LEAPing, as the Artist in me just made an executive decision !

 New 'An Original Hitt- Fine Art & Atelier' Studio

21K + miles solo trip to grow as an Artist

Paint the 'Heart Of Venice Views' to a 21K + mile Solo trip Cris-crossing the USA?  Been there done that!...
and save the date 27 Feb 2015 "At That Moment..." exhibit opens, that shares the journey, places & people.  OK,  so,  obviously NO reason to do it again: check. Not to mention, I have an exhibit to finish painting, and a New Studio:  An Original Hitt -K Hitt- Fine Art & Atelier to keep going
BUT... Plein Air Convention & Expo in Monterrey CA is still very much a need to do... in many ways to finish what I have started full circle. So as almost pushed purchase airline tickets, as my last chance to book a flight 14 days out to fly to Monterrey at the discounted price... I stepped away from the button.  The cost, combined with renting a car, shipping supplies, etc. etc.... well- though gas when you drive a Tahoe does cost more, in the long run- so much more will be gained if just drive.  SOOoooooOOooOoOo.... here we go again, in part, and yes, Eric Rhoads, its all your fault!  Well perhaps my willingness to leap too... but excited and terrified at the same time.  

Why? Driving my trusty stead 6000 miles, piece of cake. Financing it... well- not so much.  I keep reading, working, watching... painting... teaching.  It takes time to put a new plan into action.  Though I have been an artist for life- When my youngest turned 22, this single mother of three leaped into high gear to make life choices work together for the good.  Without this turning into a TMI post, will leave it at that.  NOT independently wealthy, don't have investments to fall back on to fund anything, don't have a PR person in my corner.   If i watch my Artist Marketing Bootcamp I & II ten more times will that magically deliver the funds? Probably not. Applying as much as the counsel as possible, combined with Hard work does pay off in the long run though. It hasn't been quite a year since started this journey that titled the Grace Love Fellowship Tour last April 5th, 2013.  Turns out it really is a life long journey.  At the same time there is a beginning and a end to the initial. I made it back home 5 September 2013, only a couple months longer than expected.  The task at hand applying all from the journey is still at work, and do believe PACE continues to play a huge roll in that, and the initial growing as an Artist. It is like going to 30 workshops or more, in a week. So much to learn from all of these Artist. No matter our level of training, there is something to be learned at PACE for each and every attendee.  I still remember being in the umbrella and beginner groups last year ( though not a beginner wanted to learn all possible) and one of the best landscape artist in the country stood in the back to hear a fellow artist' presentation/demo.  They shared that THEY learned something new in the presentation too.  If we are not learning, we are not growing, and quite simply are paintings are not improving.   So that is just one reason why I am getting in my car for another six thousand mile journey.

Because i DO have an exhibit to finish painting, and the marketing to complete for it, and a studio to keep open.  Something that Elaine Adams said while at the last convention, has continually echoed in my mind, a tiny segment of what she shared: "...we help our customers build their collection...".  Frankly, to be in this category of being part of a 'collection' is perhaps a lofty goal, but yet it is not so, as far as in the spirit of why paint.  I don't want someone to just 'buy' a painting of mine.  The whole theme of my upcoming exhibit is why I paint; to transform one to "At That Moment...".  My artist statement shared in the image to the right. 

Boldly will say that I have been working really hard, and there is a lot of work left to do.  Probably a lot of miles to cover also, not just in my trusty stead, but with my brush to canvas.  OK, so, whats my point.  Bootcamp III ahead of me, I & II behind me (or under my belt) its time to do what can do to keep the momentum full speed ahead.  So, was going to have a art raffle to raise gas funds.  Then I read this blog post by fellow artist friend on FB: broader economic implications of donating your art

That honestly gave me pause.  Would I like to raise funds still in a energetic fun for all way, that hopefully is a win win for both new and old collectors (note used the word collectors) alike? YES.

SOoooooOOoooooooOOOooooo.... leaping to discern wisely just how to do that NOW, because simply now is the need at hand.  Plan to HITT the Road no later than April 2nd. So, to help send me off, and yes, perhaps even help fuel the trusty stead of a Tahoe too in the process on 
  March 31st is studio OPEN HOUSE at the 
An Original Hitt- K Hitt -Fine Art & Atelier.  Plus will work to keep the spirit of it being an added win win for us all.What would a gathering be without a good ole raffle? SoooOOoo lets have a 50/50 Raffle. Drawing will be Monday evening at 8pm. If you purchase three Tickets to the Raffle, you get Ten Percent off  An Original Hitt- K Hitt -Fine Art & Atelier purchases.  That can really add up to quite a lot! Gift certificates are available too, if you can not quite decide, discount applies, will just add it to the face value of your gift certificate.  Gift certificates may be used toward art or instruction at the Studio.  Doors open at the Studio at 8 am for this special day... 
to fuel HITTing the Road. You do NOT need to be present to win. 
So come help me HITT the road again pretty please.  Raffle tickets available on-line or at the Studio all this week up until 7:58pm Monday 31 March 2014. Tickets are fifteen for one, forty for three, Eighty Five for Seven.  Don't forget three gets you ten percent off at the Studio on all purchases before the raffle. See the PayPal link below to purchase on line.  Or come see me at the studio to purchase them in person.  If you purchase on line, I will send you a digital image of your possibly winning tickets via email, so make sure that you provide me with your email address.  Three Percent is added to all on line purchases and all charges to weigh the processing fees.
Raffle Tickets, Drop Down Button for more options:

