Painter Paula Jones - What is your technique?

What is your technique?

I start with a sketch where my former, interior design sense turns the canvass into a room I’m composing. I take time to mentally choose the colors, knowing when I start it’s going to be physically intense as I cover even a large canvass in fifteen minutes, take a short break, then start scooping thick chunks paint–oil or acrylic-onto my brush, pushing, pulling, sculpting to give shape and dimension as I create something out of nothing, as I breath the life force into being.

Picture credit: "Generations", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this Hereford cattle painting

Monday's agriculture website - American Association for Agricultural Education

Today's agriculture website to share with blog readers is for the American Association of Agricultural Education (AAAE). The AAAE is dedicated to studying, applying, and promoting the teaching and learning processes in agriculture. Teachers serve as an advocate for learning about agriculture in addition to providing opportunities for individual student and organizational growth, development, and renewal. As a professional organization, AAAE members value effective teaching skills, while at the same time, developing and empowering students. Membership is open to all agriculture educators at any level. Those interested in agricultural education, but not involved with teaching, are encouraged to become associate members.

Paula Jones - How did you get started painting?

How did you get started?

I started painting when I turned 45 - at the urging of a very good friend who was also an artist. I was remodeling homes at the time, and a rotten plaster ceiling had fallen on my head, to which my friend said to me - “do something creative, and less physical. You are going to get hurt!!!” At the time, I couldn’t disagree with her. And so, off I went for my “first” art lesson ever - in my whole life!

Picture credit: "Autumn Moon," oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle painting

Friday's art video - Nebraska Art Farm - America's Heartland

Still not convinced that art and agriculture can harmoniously exist? Watch this video produced as a part of the "America's Heartland" series on PBS. This episode shows an "art farm" in Nebraska that is a working farm and artist haven.

Paula Jones - Why do you paint?

Why do you paint?

I paint, because, for some unknown reason, I feel like I have been called to paint.

Valerie D'Ortona book signing

In case you missed Valerie D'Ortona's book signing of "Big T's heart is in Me!", the latest adventure of Isabel and her friends, please read the article about the National Donor Day event at Santa Fe College. Valerie wrote the book as a tribute to her son Tony, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2008, but went on to save several lives by being an organ donor. The event educates people on the importance of organ donation.

Picture credit: Valerie D'Ortona, left, stands with State Senator Steve Oelrich at the National Donor Day event at Santa Fe College, Gainesville, Florida, on February 14.

March's featured artist, painter Paula Jones

Join us for the month of March as we introduce you to New Mexico oil painter, Paula Jones. I tried so hard not to be an artist. "I spent the first part of adulthood as that stereotypical, Midwestern mother and housewife assisting her husband’s career and raising children. Once my passion for creating works of art was ignited by a close friend, my entire life, as I knew it, completely changed." Paula's love for painting Hereford cattle reverts back her childhood and being around them on her grandparent's ranch. Enjoy a series of questions and answer sessions this month on the Cow Art and More blog as a way to get to know Paula and her work. View her portfolio of work in the Cow Art and More specials section. Purchase any of Paula's paintings this month and receive free shipping.

Photo credit: Paula Jones at the easel in her New Mexico art studio.