First off, some good news, I started walking again today! What a relief. After a little stroll, I had to ice my ankle, easy. I didn’t think I would be walking till after Labor Day, so I’m over the moon right now.
Suburban Nights Suburban Night limited edition lovely textures
While icing my ankle, I decided to start working again and finish this painting, Suburban Nights. I started it in 2019 and set it aside for other deadlines. Now, was the perfect time to do some digital painting on the couch. I drink hot chocolate, snuggle up under a blanket. Add a sleeping cat and I am all set!
Walking after dark was one of my favorite things to do. My family and friends would get worry but I felt safe because this it what it looked like: deserted.
I’d walk by open windows smelling popcorn and home cooked second helpings. I would hear snatches of conversations, tv dialogues and snoring. Pizza delivery drivers and teenagers would cross my path, sometimes not even seeing me. It was all rather blissful.
Every once in a while I would encounter a dog walker, or a couple out on a walk. We would do a little wave and avoid each other to enjoy the night a little longer.
I don’t know if I will ever start walking again after dark because I need to make smart decisions about my ankle. Painting a memory, preserves it and it is a lovely way to paint.
Foggy Morning at the Ventura Estuary Digital painting Various sizes available
I am still on bed rest until after Labor Day. Ugh. Breaking up the boredom train, during bed rest is the order of the day. Since I can’t paint on location, I had to find a work around.
My solution is to have my Plein Air Thursday cohost send me a couple of photos from the location and I paint along with the group. Phew, boredom averted!
Right now, it is digital painting but as soon as I can sit up, I will be using my beloved acrylics once more.
Digital painting is a valid form of painting and many people are surprised to know that I do both. I strive to make my digital work have a life of its own. My digital work comes in a variety of sizes too. From a 5×7 card up to 30 x 40 inches. It is quite gratifying working with a collector on choosing the surface. Presentation is everything and there is a lot to choose from.
It is satisfying, knowing that my work is being collected. I hope that I am bringing a little joy, reflection or a calming element to others.
Tomorrow I will start working on my new print series. Before I broke my ankle, I had nine paintings to finish. I was able to finish three before my pain level dictated that I rest.
Tide Change 40” x 60”
Ready for printing
These will be printed small, 8” x 10” matted prints that are ready to frame in an 11” x 14” frame.
They can also be hand painted, varying slightly, to fit in a specific place in your home or office. As we are getting back to work and hoping for better days, brightening your environment is a great way to lift your mood.
I still have paintings at the gallery, there are seven or eight paintings left and there are some originals in the bins too.
You can see my work at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts Too, located in Ventura California. Or you can make an appointment with me to talk about options and purchasing.
This is a plein air painting that was 90% done in 2019.
I broke my ankle on May 24th 2021 and I am on bed rest till Labor Day.
Painting is too difficult for me right now, since I am on my back with my ankle elevated after surgery.
I have just started to work again an hour here and there. Mostly, I am resting because my ankle easily swells up and makes me miserable.
Now it is done. It is a mixed media piece that I will be making prints of and delivering them to Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts Too in Ventura, California. They will arrive in early July 2021.
I hope you are enjoying your summer, I know I am. August is almost over and I am looking ahead to what’s coming up. Great things are on the horizon and I am grateful to be doing so much. Here is the run down.
I just made my first logo from scratch! That was a hard one to think of what says YOU in one image. I picked what I wear often, my blue beret with it’s sassy grey piping and matching bow. This has started a lot of conversations and says, ta-da, I’m here! Kids love my beret and it is a way for other artists to recognize me and introduce themselves. I try and wear it when I am working and don’t need a giant sunhat. Paint outs can be so hot! I also wear it when I use my iPad to digitally paint in museums, at the park, in the mall. I don’t shop at the mall, unless you count me shopping for figures. I could be drawing you right now.
August News
Dreaming of Hawaii
August 28th- I was lied to! I was told by one ranger a month ago, that McGrath State Beach was open, since there wasn’t any more rains. So I scheduled it for my Plein Air Wednesday group. It was not open. It happens unfortunately. Nobody went, phew. I had to run out to Ventura, so I ended up painting at a friend’s house in gouache. Painting with friends is better than painting alone. This is a little gouache painting in under 30 minutes. Later that night I started an oil painting. I am giddy with excitement to share but it is in its ugly duckling stage right now. Tomorrow I will finish at least one oil painting to share with you.
Flowers in bloom
August 30th – I will be painting rural scenes tomorrow! I am hoping to get up early enough to meet some of my neighbors.
My breakfast, one day I had to paint this, 30 minutes and bam I was done. Mostly, I could eat!
August 31st – Gouache on the Go! My Saturday morning class at the Ventura Botanical Gardens There are some spots left, buy the whole gouache kit, or bring a watercolor sketchbook and intense pencils or watercolor pencils and paint with me. I love teaching people how to enjoy painting. Use the link to sign up.
Upcoming in September
Time to paint
September 8th – Lisa Mahony’s Acrylic Demonstration will be at The Depot in Santa Paula. I was asked to demonstrate by the Santa Paula Society for the Arts on September 8th at 2 p.m. Join me if and learn how a working artist starts a painting, keep her energy up and creates something before your eyes. I have been winning awards, get accepted to shows and selling. This year, has been my best year yet. Are you looking for a teacher? This is a great opportunity to see if you would like to study with me. Plus, I will also have some acrylic paintings for sale. You never know what you’ll find, it could be just the piece you were looking for!
Late Night Shopping Trip, Crossing La Loma Bridge, oil on panel painting by flashlight can be quite exciting
September 10th- Old Mill art reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. The link takes you to the official California Art Club Exhibition page, our group show is the second one. I am honored to be showing with this prestigious group. The Old Mill’s address is 1120 Old Mill Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Come Sail with Me, oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″ framed $1800.00
September 15th is the last day for our Member’s Show. Come Sail with Me, oil on canvas. This beauty will be on exhibit at Harbor Gallery and Gifts . Come see it in a gallery setting, by far the best way to see a painting. This painting won a merit award and people have been asking about it as well. I suggest, seeing it in person, otherwise it comes home with me. At that point, I will look for another gallery to show it in. My July, Outstanding merit winner, found a new home and also was in The Breeze newspaper. Thank you, to all of my collectors. It is one of the reasons I paint; creating pieces that connect with people.
Did you ever want to paint out in nature? Does it seem interesting? Painting is a great way to spend time outdoors and it can be simple. Join me Saturday August 31st, 2019 and I will show you how fun it can be.
What Time? We can meet down at the gate at 9:00 am and walk up or drive up
Where? Ventura Botanical Gardens, located directly behind Ventura City Hall.
When: August 31st. The class starts at 9:30 am. You can walk up with me at the gate through the Chilean Garden up to Summit Pavilion or you can park on Brakey. All of the directions are on the website.
I am excited to teach plein air at the this beautiful spot. This class if for all levels. I will be demonstrating to get you started. Buy the Intense pencils or the whole gouache set.
Painting Blog by Lisa Mahony 