Thursday, August 20, 2020

First Trip Out Of Town In Months!

Bill and I made an escape to the lake.
It's our first time getting out of town since February. This may be the longest stretch ever. 



I'm looking forward to just sitting here staring at the lake. 
We boated and floated already. 
Yesterday, when I should have been packing, I was painting instead. 
 

 There was a very old fashioned portrait in the frame. It used to hang in my dining room and the brown colors worked with my red walls and the olive walls that came later. It may have been painting during the French Provincial fad of the 60s. 
Bill's mom worked for the Fine Arts Director for the school district. She knew all kinds of hobby artists back in the day.  I think one of the art teachers painted the portrait.  Some of the paintings done by this artist were copies so if it was a copy, it's not one that I'm familiar with. 
Since I've been having a French style resurgence, I tried to find a place for the portrait. In the end, I decided that it didn't work and that it was very old lady looking. Bill wouldn't like it hanging again, Hus patience only goes so far. 
The frame still has the price of $7.50 on the back. It's in amazing shape. 
I thought about trying to find a print to fit but decided to paint something instead. 


We were all given nick names in our blended family. I was Susie Homemaker. My sister was the artist. 
I don't think that it was done with malice or an attempt to box us in but it had the subtle effect of stifling the artistic side of me. Crafting was allowed in my Susie Homemaker status but not painting and I've always been a little intimidated by it. 
It is something on my "to do" list. I'd like to practice and get better. Many of the brush strokes and tiny futzy things aren't that dissimilar to crafting. 
Five canvases came in a package from Michael's so there are five tries to get the painting the way that I like it. 
If there is a sample, I can paint something similar. The springboard for this painting came from my friend, Judy at Gold Coast Cottage. She shared one of her grandmother's paintings at my Keep In Touch party. 
I don't think my painting looks much like Judy's but it was fun to try. I shared it on my Instagram. I'd love it if you would follow me over there for more up to the minute updates. 
Our realtor has put us in touch with a realtor out here so maybe we can finally find a property of our own in East Texas. 
We think there is a place out here for us but the timing just hasn't been right. 



This weekend, Bill is going to fish, nap, and read. I'm going to finish a needlepoint and read magazines. Napping will be in my future too. 


When we get home, there are some more fall crafts that we'd like to do and painting that I'd like to try. I'm so excited for fall. 
Life won't look much different but it will be a change, if that makes sense. 
Thanks for stopping by. 
That's all for now. 
Katie 



 



7 comments :

  1. I am SO glad you got out and lakes are so calming and peaceful. And I am ALSO so glad you painted. My big pet peeve int he world is what happens to our lives, interests and activities when someone says (as they did to you and to me), "Oh you can ___, and ___ is the artist." And even though there is no malice in that, there is damage. My cousin Patty was the artist; I could write. It's what we decide to do, decide we want to learn or express. I'm SO glad you painted. I need to find your insta -- I want to see more! (Oh, and the needlepoint is stunning.)

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    1. I meant to link it and didn't. I'll remedy that right now.

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  2. Great that you hot to get away. Enjoy your time relaxing and needle pointing. Hope some great fishing happens too.

    You'll find a place that's perfect.

    Cindy

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  3. Hi Katie. I recognized the painting the minute I saw it so you did do it justice. I haven't a clue who the original artist was as it isn't signed anyplace but I do love it just because I always remember it hanging in her old log home and after. I am honored that you liked it enough to paint it and you do paint really well. The needlepoint is so gorgeous and life looks wonderful at the lake..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  4. You are so fortunate to have a pretty lakeside retreat to escape to. It sounds like you had a wonderful get away. Your painting is very charming--I love it!

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  5. I went to this place and it feels like heaven on earth!

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