This isn't quite art related, but a few evenings ago, my Etsy treasury was featured on the front page of Etsy.  This was quite a shock to me, as I didn't expect to ever have anything on the front page of Etsy.  Treasuries in Etsy are a way of promoting team member's items listed for sale, as well as connecting with other members.  This is why I've been creating treasuries lately.  I was definitely shocked when somebody emailed me to tell me one of my recent treasuries made it to the front page!

My oil painting of nectarines and an orange was featured on the Creative Artists Blog, please check it out!  The Creative Artists Blog showcases a lot of diverse and amazing work, and are very supportive of Etsy artisans.  A huge thanks to them for featuring my painting!

 

 

 This is the Matte painting I've been working on.  It's taken me quite a while because it's a very different process I've been learning.  The first skech is my initial drawing that is still rough, the second painting is my final painting sketch,  and the third painting below is my up to date painting. I still have a lot to do, mainly on the foreground, and a few more details on the background.  I've changed a few elements, simplifying and trying to fix the composition.

My trip to Vienna was amazing!  One of the highlights for me was definitely my evening at the Spanish Riding School.  When I look back at it now, it as almost as if it didn't even happen, it was such a surreal evening.  With the group of riders I went with, we were able to have a private performance one evening at the school.  We sat in the royal box, and one of the demonstrations was that of a horse on the longe line (which is depicted in my gouache illustration above).  The rider communicates to the horse the different movements by where he's placed the reins on the horses back, as well as using voice commands.  It was quite unbelievable to watch, as they were in perfect harmony, executing difficult high level movements.  The atmosphere wasn't half bad either!