Art + Such is a blog about painting and grateful living by Beth Cole of Beth Cole Art.
This painting started with a glimpse out of the corner of my eye as I was walking in the early morning. The light on the morning grass glistened through a tangle of branches and shadow.
Read MoreAbout “Mostly Silence”
Living in rural Nebraska has given me a penchant for simplicity and a habit of looking for beauty in out of the way places. And a love of stillness and quiet. If this painting had sound, I think it would mostly be silence....perhaps we’d hear the rustle of grass, a few bird songs and not much else.
Read MoreThe shallow part of this pond – the cools and warms of the rocks in the water - was my inspiration for this painting and the reason I named it, “The Shallows.”
If we think about it, much of our lives are spent in the shallows whether it be relationships or conversations or how we spend our free time.
Read MoreA few months ago I was invited to a birthday party for one of my friends. I was, I’m sure, the oldest one in the room….the majority being in their thirties and the birthday girl crossing over to the big 4-0. As the cake was served my friend asked, “so what advice do you have for me, now that I’m 40?”
Read MoreI have been reading Andrew Peterson’s new book, Adorning the Dark, and in so doing, I learned a new word.
Limn.
Do you know this word?
Read MoreThis year I wanted to do something special and fun for all those who have taken an interest in my art. For a limited time, November 8th through November 9th, I’ll be hosting a private online art show.
The show is open to anyone but you must request an invite. Inside this private event you’ll fine affordable original art of all sizes, perfect for people who love Nebraska and the lands of the Midwest.
Read MoreOnce I read some advice that has always stuck with me and that is “Let go of the good so you can say yes to the best.”
So simple, right? But harder to do in real life.
I have always struggled with too many ideas and rabbit trails. When I first started painting I tried everything - watercolor, mixed media, encaustic, jewelry making, wooden things, acrylic, pastel, etc. I’m tired just thinking of it all. And you know each of these media had special tools and supplies, so imagine the “stuff” I amassed. Sheesh. My poor little art room was over run!
Read MoreLast week I got an email I never expected to receive. Ever. Artwork Archive selected me as the featured artist for the whole week meaning my work was front and center on the “Discover” page, plus shared in all the social media ways you can imagine. I was floored and delighted! And grateful!
Read MoreAntique Week, Fall 2019, opens tomorrow - September 21, 2019. I am happy to have sent eleven pieces to be displayed in the Loblolly Goods store at the Blue Hills venue near Round Top.
Read MoreMy brain. It goes where it wants at times, dwelling where I wish it wouldn’t and flitting past other places much too soon, sometimes without a trace of ever having visited. Ugh. Perhaps you can relate.
My memory might not be as good as it once was, but I still have thoughts and ideas. Here are some of late.
I have used safflower oil as a medium for several years because of its non-toxicity. Recently I have been experimenting with Liquin as it was recommended as a good medium to use with transparent paint for glazing purposes. I’ll have to admit, I do like it quite a bit more than safflower oil because it’s silky smooth and makes my paint spread like butter. But. (Always something, eh?) I don’t like the smell. At. All. Which leads me to something else I have been thinking about. Air filters.
Read MoreWe’re about ready to turn the calendar page and I’m excited for the goings on in my little art world in the month of September.
First up is Yappy Hour from 5-8pm on September 7, 2019 at the Riverside Country Club in Grand Island. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Central Nebraska Humane Society. Photographer husband Gary and I will show side by side. Should be a fun event!
Read Moreby Beth Cole
These long days of summer give so much opportunity. Road trips. Sunsets on the deck. Gathering and laughing. More painting time, brushes up and ready as the sun rises.
Happily, my recent days have been filled with all of these lovely things. As I was road tripping to see my sister a few weeks ago, I listened to a wonderful podcast interview with Charlie Peacock (writer, musician, producer). He spoke about imagination and creativity - how imagination leads to making something better than good, how it is the runway to making something great.
Read MoreGetting ready for a show is not for the faint of heart! Sheesh! If I wore a Fitbit it would show many miles and stories climbed! Ha!. But….the finish line is in sight and I am almost ready.
I am excited to tell you about the shows and extend to you a warm welcome!
Read MoreMy husband and I did a long road trip last week and we always like listening to podcasts as we drive. One we really enjoyed was “Photography Lies You Tell Yourself” on the Picture This! Photography Podcast by Tony and Chelsea Northrup.
It made me wonder how it applies to the painting world, are there lies we tell ourselves as artists? Hmmmmm. What do you think?
Read MoreWhen I painted this painting a year ago, I was very happy with the way it turned out and the feel of it. I had so many compliments on it as well. It showed about every place I could think of.
As summer shows approached this year, I still had it. I have a nice frame for it but I didn’t want to drag it around for round two. So. A makeover was in order.
Read MoreI’m thrilled to be included in the 2019 Nebraska Biennial at Gallery 1516 in Omaha with my work, “Fallow,” Oil on Linen, 18 x 24. The public opening is Friday, May 24th from 6:30 to 9:00.
Read MoreI’m happy to share some good news - my painting, “Meandering,” has been selected to be included in the Women Artists of the West National Show to be held at Mary Williams Fine Art Gallery in Boulder, CO in September. Hooray! I am so honored to be included.
Read MoreThe Prairie Arts Center in North Platte is hosting MONA Goes West on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from Noon to 4:00 pm. There will be lots of ART! The organizers have been busy curating beautiful work for a live and silent auction. All the artists live west of Kearney and there will be some show stoppers!
Read MoreSo who else likes attending face-to-face art workshops, raise your hand. Oh good, glad I’m not alone.
Real time art workshops are my favorite. I love being in the same room with the instructor, watching yummy demos, making new friends, and trying out new techniques in paint. I love workshops so much I could go to one every month. But a couple of not so smallish things stop me….can you say moolah….and, you guessed it, time.
Read MoreLet’s imagine you are working on a new painting you are very excited about. You’ve done everything you can to prepare – i.e. editing your photo reference, doing a value thumbnail, maybe even a color study to choose your color palette. You have blocked everything in. You stand back to take a look, and……blah….yuck…..nothing. It is just not working! It is not what you imagined. You don’t even like it. Now what?
Read More
![The Best Art Workshops [How Do We Decide]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559408e8e4b09f741fe52dd0/1555120673103-WRCHV0O6TGHZFVSDS8IR/Vulnerable-12x16.jpg)
