Writing School

Ok so now I am back in writing school here at Winghill. I like this format much better. I am only in the second lesson, but I am not pushed to finish. I like my instructor so far, but I need to get going. Have three full chapters done so far on the new book, but need help. Hopefully this will give me the push I need to get it done. Between everything else that is happening, I hope this will get my creative juices flowing again so I can complete this thing and move on to the one I really want to write.

Already dropped out of WritersBureau

Massive decision. I decided that it was not a good idea to go to a school in the UK. It was much better for me to try to learn from an American school. So I dropped out of the Writing Bureau before my limit to cancel was up and I instead enrolled in: QC Carreer School

Better known as: WingHill Writing School This has worked out better for me and I think I will get a good head start on a novel through this school. From what I have studied so far it is going to be a bit taxing, but will help me a lot as far as finalizing a genre and getting things started. It is important to me to get my novel going so I can get it published and hopefully get some sales. I may not be a number one author, but wouldn't it be a shocker if I did become one or if someone bought the book and movie rights? I know, dream on lady. But i can dream, can't I?

Perfecting my Writing Skills

Excited about learning more to perfect my writing skills from the Writer's Bureau. Want to get my novel moving full speed ahead. I can never get enough learning behind me.

Seasons of Reflective Light

Among other things, I can now add published author to my resume.  Yep, my book is now published on Amazon.com as a paperback and kindle book.  I hope anyone reading this blog will go and take a look at it and consider supporting me by buying it.  This is first in a series that I plan to write. 

You can email me and I will gladly autograph your copy for you.  I hope you will go the website, put in the title and read all about it.  Comments are of course always welcome.

Dragon Guardian

Share this dragon and he will become your personal protector. 

Ellayna Kristine

My final painting of my youngest grandchile Ellayna.  She is Payton's baby sister and such a little heartthrob.  I loved doing this portrait.  It actually still has a bit more work to be done on it, but I had to post it. 

She is I believe 3 in this picture and at the time of this writing she will be 4 on her next birthday.  Quite the little love bug.  She lives in North Dakota so I don't get to see her as much as I would like to, but at least I have her in portrait on my wall with her brother and cousin Emily. 

I am so proud of my grandbabies. Also 16 x 20 oil on canvas.

Payton Mitchell

So here is my portrait of my grandson Payton who was around 6 or 7 when this pose was taken.  He is about to turn 13.  My how time flies.  I am very excied about this portrait painting of him which will join Emily on my wall.

Payton has such an infectious smile and when he would laugh he would laugh all over his face.  He is definitely my little huggie bear.

This portrait was done on a 16 x 20 canvas in oils.

Gramma loves you Payton Mitchell.

Emily Elizabeth

Ok, now here is my pride and joy. My first granddaughter Emily. This portrait was a work of pure love. I was going to give it to her on her birthday this year, but her proud Paw Paw said,"no, she can't have it, at least not yet." So I guess she will get it in a few years. Perhaps on her 16th birthday or graduation. Will have to see how soon Paw Paw will let it go. LOL

I truly enjoyed this painting. Next is my Grandson Payton and his sister Ellayna. I think I am loving portrait painting.

Newest Mill

I haven't posted my paintings in a while. This was my latest mill painting. This was a blast to do. Had so much color and fun things. I loved doing this one.
This mill was one that John and I saw on one of our many adventures.

Been A Little Dormant

But that's because I am working on some more paintings. Working on another Mill painting and also a Tuscan walkway from a picture that my sister took in Spain. Hoping to be able to post them soon.

I also just completed my stint on Atlanta's Biggest Loser where I won the competition. I lost 34.5 lbs and 12.7% of my body weight. Getting ready to start another one (OH NO!!) Called Gwinnett Loses. I need the competition to keep me in check. The Christmas holiday was horrible to me and I gained some back. Not a lot , but enough to know that I have to be totally careful. Here is my final before and after picture in case you want to see. :-) The competition was a rough 12 weeks, but I learned a lot.

Now to learn even more and hopefully lose an additional 30 lbs in the process. I won a beautiful ring with the ABL competition. This new one is CASH. YIPPEE. Anyway, I will be back to post more pictures and paintings. :-)

Lighthouse Competed

Today it happened. The lighthouse finalized and I am super happy. I love how it turned out. Now to figure out what to do next. I am undecided, but have until next week to make up my mind.

Lighthouse

Now I am completing my lighthouse. Probably one more session and it will be done. Worked on the tree area and sky. Also put in some water waves and rounded up the lighthouse itself. This one is looking better and better.

River Run and Mountain Orchids

Here are a couple of mini paintings I have done in the past couple of weeks. the River Run I did today. These paintings are on 4 x 4 canvases. I love doing these when I want to paint for a little while and create something fun. My painting teacher is probably going to kill me, but I couldn't resist.

The mountain orchids have a pallet knife background. these are from a picture my hubby took when we spent a week in the mountains this year. These little guys only bloom once a year. so cute.

Mingus Mill Update

Well, we are rounding the corner. Today we opened up the sky and now see the light coming through the trees. We also put the slats on the building and tin roof on top. The path was worked on as well. Won't be long and this baby will be finished. Each session I learn so much more.

Finished Painting

And here it is, the final reveal of my hydrangea palette knife painting. I am so excited about how it turned out. Of course it helped that I had an awesome art instructor guiding and encouraging me all the way. Thank you Audrey! I am looking forward to getting back to my Mingus Mill painting now. That will happen in a couple weeks. Audrey has a show to attend and I get to go visit my family this weekend. So I will probably be going into paint withdrawals. I really love the end result of this painting and I loved doing palette knife. I am sure there will be more of these in my future.

Hydrangia Almost Compete

 
Well, next post will be my completed masterpiece. :-) This is the next to last step which I will be completing on Wednesday night. I am so excited. This is my first ever pallette knife painting and I couldn't be more pleased. It started out pretty sad and it has improved to this point. I learned so much with this painting and I know it won't be my last knife painting. It was awesome. Once this is done it is back to the Mingus Mill painting.

Painting with Pallet Knife

Today's class was so awesome. Learned a new painting technique with pallet knives and I think I am hooked. Not to the point where I won't pick up a paint brush again, oh no, but I love this technique. The picture I am doing this with is a picture of hydrangeas that I started a few months ago. I love how it is coming along now. Next week, we will work on the flowers themselves and glazing the picture. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I won't go back now on this one. I love it.

Stage Three on the Final Stretch

Here is stage 3 of my Mingus Mill painting and rounding the curve to the finish line. Still lots to do, but this week the boards will be going on the mill. This is not an easy painting for me, but I am learning so much. It is going to be my pride and joy when it is finished.

Stage 2 of Mingus Mill

I am so excited about the accomplishments today on this painting. It is actually starting to look like something. Today I added the shadows which was very, very scary, but when I stood back I could see it worked. Also fixed the main building and other stuff. I am loving this painting. Also worked on my lighthouse and hydrangas, but think i will wait to post those until they are complete. If you want to see all three, they are in my album on my facebook page.

Second Paint Lesson

I am so excited. I am taking painting lessons from artist Audrey Menefee. She teaches the old masters method of oil painting. Last week was my first lesson. I am painting the Mingus Mill in Gatlinburg, TN. John and I visited there this past April as part of our anniversary trip. Learning this technique through Audrey is giving me a new perspective at painting. I want to post this in stages so here is what I painted from my first session with Audrey.