Jennifer Cavan

Let the Preparations Begin

2012-01-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

The above piece is a 24 inch square panel. I've done some stormy pieces over the last 18 months but never a panel. And since I used some of these in my show applications for both Cherry Creek (Denver) and Lakefront (Milwaukee) and got in both, I figure I ought to have some similar pieces in the booth. So, I'd better get busy. This one is based on a photo I took years ago while waiting for my brother, Chris, to come back upriver after a day of fishing near the junction of the Red And Rio Grande.... wish he'd come back and fish again sometime....

The art part

2012-01-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished this 30 by 30 inch panel. Of course, by the time I had, it was getting dark (darn these wintry days) and today it is snowing so there is still no good image. So, just pretend it is crisp and clear and in focus and with appropriate lighting. I love it when I complete a big piece. I just feel so productive.

I thought I'd be varnishing some pieces I sprayed yesterday but with the humidity the snow brings, I think I'll wait. Lucky me, that means I get to paint....and maybe watch a little football....

Would that you could create all the time!

2012-01-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

As my "production" season speeds towards show season, I realize how many other things consume my time--time that I'd much rather spend at the easel.

I've been preparing for a "pastel" show at the Scottsdale Exhibition Gallery for the month of February. I believe there are 5 artists total in the show. The opening is February 2. Groundhogs Day. My favorite holiday. But, I won't be attending it. Too much else to do. And, while painting/drawing/coloring for the show was a pleasure. The other preparation not so much. First, the taking and editing of all the photographs of prospective pieces. The titling. The framing. The photographs of me at the easel. The rewriting of the bio. And, then the packing! How time consuming that is. I spent a good half day yesterday just getting the inner boxes of art into the actual shipping boxes! Egads, someone needs to remind me of all the extra time that takes!

Additionally, we prepped a photo for a new business card. Thanks to some of my facebook friends for some great new ideas.

And, then my mind gets full of show schedule stuff. If shows are really good, I cannot possibly do all the shows I've been lining up. But, if they aren't so good, would I have enough inventory to do more? Or if sales are mediocre, should I even bother with some of the lesser ones. It is way to early to tell, but I will be having to send in those booth fees soon. I've got that crazy optimism--I know the shows will be good and I know I can do them all!

The Crazy Creat-er

2011-12-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows I dive into my projects. Head first sometimes. And with purpose. But, the resulting chaos occasionally becomes overwhelming. I mean, even when I'm doing something simple like sewing up fleece painting socks...there are bobbins of thread, scraps of fabric, pins, scissors etc...just exploding into the work space. I would love to be the quiet, organized creat-er, who puts things in their proper place as soon as I am finished with them. But, that it not me. And, I'm finally beginning to realize that it won't be me, prolly ever! So, when the chaos gets to be too much--there is a threshold--I just need to step back and do a bit of reorganizing..like I did with my pastel table yesterday. Whether it results in better art creation or not, it doesn't really matter...Because creating is always more fun when you can find the right colors!!!

Happy Day Scenes for the Children

2011-12-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

My work hangs in homes, in banks, in conference rooms and reception areas of corporations, law offices and the like. And that is probably something I should add to my artist statement/resume the next time I update it. But, I'm even more thrilled about this: I just got confirmation that 3 of my oil pastels on panel have been selected to grace the walls of the new El Paso Children's Hospital/University Medical Center in El Paso. I love the idea that some of my bright cheery whimsical landscapes are going to live in such a place! Maybe they'll make a sick child or his family, or perhaps some hospital staff, smile. The idea of that makes me smile.

What are you thankful for?

2011-11-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is upon us. Time to think about and to give thanks!
I'm thankful I get to do what I love to make a living.
I'm thankful I have a patient husband who is supportive and willing to help with this crazy dream of mine.
I'm thankful for my wonderful dog and her acceptance of my crazy road schedule... and will be even more thankful when her legs have healed and she is back to her active self.
I'm thankful for my family, supporting me in my life, as an artist and in general.
I'm thankful for my local friends who put up with my long absences.
I'm thankful for my art show friends who live this life along with me.
I'm thankful for my online friends who encourage and comment.
I'm thankful for the shows that have me participate.
I'm (begrudgingly sometimes) thankful for the shows that don't so I have more to aspire to.
I'm thankful for the galleries that represent me. I do appreciate your efforts (and your enthusiasm!)
I'm thankful for my clients and fans! I couldn't be doing this without you!
I'm thankful for my muse, who sits with me day after day in my studio, providing more ideas to pursue than I'll ever have time for.
I'm thankful for my love of what I do.
And I'm thankful to know this is a wonderful thing.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Something different: Mayonnaise

2011-11-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

I had a request for a recipe from a facebook friend but wasn't sure if the actual recipe might be too long for a status report. But, with Thanksgiving on the door step, I thought I ought to share my father-in-law's recipe. Ruth and Bruce have been gone for a while but Ruth's wonderful family cookbook brings them both back to me every time I open it. So, to share the mayonnaise recipe, in Ruth's words, (although Bruce was usually the maker of the wonderful sauce!):

Ingredients:
1 large egg
2 TBS vinegar or lemon juice
1 heaping tsp mustard
1 cup vegetable oil
salt and paprika to taste

Put egg yolk and white (or can use 2 yolks and no white if you want a thicker product) in blender.
Add mustard (can use dry or any kind of prepared mustard but for this we both like plain old French's ballpark kind) and vinegar.
Pour in 1/4 cup of the oil--Wesson, corn, canola--a tastefree oil os best for everyday use.
Turn on blender and count to 16. Turn off blender for a few seconds.
Turn blender back on and slowly add the rest fo the oil--in a thin stream until all the oil has been added. Turn off blender.
Add salt and paprika and turn blender on until the seasonings are incorporated in the mayonnaise.
Store in the refrigerator.

I know the "count to 16 and turn off" sounds silly but that is what works. Otherwise the stuff doesn't thicken properly.

And, my personal note: Rees is a whiz in the kitchen--me, not so much, but I can make the mayonnaise into the thick stuff and he can only make sauce.

Also, it is very safe stuff--I think I read an article about how it was fine to eat, even if it had been on the counter a while, by Shirley Corriher , the food science lady....and it refrigerates for a long while. That is, if you have any left by then!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Excuses, excuses.

2011-11-16T17:39:00.001-07:00

Last year at this time, I was busy in the studio playing with my oil paints and I had a blast. My days were exhausting and I came in from the studio just beat. But, we've had a few distractions since my last show and I haven't yet delved into all the things I have planned for winter. The number one issue has been our wonderful pup, JuneBug. We thought she was suffering from severe arthritis. But, after trying all kinds of things, we were finally sent to a specialist...an orthopedic vet in Albuquerque. In fact, Dr. Schwarz was the same guy who fixed our last lab's elbow when she fell as a puppy. So, after a visit from an old high school buddy, and then a week long visit from my folks, we went back to our local vet to get the referral, waited a week for some blood work to come back, and then got to go see Dr. Schwarz. Immediately, he knew what was wrong with Bug. Yes, she had a bit of arthritis but she had also blown out both her achilles. And, because we were so tardy in getting her correct diagnosis, it was too late to repair the damage. Instead, the only thing to do was to fuse her hocks (ankles). She got through the first 3 weeks after surgery beautifully and we hope that continues. We've moved everything we need to one floor, lay down carpets and rugs to cover all slippery surfaces, and place her feet in plastic bags and "socks" each time we take her out. She's doing better and she even spent a few minutes in the studio with me today. I guess I miss having her in there sometimes. We've got at least 6-8 more weeks where her activity is extremely limited. But we can do it! So, while I haven't tackled any of my new idea tasks/projects, I am painting away. And will try to sink back into blogging about art!

Thanks for being patient with me!

Application Time Again

2011-10-10T15:57:00.000-06:00

I'm back. No excuses but a little too much travel. And, with 5 days in front of me before my first show application for the 2012 season, I'm again questioning my images for juries. Second guessing. And third guessing. Should I do the bright landscapes or the simple, starker pieces, or upclose depictions of my buildings. I really don't know. For those of you not in the art show world, most shows use a jury to select the actual artists who will display their work at a show. They way the jury reviews the work is usually an online presentation of 3-5 images of actual work and usually an image that shows a typical booth set up. The amount of time they have to see the pieces is extremely limited. And sometimes I get accepted and sometimes I don't. Which is a bit frustrating. Sort of like applying for your job every day. So, I'll ponder my current images, try to imagine painting some terrific pieces all in the space of a week (not!), and hem and haw until that first deadline. Wish me luck!

Sun Valley

2011-08-11T08:03:00.000-06:00

We've been spending our extra time between the Park City show and the Sun Valley show in beautiful Sun Valley, ID. This is my absolutely favorite place to do a show. A small show, of only 120 or so artists, it is located currently at a park in Ketchum. The venue is beautiful as is the entire area...great hiking trails, biking trails, gorgeous skies and superb rivers. (Too bad the fishing box was missing Rees' fishing boots!) It is a place I would definitely consider living (although the houses I want are just a tad out of my price range!!) and I am the first to say I would never leave New Mexico. I might for this enchanted place. Then, to top it off, Sun Valley has been good to me over the years and I have gotten to know many of my customers....I think I know as many people here as I do in Angel Fire, or so it seems. We are staying at a great condo just blocks from the park. So, today, after we take Bug to the pond, we set up for the show and then it is 3 really pleasant days of being a part of a top notch show. I'll post some pics through out the weekend! And then it is back to Angel Fire for some studio time!

Songs for You

2011-07-12T17:55:00.000-06:00

Lyrics to first verse of Nick Drake's Hazey Jane:

Do you curse where you come from,
Do you swear in the night
Will it mean much to you
If I treat you right.
Do you like what you’re doing,
Would you do it some more
Or will you stop once and wonder
What you’re doing it for.
Hey slow jane, make sense
Slow, slow, jane, cross the fence.

I listen to Nick Drake a lot in the studio. A lot. I think he is fabulous. Hazey Jane came on today and the bolded lyrics are some I think about a lot. About how lucky I am to love what I'm doing and how I'm gonna do it some more. I know not everyone gets to do this. Now, there are parts of what I do that aren't so hot--like setting up and tearing down for shows in bad weather. But the painting itself is magical. It is fun. And then I sell it and get paid for doing it. And I'm gonna have to do a lot of it because my sales at the Angel Fire show were fantastic and my Santa Fe gallery sold 5 paintings so far this week! If only I could paint with my toes!

