Answering the Challenge & Hearts Call...

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Today's share is being written from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Area. For more from that journey #followanoriginalhitt continues as we HITT the Road @anoriginalhitt or my facebook page  & profile.  With that said, extremely limited wifi travels with us.  Hoping update uploads.

   First Answering the Challenge:

the answers to Last Posts 

Challenge of 20 PACE17 Faculty Quotes from 10 Faculty (see last post for the details)

  Quang Ho: 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20; Eric Rhoades: 4; Michael Godfry: 8, 17; Jill Carver: 2, 9, 18, 19; Velko Geurgevich: 1, 10; Jeremy Lipking: 5; James Gurney; Roos Schuring: 6;  

Jay Abraham: 3, 16; Mary Pettis: 13

Next: Hearts Call as an Artist & seeking to reflect it painting.

Two recent paintings attempt to do just that, and the stories that accompany the subject matter is very moving to these heartstrings.  Some of the story known before the subject inspired, some learned after the fact.  Why Paint?  My Artist Statement shares much of that for this artist personally.

As exciting as it is to see your work shared in the pages of Plein Air Magazine, what is even more exciting is getting to share that with those that are the subject of the painting.  The 'story' behind the subject that added an urgency to being sure to capture a subject, en Plein Air... while it was still here to capture.  I have yet to see the publication in hand myself, as we are on the road.  I had issues of the magazine shipped to rural Nebraska, where their town, doesn't even have a stop light.  Well, they  had one, then they decided they didn't need it, and they took it out!  Absolutely LOVE visiting this area.

I am so excited that Steve Doherty shared the stories behind the paintings in his article.  It is the June/July Issue of Plein Air Magazine if you haven't picked it up yet.  Lots of awesome articles this issue.  

Here is a even a little more on the story behind this painting, that unfolded as I was painting it.

Here is the post and picture Cindy just shared. This kind of stuff--The heart of the subject is why I paint!  Love it. Thank you for the update! Steve, thank you for sharing!

Here is Cindy's FB post "I just had to share this photo again.  It is such a blessing to be able to walk with my granddaughter in the same pasture that I played in as a child.  After I was married, our children spent countless hours there, too.  When our parents passed away, my brothers and I decided to keep the "home place". The horse in the photo is the last known direct descendant of my dad's stallion, Champ's Money.  Champ was a beautiful sorrel American Quarter Horse with a flaxen mane and tail. He was the most gentle stallion that ever walked the face of this earth.

 When I was growing up, Champ and I rode many, many miles together and most of the cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandkids had their first ride on him.  When Champ was 32 years old (very old by horse standards), my dad had to make the difficult decision to have him put down due to declining health.  Five days later, my dad passed away in his sleep.  I always have a vision of my dad and Champ together in heaven and know that dad is smiling down when he sees things like this photo."

And here is this little ones Grandma, in the painting shared in the article, she is the Lady, with the last two remaining Mares from the bloodline:

Our paintings are often times, much more than the painting.

Yes, we have fun and it is a huge blessing to be able to go out and paint on location with other like minded Artist as we do at the Plein Air Convention and Expo, as another article in this issue shares.  I am humbled and honored to be a part of a story.  By the way, Kathleen's story (whose painting is on the cover of this issue), pictured with Eric (publisher) and I below- Is amazing! If you haven't read it yet, or watched the pod cast, its awesome! 

So, getting back to the HEART of why we do what we do... Besides the fact that it is how we breathe, it is how we see... it is also how we are moved, and hope to reflect all in our heart

 'at that moment...'.

One more story with a painting that shipped to its new owners this week, it should arrive on Saturday. Priority was to get it done, before heading to our next landing spot in the Yosemite area.

When I was up in the Apalachicola area first week of April, 2017, with a residency, to "Save The Shot Gun Houses" I received a phone call on one of my last days up there, completely out of the blue.  It was from a gentleman.  He inquired if I could paint a home while there, that they use to live in.  The catch, to paint the home as it was, not as it is now.  For you see, the home was burned.  Sadly Arson was suspect.  His wife, could not stand to look at the home as it stands today, and ironically, it was being sold the NEXT Day, for they were unable to rebuild it. The phone call came from out of state. Needless to say, I said, Yes, I will figure something out, so that I can get there to see their home, and how I will paint it for them.  Weather and timing of Residency, I got 95% of the painting done on location.  Because of travel, and schedule, I brought the work with me, along with others, to wrap up while on the road.  

