Springtime coming!

Sometimes it is very hard to see spring in the Rockies.........especially if it is January and the winter is cold and snowy!  So I use this time to paint all the ideas I've had over the previous six months.  Here is my latest accomplishment, "James Island" 24 by 36 Oil.    I've been invited to the Western Spirit Art Show as a "Quick Draw" artist!   

Beautiful Estes Park Colorado!

SO EXCITING!  I WON "Plein Air Rockies"
hosted by Southwest Art and Plein Air Magazine,
as well as The Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park. 

Field Of Light This 9 by 12 inch oil painting was submitted for judging at Plein Air Rockies. The painting is now available. Click on the above image to read the magazine article printed in the inaugural edition of "Plein Air Magazine" written by Heather H. Coen. The article was titled "Advantages of using Pastels on Location."

Wyoming "Prairies to Peaks" a big success! Deselm's Gallery in Cheyenne Wyoming and Southwest Art hosted "Prairies to Peaks" a plein air event held in Wyoming. The event started on August first with 47 participants each submitting 3 paintings at the end of the two week session. More than 140 paintings were submitted for judging. Heather took second over-all in the main category. There were also prizes for oils, acrylics and pastels. Heather's painting "Basset Barns" an 8 by 10 oil got Best of Show second place. Colorado's Plein Air Rockies Heather moved on to the Estes Park venue and painted from August 13th through 25th On the morning of Saturday the 27th, a ninety minute quick draw was held in downtown Estes Park. All the paintings were sold through the auction which benefitted the Cultural Art's Council. Heather's painting "Aspens and the Green" was sold with multiple bids. Remember this pastel was completed with a frame and mats in one and a half hours. Heather Takes the Silver Ribbon for the town of Estes Park! A gala reception was held at the Cultural Arts Council Gallery in Estes later that afternoon. The first award was presented by the mayor of Estes Park for the painting most representing the town and area around Estes.  "Lily Lake" 12 by 24 Pastel, Silver Award Plein Air Rockies is used as the banner of this newsletter. Heather with the Mayor of Estes Park. Lynda Vogel, the Cultural Art's Council Director , giving Heather a Richeson Paint Package with her cash award. Heather painting in downtown Estes Park. Heather painting en plein air at the very top of Fall River Road. Stock "footage" at 12,000 feet. Heather hired by the city of Loveland to teach art at Chilson Center! The final steps are being taken so classes can be given at the Chilson Rec Center in downtown Loveland in winter. Stay tuned for more information!

Home from the Taos Plein Air Event!

I went to the Plein Air Artists of Colorado Plein Air event in Taos and got back about a week ago.  I had so much fun and especially loved the deep cut of the Rio Grand in the mountains and plain near Taos.  I painted five pastels and one oil painting all together.

Juried into the "Plein Air Rockies" Estes Park for 2011

I have been juried into the "Plein Air Rockies" Estes Park for 2011!  YIPEE!  If you want to watch my quick draw skills or see me execute a painting just contact me!

2011 St. Stephen's Art Show: April 28 - May 1

Co-sponsored by the Longmont Artists' Guild andSt. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

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Heather is hosting the gift shop and has entries in the art show and sale.  The show is located at 1303 S. Bross Lane in Longmont Colorado.
The show is hosted by the Longmont Artists Guild and will have over 140 paintings on display.

Life Lessons

My family, ever the source of high drama, is in turmoil as of late.   I moved some 20 years back to avoid the constant onslaught of seemingly unsolvable situations.  Seeing the cost and the damage to the children involved in this scenario, I have concluded many of the decisions that are made are not well thought out.  It seems as though they live in a box of perplexity.  It is difficult to watch. 

My lesson for tomorrows art class is underway.  It is so good to be back teaching again.  I'm working on a high mountain scene with bear grass and rocky peaks in the distance.  

Spring Oil Painting Classes starts this week!

 The classes focus on skills needed to analyze your subject matter.

The sessions include lessons on eye path, composition, color harmony and color temperature. You will learn to look at your composition with a critical eye as well as establish an eye path before you begin work on the canvas. Color harmony is particularly emphasized. Students beginning to advanced are invited and can work in oil or pastels.

Time & Date: 10:30 to 3:00 every Wednesday on March 23rd, 30th and April 6th and 13th.

A final make-up session or extra session will be held April 20th at a cost of $40.

For more information: (970)669-6123

Location: The Great Frame Up

430 Main Street in Old Town, Longmont

Gallery phone(303)772-7293