exhausted assistant

Occasionally after a working frenzy (which I have been in since about January) I need to take some time to individually clean and re-sort the pastels in my working tray. It can be a tedious process, but necessary. Now my tray is all spiffed up and ready to go for the next project! Lula, my loyal assistant, found the whole thing rather exhausting.

porcelain pot

This week I was most fortunate to acquire a beautiful porcelain pot from the studio of Tim Christensen-Kirby. Tim begins by either throwing a vessel on the wheel or building it from slab. Once dried, he further refines the shape by filing and sanding. Then it is covered with a black slip into which he inscribes his drawings. Always based in nature, his designs are thoughtfully conceived and executed. Once fired, the design is permanent and the result is a truly unique piece of art.

Hopper

I FINALLY got myself in to the MFA Hopper show at practically the last hour! I have admired Edward Hopper's work for years, and of course, I have seen some of it in person before. But seeing a retrospective was SO much more informative and satisfying. The man knew composition and light....and color. Some of the paintings just pulled me right over to them and held me there. And standing in front of some of his larger canvases, I had an almost meditative feeling of immersion that I could never experience from a book. Wish I had gone in earlier, so that I could have encouraged you all to check it out. Hopefully, you were way ahead of me!

nahcotta opening

The opening last night at Nahcotta was really buzzing! I was so happy to see family members and friends who traveled from near and far to support me. It was also wonderful to meet some of the other artists who's work I admire. All in all a great night!

art in embassies exhibition

I found a HUGE surprise in my mailbox last week. I received several copies of the catalog for the Art in Embassies exhibition in Botswana. (One of my pastels is there on loan.) I was absolutely shocked, thrilled, humbled to see that they used my piece as the image for the cover of the catalog!

calendar in the works

I am most fortunate to have to have my good friend AND awarding-winning photographer, Tim Gaudreau, working away on my very first art calendar! (2008) Not only is Tim very skilled, but also VERY patient as we collaborate in the proofing process, often using phrases like.........

Help me to better understand what you mean by that.

He is doing a GREAT job. The calendars should be ready in a few weeks' time. I will be sure to let you know!

administrative assistant

I recently adopted a sweet little kitten from the Merrimack River Feline Rescue ...a wonderful place if you are thinking about bringing home a new family member. Miss Lula has proven most helpful with administrative matters. Mr Max is still thinking things over.

landscape show

Here is a small preview of some works I will be exhibiting as part of the landscape show at Nahcotta. I am excited to be showing with some wonderful artists at this very hip gallery, right here in my own homwe town!! The show opens on August 8th, so please check it out!