 

at long last "240 Remembered- Home Sweet Home" is complete and ready to ship!

As this painting Ships... here is the story emailed to me from the owner of this beautiful little home on  
April 9th, 2017:  "So... here's the story in a nutshell. I grew up with a strong single mother from the age of 2... definitely was my best friend... she was diagnosed and died from cancer before I was 17. A real shock to life if you can imagine. My mom always wanted to take us kids all to Florida on vacation as we live in Wisconsin. She never had enough money to take us all... the only trip she was ever able to make was with my older sisters... it's all she could afford. I have always like a lot of midwesterners looked at Florida as Mecca of vacations!

My wife and I got married when I was 18... have 2 wonderful kids, Ethan 16, Maddy 14. We have always been self employed and always made family a priority. I of course work extra hard like my mom to give and give all the things my mom wanted to do.. but could not.  Life has been more than fair to us...

My wife, Melissa loves the sun!! Hates the cold... we talked about buying a place somewhere at some point.... for when we're old.. but wanted to do it while kids are still young enough that it's theirs too. I love New England... Cape Cod. I have worked out there many times in the past 18 years. But it's not warm there in winter.

One morning in 2014 while on our first family vacation in Mexico... I was able to see first hand my wife light up like no other while in that sun... she had traveled there many times but not together... so this was a first seeing this. We were at breakfast one morning and I was looking for a place in florida... a town really to begin looking for a place... I came across Apalach.. purely by accident. It combines my loveable Cape Cod Fishing Village vibe with all the perks of being in Florida!! I found this house in fairly poor order so it was affordable. But we buy and sell, rent and flip real estate all the time.. I do most all the work. So we negotiated a purchase and had under contract before the end of breakfast. I had bought a place in Florida for my kids, for my mom and most importantly for my wife... who loved the sun so much.

We bought it cash and worked on it every couple months over the next 2 years... spending every vacation balancing beach days with renovation days. My wife cried every time we left because she loved the people, the heritage, the house, St George Island and of course the sun! This was really her house... where she planned on growing old on the porch swing.

We were there for the last time 2 weeks or so before fire. I was awoke by phone calls and pictures of the fire consuming our beloved house. We were devastated... there is deliberation if it was arson or an attic fan that shorted. Either way our insurance company fought us and ultimately would not pay and dropped us from coverage. We gave up. My wife gave up. It was ruined for her.

She cannot and will not look at the pictures of after because she wants to remember it the way it was... like a passed relative. Every piece, that was savable, of furniture I brought home and they sit in storage until we decide what to do with them.

This painting is an ode to what was. Not what is... because I believe new owners are going to tear down. Not certain. But that sounded like the plan.

Thank you again for being a part by painting the cover to our story that was Apalach."

--Dustin

240 Remembered-Home Sweet Home- Plein Air 11x14 Oil On Linen, by Karen Ann Hitt for Dustin & Melissa

Yes, as before said: Our paintings are often times, much more than the painting...

This brings me to the next Chapter, the next season... as my husband and I just finished touring the Gentle Giants with my son, my son has headed back to his home, as we are about to take our home away from home to its next site just outside of Yosemite National Park.  We will meet up with his family on the other side of the Sierras in a few weeks. A dangerous heat wave is predicted for the area, this week, several days with temperatures over 103 they say.  We shall see what THAT feels like!   Remaining so very thankful to God that we get to do what we do.

A long story, in a nutshell, getting to the next heart of all ahead: 

