"Sisters Three" is an abstract oil painting with three obvious female figures.  There are other "sisters" in the rocky background.  This piece was organic in origin, and some would say it painted itself.  

I would note that I sold the original but am considering ordering a print for myself.  I don't really have wall space but adhere to the idea if you are attracted to a piece of art, it will find a space in your home.  It does not have to "go"  color wise in the room, or match the couch.  I have a very mixed palette in most of my home. One predominant color is a dark green.  I've mixed in other greens, yellows, reds, neutrals.  I've had very few blues until recently when I painted the kitchen, small dining (breakfast) area and two guest rooms a light greenish blue.To mix ... indigo, hansa yellow and white would be close.  

The original was 18 x 24 canvas sheet.  I framed it under no glare plexi, foamcore backing and thin metal frame.  

 

"The Orchard" painted on site while serving as artist in residence a few years ago.  The dwarf trees were so loaded with fruit.  I never knew how many colors there were in an apple.  This reminded me a grape clusters.  Painted dark to light, pallet was mixed white, indian yellow indian red, indigo and an umber.  This piece is the property of Century Elm Farm, Rob and Denise  Boothby of Livermore, Msine.  

Painting versus Photographs

 

"Winter at Popham Beach" and below a photograph a FB friend posted recently ... same place different interpretation. The painting, to me, is much more interesting than the photograph.  I never had a photo from the beach before, and I know the configuration of the beach/river has drastically changed since I've visited.  To the right of  the two images at left, I've added another painting done the same day as "Winter at Popham Beach".  "Ocean Waves" was a pleasure to create.  On that day, after completing two oil paintings, it was too cold to continue.  A friend and I headed for the car, heater and hot coffee.  

I love to go to Popham Beach or Reid State Park and use one of the picnic tables for an outdoor studio.  This piece was created at Popham Beach State Park.  The process was that of a mono print ... painted on a piece of plexiglass and then I dropped a piece of Bristol Paper on the paint to suck it up, then enhanced as I saw fit.  I loved the texture of the dune grass and of the ocean.  There's a bit of mystery here.  The original painting is in the Collcetion of Husson College, Bangor, Maine.  I had a solo show which the docent informed me included the first ever depiction of naked women.  See second image in this post.  

"Indigo Women" was created using the same mono print technique as the view of Popham Beach.  The poses were taken from my sketchbook of life drawing images.  I happen to love the color Indigo, it is my favorite blue in all tones. As far as detailed or realistic nudes, this hardly qualifies in my mind.  They were just fun to see emerge from the paint.  Easy to accent as well.

Many products, such as posters, prints, notebooks, stickers, mugs, shirts, etc., can be found at Redbubble and Society 6.  This link will link to places where my work is available.  

linktr.ee/jredmanwadsworth

 

The Ancient Ones

 This image was created with fingers, oil paint, a board and tissue paper.  Then I enhanced what I saw in it.  It is always a surprise to me when I recognize images.  There are many times I have used these drawings or paintings (terminology?) as the inspiration for a new piece.  The inspiration is just the beginning, as the new image evolves on my canvas. There are always surprises that I don't even realize are happening during my process.  I cannot repeat enough, focus on the process and you will create a product you will love.  Enjoy the journey.  

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/112172425?asc=u

Prints of this piece are available and some useful products you might enjoy.  Also, check out 

Useful Links

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/129937912?asc=u

The above link will take you to a choice of products featuring "Spirit" a

painting of an image that emerged from the page. /Above is a photo of the piece.

It will take a couple of clicks to get to Redbubble. Other sites that have my

artwork available try linktr.ee/jredmanwadsworth

Slhe resided in the main gallery of my home and has since moved away,

to the home of a serious collector. Once upon a time, she had throne, white

hair and her dress was white. Small changes became huge ones, then the black hair

required outlining all the plant life in black.  She took hours to paint, is 30 x 30.

I found the square canvas to be a challenge, I have stuck to vertical rectangles

most of the time.  The windows in my home used to be paned (falsely) and I 

think that is where my orientation for painting came from.  I've taken out

the "ribs" of the windows ... better to see my wonderful view everyday.  Below is the

view from my bedroom ... taken last year of the frozen fiver.   I love the actual

color in the photo, and the texture in the ice as it froze.  

