Martha Dodd – June 2020 NotesJune 2020 Summer Art
It’s summer in full swing, and here is what is going on in my world. Thanks for taking the time and interest to read my notes.
What’s Shakin’
I’ve been trying to make the most of my quarantine time at home. It has been a really strange time for myself and I’m sure you too. I have been taking some time to reach out to my friends, associates and family via Whatsapp, Messenger, and Zoom meetings. It seems a bit strange, but it works! I think these ways of communicating are here to stay, and that may be a good thing. Look at how much better traffic is!
Shopping too, has changed, I think for the better. I like pulling up to a store and having my purchases brought out to me. Have you tried it? It’s fantastic, no standing in line, or wandering around to find what you want.
Our wedding plans have changed.
Marc and I were going to get married in Ireland this summer, but because of all the travel restrictions, that’s not happening. :(. No worries though, the wedding will happen, but it will be just Marc and I, and the Justice of the Peace. Next year – look out – there will be a party!
Here are some of the painting projects I have been working on.
- The first one, a flamingo, I am painting just for pure fun. It is a 20 x 20 Oil on Canvas. I don’t have a name yet – any ideas?
- The second one is a horse with a long flowing mane and tail abruptly changing direction as he leaps and twists in an effort to release his pent-up energy. The panel he is painted on is small – 6 x 6 inches. I haven’t named this one yet either.
- A mural – on canvas?
The third picture shows a plan for a mural on canvas, to later be installed on the wall with clay wallpaper adhesive. While I’m on the subject, if you have ever thought about a mural, but were held back because you were not sure how long you would be living in that house, there is no need to worry. You can take it with you, and reinstall it in your new residence. Also, you won’t have me underfoot for days or weeks at a time while I complete the mural! And my demands are numerous – fabulous lunches and more. (haha).
Completing a mural in my home studio is good for me, too. I get to listen to loud music if I want, work hours that suit me best, and I don’t have to commute or risk exposing myself or others to the Coronavirus.
Think about commissioning a mural!
New Signature Stamp:
So, I decided that I needed an amazing signature stamp for my work. I’m adding this to my prints as well as my originals. I sketched this out myself, and designed the letters because I couldn’t find any fonts that I liked.
I sent off my design to SayaBell Stamp, and had two rubber stamps made, in two different sizes. I have ink pads in blue, and in gold. The stamped imprint looks so sophisticated!
Marc’s Portrait:
I found time to paint my beloved Marc. It was a long time in coming, but I really enjoyed the process. I used the master’s process that I learned from the incredible Douglas Flynt. This process is long and detailed, and takes tremendous focus. I revisit the painting again and again, until I get it right. Marc and his mom are tough customers, though, and it wasn’t easy to please them!
Wiley:
Wiley is a lovely young 5 year old horse that I started training in the middle of May. I still ride our other horse, 007, and he is doing so well. For those of you who don’t know, I am a dressage rider, and I ride in the morning before I paint. I hope to get back in the show ring someday when this pandemic is over. It has been super hot out, so I get up shortly after 5 am. First I have a cup of coffee with Marc, while reading the news on the internet. I put on my riding clothes (breeches, sun visor, long sleev
During my drive, I like to listen to podcasts. I listen to art podcasts as well as riding podcasts. Once at the barn, I ride for a few hours. I wash the horses and put them away, change clothes and head home for a shower and lunch. Marc often has it ready for me when I get there. Lucky me!
Winner of May’s Free Print Giveaway
:
June 30th Free Print Giveaway: Congratulations to Mary Laura Griggs of Lexington Kentucky! She was the May winner of my print “The Beach”. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, even if you already have, because you will be automatically entered for the next month’s drawing. I do a drawing the end of each month. Sign up here.
Painting with Marti Koehler:
My good friend and artist, Marti Koehler, found a way to inspire each other as artists. Marti is a fine artist, and is perhaps best known for her synchronized swimmers series.
One week, I went to Marti’s house in Naples, and we painted her beautiful tropical back yard.
The following week, Marti came to my house, and we painted each other!! What a challenge, as we were both constantly moving. When we were done, we gave our paintings to each other. Pretty neat, I thought.
My Cousin Carrie:
Marc and I went to visit my cousin Carrie and her family while they were down in Vero Beach. It was nice to get away for a couple of days. Carrie and Mike’s kids, Porter, Henry and Lucy, were so entertaining!
Baking bread during quarantine:
I just want to say that I am starting to get good at baking bread! It took me about 4 tries before I got it right!
Sold! Thanks and Congratulations to Marti and Ed Koehler !
I was really pleased and proud that fine artists Marti Koehler and her husband Ed Koehler decided to buy the original oil painting of Rosita. Thank you so very much!
Fathers Day
My father, Nathan Harry Carpenter the 3rd. He passed in 2006. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Well, that about wraps it up.
Until next month, be safe, stay healthy, and please reach out to me to say hello! I am a lonely artist, tortured and alone in my studio. Feel sorry for me! Contact Martha
Smiles and hugs to you all!
Martha