Have a listen: maybe you'll enjoy Nick, too. Here's the link to youtube!
Nick Drake Hazey Jane

Color Choice

2011-07-04T08:17:00.000-06:00

In much of my life, I am a planner. I make zillions of over-achieving to-do lists. I like to know my hotel plans have been made for shows months in advance. I like to know what my schedule is. And, while getting on some waiting lists for shows--Belleville, Cherry Creek & Old Town--means I am almost there, it reeks havoc with this planning sensibility I have. But when it comes to painting, I prefer to let the paintings make the decisions. Too much preplanning equals static art. I think. So, while the underlying substrate color dictates a few colors I will use, I prefer to work through the piece with no preconceived notions of what colors will be in use. I think the art is better for that. Do you?

Did ya miss me?

2011-07-01T15:28:00.001-06:00

All my good intentions just simply shot! I knew it would be harder to post blogs during my summer "touring" season. But, really, it seems almost impossible. To top it off, we've got this nasty little fire going here--the Los Conchas fire--the biggest in New Mexico history. And, I am obsessed with it. Coming home from the Albuquerque show last Sunday night we saw the blaze when it was only 3500 acres (and it had only started that afternoon.) It is now over 100,00 acres. Our gorgeous blue skies are marred by ash and smoke. Fire restrictions (thankfully) have closed the forests and cancelled fireworks. On a positive note, we've had dribbles of rain--our monsoons are supposed to start soon. I find myself checking both the weather.com and noaa weather sites twice a day at least. I read my relative humidity readings from my weather station. I listen to the news updates on the radio and even watch some local news. It is simply driving me crazy. I want rain so badly! I've pulled out the rain stick and done some dances. I've yelled at the sky. But, what I've got to do is hope and be thankful for all the people who are so actively involved in fighting the fire. Reports are good on the progress. I'll just hope the positivity continues. And then maybe I can move onto talking about creating art! That is, after all, what I do! In the meantime, if you have it in your heart, send positive rain thoughts this way! Thank you.

My sweet ride

2011-06-11T18:39:00.000-06:00

Rees and I spend a lot of time driving the country, to and from art shows. We do, after all, have to bring the tent, the walls, the art we hang, the art we have for back up, a cooler for water, and suitcases for clothes. But every once in a while I am thrilled I am driving in a big white panel van (a Sprinter) because it can hold lots of stuff--whether it is art or something else colorful, like these hanging plants for my deck!

Reston, Virginia and Washington, DC

2011-05-24T18:04:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I exhibited my oil pastels at the Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival in Reston, VA. Originally we were going to combine it with another small Chicago suburb show but decided to eliminate a little of the chaos of our summer schedule by dropping that show. Still, because our nation's capitol is a mere 1800 plus miles from Angel Fire, we tried something new. Rees set out and drove and I flew. I thought it would be a wonderful way to save time and provide me with some extra studio time and energy. And, it sort of worked. I'm getting pieces done, working on the commissions I have lined up, keeping up with the house. But, the energy that went into flying, including a 150 plus mile drive to the airport, a night in an Albuquerque hotel, delayed planes in Denver on the way home....meaning I wasn't able to pick up JuneBug until this morning..all that was a little much. Plus it definitely added onto the baseline expense of doing that show. So, I don't think that is how I'll do it again. And, because of the distance, I don't think it is a show I should do every year. Still my sales were pretty good and the show was easy to do--good parking, good crowds.

But, since I left my camera connection in Rees' computer bag, I don't have any images to upload. So I'll go into further detail on the show in a later post.

I did get to visit with my friend, David Bos. And he was kind enough to wander parts of DC so I could get a pretty good museum fix. We went to the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Art, where I absolutely fell in love with a Vermeer in the Dutch and Flemish Cabinet Galleries. Which one? I think the Lady with the Red Hat..although online it doesn't have the luminescence that the actual painitng had... We also visited the Chester Dale Collection at the National Gallery and I was very impressed. Oh, to have ample money to collect paintings the way he and his wife did! We also saw the Peacock Room at the Freer..I loved the way the collection was displayed.

Washington is a great place for visiting museums. They are free so you can come and go as you like...spend hours or just hurry through. My only complaint was that I didn't allocate enough time to see more! If you haven't been, GO!

Main Street Fort Worth

2011-05-18T12:48:00.000-06:00

Me, cousin Jean, & Rees with his eyes closed

The fabulous Jim Brown and his work

Julie Jerman-Melka

Tanya & Jim

Jen & Tanya's booth

Jen, Tanya & Rex

Ft. Worth Main Street happened a while ago. But, as I was going through my photos I found these. It was a 4 day, long show. But, my neighbors made that time go by fast! I had other good neighbors besides the ones in the photos--I just didn't take pics of everyone!

The show was of really high quality. And despite some very high wind one day, we actually had pretty good weather. I was thankful for being under the big top. The crowds were really strong--almost too big on the weekend. My sales were strong and for once, I thought my booth looked pretty good. It was nice to be back. Thank you, Main Street!

Learn Something New

2011-05-17T19:05:00.000-06:00

OMG! Two weeks since last posting. Egads, I am bad. This will be a short one. But, I listened to a webinar put on by Xanadu gallery on photographing art work. For the most part, I didn't learn a lot. But, now that I have WIFI in my studio (Yippee!), I could listen to the webinar and frame at the same time. Jason Horejs, the owner of Xanadu, has produced several very informative webinars: on gallery portfolio submissions (which I've never done but might have to one day, when I decide I can't keep up my frenetic travel pace), shipping art, etc. This one was done with a panel of experts, along with Jason's own input. And, while I knew most of what was covered, I learned this one little gem:

When you either have lost, or cannot find, or didn't take in the first place, a high quality photo of a piece of work that is framed behind glass, you can get a decent snapshot (certainly not for publication, etc) of the piece by simply situating the art in the sun, angled back only a few degrees, right at the shadow line from a building or some other straight structure. I took some snaps of some pieces I had behind glass, sans good photographs to show people, and I think they turned out quite well. The last 2 I had Rees' help and they worked best. The first 2 worked ok. But, it was difficult to practically lie on the ground (think hard core crunch) while balancing the painting between your feet, while keeping yourself and the camera still. I guess I should have had a picture of that, but then I would have just had Rees hold the painting.

Oklahoma Festival of the Arts

2011-05-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

Me & Maximo Cortino

Me & Barry Bernstein

Robin Thompson in her winter parka

My triangular booth

Well, Rees & I made it through the grueling ordeal that was the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. It was my first ever 6 day show. We experienced all the vagaries of Oklahoma weather in springtime: heat and sun, vicious winds, cold & rain. Stir those up and you have the art show. It was really quite an event. The town really comes out and supports the event. The food court had the best selection of show food ever! My sales were good, especially on higher priced items. I think it is a place where sales and clients build over time. I met some good people, saw some great art and am pleased we made it through with dollars in our pockets and enough energy to get us back to Dallas for the next one: Cottonwood, this weekend. Thanks for everything, Oklahoma City!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back, sort of.

2011-04-21T21:34:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, the artist wrote a blog. Then she got into the frenzy of creating art for shows, traveling to shows, and doing shows. And she forgot to post. So, with a few more shows encroaching--Oklahoma City starting next Tuesday and then Cottonwood the following weekend, she'll try to post when she can. The blog is not forgotten; I just haven't made it down that far on the to-do list. Sorry. And thanks in advance for your patience.

artist statement

2011-03-26T18:13:00.003-06:00

Jennifer Cavan
PO Box 388 Angel Fire, NM 87710
575.377.2539
www.jennifercavan.com
jennifer@jennifercavan.com
facebook page: Jennifer Cavan artist

For the last dozen years, I've created whimsical oil pastel drawings of the landscape. In addition to being represented by several select galleries, I have participated in numerous juried art shows throughout the country.

My travels across and through the American countryside inform and influence my art. The subject is about an appreciation of the simple--whether it be a grace of an old adobe building melting back into the earth, a grand old barn standing guard over her fields, or a winding road leading around a bend. My work is loosely based on photographs I have taken and memories I have brought back from my travels across the country and through my state of New Mexico. I have no interest in making an exact replica of a real location--rather I strive to capture the essence of those places. I hope to make the drawings into places people would like to visit.
I start with a colored background--typical colors include burgundy, red and indigo. I work on various surfaces. I am partial to Canson Mi Teintes pastel paper (the flat side), gessoed panels and fine tooth canvases. I color these substrates using a colored gesso--Matisse Derivan background colors.

Oil pastels are much like buttery crayons--and I use them that way. I generally start with a loose, light sketch to make sure I am happy with the composition (oil pastels are a little unforgiving). After I've blocked in most of the color (I work from top to bottom), I blend some of the colors using a clay shaping tool or a piece of wadded up shop cloth. I will also scratch out areas with various exacto knives to get sharper, cleaner lines. My favorite brands are Holbein, Sennelier and Caran d'ache.

Once a piece is finished, I use several layers of a spray fixative to set the oil pastel. If the piece is on paper, I frame behind glass with a 100% cotton rag mat. If the work is on canvas or panel, I generally use a few more layers of fixative so that the piece is no longer tacky to the touch. Then I add several layers of a brush on matte acrylic resin varnish.

Drawing vs. Painting

2011-03-26T17:39:00.006-06:00

Mostly, I am a draw-er. A color-er. I use oil pastels like crayons--no brushes, no solvents. But, sometimes I draw on paper and sometimes I draw on gessoed panels. Rarely do I draw on canvas--too much give. Those drawings done on paper I frame behind glass with a mat. Those drawings I do on panel either remain unframed or receive a simple frame to finish them off. All of my pieces start with a colored background. And all are finished with spray fixative. The only difference between the panels and the paper is that I use a brush-on acrylic resin "varnish" to protect the works on panel. But, my works on panel look a bit like paintings. And, I am pleased that I have found a combination of fixatives and varnishes that protect my drawings yet allow them to be displayed without glass. But, with my oil pastels, I am in the drawing category. I draw. I do not paint with oil pastels.

And, sometimes this poses a problem at juried art shows. Sometimes my collectors can't find me because they are looking at the show brochure in the painting category. And sometimes the judges refuse to look at my work on panel (this happened recently)--only the works on paper. This I would not mind if the show prospectus stated that the "drawings" must be works on paper. Other times judges at the shows tell me they think I am in the wrong category. And, frankly, I don't know what to do. I draw.

I could add a tad of oil stick and graphite and apply in the mixed media category--but really they are still drawings. Or, I could continue to apply in the drawing category and continue to educate the judges and the collectors. Or, perhaps, over time, I'll do more real painting and just apply in that category. It is a bit arbitrary. Isn't it?

