Christmas Commissions Part 2

 
I almost didn't take this commission because of the initial hurdles, but I sometimes enjoy the challenge.  The original photo was a very small 3x3 and the subject was even smaller.  When looking at the original, there was no way I could use it as a reference, but I took it home and scanned it at a high resolution.  I was surprised how much detail was revealed.  When doing portraits, you can get a good likeness without showing details.  It is all about capturing the shapes of shadows and highlights to reveal the features of the face.  So I jumped in feet first and will be dropping it off to the new owner today.

Christmas Commissions Part 1

Holiday shopping has been a bit delayed this year.  I've been busy fulfilling other's Christmas lists - clients who are giving the gift of art.  Here is the first to be fresh off the easel.  This is Radar and those beige eyes and big ears were a joy to paint.  He will be getting ready for his new home later this week.

Next up for finishing touches is another portrait, and then a still life.

Encaustic Paintings

Blue Paper and Paint 5x5

Gold and Red Geometric 5x5

I felt I had been away from updating my blog for a while, but was embarrassed to see that my last post was in July.  Work (the one that pays the bills) and class/homework has taken a bit of my time and energy, so when I get home, updating my blog isn't the highest priority. 

Copper and Apple 5x5

Japanese Maple 3x3 on Stone Tile

I have been making time to get back into Encaustic (hot wax) painting, though.  There are many aspects to the media that I love.  1) I can't fall back into my comfort zone of realistic painting 2) I have a reason rummage through my stash of gorgeous paper and 3) there is something so enticing about the depth and softeness created by the layers of wax.  My newest paintings are very simple and each has allowed me to play, but without having to commit lots of time (although it does take up a lot of space).

Speaking of space...  I downloaded Sketchup and decided to design my "dream" studio as an attachment to my house.  I started with a small footprint and added storage, shelves, easels, and some furniture so I could engage future clients.  By the time I was done, the original footprint grew to be the same size as my home.  I dream big!!

51st Wickford Art Festival

Art Festival Season is officially underway and just like postal workers, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night....   Well I hope I don't have to worry about snow.  It should be a bit cooler next weekend , but there could be some rain.  Just bring an umbrella and enjoy that it won't be as crowded

Artists from all over New England, and further, come every year to exhibit and sell their beautiful paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, etchings, and more.  Artists and visitors both enjoy the festival, set on the streets of historic Wickford Village.  Quaint shops and beautiful homes line the streets as visitors stroll through the village seeking out great artwork to buy.  Wickford is a "walking friendly" community that makes it easy for families, elderly, handicapped persons, and dog lovers to enjoy visiting the festival. 

My booth, #122a, is halfway down Brown Street in front of Wilson's of Wickford. 

Poetry and Art

Poetry has come into my world lately (not that I haven't enjoyed it for a while).

First, I'll be exhibiting at the New England Poetry and Art Gala at the Providence Public Library,  June 6th, 5-9 pm

A special evening of Poetry, Paintings & Music in the library’s newly renovated Grand Hall and Ship Room.  Meet and be inspired by the poetry of Fred Marchant, Stephen Dobyns, Rick Benjamin, Wendy Mnookin, Richard Hoffman, Alan Feldman, Alice B. Fogel, Jennifer Militello, Vivian Shipley, and others!  A buffet and refreshments will be served. Doors open at 5 PM for registration, appetizers and art exhibits.

At the event, poets will be reading art-inspired poems they wrote about paintings selected from New England Museums. They will be displaying images of the museum paintings on a screen while they read their poems.   Tickets for the Gala and buffet are $15 payable by check before June 2 to The Poetry Loft, PO Box 8235, Cranston, RI 02920. Include names and emails for registration.   Email questions to  info@thepoetryloft.org

Second, the Wickford Art Association will be hosting a Poetry and Art "challenge"  32 poets anonymously submitted poems and 32 artist anonymously selected one of those poems.  We have until June 30 to complete a painting inspired by the poem.  They will be photographed and compiled in a book.  In August there will be a reception where the artist meet the poets. 

Gallery Representation

I am honored to announce that I am now represented by a wonderful gallery in Newport RI, Isherwood & Company.  Located on busy Bowen's Wharf, this is a new location for Ms. Nancy Isherwood, previously off Bellevue Ave.  The new gallery is in a prime location I think it will be a great spot - for both of us, I hope.  Nancy has a well selected mix of fine art and exquisitely hand crafted items. 

Isherwood & Company

Three Paintings At Imperial Gallery

Our local Jerry's Artarama has created a great gallery opportuntiy for many artists.  Each month they adorn their walls with a diverse group of paintings from local artists.  They don't charge a fee for hanging, they don't take a commission and they provide refreshments for Open receptions, this month with live music!  

Thank you Jonathan and the team at Jerry's for your hard work and dedication to the "emerging" art community.

Last Fling

Three Calla Lilies

Tangerines in a Glazed Bowl

For the past few months I've enjoyed living the life of a full time artist.  But, alas, I need a traditional full time job to pay the bills.  I tried to make the most of my time while collecting unemployment and here are the paintings from my last couple of weeks.  There are lots of new paintings for this year's art festival season!

I will try to continue painting as much as I can, but spring means yard work and my new job may have a bit of a learning curve. 

Radiant Marsh

Pet Portraits

Kato on Lake Tiogue

I've done a few portraits of animals that belonged to other people and decided it was time to paint the pooches in my life.  I guess I wasn't a very good "mother" because I can't find too many photos of my first dog, Woody, who was a Jack Russell.  Probably because he wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture. 

But I did have some nice poses of Kato, my Belgian Shepherd.  He was quite handsome, a great Man Magnet, and the sweetest dog until the side effects of Phenobarbital turned him to the dark side.  His thick coat of black fur and big brown eyes made him so huggable.  He was so big it was almost like hugging a human.

I miss them both and wonder if is time to find another addition to my family.  I'll be sure to take good pictures this time.  And I'll go online to find some images that look like Woody.  Wouldn't want him to feel left out.

It's Just a Bowl of Calla Lilies

In response to my prior post, here is my latest painting.  The flowers were from my Solo show; an unexpected gift from an unexpected visitor.  Here is my thank you for coming, Mary.

To Make You Smile

I'm currently reading "The Painted Word"  by Tom Wolfe.  Interesting read;  it describes the forces behind "success" in art (e.g. how three art critics determined the course of modern art in the 60's) mostly centered in the mid-last century. Only about 1/3 of the way in, but I enjoy his wit and cynicism.  

Now if I can only hook up with the right art critic and philanthropist, I'll be a raging success!

Making the Best of Bad Weather

A Warm Sport on the Rug

Loosing electricity, and heat, wasn't so bad with this little guy helping to keep me warm.  As the day progressed, he just moved to new sunny spots on the floor, warming his little arthritic knees.  A regal pose like this was perfect for a painting.  And he earned it by snuggling next to me at night until the power returned.

While he followed the sun, I set up by a window and painted a number of small paintings for my solo show open reception. 

Prepping for a Solo Show

Marble Canyon II

Warm Kitty

Katie in the Pool

I'm going back to the wonderful town of Clinton Connecticut for my second annual solo show at the Henry Carter Hull Library.  I found many, many new collectors last year, so I'm trying to create as much new work as possible this year.

This library has wonderful exhibit space for larger paintings, so I've painted two on the largest canvas I've attempted so far.  I'm also trying to have a nice variety of subject matter.  There are six more paintings "on the easel" in various stages of progress.  My goal is to finish them all, but realistically, a few may be left behind.

It's good to have deadlines.

White Anthurium

Lifeguard Chair

Coffee Break