Raffle Tickets one, three of seven

One Raffle Ticket (drop down for menu) $15.00 USD    three tickets $40.00 USD    7 tickets $85.00 USD

Sharing the GIFTS given...Gift one of Four and much more

Six shipments of panel backings arrive...!!!

As prepare to complete first commission painting in my OWN studio in over 6 months, it feels good.  It also feels good to receive the foundation of my next year of painting on my doorstep.  The base for the panels making up predominately for the "At That Moment..." Exhibit.  The backing for 40 panels in this shipment.  Included in that the backing for some custom sized commission work too.
Before beginning the painting process anew in the studio, after experiencing the greatest learning experience and journey in my life... thought it might be wise to spend a little time reviewing.
There is a LOT to review, to say the least! Where to begin in itself when covering the 21k+ miles, sometimes not so easy to put ones finger on.

SO, I have opted to begin with the question: "What were the greatest GIFTS given on the journey, and how am I to continue to apply them in a worthy manor?" Over the coming entries here, will go over each gift in greater detail, as also share the current paintings am working on, and workshops and classes available. 
Gift 1. 
Plein Air Convention & Expo!
Besides the draw of all the top artist and demos on hand of the convention, what prompted me to take the leap was two additional things.  Boot Camp II Presented by Eric Rhodes before the convention; and the Expo.  The DVD of what we were blessed to experience (IF we got to our chairs by 6:15 am

Boot Camp II at Convention

every morning of the Convention) is now available.  You just so happen to have the chance to win an ipad if you fill out Eric's survey there too.  The link to it above.  The Boot Camp, played a huge roll in why felt the journey of the Plein Air Convention & Expo was important for me to take in this season of my Artist life.  Eric, quite frankly ( don't mean to ad snow here) is a MASTER at showing artist how to shine!  He is also a master at giving us opportunity to grow.  Meeting this man and his family must say, was a huge gift for this artist!

the first 3k+ miles on my Tahoe

I still remember how embarrassed i was standing in-front of the Marriott in my slippers repacking my absolutely PACKED Tahoe that was covered with road grime! Alas, I digress... lets just say, it all turned into a GIFT and blessing... and continues to do so.

Eric's Tripod, and Artist demo's at Expo

Because of that, I simply want to share the GIFTS with others too.  The new DVD Boot Camp II is my date this weekend (it just arrived. All in fun, but a great work date). I did watch a lot of it LIVE at the convention. The pages of notes from the convention, literally fill a book... ALSO the experts that Eric shares with us in all the different fields... frankly is priceless.
I hope to be applying these gifts of knowledge over the next year of this Artist life and all the endeavors before me.  I had NO IDEA how much my road trip was going to open up.  Telling the story has only just begun, along with the images to come.
Along with the Boot Camp in the morning before the convention began... in the hall before you entered the convention was the Expo.  It too is priceless!  Why, because you get to see, and touch, and discuss with Artist and Professionals Multiple Materials of our trade.  As much as we learned, we also had silly FUN and even WON stuff!

FUN and even WON stuff! Morgan Samuel Price with Eric Rhoads

I won Ray Mar Linen Panels! I also purchased more while there, and some new wet panel carriers for multiple sizes also made by RayMar.  The vender list is LONG and don't want to leave anyone out.  I found my beloved STRADA easel while here and met its creator and fabulous artist Bryan Mark Taylor. Refurbished my supply of beloved Rosemary & Co. brushes, my favorite Long Mongoose Flats... and picked up more Gamsol. Also picked up supplies from Judson's who supplied me with my very first Plein Air Painting gear, of which parts of it I still rely.  Like the Turp carrier, guerrilla view finder etc.  MORE on all of these in another post. Framers, met Randy Higbee who does so much both framing and promoting Fine Artist too. Can not fit all into one.  The EXPO is a part of the GIFT of the PACE and can not encourage you enough to attend.  This year Eric is adding Watercolor and Pastels too.  Something for everyone.  I have to say, I am not one that usually heads to a crowd, I usually run the other way.  THIS is one crowd you want to run, fly, drive to though as an Artist, if you at all can! VIDEO FROM PACE2

Jeremy Lipking demo PACE2

 if you don't learn something watching these Artist paint... you are not trying!