By the way, the top piece is an oil pastel. The bottom an oil. Both definitely my work.

Revisit the visit

2011-03-24T18:08:00.002-06:00

Check out Jeb's (of junky trinkets fame) review of his studio visit here http://www.junkytrinkets.com/2011/03/visit-to-jennifer-cavans-studio.html !

Jealously, I'll concede his photos of the visit are way better!

Limited Palettes

2011-03-22T17:50:00.001-06:00

I'm having so much fun with the limited palette pieces! I sure wonder where they will lead!

Spring Break Visitors!

2011-03-17T18:22:00.002-06:00

My studio got a wonderful visit this week from Jeb & Meredith. I met Jeb through his blog:
http://www.junkytrinkets.com/ (which is actually what spurred me on to actually starting one, so thanks, Jeb.) and through some of my Dallas area shows. Through our conversations on our blogs, on facebook, and at the shows, I learned that he, too, has a penchant for color, a love for alt country (hate that description) and great dive food. I've tried some of his restaurant suggestions and I must say, he has great taste! I'd follow his food recommendations any day. And, while my art is a bit more New Mexico-centric where his has got a Texana bent, there is a definite sense of place in both. You should check it out. He's also got an etsy shop for his photographs (something that is also on my list to get started).

He and his family were up here in Angel Fire for a ski trip but they took a little time out to try out my studio. I had fun. I hope he and his daughter did! Maybe they'll come back next time!

Request for Donation

2011-03-17T17:11:00.002-06:00

It is that time of year again. My mail box is full of requests from a variety of great non-profits (and some not so great) to give them art so they can sell them at auction to raise money. I expect the phone calls will start soon. Rarely do these auctions end up selling the art at full retail value. So, it ends up that benefactors of these non-profits get the art at a great deal. While I receive nothing but a thank you for my donation. Okay. Sometimes I get to attend the event. But a lot of times I'm asked to pay for the opportunity to sit and watch my piece be auctioned. But our tax laws are written so I do not get to deduct the price of my donation from my taxes--only the cost of goods in that piece, which, if I have done my accounting properly, has already been written off as a business expense. On the other hand, if a patron decides he/she no longer wishes to keep a piece of art, he/she can donate it to a non-profit and deduct the full retail amount. Not exactly fair.

I never minded art shows asking for donations. In fact, I've garnered clients from some of these auctions. Almost another marketing expense for exposure in a market. And I haven't totally decided what to do about these requests. I've had several customers acquire the auction piece and in those years have chosen not to purchase directly from me. So, I'm realizing that this "donation" is actually cutting into my sales. If it keeps me in good stead with the show, then maybe it is worth the price. Although maybe I should just offer them some money. "I don't make donations of my work to shows but I'd be happy to make a small monetary contribution"?

As for other causes, I've decided on a new approach. Should someone inquire about a donation I will politely tell them that I'd be happy to donate a piece if they will agree to purchase a piece of at least equal value. We'll see how that goes. I'll keep you posted. And, of course, I still reserve the right to say no outright to causes I don't care about or don't feel like supporting.

Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's day!!!!

Scottsdale Arts Festival

2011-03-15T15:15:00.003-06:00

I'm back from the first show of the year. Scottsdale. It was a really nice show--it always is. Really high quality art and good crowds of locals, snow birds and vacationers! I was in my spot near the triangular sculpture--I had great neighbors, perfect weather and good sales. I got to see my cousin Linda and got to visit with "Burk", the retired Sears Executive VP who I wish had been my boss, back in the day. I've spent today packing up paintings and frames for shipping and sending images of other pieces via email. And unloaded the van. Went through my sales receipts so Rees could input them. Unpacked and started the laundry. Walked the dog. Stained the edges of one of my cradled panels for a customer. And, still, I haven't approached the easel. I've got a piece already started from before the show, my specially sized panels arrived for a commission I'm itching to get started, and I've got a list a mile long. But, isn't that always the case. Better than being bored. For sure.

Onward, to Scottsdale!

2011-03-08T17:51:00.002-07:00

I haven't been posting lately. I like to be positive when I'm blogging or posting and just haven't felt that way. But, things are looking up--so I'm back. I've been fighting a lingering cold--but feel much more like myself and a lot less foggy than I have been. In addition to getting a painting done today, I rewrote my artist statement (about time, Miss Procrastinator), I finished --correction, we--finished loading the van so we are ready to leave early tomorrow. And, I am so ready! We haven't done a show since Thanksgiving and I am always feeling house bound by this time.

But, I had tempered my enthusiasm due to a jury summons that arrived last week--for both of us! The summons is/was for tomorrow. And, for those of you who read this and don't live here, jury duty is a convenient 74 miles away in Raton, our county seat. And, the summons was dated February 17 but not mailed until the 24th and we didn't get it until the 28th. We immediately wrote back (not allowed to call) explaining why we'd like to postpone service. But, of course, we heard nothing. But, luck was with us, as we called as required and we do not have to report tomorrow. YIPPEEEEEEE!!!!!! I had these visions of pleading with the Scottsdale show people (who are really great) to let Rees drive and set up while I did jury duty and then would fly to meet him. Even though the artist's presence is required at the show. I figure these would be extenuating circumstances. But, all my musings and checking on flights etc were not necessary! We have to call back again on March 28th. But, I don't have a show that weekend.so things work themselves out.

And, so, while we've had winter weather advisories, a few inches of snow last night, the forecast for Scottsdale is mid 80s and sunny. Every day. Yes, I've got the spf45 already packed. I'm so excited for the show. It is a beautiful show, held on the very lush civic center grounds. There is a great variety of very high quality art. There is a great mix of locals and snow birders and it looks, from the booth map, that I am where I want to be and have some great neighbors. I've got lots of new work and am excited to see how it is received!!!! Wish me luck!!!

Departures from the norm?

2011-03-03T17:01:00.002-07:00

All winter I planned on doing some experiments. And while I did do some successful oil paintings--one of the things I wanted to work on, I managed to leave my venetian plaster and headful of new ideas alone.

And, so, with less than a week before we leave for Scottsdale, I felt the urge to try some different things. Most probably it is a procrastination technique to avoid the framing part of my job!

I'm really pleased with the bright but simple color schemes of these pieces. In fact, most of these were so successful that I actually broke out the venetian plaster and prepped a few panels and canvases, thinking some more texture would be fun to play with. But, I know from working with the oil pastels on canvas that too much texture is not a great combination (at least for me) with the oil pastels. So, time to pull the oils out again. This time I worked with the simple color scheme on top of a burgundy gesso that was painted on top of a layer of venetian plaster. Very fun. I don't yet know if this piece is finished. I'll let you know after I look at it tomorrow. (And, I apologize for posting one of the pics twice. Blogger won't let me delete it....)

Fan Mail: Be Careful What You Wish For

2011-02-23T07:19:00.004-07:00

I've been working in oil pastels for over a decade. And, in that time I have traveled across the country to juried art shows. I've advertised in national magazines and have been featured in regional ones. I've been represented by top-notch galleries. I do get "fan" mail from clients. And those emails, notes, phone calls and fb posts, I truly enjoy.

But, I received these drawings a couple of days ago, along with the cryptic note:

To Whom it May Concern Enclosed are
4 Images of Drawings. Sincerly, Roger Seria
Seria is a Country in the Middle East
Also Known as Oil Country and like Your Pastel.

(He also enclosed an email and phone number.) Although the name and return address on the envelope were totally different.

And, this is not the first one I have received. Generally, though, there is no email included because email contact is generally not allowed in PRISONS! Yep. I get letters on a regular basis from prisoners--(or used to). Usually, they tell me they like to draw and request permission to copy a piece they have seen in Southwest Art Magazine. They then proceed to say they can only work with pencil --nothing else is allowed. Kinda hard to copy a colorful oil pastel in pencil, I would say. I also had someone send me a picture of the house he had built, inviting me to come live with him and paint in his beautiful neck of the woods. So, after I figured out where these people were finding me and my work, I stopped putting my PO address in my ads. That seems to have worked. But there must be some old Southwest Arts lying around out there. All I can say is I am glad that I don't publish my physical address! I can only imagine what truly famous people have to go through.

All I do is Paint?

2011-02-22T08:22:00.004-07:00

The van as it is positioned now and before loading!

Some of my long skinny panels with their first layers of fixative

Although I haven't been posting as often as I thought I would this winter, I still am working diligently. It is just that in addition to actually making art, working on experiments (which, aside from the oils, have not been attempted), taking inventory to new places for display and sale, there is still so much more to do.

When people ask me how long it takes to do a complete a piece, I really don't know how to answer. Do I mention the 4 to 8 hours it takes to complete the drawing part of some of smaller squares? Then, immediately they calculate that if I work an average 2000 hours a year I make "x" number of dollars. Or, do I mention that that is for completion of the art part of it. That those hours do not take into consideration the hours of record keeping, photographing and documenting (which I realize needs definite improvement and should be subject of another post), framing and packing. Then there are show applications, website updates (Rees does a lot of this but I still need to let him know which pieces to put up...), making sure all my forms are in order for upcoming shows, hotel reservations, actual travel to the shows, packing for the shows and unpacking--you get the drift.

For example, my first show of 2011 is in Scottsdale, put on by the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. It is a great show and a pleasure to do. I need a state permit and a city permit. And the first time I got the city permit I actually had to mail my original birth certificate to them to prove I had the right to do business in AZ. I wonder what my Israeli friend, Yoram Gal, does when he wants to do a show in Scottsdale. Or maybe he isn't allowed? Then the center asks for a donation, which I don't mind as their auction has definitely directed new customers to my booth. But, they also ask for digital images in very certain sizes for their website. So, I have to pick a piece for the donation--in advance, find or take an image of it, email the very specifically sized images to the show. Then I have to pull the piece so it is readily available at check-in, before I've unloaded the van. It is no wonder not everyone participates. Then we'll have to file tax returns in Scottsdale and AZ when we return--for the sales tax.

Before leaving, I'll have to decide which pieces to varnish and frame and then actually do this part. This part is actually fun this time of year because I have a lot of new work and definitely not enough room in the booth or the van for all of it. And, while this little glimpse of things to do beside make art is no where near complete, I'll also have to shovel out the van in order to move it closer to the studio for loading......or maybe the snow will melt by then. Ha! And that reminds me, we need to build out the inside of the van again. We dismantled that a while back so we could use the van to pick up a door....