"

I cancelled my "Art and Women's Wisdom" Blog created in wordpress and hosted by BlueHost.  I had signed up for a two year promotionial term and was surprised to find a bill on my credit card for almost $900, a charge for the next three years.  It took me awhile, but I finally got the account cancelled with the help of American Express.  I had tried to cancel via BlueHost but was informed that the term had started and couldl not be canceled.  The original promotion was by a travel blogger and I assume for every new accout they got a reward from BlueHost.  I have a difficult time keeping up with technology, but have not given up yet.  

I redone my link page.  My originals, prints and fun products and be found and/or purchased in several places.  Check it out  

Active Links

"Stargazer" is part Touch Drawing on Fabric and oil painting.  I love the color indigo and used for primary colors Yellow Ochre and Indian Red. My typical process is to choose three primary colors and mix the secondary colors from them.  

 

"The Black Vase" is an oil painting on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas.  I'm moving back to this blog as it is easier to deal with and I have prints and products for sale on Society6 and Redbubble.  I don't need a blog with sales capacity anymore.  

Links to sales and inventory sites

Getting Back to work - "You don't say"

Getting back to working after a long break is scary.  I have started a number of paintings, bringing them to completion hasn't happened.   I did decide to show "You Don't Say" even though I thought it was not finished.  I decided enough is enough, it was done.  The canvas hung around for twenty-five years.  I painted it once and when my pallet changed, I painted the entire canvas again. I used to get frustrated by paintings in progress but had faith I would keep going and know when the piece was done.  I had a solo show (one of those hospital opportunities) and brought it.  There is quite a bit of traffic in a hospital.  Many people passing made very positive comments about this painting  The gallery was had a handrail and this piece did not fit. That was unfortunate.  I had to bring it home.  More to come ... some in progress work.  

T 

Visual Dreams

I have been away for too long.  I had a difficult time today even finding my blog.  Google had me so confused, it was ridiculous.  This is one of my latest doodles.  The more I look at it, the more images reveal themselves to me.  I was looking for my blog because I needed digitals of some of my paintings for an upcoming show's advertising. 

This is a medium sized piece, 24 x 30.  The only camera I currently have is the one that's on my phone.  I used to have photo editing software (Gimp) but I deleted the program as the last machine I downloaded it to, it came with viruses galore.  I had to reset the computer to factory specifications.  That was a chore I didn't need. 

I rather like this piece, though at times it scares me.  These images came from the paint on the canvas, and my choices of moving it around.  I've considered working it some more but decided to move on to other paintings.  I enjoy this process of letting the images evolve ... and then sit and wonder what made me choose to illuminate and develop the representational images I did.  Analyze self?  I doubt this post will have any attention, my followers are probably not looking for me any longer.  I've recently found the need to share my work, and will continue to do so.  This is only the beginning of new posts, so stay tuned. 

I will be showing my recent work in Portland, Maine during the month of April at the Roux Cyr Gallery of International Art, 48 Free Street, Portland, Maine.  If you're close enough, please stop by at the opening on the first Friday of April, from 5 to 8 pm.  Susan Roux and Paul Cyr have created an amazing gallery ... well worth the stop by or special trip. 

Do not ask, I do not know

I have not titled this piece yet, but am considering "All my Relations."  I host a painting group in my studio on Saturdays and some of the artists were working on older pieces they had never finished.  I pulled this piece, an 18 x 24 gallery wrapped canvas that I had painted a few years ago for a show of "in the moment" pieces by several artists. 

It was originally a blueish celestial type of image.  There was a smear of white, and other colors forming images to my eye.  I decided to rework the entire canvas.  I considered the original to be quite dull.  Interesting image, but dull color. 

I started to develope largest face I saw, had it half done when another artist visited to see what I was doing.  Something in the image made her cry.  I did not have an idea where this piece would go, where it would bring me.  I was interested in using gold and blue to create the facial image.  As I continued with the piece, the other faces emerged from the paint of the original piece.  They bear no resemblance to anyone I know.  The woman on the bottom right began as a male with a long white beard.  The woman at top right center, originally looked male.  I just kept going applying paint at whim.  As a particpant in several visual conversations, a process that began because my artist's statement contains the phrase ... My goal is achieved when friends and strangers engage in a visual conversation with my work.  I think a piece is successful when it catches the attention of another human being, and elicits a reaction.  The type of reaction doesn't matter.  It's the communication from artist to viewer that is important.

