In The Meadow - En Plein Air

  May all your weeds be wildflowers. 

In The Meadow

11.5" x 15" hand painted 'en plein air' watercolor on Yupo paper

16" x 20" double matted w/ foam core backing

See purchase information here.

This image is available for license here.

Yesterday I competed in the Medford NJ, "2013 Paint Our Town - Plein Air Challenge". Although temperatures soared into the mid 90's, I managed to find a shady spot and held up pretty well. This year the event took place on the Medford Leas Retirement Community's 160 acre impressively landscaped grounds. It was lots of fun and a very well run event. Upon arrival, our painting surface was marked and we were supplied with maps and information about possible painting locations.

Here is my set-up.

I learned so much, on many levels through participating.  I haven't really painted on location in years and setting up and working outside is not like being in the studio where everything's at your fingertips! The only thing I forgot was a spray bottle and my paints kept drying out.  I'm planning on putting together a "Checklist for Plein Air Watercolorists" in my next newsletter. Be sure to sign up to receive it in your inbox.

This picture of me  was taken by Beth, a sweet resident I met
who contributes to the community newsletter.

It was really good for me to get off the property. I tend to be a hermit. Most days, I'm here in my studio, painting, on the computer or hanging out with my critters. It was good to get out in public and it was definitely good to get out of my routine and comfort zone. Even though it was a lot of work, I'm charged up to do it again, hopefully when it isn't so darn hot.

Cutie Pye inspects the maps, brochures, and winnings.

Everyone I met or was reacquainted with was so nice! There was even a reception with food and wine after the judging. I am happy to report that I got a second place award and a cash prize for my painting of Katzell Meadow, titled "In The Meadow". That was just the icing on the cake though. The true prize was just being there in the moment, observing, feeling, painting, outside, in the zone, in the meadow.

Go to the meadow to stretch and grow

Get lost in her plume topped amber glow

Sparkling with gems in every color and size

Joyful appreciation the true grand prize

When is the last time you tried something
out of your comfort zone or routine?

What was it?

  What did you learn from it?  

 As Always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Announcing a Print Giveaway

ATTENTION ALL SANDY SANDY ART FACEBOOK FANS ...

(To become a fan follow the link above and click on "like" at the top right of the page.)

Win any two of my matted 8" x 10" signed and numbered lithograph prints of your choice from my Etsy shop! (This is a 47 dollar value including the shipping.) Comment below and tell me which titles you would like to win. Then go to facebook and 'Share' this post with your friends and your name will be added to my drawing. I will be giving away two 8" x 10" prints (can be a set or not) from my Etsy shop at 200 Facebook Business Page 'Likes'.

Horse Sundance
Matted 8" x 10" Signed and numbered lithograph print
ready to fit into an 8" x 10" frame
 

(Contest open to residents of the US and Canada)

Good luck and thanks for your interest in my work!

X ♥ O

A Painting Giveaway!

" TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES "

PAINTING GIVEAWAY!

In the spirit of birthday week, I'm announcing an ORIGINAL PAINTING GIVEAWAY! It's also a way of showing my gratitude for the support I've received online, especially on facebook, during my 30/30 challenge.

It is quick and simple to enter.

If you are on facebook:

#1) Go to: Sandy Sandy Spiritart and LIKE MY PAGE if you haven't already. 

#2) go to the album: TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES, click on the images and leave me a short comment on at least 3 of the (available) paintings you would like to win. (It would be nice, but not necessary, to hear why you select the ones you do.)

#3) To get an extra entry, share a link on your facebook timeline to my TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES album.

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If you do not have a facebook account:

#1) Become a follower here if you are not already one.

#2) go to the album: TREES INSPIRED BY QUOTES, click on the images and leave me a short comment on at least 3 of the (available) paintings you would like to win. (If facebook doesn't allow non-members to post, just comment here with 3 titles of those you would like to own.)

#3) To get an extra entry, share a link to this post on your blog and please let me know you did it.

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ORIGINAL PAINTING GIVEAWAY

 will be held at 11am, EST, March 20th, 2013

(The same day as my Animal Spirits book giveaway.)

Thanks again my friends.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

X ♥  O

"Saying thank you is more than good manners.

It is good spirituality."

~ Alfred Painter

Celebrating 500 Posts with a Painting Giveaway!

I am still in the Christmas Spirit here and have just painted this little holiday hummingbird today. The Christmas Day post on my web log was my 500th post on this blog! To celebrate, I am having an original watercolor painting giveaway! To be eligible to win this one of a kind, 5" x 7" double matted painting, you have to leave a comment here on this post and tell me why you would like to win this piece. If you subscribe to my blog, or are already a follower, with your comment you get an extra two entries into the drawing, making it a total of three! The drawing will be held at 3pm, EST on January 6th, Little Christmas, the traditional end of the Christmas Season. This contest is open to all residents of the USA and Canada. The winner will be notified here on my blog and by email. I will mail the painting as soon as I have the winner's shipping address. Thanks to everyone who reads my posts and adds their thoughts and comments! Please tell your friends about this drawing and good Luck to you all!!