fabulous monotype workshop!!!!

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity of attending a monotype workshop in the studio of Roger Goldenberg. I have been curious about monotypes for a long time and thought it could be a good way to expand my creative language. My good friend, Jean, who was way overdue for a Portsmouth visit signed up, too! (We went to art school together some gazillion years ago) And only when I arrived at the studio, did I realize that one of my neighbors was also a participant! It was a great group and a couple of FULL days. On the first day, we worked on lexan plates. These are a bit thick to go through the press and so require hand rubbing or pressing with a heavy rolling pin onto the paper. The beauty of this method is that it can be easily replicated at home. We worked initially in reductive manner, which was a great way to explore mark making with a variety of implements, and then by applying inks to the plate in additive approach. Day two brought aluminum plates, which were better suited to going through the press and afforded experimentation with embossing. Possibilities are infinite! Roger did a wonderful job of teaching many methods in a relaxed manner and in helping us all to maximize our printing time by doing the grunt work of cleaning our plates and tools, so that we could focus on creating. What a treat!! He is a very generous instructor and I would encourage anyone with an interest in printmaking to look into his upcoming workshops.

acrylic explorations

I have been working for some time now, off and on for several years, with acrylic paint. Inevitably, I would become frustrated and / or have a show commitment, so the acrylics would get put away and I would be reunited with my beloved pastels. Ah……..like coming home. So familiar and comfortable. In recent months, however, my study of acrylics has intensified. I have been spending the majority of my studio time socking it out with this unfamiliar medium. So many new things with which to contend. For instance, drying time: With pastels, there is NO drying time. So in SOME ways, the speedy drying time of acrylics is well suited to my working style. But what about when I want to blend color in a large area? I am moving that brush around like crazy!! And when the colors do dry, they are somewhat darker. I will put down a nice highlight at what I deem to be the ideal value, and when it dries it is darker an almost disappears. Then there are the issue of transparency and fluidity, both new for me. And the choice of substrates on which to work…….and the huge number of additives that can be mixed into the paint to alter its texture. Possibilities are infinite. This is both the good news and the bad news. Much to figure out and so many exciting possibilities, which, in case you were wondering WHY I was pushing myself into this new territory (and believe me, I have asked myself that very question many times) …..is the reason. Stay tuned……..(hint: think Nahcotta in May)

how long did it take you to paint that??

Recently, while at Nahcotta, I had the pleasure of meeting one of their clients who has purchased my work on several occasions. Standing in front of one of my paintings, he asked, in a very nice way, “How long did it take you to paint this?” I started with “Well, about twenty years and…then some number of hours.” Immediately, I could imagine him calculating my hourly rate……..and I was really hoping that he was factoring in the twenty years!! It is such a reasonable question. Particularly when one is spending quite a bit of money on artwork, it is reasonable to want to quantify that purchase somehow….in addition to the most important factor of it feeding one’s soul. I have been thinking about that conversation quite a bit of late. As I am exploring a new medium, I find myself remembering my struggles with pastels in the early days….and the feeling of utter elation and surprise when I got one to actually work! Hmmmmm, I would think, “If only I could get that to happen again.” In time, I did develop a better understanding of my materials and a clearer vision for my work. But even today, there are paintings that I am unable to resolve. Every painting, successful or unsuccessful, informs the painting on my easel today. Even when I am not painting, I am thinking about painting. I am looking at light, shadows, reflections, color, values and shapes all the time! Observing. Composing. It is all is part of my creative process.

a few more bits from Cali

A few more things worthy of mention RE: my Cali trip.

In San Francisco, I saw a wonderful show at the SF MOMA. Olafur Eliasson. The exhibit, which is interactive, opens one's awareness to aspects of light, movement and perception. It was truly delightful as well as thought provoking.

