claudia was involved in about 5 years ago. We hit it off on that day, but that is really as well as I know either of them. I didn't know the others. We will be renting a house on an Alpaca Ranch. There will be two groups of five each staying two weeks. I figured it would cost me only a little more to stay for the month, so I decided to do it. Claudia is also staying a month. I am sure we will be best friends by the end of the trip! I am looking forward to getting to know all of them!

I have decided to drive out there. I have so much gear, it seems to be the most cost effective. I have my trip ticks from AAA. I am hoping to do it in 3 days. I am bringing over 100 canvases. I am not sure I will fill them all, but I am hoping to. I have read up on road safety and bear and snake safety. I hope I am prepared. Now I just have to worry about the weather. There is the remnants of a hurricane moving up the Mississippi Valley. Ugh.

Claudia has a lot planned for us while we are there. Painting at a Golf Club, painting at Polo Matches and a few cocktail parties with collectors. I am hoping for the best.

Stay tuned to this sight. I will try to update it as often as I can!

What teaching means to me

I was a bartender for 17 years to support my habit as an artist. I still painted more than most people I knew even though I worked 20 - 40 hours a week. I worked nights so I could paint all day. I had the energy so I persevered.

      During the later era of my bartending years, I was able to convert a two car garage into a studio. When it was done, my dream was to have an artist's night where we would paint and trade ideas to lift each other up and also to network. It was so much fun to schedule and host these evenings. I would hire a model and invite artists to come and paint together for the fun of it. During these nights I became close to a lot of these artists. One of them kept telling me I should become a teacher. I should try and spend some time teaching people. I am not sure now what finally made me stop and give it a try. I didn't have the time and I didn't think I knew enough, but I did finally did give it a try.
     The first few classes were really tough. I drew back on my years as being a student and thought about what really helped me when I needed it as well as what I thought was missing in my years of training. There was, in my mind, a lot of faking it. But I found I loved it. And even though I might have thought I was faking it, I really knew what I was doing and my found my passion. I tried to give my students every thing I ever learned and all the things I wanted to know. If I didn't know it, I read from my favorite books till we all memorized it. "Alla Prima" by Richard Schmid was my all time favorite. But there were many more I loved. Before long I could recite from these books. My time at  an atelier, my experience as a plein air artist and my knowledge of the fundamentals helped my students progress at a great speed.
     I have now been teaching for many years. I am so grateful to where this profession has taken me. I have met some of my best friends through teaching. I have traveled to some of my dream locations in the world on workshops with those wonderful people. I have the best hours too. I teach in the mornings which give me the whole rest of the day to paint. And teaching has taught me more, in all my years as a student, about painting. I learn as much from them as they do from me. And now, I don't need to bar tend any more.

     There is no greater joy than seeing the lights come on in a students face. I always say, you might want to punch me in the face at the beginning of the class, but you will want to kiss me by the end of my class. How they sometimes look frustrated or angry until they finally get it and then I see their lips curl into a smile....
     I teach every morning. When the weather is good, plein air "alla prima" (outdoors in one shot) in our beautiful seaside communities sometimes adding a live model, some days inside with still lifes. I find that still life helps with technique because you can control the set up, you can work on it longer and without the distractions of the outdoor elements, bugs and people. Figure and portraiture helps to improve your drawing abilities because if it is off just a little, you can see it. And painting outdoors helps to make you paint faster, see color and to understand how important temperature in your colors to create depth in your work.
   Next sessions classes start January 19, 2017. Please go to www.diannepmiller.com to see the schedule.