New Year's Eve 2013

So I did it.. I didn't feel like painting since the majority of the day was overcast and the light was washed out, but I decided I'd make the best of it and went out anyways. Originally I was going to take the kids up to the snow, but that didn't work out because of car trouble, so I need to stay close to home. I decide to go to one of my favorite places in Redding, the Sacramento River Trail. Luckily, it's easily accessible and close to home, so I pack up my things and decide to go for it. As I approach my front door, I feel almost guilty about leaving behind me a mountain of stress as I escape for a couple of hours of peace. I quietly convince myself that it is necessary to stick with my resolution, if only for the sake of staying sane.

My "recycled tote" crinkles on my side noisily as I meander down the street. I try to adjust it over my shoulder so that it will quiet down, but I give up after just a minute when I realized it is a lost cause. Recycled plastic is noisy. Period. At least it's cute and it holds all of my painting supplies with ample room to spare.

Neighbors busily work in their yards, walk and bike with family, and take down Christmas decorations; a typical New Years' Eve. I turned onto the river trail and contemplate painting the babbling (yes, I said babbling.. it actually sounded like that) creek. Palette knife or brush today? Probably brush. As I drew close to the bridge that crosses over the creek I see it is overflowing. This is also typical for this time of year. My suede boots with zero support (but cute - yes, I said cute again) are definitely not the right shoes to go tromping through water. They soak up the water through the soles, as if I am wearing slippers. Yeah.. no. So, instead of crossing, I turn the other direction.

Today is a typical Murphy day.. where everything that I actually try to accomplish backfires. Fighting the urge to feel discouraged, I keep walking, in search of the perfect spot to paint. Then it happens. The sun comes out for the first time all day. A little present from God, I tell myself. An acknowledgement that I am exactly where I should be at the right time. I turn around, and there before me is the river trail, spotted with sunlight, bordered with spring grasses, and arched by a gnarly old oak tree. A perfect picture.

I quickly set up my easel, get my paints ready, and begin to paint. It's been a frustrating day, to say the least, and I can't post the picture because it is so rudimentary, but I actually think it has potential. I will let the paint dry and go back and finish it in my studio on a cloudy day. Maybe tomorrow? We'll see.

For now, Happy New Year 2013, may it be happier and more prosperous than 2012! Goodbye 2012!

Railroad Park - December

New Year's resolution starts today! Getting back into painting daily, though a new approach.. Plein Aire.. Lovin' painting with my good friend Chuck Prudhomme in all the cool places in Northern CA. Today it was up at Railroad Park looking up at Castle Crags. Tomorrow will take the kiddos up to play in the snow while I paint.. somewhere.. Anyways, here it is!

Railroad Park - December
10" x 30" x 1/1/2" oil / pallet knife
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Railroad Park - December (detail 1)
10" x 30" x 1/1/2" oil / pallet knife
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Railroad Park - December (detail 2)
10" x 30" x 1/1/2" oil / pallet knife
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Patriot - a Redding Eagle

This is Patriot, one of Redding's Eagles that many in the community watched from their beginning as eggs. Now fully grown, we watch them soar high above the Sacramento River and are reminded of our freedom, and during wartime, of the cost.

I found Redding Eagles' facebook page and saw they were raising money to relocate the camera to the eagles' new nest. The stunning photography inspired me to paint the eagles and contribute 20% of the sales from the paintings to Friends of the Redding Eagles.

This painting was inspired by a photograph by Renae Tolbert, 2012

Patriot
9"x12" oil on canvas board
pallet knife
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

The Price of the painting is $100 and it is unframed. If interested in purchasing "Patriot" please contact Raette at raette@charter.net.

Thank you so much!

One out of three

Okay, so I sat down to paint today, the first time in about... a week. I did three paintings. One is HORRIBLE.. totally need to just burn it and move on. The second is pretty good, though dummy me, I didn't prime it right - What I thought was gesso was acrylic paint, so my oils have this weird crackle-y look to them. Hmm not okay. It's okay, because the colors for some reason brought me back to the eighties - yes.. time to burn that one too.

The third painting was inspired by a place here in Northern California - near Whiskeytown Lake called Brandy Creek. Though I painted it different - I felt the painting wanted to be a dry creek instead. The whole thing is done with pallet knife, my new favorite for smaller paintings. It's challenging enough to keep my interest and frustrating enough to keep me focused. I still have a lot to learn but I like the way it turned out.

Here's "Creek Bed" - I hope you like it.

