Arts Walk Spring 2014

Another fun Arts Walk experience here in Olympia, Washington!

I showed several new paintings in the upstairs balcony at the Urban Onion.

Current exhibits in the area where my paintings are displayed include:

44th Helen Norris Art Show
Sidney Art Gallery

202 Sidney Avenue
Port Orchard, WA 98366

May 1- May 30, 2014

Waterworld show at University House Wallingford
4400 Stone Way N @ 45th St. in Wallingford, Seattle, 98103

February 23rd - June 15th

4th in the Series

The decision was made that an additional watercolor collage painting was necessary to balance my display for Splash Gallery. It is run by local fine artists who work in a variety of media and I just joined them. Splash Gallery is located at Percival Landing in Olympia, Washington; 501 Columbia Street NW.

This month I will feature watercolor collage paintings. Six paintings have been hung and today I finished another to round out the collection. Five of the paintings were created very recently and the subject matter is waterlilies. The other two paintings are ocean themed and center around starfish. The exhibit of paintings will be rotated, if you live in the area be sure to stop by regularly.

Here is the fourth painting in the Yellow Water Lilies Series.....

Yellow Water Lilies Series # 4
Joanne Osband

The other three watercolor collage paintings were featured in previous blogs. Scroll down....

Additional Bird to the Flock

I love Arts Walk in Olympia, Washington, especially the Spring one which is two days and includes the Procession of the Species Parade.


I actually quit showing my art because it is more fun to see other artist's creations. One artist, Ray Evans, who calls himself "Old Geezer" was my favorite pick this time.

I could not resist adding his peacock to my collection of yard art.



The shadows are wonderful too!


Unfortunately, Ray's website is not up, but you can view his unique creations at his home in Olympia: 8813 Old Hwy 99 SE in Olympia or e-mail for his next show; geezerevans@comcast.net

Nature Rorschach Test

Once again on my daily walk on the Chehalis Western Trail in Olympia, Washington, I came across a "nature Rorschach test".

Let's see if you see what I see.........

For those of you who are not familiar with a Rorschach test, it is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation, complex algorithms, or both. Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning.

What do you see in this cut section of tree?


How about an owl face?

Regal Bird

How many times can you just drive by before stopping?

For me it was three times. On my way to Belfair, Washington, to visit with a hospice patient for art therapy, I pass George Kenny School of Chainsaw Carving. His sculptures are displayed outdoors and definitely make a statement. You can get a glimpse driving by, but it is well worth a stop.

The day I stopped George just finished carving two bald eagles one of which caught my eye. Two weeks later I could not resist stopping to see if the eagle I liked was painted, burnished, and finished.

Yes, and I am happy to report he made his way home to my yard.


Check out the details he achieves with a chainsaw!

Holiday Happenings

I spent last weekend at the holiday art show; Holiday Happenings. I believe it is the start of many art shows in Olympia for this holiday season.

If you missed this gathering, I displayed my latest art including oil paintings and watercolor sketches. They can also be viewed online at my website: Coloring Out Of The Lines under the gallery tabs for oil paintings and watercolor sketches.

The display was rather amusing as being at the Elk Lodge in Olympia I had to include the elk.

He watched over the event, so to speak.

Sunday Sketches

The colors of fall here in Washington have been exquisite!

Notice I used the past tense..........the Pacific Northwest rains have returned; days and days of it. Although sometimes if you watch for it, you might be lucky to catch a "window" without rain. I have learned to get outdoors no matter what otherwise it can become depressing.

In my studio I am still enjoying the fall colors and creating watercolor paintings of the brilliant colored leaves. The big leaf maples are one of my favorites. The shape of its leaves and colors are awesome!

More Sunday Sketchers.....

Trees Take Two

The other day I completed, or thought I had, a sketch of the maple trees along the Chehalis Western Trail. I was not totally satisfied, but posted it on Sunday Sketches which is a group of artists who post art each Sunday as a weekly discipline.

It looks like this.......

And I complained that the computer over did the blues.

Well that was truly not the issue!

VALUES!!!

No values! A classic mistake which can make the difference between a good painting and a mediocre one.

I believe I fixed the sketch and the computer was cooperative.

What do you think?

BTW, for those of you who are not artists, value is an element of art that refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.