  Our first year of marriage, Gary and I experienced more than most do in a lifetime.  We had a 5 month Honeymoon, May- Oct. 2015 touring in our House on wheels,  the USAHoneymoon we called it. I highly recommend to all that get married in this season of life, to go take off in a 45foot motorhome for 5 months, you are either going to make it or break it.  We are loving it!  It truly helped prepare us for what was to come. I Returned Oct. 25th.  My beloved sister, best friend, second mom,  went down with a massive stroke on Nov. 3rd.  She passed on the 6th. Her memorial the 9th.  My husband had a heart attack and was bayflighted on the the 11th.  The same day my eyes were measured for eye surgeries. Three days later, we, yes WE walked out of the hospital together, he with zero damage, and three new stints.  My eye surgeries scheduled the 5th & 15th of Dec.  Alas, we were not done yet. Day after Thanksgiving, while going through pictures with my mom, received a return phone call from my doc, results from a check up... when i heard her words, excused myself from mom, so she wouldn't here them too... 'it looks like lung cancer' she said. SO added to the schedule, a lung biospy inbetween my two eye surgeries.  Surreal World being lived outloud at this point.  Understand, i do not smoke, and i take zero medications on a daily basis.  Walking around is simply a comfortably numb state. Unable to share with grieving family my news, or even my husband for that matter, for he has just recovered from a heart attack!  This enough for now on that year.  Long and short, MISS my sister more than words can say, Husbands heart is GOOD, My new eyes are GOOD, and I HAVE NO LUNG CANCER, they don't know what i do have, just what i don't, No TB, or some other bad thing they tested for, or Cancer, so YAY.  This past winter our life, not to mention my painting season was completely disrupted again, with another return phone call from what was a routine visit to the dermatologist. That spot on my foot, Needs to be treated like a Melanoma.  Dr. almost didn't let me leave the office, to schedule the appointment down the road, she wanted to take care of it right then.  So my first Mohs Surgery scheduled, the kind where the biospy is too major for in office, it was overnighted somewhere and i went back the next day to be sewed back together.  I managed to keep most my schedule, with compression bandages etc etc etc.  PAINTING in general though, all on my heart, to try to keep up with the task on hand... again not painted.  NO more melanoma threat there. I have a big red scar on my foot, BUT i have my foot.  Get tested my friends.  I can't yet wear a lot of my boots or closed toe shoes, but we are getting there.  Hiking boots work at long last! Anyways,

THIS ALL BRINGS ME TO THE HEART 

OF THE ISSUES AT HAND 

of this TMI post-- guess what ?

NOTHING is more important than keeping priorities in life straight.  For this heart they are:

God

Spouse

Family

Friends

Work

God has blessed me with work that is sincerely a blessing, a gift, a passion, and YES how i breathe in all of His God breathed before me every day.  He even blessed me with New eyes to get use to,  to see it all anew with.  Life is hard, God is good.  JOY abounds.

This year i am doing something that i have 

NOT DONE SINCE 1998!

I did NOT turn in a teaching schedule to my Beloved Venice Art Center.  Also, I did not turn in a teaching schedule to beloved Boca Grande Art Center.

I received an email on my birthday of all days... I have been invited to be a part of a group show.  (more details to come )  It opens in January.  

There are a LOT of paintings on this heart longing to paint, I have been blessed with an opportunity to focus on them, especially the ones that i am behind on painting, etc. etc. etc.  And Guess What?-- I am simply going to enjoy my family and breathe a great big THANK YOU GOD!  mind you i tend to breathe with PAINT and i have been blessed with a husband that understands that!  He also likes to travel.  SO we shall continue to 

HITT the ROAD

THE JOURNEY IS OUR DESTINATION 

with that said, our next destination, who knows if I will have a signal or not.  So, today, we HITT the Road to a few hours north of here.  Gary has never been to Yosemite.  Rock Slides and Record High Temperatures await us.  I am thinking record snowmelt continues up there too, and amazing river ways, and waterfalls.  I will try to keep you posted...

 

Life imitating Art? or is Art imitating Life? and HOW

 On the heels of 'Labor Day' finished up a painting on Labor Day, that's inspiration for came back on the 26 of August.  This the little post it note written to self that day in Journal:

