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Art Fairs have become Art Walks...
 
Fewer artists invited with booths spaced 6ft apart
Masks required for artists and attendees
1 person or family in a booth at a time
Reserved time slots for attendees

Temperatures taken at entrance

One direction of foot traffic

None of these restrictions stop the fine art enthusiasts or me.    There are fewer people but it makes time for wonderful one on one conversations.  I journaled encouragement from art enthusiasts who stopped by my booth.  When words of affirmation are your love language it fills me up and brings a smile to my heart.  I've painted since high school but just 3 years ago I started painting full time in oil. I can't imagine doing anything else.  I especially love painting en plein air (french for "in the outdoors").  On the second day of the art walks I bring my easel and paints to work on a few small studies.  

" Best in Chicagoland" Port Clinton Art Walk in Highland Park, Illinois
An art show director and fellow artist both shared that I could apply to the Port Clinton Art Walk but as a newer artist my chances of being invited would be slim.  Port Clinton Art Walk in Highland Park, Illinois was described to me as the "Best of the Best in the Chicagoland area".  Also, artists who have been doing shows in the area for years have trouble getting in this show.  I decided to apply anyway and was overjoyed to receive an invitation. 
I'm in my studio or en plein air painting most every day.  This hard work, discipline and dedication to the gifts and talents the Lord has given me have opened many doors.  

Much to my delight I placed 1st amongst 2D artists and sold 4 paintings at the Hinsdale Fine Art Show. Then just last weekend at the Port Clinton Art Walk several paintings found new homes and many new connections were made.

I'm looking forward to the next art walk in Wheaton, Illinois on October 10 & 11, 2020.  Hope to see you there!

Stop by my booth next weekend!
FREE Event • FREE Parking
Art Walk at the Glen
August 1 & 2 from 10am-5pm
2691 Navy Blvd, Glenview, Illinois
Time slot reservations suggested for social distancing.
Sign up to reserve a spot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-walk-at-the-glen-tickets-114427074460

@Admur Productions @Art Walk at the Glen @The Glen Town Center

My most recent plein air painting adventure took place in Sawyer, Michigan. My friend and fellow artist, Allison invited me to their cottage for a few days to watch me paint and learn about the plein air painting process. We packed our gear early morning to beat the heat. 2-3 hours max is the time it takes to paint a quick study of a scene to capture the light and shadow. It's a race against chasing the ever-changing light.

On day 1 we set up to paint a lovely scene of Bethany Beach along the shores of Lake Michigan lined by trees as far as our eyes could see. After setting up my easel, umbrella and unpacking all my gear, I realized I forgot my ultramarine blue which was all the way at the top of the hill in the car. 80 plus stairs on a very steep incline just to retrieve a tube of necessary paint. With just a couple hours to paint this scene I navigated the stairs as quickly as I could.

As far as my style goes, a beach scene can't be painted without ultramarine blue. Back down the stairs to my easel to survey the scene taking a few reference photos which helps me decide what to paint. A light wash is next blocking in shapes, values and determining composition then add color and a few details. We were having so much fun painting that it seemed like just 15 minutes had passed but in reality it had been 3 hours.

It was time to pack up our gear and get some lunch. Fatigued a bit by the heat, parched from forgetting to drink water because we're so focused on painting, we once again climb the 80 plus stairs to the car at the top of the hill. This is when Allison exclaims, "Plein air painting is a sport!”.

Upon returning home I weighed all my gear which to my surprise was 30lbs! 

It's all worth it and hopefully is keeping me in shape. Allison and I hope to share many more painting adventures in the future. I am thankful to find a friend and fellow artist that enjoys plein air painting as much as I do!

 It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. A perfect day for my Art in My Yard ( 6 feet apart) solo exhibit at the Jacobson’s home in Naperville.   We advertised throughout their neighborhood earlier in the week with door to door flyers and social media. 

