How long have you been painting? She asked. I never know how to answer that question. Forever? I mean, does finger painting in grade school count? Kinda. How about watercolors in highschool? Maybe. How about the acrylics I played with in my 20's or the craft paint I fiddled with here and there? I don't know. I've been putting quality acrylic paint on quality canvas for just 4 years. But before that I struggled with watercolor (again) and of course, I sketched and did other creative things, dabbling in a long list of arts and crafts, really, forever. So, when I'm asked how long have I been painting, the easy answer is 4 years. But it doesn't give a hint to the real, lifelong longing to be an artist or the pursuits that have built the foundation for the work I'm doing now. So, for me, it's not an easy answer. And I still don't feel like I've answered it.

Sneak Peek

I've been working on expanding my price points before the summer festival season and the Studio Tour (www.skagitart.com) and this fun collection of 6x6 paintings on paper is part of my effort. The paintings tell the story of a life lived in a flower garden. I've also had my first prints made and continue to work on expanding my collection. To see more, please plan on visiting the studio July 16-17. Take the link for more information.

Now, I know people are reading this here bloggy thingy but as you can see, I'm sadly lacking in followers. Don't be scared, click "follow"!

Gearing up for summer shows is keeping me really busy and it seems like spring hasn't even sprung yet! I have 4 applications on my desk with stamps on them, ready to go out Tuesday and other opportunities are presenting themselves on a weekly basis.

I'm loading up on inventory, bought a good tent, looking at gridwall. I'm almost ready to go!

But formost on my mind and the minds of 31 other artists is the Skagit studio tour. Mark your calendars...July 16-17, you're invited to visit 23 studios including mine. For more information, go to skagitart.com, follow me here or on facebook, or sign up for email notices at maryquintrall.com

Spring flowers

It's tulip time in Skagit county. Tulip festival means fun events like art shows and the street fair, which is my favorite event. (It was awsome this year as always-Someday I may participate and not just shop!) It also means art at the Winery. tulipvalley.net This is a co-op show, which means the artists are the workers. Not in the winery, they have their own learned staff.

The sun is out and with it brings the fresh colors of spring. It's been blue and grey for a really long time, which usually doesn't bother me. I like blue. But it's been a reeeaaalllly long time. I long for the hot colors of the tulip fields when the sun beats down on the flowers and you can spot the red and yellow ribbons on the landscape from miles away. Of course come August, I'll be complaining it's too hot, but we'll save that for August. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the bright spots in the weather, which actually make the downpours more enjoyable too. There is literal light at the end of the figurative tunnel.

And the Winery show goes on! It's been extended past the end of April through Mother's day and if all goes well, will be open weekends through the end of May as well.

This was taken last weekend in Skagit County right before sunset. On the cloudiest days we tend to get a shot of sun as it hits the horizon, leading us to believe it must always be sunny in Anacortes. I'm bummed I didn't get my horizon straight. Guess that's why I'm not a photographer.

I hung a cafe show yesterday. It's my second self hung show. The first one was so easy, aside from the nerves of being the first. This one. .Well, let me tell you what I learned.

1. When you scout the space, measure and check the hanging system thouroughly, and count the hangers.

2. Small paintings look miniscule on large walls.

3. Bring more tools and tape, wire, museum putty than you can imagine needing.

I'm so thankful I had help. It was so awkward working around people trying to relax in their favorite spot. I felt like a complete jerk when I asked someone to not sit there as I was just about to get that corner done. It took 2 hours because I didn't know enough about the hanging system and had a whole different arrangement in mind. Well, it's up and it was a learning experience. I also learned that I can take critisism without feeling too badly about it. An old man said to me he found one of my paintings "irritating". I'm not sure what he meant, except that he didn't like it. And I'm okay with that.

Winter has been fun around my house. The birds are so active if you just feed them a little bit. We've been putting out peanuts and mixed seeds and then we sit back and watch the sillyness. I'll be hanging my collection of small bird paintings as well as pieces from other collections at the Mount Vernon (WA) food Co-Op February 1st. Come by for a cup of their yummy soup or a latte. My paintings will be there through the month.