Inspiration Overload

available here

Can there be such a  thing as too much inspiration? I'm not really sure what's been going on with me these last few months, but I'm trying to work through it. I get so inspired to paint but then hesitate because of too many choices and the thought of out doing my last piece. I don't want to regress!

I just got back from a whirl wind trip to Southern California. My mom and I traveled to see my sister and attend my nieces high school graduation. It's a long, long drive and we did it in one day. The following day was spent recovering and wasn't helped any with a sleepless night. We enjoyed one spectacular day in Laguna, where we had lunch at Las Brisas, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean (my home), followed by more inspiration at a few galleries. I was pleasantly surprised at the down to earth feeling I got from the Art Directors/Owners of the few galleries we stopped in. I had thought they would be stuffy and indicating. I was so wrong. Since this was a spur of the moment idea, I wasn't prepared to introduce myself as an artist interested in representation. I did tell them I was an artist so they would waist too much time selling to me, but they still took time with me even after finding that out. Anyway, this little excursion left me with a new goal. I think I would like to seek some representation down there. It's probably a big dream and nothing more but I'm just "putting it out there" to the Universe. I had pieces in local galleries but have never tried to get in anywhere else. I might never try but it's on my mind now and will soon be on my Dream Board.

prints and more available here 

The whole trip left me yearning to be back home at the beach even more than ever. We were there for such a short time, busy with family (not complaining though. It was great to see them) I didn't even get to put my toes in the sand. While we were having lucy we met a daughter visiting her father who lived in Laguna. She had grown up there and like me misses the ocean, a lot! As soon as they finished lunch she changed into her suit and went for a dip! I should have brought mine with me. I'm on a new mission to move to Oceanside-San Diego, somewhere around there. Huntington Beach would be my first choice but it's quite pricey. My guy is 55+ and I'll be 45 next month so we qualify for the retirement communities! haha I'm happy for that! Now...I just have to get him to go along with me. He's  not from California originally so doesn't have a love for it like I do, and would actually like to move away.

available here

So, back to my art. I think I'm going to focus on figures and flowers and go large! That's one thing a gallery owner told me. Large is the way to go. I will still be offering smaller pieces too of course and I'm sure I won't be able to help add a landscape in there, but will also be trying to create a body of large pieces, like in the 40x60 range. They may be shipped, rolled and then need to be re-stretched if they are going over seas but as long as they're staying in the US shipping is doable. So I'm off to create my new Dream Board and order some gigantic canvas!

I will write about the angel and her significance in my life in my next post. 

Where Did May Go?

work in progress

Where did May go? It happens every year. I wait for Spring and Summer and they fly by! I remember this even as a child growing up in Southern California. Yes we did have the best weather but i still waited for the perfect beach weather. We had what they call, June Gloom, where the marine layer stays along the coast, never burning off. July was my favorite but that could have something to do with the fact that it's my Bday month! But the weather was always the best late summer, early fall. The water warms up to a nice temp, and the nights stay warm. What great memories I have of that time of year. The night blooming jasmine fills the air and swimming at night was not out of the question. 

Good times. 

This piece I'm currently working on, of Catalina, brings back some wonderful memories. But now I'm once again, scouring the internet for a way to move back down there (well, I kind of always do that). I'm not sure if it's a case of "the grass is always greener", or if it's because that's where I was born and raised and nothing compares to it. Whatever it is, it keeps me drawn to painting its beauty of never endless inspiration. 

I just purchased my first pochade box and am planning on getting out and painting the world…that's my plan at least…we'll see. I have a french easel but it takes so long to set up, I'm hoping that the ease of the pochade box will make it so I have no excuse. I tried to make one myself but it never quite came together. I think the box was too heavy, anyway.