 During set up, Ryne (age 7) and his little brother rode up the sidewalk on their bikes.  Ryan with excitement in his voice asks, "Are you the artist setting up for the art show?!”  I smiled and replied, "Yes I am.”  He shared that he paints too!  Then he asked if I had room in my tent for some of his paintings.  In retrospect, I wish I would have said yes. You see he kept riding his bike back and forth from his home down the block to my art exhibit at least a half dozen more times throughout the afternoon asking questions about my art journey because it is a hope and dream of his to do this someday.

On his second visit, he rides up and asks if I had anything for $5.  I didn’t, but gifted him all 3 versions of my business cards which are velvety and thick with a different painting on each one hoping he would enjoy this small gesture then he smiles and rides away.  He rides up a third time asking what the price was for my dog portrait.  I shared that it wasn't for sale because it is my puppy (Boris) and its on display as an example to show that I paint animal portraits.  We talked about his dogs a bit, he asked a few art questions and rode away.   On his fourth encounter, he stops by, staying on the sidewalk, on his bike and tosses a photograph of his dog, Scotty, a sweet little white puppy. We talk about Scotty then he rides away.  

I enjoyed mingling with neighbors and making a couple sales throughout the day. The tent was bustling with people when I noticed Ryan stop again; this time he was with his mom and brother.  They entered the tent looking at my paintings then approached me.  Ryan taps me on the arm and hands me cash payment for the purchase of “Rocky Shore Splash Study”. His mom said it was his allowance money.  It warms my heart to know Ryne has this painting. I hope it inspires him to keep pursing art.  Ryne asked me what age I started painting.  I shared since I was about his age.  I encouraged him to take his sketchbook wherever he goes, keep drawing. A few days after my exhibit Ryne held his very own solo art show with his paintings in his front yard.  Wish I would have know.  All the best to your future artistic endeavors Ryne!

“Rocky Shore Splash Study” is prominently displayed in our upstairs hall right outside his bedroom — a compromise, as he really wanted it IN his room It was such a treat for Ry to meet an artist and have the opportunity to ask questions. It was like his favorite book “The Art Lesson” had come to life. “

 Wishing you all the best,

Laura G. (Ryne's Mom)

Renting a home in a different part of the country for 1 week each summer has been a tradition since our kids were very young.  Our family has grown to 8 now with our two oldest sons married. Destinations are almost always near a body of water. Our adventures consist of riding jet skis, hiking, boat rides with tubing, evening fire pit and each couple taking turns making a gourmet dinner for the family.  During our down time some enjoy reading a good novel, or playing games.  This year I brought my plein air painting supplies to relax and connect with the sights and sounds of the lake through painting a couple scenes.  

These plein air studies may or may not develop into larger paintings back in my studio.  Plein air painting is invigorating yet peaceful for me.  The human eye sees much more color, light and shadow than even a professional camera can record.  There is a feeling and connection with the scene I choose to paint as well which is lost when painting from a photograph.  I'm thankful I discovered plein air painting just a few years ago.  I look forward much more plein air painting as we travel throughout this country and others in the future.  

I start each day with a cup of coffee, devotional time then plan my day.  This particular morning at 8:00 am the sun was out which meant it would be a great for plein air painting! I knew where I wanted to paint based on a Facebook post of the Geneva tulips in bloom from my friend Kim a few days earlier.  I missed this extraordinary display last year so I was determined to capture it this year.

Once I arrived I walked around and took a few photos to help figure out a scene to paint then set up my easel, worked up a quick composition/value sketch then began painting. 

As I painted a steady flow of people arrived to photograph their children in front of the beautiful blanket of colorful tulips.  Children ranging from a few months old to high school girls with their moms.  A few were interested in seeing how my painting was coming along and we’d visit a bit.  I enjoy hearing their stories and connection to their interest in art.  A couple ladies asked to photograph me painting the tulips which is all good just asked them to text me the photos so I could post them on social media.

A young mother stopped by my easel with her son and daughter to watch me paint and visit.  Her little girl was very interested in watching.  A budding artist I’m sure.  I shared with them how I used to teach elementary art for a season but now enjoying my long awaited passion of painting the landscape.  She asked for a business card but I was in such a rush to get to the gardens early that morning that I forgot to pack them.  I shared my website, Facebook and Instagram which she typed into her phone then they were on their way.