More Garden Art

Last week I enjoyed the beautiful fall weather at Lake Chelan here in Washington.

Perfect days of sunshine relaxing, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, farmers markets, and SHOPPING! Between the town of Chelan and Manson, there is this fun guy, Bill King, who sells whimsical metal sculptures at Red Duck Nursery.

I could NOT resist this little character!

The Chosen One

Summertime in Washington is soooo outstanding that I have been rather negligent in posting blogs and probably left you hanging as to which painting was chosen for the 27 Feet of Art.....and More.

Thank you for your input in helping me select which paintings to enter. By popular demand and also "the chosen one," the painting of the fuchsia flowers was selected.

Ballerina
Joanne Osband
water-based oil
12" X 12"
The opening reception is Friday, September 21 from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. The artwork will remain in the gallery through Arts Walk. The closing reception is Saturday, October 6 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. All artwork will be part of a silent auction to benefit The Center’s arts education programs.

Creative Marketing

Having several artist friends and colleagues, I am always impressed with ways to market one's artistic creations.

Marion Pollmann, a local Olympian ceramic artist, has created a lovely, short video capturing her spirit and art.

I would like to introduce my friend, Marion...

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

I need your help......

Each year in Olympia, The Washington Center For The Performing Arts has an annual fundraiser called "27 Feet of Art....and MORE!" It is an art exhibit and online auction fundraiser which began with 27 artists, but has grown over the years.

Artists donate a piece of art that is 12" X 12" to raise money for the arts in our town. I bought a package of seven 12" X 12" canvases at the art store. Now, I have seven oil paintings to choose from.

I could use your help in selecting the painting to enter to be juried for the exhibit.

Please vote on your favorite.

Square # 1

Square # 2

Square # 3

Square # 4

Square # 5

Square # 6

Square # 7

Thanks, I appreciate your help!

Leftovers will be shown at Holiday Happenings in November in Olympia.

Last Three

Completed my goal of painting all seven 12" X 12" canvases!

Here are the last three......

Alpine Lily

Calla Lily

Fuchsia

Next week you will have a chance to vote for your favorite oil painting and help me select which painting to enter in the "27 Feet of Art......And More" art show and auction to raise money for The Washington Center of the Performing Arts in Olympia, Washington.

Sunday Sketches

We are so in the throws of summer and I am loving it! Thus, I am posting early as I am off on another hiking adventure this time in the Olympics.

My gardens are going wild. I have lots of beautiful flowers for painting subject matter. I keep going back and forth with watercolor and oil paint.....

Today's sketch is a gardener's still life.

View more Sunday Sketchers

Beach Art

The rock formations on the Washington Coast are spectacular.
I shared some photos from my recent coastal trek in the last blog.

Now, rock formations on a smaller scale. Beach art!

Northwest Coast of Washington Trek

I have dreamed of visiting the most north western portion of Washington and walking the coastline. It is claimed to be one of the most spectacular places to see in Washington.

It lives up to its reputation!

Shi Shi Beach

My good friends, Maxine and Ray, are seasoned hikers and invited me to join them on a three night - four day trek from Sand Point to Shi Shi Beach. Having been there before, they knew the ropes (pun, tee hee). Although this is not a long hike in miles, it is very tedious and challenging scaling the cliffs, climbing over rocks, walking on rocks and in slippery tide pools, fording a river, and knowing the tides and terrain necessary to cover so as not to be trapped. Definitely not the average hike!

Here I am ready to go......

You might notice that I do not have a huge backpack.....

Instead, I had Sherpa George.*

Ray, George, Maxine at Ozette River Bridge

We were graced to share this beautiful place with many of the coastal wildlife. Eagles nested in the trees by our campsites and flew overhead, even displaying talon grabbing behavior. The first evening we watched whales swimming South. We walked along side of deer, and shared the river with an otter. There was a plethora of starfish of various sizes and colors, two octopus sightings, and an array of sea critters and sea plants.

Sea life.....

The ropes......and there were MANY!

More fabulous scenery.....

Eagle posing for photo....

*George's backpack broke before departure. In order for all of us to go on the adventure, George and I had to consolidate our stuff.

The "Maxinator" decided what goes and what does not. The next thing I knew, I had my own personal Sherpa :)

Thank you, Maxine!