The bird in flight was in the original piece.  That is the only part of that image to remain.  I wanted to balance the stark black of the bird and put in a dark shoulder.  There were several changes, overpainting, details added and subtracted.  I fussed and enjoyed it all.  The process was very similar to developing a Touch Drawing.  (See a long ago post)

Working over a previously done painting can be fun.  You don't know what will happen.  I wasn't thinking ahead, and wish I had taken a picture of the original.  I have another I have begun to paint over, and did take a digital of that one.  Not before I started, but I will have some record of the progression to the final product. 

I haven't posted here since April.  That appears to coincide with the start of my current employment for a steady paycheck.  I've had time to paint and did participate in some sunshine art fairs. 

At present, I'm not at all interested in marketing my work.  My artistic journey is changing direction.  Process brings me pleasure.  I'm always surprised at the results the journey produces.  I am enjoying the journey.  I'm always learning something new, and it comes easily, whatever "it" is.  I feel the flow, sometimes raging and othertimes quiet and gentle. 

I've made friends with the digital camera in my smart phone, so perhaps I will be more interested in sharing my latest images.  The one in this post is unusual for me.  As I wrote earlier, my journey has taken me to some different techniques.  Exploring them has been rewarding. 

As the holidays quickly approach, my best wishes to all for love and peace in their lives. 

Using References or Not?

I wanted another sunflower painting, so I created one.  I was actually more interested in the pot or vase.  I had no reference.  I'm not in the habit of using any references for my paintings, but can imagine how much easier it would be if I had one.  I've watched other artists use their gallery of photographs, and manage to create an image that speaks more than the photograph.  I've also seen artists paint a photograph so exact, it might as well be an enlarged photo.  There is always something else to discover in the world of painting, no matter what the source of inspiration.  

I admire photographers, they have a much more difficult job to find, notice, and then photograph a pleasing image.  Then there are some that work magic with Photoshop.  It's all I can do to take the digital photos of my artwork, not get too much glare, hold the camera steady, and then transfer it to my computer.  Then, I also have to find it in the maze of files.  I do need to arrange the files better .... someday.  

The above oil is 18 x 18.  Working within a square has definitely been a challenge.  I thought this piece was done ... but after viewing the photo, I can see all the small things I can improve ... yet then ... I like my work to look like a painting, not a photograph.  It's just a personal preference  I've studied sunflowers.  The ones in the painting are not the "seed eating" variety.  We grew acres of those at times on our farm for cattle feed, and to brighten up the neighborhood.  One field was along the road, and there were always photographers present with tripods, people stopping just to look, and we knew it was special when wedding parties came to take pictures.  The flowers were all taller than 7' at a minimum, it was amazing to walk along the edge of a field and look up at the huge faces looking down once they were ripe.  Before ripening, they would turn with the movement of the sun.  Hang them upside down once they're cut, and the birds have a feast.  We found they weren't the best ingredient for cattle feed, but that's where the majority of them went, right into the bunker silo.  I have a wall hanging in my home of those, something I painted on fabric and sewed into a cloth frame.  

 This was inspired by an early  morning walk, the moon had not set yet.  I'm reminded of the scent of the flowers, the colors, and coolness of the air, clear skies and the waters of the river gently lapping on the bank.  The path was between the river and the edge of the field.  

This has hung in my house for several years now.  I was looking at it as a was writing, and having my camera handy and charged up, I took a quick photo and have included it here.  The size is approximately 24 x 40.  It is not as bright as one painted on canvas.  The oil paint seeps into the fabric, runs, and pretty much acts like watercolor.  The final product is quite soft.  The photo is a bit light, but then I'm not a professional with a camera.  

The flowers were well above my head, and having the moon visible was quite a treat.  

Back to the studio, there's a canvas waiting. 