First National Bank Featured Artist

2011-02-14T17:49:00.003-07:00

This is the article that was published in the local Sangre de Christo chronicle. I couldn't access the article online but that is probably a good thing. I looked super dorky in the picture! So, FYI:

First National Bank Featured Artist: Jennifer Cavan, Painter.

Jennifer Cavan is the next artist to be featured at the First National Bank of New Mexico.

You may think you know Jennifer, and her work, but how she goes about creating those vivid Northern New Mexico images may surprise you.

Jennifer and husband Rees put down roots here in 1996. It wasn’t that hard to choose, after many visits with Rees’s family, the love affair with Angel Fire had already ignited.

Leaving the corporate world behind in Chicago, we wondered if Jennifer knew she was destined to become a much-loved artist. “Well, it was in my hopes, I think. I knew I wanted to do something creative.” (Jennifer Cavan) She first explored the creative in the more traditional craft of creating Retablos and Bultos (She called them Bultos because she stuffed them with sawdust, find carving not her bailiwick.) Not long after she began to show them at the Angel Fire ArtsFest.

Along the way she picked up a set of oil pastels and began to play In 1999, she included three of her now famous oil pastels, and sold them all at the Premier Reception of the 1999 ArtsFest. That was all the “sign” she needed. The rest is history. Fingers colored with pigment, “smooshed” oil pastel occasionally making its way the bottom of her shows and all over the studio floor!

Now a bit about her process. Did you know her painting surface is pre-colored, whether it is paper, panel or canvas. Panels and canvas are prepped with colored gesso. Many papers come pre-colored, though she’s been known to color a large sheet of watercolor paper, with watercolor.

Once on her easel, she roughs in a chalk sketch. Yes, chalk, and no that is not the same as oil pastel. Once that is in, she begins to block in large areas of color, generally working from the top down, or even just from the horizon down. Working that way helps to keep colors “clean” and reduces the risk of “mud” that can occur when complimentary colors (colors across from one another on the color wheel) get too acquainted.

Before going on she steps way back and takes a good long look. Any “mud” or other frustrating mistake is generally not fixable with oil pastel. “Oil pastel is rather unforgiving. If an area is too dark, it is tough to lift or lighten it.” (Jennifer) If that’s the case (We think this doesn’t happen very often anymore, thankfully) it’s toss it and start over. Ouch. If all looks good (great) the next step is to refine, clarifying buildings, roads, windows, trees etc. Technically speaking, oil pastel differs from its soft pastel counterpart radically. Soft pastel blends like a dream, oil pastel really doesn’t. Some blending can be executed by a skilled artist like Jennifer, but for the most part, colors sit next to or on top of, other colors, but not creating a third color. “Smooshing” the pigment together can have its risks, and namely that would be the “mud” we referred to earlier. If you’ve seen Jennifer’s work you know she doesn’t have a problem with that!

Here’s a newsflash….Jennifer is now playing with Oils, Oils not oil pastel. That means using brushes, which is quite a different experience if you’re accustomed to the straight application of color with your hands. There is another difference. Oil pastel is straight color, while oil paints require mixing of colors to make variations and even other colors. Jennifer commented, “It’s challenging to mix color on a palette and not really see what it will look like on the canvas.”

We don’t see that in the result. Her oils on canvas are as clean and crisp as the oil pastels, though seem to be a bit softer in their effect. Either way, Jennifer’s work is unmistakable….and growing in popularity across the country.

Jennifer’s work will hang in the lobby of the First National Bank of Angel Fire from February 1 through the month of April. Stop by and take a look. You can also find her work at Angel Fire ArtSpace Gallery in Angel Fire and at her home studio (plan ahead to catch her there!) Visit her website at www.jennifercavan.com for her show schedule.

The Featured Artist Program is a partnership of the First National Bank, the Moreno Valley Arts Council and the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle. If you are a visual artist and would like to be considered for this program, please contact the Moreno Valley Arts Council. www.morenovalleyarts.org

Representation at Leslie Flynt

2011-02-13T13:34:00.006-07:00

I'm excited to announce that my oil pastels will be available the the Leslie Flynt Gallery in Santa Fe. I brought some pieces down this last week. I'm really excited about this development as I have been without representation in Santa Fe since Blaire Carnahan Fine Art closed several years ago. Don't get me wrong, I love doing art shows: meeting the people who like my work, finding out what they like about it, and selling it directly. But, as a New Mexico artist who paints a lot of New Mexico scenes, I think it is really good to have some representation in Santa Fe. Because, let's face it, Angel Fire is a good 2 hours from Santa Fe and not everyone wants to make that long drive to see me. Plus, I'm gone a lot. So, when Leslie called, I jumped at the chance.

Her store is full of vibrantly colored folk art, painted furniture, and textiles. I think my oil pastels are a great complement to her current product line. If you like color,you will like her place! Her store is located at 225 Canyon Road--at the lower end of Canyon, in the complex with the parking lot. It is actually the same building that Blaire Carnahan Fine Art occupied.

I know this is going to work out well. I'm really psyched about the arrangement! If you are in Santa Fe, please stop by and take a look!!!!

Oh, her website is www.leslieflynt.com.

30 inch Oil: Just the Beginning

2011-02-08T17:47:00.002-07:00

I finished another oil earlier today. A night time. So, I figured it was time to try something a little different. This will be a dusky one, once it is finished. These are pretty fun to do! So glad I'll get to exhibit some of them at the Cottonwood show in May!

2011-02-06T13:01:00.002-07:00

So, yesterday, after I'd posted about getting lots of art done, I had brain farts. I started a piece, albeit one that was going in a different direction than all the fun stuff I had been doing. And, the result was SO AWFUL that I burned it in the wood stove. While I do occasionally cull through my work and pull things that no longer seems right to me, I rarely toss things on the flame. But, nothing was going to fix that one. So, burned it was. I came in the house and pouted a while--actually listened to a webinar about shipping art. But, I made myself go out and sketch out a new oil. And fill in the starry part. Got that done last night. Then, this morning, I went out full of energy and managed to get this far on this piece. A few highlights to be added once it is a little drier. But, overall, I am pleased. Glad I didn't have to burn this one!

Studio Time

2011-02-05T09:40:00.002-07:00

My goal for February is to get a lot of art done. And, so far, I'm on schedule. And, I'm really pleased with what is getting transferred from my brain to the paper and panel. I've got other goals, too, for February--like getting my paperwork from 2010 done, starting a better exercise regime (walking the dog and the occasional ski day just isn't cutting it!), working on my website, redesigning my blog and facebook page, but I want the focus this month to be on creating. Because when I'm on a roll, I am really on a roll. Other stuff be damned!

Scary Cold!

2011-02-03T08:45:00.003-07:00

Here in the mountains of New Mexico, we have been experiencing a very mild winter. So mild, in fact, that we'd all been discussing "fire season" already--that time in spring, before the monsoons come, when the forest we live in is most susceptible to fire. We'd had hardly any snow and we do live in a ski resort. And we'd had very little really cold weather. The dog was getting good walks, our boots barely muddy. And then the monster storm hit. We got the predicted 18 or so inches of snow, at least here at my house. And then the cold settled in. Yesterday the high was 4.5 degrees and the temps were below zero when I went out to the studio and when I came in at the end of the day. And then it got colder. According to a friend, the village was reporting 40 BELOW! Knowing it would be cold this morning, I chose to sleep in. When I finally went out to the studio to get a fire going in the wood stove (thank goodness for the supplemental propane heat), it was a balmy 17.5 below. The forecast is for low 20s above zero today, which will seem balmy in comparison to our last few days of hovering around zero and below. I'll wait to walk the dog until this afternoon and I'll enjoy that sunny warm weather! And I'll thank my lucky stars that my commute to the studio is only 8 steps!

Pixelations and Pie Charts

2011-01-30T13:49:00.004-07:00

My thanks to Bonnie Harmston for pointing out the original post about Van Gogh's colors in pie chart form and to Stephen Dickerson for showing me something similar in photoshop with pixelated filters. Very fun way to see what colors I use! (Of course the edges of this are actually the colors of my easel!)

http://flavorwire.com/147091/pie-charts-of-van-gogh-paintings

Derivative Art: Andy Warhol and Lawrence Dilka

2011-01-25T09:22:00.003-07:00

Andy's Work at MoMA
Lawrence Dilka of Ojo Caliente's work hanging in one of my extra bedrooms
Again.

Needless to say, Rees & I had a great time in NYC. Although the temperatures were arctic, we managed to see quite a few things: a couple of plays, Time Stands Still with Laura Linney, Eric Bogosian, & Christina Ricci and The Importance of Being Ernest, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed, and then the musical Addams Family with Nathan Lane and BeBe Neuwirth, which I did not (a little too campy for my tastes).

Museums occupied quite a bit of my time. I thoroughly enjoyed the Frick Collection, MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Hopper exhibit at the Whitney.

That aside: after looking at Andy Warhol's Campbell soup cans (from wikipedia:

Campbell's Soup Cans,^[1] which is sometimes referred to as 32 Campbell's Soup Cans,^[2] is a work of art produced in 1962 by Andy Warhol. It consists of thirty-two canvases, each measuring 20 inches (510 mm) in height × 16 inches (410 mm) in width and each consisting of a painting of a Campbell's Soup can—one of each of the canned soup varieties the company offered at the time.^[1] The individual paintings were produced with a semi-mechanized silkscreen process, using a non-painterly style. Campbell's Soup Cans' reliance on themes from popular culture helped to usher in pop art as a major art movement in the USA.), I remembered a piece of art Rees & I acquired from a charity auction some years ago in Taso. It is a piece by Lawrence Dilka and derives much from the Warhol piece. In its shadow box wooden case and behind glass, are real cans, with Tomato Soup labels, some faded, some bright--with similar variations of color as the original Warhol piece. Then on the right side are more cans, this time with black and white labels. In each section of the piece is a photo of Andy Warhol in the lower right corner. The piece is quite heavy so I am sure the cans are full--but something makes me wonder if they are actually tomato soups or something completely different.

Loosely based

2011-01-17T17:12:00.003-07:00

People ask all the time if I work plein air or in the studio. Of course, this time of year, I'd want to be in the studio anyway. But, most of the year, the oil pastels are not the best plein air medium. They get smooshy in the sun. And goopy--like when you leave your chapstick in a hot car and then try to use it and end up with extra wax all over your face. The same happens with oil pastels.

