I wanna be an artist...just like you.

Today, I had an awesome surprise. Today was Market day at McMinnville, which Sarah and I have our works of art — her jewelry and my paintings. I've been painting at my space for the past two weeks for fun and to get some creativity flowing. This day a little girl, named Elizabeth, with her mother and brother & sister visited.

Her mother tells me that Elizabeth decided she will be an artist "when she grows up."

Elizabeth said, "I wanna be an artist..., just like you!"

That was the most fantastic moment and truly made my day — my week! She was probably 4 or 5 years old and for her to proclaim her dream of being an artist is amazing. Moments like today keep me painting and living my artist dream. We had a great conversation about having fun while painting and to paint/draw whenever she possibly can. If you hear of an artist named Elizabeth from McMinnville, remember you read about her here first.

Painting for the Saturday Market

McMinnville has a new market in town — The Saturday Market. Shannon Thorson has coordinated the ongoing event for the last 3 months. It features organic produce, entertainment, visual & literary art, wine, boutique goods & fine food and provisions. There are many vendors coming from various parts of the Willamette Valley, Salem and other surrounding counties. It's a fantastic mix of personalities and budding entrepreneurs selling their goods.

I have been participating since December and enjoy meeting, talking and hobnobbing with local citizens of McMinnville. I have been showcasing art from my Project 100, my I'Ching series and new pieces that I create weekly. It's been a great opportunity to have a weekly venue to showcase new work during the winter.

Here's my current new piece entitled, "Star-Gazer."



And more pictures from the Market.

Project 100 in local paper

I and Project 100 had an incredible breakthrough this week. The McMinnville local newspaper, News Register, featured Project 100 on Wednesday's, December 23rd. The article entitled, One Hundred Days of Painting by Hannah Hoffman, was a great surprise for Christmas with two great pictures of me - one from my office studio and another from my barn studio. Thanks to Hannah Hoffman for coming out to interview me and Marcus Larson for the pictures. The write-up was more than I expected and a great blessing.

Here's the link to the article. Read and leave me a comment.

Project 100 bloopers!!

Hello all — this is Sarah. I just wanted to give you all a little behind the scenes taste of project 100. Basically, Lester was very nervous about the video portion of his project 100- he was feeling a bit camera shy. So when day 1 finally came, I told him to do a round of practice runs that nobody would see- to get all the kinks out and get comfortable with the camera .... well, I found those video clips and put them together for a little Lester fun!!! I was laughing sooo hard- I hope you all get a little laugh today too! (Please note, as of today I have Lester's permission to post this- he has grown in many ways, huh!!)

Enjoy the day 1 bloopers!
Sarah




Visit the Project 100 Gallery online to see all 100 paintings from 100 days.

Day 100 Captain of Your Own Soul

Day 100 — WOW! What an incredibly exciting day! Thank you for supporting this project of 100 paintings in 100 days. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my paintings with you during these 100 days. I loved this journey!

For today's inspiration, I painted my friend's dream. In his dream, he was on a boat in the middle of a storm. Lightning struck and he reached out with his right hand, harnessing the lightning bolt. He experienced his body taking in the energy. After doing so, the horizon immediately was clearing from the storm. The approaching land
was illuminated by a beautiful sunrise. This dream was significant to him because at the time his health was not the best and after having the dream, his health recovered fully. He now currently has ALS and I hope that this painting reminds him of that dream to harness the energy within to full healthy recovery. This painting also is a great reminder for me to captain my soul and move towards each horizon. Truly a great inspiration for painting 100.

Enjoy "Captain of Your Own Soul."

Stay tuned for a wrap-up of Project 100. Thank you, again. I appreciate your support of this project.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 99 Sunny, Sunny Day

Day 99 — On the second to the last day and I decided to venture out a bit. I've been looking at Van Gogh paintings recently. I love his texturing and colorful depictions of movement. Today also happens to be another friend's birthday and she is from Greece. So I decided to combine both and create a Greek coastline scene depicting the windmills in Mykonos. The sunrise radiates from the sea to bring in the new day and asks "what destiny lies ahead for the viewer?"

Enjoy "Sunny, Sunny Day."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 98 Radiating Serenity

Day 98 — Including today, I am three days to 100. This has been an incredible journey. I've been asked these several days, "how does it feel to be close to the end?" Well, I have mixed emotions about the end of this journey. I am happy the finish line to this adventure is coming and I am also experiencing a sense of calm. So today's painting reflects the solace of completion. Under the glowing fall harvest colors of the Japanese maple sits the Japanese lantern. The winding tree limbs provide cover, while two humming birds find a home in the lantern to nurture themselves. They can rest under the protective maple and lantern, enjoying the serenity of their environment. I love the energy of the painted leaves swirling about, while the tree and lantern are fixed energies of unwavering strength.