This painting of Avalon on Catalina, CA is not from plein air painting, but from a great reference photo from Ivy Faulkner of Palos Verdes Pictures. I'm friends with her on Facebook and have admired her photos for quite awhile now. When I saw this scene, I knew I had to paint it, so I was thrilled when she said yes to my question of using it for reference. I cropped it a little tighter and added the bougainvillea, which really sets it off. I'm really liking this one… I can just imagine the ocean air and warm sun on my face. It's an 18x24 oil, so is taking about a week to complete, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. 

sold

available soon

 This piece was done on mistake and will available soon for purchase. It's a 9x12…I was supposed to paint an 8x10 and don't know how I mixed that up. Anyway practice is always good, right? I still need to retake the photo with my good camera and then get it listed. If you're interested before then, it's a 9x12 oil on stretched canvas.

So now I'm off to paint more! I will be continuing my painting every day but am taking a week off soon! Can't wait to get some new inspiration photos on my trip! Have a great June!!!

What do you think?

available on Etsy

This is one of my latest figures. I'm happy with how she turned out but she went through some changes. I originally painted her nude but ended up adding the little scarf in the end. I also used a palette knife to not only soften some edges but just give the paint a more lively feel. 

A few people on my Facebook weren't happy with the changes, or at least they liked her in the nude better. What do you think? 

Tonal Portrait, Practice makes perfect!

Here's today's painting for my May challenge! It's an 8x10 oil on panel

I'm going to retake the photo because there's too much glare here.

Yesterday's was for a client who wanted a larger version of my previous rooster! I gladly painted it again. It's so much fun to paint the feathers. Kind of like painting the hair in the one above. 

Thanks for following my challenge! 

Jacaranda Love New Maui Purple Tree Art

Jacaranda Love
6x8 inch
available here

Here's Day 4 of my "Painting My Day Away in May" Challenge. Love, love, love jacarandas! Even better when they're on Maui!

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This was Day 3 and it went fast! I'm posting on Facebook and instagram first because of the ease. Here's my instagram - @jbeaudet_art and my Facebook is JBeaudetStudios

Thanks! 

*blogger brightens the images slightly more than the original 

Update: I have recovered my old website domain name! I lost it in 2017...not sure if it will help but I'm happy about it! 

New Pink Fancy Lady Painting

available here

This pretty lady in pink was inspired by a vintage photo. I believe it's Vogue. The photo was black in white without any flowers. I also made my own interpretation of her face. 

I love vintage fashion! I grew up making paper dolls and admiring my mom's framed hand-painted prints from the Godey's Lady Book and Magazine. And of course my favorite movie is 

Gone With The Wind! The fashions were so beautiful back then. 

This original oil painting is on an 11x14 ampersand gesso board. I ended up naming her

"Blushing Anticipation"…a combination of help from my Facebook friends! 

Click to see more of my figures.

Lilacs palette knife contemporary impressionist painting

Lilacs palette knife impressionist painting 

available here

I'm busy painting, trying to get more for the next show! This one is an 8x8 oil on canvas with thick painted sides- $100. The sides are thick and painted black so no frame is needed! You can see all the texture on it! Only a palette knife can do that. It's like frosting! 

More News to Share!

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Here's a new fancy lady painting that I just finished. It sold as soon as I listed it, so that's some good news! I'm going to be doing more for sure, and have an idea for a new series. (think "ocean")! 

Well, I didn't win that contest a posted about last time, but it was great just to be in it. The magazine gets a lot of exposure. I just wish I had chosen a different image. That's why I never enter (besides, they cost money) because I have the hardest time choosing what I think my best is. Even when I paint something and think I've done a great job, that's not always the one that goes the fastest. Sometimes the ones I think are the best never sell at all. I'm not a good judge I guess. haha

I do however have some exciting news to share! I was asked, by my county, to be the "Painter Representing Trinity County"! How cool is that!? I said yes of course! I'm honored and thrilled to be recognized as an artist in my little town. You probably know by now, I really only sell my art online, behind the scenes, and don't like making public appearances. I'm trying to change that, though! I've been trying all my life, really. Social anxiety is real and affects a lot of people in many ways. For me, it's definitely held me back from doing things all throughout my life. I'm almost 45 though, and think it's time to get over it! Much easier said then done…but I'm trying! 

