Busy Artweek

Finished a miniature of a vineyard scene. Feels like Italy to me, but I've yet to name or sign it. I painted it on Monday, working throughout the day and evening fairly steadily.
Tuesday I went to Hillsboro to get some supplies with the certificate I won at the Plein Air painting competition on 7/19. I found 300# hot press watercolor paper & got 2 22"x30" sheets, some tiny, tiny "gallery wrapped" canvases (for my novelties collection), and a composition framing tool. After shopping I went to a gallery and was directed to a warren of artists' studios upstairs. I got to visit with five working artists. They were all very welcoming and encouraging. They offer classes through the facility, weekly figure-drawing opportunities with live models, and monthly brown-bag lunch lectures. I'm excited about joining them for some activities in the future.
When I got home TK had received a notice from Lawrence Gallery in Sheridan that they were featuring Plein Air works, so we hopped in the car and went out there. I saw some very inspiring work. I really liked the handling of color in some of them. The woman working there looked at my mini-portfolio and painting of the Hortons. She gave me an invitation for Plein Air artists to come paint on Saturdays in August.
Thursday I went to the drop-in meeting of Portland Plein Air Artists. It was wonderful. Again, such accomplished and varied artists being so welcoming -- I was very impressed. It was very worthwhile. Good sharing on a number of art-related topics and critique of 2 paintings.
Things seem to be unfolding very quickly.