Signs, Signs, Everywhere are Signs

I took quite a few pictures of signs in New Mexico...

When you live in the high plains west of Lubbock and Amarillo (as I did 2008-2011), you see big blue sky (unless it is windy) and dramatic sunsets, but you do not have a whole lot of beautiful landscape to see (IMO). New Mexico has some beautiful spots, like Whites Sands, the Lincoln catwalks, Gila Monument, and of course the mountains around Santa Fe, but all of these are far from where we lived.

The brutal heat and ridiculous wind do a number on billboards and signage. As a result, many that are not old or historic appear to be relics of years past. I started taking photos of interesting ones.

We left New Mexico in summer of 2011, but I kept taking pictures of signs, in California and our travels across the country to live in Virginia.

Eventually, some of these photos become artwork:

I love the graphic nature of lettering incorporated into my paintings, particularly if abstracted into shapes. It is an element you can find in many of them, from the beginning (gravemarkers, Chinatown and Ghiradelli Square in San Francisco) to the present (The Boardwalk, Pike Place, and an upcoming painting of Glen Echo). I anticipate more in the years to come.

Day 11 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Balloons Aloft

4" X 6"

SOLD

I so enjoyed painting balloons yesterday, that I decided to do it again. I decided to "zoom in" just a bit so that the shapes would be a tiny bit bigger.

What have I learned so far during the 30 by 30 Challenge? I've learned that one of my rosy reds will bleed into other colors, even after it has dried. I suspect that I know which one it is and it will soon be replaced! After listening to Carrie Waller on the Artists Helping Artists podcast, I decided to buy the quinacridone colors before they are gone; now, I have a good excuse! The timing couldn't be better because about a week ago, I splurged on a new large palette.

I hope all the artists in the challenge are enjoying it like I am. I will say that my house needs more of my attention, but I'm hoping that this week I am able to balance things a little better.

Day 10 - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days

Mass Ascension

4" X 6"

$40 - SOLD

As I near the 1/3 mark of the 30 in 30 challenge I wanted to paint something festive. Of all the photos that I have taken, very few are more fun than those taken at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque! I told myself that I was going to paint it quickly and keep it loose, but that didn't end up happening. I set my kitchen timer for 45 minutes, but kept resetting it! Maybe I will do a few more of fewer balloons.

If you have never been to the Balloon Fiesta, you really should try to do so. I will warn you that often the events get "winded out." Plan to be there for several days and be flexible. Plan to get up early...really early. Be sure to buy the mini doughnuts from the Tom Thumb kiosk. Enjoy!