I'm just truly grateful to have made it this far only selling my art online. It means so much to me that  my art touches your soul that much for you to want to have it in your home! It's a part of my soul…a part of me.

On my easel…I'm currently working on a commissioned piece for a dear collector of mine. It's the Augusta Golf Course's famous 12th hole. I went on the Master's website and watched the video (freezing it at the best shot). It's gorgeous! I remember watching that with my dad a few years back, and stating how gorgeous it was! Now I'm painting it. I love my job!:) 

If you'd like to commission me to paint something special for you, here's a little info on that! Commission the Artist 

Update: I'm sharing this post again to see if it helps my photos show up on google again. It seems like everything I posted over years has been erased. There have also been some mistakes about who the artist of this painting is. I am the artist. Jennifer Beaudet. I got married in 2020, so now my last name is Zondervan. There is another new artist who decided to use my exact name, Jennifer Lynn Beaudet (this is my name on my driver license and the name that I used since I was first married in 1992. It has caused a lot of confusion and has hurt my business. I just want people to know that I painted all of the women in dresses, the 30 in 30 challenges, the Italy, doors, flowers...so many. On the cover of Sasee in 2016, in the calendar for breast cancer awareness (my painting "Slippers for a Cure") and on and on. I might not have as much money as the other artist, and only have an AA degree, but I have made a name for myself. It's frustrating that I had to change my name. She would not. People share my art with her website information because her website comes up first. Yes, it sounds like I'm whining, because I am. 

The good news is, I got my old website domain back. I haven't parked it anywhere and don't know if I will. I don't know if you remember that I lost it when I was homeless. (when my ex cheated on me and I had to move) I couldn't pay for the renewal. Too much drama! The worst thing was that whoever had access to my website put the new artist's email on it! Ugh! It was so strange. The whole thing is strange. What are the chances that another artist with the same exact name would start oil painting? Almost same age and similar hair color. It's almost like the twighlight zone.

Anyway, I'm still dealing with this name thing...I don't think it will ever go away. 

I'm still painting

That's all I can do.

I'm sorry for all of you that might be confused. 

Artist of The Year!

Click on this painting to vote!

So, I wasn't going to try but figured it couldn't hurt. I don't normally like asking for votes, but it's a chance to win $1000, which could come in handy for creating more art! If you'd like to help me out with a vote, just click on the image then scroll down to the bottom. When you find this painting hit the "Thumbs Up" icon and that's it! The only thing is you have to vote everyday…I know, that's asking a lot. Like I said, I wasn't even going to try but maybe I'll be surprised! :) 

Thanks for your help! 

 

Art Showing this Saturday!

I'm actually going to be showing my work in person this Saturday! If you've been following for for anytime you know that's not something I do…like ever! A good friend of mine persuaded me to, and it felt right. It's going to be an afternoon tea party, and this little painting is just perfect for it! It will be there along with prints and some other paintings. I'm excited for this experience! 

The women putting it on are really nice and the proceeds from the Tea will go to a good cause! 

Doesn't get any better than that! Wish me luck:)

Impressionist Lavender Field Painting

Impressionist Lavender Field Painting

click to view on etsy
Lavender Field and Sunflowers
8x8 inch
no frame needed
$100 

This contemporary impressionist lavender field painting is inspired by Spring! Click on the image to get a better idea of the colors and another view of the original painting. Lavender fields are so calming to look at, not to mention the smell and what that can do for you! The sunflowers add a nice contrast to the purple and make the colors pop. I also added some turquoise in there because all those colors look so good together! You can see some of the palette knife work and beautiful thick paint on here.

