Art class with Casey Baugh

I am in Woodstock Georgia this week taking a portrait class with Casey Baugh.  I have loved the teaching style of this young man.  His work is amazing and his philosophy of painting is like none I have every known.  He changes EVERYTHING that I have previously learned and I think I have always known in my heart that the way to a great painting is to listen to your "gut" not rules.  He gives wonderful advice about the most important things to remember and of course, number 1 on his list is what you find on most ---Value - Value - Value.....get that right and everything else will follow.  We are painting from models in the studio and he dedicates individual time to each student.  There are some amazing artists painting with me.   Casey told us he is taking time off from teaching for the next couple of years to dedicate time to his painting.  I am so glad to have gotten in to this class.

Little White Church

This weekend my husband and I traveled back in time. He had the privilege of conducting the funeral of a long time friend, Jack Pettus. We have known Jack and his family for over 35 years. We first met when my husband, Audie was assigned as the Pastor to Jack's little church in an area we would call "the country". We had both grown up as "city slickers" and we were amazed at the way a little town can remain simple, laid back, family focused and where church is the center of the community. Audie asked me on the way to the church what I remembered most about Jack.....that was so easy....I usually saw Jack every year at the United Methodist Church annual conference. Jack always threw his arms around me and told me he loved me and how he thought I was beautiful. Wow ----that would make anyone feel great and it sure worked for me! I told Audie that Jack and I had a special relationship. Well during the funeral everyone had a chance to share memories of Jack. Guess what? EVERY single person from young adults to big, strong, manly men to older (even older than me) individuals said the same thing! Jack always hugged everyone and told them he loved them and they were special. The stories were amazing how that simple act had actually changed some lives and helped some feel special when nothing else did. This was not just a recent event..these acts of kindness from Jack spanned at least 35 years that I know of. I cannot get this legacy off my mind. Jack knew a secret - love is the most important gift anyone can give to another person.

20" x 24" on stretched canvas - acrylic  $200 + $12 shipping and handling 
You can purchase here:
 http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/little-white-church/372531

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay. -SOLD

I have had a couple of requests for Pelicans.. this guy has been on my radar for a while now.  I found a reference photo by Robyn Lovelock - she is a wonderful photographer and artist and she freely shares her photography with other artists.  I used the colorful beak and breast to help me create the background color.