On my counter
Posted: March 5, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 23 CommentsThanks to all of you who wrote encouraging words the other day when I went through a trashing paintings day. It was so comforting to know that we are all in this together, in different ways and on different days. I didn’t save the paintings to analyze what went wrong, but I will consider that for next time. In the meantime, you might enjoy this podcast I just listened to. It’s Kelly Ann Powers interviewing John MacDonald on the Learn to Paint Podcast. She’s a great interviewer and he’s a very articulate painter, and of course I was intrigued because one of the subjects they covered was what to do if you have a failed painting. Perfect timing, right?
I spent the last few grey days sketching stuff around the kitchen. My Kakimori dip pen was collecting dust in a drawer so I dusted it off and used it to draw the clementines. And then when my Lufa basket arrived, the spring onions with roots still attached were irresistible, so I drew those too. If you are interested in the painting process for either of these, I recorded them both and will post them to YouTube very soon.
Thank you for showing your process of painting the green onions pics on IG. The colors are beautiful and I learned something. You are so generous. Can’t wait for YT video.
You’re welcome April! The video will be out in the next few weeks!
I loved seeing the green onion process. Shadows first! Who knew?
I really enjoy the line you make with that pen.
Hope you enjoyed the sun and warmth today.
Thanks Alison. I love that pen! I should have shown it to you the other night!
Love colors in the onion painting! Looks perfect!
Thanks Donna.
I’m looking forward to seeing your painting process! I want to try the tangerines myself!
That should be ready in a day or two!
Looks like you are “back in the saddle” again! Glad to see you painting fruit and veggies and I’m anxious to view your YouTube video of painting them.
Thank you for sharing, I appreciate you and learn so much that I incorporate into my own work.
Thank YOU, Bernadette!
glad to see you back amongst it all
Thanks Beth. Me too!
I would love to know the painting process Thanks Karen
Both videos will be out soon!
Interesting concept, never heard of Lufavores! With all the space there is in Canada, who would think it is economically viable to transport food/stuff up and down
I’m a Lufavore. Yes, they’ve converted all these industrial rooftops to greenhouses. Previously unused space. And they grow it all year long. It’s a great business and their tomatoes actually have flavour in the winter which we are not used to here.
Shari, you’re fantastic, you take every opportunity to paint whereas I take every opportunity not to, and yet I want to!!?
You see something so mundane and turn it into a masterpiece! All very inspirational, thanks.
Ahhh, Patricia. That is very kind.
Shari you are making me want to eat my fruit and vegetable. Or stare at them.
No no, don’t feel any pressure to analyze « what went wrong » with your paintings! Unless you’re travelling and you can only access your one last painting surface. I think we commenters were just curious.
We loved your spontaneity and your share!
Ok, thanks! No pressure at all now. I appreciate that!!

Shari,
I was interested in this pen when I first heard about it, then put it aside. Your photo of your sketches piqued my interest again.
Iâm wondering, I think you have the brass version. Do you know about the difference between the brass and stainless steel? I feel comfortable sketching with pointed pens, no pencil first, just draw cold turkey!
During my years of studying calligraphy, I used several broad edge brass pens, and liked how they handled.
I always read your emails, enjoy seeing your sketches and learning about your travels. What a career you have after your years of teaching!
Claire Russell, happy owner of your wheelbarrow drawing!
This is my idea of fun!
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http://www.clairecreates.com
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Thank you for the shoutout Shari! John MacDonald is such a fantastic painter and speaks to the process with such clarity. (And I was actually just talking about YOUR interview with an art buddy today talking about how much I appreciate teachers and artists who can articulate what the rest of us are feeling.) Thank you so much for all you do!
Kelly Ann, it was a pleasure to mention you and John. And I appreciate all that YOU do!!