Enjoy today's painting "Radiating Serenity."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 97 Little Carriage, Big Oak

Day 97 — Last 4 days of Project 100. I can hardly believe it has been this long. Today's painting was inspired by the big oak trees I've seen this past week. I decided to paint a farm scene with the big oak and the little carriage parked underneath. The big oak acts as guardian, protecting everything under its cover.

Enjoy "Little Carriage, Big Oak."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 96 What Would You Name This

Day 96 — Today, I was inspired to paint a rooster. I was imagining a Tuscan villa and I kept thinking about really large vessels, so that got my creativity going. Today's painting involves a scene with a rooster exploring his surrounding and finding a large vessel. Surrounded by grapes, the rooster continues his exploring.

I couldn't decide on a name for today's painting and want your help. What ideas do you have? Please share.




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 95 Red Vase Platter

Day 95 — Serving up today's inspiration, I've painted another kitchen themed still life. Today I was enamored by the color red and opted for a vase to portray. Arranged with the red vase are a wedge of cheese, bread and pinot grigio grapes. I love the contrasting images as they play with each other on the platter. Enjoy today's serving of "Red Vase Platter."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 94 Seaside Vintage

Day 94 — Stretching my creative muscle with the kitchen themed paintings. Decided to go with what is abundant here in Oregon and that would be grapes. My mind was on the thirty foot waves that are supposedly off the coast of Oregon and thus my painting was created. I used the shell and the grapes as my study for today's inspiration. Here is "Seaside Vintage."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 93 Tulip Nectar

Day 93 — Ok, so a "kitchen theme" set was mentioned today. This is my first attempt at what that would mean. I decided with a still life of tulips and a humming bird. It's quite an amusing scene for me because the humming bird is gazing at the vase of tulips and wondering "is there nectar in there?" Who can tell, right? Only the brave who take the risks will find out. Hope the humming bird figures it out. Enjoy "Tulip Nectar."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 92 Standing Tall

Day 92 — Driving to Salem this morning, I glanced upon a tall tree in the fields. I had to stop and take a picture because it called to me for today's painting. It was amazing to see the tall oak in the middle of the field surrounded by fog. It seemed nothing was going to hide its presence. Standing tall amongst the elements — a great example of how to live in the moment.

Enjoy "Standing Tall."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 91 Mountains of Clarity

Day 91 — The countdown begins to 100. Today's inspiration comes from the mountainscapes and being high in the clouds. Having a moment of clarity for this project's near end. I am truly enjoying this adventure and thank you for sharing it with me. I imagine looking high above the mountains and seeing the shining light over the horizon. I can see it reaching me, wanting to embrace the moment. Taking a deep breath, it is clear that I am arriving at my journey's end.

Enjoy "Mountains of Clarity."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 90 A Story of Possibilities

Day 90 — Looking back at the painting of crags and cracks inspired today's painting. I recreated the scene enclosing it within a portal. The rough textured portal provide great contrast to the serene mountain-scape. The night sky is filled with stars and shooting stars heading towards their destination. The horizon is illuminating with a new day. The name for today's painting was given by 11 year old Colton from the farm we are house-sitting - "A Story of Possibilities."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 89 Kennedy Space Center, Connecting To Space

Day 89 — For today's painting, I came across pictures of the Kennedy Space Center. That inspired me to paint a scene where the shuttle is ready for lift-off at dusk. The night sky awaits the shuttle, while a falling star makes its way to greet the shuttle. The two seem to be making a connection in space. I love to depict the connection between the two objects that seem unrelated. Enjoy "Connecting To Space."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 88 Infinite Blessings for Tomorrow

Day 88 — Today's inspiration brings me to the beautiful sunsets. Looking at setting sun gives me a sense of gratitude for the day. I find myself taking a breath and admiring the gorgeous colors of the horizon. Having a progression of suns setting reminds me that a new day awaits us. Thus receiving an infinite blessing for tomorrow.



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 87 Moonlit Crags and Cracks

Day 87 — I am finding out that I enjoy painting the night sky and outdoor landscapes. I really enjoy watching the night sky and gazing for shooting stars. Today's inspiration stems from that joy. Here is a scene of cavernous mountains with its crags and the dry cracked ground in foreground. Enjoy "Moonlit Crags & Cracks."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 86 Transmitting the Day

Day 86 — Today's inspired painting combines the concept of pyramids and the duality of rising & setting suns. The concept of beginning and end is explored in the painting, each transmitting their own beauty &mdash dawn & dusk. Enjoy "Transmitting the Heavens."




If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.

Day 85 Reflecting the Heavens

Day 85 — Been taking some time to check out the pyramids of Giza online and wanted to continue painting them. Today's painting shows off the pyramids reflecting the heavens above, specifically the setting sun & moonlit sky. Enjoy the beautiful painting of "Reflecting the Heavens."



If you want to purchase any of the paintings, email me or visit the Project 100 Gallery to purchase online.