Last October I spent a few days in Mullen, Nebraska, for a painting workshop with Shanna Kunz. (Fabulous). The last morning, I got up early and went out with my camera to the place we had painted the previous afternoon - a meadow with the Middle Loup running through. I wanted to see what it was like in the morning light. It did not disappoint. The water was glittering. The air was cool and a little misty. And the sun was starting to warm everything and give it a glow.

It’s a bit brisk in the hinterlands, but I’ve been forging outside to paint as much as possible. My teeth chatter, my fingers are numb and the wind blows my trash bag away, but hey….I’m outside painting and I couldn’t be happier. I was standing on our back deck painting a few weeks ago. It was drizzly and …… well, just kinda miserable. My husband came outside for a bit and said, “I guess you must really like painting, otherwise you’d never be out here.” That pretty much sums it up.

I always want to write about things here on the blog that I wrestle with as an artist, so this new series is on talking about your art. So awkward, right?

This first post will be about writing an artist statement, and I also will share about writing art descriptions and writing your artist bio.

There is a most lovely art oasis for Nebraska art in Bassett, Nebraska, thanks to vision, many hands, and a multitude of big hearted givers. The Old Feed Store Art Center opened in early 2018 with an exhibit of Joel Sartore’s “Photo Ark” in cooperation with the Museum of Nebraska Art. Since then, other Nebraska artists, musicians and poets have shown and performed in the space.

This is the third in a series of posts about Taking Photos for Your Art. Here are the first and second posts.

Gridding Your Canvas

by Beth Cole

If I am painting something that really needs to be drawn well, like a portrait or figure, I always grid my photo and canvas.

Editing Your Photos

By Beth Cole

This is the second in a series of posts about taking photos for art, you can read the first post here.

Rarely does a photo come straight from the camera ready to paint. I have found that taking a little time to analyze and edit the photo makes for a stronger inspiration photo and a stronger painting.

Taking Photos For Your Art - Part I

by Beth Cole

This is a new series on taking photos for your art. I believe taking your own photos is a big part of the artistic process. When you use your own photos for painting you are already connected in a way to the scene you want to paint. It is always just a good policy to work from your own photos.

You're Invited

Kearney Art in the Park is happening this Sunday, July 8th, in Kearney, Nebraska at Harmon Park. It is always a wonderful show with lots of beauty to behold, great food and an all around great vibe. If you are local, I hope you can come, and if you do, please stop by and say "hi."