The Toughest Job You've Ever Loved!

plein air, 6" x 6", oil, 'Petal Power'

Happy Mother's Day!

Reuniting Family Ties

plein air, 8" x 8", oil, 'Bear Lake, Utah'

I Feel Honorably Mentioned

plein air, 12" x 16", oil, 'Smokey Mountain Road' 

Honorable Mention Award, 9th Annual Escalante Canyons Art Festival 2012

I was ecstatic when I received this text from my artist friend Brad Holt from Cedar City, Utah about the March 2013 issue of Plein Air Magazine. It is about our recent awards at the 9th Annual Escalante Canyons Art Festival last Fall. I received the Honorable Mention Award for Oils. Brad Holt receive the Artists' Choice Award, and was also the featured artist of the Festival. I am on the front row and center, surrounded by other fun loving artists.

Cat Chat

studio, 10" x 8", oil, 'What Do You Want? I Want You!' 

This is a painting of a rescued cat named Montana. He lived happily for 17 years.

How Do I Become a Digital Citizen?

studio, 16" x 20", oil, 'Powder Delight'

I was told I was not a digital citizen but I could immigrate. WHAT?? Yah, it's true. People in my age group and older have difficulties in this digital age. It isn't intuitive as it is for those 28 years and younger.

I didn't grow up as a screenager like my granddaughters. Now days kids can handle remotes, Ipads, etc.

So how do you enter the digital country?

• Be smart get a smart phone and use it!
• Start a blog or spring clean your old blog. 
• Sign up for Twitter and start lurking around. (Send me a tweet @Carol_Johansen.)
• Start a Facebook page to promote your artwork and advertise your newsletters and workshops.
• Post a painting demo on YouTube and link it to your website or blog.
• Connect with other like minded artists on Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google+.

What do you think? Is it possible to become digitized?

Be fearless and enjoy the journey!

Eastern Idaho's Extreme!

plein air, 5" x 12", oil, 'The Frozen Snake River'

The weather in Eastern Idaho on Saturday, January 12, 2013 was so arctic I could hardly use my oils paints to create this plein air painting 'The Frozen Snake River'. My hands were so ice-cold even with insulated gloves and it didn't take long for my toes to feel the bite. The weekend temperatures dipped to -30 F with the wind chill.

Am I Smart?

My kids all have smart phones. But not me. I told the girls I was just fine with my old trusty flip phone tucked neatly in my pocket for my painting excursions. Then, the newest iphone hit the shelves. Low and behold, my son decided I could have his gently abused smart phone in return for him using my cell upgrade on his family plan. It was a done deal !