Clearing Clutter

I've missed the entire first quarter on 2012 writing here.  Now that I've completed some tedious tasks, it is my intention to share some of my creative discoveries.  "Raven III" 18 x 18 Oil Painting on Gallery Wrapped Canvas is at left.  This piece makes Raven number 3, I believe I have enough now.  Raven I is currently sitting on my mantle and it draws people into the room.  I recently had new flooring installed on the main floor of my home, and the place was a wreck.  Everything had to be moved out of each room, and a lot of sorting got done.  I found art supplies I'd forgotten I had.  I cleaned out a desk that had over 20 years of "stuff" stuffed in the drawers.  It was a good exercise, and I parted with things I hadn't used or needed.  Now ... if only I could do the same in my studio.  All the "stuff" that doesn't have a home somewhere else in the house, ends up there.  A couch, futon, bed, and all the dead computers.  "Someday" I need to fire up some of the old computers after I get them fixed, only to get digital copies of the paintings I no longer have.  

Would that be worth it?  I painted them, and sold or gave them away.  I'm wondering if I need the images.  I'm only going to continue to create more.  The Ravens were a labor to paint.  I spent a week on "artist's retreat" in February.  I'm just finishing up three of the paintings I started there.  It didn't take much to bring them to completion.  Once I had a good coat of color covering the canvas, it was relaxing.  I've learned how to "go back into" pieces that aren't finished.  Now with that success behind me, maybe I'll be able to finish up all those canvases I got frustrated with and gave up on.  Every piece can be finished.  Easier said than done. 

Next post will be of a vase of sunflowers, then a tree.  I don't know what planet the tree is on, but I like it.  Stay tuned!  I have made friends with my new digital camera.  That was a major accomplishment for me.  Now if the computer will behave!

Raven Number Two

This is the second of my raven series, the third is in progress and I'm planning on more.  I'm still making friends with my digital camera, and the download process to my computer.  

Why do I lose files?  Can't find them, then the camera reports there are no new pics when I try over.  I do believe my eyesight is one of the problems, and have taken measures to correct that.  Glasses should be ready in a couple of days.  I can see to read pretty well, but the small print on most web pages drives me crazy.  If I change the resolution and make it bigger, the whole site does not fit on my screen.  I'm not willing at this time to spring for a larger screen ... I see people with tiny computer screens managing quite well.  I don't have that patience.  

I did purchase a NOOK with credit card points.  I haven't read much in the past few years due to discomfort of holding a book in just the right place, in the right light etc.  Since purchasing the e-reader, I've read eight books.  If anyone has a suggestion of a well written interesting documentary or novel, anything actually, please be kind and make a suggestion.  I haven't kept up with the latest bestsellers.  I do like the fact that you can usually read the first chapter of any book for free before you decide to purchase.  

Back to artwork ... I don't know why I'm painting ravens, the idea occurred to me so I tried it.  I figure if you have an idea, any idea, from calling a friend to what you might include in an image, follow your instinct.  If you get stuck creating, just keep going.  I find a painting I'm not happy with for awhile will speak for itself, (your artist's knowledge) and will transform into a piece that is more than satisfactory.l  

Merry Christmas and a creative year ahead!

Just for Me, Myself and I

I'm fond of Ravens, they're very intelligent birds.  Decided I wanted a painting for my house.  This was my first effort.  I like the background much more than the bird, there's no action.  I'm almost finished with my second effort, "In Flight."  I am almost satisfied.  I've started a third, this one a combination of spread wings and open mouth.  There may be more .... black (of course one must mix this dark neutral) feathers are fascinating.  They reflect, and there are so many combinations to create different blacks.  I'm experimenting. 

I haven't been painting much, got through the sunshine art shows during the summer season.  I had some sales, but nothing like past years.  The economy is still in the sewer, I don't care what the media says.  The media can't make up it's mind anyway.  I think they create some of the problems. 

I will have plenty of time to paint in the near future, I was laid off from my part-time job at the end of August.  Federal Funding Budget cuts reached out directly to me.  No one is insulated in this country. 

At present, I'm painting and experimenting, pushing along, seeing what happens, revisiting old discoveries, observing, and staying comfortable.  I recently acquired a Color NOOK.  Nice for reading blogs, but almost impossible to comment.  The "keyboard" is simply too small for my fingers.  I've tried using a pencil eraser, but haven't mastered that technique yet.  If it can be mastered, that is. 

Off to do some touch drawing, work on my second and third Ravens, maybe start a fourth?

Happy Halloween!

My digital camera died awhile ago ... why are so many things today disposable?  My appliances are 20 years old and still going ... however, the toaster became toast at least 4 times.  I now have a new camera, and am slowly learning how to use it. 

