An Artful Weekend
As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a lot going on this weekend. To start with, it was First Friday in Downtown Las Vegas where artists from all around the area would be displaying their wares – including yours truly.
The event starts at 6pm, but I needed to get there a couple hours early so I could set up. With two of my newest paintings being a little large, I decided to redo the wall almost entirely. Here’s what it looked like when I finished with 15 minutes to spare…
Don’s Wall for February’s First Friday
Here’s a close-up showing that my friend, Melissa, is starting to take over my wall (she’s in three of the paintings)…
Killer Instinct and friends
The night started out pretty slow but began picking up after 8pm – as seems to be the norm. One of my Eye Candy: Skittle paintings (Strawberry) was purchased by a man visiting from New Orleans. He said it made him think of his wife who was still at home and he wanted to buy it for her. Another of my paintings, Take Heart, was purchased by my friends Tami and Angelo. What’s funny is that as soon as I wrote sold on its tag a lady came over and wanted to purchase it. Luckily, I had a print of it on hand and she didn’t leave totally disappointed.
Tami and Angelo with their new painting
All in all, it was a pretty good night…
Then, on Saturday it was time to teach my next Acrylic Painting Workshop at the Michael’s store in North Las Vegas. I had two students show up this week, one of which had never painted before. They both did really well, as you will see in the following photos…
Here they are after we had been painting for about 40 minutes. You can see that everything is pretty well blocked in and its time to start adding some color…
I realized as I was preparing for this class that I had never had a photo taken of me while I was teaching. So, during a pause, I asked one of the students to take a shot of me at work…
I hate having my back to the class, so I’ve learned how to paint upside down and backwards to make it easier for the class to follow along. In the photo above you can see that we have started laying in the greens of meadow.
A short time later, one of the Michael’s associates came in and interrupted my class – which seems to happen quite often. I told her that if she was going to interrupt my flow, I was going to interrupt hers by making her take a photo of the whole class in action. She kindly obliged…
Both ladies did so well today. I couldn’t be prouder. Here they are with their finished paintings…
The young lady on the right (who is only 13) had never painted before. Her mother was so excited with how well she did that she plans to join us in a future class. Cool, huh?
Now it’s time for me to head back into my studio and get busy. Even though I painted in class today, it’s not the same as painting for myself.
Happy Creating!
What a great weekend, the photos make everything you do seem more of a reality to me, Don. I need the visuals. Your wall once again looks fantastic, and you have definitely incorporated larger works in a way that keeps the flow of your eye candy series going. Congrats on the sales. I think I am even more fascinated and impressed with your ability to paint upside down and backwards!!! I am curious, does the cost of your class include taking home paint supplies too (not just finished pieces)?
It is my theory that we artists work all the time! You are especially productive. Congrats on the sales and the teaching. Your First Friday wall is amazing!
Thanks for the silly things you write on my blog.
Robin… I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Thank you. The ‘painting upside down and backwards’ is pretty easy once you get used to it. I just keep my reference painting turned upside down and laying on the table behind the painting I’m working on for the class. As for the cost of the class, it’s $25 for the two hour lesson. The supplies are separate. Grumbacher has a ‘Starter Kit’ that Michael’s sells which includes 4 of the colors we use, the same two brushes I use, a palette knife, and two canvasses. Since I’m being paid by Grumbacher AND Michael’s for this class I use only Grumbacher supplies to teach it.
Elizabeth… We definitely are working all the time. Even when I’m not physically active with a piece, I’m still thinking about it or planning for another. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoy my silly comments. I love your work, but cannot help but respond to your wonderful and whimsical stories.
-Don
Okay–it’s time for a video of you painting upside down and backwards!!
I enjoyed this post – seeing you teach, and again displaying your wares – that’s quite a wall!
Hallie… I’m not sure if I want to subject people to the reflection off the top of my head as would happen should I videotape me working this way.
Dan… Thanks! It was a pleasure to share.
-Don
don, your wall of work is beyond impressive!! congratulations on your well deserved sales and success of your students work…NICE…and the most amazing feat of all…painting upside down!!! when you’re good….you’re good!
Suz… Thank you! Painting upside down isn’t really that tough as long as what you’re painting from is upside down as well.
-Don
Your First Friday wall looks amazing! Pure eye candy! Congrats on your sales, Don!
Thanks for stopping by!
Gaby xo
Thank you, Gaby! I always enjoy checking out your work. I’ll be stopping by often…
-Don