The painting was all done except for the bee, that well... isn't all that easy to come by.  The fact that this one came to me by way of the bee keeper that also supplied the honey was so more appropriate than they knew.  This bee stung him in the ankle the morning he brought it to me and died.  What does this have to do with Art and Painting?  What we do with our gifts and talents the point, no pun intended.
My Last Post Titled "What New Florida Plein Air Collectors Look Like" In it introduced you to Gary and Suzanne, and also the plein air activities in the area, to show you two ways of collecting.  As a Patron or a Painter, plus how to grow your artist career in both of these with the help of teaching tools made available.  All linked at that post.  Just a few days after that post, called Gary to share some good news with him.  Suzanne answered his phone, not uncommon for a husband and wife at all. So shared with her the good news that Jane Chapin (artist added to their new collection) visited my studio and brought a gift for them; a personalized copy of her book "Land Of The Free"and I had it for them at the studio.
Suzanne shared 'how wonderful, thank you, the timing is perfect'  She going on to share Gary had a bit of a set back, and this was a perfect time for him to have Jane's book to look at. Gary, through no fault of any, while undergoing an emergency risky procedure a blood vessel bled, long story short... Gary, who just a few days ago helped me carry artwork and hang it in their new home, is paralyzed on his left side.  Their life changed dramatically.  And after Suzanne visited me the next day to pick up her book, I included a gift of my own with it.  Wish had the original, would have given it to them, had a fine art canvas giclee of a painting, that was the first painting painted after a year of NOT painting.  Frankly a heartbreaking year, and painting just touched the heart a little more than could be bared at the time.  Only by invitation was I brought to painting again to participate in a national small works show.  I was so honored to be asked, simply had to paint.  Had no idea, what it would be, simply knew had to. Do believe that was exactly why the gallery owners asked me to participate too. Friends, knew I needed to get back to painting. I did. The name of the painting painted;
"When Darkness Comes... Look To The Light" Sold the night of their opening.

When Darkness Comes... Look To The Light by K Hitt Copyrighted

   When shared this with Suzanne at her visit to the studio the day after the call, she said something that left me speechless.  Our collecting your Plein Air Paintings and that day you came to our new home to hang them, is our last 'good memory', of 'good times' 'Looking at your paintings will always be able to take us to that place'  My eyes water again, even as i just type it here! Called her and asked her if ok that shared the continuation of their story in my life as an artist.  She said of course.  For it is a fine line here... but the heart of the affairs at hand are the purpose to this sharing.  A sharing that is a call to all of us as artist to remember the choices that we always have before us.  For inevitably Lemons, Blues, Darkness... is going to be a part of our today's.  To say that this has been a doozy of a few weeks is an understatement. Things coming in threes, we will leave the 'what' to that, Family, Work, Affairs of Life slamming on through. Though Perspective was in line before this event... it became hugely illuminated as realized their was NO coincidence in meeting this couple, and there was no coincidence in the still life prompted to paint. From the post it note to gathering of items for the still life, then a thumbnail... set up in the studio, my new mini Strada, plein air easel.  With the idea this painting was going to be an afternoon alla prima one.  Well Life didn't get that memo, after many an interruption... replaced lemon... blueberries held on, out of just wanting to get it done, signed it before the bee was added.  Giving up on the idea of being able to gather one in time.
Right after doing that received another phone call, bee delivery was on order after all! On all days, Labor Day.  Reminding me tenfold of exactly what it is we labor for.  I don't know if our art imitates life, or life imitates our art... perhaps you do.  I do know our Art does matter.  Why we do what we do... always the question at hand in a manor that we check our fruits, so to speak.  Out and out tragedies in this life happen, as do the mountain top experiences.  They all matter and play a role in what we do.  Art matters to enable JOY to abound by telling the story with beauty from ashes, or mountaintop experiences.  No matter your level, it is to be shared to the best of your ability! We may be an unknown in the art world persay, but we are never a nobody.  Your story, and your art matters to someone. Paint On, as the golfer say's play through, we are equipped to do the same.

Why was this little bee so significant? It resting on the burlap, under the 'Airing The Laundry ' Plein Air Oil on my 'fresh of the easel wall' at the studio, juxtaposition with the Honey, represents the two choices we always have to make in this life, as an artist, and as a person. Live imitating Art, or Art imitating life? Life imitating a bee's life.  For you see, when a bee stings, it hurts a LOT!
The pain resides though. 
A bee's life has two choices, 
use its God given gifts to either:
pollinate and make honey
or sting and die  
Those little seemingly insignificant details in the choices of all served in a day, in reality could rise up and make significant life changing details in an others.  
 
