wrapping things up!

I THINK this is going to be the week to wrap up a couple of important projects. One is my 2010 calendar. I just had the final proofing session with Bill at Phineas Graphics. AND I think my new website which is being designed by Kim at Three Graces Gallery should soon be up and running. YEAH! In addition to my work in pastel, the new site will also include my works in acrylic as well as an expanded giclee offering. AND.....I am also actually doing a little painting, a series inspired by my early morning walks.

is it true artists have more fun??

Some days it is! Yesterday I went with a friend for my FIRST surfing lesson. What a BLAST!! It was fun,exhilarating and an amazing workout. I had NO idea. The surf was big, so just paddling out was a challenge. I think I actually forgot to stand up all the way on my longest ride, so it was more of a "squatting maneuver", very graceful I am sure. Still I was screaming with delight the whole time.

So what does this have to do with art? Well, they say that one cannot create in a vacuum, but rather needs to experience life and then respond to it through their work. Just part of the job, I guess.

paint, beautiful paint

I have been working away on some acrylic paintings for the Nahcotta Landscape Show. Last week at some point, I thought to myself, I LOVE this medium. Wasn’t always so. Several years ago, when I began to explore acrylics, I was aggravated when they did not behave in the same manner as pastels with which I have had many years of experience. So more often than not, I would pack the paints up after a brief time and return to my familiar, trusted pastels. Two years ago, I decided to commit to this relationship. True, acrylics are not as immediate as pastels. Not always as opaque…..AND they dry a bit darker. BUT, they have many wonderful qualities of their own. I am really enjoying exploring textures and iridescence which are now available to me. The paint can go thickly with a palette knife, or be brushed on in many transparent layers yielding a rich, luminous surface. I feel as though I am on the verge of some exciting new work. Glad I stuck it out. The best is yet to come.

umbrian magic

I recently stumbled upon a series of pastels I started on location as an artist in residence at the International School of Art in Montecastello. All these years later, I could see something new in these pieces and so I decided to pull them out of the flat file and finish them up! It brought back some wonderful memories about a magical place. Soon I will be delivering the series to Diana Levine Fine Art in the Boston Design Center and HOPEFULLY they will find a new home!! To see the entire series, click here.

acrylics at nahcotta

Deb and Abbie did their usual amazing job in hanging the work for the May show. The first time I walked into the gallery and saw my acrylics in their lovely space, it was like I was seeing them with with fresh eyes. Just wanted to say, "thanks, ladies!!".......... and to share a few pictures.

another reason to appreciate art...........

.....it appreciates!! At a recent opening, a friend of mine was inquiring about art biz in these clearly challenging times. Well……………challenging, I would say. He made the point, and a lovely point it is, that art is one thing that consistently appreciates. Maybe there was even MORE reason for people to be buying art now. Also, it is something that can be enjoyed every day. Other collectors have suggested that art is a home improvement that they can take with them when they move, a legacy to pass onto to their children and a place to find solace in our often stressful lives. Something to think about.

works in progress

My studio is currently filled with LOTS of paintings at various stages of development. I have been working primarily with acrylic. Most of the images are abstracted landscapes. I am also still interested in exploring the many textural additives that are available to me with this versatile medium. Yesterday I decided to hang some of the "works in progress" up so that I could get a better look at them. It's nice to see them as a body of work. I need to spend a little more time looking and tweaking. SOME may even be finished.