A fellow artist gave me the warmest compliment about my writing stylel I have ever recieved as we rode the elevator down out of the studios.
The problem? I don't think it's my posts/blog that he could have been referring to! At the time I was too touched by the warmness of the compliment from this true gentleman to be able to seek clarification.
Thank you Richard, even if the compliment wasn't mine to hear, it warmed my heart!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
size and scale
So I haven't posted in a while... Did you read the title and description of my blog? Yeah, that pretty much sums up the why. Well, that and my laptop completely died over the summer and didn't get replaced immediately. This new laptop has a year full warrantee... *knocks on wood*
I don't have my camera with me, but I am really excited with the last two little paintings I did and the one I'm working on today. Today is one of those days where my hands are shaky as all hell but I'm working anyway... I couldn't fall asleep right away last night because I had the idea dancing around in my head so I must work on it some today... I just keep taking a ton of breaks.
Working on 6 x6 (or smaller) canvases are a lot of fun while they are physically challenging as well. I find that every stroke counts more the smaller the canvas... but somehow it feels more intimate too. Maybe it's because of the subject matter that ends up on the smaller canvases I paint or maybe because of the restrictions from the size, I don't know ...
The terrible downside to smaller works is that, obviously, they are smaller. They can not thrive well on a large space alone. They get lost in the sea of white (or beige or ecru) that are so prominent in our homes, offices and work places. They are visible in these large overlooked and underused spaces much the same way a blaze orange parking cone is seen in an empty parking lot. We have a hard time deciding whether we want our attention drawn to such a spot... it's interesting and all but for some reason it's surprise draws a curiousity that we don't feel the desire to sustain.
But... I'm working on 5 by 5 inch canvases this week. Days before the most publicized art weekend of the year here in Lowell. http://lowellopenstudios.org/ I know that the likelihood of these pieces selling this weekend, because of their small scale, is next to nil (and I really REALLY need artwork to sell so I can purchase more supplies at the very least!!!) but I can't help myself. The ideas are there dancing waltzes in my mind and very specifically want to be small scale. And for far they look fantastic this size! It's like a beautiful well behaved child asking for chocolate milk with their lunch... there are better options sure, but I find myself pouring the chocolate milk because it feels right.
There was an article emailed to me a while ago titled "Steal like an Artist"... meaning inspiration. That's how this latest batch came about. A friend is doing a book series of oil paintings right now and we've been talking about that a bunch... so I have books on the brain... but what and how she is doing things with books is very different than what I'm doing with acrylics and these tiny canvasses. I'm sorry, but I don't feel like being more specific about her work. It's incredible but I'm not willing to cut short her time as the "only artist doing this now". I will share after she completes "my" book painting.
Okay... enough resting... time to see if my hands will quit shaking long enough to finish. This third 5 by 5 is titled "Tea Party." #2 is titled "Into the Woods" #1 is "South of Soledad"
First person to comment with the correct books reflected in my current paintings will get a gift. Promise. But you must COMMENT to the blog, not email me.
I don't have my camera with me, but I am really excited with the last two little paintings I did and the one I'm working on today. Today is one of those days where my hands are shaky as all hell but I'm working anyway... I couldn't fall asleep right away last night because I had the idea dancing around in my head so I must work on it some today... I just keep taking a ton of breaks.
Working on 6 x6 (or smaller) canvases are a lot of fun while they are physically challenging as well. I find that every stroke counts more the smaller the canvas... but somehow it feels more intimate too. Maybe it's because of the subject matter that ends up on the smaller canvases I paint or maybe because of the restrictions from the size, I don't know ...
The terrible downside to smaller works is that, obviously, they are smaller. They can not thrive well on a large space alone. They get lost in the sea of white (or beige or ecru) that are so prominent in our homes, offices and work places. They are visible in these large overlooked and underused spaces much the same way a blaze orange parking cone is seen in an empty parking lot. We have a hard time deciding whether we want our attention drawn to such a spot... it's interesting and all but for some reason it's surprise draws a curiousity that we don't feel the desire to sustain.
But... I'm working on 5 by 5 inch canvases this week. Days before the most publicized art weekend of the year here in Lowell. http://lowellopenstudios.org/ I know that the likelihood of these pieces selling this weekend, because of their small scale, is next to nil (and I really REALLY need artwork to sell so I can purchase more supplies at the very least!!!) but I can't help myself. The ideas are there dancing waltzes in my mind and very specifically want to be small scale. And for far they look fantastic this size! It's like a beautiful well behaved child asking for chocolate milk with their lunch... there are better options sure, but I find myself pouring the chocolate milk because it feels right.