I usually say that I work from photographs. But, there is a caveat to that. I only loosely base my work on the photo. The piece above is of the one room school house in Black Lake--no longer used for that purpose as we have actual real schools here. And this is as close as I'll ever get to a reference photograph. You can see I see things in a somewhat cheery manner. Must be those rose colored glasses.

Spic & Span

2011-01-11T17:11:00.003-07:00

A view of my heating corner--propane to keep the temps above freezing and the wood stove to keep me comfortable. Note all my frames hanging on the wall!
View of the framing station and door to the extra storage I had to build on.
Spotless framing counter (with dog--JuneBug in her painting position)--you should have seen me up on top of the counter with my Dyson vacuuming away!
If only it could stay like this!
One of the three drawers of oils!

It wasn't on my to-do list. It just happened. I came out to the studio and it was such a mess I couldn't think straight. I couldn't concentrate on the piece I was working on. So, I started to clean. And clean I did. I managed to get the entire framing station cleared off (and in the process found my color checker for photographing works--hidden under the tape dispenser--and the nozzle for using the air compressor to inflate tires!!! That one had fallen behind my desk.) I'd been having considerable difficulty feeling cramped with my oils laid out on my left while my oil pastels remained on my right. But, I found a marvelous solution. I have a small flat file next to my desk that I used to use to store various small mats. But, I no longer work in some of those sizes so I relegated some of those to a less accessible area and took over the top three drawers for my oil paints. Now all I have to do is pull out a drawer, squeeze out a bit of paint on my palette and I'm ready to go. I also moved all the furniture and storage stuff around, restained the concrete floor and rewaxed it--3 times. Hopefully the polish and shine will last a while. Since I can't imagine doing that part again anytime soon. Note to self (and others in the cooler climes) do not leave large wet mop out on deck when sub zero temps are expected. Rees eventually pried the thing off with the snow shovel. Ha!

And while I didn't get a ton done today, it felt good to be working in a clean space!

36 inch square Oil

2011-01-08T16:31:00.002-07:00

The past couple of days I spent working with my oils again. I'm getting more relaxed about the color mixing and am actually having some fun. I haven't yet decided if this piece is totally done but, if it is not, it is close.

Sorry: No Prints

2011-01-06T17:38:00.002-07:00

Giclée

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Giclée (pronounced /ʒiːˈkleɪ/ "zhee-clay" or /dʒiːˈkleɪ, from French [ʒiˈkle]) is a neologism for the process of making fine art prints from a digital source using ink-jet printing. The word "giclée" is derived from the French language word "le gicleur" meaning "nozzle", or more specifically "gicler" meaning "to squirt, spurt, or spray". It was coined in 1991 by Jack Duganne, a printmaker working in the field, to represent any inkjet-based digital print used as fine art. The intent of that name was to distinguish commonly known industrial "Iris proofs" from the type of fine art prints artists were producing on those same types of printers. The name was originally applied to fine art prints created on Iris printers in a process invented in the early 1990s but has since come to mean any high quality ink-jet print and is often used in galleries and print shops to denote such prints.

Giclee is just a fancy word for an ink-jet art print. Just a copy, a reproduction. And I am opposed to the use of the term to "trick" novice art buyers into thinking they are buying something of real value. Because generally they are not. I've never done prints of my work. Although there are a lot of people out there who tell me I should. I think it undervalues the original work an artist puts out. Plus, I want my buyers to know that if they purchase one of my pieces, no one else is going to have that same image hanging in their home.

After college, I bought some prints to decorate my apartment. I sure wish the artists and galleries I bought from had suggested that, rather than purchase a large print, that I might consider a small original. Because now a few of those posters hang in my laundry room and the rest are long gone. And I still don't have enough room to hang all the art I would like!

At art shows, I have seen artists with huge bins of prints. And then I see them spend all this time helping people try to pick which print to buy, all the while ignoring people who are actually looking at the originals. I think it is lost sales. Then I see artists who have been doing prints, coffee mugs, mouse pads, tshirts, etc. for years. Their market has been flooded. Patrons see the artist and exclaim, "Oh, I have a poster of yours!" They are not even considering the acquisition of an original.

Granted, there are people who don't have the money to spend on an original piece. But, I am always happy to work out a payment schedule and I try to offer small pieces so if someone likes my work and can't afford (either monetarily or space-wise) a big piece, they can acquire a smaller one. Or, if necessary, a postcard or business card with an image of my work on it (I do let the purchaser of the original know if I have used the image on one of my marketing items before the sale)--to tide them over until the time is right.

So, I'm going to stick to my principles and not create prints of my work. Maybe this post will help explain why.

2011 already!

2011-01-03T17:47:00.003-07:00

So I must be old. Because time is flying. I literally have no idea where 2010 went. Vanished. Gone. But that is okay, because 2011 is gonna be a good year. I just have a feeling. This is a large panel 30 by 40 inches done with oil pastels. I'm not sure how to date it. I started it in 2010 and finished it in 2011. Happy New Year!

Sticky Toffee Pudding!!

2010-12-26T17:03:00.003-07:00

This recipe was acquired by my friend, Susan Vaughan, from a hotel in the Lake District of England. I'd give you the name of the hotel but it is supposed to be a secret recipe and I don't want to get Susan in trouble. Email me if you really want it!

I've adjusted the recipe to include US measurements and made a few other minor changes. It is a NO-fail, perfect holiday desert!

Sticky Toffee Pudding for 8 or 10

Line the base and all 4 sides of a largish loaf pan with Pam and then some parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1/4 lb (1 stick of butter) Beat until fluffy.
Add slightly less than one cup of granulated sugar
Then, little by little, beat in:
3 beaten eggs.

Fold in 1 cup and 3 TBS of self rising flour (Don't have self rising flour? Use regular plus 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt).
Separately, cover 8 oz of stone chopped dates with 1 cup boiling water mixed with 1 tsp each of baking soda and vanilla and 1 TBS of Camel Coffee. If you don't have the Camel Coffee, a coffee extract or 1 TBS instant coffee mixed with equal measure of water, will work just fine.
Fold in the date mixture to the egg, sugar, butter, flour mixture to form a sloppy batter. Pour in to prepared tin and bake for one hour.
TEST IT IS SET and then remove from the oven. This part can be frozen and/or made a day or 2 in advance.

Slice the loaf and put each piece in a deeper type plate or shallow bowl.
Make the toffee sauce by combining in a small saucepan:

1 1/4 cups brown sugar, 4 oz soft butter and 8 TBS of heavy cream. Bring to a boil.

Then pour some of the sauce over each slice. Then, either microwave for 30 seconds or flash under the broiler. Add a small bit more of the heavy cream to the top and serve.

This is a very rich dish. But is so delish!

7 & 7--Not the drink

2010-12-19T12:53:00.004-07:00

Antonito 20" by 20" oil on canvas--first of these new oils to sell!

Friday night, Angel Fire ArtSpace hosted a reception celebrating the 7th anniversary of the gallery's existence and 7 of the original female artists. I was one of them. Katherine McDermott, the owner of the gallery, asked each of us to try something new or different. So I brought some of my oils. It was fun to see the oils on display. Since I tend to jury into shows in the drawing or pastel category, I haven't been able to show any of the oils. But, Katherine had set up extra space for the show (and of course, I forgot my camera) and had my oils on display. And, I was pleased. I think they looked good. And, when I got an email from her yesterday, saying she had sold one and had good interest in several more, I felt really good.

December Chaos and Oils Update

2010-12-15T18:35:00.004-07:00

December is always a busy month, despite the fact that I don't do any shows in December. But, with thousands of Christmas cards to write and stamp and send, Christmas shopping to think about and then do, and then the whole decorating bit--yes, Santa Claus has provided me with a tree to decorate. I've got the twinkle lights hung in the kitchen the farolitos/luminaria out on the deck rail, the 2 smallest pine trees in the yard decorated with red ribbons, and garlands hung with red ribbons around the deck posts. But the tree awaits my efforts outside the kitchen door. Maybe tomorrow.

I did do the Rio Grand Arts & crafts show over Thanksgiving. And I always get a bunch of inquiries for pieces as Christmas gifts --and this year, quite a few of those have turned into sales. Yeah! (Although I never really realized how much time it takes to pack a piece....) And I took 5 days to go to Chicago to visit the family. And I'm hanging a bunch of work in the Angel Fire Visitors Center through the end of this month, and Angel Fire ArtsSpace, the gallery here in town is hosting a special anniversary show called 7 Years, 7 Sensational Ladies and I'm one of those 7. And so, I am bringing some of my new oils to the gallery. Some won't be dry enough but some will and the reception will give me an opportunity to gauge the reaction to my works in a different medium. And so I am excited and anxious about it. So, December has been busy. But, now that it is just about too late to do any online shopping to ship back out, I'm not too worried about that part of the Christmas season. And now it is time to get down to some good studio time.

Yesterday was a big day in frustration. Although I'd painted some pretty big oils I was quite happy with: 30 by 40 & 36 square just before Thanksgiving, I'd forgotten a lot. So it made for a frustrating painting day. And unlike most times, when I tell myself I have to finish a piece, I left the one that I worked on yesterday for another time. Until I'm feeling a bit more comfortable with the oils. So today I got right to work and am super duper pleased with my progress. I think the night time one may be done and I don't have too much more to put into the other but since it was super dark I decided to stop. But I can't wait to get out there tomorrow. Unless I'm shoveling snow! And sometime I'll decorate that tree!

Artist Statement--take 2

2010-12-14T18:51:00.002-07:00

A few days ago I posted about writing my artist statement. Well, it is due today and so it is going in as is. But, I know I have more work to do. I get stuck with descriptive phrases that I think are right--only when I dig a little deeper, I realize they are that artist "flower-y" sh--.

This is what will go with my photo and the 4 images that I juried in with. I really like art shows that take the time and effort to create such sophisticated websites. It is good for the exhibitors as well as for the patrons. Only I don't like the extra work.

I like the feel, the smell, and the look of oil pastels. I use these "buttery crayons" to create my whimsical landscapes. Drawing from sketches, snapshots, memory, and imagination, I loosely sketch the overall composition and then apply the oil pastels. Once most of the color is blocked in, I smudge, I rub, I scrape. Then I add more. And, the best part about the process: I get to do it again.

short but sweet artist statement: take one

2010-12-12T16:01:00.002-07:00

I need to write a short artist statement for the Main St Ft Worth art show and their website. I also know I need to update and revise my full artist statement for displaying at art shows. I don't like doing either. I love to paint (or color) and I don't write much any more and I really don't like writing too much about why I paint what I paint. I just do. I don't really analyze it. The more I paint or experiment or work in the studio, the more ideas I have. It really isn't an organized thought process. So, maybe this is good. I actually have to think about it a little. And maybe it will organize my work efforts a little more. And, hopefully not take away the fun and excitement and fear and accomplishment I feel as I move my art forward. So, while the full blown artist statement was to be accomplished today, I think I have to let the ideas boil and churn around a little. Then maybe I can come up with something fresh.

