I"m part of a group of  artists that have been posting daily paintings to a private FB page beginning on Jan 1 this year.  It is an awesome way to get into my studio and just start painting.  I decided to do watercolor in a 6" x 6" format. I began with still lifes of everyday objects found in my studio, This  exercise has been liberating.  I can spend weeks and months stressing about "What to paint?" This way I'm compelled to look around me and get started. I've decided to share a couple of my favorites.  I'm hopeful that I will just get better and better!

What happens when artists get together to eat, laugh and share stories?  Pure fun!!! Lori Blaylock and I hosted a gathering to introduce Jennifer Simard Solberg, a journal artist from Omaha, Nebraska, to the artist scene in Billings. She got a good dose of frivolity! Seen at the Scene: Diane Ridgway, Lori Blaylock, Kathy Walters, Jennifer Solberg, Sarah Singer, Nick Nicoll, Eileen Tuss, Sally McIntosh, Betina Johnson, Lisa Hall, Carol Welch, Lisa Carnicom, Rachel Long, Sandy Mehus, Lola Jore, Julie Pederson, Kate Jore.
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"Lazy Days of Summer" Garden banner acrylic 14x48.  These are the days that I'm reminded that I AM retired afterall, maybe it's legal to sit in the shade and read a good book! 

These days I'm enjoying recording vignettes from my garden in a new handmade journal I purchased from an awesome artist I met at the Great Western Design and Living Show in Great Falls, Jennifer Simard Solberg from Nebraska.  It's really true that having quality materials makes the difference when creating art.  This journal serves as my compilation of plein air studies that may turn into a painting, a garden banner or a watercolor batik later.  I'm loving this process this year.  Plus, it helps me focus not only on the art, but I'm able to keep everything in ONE journal...instead of random sketchbooks I may pick up. Thank you, Jennifer Simard Solberg!

If you'd like to see more from the artist who developed this technique click here: www.kathiegeorge.com

Ah...spring cleanup done.  Now I wait for the profusion of color that will abound in my spring
​"Chi Garden." I'm expecting Irises, Peonies, Cranesbill Geraniums and red Oriental Poppies. My brushes and paint await!

Spring cleanup this year has been extra difficult after our record snowfall of 106 inches. So as I begin the transformation that takes place every year, I just have to show my before pictures.  Keep im mind that this is my first step in my painting process:
FIRST: I PLANT the gardens, then I PAINT in the gardens all spring, summer and fall. Stay tuned!

When each season changes I claim that as my "favorite." Just when I think summer is "IT,"  the days become cooler, the light lessens and the gardens lose their lush shades of green. With the resurgence of deep, rich, colorful blooms that glow in the golden light, my new favorite season is FALL. 

"Breathe In" acrylic 24x30 2016