My First Trip To Europe...How it Changed my Views About America - Part 2

 

available on Etsy 

So, A little more about Bruge. We stayed in the most spectacular hotel...more like a boutique hotel, called Hotel de Orangerie. It was so beautifully decorated and the breakfast buffet was so nice! 

It's a 15th Century renovated convent! There was so much history in Brugge! Every in Europe but Brugge is so well preserved. If you can go there it is definitely worthwhile. 

I even saw a bride and groom.

I haven't painted Brugge, or the bride yet but hope to. I currently have an overload of photos I want to paint, from our trip and the Facebook Group Free Reference Photos for Artists. It's become my go to for sleepless nights, but now I have saved so many to my phone, it keeps me up thinking about how many paintings I want to do! ha I don't have any problem being inspired as an artist. My problem is actually painting everything that inspires me. Sometimes I'm a little all over the place. I need to bring back my word of the year...FOCUS. 

So...let's get to what I would change in America from visiting Europe (because I know you can't wait to hear it)-

1. Public transportation -Europe's has got it down! Why can't we have something like that? At least in California. We took the bullet train from Amsterdam to Paris! What an incredible ride! In Paris, The Metro was so convenient and took us every we wanted to go. We even rode buses a few times. Everything was clean and efficient. So opposite of here. The Metro in DC is the exception. 

2. Cameras on the road-

 Sorry to say but we need policing. People here in Southern California, do not follow the laws and it's scary. I don't know where they came from, but I don't ever remember it being so bad (I grew up here). People run red lights like it's nothing, and the freeway is full of crazy drivers out for themselves. 

We drove on the freeway in The Netherlands and everyone drove the speed limit, which made it a very pleasant drive. If you've ever noticed, speeder don't really get there faster. 

3. And the best thing that Europe had that we definitely need here

  Pay for toilets it's about $1 but in my opinion worth every penny. Having a bathroom attendant assures   

 everything is clean, toilet paper stocked, and safe (safer than not being there)

Of course these are just my opinions and some will disagree and I know this has nothing to do with art but I just wanted to get that out.

My next post will be all about Paris and art! 

Here's a few older pieces I did that remind me to Europe. I have so many! 

2015 sold

2013 sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

sold

They are all sold and from years ago. I'm currently working on a June challenge of small paintings which I will post on here soon! I'm sharing them on instagram @jbeaudet_art

I'd love to have you follow me there! 

Making Some Changes Around Here in America - Part 1

Irises in the Garden
11x14 inch
available on Etsy

 Change is a good thing, right? I think so. Recently, I experienced a life changing trip which changed my perspective on my whole views of life, and consequently, my art. Until now, at age 52, I had never been to Europe. I traveled to Mexico several times and always enjoyed the culture but visiting Europe was something different. It's hard for me to come up with the words to express how I felt.

As we arrived in Copenhagen, I knew I was in a different world. People were different. They were so happy and down to earth. They just had a comfortable way about them. Not trying to show off or compete with anyone. We were only there to catch another flight but it would be nice to go back and spend more time there. We took a flight to Amsterdam, and flying above the iconic architecture brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't believe I was actually there. The whole trip was a dream. We stayed in Haarlem, which is a short train ride to Amsterdam. Haarlem was an adorable town. Very walkable, rich with history, shopping, and great food. Amsterdam was a whirlwind day but very memorable. We walked 12 miles but it didn't feel like it. It really felt like Disneyland but real, and it was just as crowded. My husband is from there, so for him it was more crowded than ever before. I didn't know any other than the way it was. The bikes were crazy! Red-light district was odd. The bridges and canals were wondrous. Flowers everywhere! 

Then on to Brugge. What a treat! It's an old medieval town with castles, churches, buildings from the beginning of time! It was like I was in a storybook complete with swans in the streams. This whole trip was an artist's dream come true! I could live in any of the places we went...although, being a native from Redondo Beach, it might be a little too cold for me. Have you been to Europe? I'd love to hear your experience.

This painting is just one of my newly inspired pieces. I hope you like it! 

Hard to Keep Up 30 Day Painting Challenge Vintage Ladies

 It's hard to keep up posting all the time, especially when I'm trying to do a 30 day painting challenge!

This 30 day challenge was one I did in 2016. Leslie Saeta hosted it on her blog. Those were fun, challenging, and always inspired new work. I decided to start one this month at the last minute. It's hosted by 

Sheila Delgado, called 30 Day-Creative Challenge.

I started out with some vintage women, inspired by costume designer Natalia Zinkevyc. I found her on Etsy and contact her for permission to use her photos as inspiration. If you would like to, I would suggest asking and please don't copy mine. So far, day 6...I've stuck with the figures but I'm going to be adding flowers soon. I just can't help it! I also just received a commission to "repaint" another floral from the above. It will be a bit of challenge since it was so long ago. I change paints and brushes so often and I think that has something to do with how my work looks. 

Here's a few I've done so far. They are sketches (not complete and not intended to sell, although I may if someone wants them) 

 

working on day 6 now. I'm posting them on my instagram @jenbeaudet_z 

 follow me on there if you want to see it first. I'm a little behind with my blog. 