This image is a Touch Drawing I did at a workshop at the Rowe Conference Center in Massachusetts in January.  I added some color during my recent vacation.   I haven't decided if I will add or subtract some of the image.  This image is on tissue paper and I will mount it.  I'm considering mounting it on a painted canvas.  The color or colors of the canvas will show through once I use acrylic matt medium to mount it.  It is also possible to mount drawings on paper, wood, glass or plexiglass.  Possibilities are endless. 

I worked on a black and white drawing on vacation as well, one that fascinated me every time I looked at.  I mounted it on white gallery wrapped canvas and painted black edges into the drawing and on the sides.  I wish I had a digital of that to share, but I already gave that one away.  I had offered to create something for a friend for a certain space.  I painted a red nude (no digital of that either) and also gave her the black and white drawing.  The thought of giving the pieces away energized the work.  I was creating something that would have a good home.  I have several drawings I plan to relax with in the near future.  They're easy to pick up and play with, and easy to put down.  There's no pressure. 

I will be participating in a drawing exhibit this summer, and I think the Touch Drawings will be an interesting addition.  I posted one on the blog prior to this.  It was one I sold. 

If you're interested in the process of Touch Drawing, visit www.touchdrawing.com  The website has more information than you will ever need.  It's definitely worth a look.

I arrange exhibits where I work.  Coming up with titles for the exhibits is a challenge.  We've had "Comfort, Woe and Wonder" and the current exhibit is "Dream, Hope and Grow."  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  My workplace is a Community Action Program.  The administrative building can display between 40 and 50 pieces ... original art makes the decrepit space beautiful.  There is no charge to the artists, no jury, and no commission.  I think it's win/win.  I've probably written it before, but I believe art needs to be shared in everyday places.  The current exhibit has two drawings by young boys in grade school.  They are fascinating.  Over 20 artists are participating in the current exhibit.

I see so many beautiful creations while reading blogs.  If you don't sell or give them away, what do you do with them if they don't fit or you don't hang them in your home for whatever reason?  When I have enough for an exhibit, or sidewalk sale, I am sometimes discouraged from the activity.  Like now ... I'm working with drawings.  It's fun and relaxing.  Some great images have been created.  You would be surprised how strong tissue paper can be.  Yes, it's the tissue paper that you use in boxes containing gifts.  I'm going back to read my new camera book.  I have a new cell phone too ... I can barely answer it.  Sometimes progress is just too complicated.  Keeping pace with new technology makes me feel old.  On that happy note, I will press the button for this post.

The Perfect Vacation

My digital camera abilities are limited, something I need to work on for sure.  The image at left is "good enough" to give the viewer an idea of my latest piece.  The wet spots were reflecting light when I took it, and I was too lazy to try again. 

She's 18 X 18 and meant to be hung on the diagonal but I can't figure out how to move the image here.  She's a gift for a friend and I finished her on my "perfect vacation." 

I had the opportunity to spend February school break with six artists in an oceanfront mansion in Freeport.  Plenty of studio space for everyone, terrific meals in the evening, wine sipping in front of the fire, cribbage and scrabble, painting all day, no household obligations, no dog attached to my hip all day (I took him to a doggie motel for the week as my husband was away), conversation, creative energy flowing, laughter, an evening of visiting with friends invited for a Champagne Thursday, a full body massage by a great therapist, long hot showers (some enjoyed the jacuzzi tub), and the place was only 45 minutes from home.  The view was quite similar to the one I enjoy from home, I felt like I was in familiar surroundings.  No day of travel to and from, no airports, bus terminals, hailing cabs.  Winter was outside, but our space was warm and filled with energy.  I enjoyed the time, and have brought it home with me.  I elected to share my room, so the week cost me less than $200 plus the cost of one dinner for all, and my snacks and drinks.  Perfect or what?

Every artist had her own style or working, some were fast, some applied one brush stroke at a time, and everyone was working with different types of images.  I was influenced, and have even begun a still life which I look forward to finishing at some point.  Unusual for me.  Possibilities are endless.

I also attended a Touch Drawing Workshop with Debra Koff Chapin at the Rowe Conference Center in Massachusetts at the end of January.  I've since enjoyed working with my drawings, a cosmic coloring book.  I've written about Touch Drawing in previous posts ... but can't skip the opportunity to put a link here http://www.touchdrawing.com and in Maine, http://www.creativespiral.net.

