June, 2026

For the Last 3 months, my life has been in overdrive and the busiest I can remember.  I participated in 3 paint outs in a row, starting with River Towns in Marietta Pa.  I garnered a 3rd place in the quickdraw painting the Cherry Blossom Festival.  The next one was Great Falls Va.  I won 2nd place in main event and honorable mention in quick draw.  Then, Ellicott City.  I won honorable mention.  Honestly, I am always surprised if I win anything but was really happy I was able to break even for the travel costs. between prize money and selling a painting.  I love doing these events.  It feels like an adventure (especially if I have never been to the area).  

I do a lot of homework for every paint out.  First, I research my competition and the judge.  I can get an idea what they will like by their style.  Then, I go to the area and scope out things I want to paint and get the lay of the land.  I generally like to paint the landscape but sometimes I take on buildings and cityscapes just for the challenge.  I spend hours researching maps and streets getting inspiration.  After that, all that's left is packing supplies, frames, clothing and snacks.  Also, checking the weather for the best days to paint.

During the paint-out I love to talk to other artists and see what they are up to.  We share so many things including where they are painting and what their next event is.  We cheer for each other when we win and are generally supportive.  We know we are all working hard and love the same things.

Until the next adventure!

Hi to All!

This spring has been the busiest art season I can remember!  Here is a rundown of all the events I have participated in this spring:

-Plein Air South

-St. Mary's Paintout (Honorable Mention)

-Historic Society Marion County Art Walk (As an invited artist, I painted the old Seven Sister's House above) I donated it to the current owner.

-St. Augustine paintout

-Juried into Rocky Mountain Regional Juried Competition

-Juried into MCA's Landmarks Show

-Juried into Webber Gallery's Town and Country Show

Whew!  It has been a whirlwind but it was so much fun!  I love creating art and meeting so many fellow artists at these events.  When I'm able to spend time with other artists with the same passion, it's like I'm 'drinking it in'.

One of the most special experiences was when I was at St. Augustine paintout, I was drawn to a little pink house with flower boxes.  As I was painting the house the owner came out and I found out it was called the 'Wendy' house built in the 1800's when the play Peter Pan came out and they built these two houses together and they were called the Wendy and Peter Pan houses.  She gave me a tour of the cute 1000 square foot house and introduced me to Mr. Magoo, her 20 year old parrot.  There were so many special places to paint there, it was hard to chose.

I am getting ready to travel out to Montana and am looking forward to many painting adventures and stories to tell.

Have a great summer and please check my website out for new artwork for sale!  You can email me if interested.

Laurie

Every Year we travel to Red Lodge Montana and I paint all over the west.  This year we finally bought a house and will be going there for 5 months out of the year.  I travel to Driggs Idaho for a paintout, helped start a paintout in Red Lodge and was juried into the Beartooth Plein Air Painting Group and participated in a paintout at the Ishawooa Historic Ranch in Wyoming.

My husband loves to fish and it is always a beautiful spot for me to paint so it is a perfect relationship.  I have begun to meet many artists there and we have started painting when we find time.

In October we leave before the first big snow and come home to Florida, camping along the way.  While in Florida, we camp in Jupiter and I can paint the beaches as well as the Florida Springs and landscape in Ocala where our home is.

Until later, Blessings to you and yours!