Growth

 

 

I have a lot of ups and downs as a painter, with periods of struggle and then nice easy periods. I never know when I will come into a bad stage or how long it will last. When I was a young painter, I used to feel panic about the bad painting spells, worrying that I would never come out of them, but now I know that they are a signal of a growth period for me. 
I’ve never been one to learn technique and then cruise. I see that frequently in some pretty highly skilled painters. Painters who have a real gift, but for whatever reason, don’t have the will or desire to push their skills along further. They have nice work and so they are comfortable with that level. Ten years later, their work looks the same. 

I feel lucky in a way to be a less than brilliant painter. I still crave that masterpiece that constantly stays out of my reach. I suspect that I would be lazy if I had great skill. Perhaps that is their great downfall, having great skill without the determination to reach further because they don’t have to be hungry anymore. They have a style and a palette that makes them money so why rock the boat?  I’ve always admired my pal Mitch Kolbe because he is constantly pushing himself further. We’ve been friends for some years. We were both in the same gallery years ago and did paint outs together back in the day, so I have been looking at his work for a long time. It constantly grows and evolves. To my mind he is a brilliant painter. I admire his skill and the beauty of his work. He is a fine and humble man. Now that he lives in NC, I miss painting with him. He is the kind of artist who is willing to trade ideas and give help to artists who are not as skilled.  The next fork in the road will show new technique for me to learn. The real joy of painting is the serendipitous, mystery of the game! The masterpiece is just around the corner.

Country Painters have a wonderful life......

Childhood Memories

 

 

My walk this morning was nice and cool after yesterday’s rain. I began to think about my childhood. In those days kids spent a lot of time outdoors. I think that was the beginning of my lifelong love of trees and the natural world. 

 

There were chores of course, hanging laundry on clothes lines, ironing, learning to cook and do dishes, dusting, sweeping and mopping as well. I recall that we spent most of our time at school or at home. We were self entertainers.  Most of my early passions for art and science were developed in my childhood years.

 

I have been learning slowly to try not to interfere with my daughters’ child rearing methods. They live in a very different world now than I did. I frequently read that the milinials and Gen Z generation scoffs at my generation and is impatient with our old ways. I’ve always felt that to judge other generations is foolish.

 

We old country painters are so lucky to be alive…..

Feedspot

 Well, I’ve been placed on the top 25 Art Blogs list at www.feedspot.com

https://blog.feedspot.com/florida_art_blogs/

What a nice honor. I know that blogs are not as popular as they used to be, but I continue to blog a post every couple of weeks. My FB Group Linda Blondheim Art and Stories has become fairly popular and it is a nice bunch of friends.  I have had a blog in one form or another since 1995, so blogging is a great format for me. I am too busy to write long complicated thoughts. A paragraph or two is perfect for me.

 

Many former bloggers have switched to podcasting. I enjoy those a lot, but it is not for me. I like to write about life as a painter and baker and naturalist. I have been a note taker for many long years. When I was a young artist I learned to keep index cards and a pencil with me to jot down ideas. I continue to do that now. I put them up in the studio to read now and then as reminders. As a naturalist, I do the same. I use the index cards for recipes and to do lists as well. 

 

This country painter is old school……

Live Oak Trees

 I’ve been doing some research on our dear live oak trees here in the South. I have studied and painted them for many years, and there are many I call friends. I found this about them from the Natural Wildlife Federation:

 “Southern live oaks are majestic trees that are emblems of the South. When given enough room to grow, their sweeping limbs plunge toward the ground before shooting upward, creating an impressive array of branches. Crowns of the largest southern live oaks reach diameters of 150 feet (45.7 meters)—nearly large enough to encompass half of a football field. On average, though, the crown spread is 80 feet (24 meters) and the height is 50 feet (15 meters). Branches usually stem from a single trunk, which can grow to five or six feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) in diameter.

Unlike most oak trees, which are deciduous, southern live oaks are nearly evergreen. They replace their leaves over a short period of several weeks in the spring. Sweet, tapered acorns produced by the trees are eaten by birds, and mammals including sapsuckers, mallards, wild turkeys, squirrels, black birds, and deer. The threatened Florida scrub jay relies on the scrub form of the southern live oak for nesting. Other birds make use of the moss that frequently hangs from the tree branches to construct nests.”

 There is nothing like these majestic trees, growing in fields of farms and ranches, here in north Florida. They are massive.  I remember a trip to Vero Beach a few years ago. The flora is very different there. Someone told me there was a huge live oak in a particular neighborhood. She gave me the address. When I found it, I laughed. It was a baby compared to those who grow in my part of Florida. 

 

Country painters love our trees…..