I posted several photos of my plein air tulip painting progress while on site to Facebook.  After a couple hours the lighting had changed and I was getting a bit hungry so I headed back to my studio.  Finishing touches were added using my reference photos then another post to Facebook.  The next morning I woke to a Facebook message from this mom. She asked if my painting was available to purchase.  What a joy to hear that she wanted to bless her daughter with Geneva Tulip Garden for her birthday. 
I’d love to hear if this little girl pursues painting some day.  A lovely memory for me as well.  I’ll be painting this scene larger in my studio from the photos I took that morning.

An honor to be recognized by Boldbrush Painting Competition Jurors with "Gulf View Wave 1"  as one of their FAVORITE 15% in March 2020. "Gulf View Wave 1" was painted in my studio from a photo I took while on Spring Break with my daughter in Destin, Florida. We drove to Destin so I could travel with my easel, paints and camera. I had a couple opportunities to paint on the beach. This was before the pandemic hit.  By the end of our week all the beaches were closing. I'm thankful we got this trip in and I have lots of amazing photos and memories to paint from.

Creativity, Connections and Sales at 6 Feet Apart

I woke to a bright, sunny Thursday morning with neighbors out walking, riding bikes, and enjoying the warmer weather. It had been 2 weeks since our "Stay at Home" order by the state of Illinois in hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19. Juried Art Fair applications are due soon which require a booth photo so I set up my art fair booth in the front yard then sent out an invitation to view my paintings making sure to keep a safe distance of 6 feet apart.

It was a successful event and a lot of fun visiting with neighbors and friends keeping our social distance and taking in the fresh air.

This spur of the moment decision on Thursday morning to send out an invite began as a seed planted in my mind then confirmed by a friend suggesting I make it an event. Love the creative ways to connect and bless one another without getting too physically close.

Much to be thankful for...

Focusing on the beauty of creation, the love of our heavenly Father and eternity with Him gives me great joy and hope for the day to day especially in times like this. The Lord can inspire us and help us keep moving forward when we turn our eyes upon Him. Serving one another and our communities takes the focus off ourselves and blesses everyone in the midst of trials. It is a joy listening to praise and worship music as I paint God's creation and sweet to see the work of my heart and hands find a home.

The highlight of Art in My Yard was selling this painting to a lovely couple down the street who we had the pleasure of meeting for the first time at my solo exhibit. I also made connections for a few possible commission paintings.

SOLD
Fresh off the Easel!
Title: Radiant Sun at Dusk
11" x 14" Oil on Linen Panel

Hope you are staying safe and enjoying being creative with your time at home!

My church home Easter celebration from our homes will be on a live simulcast:
Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, Sunday @ 9:15am.
Here's the link if you'd like to join us!
https://chapelstreet.church/live/
Warmest regards,
Janice Czerwinski

Thank you for your interest in the work of my heart and soul.
Commission paintings welcome.
If you'd like to watch progress on pieces I'm currently working on follow my business Facebook page or Instagram at Janice Czerwinski,
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Website: janiceczerwinski.com
Email: [email protected]

We walked along the boardwalk running parallel to the Mediterranean almost every day.  My mind and heart racing, taking in the ocean, sand, beach and sun framing subjects to translate into paintings.  This particular afternoon was dedicated to taking my camera and photographing the scenes I had admired all week.  My husband, Bill is my biggest fan.  He was very patient as I stopped many times along the journey.

Title: Silver and Blue
18" x 24" Oil on Canvas

Silver and Blue began by taking several photos of this boat from many angles. The photo I decided on was taken crouched down in the sand looking up to the sun lit silver side.  I began by developing a quick pencil sketch to determine the composition and scale of the boat.  I wanted it to be all all about the sparkly silver and blue boat.  Next I painted a small 6" x 8" comprehensive study.  This step helps me work out all the values, colors and flow of the painting before taking it larger.  

For more information: https://www.janiceczerwinski.com/portfolio-viewer?collection=117792#lg=1&artworkId=3469671