33 Comments
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rob's avatar

Beautiful work, and very inspiring (as always), Marc!

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Rob!

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Lori Woodward's avatar

Hi Marc. while I didn’t pay, I have continued to subscribe. I’m happy to hear that you and Dottie have ample painting opportunities. For career artists, those must take priority. I’m astounded at how beautiful you make acrylic look! I’m also delighted to know that your collectors don’t distinguish between oil and acrylic. Thank you for taking the time to write a bit about your history and for being honest about the last year. I hope you and Dottie have a meaningful and prosperous 2024. I’ll continue to subscribe to your newsletter.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you for continuing to subscribe and your patience. It's always nice to be busy. However "busy" doesn't necessarily mean "profitable"... so being more busy for more chances to be prosperous, is smart. ;-) Like most people I know and respect, when we're talking about being busy that means we're painting, economics not considered. The career goal is to be the best painter I can possibly be with my given skills and enough time to keep on practicing. If the health holds, then life will be an ongoing "busy" because I will never quit painting no matter what else happens. It's the only way there are ever any possibilities for anything beyond painting paintings. Cheers!

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Lori Woodward's avatar

Thank you for your reply Marc. Sounds like your priorities are straight and will serve you well!

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Catherine Jeffrey's avatar

I wish I could see your show in person. I have been following your work since 2009 when you did your painting marathon. I was so inspired by your work and dedication. I wanted to do plein air, but I was working as a full time studio artist and had to produce work for a lot of shows that I had booked. I have recently decided to add plein air work to my studio work. I still keep several images on my computer from those marathon days as inspiration for me when I go out to paint. Southern Ontario is very similar to your paintings from that time. I have also watched your transition from oil to acrylic. Thank you for allowing us free access to your substack articles. Your love of nature and painting is very apparent . I enjoy your natural gracious style of writing and look forward to more posts. Thank you for sharing your art journey.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Catherine! Thanks for following along for so long. I'm glad that you've taken the jump to painting outside. While it's not the end all, be all, it's certainly the best teacher there is if landscape is your interest. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. Cheers!

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Penny P Dillon's avatar

I lost what I started to write…so a quick summary.

I follow you and Dottie because the quality of your art and your many interests. You both are blessed with different gifts/. …. And for those that are old, and can read about the young artists that can finally support themselves, we marvel and encourage them for making a beautiful difference in this troubled and confusing world. Stick to your gifts…and keep on being who you are. You are a “BLESSING” to your followers….thank-you Marc and Dottie. Penny Dillon

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Penny! It's the generosity and kindness of the artists in this community we all inhabit that make going through all of the trials and tribulations worth it. You've made my day. Happy painting to you!

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Teri's avatar

Thank you Marc! I am so glad I was able to take your workshop so many moons ago. It has stayed with me and I also am, and will always be - devoted to painting, and art.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

I'm not keeping tract of all those moons of the past any more! There's too darn many to do that. LOL It was nice to meet and paint with you, Teri. I hope you're loving and learning more about it every day. Cheers!

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Janet levy's avatar

Thank you Marc for sharing these thoughts. I also began full time work around 1983 but not as an artist. I was a data analyst and statistician for three and a half decades. I can see the devotion to painting in your work. I love it. I am following a similar path, just starting decades later than you. But there were many lessons learned as a statistician that I can apply to painting. I know that is hard to believe. But a big one is being clear about your purpose and what you want to communicate.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Truth! Thank you, Janet. Being clear is probably the hardest aspect to growing as a painter! Keep that creativity flying!!! Cheers!

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Marsha Hamby Savage's avatar

Hi Marc (and Dottie)... this was an enjoyable read... and I love the paintings. I'm proud of you guys. Hope to see y'all in St. Simons for the AIS Small Works show. I know you may be busy.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Marsha! I'm thrilled your reading along. We won't be there but hope that it's a great show with much success. Cheers!

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Jill Rody's avatar

Hi Marc, Thank You for the Devotion you’ve taken to live your calling. I have followed your work for many years… before you moved to the East Coast. It is a great inspiration as I too love the land a paint it. And thank you for you GIFT of sharing without fees so many people will now be included in the inspiration. Blessings to you and Dottie.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Jill! I'm flattered. Cheers!

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Tracy A's avatar

All beautiful… as always!

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Tracy!

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Diane Lamere's avatar

Fantastic work, Marc! Would love to see these in person. My faves (not that it matters) are Time Travel, Hazy Blues and Creek Boquet.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Diane! I appreciate your comment. I don't count coup, but I thought Time Travel was interesting to paint, even though on social media it didn't garner much interest. That's where I avoid keeping tabs, but do notice just for funs' sake. Cheers!

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Amy Collins's avatar

Thank you, and Dottie, for your thoughtful and inspiring posts. It’s always a joy to see them paired with your beautiful paintings. And it makes me wish I had painted in my hometown of Savannah back in the day, but that was long before I began pursuing painting! Maybe one day. It is a beautiful part of our country. I wish you both the very best with your show. I’m sure it will be wonderful!

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Hi Amy... It really is about as beautiful as it can get here. You'll have to bring the paints along the next time you head to your "home". :) We appreciate that you're reading and following along. Best to you and your work. Cheers!

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Joan Body's avatar

Always beautiful…if not from here you certainly get the spirit!

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Joan!

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Lynn Grow's avatar

Stunning, exquisite work! You never disappoint!

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Lynn!

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Donna Spears Lauzon's avatar

Wish I could be there! Your work has always captivated me. Best of luck to you both at the show.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you very much, Donna! :)

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jacki newell's avatar

Your work is breathtaking!! I only live about 4 hours away so maybe I can get there. Thank you for the inspiration you bring to me and other artists. God bless.

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

Thank you, Jacki! I don't know why, but I thought you were from up north. Cheers!

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Dottie Turner Leatherwood's avatar

❤️

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Marc R. Hanson's avatar

❤️

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