I was pleased to share the process of Touch Drawing with four people during my vacation as well.  Two of the other artists in the group had already attended workshops.  The process is just that, a process.  There are times product is a result.  I've found the benefit of the process is the fall out from looking at your drawings - having a conversation with yourself and/or your soul.  I am moved forward ... the what if I? ... and then act on impulse.  The idea or thought never to be ignored.  I like to keep pushing into methods of visual expression and art.  I'm not always comfortable, and there are times a piece appears to belong in the circular file, but I keep going with it, enjoying the time, and eventually ... something great emerges or it does belong in the circular file.  The time spent is never wasted, as more "what if I?" always swirl around in my head and energize my hands.  Back to Touch Drawing ... it is done with your hands and body, there is no pencil or brush between your energy and the page. 

I've been in my normal routine for a week, but the pleasure I enjoyed is very present and lives on.  I don't post to this blog very often ... but now that I've gotten over the "I need a perfect digital image" I believe I will enjoy sharing and contemplating my own process and progress by writing. 

I've also decided to take a workshop this summer when Don Hatfield visits Maine.  We watched one of his demonstration videos which was informative and hilarious at the same time.  I am fascinated by the way he moves paint on the palette and canvas, and look forward to learning in person.  There is always a different method to add to my experience.  My desire is to have  a wealth of applicable methods to accomplish what I imagine on canvas or another surface.  I think there's no better way to learn that from someone who is willing to share their knowledge and experience. 

I have much activity planned in the future as I work in the present. 

Back to work

One of my favorite pieces ... finding my way back to work.  I have several "in progress" but am relaxing for the moment.  I've been reading blogs, but didn't have anything to say.  Don't know if I do today either.  I admire the persons that write everyday.  I know writing helps you organize your thoughts, get them in a record of sorts.  I've only written about my work.  It is my life.

I wonder what people do that do not have a creative pastime.  Be it writing, painting, poetry or music.  Cooking can be included in the creative category.  It certainly is more fun with the attitude it's not a chore.

The piece at left I titled "Three's a Crowd."  I see three figures there, two female and one male.  It's a crowded piece.  I'm not titling all of my work, unless something comes to mind. 

The holidays are done, and winter has set in.  The cold is bone chilling.  I do not like to go outside.  Your nose freezes and your skin hurts.  I so appreciate a warm home.  The office where I do work is also warm.  It's the car and walking in and out.  There was a time I was outside no matter what the weather.  Age changes a lot of things.  Not in a bad way ... it's just different.

With the smaller image, I can see many more figures ... a painting is seen by an individual, and each sees it differently.  I think that is the basis of my pleasure in working.  My images don't exist anywhere in sight, only on the canvas.  I love to look at the art of others ... I feel I can get to know them.  If I've seen your art, and we meet, I already know you.  Is it intentional?  Is everything intentional? 

When I begin a piece, it is done without intention.  Intention comes as I work with it.  When I come to a face ... and develop it ... I hear things like ... my eyes are two close together, my eyebrows are too thick, my nose isn't that wide, my bottom lip is fuller, my ears don't stick out, my hair is blonder, blacker, red etc.  I know it is myself talking with myself.  That's part of my process.  Process is the most important in my work.  If the work is flowing, I feel good, if I'm having a hard time, I don't.  Enough rambling for today. 

I am going to get more friendly with my digital camera and share some works in progress.  I think I may incorporate a blogging step.  Might keep me more organized.  Cheers!

Choosing what goes into an exhibit or not ....

This was the piece the owner of the gallery choose for the postcard invitation to my solo exhibit.  I sent him several digitals to choose from.  There are many accidents in this one, that came together well.  I was showing a friend how I painted water.  Then I got carried away with the paint.  We were at a pond camp, and painting without stop for a couple of days.  It was her first experience with oils. 

The exhibit will be hung tomorrow ... I've been into the gallery a few times in the past week, but have no idea how I'm going to put this all together.  I have several different styles, none that fit any category.  Many artists have a "body" of work.  I have almost 50 pieces ready to hang, some of them fit together, some do not.  It's all the experimentation that thrills me.  I've curated many exhibits, but never of my own work, except the display at the "sunshine" art festivals.  I've always let someone else do it.  I have enlisted the help of a good friend, with a great eye for placement and flow.  We've worked together several times.  I'm so grateful he has agreed to help out. 