10 Places to find reference photos for portraits and figures

This painting came from a blogger that I contacted and asked for permission

 A question I'm asked, and sometimes I'm the one asking...Where can you find good reference photos for paintings of figures and portraits? I've searched and taken notes and came up with this list, which I'm sure is not complete. One thing needs to be said, the best photos are your own, but sometimes that's not enough. 

1. DeviantArt There are some restrictions so read carefully for use. 

2. I like AdorkaStock (formerly known as SenshiStock)

3. You can also contact a photographer who may grant you permission to use their photo for a painting. I've done this several times, but I'd rather use my own. 

4. Facebook groups where other artists share their photos. 

5. Paint My Photo

6. Unsplash

7. Museum by Sktchy - an app for iPhone users. I haven't used it yet but it looks good.

8. Sketch Daily References  - Great for loosening up with quick poses

9. Croquis Cafe on YouTube 

10. Proko 

There are some restrictions so read carefully for use. 

This painting came from a photo of my daughter

The reference photo for this pose cam from SenshiStock. I added everything but the pose 

Like I mentioned, ideally it's best to use your own photos so you don't see another artist that used the same reference photo. That has happened to me at least three times now. Two of them are well known artists. All of the artists painted them years after mine, I'm sure without knowledge that mine existed. The problem now is that someone might think I copied the other artists because I'm not as well known. So in order for that to not happen to me again I'm being careful to find unique poses and use my own. 

Even better yet, the results from painting from a life model can't be matched. I did this in college for 2 semesters and there's no substitute. I also did quick gestures from a life model in my sculpting class, which was actually my favorite class I've had. Those were fun times and so invaluable in my art career. If you can take a Life Drawing class it's totally worth it. My professor, Fagan, was so awesome, I could have listened to him talk about art all day. Unfortunately, I'm not in school now. Maybe I'll look for something nearby.

So, I hope you enjoy this list I compiled. Leave a comment if you have more to add or anything else. I created this (took me all day!) so I could go back to it, but share it if you'd like! When I can figure out how to host a blog party, I would love to see you drawings! 

PS You may have noticed my blog looks "old school". I thought I needed to go back to the beginning so I could figure out the techie things. 

Until next time, Happy Painting

Merry Christmas! I'm still here...Jen Beaudet...Z

 Hi! It's Jen Beaudet aka Jennifer Beaudet Zondervan, J Beaudet, Jennifer Beaudet, Jennifer Lynn Beaudet, Jennifer Lynn Rutkoskie, J Beaudet Studios. Welcome to my new followers! 

My instagram is @JBeaudet_art  (I don't have many followers, so if you'd like to follow me I'd be so grateful!)

I've had a few names over the years but I'm still Jen...just Jen. If my name saga sounds old to you, imagine what it's like for me! It continues to pop up as a problem. Who knew another oil painter with the same exact name as me, would start showing up in 2018, after I had been selling on here for 10 years. I actually changed my name legally, to be different now. It doesn't seem to help. People get confused. I hope you know I've been painting and sharing my work since 2008 or even earlier if you count eBay. But, I started my Etsy shop JBeaudetStudios in 2009. If I sound like a broken record, it's just because I have painted a lot, and done so many commissions for you all, my name has been shared with my work around the world, all over the place and I just want you to know it's me...not the other person. 

New Floral Abstract

Ok, so if you're still with me, and not rolling your eyes...I have been up to some exciting things! I'm working as a full time artist again! And guess what? I'm selling more work than before. That's how it works. The more time and commitment the better the results. 

If you've been following me over the years, you may know I had some rocky roads. There was a time I was homeless, and thankfully my brother and friends, took me in. I had to make my way back into the world after being crushed by someone I trusted, and it took some time to heal. I can't say I've done it alone. I've had so much support from everyone. And...I must have done something nice to someone somewhere, because I was given a great gift to meet my loving, adorable husband. He is my greatest fan (maybe even more than my mom...). I'm so lucky! I'm proud to take his Dutch name, Zondervan. Soon, we will be traveling to his home in Holland! I can't wait! It's a dream come true! 

In the art world, I've been creating a new series of abstract florals, meeting new artists in town, showing my work in San Clemente, working on some art licensing deals, and more! 

Below is one of my first vintage woman paintings I did when I first started sharing my work. I think it was 2009. Julie from Being Ruby made my blog so beautiful and this was one of buttons. I have to say, I've messed up my blog since then...hoping to get it fixed but at least it's still here.

Next, is my latest floral abstract painting. I love this one! The colors are so dreamy! Speaking of dreams, this is how it came about. I actually had a dream of this painting. It was weird but I love how it came to life! Hopefully, another one will come to me tonight. 

Available on Etsy here...

I'm working on a wedding commission now but look for more florals soon! 

I've done several wedding commissions over the years and love doing them! I am a little obsessed with weddings so it's a perfect match. I have one client who has commissioned about 10 for different couples. 

She knows some pretty well known people so my paintings hang in some pretty awesome homes! 

I wish I could tell you who, but I only know one. I do other commissions too. Many of places you've visited like this one below! I love the opportunity to paint a beautiful memory to be cherished forever. 

Commission Me

If you'd like one for yourself, or to give as a wedding gift you can contact me on my etsy Jbeaudetstudios ,

My website Jbeaudetstudios

Thank you so much for all your support over the years!