Jeremy Lipking demo PACE2

 

 Timothy Tien, Zhaoming Wu

Scott Christensen en plein air at PACEII

PACE2 VIDEO

Kathleen Dunphy and Don Demers

Alexey Steele PACE2 & Asilomar

my view as attempted my first Plein Air in California at Asilomar  Painting along side Kathleen Dunphy who just met there, and Don Demers who know from getting to paint with him in Florida... while off in the distance is Alexey Steele and Scott Christensen.  This/these HARDLY touching on all experienced... this just one WINDY afternoon while there.

 The NEW and OLD connects.  Ned who originally met when lived in Washington state and the New of many, Shelby Keefe,  along with Richard Robinson who traveled i think the furthest! All the way from New Zealand!

Shelby Keefe and Karen Hitt PACE2

Ned Muller and K Hitt PACE2

one of my favorite presentations while there, i signed up for a beginner session, though not a beginner, I was here to learn all possible, and EVERYTHING that i did while here, learned something new...  I believe Lori Putnam showing how to apply the Notan of an image in the compositional stage is the most used of all learned while there. Things myself have taught, and seeing her application just spoke volumes...

Lori Putnam presentation with Notan & Comp. at PACE2

adding to this.... WAY WAY WAY way down the road, about 7K+ later... when I found myself staying at Leipers Fork TN, Lori was kind enough to share where some of her favorite painting areas were.
Another two Highlight for me was when Don Demers and Eric presented John Stobart with a life time achievement award. Mr Stobart has more wonderful tales to tell than fit into one lifetime award.  He was plein air before it was ever called plein air.  I cried tears of laughter when he shared how a cow, licked his painting clean when he got up for water.
Another Lifetime Achievement Award to Mian Situ Presented by B. Eric Rhoads and Elaine Adams of American Legacy Fine Arts and the Special Presentation by Mian Situ 

 ALL that was able to do on this journey a GIFT.  This just Gift ONE....  The Plein Air Convention.

Closing PACE2 with Steve Doherty & Eric Rhoades

Gift 2. Publisher Invitational in the Adirondacks and my Palette Garage that i won.  Its hard to say what was the favorite part of the Grace Love Fellowship Tour; must say that the Publishers Invitational was a TOP HIGHLIGHT.  More details on all experienced here will be the NEXT entry, plus more on my actual palette as paint, and the warm and the cool of that... along with details of the extraordinary GIFT that Paint Camp in the Adirondacks is.  Registration is NOW open ... there are a FEW places left open... another event that can not recommend enough.  More on this and palette at my next post....

Gift 3. Exhibits across the USA  was blessed to see exhibits from WA, CA to VT,  MA, NY, just to name a few, Fetchin, Zorn, Sargent, Rembrandt, Wyeth's, Rockwell, Homer, Hudson River School.... again just to share a few... Greatest ART lessons an artists could hope for is available to us in this wonderful land we live in.  Your homework assignment ALWAYS is to visit the museums or exhibits in your area and view the paintings LIVE.  Reproductions never pay them true justice.  Though I took HUNDREDS of photographs at the exhibits... right down to the brush strokes... the forever forged memory they are on my mind... priceless information....  a post in its self, and also a presentation series to come down the road too. 

Gift 4. The Landmarks & Parks across the USA  ...its official, IF i could run away to ZION i am there!!!!!  NOT enough time there on this 21k+ journey, and so hope to return there sooner than later to spend more time painting the virgin river and all around her.  I purchased a national Parks Pass while out on the road... and plan to continue using one for many years to come.  I visited everywhere from the Sequoia's Pacific Coast Hwy and Big Sir, Canyon lands of the west, Grand Canyons, Bryce, Black Canyon, Gorges.... all thru the west felt like I was in a John Wayne Movie, then on thru the Rockies, and San Juans, stretching all the way to the Acadia in Maine on down to the Smokey's too... and many a stop along the way.  Literally drove 15k+ miles across this great land in my trusty 4 room Tahoe...  I will give some of my learned along the way survival tips as a single 50ish something women traveling solo across the usa and camping and bartering along with B&B's all along the way.  OH the tales of people and places to tell.

Simply know that Exceedingly MORE than I could imagine met me all along the way!

so more on all of these in the upcoming post, from the Grace Love Fellowship Tour as it continues, now that am back off the road.  Still working, and picking bits and pieces of the pioneer sides of the tale to tell... that all culminates to the "At That Moment..." Exhibit.
In a way to share the tale, plan to share at minimum two new paintings a month up to the Exhibit.  Hope that you will enjoy the journey as much as i did, and the sharing of these GIFTS along the way! You may also request to be my friend at FB and see more day to day too.... once again, thanks for being a part.

And last but not least... if you wish to start the season with me here in Venice FL, have a workshop at the end of the week that starts at the Foundation of every good work of art: DRAWING... there are still a couple spots open so would love to see you there too...

more on all of my workshops and upcoming classes click here

Asilomar Wind And Surf Sketch - K Hitt