The name of the still life that was inspired to paint:  

"Artist Studio Life, With Lemon & Blues Choices" 

This Artist hopes to always add Honey when the option is given.  A new friend echoed with this as we talked, “Little people continue with petty things.  Don’t let them get you down. Be big, be bold, be courageous, and be loving.  God put you here to do great things.  Listen to His call.  And be loving toward them as well”
 Yup-- ADD HONEY whenever the option presents itself!  Is that our Art imitating Life, or Life imitating Art-- 
God only knows that answer perhaps.  
Here are some of the steps along the way of completing this little painting... a still life inspired from life. First played with the still life, and tried to gather together the appropriate elements. Note my heart rock, also on the fresh off the easel wall next to the painting painted from the exact location on the Merced River, which is where that rock was found. Brought it back with me to the studio.  It was like the rock spoke and said "You will love painting here" so I did. And still do. That little painting to the right of it, the painting from there outside of Yosemite.  Also added specifically to the backdrop for the still life "Airing The Laundry" still life from the the Plein air journey that is also a part of my exhibit coming on 27 February 2015, an exhibit culminating from a solo five month journey in my Tahoe, cris crossing the USA to grow and pursue passion as an Artist. An exhibit that is two and a half years in the making before the long ago planned opening night. Save the date, and  look for my Plein Air Magazines sponsored news coming in the next issue! HUGE leap! 
Anyways back to these details, next,

once the elements were aligned, did a thumbnail composition check .
This Thumbnail, literally that, in scale, and almost abstract in composition.  If you look closely though, all of the key elements are there.  Once had this set up, took out a favorite, Mini Strada Plein Air Easel and set it up too in my studio, in position to go with the thumbnail. The goal was to apply all learned in these past two years, painting plein air, Museum exhibits visited, and use the new found growth in the studio too.  Though a professional artist when the journey began, goal again to grow as an artist now that was able to concentrate solely on my art after raising three children as a single parent remains a continual process.  As it is for us all.  We should never stop growing as an artist, and we should never try resting in our successes in a painting by replicating it.  Every painting is a new journey, and new lesson to learn, no matter what your level of expertise.  If you don't challenge yourself anew every day, what good is that???   Yes, you thought this was 'just a still life'... that too is the point. As worked through the details of the week, on top of the details of this painting, much more than anticipated met me along the way.  It was the perspective applied at the time, and it was what enhanced the process.  If you didn't read this blog, you may not have even notice the little bee down in the corner. I even signed it thinking could leave it out, since it didn't seem was going to make it in time for this painting.

To hear that you are the honey added to the eyes of two that were dealt a real lemon that was trying to make them sing the blues… leaves you with water in your eyes, and speechless.

Also something that aligns with every circumstance currently going on in life; it is all a matter of perspective.

Yes, “When Darkness Comes… Look To The Light” Add Honey, and don't waste your life using your stinger.  Its fruitless. 

Godspeed

and may it be an UP day! K

also known as Karen Ann, An Original Hitt.  Another example of when you are born with a name like Hitt, you quickly learn how to keep things in a positive light!

"Artist Studio Life", En Plein Air Essentials & Fellowship. Even when traveling solo-- Do you Think we as artist need to remember how important our 'fellowship' is?

Artist Studio Life - Oil on Linen - by K Hitt (sold)

'Artist Studio Life' an alla prima oil, painted with the plein air paintings from the initial 5 month,  Grace Love Fellowship Tour as the back drop. Two main dots on opposite ends of the country influenced the 21k+solo road trip.
This last jaunt; 7K+ solo miles, 40 days, Leg VII highlighted the 'fellowship' portion of Grace Love Fellowship tour!

Back home to An Original Hitt Fine Art and Atelier for a few weeks now, and to say the catch up and the 'to do' list is long is putting it mildly.  Wouldn't change it though. Currently working on an 88" x 96" mural of subjects never painted before.  Putting on my Illustrator hat as it accompanies the Fine Art one. This just one task at hand.

