Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

This is how it has been the last 3 days. Not exactly what most of us were hoping for on Memorial Day weekend, but not unexpected for Montana. Painting fog and snow is similar in the way the shapes diminish quickly in the background. As I am about to paint the fog I refer to Monet's series of paintings. Here are a few of those. My painting will be composed of many reference photos I took over time. Perhaps I might try a series, see what happens. I will keep you posted on my progress. Have a safe weekend

"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding." – Leonardo da Vinic Leonardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was the archetype of the Renaissance Man. His genius spans many interests employing methods unusual and pioneering during his time. He was born out of wedlock to an Italian couple in the region of Florence. His art education was under the Florentine painter, Verrocchio. During his working life he spent years in Milan, Rome, Bologna and Venice. The last years of his life were spent in France. Of course, there is much written about him and his accomplishments that seem to go on and on. How can one not be inspired by his art.    Below are a few samples of his rich drawings. 

Signs of spring are popping up every where. Just this morning, however, it was snowing heavy. I was out a few days ago and caught these busy butterflies collecting pollen. What came to mind was a long format Japanese style painting. I will keep updates on this painting when in progress.

In the twentieth century Liverpool became renowned for its contribution to modern music with the emergence of the “Mersey Beat”, and more particularly as home to the Beatles, who took the world by storm during the 1960’s. However, it is a city with a rich history, which owed its wealth and expansion to trade, enjoying the advantage of an industrial hinterland that stretched through Lancashire and beyond, and easy access to routes westward giving access to the raw materials and produce of the West Indies and the Americas. Wealth derived from the import of cotton, sugar and other goods, and the export of manufactured items such as linen, was invested in creating a city significant for its Victorian architecture, but was also in philanthropic endeavors to enhance the cultural life of its citizens, amongst which was the Walker Art Gallery, a grand neo-classical building in the heart of the city that opened its doors in 1877. As the national gallery for the north of England, the Walk

Once in a while I just need to clean house and organize before I can get back to work. Perhaps it is just my way of clearing my head. The other day I set up inventory sheets in Illustrator. It took sometime to make tiny thumbnails of each painting to fit them onto a sheet without making a hugh file size. Now that I have it set up the upkeep will be minimal. I think it is important to know and keep track of your artwork for your records and own piece of mind. Below is a sample of what my sheet looks like. I have left room to write more info next to each piece. These I also print out and put in a journal book.