Saturday, August 27, 2016

AN ARTIST FINDS HER GROOVE

Once upon a time an artist had a large canvas which had been a Rothko like experiment. It never  went anywhere so consider it a canvas ground color to try my new expressionist style.

I am attracted to the 1930-1950 fashion so I research some photos on Morguefile.com which share free photos for artists. 
Ground colors.

Here is a photo of my painting almost finished . Can you see the ground color peeking through the blue sky?
#2   Almost there.
#1
Final painting.



To complete the lady reading I added a stylized sky and added some shadows. This was never meant to be a realistic painting merely a personal interpretation.

 I  discovered that I am happiest when painting with lots of color and the freedom to do just as I please. 
Expressionism is not tied to perfect perspective, perfect value or perfect local color. I like mixed media with stenciling and the addition of papers to my work and I like painting people.

So now what do I do with this enlightenment? 
Just paint and enjoy the journey.






Friday, August 19, 2016

TALE OF AN ART STUDIO; GOING INTO THE CLOSET.

Who says one needs more wardrobe storage? For me, clothes not so much, but art supplies and art business stuff.... oh yeah.

I have reorganized my 10x12 bedroom studio at least 50 times! My mind functions best in organization and all of it is labeled (so I can find it). My daughter gave me a labeler for a gift many years ago and it has been well used.

No clothes in the closet.
I have a wooden table that just fit into the closet space so that became computer headquarter, bill paying and canvas storage. A wooden shoe rack made a great canvas storage if they are turned on end. Next I went to Target for some wire closet organizers. These hang down from the  wire shelf rack that was in the closet; always looking for the use of vertical space.

Repurposed book shelves.
Once again I have stored things up to the ceiling, labeled them and reorganize when I see a more efficient way to do things. 

Drafting table by the window.

Did you notice the beads at the window? I got them at a flea market and just had to have them. In my studio anything goes; carpet has been trashed with splattered paint, I painted big polka dots on the walls for color and you did see the beads.  This is my fun spot.


Repurposed sewing table.
One of the best things I did was create a larger surface area to work on. It was always on a time consuming search and find while creating a new painting. My windmill easel is in the middle of the room which takes up the free space to move about easily but after numerous relocation tries that seems to be the best location. In a corner the light was bad, straight in front of the window there is a light glare and my body casts a shadow on the painting surface.

If you are thinking of buying a windmill easel please note that it needs a larger space than my small bedroom/studio. No regrets, it is great to be able to turn the painting 360 degrees and it will lay flat if you want to work on a mixed media piece.

Wishing you painting bliss.

Friday, August 12, 2016

GET YOUR WORK OUT THERE!

SAFARI- PANDA BEAR

Look at that face....what's not to love?
     OK, so I will do the show circuit again. I have decided to do a few select shows with the Vero Beach Art Club and one guest artist spot with Main Street Vero Beach Gallery.

     Panda Bear will be exhibited at the Museum of Art with other club members in our annual Invitational Member's Show.  September 12th through October 17th.




LOCATION:




The exhibit is located in the Hazel Education Studio Gallery of the Vero Beach Museum of Art. The gallery is located immediately to your right as you pass the welcome desk. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge. 



Friday, August 5, 2016

HAPPY TO DONATE TO A GOOD CAUSE

     Vero Beach is a great place to live with a caring community for so many worthy causes. I was contacted asking if I would donate to a silent auction to benefit the Polio Plus event sponsored by our local Rotary Club. 

Happy to do so!

                                               OKTOBERFEST 2016

                                             Indian River Rotary Club
                                                       October 1st
                                        4-9 Riverhouse, Vero Beach, Fl.
                                      FUNDRAISER FOR POLIO PLUS.

     I decided to donate one of my impressionistic pieces titled "Orange Poppies". Here's hoping it finds a good home and it raises many dollars for the cause.