For my Fort Worth Main Street artist statement for their website: Take one:

I like the way oil pastels—those buttery creamy crayons--engage my senses: the feel, the smell, the look. I use them to create my whimsical landscapes. These drawings are based on places I have captured in snapshots, sketches, memory, and imagination. Once intrigued with a specific subject, I begin with a very loose sketch to create the overall composition, making sure there is rhythm and flow to the piece. Then, I work with line and color to flesh out this enchanted place, in hopes of inviting the viewer to walk right in. Welcome and enjoy.

Oops!

2010-12-10T13:27:00.002-07:00

Sorry, loyal followers, for my distractions and lack of communication. More is promised and will, hopefully, be delivered. Between preparing for the holiday show in Albuquerque over Thanksgiving, and planning a quick family visit to Chicago, along with the stamping, labeling and writing of my huge number of Christmas postcards, trying to do a little online shopping, I haven't gotten a lot of art done. But, I'm getting closer to getting some new and somewhat different things out. And I promise to post the progress--for good or ill!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2010-11-25T07:44:00.002-07:00

Over the river and "Through the Woods"...The title to today's piece. 12 by 12 image on paper in 21 by 21 frame $600

I'm pleased with the snow and actually used very little white in the piece..... Thought it an appropriate post for Turkey Day. We're off to Albuquerque for the show. I'm hoping the roads are good.

And, on a day of thanks, I'll give it. I'm thankful for my family, which includes the dog, JuneBug--maybe the best dog ever--and my friends, old and new. I'm thankful I found the perfect guy for me--handsome, funny, kind and very patient! (Thanks, Pat, for the introduction some 24 years ago.) I'm thankful for my "job". I'm thankful that I continue to have inspiration and ideas so plentiful I can't get them all down. I'm thankful for the beautiful place I live and the wonderful life I'm living.

Preparing for the Last Show of the Year

2010-11-21T15:34:00.002-07:00

I've just sent Rees out to the studio so he can wire up the 30 odd pieces I have been framing over the last day and a half. The wires are his job. I assemble most all the other parts of the framing process. See, if I miss a JuneBug hair on a mat, then I can only get mad at myself. Not Rees. He's very good with this arrangement. Very good.

Framing is one of my least favorite parts of being a full-time artist. So I tend to wait until the last minute to do it. And, it is really faster if you do it in assembly line format. But, with the New Mexico Arts And Crafts Festival coming up this next weekend, I realize I've got a lot to do.

I've been exhibiting my art at the Angel Fire Visitors Center for the months of October, November and December --if you are in the area stop by!--and I need to take some of that inventory with me. But I don't want to leave the Center with empty walls for the Thanksgiving Holiday. So, I'll take some other pieces down there and switch the art out. This is always a tad problematic. I always bring way too much art to a show. Just in case. And, inevitably, if I leave a few pieces at home, then someone has spotted those pieces on the website and wants to see them. So, I've figured that if I've ended up leaving something up at the visitors center that someone wants, I'll just have to be willing to drive it back down to Albuquerque--and since I'm flying out of ABQ the following Saturday for a quick trip to Chicago, that really won't be so hard!

Then, the van has served for an extra storage space for the last month and a half. I've got to clear that out of excess junk. Then, boxing up all the art, charging my credit card machine, packing my clothes, etc...all the fun stuff. But, I'm looking forward to one more opportunity to put my art out there this year. I'm sorry, though, that I didn't have a few of the oils done to jury into the show with. I'd love to display some of them at the show. Only I appplied in the drawing category. So I really can't. Rats. Maybe next year!

Brushes have Arrived!

2010-11-18T07:19:00.006-07:00

Yesterday a wonderful package arrived at the post office. Wrapped in brown kraft paper, with writing just a little different than what I'm used to seeing here in the states, was my box of new art brushes from Rosemary & Co. A small family business in west York, England, Rosemary and her small staff make these wonderful brushes--or so I'd been told. I had to try them for myself. And, since I never jump into things very slowly, I bought a bunch!!!! (See photo above.) And, while I've only had the chance to use 3 of them, THEY ARE WONDERFUL!!! Their shapes are perfect, the hairs the perfect length, they do not shed hair and they return to shape as they are supposed to. In fact, I even signed my name on a big piece yesterday and didn't have to agonize about each stroke. So, whether you are a novice painter or an expert professional one, give a hint this christmas season about wanting some of these brushes. They are not expensive (well, if you go kolinsky sable they aren't cheap--the most expensive hair out there). In fact, even the kolinskies are not expensive....And they are way better than a cheap set from an online art store. I'm so happy with my purchase (and overall, they were less expensive than the order form stated because they were shipped out of the UK!) I'll be posting some of my works done with the brushes as I go this winter. I hope you'll be pleased.
Check out her website!
She's got a facebook fan page too!

Lesson in Oil

2010-11-11T17:22:00.002-07:00

So, after having some real fun in the studio, I learned a lesson yesterday. We purchased a new (and more efficient) wood stove for the studio, along with having it and a new chimney pipe installed by professionals. So, my studio shouldn't burn down. Fingers crossed.

I've been playing with the oils and really getting used to them--so much so that I'm not having to think critically about each and every move I make. An artist I met this summer said she used walnut oil rather than liquin as her medium when she had to let her paintings dry in the same space in which she slept. So, I thought, great--way better than having the stink of liquin around me all day long. So I acquired some Charvin walnut oil from one of my art supply houses--Jerry's Artarama. And, I really like how it mixed with the paints for a real buttery consistency. Only, yesterday, when the guys were installing the wood stove and had to move the dog beds and the rug, they tossed them aside, and right into one of the oils I had leaning against the cabinets. Turns out the walnut oil takes way longer to dry to the touch than the liquin. I ended up spending a good hour plucking dog hairs from the surface of the painting. I think, for the most part, I'll stick with the Liquin.

Playing with Oils

2010-11-09T18:14:00.002-07:00

Rough sketch of Embudo
Thought I'd like the road and mountains to be about the same color. I was wrong.
So, I wiped out both the background mountains and the road.
Added more oranges to the mountains and made the road more blue. I think that worked better. Tomorrow maybe some highlights on the trees.

I'm enjoying the oils and have another one in the works. What surprises me is how working large seems easier than working small. This piece is 36 inches square on canvas.

Relief!

2010-11-06T18:08:00.002-06:00

So, I posted about the whole issue of Christmas/ holiday cards and coming up with an image--and how it poses a problem for me every year. This year, after a day of squiggling, procrastinating, and generally not drawing, I managed, TODAY, to paint an image I think will be quite appropriate for my card. I'm going to try another one along the same lines but in oil and see which I like better. But, I know I've got something good in my back pocket! And that feels good. And, no, you can't see it yet, if you are on my snail mailing list, you'll get your own. Otherwise, send me an email with your snail mail address and I'll add you to the database.

Holidays!

2010-11-04T17:50:00.004-06:00

Bug didn't like this outfit too much!
Here's the side view. She's too big to actually tie the cape thing on! But her collar and Izzy's socks go nicely!

Iowa, Interstate 80, December 26, 2009

We've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather these last couple of weeks. Temps in the 60s during the days and 20s and 30s at night. That is pretty ideal. Sunny. Fresh. Nice. Pinon in the air from the wood stoves. Crisp.

But, this is the time of year when I have to create the image for my holiday card. You know, that thing you send out to wish everyone a wonderful season. I always use an image of my art. And, I always wait until the last minute to come up with the image. And with all this balmy weather, snow scenes are not exactly what is on my mind! It is really tough to switch gears and remember purple and pink shadows on the snow that is really not very white at all--only highlights. And my photos just don't do the real stuff justice. But, I've got some ideas brewing--they just aren't there yet. Maybe someone could remind me that, when we do have a great snow fall, that I should get out the next day with my D90 and not my point and shoot and TAKE SOME PICTURES! And then work on next year's card right then and there. But, I tell myself that every year and I still don't do it. I'm thinking maybe I need a manager to keep me in line!

In any case, hopefully you won't be receiving a holiday card from me that is of JuneBug dressed as Santa or of the over turned cars we saw driving back to the midwest last winter. Wish me luck (and send any ideas you may have for the perfect holiday card!)

On a positive note, I've had two great painting days!

A Different Slant

2010-10-28T17:55:00.004-06:00

Experimenting time is an important element of being an artist. I don't have much time to do that during show season. But, with only one show remaining this year, I've been working on a variety of things--although admittedly I haven't yet tackled my 48 by 72 canvases. Will keep you posted on that!

As Promised

2010-10-26T12:48:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I posted about seeing colors without my glasses--seems my bad eyesight allows me to see the important things and delete the minutiae ...Thanks, Wolf

Blessings in Disguise: Ode to Wolf Kahn

2010-10-25T17:12:00.004-06:00

I don't have good eye sight. In fact, it sucks. But, it turns out this can be a good thing. Today, as I was standing in my studio, looking out the window to see if it had started snowing yet, I took my glasses off to rub my eyes. Before returning the glasses to their resting place on my nose, I looked out the window. What I saw was a really cool, albeit blurry, image. What most impressed me with this vision was the color. Glorious color. And, color I really never see. I think he brain translates too much of the color to what you think it is supposed to be. Green grass, brown tree trucks, etc. But, those weren't the colors at all. The trunks were purples and violets, some of the leaves were green, yellow and pink, the grasses were shades of peach and yellow with violet in the shadows, white sky with twinkles of pink and gold. So, I took a few oil pastels from my pastel table over to the window and did a quick sketch. And, while the whole thing wasn't perfect, I absolutely loved the color!

And, while this might sound like I am bragging on myself, I thought immediately that the piece had an air of Wolf Kahn to it. And then I remembered that he has macular degeneration--and can't see super well. But, what his eyes can see is color and shape and really everything essential for a good painting or drawing. I'm going to remember to take my glasses off every once in a while. That way I'll see better. Or truer. And I'll post the sketch tomorrow. It is snowing now and I don't want to go outside to get my camera! Plus, it will be too dark to get a good image.