There was an article emailed to me a while ago titled "Steal like an Artist"... meaning inspiration. That's how this latest batch came about. A friend is doing a book series of oil paintings right now and we've been talking about that a bunch... so I have books on the brain... but what and how she is doing things with books is very different than what I'm doing with acrylics and these tiny canvasses. I'm sorry, but I don't feel like being more specific about her work. It's incredible but I'm not willing to cut short her time as the "only artist doing this now". I will share after she completes "my" book painting.
Okay... enough resting... time to see if my hands will quit shaking long enough to finish. This third 5 by 5 is titled "Tea Party." #2 is titled "Into the Woods" #1 is "South of Soledad"
First person to comment with the correct books reflected in my current paintings will get a gift. Promise. But you must COMMENT to the blog, not email me.
Monday, August 1, 2011
August
Suppose I should update and say that while I'm registered for Lowell Open Studios, uploaded an image and will be on the map, I do not have a artist bio/description up.
And the little man is chasing around the cat while I rest in bed trying to will away whatever is going on in my gut.
Seriously starting to think I ate something bad days ago because it's taking days to get any better.
Open Studios this Saturday noon- 5pm. If you're in the Lowell, MA area please stop by Western Avenue Studios. The studios has had a lot of internal movement over the summer and some lovely new artists have moved in as well. It's still summer, and with all the moving around some things aren't in their "finished stages" but it's a great place to visit, and on Open Studios there is bound to be free candy & snacks if you visit every floor!
And tomorrow's to-do list includes mopping the studio floor... because I let my son paint with matchbox cars again today. Best busy activity ever!
And the little man is chasing around the cat while I rest in bed trying to will away whatever is going on in my gut.
Seriously starting to think I ate something bad days ago because it's taking days to get any better.
Open Studios this Saturday noon- 5pm. If you're in the Lowell, MA area please stop by Western Avenue Studios. The studios has had a lot of internal movement over the summer and some lovely new artists have moved in as well. It's still summer, and with all the moving around some things aren't in their "finished stages" but it's a great place to visit, and on Open Studios there is bound to be free candy & snacks if you visit every floor!
And tomorrow's to-do list includes mopping the studio floor... because I let my son paint with matchbox cars again today. Best busy activity ever!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Oh dear... the painful part
For me personally, the most painful part of self-promotion is describing my work or my style. Really, I still truly fail at describing my artistic style. No... really... I stammer worse than when I was in seventh grade when I try to describe my own work. And now... I have to register for Lowell Open Studios...
This is good, because it's not only participation, but promotion and getting my work out there. The catch (other than the registration fee) besides having to be in the studio for two consecutive afternoons (October 1 & 2) is that I have to write my own "PR snippet"or as they would call it "artists statement for PR purposes." Whatever. Regardless 1) I don't know which person everyone else has written theirs from (1st or 3rd). 2) I suck at it. 3) If it was suppose to be more than 2 sentences than f*ck it.
Here is what I put... after WAAAAAY too much hemming and hawing. "Works of various media with heavy emphasis on animals and nature. Bold images meant to express both grace and whimsy. " I can always edit it. But yeah... I really can't do justice describing my friends' works & styles... writing about my own in a professional manner is painful.
So... if you have any suggestions PLEASE I'm really interested. How would you describe my artwork? or my artistic style?
This is good, because it's not only participation, but promotion and getting my work out there. The catch (other than the registration fee) besides having to be in the studio for two consecutive afternoons (October 1 & 2) is that I have to write my own "PR snippet"or as they would call it "artists statement for PR purposes." Whatever. Regardless 1) I don't know which person everyone else has written theirs from (1st or 3rd). 2) I suck at it. 3) If it was suppose to be more than 2 sentences than f*ck it.
Here is what I put... after WAAAAAY too much hemming and hawing. "Works of various media with heavy emphasis on animals and nature. Bold images meant to express both grace and whimsy. " I can always edit it. But yeah... I really can't do justice describing my friends' works & styles... writing about my own in a professional manner is painful.
So... if you have any suggestions PLEASE I'm really interested. How would you describe my artwork? or my artistic style?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Humid Tuesday
The exhaustion made me punchy last night (I laughed the best maniacal evil laugh ever, by accident, in that state last night.) Today isn't much better. The humidity melted my brain. I've tried and failed at reordering my business cards thrice, fallen out of my chair... yeah my coordination has been off ever since my surgery but today is just crazy. Not a day to paint... but I somehow thought I could get something creative accomplished. nope. maybe if I find the energy to go back home (we have central air! yay!) something will get done.
I think my flames piece will look awesome as my business card. Psyched about it... if I can only trick my computer into properly uploading the image. The laptop doesn't like this heat much either.
Today would not be the day to be doing pottery. Thank goodness I didn't jump into that with both feet... I considered doing so 7 months ago, there's just something so soothing about clay (even if my skin disagrees) but alas, I did a few monetary calculations and decided against it.
Enough of this crap...