Creek Bed
11"x14" oil on canvas board
pallet knife
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Alma's Lavender Fields - Mural Commissioned July 2012

This was a really fun mural commission. The mural took a total of 2 hours prep and 9 1/2 hours to paint. I would do it again in a heartbeat! If only I got to do this everyday, I'd be in paradise! Okay, I am in paradise - I get to do this for a living. Who can complain?

Before

Zen Garden Mural

Started May 23, 2012, completed May 24, 2012

Again, here's a before photo...

and here's the completed mural and garden:

7' wide x 9' high wall:

Zen Garden mural
Mercy Medical Center Healing Garden - Redding, CA
7' wide x 9' wide
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

My personal goal for this mural project was to create a little piece of heaven with each painting.

Mediterranean Garden

Started May 21, 2012, completed May 23, 2012

Here's the before photo of the Mediterranean Garden (Forest Design Landscaping did all of the landscaping.)

Mediterranean Garden (before)

And.. here's the after.. Dimensions are 24'wide x 9' high

Mediterranean Garden (full)
Mercy Medical Center, Healing Garden - Redding CA
24'x9'
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

 And for some left to right detail photos... in case you are interested...

Mediterranean Garden (left 1/4)
24'x9'
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Mediterranean Garden (center left 1/4)
24'x9'
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Mediterranean Garden (mid rt 1/4)
24'x9'
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Mediterranean Garden (right 1/4)
24'x9'
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

It's hard to get a good face-on shot as it is so big and the courtyard limits how far I can step back. Opposite the painted wall is a wall of windows that reflect the image back, which further widens the courtyard.

Irish Landscape Mural - Mercy Medical Center Healing Garden

The crunch was on.. the landscapers were waiting  waiting for me to finish the mural so they could plant the plants, me waiting for the concrete surface to drop below 13 ph so the painter could prime.
First day to start: Thursday..
Completion deadline so landscapers could plant: Friday.. Really?.. Yes..
Okay, so lots of prayer and an awesome Mom who picked up the kids from school and the mural is complete.

Here's the before photo:

Irish Garden (before)
31' wide by 9' high

And here's the after:

Irish Landscape (facing east-facing wall)
Mercy Medical Center, Healing Garden, Redding CA
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Irish Landscape (east-facing wall - detail)
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Irish Landscape (north-facing wall)
Mercy Medical Center Healing Garden - Redding, CA
copyright Raette Meredith 2012
- note.. the colors are more accurate in the detail photo below - 

Irish Landscape (north-facing wall - detail)
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

So that's it for this one.. On Monday I will start the Mediterranean Garden mural.
 soo much fun!!

Mercy Medical Center Healing Garden Mural

I am surrounded by artists on this job!
The landscaping company - Forest Design and his crew - Not to mention the engineer of the project "George". They all at some point told me that I have talent - which is funny because there is no way I could do what they do. I am learning every day how when we rely on each other to do what we do best, to shine in our own talents, wonders can happen.
This garden is simply put - amazing.

Mercy Medical Center, Redding CA

It all began with a vision about 15 years ago.  I will verify that for sure.
My "Boss" Sister Brenda who works at Mercy, and her assistant, Jill are simply wonderful to work with. Without Sister Brenda's vision and the generous donations from the community none of us artists would be working to help build this beautiful, healing place.
I started the mural yesterday - it's 30'w x 9'h. It was a full day but SUPER FUN!
Today I will continue, with the goal of finishing no later than Monday. Actually, I'd love to finish today, but projects like these always seem to take JUST ONE MORE DAY.. you know? So Monday is the day.
Will bring my camera so I can post images.
The location:

"Couldn't Sleep a Wink" (harmonica) - Last of 20/30 series

Just finished the last of the 20/30 series.
Couldn't sleep a wink.. makes me think of a forlorn soul, playing blues on the harmonica in the middle of the night.

"Couldn't Sleep a Wink" (harmonica)
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Show opening is Saturday, May 12, 2012 6-9pm
The Studio Experience
3404 Bechelli Lane, Suite A
Redding, CA 96003
Hope to see you there!

"Earful of Music" (accordion) for the 20/30 show #19

Daughter requested an accordion, so here it is! The accordion to me has so many sounds, I found this song, "Earful of Music" - thought it'd be perfect, visually...

"Earful of Music" (accordion)
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Darkness on the Delta" (banjo)

Love the banjo! There's some American roots!

"Darkness on the Delta" (banjo)
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Ferry-Boat Serenade" (harp) for the 20/30 show

Ferry-Boat Serenade - this is a harp... I know, I know.. you know... you know...

