Special Sauce

As far as I can tell, one of the questions most often asked by painters is "How can I develop my own style?" I must confess that this question is one that I have never asked.  Instead, I hold firm to the belief that each painter has an inborn, unique style, just like he or she has unique handwriting. And that holds true even if -- perhaps especially if -- you don't make a conscious effort to cultivate a "style". 

Consider handwriting. Even if you disguise your handwriting in an attempt to fool the experts, it will still give you away! Your painting style is equally inescapable. It is our artistic DNA.

I recently read Austin Kleon's catchy little book, Show Your Work.  Kleon makes the case that we should not make a

The Maine Thing

"Sea at Ogunquit"
Oil on Canvas, 24 3/16 x 29 1/8
Edward Hopper, 1914

I've recently been to Maine, and my thoughts have been turning to all the wonderful artists who have painted in Maine through the years. Such a rich history! There are some locations that seem to exert a magnetic pull on painters, beckoning them from far and wide. Maine is definitely one of those locations. 

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"Across Linekin Bay, Maine"
Oil on Panel, 8 x 9 3/4
Robert Henri, 1903

Edward Hopper spent nine summers painting in Maine, very early in his career. His luscious landscapes from that period are a wonder to behold, and are a far cry from his later urban scenes. If you enjoy such things, the Wall Street Journal

Coming Attraction

I'm excited to be the guest of The Gardener's Cottage in Asheville, NC, for a special event--one week from today.  On October 18, the shop will host an "Art in the Garden" reception, and I will be the featured artist.  Can't wait to come to Asheville and share my newest paintings! Some of them were painted on location in Asheville, specially in anticipation of this show.

"Distant Peaks"
Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2018

The main event will run from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2018. It will be at The Gardener's Cottage, in historic Biltmore Village, at 34 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, NC. If you can't make it that evening, many of my new

Once Upon a Museum

Crowds at the Mona Lisa

Earlier this year, when I visited London, I had two very different museum experiences, back to back. The first was stressful and frustrating. The second was a complete joy. I think that the difference had much to do with (1) the crowds and (2) the audio guides (or absence thereof).

Crowds at the National Gallery, London

The first experience was the blockbuster Monet exhibit at the National Gallery. Many beautiful works--in fact, almost a "greatest hits" show. But not too many surprises, and a