Plein Air Class In The Park

Returned in-time for a plein air lesson scheduled before I left for Bob Vedder's awesome Granddaughters too.  Sometimes work IS a walk to the park. As I taught them how to set up and carry their own easels, we walked from my Studio/Atelier and set up. The youngest  had never even painted before, she and her sister thoroughly enjoyed their introduction to 'en plein air' Think they both are naturals! Must say teaching this beginner level introduction to Plein Air, to inexperienced eyes, really made you focus on the essentials of Plein Air painting, so here they are in a nutshell.  Yes, before we went outside, I taught them how to set up. Doing so made them feel ready for the adventure.  Showed them what they were looking for, and how to use a view finder next.  Then we brought out our sketch books and did a quick thumbnail sketch. This essential, should never be looked at as a delay to getting started. Its really just the opposite of that, it frees you up to paint with a blueprint of your plan.  It keeps you on track too, as you continue, remembering what it is that had you stop "At That Moment..." to capture it.  The youngest chose the flowers next to her, and the older did an awesome job, with a building, even adding perspective.  Instruct also, every time in a lesson its essential to include the basics on composition as they planned their painting. Personally my favorite is the Fibonacci Sequence, or Golden Means. What is that? Basically a 1 to 1.618 ratio that offers perfect balance. No, I did not share this with the girls. That simplified is the thirds method. Art really does imitate life, when you have a plan, taking essential steps seem a little easier and makes it easier to find balance. Not to mention order enables fun in the simplistic and profound :0) Next we blocked in the big shapes, covering as much of the canvas as we could. Teaching both even at this level about the warm and cool light. The beauty of Plein Air, when you are out there looking, its so easy to get that... because it shouts a little. Finally in our last half hour of our time, told them now they wanted to make sure they had their focal point emphasized.  This the basics of Plein Air in a nutshell. The girls had a ball, and they did a great job for their first outing and painting. I have fun instructing at all levels, in workshops, classroom, and this semi-private too.  It had been awhile since teaching not only a beginner, a first... I had a ball too, as it also refreshed the essentials to en plein air painting in my mind too.

Honored with a visit...

Fellowship... THAT is what want to concentrate on here.  Do you think that We as artist need to remember how important our 'fellowship' is? Even when traveling solo! What does fellowship mean to you?  For we know that we are not just painting for the sake of painting... our heart, our passions... and many times our story are a part of the picture that paints a thousand words. My illustration background, influences my fine

and making some too...

art painting too.  I like telling a story. And since I can't spell to save my life, God made me an artist to do so with.  Thank you God! To be honest, sometimes parts of the fellowship in this life are not on a happy note, tragedy strikes usually when we least expect it... especially just when you think all is well.  When I was on this journey I was reminded of a phone call

Journal entry detail...

received one Mother's Day that no mother EVER wants to receive!  The tears of that memory came at a most inopportune time. My host
graciously carried on the conversation, until the good at the end of the tunnel showed up too.  I can't possibly fit all here in words, nor do I need too. This though awakened the passion, the fellowship, and the purpose in me in an illuminated light.  We as artist have opportunity to reach places in the heart that no other medium can.  We can tell tales that words can not. "At That Moment.." Turns out At That Moment... is for life.  Changed the name of the exhibit just now I think too.  '"At That Moment..." For Life'. After two more short trips this summer, my teaching schedule has been downsized, and the main concentration of the studio effort of painting the tales begins.  There currently are Fifty plus plein air paintings (counting only the ones feel worthy to exhibit) from the journey, they are only a part of the story to tell.





One of the HUGE blessings receive that didn't even imagine on the list, was a call while still touring in California.  I was invited to attend the Plein Air

my home away from home

Academy Pilot at the Forgotten Coast Plein Air event in Apalachicola and be mentored by Don Demers! YUP!  Exceedingly MORE than can imagine. On top of this, my hostess accidentally double booked her spare room, and she
asked me if I would mind staying by myself, and on a house boat? YUP ! Exceedingly more than can imagine replied again! Thank YOU God! Leg VII quite frankly was a roller coaster. Let some people down, tried to fit too much in, changed my mind in the middle, frankly though succeeded, also failed.  Because I care about people.  A lot. Discovered, was behaving a little bit like a kid in a candy shop with my new found freedoms.  Yes, highs and lows of a rollercoaster.  Learned a LOT more than just painting on this journey.  Fellowship remains the key, and the story in us to tell.  Good news I have always loved rollercoasters.  Also, I always bounce back. Many of the things unmentioned that have bounced back from would have derailed most. Alas, I digress.

The theme of my tour Grace Love Fellowship, is a story in itself, that is also a part of the big picture, which is also the name of the exhibit that ends up three years in the making.

Closing last leg before all the studio work is to begin again by being mentored by Don Demers? This, at the tail end of a 7K+ journey, that followed a 21K+ mile journey that focused on growing as an artist as a surprise gift a coincidence? How it juxtaposition-ed a heartache of a call, seemingly illustrating how all things do indeed work together for the good Godspeed. For I was at a Don Demers workshop when I received that call one mothers day, and I had to emergency leave.  No it

Thank YOU Joe Taylor & Leslie Fedota

was no coincidence that i was invited to be mentored by Don Demers at this season, at this exact time.  This time the change of course was for the good, not tears.

