Blog

 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.