Comfort Food--Jen pancakes

2010-10-24T12:34:00.003-06:00

We had "jen" pancakes for brunch today. They are more commonly known as Swedish pancakes. When I was a little girl, mom would make these for us before she and dad were going out on a Saturday night. So she wouldn't get frying butter bits on her good clothes, she'd come downstairs with makeup on, in her hose and in her navy blue slip and cook us the pancakes, then go up and put on her dress.

I felt like them this morning. So we made 'em. Yum! And easy, peasy!

Mix well in a bowl:
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
dash salt
2 eggs---that is the recipe for one person

Get a frying pan hot, then add good butter--organic unsalted from Pastureland Coop was delish!, get the butter brown, then pour in batter--small amounts and roll around the pan--the batter, not yourself! They cook a bit like crepes. Flip. Turn out on plate. Make another one, and another. (The amounts above make 3 plate sized cakes--enough for 2 for me and one for the dog!) I like lemon and powdered sugar on them. Bug (my dog) doesn't like the lemon. As a kid, I always also liked raspberry jam in the mix. Eat in cut up bits or roll up!

That Time of Year: Confessions of an Itinerant Artist

2010-10-22T18:22:00.003-06:00

Unless you win an award at a show, you have to apply and jury in if you want to participate. It doesn't matter how many great shows you've been in before, or how many paintings you sold the last time you did a certain show. You basically apply for your job each and every time. It is one part about my job that I don't particularly like.

I like how I draw. I like what I draw. But not all juries do. And that is rough. So, here we are when most of the applications for a bunch of the spring shows are coming due. And this is the time when I start second guessing myself. Wondering which shows might have me. And thinking about other artists whose work maybe doesn't really look like their application images and others who get into just about any show they apply to. And then there is me. I get in sometimes. I've done many of the top shows across the country. And I've done well. But I don't always get in. And that is frustrating. It is a time when I think maybe I should alter my style, or at least prove to myself that I can paint/draw in a slightly different manner.

Usually I do a few pieces that are out on the edge for me and then I realize, all over again, that I like what I paint. The above images are such an experiment. But, I do like elements of these a lot. Even if they are somber and dark. So, some of these elements may show up in my day to day work. And that is a good thing!

Homage to Autumn

2010-10-18T18:33:00.002-06:00

Our color has been spectacular this fall. The aspen have an incredible glow to them that I don't think I've ever seen in such abundance in the 15 years I've lived here. It is as if their is an inner light to the individual leaves. I feel so lucky to live here. Although, the snow in the forecast for later this week has me wondering. I could maybe wait a couple of weeks for that!

Lesson One: You get what you pay for.

2010-10-13T16:59:00.003-06:00

Okay, so the oils worked better today. Or, really, I should say my brushes worked better today. Turns out, like all art supplies, you get what you pay for.

I have people all the time come up to me and ask why their oil pastels works don't look like mine. For one, they are theirs, but maybe more importantly, those who ask, are generally using an inexpensive, off-brand. Translation: more filler: less pigment. Less pigment: less coverage.

But, I get that it is hard to plunk out lots of money if you are not even sure if you are going to like the medium. So, when I bought my oils , I did spend up. But, being the wise fool that I am, I thought I could skimp on the brushes. You know, with oil pastels, you don't even need a brush, so why should they matter so much. Then, as I was out there in the internet art world--yes, I was procrastinating--I kept reading over and over again how good brushes were a key to successful painting. Well, it turns out I do have some very good brushes--they just weren't the clean looking and tidy ones I purchased 2 winters ago for the first "oils experiment." So, I used those. I'll keep the others for craft projects and the like but will not reach for them first when working with my new-found medium. Never, if I can help it.

But, that begs the question: where do you get and what are the best brushes? Well, again I forgot the blog and my computer closed down during still another power outage today (they happen on a very regular basis around here!) so I can't even look at my history to find the artist who recommended the site I'm dying to buy from: Rosemary and Company.

Rosemary and her staff of several women make hand-made brushes that are supposedly to die for. She lives in West Yorkshire, England, ships to the US and is about one half the price as the art supply stores I frequent. So, I think the next time I sell a significant piece, I'm gonna treat myself to some of her brushes. She's on facebook too--I'm gonna go find her there!

www.rosemaryandco.com

A Little Overwhelmed

2010-10-12T18:22:00.004-06:00

Finished this oil pastel today.... Too bad it was dark out by the time I finished it or you'd see a better pic (maybe).

I've only got one more show for the year and always look forward to the time when the shows don't come as fast and furious. It is a time I relish as I get to go out to the studio and try some new things, test some ideas, and recharge my art batteries. So, I pulled out the oils that had been languishing in their box and started working with them. But, as with most things in life, painting gets easier with practice. And I, simply, have not spent enough time painting. I draw, with my oil pastels, a lot. But paint brushes and mediums and paint squeezed out on a palette are still a sort of foreign thing for me. Things take more time. And they are more frustrating. But, I do think working in media that aren't your forte is a way to inform and improve your art. So, I'm going to
continue working with the oils over the new few months.

But, I've got some other ideas I want to pursue--fresco and venetian plaster. I've got a gazillion things to do around the house, and at the other house. And, I've got to create some new work for a temporary gallery in Seattle, I've got to replenish my own inventory so when I go to my last show I actually have enough panels--since there are about 30 hanging in the Angel Fire Visitors Center through December. Then, there is the issue of show applications. There are some upcoming deadlines for some spring shows and I should probably work on getting some new pieces complete for some of those. But do I want to create an entire new body of work? OR continue my "landscapes"? Or, should I just not worry about it?

I read on some blog the other day that one of the things about having too many things on your to-do list (sorry, I can't recall the blog--), even if you get some of it done, you don't tend to take the time to enjoy your accomplishments. So, maybe I won;t make such a long to-do list in my head. And then maybe it won't seem so overwhelming. Maybe.

Inspiration

2010-10-11T07:58:00.002-06:00

It is that time of year--when the elk are bugling, when the aspens take on their autumn glow, when my show schedule has become much more manageable. It is also one of my favorite times to go traipsing around New Mexico, to take more pics of the landscape that inspires me. My work is based on the real places of northern New Mexico but I have been known to use my super-human powers to move a building forward in a composition, or to delete the propane tank and the old auto up on blocks (unless, of course that car is a truck and turquoise and from the 50s or before!).

The photos I have posted above are pretty good examples of the types of reference photos that I use. They are not perfectly "shot". I generally don't even stop the car (or van) although I may ask Rees to drive a little more slowly so I can get a few more burst shots while we drive by. In fact, I most prefer using my little Sony Cybershot, which we got after the van was vandalized in St Louis 2 falls ago to replace a little Exalim. I absolutely HATE the un-intuitive menu on the Sony but you can really take some decent shots with the "burst" feature.

So, we're off later today to do a little scouting about, along with doing a quick grocery run in Taos, and see the Taos Fall Arts Festival--Taos Invites Taos and the Taos Open. I hope I get some good shots. I'll share some of them with you. And, hopefully, I'll be inspired!

Return from Dallas

2010-10-07T18:03:00.002-06:00

This is how I felt after 6 days of eating in Dallas--like the largest pig at the Texas state Fair--1201 lbs!
Got a chance to visit with Rees' Uncle Bill & Aunt Shirley in Waxahachie!
Now I know where horse tail braid comes from!
The tallest ferris wheel in the western hemisphere at 212 feet--it wasn't even scary! But it does beg the question "What is the tallest one in the eastern hemisphere?"
The pumpkin carving was incredible!

So, we arrived in Dallas a day early for the Cottonwood show and I dragged Rees & his sister, Laird to Canton for the biggest flea market I had ever seen. I didn't bring anything home (this time) but it was really fun to see. Plus, we found a really good diner place that had a mostest wonderful chicken fried steak!

The Cottonwood Art Festival was wonderful--perfect weather--which is quite unusual for this show.

Then, on Monday, we went to the Texas State Fair where I consumed my annual Fletcher's corny dog--really, there is no other that is as good!

A visit to a client home on Tuesday while Rees golfed and then dinner with dear friends, Don & Judy Lambert. And, then it was time to leave--just in time too as JuneBug's nails had worn down to almost the quick from all her fetching/jumping in Laird's pool!

Real blogging starts tomorrow!

Cottonwood

2010-10-01T18:46:00.002-06:00

Hi--as promised, I'm in booth 111 at the Cottonwood art show in Richardson Tx this weekend. I'm on the east side of the show, east of the little road that runs through the middle of the show, about a row and a half south of Beltline. Hope you can come by!

Plans

2010-09-21T18:12:00.002-06:00

I'm really enjoying my painting these days. Getting out there and really trying to expand my color palette. Not so much that the pieces don't look like mine, only a bit more colorful and playful. It is still production mode, as I still have a few shows this year, along with a 3 month exhibit at the Angel Fire Visitors' Center, a show at the local gallery celebrating the 6 women who have been with the gallery for 7 years, which is scheduled for December. Then we've got a Lawrence family vacation in the works for the end of November, right after my last show.

But, I digress. I was talking about production versus creativity flow. Or at least that was the topic I thought I would address when I signed into blogger a few moments ago. What I wanted to talk about was how I relish my time away from merely producing for shows, the time when I can experiment and try new things. Really, for an artist, it is crucial to follow this step. Otherwise, I think the work could get stale....we've all seen artists who have been doing the exact same thing year after year, decade after decade, and some of it is just old and tired. I don't want that to happen to me and my work. It needs to grow. And in order to do so, I need time to experiment and try things. The last 2 winters I have been working with oils and alkyds--and I'm having fun with those and plan to continue more experimenting with them.

I also want to try some very different things--working with venetian plaster and more layering of texture along with some work in actual buon fresco. I find this avenue to be of interest for several reasons: 1) I wouldn't mind coming up with a secondary body of work that is not so New Mexico centric 2) I'd like to experiment with some more abstractions of the landscape and I think this might be easier to tackle in a medium I'm not so familiar with 3) As many different combinations of fixatives and varnishes I have tried--maybe I'll show you the complicated matrix of those combinations sometime!, I'm still not totally satisfied--and I really don't like the toxicity of the fixatives.. With the fresco, the pigment actually chemically bonds with the plaster so that it becomes part of the plaster--no need for sealing, if you don't want to. Although you can use a wax, if you like. But, all in all, much greener than what I am doing with the oil pastels. I really have no idea what will come of this/these ideas. I've been researching the tools I'll need for both of these things and have many carts filled with potential options. I'm excited about this. Nervous, too. Now that I've put it out there, will people ask how it is coming along? Will the work I produce be so differnt that people who like my other work, hate this other stuff? I have no idea. But, I know whatever I learn from these attempts will/should make me a better artist. At least I hope so. Please, wish me luck!! But, be patient, I'm not starting any of this until after my show in Dallas the first weekend in October!

