LuAnn Dunkinson, Watercolors

I think I can safely say its spring in Jacksonville, Florida! The azaleas have been blooming for a week or more and all the early spring blooms are in abundance. Makes you want to get out and paint! 

Which is what I have been doing! There have been three plein aire sessions- Sisters Creek (on a cold blustery early February day), Jacksonville Arboretum, ad Washington Oak Park. Most of these paintings have been added to my gallery. 100% plein aire is new to me, and its definitely got its challenges for a watercolorist. The paint dries super fast. Small quick paintings are the way I've tried to adjust to this, and I actually like some of these. Forces you to see the big picture and not get hung up in all the small details. Be freer, and looser. Its actually alot of fun so if anyone reading this is thinking about painting out- join your local plein aire group...or your Urban Sketchers....give it a shot! 

HI, all! Most of us do some  type of goal setting in January, and mine was to become more active in the art happenings in my local Jacksonville community.  As a result, during January I made it a point to attend the meetings of both the Watercolor Society, and the First Coast Plein Aire Painters. I went to my first Plein Aire Paint Out this weekend and although it was a cold (for Florida!) and super windy day-I had fun and produced 3 watercolors! One is posted-"Sisters Creek 1". Looking forward to doing more of that in nicer weather. 

I also entered a show entitled "Blooms", being put on by the Women Writing for (a) Change. The opening is Feb. 28, and it looks to be quite interesting- all women writers and artists. 

FemArt is another group I joined this month. This wonderful group promotes women artists with exhibition opportunities, educational programs, and community outreach. Try to check out the show they are sponsoring at the Gallery at the Jacksonville Airport. Really wonderful. 

And last but not least, have begun attending Life Drawing sessions every week at the Murray Hill Art Institute. 

Thats all a lot of art! Jacksonville is just filled with so many opportunities. I see 2020 being a year filled with painting! 

There are still a few days to get down to see the wonderful Jacksonville Watercolor Society Show at the Westminster Woods Gallery. My two paintings: "This Buds for You" and "Cocktails in Tulum" are on display, along with many really remarkable watercolors. The show closes Nov. 6. 

Hello! We have just returned to Jacksonville from vacation in Scotland and Ireland. What a treat for an artist! Scotland with its mist veiled mountains filled with purple thistle, and Ireland with a thousand shades of green. It was not hard to imagine how all that beauty can hopefully inspire some watercolors! 

In art news, the Jacksonville Watercolor Society will hold its Fall Show November 3 at the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center. Guess I better get to painting!