"Ferry Boat Serenade" harp
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Every Little Movement" (xylophone) for the 20/30 show

Number 16/20 - I love the sound of a wooden xylophone.

"Every Little Movement" (xylophone"
6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Willow Weep for Me" for the 20/30 show

This is number 15/20. :)

"Willow Weep for Me" (German Dudelsack - bagpipe)
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Everything Happens to Me" for the 20/30 show

Just finished this for the show. 

6 more, in 6 days.

"Everything Happens to Me" (flute)
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Lay Down Sally" and "Let's Fall in Love" for the 20/30 show 2012

I watched an Eric Clapton video on this and heard a tambourine in the background. I used to have one of those when I was 6ish.. around the time this song came out!

Had to paint it...

"Lay Down Sally"
6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Now this one,  I watched a youtube cover of the Nat King Cole song "Let's Fall in Love" and a guy was playing this drum. I love these drums.. My dad made one in high school and my sister and I would play with it.. It was solid wood with some kind of hide stretched over the top. Love this instrument!

"Let's Fall in Love"
6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Oh What it Seemed to Be (violin)

So I need to do three today since I didn't paint at all yesterday or the day before. argh.

"Oh What it Seemed to Be (violin"
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

This is the first of three today.

"Ole Buttermilk Sky" for the 5th Annual 20/30 show

Painting of the day - "Ole Buttermilk Sky"

"Ole Buttermilk Sky"
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Found youtube videos of Hoagie Carmichael singing this while playing the piano - it's always good to hear the song while I'm painting - it transports me to America in the fifties. I'm loving painting this Jazz series - It really makes me feel like I have a taste of my Grandparent's lives when they were my age, and what they listened to while they went along with their daily activities.

"It's a Blue World" for the 5th annual 20/30 show

Just finished this one! This is number 9/20

"It's a Blue World"
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Doo dee doo...

"Sing an Old Fashioned Love Song" for the 20/30 show

Another for the 20/30 show - 

This one is for all the singers out there!!!

"Sing and Old Fashioned Love Song" [sold]
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Too Much Cha Cha" for the 20/30 show

"Too Much Cha Cha" saw the name on the music and immediately thought of maracas!!! Okay, so it's not TOTALLY blues-y jazz, but it's still fun!!!

"Too Much Cha Cha" [sold]
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Young Dr Trumpet" for the 20/30 show

Just did this one.. I think I may still want to do more with it... maybe... will have to look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow...

"Young Dr. Trumpet"
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Flugal Fancy 1895" 20/30 show

Just completed this.. the paint is still wet! For a little while, anyways.. after all it is acrylic! I just love the name of this instrument and the compact shape. This one is I guess modeled after one used in 1895, so I included it in the title so I could remember.

"Flugel Fancy 1895"
6"x6" acrylic and mixed media on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

On the Easle - for the Studio Experience's annual 20/30 show...JAZZ

Okay, so I am a little behind.. I am participating again in the super fun and inspirational show, the annual 20/30 show held at the Studio Experience in Redding. All paintings need to be done by the end of the month. This year's theme: "JAZZ"
Inspired by the mural I completed a few weeks ago.. Having lots of fun with collage, a scraping technique learned from my artist friend S.A. Barone, and tons of color!
I finished three today, and look forward to doing more tomorrow

"The Way I Feel (sax)"
 6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Souled Out (bass)"
 6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

"Cherish (sax)"
 6"x6" acrylic and multimedia on hardboard
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Sooo... 17 more to go!

Such a fun show, and so much talent in all the artists - I look forward to participating every year!

Portrait commission "Terry and Pam"

Just finished this portrait commission. I know I am no Rembrandt... yet, but it sure is fun to try!!!

Here is the completed portrait:

"Terry and Pam" oil on canvas 16"x20"
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Jazz Mural - completed Day 4

I finished the mural today! Below I have posted a close up as well as a photo of the room the mural is in.. so you can see the surroundings. :)

Jazz Mural
private residence
copyright Raette Meredith 2012
completed March 14, 2012

Jazz Mural
room view
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

Jazz Mural - Day 3 - All suited up!

Today I worked on the Jazz mural again, as you can see. The focus today was on blocking in the suits and highlighting instruments. Tomorrow will be the last day, and I will fine tune the instruments and finish up the hands.

Jazz Mural - Day 3
All suited up
copyright Raette Meredith 2012

I also decided that the background was a little plain so I experimented with some shapes and came up with a simple oval to frame in the players. The client's room colors are blues, greys and purples/magentas/rose.this is what I came up with:

Jazz Mural - background concept - to be completed on Day 4
copyright Raette Meredith 2012