Though remembering this brought me unexpectedly to tears and yes, weighed heavy on all I saw from there about priorities. Don't know if I got all of them right, but pressed on. Forever thankful for the blessing and opportunity.

 Its a fact that Plein Air Painting enable my eyes to see as an Artist, in a way that just doesn't happen in the studio.  Don Demers, when he heard of my travels, said I am going to have to close my eyes for weeks to be able to push the refresh decipher button.  As said, have been back a few weeks now. The

sketch book concept doodles for studio work- anchor holds

journey continues back in the studio where the tales of fellowship, and places continue to be told  ' "At That Moment..."For Life.'  Don Demers also gave just the right encouragement this artist needed to hear to not be afraid to speak up in my paintings too.  To allow the voice to speak up boldly.  I often jest, but its oh so true too, that I am the most insecure confident person you will ever meet. This
single mom of three, when her youngest turned 22, responsibility of that season released, well, momma was blessed to take a road trip. A really BIG trip. Discovered on this journey that it's one for life.  At That Moment... is my artist statement now too. Its why I paint.  And the studio paintings are about to unfold, that tells the story all along the way that will hopefully bring you each to your own "At That Moment..." Godspeed.

yes, business! tough job but somebody has to do it!

in close, This last leg VII of what seems to continually grow from an already epic journey, focused on 'fellowship'.  There was laughing, crying, exploring, learning, growing, new, old, lifelong goals, and never imagined possible ones touched on too.  Exceedingly more than can imagine is the journey, in a nutshell.  As a follow up to last years 21k+ mile journey, this last little jaunt closed at just over 7K+ solo miles driven in my trusty steed of a Chevy Tahoe, and exactly 40 days.  Starting in what is nicked named both Paradise, and Mayberry By The Sea; Venice, FL, then bee-lined to Monterrey for #PACE14.  If you have not been to a Plein Air Convention & Expo, can not recommend it enough. The camaraderie with like minded Artist, the endless list of the top talents painting en Plein Air today to watch, and paint along side with is a priceless opportunity.  Its like attending 30 workshops in a week, not to mention some of the most beautiful landscapes this country has to offer. On top of that, there is what is called Marketing Boot Camp for artist that starts at 6:30 am each morning.  If you are not learning here, you are not trying.  AND there is the expo, where you get to touch and feel and try some of the best plein air supplies and frames available too.  You just may need to HITT the road too and get to PACE in '15. Hear tale that there is a group of artist talking about their own road trip forming.. could one of them be you? (ok, back to our regular programing :0)  )

When I originally began this quest last year, that had me HITTing the road,  my plan was pretty simple; besides the two big red dots on my road maps, was to grow as an artist, and to do so nationally as my sponsor desired for me to do. My way to cover the nation, was to do so painting en plein air and visiting all of the national exhibits, galleries, museums that I could, and culminate the experience to the mission, an exhibit just about three years in the making,  now titled 
' "At That Moment..." For Life' with Karen Hitt.  All made possible by an unexpected gift from a student, turned patron.  Now, I don't think they expected me to hop in my vehicle and Hitt the road, to create the exhibit that they are also sponsoring. Because 'the journey is the destination' it in itself is the exhibit too.  "At That Moment..." For Life  is back at where it all began, our local not for profit Venice Art Center.  I have been an instructor there since 1998, when first became a single parent of three, they, how helped to keep a roof over my head while schedule worked around my children's. My loyalty to them will never fade. Now, all my students over those 17 years may play a part in this adventure too, by entering their painting to their portion of the exhibit in a separate gallery. The main Pat Buster gallery/museum exhibiting my works,  and the students are entering their works to the Altman-Vogt gallery portion of the exhibit with the same theme. (stay tuned for an artist/student prospectus) Yup, exceedingly more than can imagine continues here too. (There is another exceedingly more than can imagine in the works too, as a part of this exhibit, will share with you asap to publish it!) The tasks at hand are a wee bit daunting, the journey great, The plan was simply to 'put this money to work' as best knew how.  Leaving ashes behind, sought beauty and to learn how to reflect it as best know how. Well, it has ended up being even well over  the initial 21 THOUSAND miles of them to share; the plein air, the places and the people that have made up the epic journey of growing as an artist. Save the date to visit beautiful Venice Florida -- On 27 Feb 2015 the exhibit opens and runs through March 20th.. Bob Bahr with Out Door Painter -Plein Air Magazine coined the phrase for me 'HITTing the road...'. Leg VII had me doing that again this year.  I will also be journeying in a couple weeks to the beloved 'Paint Camp' in the Adirondacks hosted by Eric Rhodes titled 'Publishers Invitational'.  There, 100 artist gather to paint in the beautiful finger lake region of the Adirondacks, seeking out the very locations great landscape painters like Fredrick Church and all of the Hudson River School Artist depicted. It is a another highlight for this artist growing in her ability to depict the next "At That Moment..."