Getting ready is so much work.  Framing, wrapping for transport etc.  The hardest part was deciding what to take and what to leave home.  Then there's the pricing.  Most of them already had prices, and I left them alone even though the gallery will take a percentage.  The economy isn't very healthy where I live and I face the age old dilemma of ... if you price low, your work isn't valuable, if you price high ... regular people can't afford it.  Keeping my goal of sharing my work, and having original art in regular places like homes and businesses, I've decided to price fairly low. 

I am looking forward to visiting with friends, and seeing so much of my work hung in one place.  The reception's this Friday evening and Saturday ... an artist's work is never done. 

I've been reading several blogs that the author is wondering why they're writing.  I write to share my process, excitement when something new comes along, it's like wanting to tell Mom or Dad or Grandma what's going on.  Problem is, I don't have a Mom, Dad or Grandma any more.  So I write a bit ... knowing a few people might read it.  It's the connections made that make it worth it.  Even one!

That thought brings me to visual conversation.  I've written about that process before.  The energy generated is terrific.  I think it is because you know someone is going to view your art work and respond to it with work of their own.  Once the circle begins, it ripples into your entire life.  It definitely helped me through some difficult times. 

Day's End ... recycled plexiglass

There were several frames with no glare Plexiglas glazing I used to cart around to the outdoor shows.  Eventually the Plexiglas would get scratched, and there were some pieces I sold without the frame. 

This piece is a piece of painted Plexiglas, no glare (scratched) side as the back, and you look through the shiny side at the image on the paint.  There is no "painting."  I put a piece of gray colored mat board behind the plexi for color and protection, and back into the frame it went.  This is one that I have kept for myself, it looks great in my living room.  It's the last one I have.  I did several ... I painted the "main" image and then poured on the background.  Lots of surprises.  I was reminded this past week while putting inventory together for my show, how much fun it was.  And, the marvelous results. 

I had several of my sheet canvas oils mounted on a backing so I could frame them without a mat and/or glazing for my upcoming solo show. Thinking about what needed was the reminder of the scratched Plexiglas.  I placed the frame order this afternoon.  Just simple silver and gold metal frames.  The discount warehouse where I get my frames had some beautiful gold wood frames that were 18 x 24, I needed three, and they were only $8 on sale.  That was an on the spot decision.  I had planned on using gold metal.  There are more framing options with sheet canvas, you don't need a rabbit as deep.  I've committed to the show now ... as 37 of the pieces I've chosen were not framed.  I only show so much outdoors, and interchange frames each season.  It's a whim, and you never know what some one will be attracted to. 

On another note, the second exhibit where I work a few days a week, is hung and the reception is over.  All the arrangements made my last two weeks a bit crazy.  I receipted new work, checked out work that left, but this time I did it taking a few minutes here and there out of my regular workday.  That meant shorter lunch breaks, and no other breaks during the day.  It took another morning to curate and hang everything.  Three of the exhibiting artists were on hand to help out.  We arranged the show by "committee."  Every piece has a space that shows it off.  All four of us agreed on each placement.  The reception was sparsely attended, but I hope that as the exhibits are publicized in the future, this will improve.  We don't have a budget for advertising either and rely on the goodwill of the local radio stations and newspapers.  There were a few first time exhibitors.  There's no jury, no fee and no commission.  This is not a gallery space, the lighting is poor, but it is a space to display the work of local artists.  The employees that work in the building appreciate it.  It's a non-profit service organization and there's no money for decorations of any sort.  This time there were 21 artists participating. 

I've probably written about art in everyday places before, but I think it's important.  People need to see how energizing it is.  The title of the current exhibit is "Comfort, Woe and Wonder."  The interpretations had many surprises.  I choose the title as a lead in to the services offered by the organization, but artistically it could be anything.  There are oils, watercolors, pastels, graphite, charcoal and glazed earthenware.  There is even a recycled antique mill window, which was part of a large project a couple of years ago.  That's another story for another day.  We'll do it all again at the end of February, or the beginning of March.  I need to come up with a title for the next exhibit soon, and get a call for artists out.  Does anyone remember an exhibit title they especially liked that is very open to interpretation but is catchy for press releases?