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Dear Art Friends,

This is an introduction to my art blog. I have wanted to do this for a long time because between commissions and large gallery paintings I do little oil sketches of ideas for future paintings or just small things of beauty that strike me at odd moments. Because I paint every day, after a while, these little canvases add up. So I thought I would share them with you. I will be sending them out about every week or two. If you enjoy them, please forward them to friends on your email list. If you do not want to be bothered, no problem just cancel the blog.

So, please consider joining my weekly newsletter (see link below).

Thanks, Nancy Paris Pruden

Archive for April 2012

4/30/2012 | By Nancy Paris Pruden | Comment on this

Wildflower Pond

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

Click to View Price

Texas Wildflowers

Plein air painting is a challenge. The sun is changing, the bugs are swarming and sometimes biting, clouds move in or out, you forgot your favorite brush, your turpentine spills, the wind blows over your umbrella and the back of your legs are sunburned. So WHY DO WE DO IT???? This is the 5th year the Painting Class has gone to our annual “Painting and Sleep-over Extravaganza” at Hollee’s Farm and everyone was saying how much easier it is after 5 years of practice. How would we ever know what color the pond really was at 10:00 AM on April 10th at this Texas farm if we weren’t there? Photographs don’t really tell you. To an artist, this is important! The wildflowers are so pretty it’s nice to throw in that murky browny green color to steer the painting away from being just too sweet, know what I mean?

First Place

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

28″ x 22″

Texas & Neighbors Award Recipient

I was thrilled to be given “First Place” in the Oil Division at the Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas,& Louisiana Regional 2012 Art Exhibit….. YAHOO!!!! However; after having gone to two Art Exhibits this weekend, I can honestly say, that this art competition business is very subjective. I saw so many fabulous painting that got NO recognition… there is a lot of good work out there! So I will continue to know that we are all only as good as our last painting. I’ll try again tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Cows in the Hills

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Available at The Gallery at Round Top

Two Texas Shows

This weekend I will be gallivanting all over the state of Texas for two prestigious art shows. The Gallery at Round Top is hosting a National Competition called “Dwellers of the Land” with an opening and awards show on Saturday, April 21 from 4:00 to 8:00. I have 2 paintings accepted in the show ; “Burro” and “Cows in the Hills”. On Sunday, April 22 I will fly to Dallas for the “Texas and Neighbors” show which includes New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. That will be at the Irving Art Center and the awards ceremony is from 2:00 to 5:00. I have been told that I will have a cash award at that show and the painting is “Yellow Parrot Tulips”. If you are in either neighborhood, please come by and say Hello!

Bouquet from Above

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Bouquet for Cindi

We lost a special friend this week who loved flowers. She always wore jewel like colors and her home looked like Spring with flowered chintz on sofas and curtains. Her personality was as sunny as her home and she loved nothing better than to entertain friends. She was generous, gracious and kind and also lots of fun! Cindi will be mightily missed by all who knew her.

The Ascension of Jesus

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

He Is Risen!

This 8 feet tall by 60″ wide painting has been my Lenten project. I got this commission to paint an alter piece for a catholic church just before Christmas and it has turned into a prayer. “Dear Lord, help me do this justice!” Painting is very mediative so to be painting Jesus this time of year is truly a blessing. Yesterday I repainted the white robe and added more color but it is so subtle it does not show up that much in the photograph. If the value remains the same you can push the color and it appears richer in the finished piece.

I hope everyone has a Happy and Blessed Easter!

Burro

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Available at The Gallery at Round Top

National Art Competition at Round Top

The Gallery at Round Top is hosting a National Competition called “Dwellers of the Land” with an opening and awards show on Saturday, April 21 from 4:00 to 8:00. I have 2 paintings accepted in the show ; “Burro” and “Cows in the Hills”. This year the bluebonnets are spectacular, so I hope many of you will take to the roads to see Texas wildflowers and while your out , please stop by the charming town of Round Top! The Gallery is located on the historic square and represents many wonderful Texas artists as well as yours truly, so do try to make it!