Lord of the Rings

 

I enjoyed watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy last week. It had been a few years since I watched it. It is a fantastic film trilogy. The cast is first class with many of my favorites. The story is a rich, epic story of the struggle of good against evil.

I have two favorite parts, the cinematography of the horse scene where Liv Tyler outruns the dark lords on black horses. That camera man and editor were genius! All horse lovers would treasure that scene. It is true art, celebrating the beauty and dignity of horses. 

My other favorite were the scenes with the ents, Shepherds of the Forest. Those spoke to me deeply about the trees I have known and loved for many years. I know several ents at Fair Oaks Farm, and in my own woods. There is a large magnolia tree in the woods that was a child in front of our barn when I was a horse rider in my teens and early 20’s. I used to tie my horse’s reins to its spindly trunk. The proud giant is now an ent in my woods. I love that so much.  Anyone who loves trees will form true relationships with them. 

As I age, I am more attuned to what the arts bring to me in my thoughts.

Country painters are lucky……

Artists’ Needs

 Most of my charity donations went directly to help artists, homes for homeless, and land trusts in 2023. I think many artists don’t understand how much work it takes to have a sustainable career. Many just give up before they give it time to  succeed. In my youth as a painter, I would have given anything for a sponsor,  or to get mentoring help from an established artist. You must be determined and relentless in your efforts to be a professional artist. 

 Emerging artists need to understand that an art career is daunting. It is a 6 day, 12 hour shift, with enormous self discipline. There are many tasks that are not fun. You don’t have to like those, but you must do them. Fifty percent of your time must be devoted to the business of art.

 I am not successful due to any magical effort on my part, but instead because of the people who love me and support my career with their hard earned money. It is never about my convenience or ego. It is always about the loving people in my life.

 Artists, don’t be afraid to ask for help, but be willing to do the hard stuff! Be willing to adapt to a different path if needed for success. Art is business if you wish to make a living and career. If you don’t care to work hard, it may be better to just enjoy painting for the pleasure and satisfaction without trying to make an art career. Selling your work at below market value  helps no one.  There are many more artists than collectors can support. 

 Life is wonderful for country painters.....

Collectors

 

 

My thoughts on our precious art collectors.
Art collectors come in all income levels and careers. The secret to your success is finding those like minded friends who you share experiences and friendships with. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all collectors are those who go to art openings, art walks and who visit galleries and museums. Many of my collectors have never been to a gallery.

My collectors have a huge variety of interests and careers. They all have in common a love for nature,and upland landscape, including lakes,rivers, trees, and fields. Occasionally I will have requests for coastal or mountain scenes for commission work, but that is not my real love. 

Many of my collectors are part of my every day life. We are friends outside of my painting career. We perhaps met at my studio, but continue as true friends. They support me in many ways because we are friends. 

Some artist have it backwards. They seek to paint subject that are trendy, hoping to find collectors. I say, paint what you love and pay attention to those who share your interest.  You will find them gradually. If you paint florals, join a garden club. Put your flyers up at garden stores. Think of all the ways you can get the attention of those who love flowers.

Whatever subject you love, find those who love it too.  When you find them, they are your best friends and treat them well.

Country painters have the best collectors….

Bugs

 Here are some fun facts from my Upland Naturalist’s studies:

95% of all living creatures on earth are insects. That one was shocking! I had no idea. It sort of puts my level of importance in a new perspective. 
Half of all animal species, worldwide, are beetles. They can carry 100 times their weight.
There are 160 species of butterflies and 3000 species of moths in Florida.
The Zebra Long Wing is the state butterfly of Florida.
I’m having a great time learning about upland Florida from the scientist’s point of view. I have studied upland for most of my life from the artist’s, and rancher’s point of view but now I know there is an enormous view that was there, right under my nose. My study of the land started at about eight years old in momma and daddy’s back yard. Little did I know it would guide me for the rest of my life.
Naturalist study is wonderful for country painters......

 

Michaels Store painting Class

 

Turning to Gold

 I love the subtle changes in color here in north central Florida.  I am seeing the grape vine leaves turn to gold. They trail down from their entanglements with trees like gold beads on a prom dress. As I walk the trail, I begin to see randomly scattered, intensely red  leaves. 

As a painter, I love the bright warm color against the neutral brown gray soil and the dark evergreen trees. In the north, color is intense everywhere. Here, there are lovely spots of intensity among the green of Florida. I’ve always loved brilliant color next to gray. 
Each time I walk, the color is changing just a bit more.  The sedges, tall and green in summer are changing to the rust of winter quickly now. The next few months will be the best of the natural world, reminding me why I love Florida so much.
Country painters love the woods……