Well my daughter finished her first week at her new job and it's official now! It's the biggest sense of relief, knowing that she'll be ok. No more frantically searching the internet for grad schools and careers to make use of her BS in Psychology. It's a dream come true for her! I'm so happy for her! 

I'm going to reveal my big news next time, although it's not as big as I had thought. Isn't that the way things go sometimes. Until then, have a wonderful day and paint your world beautiful! 

New Poppy Painting!

Poppies in Bloom
16x20
oil
$460

Some new paintings

Pensive Melody
20x20 inch
oil on canvas
available here

The Last Rose
18x20 inch
oil on canvas
available here

I just finished these two impressionist figure paintings! I'm going to be starting some poppies now and am still planning another Southbay painting.
I received some awesome news about my art the other day but don't want to say anything until it's a done deal. I'll be sharing it as soon as that happens!

New Friday Sketch…nudes!

New blog post on my new blog! Just click here to read! 

#fridaysketch Party!

Here's my sketch for the week. I think next week I'll be working on some nudes to liven things up for the party! haha Maybe I'll get some people to join me. If you'd like to join me I'm inviting you to post your sketches on my Facebook page. 

I had a busy week of painting too! 

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I think Spring has cured my artist's block. I felt a little lost for a few months, but I'm back on track now and the creativity is flowing again! It must be winter…it happens almost every year. Oh how I wish I could live back in Southern California. It's hard when you're born and raised in the best weather possible and then have to move away. I still haven't given up on my dream of moving to Hawaii either, even though my husband doesn't want to anymore. Maybe he never did. Anyway, we will be moving sometime in the future because neither of us want to live here anymore, but for different reasons. I feel too isolated and he wants out of California. We're in a total disagreement of where to go. I want warm sunshine and a beach, he wants freedom and land. To be continued…

Meantime, I'll be painting away! I'm not sure about my new blog. I really like how it functions and the way it looks, but I can't seem to get you all over there. I understand, I don't like change either, or when things don't work. Hopefully it'll get going. 

Happy weekend! 

Sketch Party Friday!

I'm starting something new and doing it every Friday, on my new website! It's a Sketch Party! I hope you'll join me! Until then, I'll be partying by myself! haha

Been busy painting!

California Dream

Lavender Splendor

Two new ones. The color is not quite as bright as on here. Blogger automatically saturates the photos. I was actually going for a way more subtle warm feel on the first one. So if you want you can see a better  photo along with some close ups by clicking the links. 

Thanks for looking!

Be Mine!

Read more here! 

Making Some Changes…to peony painting

You can see the latest changes to my peonies painting by clicking here!  

This will take you to my new blog and website, I'd love to have you join me over there:) 

PS The giveaway is still going on in case you missed it! 

See you there! 

I'm Having a Giveaway! …on My New Website

For a chance to win an 8x10 print of this painting just pop on over to my new website and leave a comment there! If you'd like to subscribe by email, there's a place off to the side for that. You can also follow me on Google+ where you won't miss a post! Thank you and good luck! Right now I only have one entry so you're chances are good! :) 

Click here to enter

Jen

I have a new website, I hope you'll join me there!

I have a new website Jen Beaudet Art, I hope you'll join me there!

I've been working on this for over about 2 weeks now, but I've finally finished! It might not be exactly how I want it, I may need to change a few things, but I just can't wait to share it with you all! Now I just need to figure out how to get you to follow me there. I'll leave a link on here and will post a few times on here so you don't miss it. 

I ended up getting a little addicted to setting up my new website…that is, after I figured it all out. It's not the easiest thing to do but had to be done. I will miss this blog that Julie from Being Ruby set up for me. She was so nice to spend all that time and I really appreciate it. I just need my own website that I have control of, not Blogger. 

So here's the link to my new site. It takes you to the blog but there's much more on there than that! If you notice anything good or bad about I'd love to here your comments! Hopefully you can comment on there, if not please stop back here to let me know. 

Oh, my views are back! Yay! Strange thing.

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Jen