I haven't had a chance to update this blog in quite a few weeks. Nope, haven't been sick or anything bad. In fact, I've been having a lot of fun writing articles and blogs, and one of the highlights of this summer was attending a workshop given by Donald Demers in Boothbay, Maine.

Next month, I'll be writing an article about that workshop for American Artist Magazine's Winter Workshop Issue. I took lots of great notes and step by step photos of Don's demonstrations. He is a super good teacher. I might add that his is the best landscape workshop I've attended thus far. I hope to return again at some point and paint along with the other students.

Boothbay is a delightful place to paint. Just like Acadia, there are scenes everywhere you look.

I'll need to write that article before the end of September, and my next article for Watercolor Magazine is due in early October. The WC magazine article will be the first in a series about "composing the landscape".. this one will deal with foregrounds specifically. I've wanted to write on this subject for many years, and I'm grateful to the editors at American Artist for allowing me to write my own instructional column.

Additionally, the Am Artist editors are giving me a bi-monthly blog along with their other editors. This is a dream come true for me. You might wonder why an artist would want to write... well... it's because I don't feel as good about what I do if I only spend time alone in my studio. I want to be a contributor and share my experiences with other artists - many who are just starting to paint for income.

Finally, I'm getting more involved with working for Clint Watson and Fine Art Studio Online... now called FASO.  In addition to writing for the fine art views blog, I'll be reading around the web and linking to interesting blogs and articles for artists' reading pleasure.

While I'm not getting as much time in the studio, I'm thankful that a few galleries are willing to take a painting or two for special exhibits. Since I'm spending a good part of my week with writing for art publications, I expect to paint only 10 to 15 paintings this next year. The ones that I don't sell at shows will be available from my website.

My wish is that I will be able to contribute to other artists' lives and careers in a positive manner. Please let me know if you have any ideas about how I might do that. I can't work with artists on an individual basis because I don't have time or really the inclination to do that, but I do want to talk about subjects that can make a difference.

Sincerely,
Lori
PS You can follow my links on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Loriwords