While in LA, I had the opportunity to attend the LA Art Show. There were approximately a gazillion galleries represented from across the country, and actually one or two from England. Two artists really stood out for me. One is Rusty Scruby. His works on view were essentially two dimensional, but had undulating surfaces. They almost looked as though they were woven. But the representative explained that his pieces were actually constructed by using a tabbing system which was stable and yet allowed for the variation of the surface. When I looked at his site, I could see that some of his works actually reveal the tabbing system on the front of the piece.

Broken Angel by Steve Yeates really caught my eye. The artist creates sculptures with recycled glass and poured resin. Looked beuatiful in the spotlight.

hey, it's been at least 17 hours! Time for another show!!

Good thing for adrenaline. Julie, of course, had everything well under control, so when I got back to Santa Monica we just needed to hang the work, change clothes.....and away we go! They had removed most of the furniture for the event which really opened up the space and made it easy for people to view the paintings. (Also provided great tumbling space for the little ones) Once again, I had some great conversations with some really interesting people. I was truly honored by the attendance of my ninety -year old Uncle Dan who spends part of the winter with my cousin, Cara and her family in Woodland Hills. It was such a fun night, after which just a small group stayed for a relaxing dinner........PERFECT all around.

It’s hard to convey the appreciation I feel for those who hosted and welcomed me so graciously. I hope it is just the beginning of more such events as I work my way toward becoming ”bi-coastal pastel-girl”.

and now the work begins: LA

After a quick flight to LA, Deb went to stay with friends who had recently moved there and I got to work!! It was great to see my cousin and her family. Julie is a fabulous cook, so once again, I was treated to some amazing meals. I really enjoyed having the chance to visit with her and Paul and their very special son, Flynn. Flynn turned six during my stay there, but I'm pretty sure he has been here before. Thursday night we unpacked the work as one of Julie’s friends had requested a sneak preview. Then Friday AM I packed up the rental-mobile and headed to Huntington Beach, to the home of my friend, Toby. I have known Toby since childhood and she has become one of my biggest collectors.......even though we live 3000 miles apart!! When I first proposed the possibility of going out West to have some small shows, Toby was totally excited to host one. After a little reunion, she and her daughter and I got to work setting up the paintings and getting the food and wine all set up. It was a mad dash, but it all worked out beautifully. Shortly after 7:00 the house began to fill up. Toby was great about bringing me around an introducing me to her guests. It was a great chance to meet a new group of people and many of them seem to feel a connection to my work………which is a supreme compliment. At the end of the evening, we were regaled by one of the guests with hilarious stories of their days working together for Disney. A really fun night with a great group of people. A late night rolled into an early morning and after breakfast, it was time to pack up the work and head back up to Santa Monica fro the Saturday opening. Oh my.

working my way back to Eastern Standard Time

Returned from my FABULOUS West Coast Tour early Tuesday morning and am slowly getting back to real life. It was an amazing trip for me in every way. I had the chance to see some wonderful artwork, drink yummy wine, eat delicous food.....and SHOP!!! And most importanty, reconnect with family and friends AND meet some great new people. Where to begin? Well, oddly enough, the LA pastel tour actually started in San Francisco. I was traveling with my friend, Deb, owner of the way hip Nahcotta gallery, here in Portsmouth. It just so happens that one of the artists she represents, Tjasa Owen, lives and works in San Francisco. I have always admired her work and so we were both thrilled to visit her studio, which is a beautiful space in a quiet little nook, but right around the corner from a thriving neighborhood. Tjasa was so helpful in terms of suggesting galleries we should visit. (Hang was my favorite) And places to eat. At her suggestion, we had breakfast at La Boulangerie, an amazing bakery where everything was freshly made. When you order a large coffee there, they serve it to you in a BOWL!! A bowl of coffee. Yes, indeed, that's the way to start the day. While innocently walking on our way to a gallery, I happened to glance in the window of boutique, Christine Foley. The manager unlocked the door and invited us in. What could we do?? I treated myself to a couple of jackets that are beautifully made........and will serve as a reminder of a wonderful little vacation. Stay tuned for part 2.........LA