Well, in addition, I have been encouraged to write a book on the journey's and the tale that leads up to and throughout it all. Its more than the painting. Stay tuned.  Have a helper that even knows how to write a proper sentence, edit and spell. They were a goosebumps conversation at a fellowship lunch and ends up a great part of the tale too.  Sure we all as Artist dream of getting in our vehicle and HITTing the open road to paint en plein air. 

Do believe quite miraculously have been enable to do so. As a women traveling solo, people often ask me "were there times you were afraid?" Yes, but no.  There is a reason that I travel as I do, I actually feel safer in my trusty stead that has an alarm system and a custom made custom bed with a feather blanket and pillow... than most hotel chains out there. The fact that street wise came from going to college in NYC helps a little too, and that am not petite, even though a gimp helps.  Now, mind you if I was independently wealthy and 4 or 5 stars could always be on the agenda... well maybe I would be tempted.  BUT the reality is the journey IS the destination. No, I don't live in my car. Yes, I love a good B&B along the way too, friends and families homes too, besides the camping. No, not physically possible to paint 'every' day, have to drive some too, but the en plein air remains the daily focus.
Now, Back to the FELLOWSHIP side of the journey... that occurs even when you are traveling solo.  I did discover on this last leg, that its very difficult planing personal stops in a timely manor, with all the miles and views and yes distractions along the way.  Also discovered its impossible to make all fit.  Ironically I once facilitated a class titled "Boundaries" ...was reminded of the need for them along

Back Home at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier

the way, even when traveling with an open road map! One other thing that I have learned after all these miles too...  I DO NOT NEED 75% of what is packed! SO am even learning to edit.  And as to doing so in writing... well, that is why a 'writer' is helping with the book concept.  Now i just need one to help me edit this blog :0)  Thanks for being a part of the tmi post.  Hope you enjoyed, and hope to see you either at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier, or out and about HITTing the road. Don't forget to save the date too!  Until the next... May it be an UP day! K


To close, here are some of the pictures from this last Grace, Love, Fellowship... all along the way!

a heart rock that marked the spot to paint

painting at that exact spot outside of Yosemite along the Merced! 

the painting AND the rock back at An Original Hitt Fine Art & Atelier fresh off the easel wall...

Great Nephew with ...

teaching Daughter in Law to en Plein Air

her finished painting back at their home

Julie with the heart rock...

Son Fishing while we painted for his birthday :0)

He caught dinner, and used his bday presents to prepare it for us

my little painting from the day...

FINALLY made it to my best friend from HS home to meet her husband and see her and her two boys in action.  Fabulous visit!
This some of the painting from there too...

 

 

Painting at La Jolla surrounded by spring blooms was wonderful.  Torrey Pines, Balboa Park, Old Mission, etc. etc. too.  On top of this long awaited treat, I also made it to a life long quest... Yosemite!  On top of that my last day there was painting en plein air a piece requested I paint from the sharing while traveled.  It was of the Chapel.  The person requesting it shared also from an early sharing that the first time that they saw Half Dome it made them cry.  So from that fellowship, and the storyteller in me came this little Plein Air...  The " "Light Is On"  Painted on Good Friday at Yosemite National Park.  And when I finished this little painting... went as is to that little chapel, for the Good Friday Service.  Yup, exceedingly more than we can imagine... always has a way of showing up... Godspeed

and one last tale to share from there... met a new best friend at a place never even planned initially to stop...  Hye Texas!  if you are ever in-between Fredricksburg and Austin Texas in Texas Hill Country wine country may I simply say, Hye Noon Cabins is the place to stay!  No wi-fi or TV... just lots of what is really important... fellowship!

and now am really signing out... until next time I get to see you Out and About, with An Original HITT :0)