Titled:  Precious Pup (Watercolor)
Size:  7-5/8" x 10-3/4"
Linda Young, artist
From the blog called Paint and Draw Together, the author, Lela Stankovic publishes a painting challenge to the member artists of the blog.  The challenge for us this time was a puppy that looked to me like a Water Dog or a Standard Poodle Puppy.  Here is my watercolor painting of the Painting Challenge #8 Puppy.  I've called this one "Precious Pup"

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth to look at my watercolor paintings and especially to those who purchased original art, prints and note cards.  It was a pleasure to meet you all and hope we meet again in the future.

My work will be on display at the Carlisle Coffee Company in Carlisle, Pa. during the month of September.  Stop by, try their delicious assortment of coffee, pastries and lunch.  The food is great and so is the service.  They have internet access available too.

I created my first online product based on an original watercolor painting of the Mount Gretna Canoes.  Follow the link to buy now.  Thanks!



make custom gifts at Zazzle

Saturday morning lookers started around 8:30 coming into our exhibits looking to get their head start on the day.  It was sunny and pretty warm that day with high humidity; a little breeze at times cooled us down a little.  I had a good attendance at my booth and several very nice sales, including two original paintings.  I had taken many note cards and they were the big draw for the crowds who seemed like they couldn't get enough of them.  Most people who purchased the note cards bought four.  My original signed bookmarks were also an inspiration for some to buy them as gifts.  Roxy went home after the close of show on Saturday evening. 

Sunday's weather wasn't so great.   It began to rain very early in the morning.  By the time my sister and I left at 6:30 am to go to the booth, it was pouring.  Luckily, the canopy held the rain at bay and none got onto the watercolor paintings.  

Shortly after the gates opened in the morning, Rita left for coffee in between the rain showers.  Then, with one loud clap of thunder, a major downpour happened.  I was hoping she was able to get under cover but knew the answer to that question when she finally returned.  With water running from her ball cap and every inch of her clothing, she handed me the coffee with that "service with a smile" look .  I wish I had my camera for that "kodak moment"!  As sisters, we just had to laugh about it...well, I laughed a little harder than her, of course!  Fortunately, there were dry clothes to change into.  Rita helped with the sales that day and the results were better than I expected considering the miserable wet weather.

My Statistical report (well, sort of)

Regarding attendance:
Saturday's sunny day brought out a lot of people and it looked to me like it was well attended.  However, an official of the event told me attendance was down 30% and at one point saw the shuttle bus unloading only two people on Saturday.  "It's never been like that before;" he said, since the Mt Gretna Art show began.  "It was either because of the rain or the economy and we can only hope both improve for next year."  I hope so too. 

Regarding artists who stopped by:
The Daily Painters of Pennsylvania Artists were in attendance too.  I met artist Andy Smith on Saturday who stopped by my booth and commended me for my work. Thankyou Andy. (Yes, your paintings for the DPP opening at the Capitol arrived safely to my home and will be taken to Gallerie 13 along with mine.)  Artists Julie Riker and Patsy Kline of DPP also stopped to introduce themselves and chat awhile.  With so much going on, I don't remember if there were others of our DPP group so if I've missed your name and you stopped by, please let me know and I'll be sure to post your name in this blog too.

Regarding Traffic flow:
Directing the exiting show traffic was done in a very organized way and systematic.  As a participant, I really appreciated those efforts.    Of course, there was that one lady who didn't like to follow the policemen's rules on getting to her "stuff"; she felt she knew better and argued extensively with him trying to get her way holding everyone up. (She didn't win the argument)  Considering everything, the police and volunteers and organizers did a wonderful job at keeping a certain order and flow and are to be commended for a job well done.

Thanks goes to Dave S. for the use of his vehicle, to Roxy (aka C.E.O. of Public Relations), Rita (aka C.E.O. of Hospitality and Transport) my husband John who took time out from his duties as Chief Driving Instructor of the Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association race this weekend at Duryea Drive in Reading, Pa.  He drove from there to help me get set up and back to instruct the novices and participate in the race himself (which he won!).  Thanks also goes to Gordon W. for opening his home up to us for lodging.  Without all of you, I would not have been able to accomplish so much. 

At the end of the day Sunday, I was tired, exhausted and happy with everything; but more important to me were the people and artists I met.  Meeting and talking with you is a priceless memory I will remember for a long time. 

Cheers!

I will have a booth at Mt. Gretna in the Emerging Artist's area on Pennsylvania Avenue.  The booth is number three.  The display will comprise mostly of original, one of a kind framed paintings, matted originals and a few prints and note cards. 

Please stop by rain or shine to see my exhibit.  This is the first time for a weekend show for me and I'm excited to have been accepted into it. 

Remember:  Emerging Artist's area booth #3 on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Mt. Gretna website http://www.mtgretnaarts.com

another blogspot  http://lindayoungwatercolors.blogspot.com

10-1/4 x 14-1/4"

Watercolor

I wanted to paint the figs in watercolor after doing them in pastel; but had a lot of difficulty with it for one reason or another. 

So, late very last night, I continued to work on it and eventually my imagination got the best of me!  'Quite possibly', I thought, 'these "three little three figs" could be standing on a Broadway stage singing their hearts out to a live audience'. The background became bright stage lights and the table was now their stage. Suddenly, they took on a life of their own getting eyes and mouths. Oh yes, they were now real crowd pleasers.

Whether you feel they are crowd pleasers or not, it doesn't matter. All I know is I had fun getting carried away and letting an exaggerated imagination take over to finish this piece.

Strange things happen in the wee hours of the morning!  It makes me smile, regardless.

I wonder though; would one say, for good luck to these broadway performers, "break a stem"?

                                                                                             10 x 12
                                                                                              Pastel

On top is the "start" for the painting showing the photo to be worked from and the underpainting of yellows.  The photo is from the Paint and Draw Together blogspot where Lela Stankovic posts a different photo once a month to challenge visual artists.

The finished painting  and is my first time to paint with pastels.

6" x 4"
Watercolor
Linda Young artist

Freedom; beginning with splashes of color, layering, waiting and being patient, studying, lifting and finally putting in the details of what I see in my abstract paintings.  I hope by these selective final strokes to help you visualize the subject I have painted in this abstract study.  How long will the motivation be there to continue painting the sea?  Who knows; but for now I present to you the third of my abstract paintings. 

Please feel free to make a comment or ask questions; I will answer every one.  It is a way I can learn from you. 

Hi!  I've entered an abstract painting into July's Fine Art Studio online's competition; I hope you'll click on the link and vote "like" for this painting.  My goal is to get into the top fifty in this month's competition.  Here is the link.  http://canvoo.com/boldbrush/painting/11255

Thanks!
Linda