(in my best Cartman voice) "Screw you guys.... I'm going home"
I think my flames piece will look awesome as my business card. Psyched about it... if I can only trick my computer into properly uploading the image. The laptop doesn't like this heat much either.
Today would not be the day to be doing pottery. Thank goodness I didn't jump into that with both feet... I considered doing so 7 months ago, there's just something so soothing about clay (even if my skin disagrees) but alas, I did a few monetary calculations and decided against it.
Enough of this crap...
(in my best Cartman voice) "Screw you guys.... I'm going home"
Monday, July 11, 2011
It's just been one of those days
I've been tired all day, wanting to create art but exhausted.
When I finally got home at 8pm, the next 15 minutes went in this order:
unpack the backpack, ran a bath for my son, switched the laundry, helped son into tub, loaded washer, helped child out of tub to the potty, cleaned potty, washed hands, hung wet laundry to dry, dried up the floor from child's wet feet, plugged in the computer, fed the cat, poured myself a drink
When I finally got home at 8pm, the next 15 minutes went in this order:
unpack the backpack, ran a bath for my son, switched the laundry, helped son into tub, loaded washer, helped child out of tub to the potty, cleaned potty, washed hands, hung wet laundry to dry, dried up the floor from child's wet feet, plugged in the computer, fed the cat, poured myself a drink
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A positive aside
I DID find the sketchbook the full jaguar is in. I even still know where it is at this very moment (here at home!)
I did blow up last night but at least it means I'm completely out of denial now.
I'm not mad at myself, I'm frustrated with world circumstances. This is a very important place to be working from.
"flames" is almost complete. Still deciding on leaving it as is or lining it.
the cardinal piece is good so far. once I figure out what it's missing (like definitively which season I want it to be) I'll move forward some more.
3 more project ideas already planned.
(the DMN inspired, hypno-toad inspired piece should be fun to make once I have the time to gather all the materials. long but FUN project to look forward to.)
("mad to live" - kerouac inspired mini piece will be a challenge but I have a VERY clear idea what and how to do what I imagine so it's all good.)
(I don't know if I'll get the coloring book made and assembled by the next event. Finding my missing 4 by 6 artworks would go a LONG way forward in that project, but alas, the bullfrog, honu, dragon, chicken, butterfly and baby jaguar are ALL still missing. The jaguar is the only one of those that had been properly scanned. :(
Even with my punctured foot, round one breaking in the gold heels went with little pain.
My car is still running and the brakes aren't screaming loud for now.
My son is asleep. He's chosen to sleep on his floor tonight, but he's sleeping well (unlike the rest of us).
I have plans to go out once a week for the next 3 weeks. This gives me something to look forward to. (even if it means I might have to be creative in avoidance if the 'musician' who was sizing Heather and I up is back there.)
Cowboys and Aliens comes out this month! (the 29th) Pick on me all you want for that. But really, I'm a huge Harrison Ford fan and Daniel Craig... well Daniel Craig is just damn fine to look at. It's got to be more entertaining than Frantic, right? Seriously, as long as it has a better ending than that movie how can I not want to go? mmm....
Okay, and now that I'm smiling that stupid girly smile, it's really time for bed.
I did blow up last night but at least it means I'm completely out of denial now.
I'm not mad at myself, I'm frustrated with world circumstances. This is a very important place to be working from.
"flames" is almost complete. Still deciding on leaving it as is or lining it.
the cardinal piece is good so far. once I figure out what it's missing (like definitively which season I want it to be) I'll move forward some more.
3 more project ideas already planned.
(the DMN inspired, hypno-toad inspired piece should be fun to make once I have the time to gather all the materials. long but FUN project to look forward to.)
("mad to live" - kerouac inspired mini piece will be a challenge but I have a VERY clear idea what and how to do what I imagine so it's all good.)
(I don't know if I'll get the coloring book made and assembled by the next event. Finding my missing 4 by 6 artworks would go a LONG way forward in that project, but alas, the bullfrog, honu, dragon, chicken, butterfly and baby jaguar are ALL still missing. The jaguar is the only one of those that had been properly scanned. :(
Even with my punctured foot, round one breaking in the gold heels went with little pain.
My car is still running and the brakes aren't screaming loud for now.
My son is asleep. He's chosen to sleep on his floor tonight, but he's sleeping well (unlike the rest of us).
I have plans to go out once a week for the next 3 weeks. This gives me something to look forward to. (even if it means I might have to be creative in avoidance if the 'musician' who was sizing Heather and I up is back there.)
Cowboys and Aliens comes out this month! (the 29th) Pick on me all you want for that. But really, I'm a huge Harrison Ford fan and Daniel Craig... well Daniel Craig is just damn fine to look at. It's got to be more entertaining than Frantic, right? Seriously, as long as it has a better ending than that movie how can I not want to go? mmm....
Okay, and now that I'm smiling that stupid girly smile, it's really time for bed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)