Colorful Nights and other images

2010-09-20T16:11:00.004-06:00

When I first started painting night time starry pictures, they were quite dark--like the night, duh! Then, I added more highlighting to the night skies. But that wasn't enough. I started going for a tad more color in the rest of the piece. And, then, this week, BANG, even more color in the night times (along with some extra punches of color in everything else I seem to be turning out!)

Do You Have a Favorite?

2010-09-17T18:06:00.003-06:00

Today one of my collectors responded to an email I sent that had included about 9 new images of new art for his review. He said he and his wife like several of them a lot but they wanted to know which were my favorites before they decided. And, I was stumped. Because I don't really have favorites.

I'll be thrilled with a certain element of a piece or a solution to a mistake/technical difficulty. Or I'll like the way two new colors lay nicely next to each other, maybe with a hint of a third color--ones I haven't used together before. But, over all, I don't have favorites. I realize that certain pieces look good together when grouped together--for instance, these starker single structure pieces like the piece above.

So when my collector asked, I really couldn't answer right away. If I were the one acquiring a piece of art, I'd pick the one I liked the best--not caring a hoot if the artist liked it a lot or not. But, while my walls are chock full of art, I wouldn't put myself in the collector category. So, maybe this guy has something. Maybe he thinks that the piece (s) I like best will lead my work in that direction and he will have a "first off". I don't know--but now I have to sit and look at the images I sent him and try to figure out which one is my favorite---I'm thinking it is sort of like picking an ice cream flavor--there are definite ones I wouldn't order but many I'd be happy with. Which is why, on the very few occasions when I go to get an ice cream (I'm weird and only like ice cream when it is below 75 and above 45 degrees outside), I take forever trying to chose my flavor. Cuz I like a lot of them.

If you are an artist and read this blog, do you have favorite pieces of your own work? Do you know why you like them? Just curious.

Art Show Entry Fee

2010-09-14T16:24:00.003-06:00

I've always just assumed the cost of applying to shows to be a cost of business. Daniel Grant's article in the Huffington Post points out some of the inequities of the art show world--if you are interested. Here's the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-grant/the-case-against-art-show_b_708624.html or click on the title of this blog post to go there!

Guilt

2010-09-10T16:23:00.002-06:00

I did it again. And I still can't quite believe I did. I cancelled a show. The Peoria Art Guild Fine Art show that takes place the last weekend in August. I feel relieved that I don't have to crunch as much to get ready for the show but I feel horribly guilty for cancelling. I've only cancelled 3 shows in the 11 years I've been doing shows. This one and 2 others. In both the other cases, I simply sold so well that I didn't have enough inventory to bother with the trip. In those cases, it was a last minute--well, last week, thing. I cancelled the Monday after the really killer shows. This time, there are still 2 weeks remaining but I'm low on inventory that I think will sell there--things with a more midwestern sensibility like my starker barns and such. And I'm itching to get back into the studio to create art, not just produce. I've got some big ideas I intend to explore this fall and winter. And I'll share with you both my success and failures. Promise. But, in the mantime, I'm gonna wallow in my guilt a little longer. Sorry, Peoria.

Music From Angel Fire

2010-08-25T14:12:00.004-06:00

2 of Ida's dogs

(Ida Kavafian, artist director and "fiddle" player, leading one of the doggy hikes--she also raises champion vizslas!)

I know. I've not been posting. And, I promise I will get better. But the reality is that it is pretty unlikely for the next week. Currently, the Music From Angel Fire chamber music festival is taking place in Angel (and some surrounding towns). And, it makes for a very busy time. Between going to many of the concerts and getting in some studio time, we've had out of town visitors, catching up to do with some of the musicians, an almost daily hike with musicians and friends, a golf tourney, friends over for dinner, etc. I'm sure I couldn't keep this pace for any length of time. 2 1/2 weeks of the festival is plenty!

What amazes me most about this festival is that it takes place here. We are a pretty little place but really not on the map, so to speak. Then we get the MOST amazing musicians who come and participate in the festival. They are an inspiration to pursue excellence in whatever field you work in! I thank them for being here.

Lost Church

2010-08-11T10:10:00.003-06:00

This church was one of the first ones I ever painted. It was the basis for my first Collector's Guide ad. And this is the only photo I have of it. And I can't find it. Twice this summer, Rees & I have driven out of our way to look for it so I could get more images to work from. Nope. Not there. Nada. It used to be located near the Los Pinos river. To get there, you go into Colorado near Antonito and turn left onto a dirt road that tracks back into New Mexico. But the church is gone. I never got the name of it and I don't know the name of the farming village that it was located in. And I don't know how to go about finding it. Maybe I'll take my lame-o photo--heavily laden with oil pastel smudges on the back and fixative on the front--and show it to someone at a nearby church. Maybe they'll be able to tell me what happened to it. Or, maybe someone who reads my occasional posts might have a better idea. Sure wish I could find it!

Crested Butte!

2010-08-03T16:56:00.002-06:00

Crested Butte has the most amazing flowers of any mountain town I've ever been in!
This planter was behind my booth.
The crowds were enthusiastic and plentiful.
And how beautiful a venue for a show!
A corner of my wonky booth. It doesn't always pay to set up in the rain. The experience brought new meaning to the title "A River Runs Through It".

Breckenridge Art Show

2010-07-29T18:11:00.003-06:00

I thought my outfit matched my neighbor's fish pretty well. Don't you?
My booth from one side.
This is it from the other side!
Last weekend, Rees & I headed to Breckenridge, CO, where we did another art show. Weather was good--if not threatening at times, neighbors nice, sales decent, and only a few hours from home. It is a show I'll do again. The promoters even used one of my images for their print advertising (but I'd sold the piece 2 weeks before in Angel Fire!) Tomorrow, off to Crested Butte. This time I hope to remember my camera cord, etc!!!

Fantastic Mr Fox

2010-07-26T15:56:00.004-06:00

I live around a lot of wildlife. We have bears and elk and mule deer and bobcats and coyotes go through our yard all the time. But we've seen very few fox in our neighborhood. Apparently they are more common up in Colorado (along with the reintroduced moose (I'm jealous!)). And they are not too bothered by humanity...as was evidenced by their display at the Breckenridge art festival this past weekend!

These kits live below the abandoned barn/shed right next to the show(classified as a museum in Breckenridge to keep the taxes low!) They were quite a treat to see during the art show!

We never did see Mrs. Fox. At least I don't think we did. She must have been housekeeping under the barn! But her two kits were adorable. Totally unfazed by the commotion around them. Enjoying the sunshine and the fresh cool air. My booth was only a few yards from the barn and back "pasture" where they sunned themselves and I did take a few (too many) breaks to go see if they were out again! How fun!

Breckenridge!

2010-07-22T08:41:00.002-06:00

We've not done a show in Breckenridge for a few years and I'm looking forward to it! After all, it is another mountain town--with thin and cool air! Hope the crowds come out. Forecast highs of high 60s will make quite a contrast from the 100s of Boulder last week. Off in the next hour or so!!!

Kindness

2010-07-16T08:26:00.003-06:00

Just the other day, Rees went over to do a quick favor for some friends who hadn't been up here for a long while--a bad car accident precluded their being here. While he didn't find the golf clubs he was supposed to put inside, he found another friend and neighbor mowing and weed whacking the yard--so, the long overdue part timers wouldn't have to worry about it when they got here.
That in and of itself is quite selfless but, for Angel Fire, the 85 degrees made it maybe the hottest day of the year--a big task for someone who has been feeling a bit under the weather herself.

Then, earlier this week I went into Taos to deliver a painting (see above!!!) and get my teeth cleaned. Only when I tried to start my car in his driveway, it didn't--start-- that is. So, rather than miss my appointment, my new customer loaned me his truck so I could get to the dentist's office. When I returned an hour later (with my other white knight, Rees) I found my customer had worked on the problem and it was almost solved.

Simple acts of kindness. They make the world better. Thanks.

Angel Fire ArtsFest

2010-07-12T07:40:00.001-06:00

The blue ribbon is mine--best of 2-d Painting! And the couple in my booth--Bill & Carol Hudson are some of the best dog sitters ever!!!!! (I forgot to have a picture taken of me in my own booth!)
Steve "I'll spell his name wrong for sure" the jeweler from Austin, John & Katherine McDermott.
Jessica Duke--I have some fab pieces of hers!
Jacqui Binford-Bell----has a thing for color as I do!
Sandy Lipka and her pots!

Good show--wish we'd had a few more visitors as the crowd seemed very light....but quality was nice! Lots to accomplish this week before going on to Boulder for the show this weekend!

Who makes sign art for NM roadways!

2010-07-07T17:10:00.003-06:00

For years I've wondered who designed the "elk" sign for New Mexico. The hump in the back, the hind legs too short...I mean this is a state known fort its population of artists and this is all they could come up with? Then, on our last trip home, I noticed a different sign, this one near the Raton pass--also of an "elk". I'm not sure it is really any improvement. I'm sorry my camera wasn't out on the way up the pass in Colorado because the "bear crossing" sign actually looked like a bear! What do you think?

Influenced by travels

2010-07-07T16:58:00.003-06:00

When I started painting-with oil pastels--I painted places around me. We had moved here from Chicago and I loved the land of enchantment. Still do. And I still paint many buildings, churches barns and scenery from a 100 mile radius around my house. But I just did 2 round trips to the midwest and realize that the midwestern barns, and the simple landscape of the larger farms has crept into my work. This is a good thing....noticing your surroundings and all that....but with the weather in the midwest and east hovering at 100 degrees and I sit at the computer with a fleece on (although admittedly I refuse to close the windows!!!) just know that New Mexico will always be part of my repetoire!

Des Moines--where Mother Nature will kick you til you are down!

2010-06-30T07:04:00.002-06:00

Just got home from the Des Moines Arts Festival. For those of you unfamiliar with the art show world, it is a very nice show, with high quality art, artists, patrons and staff. (And Des Moines is a pretty cool town!) But what they don't have going for it is the WEATHER!!!!!

I check the 10 day weather forecast before we leave for any show and when I first looked the temp was supposed to be in the 80s and 90s with 10% chance of rain each of the 3 days. No sweat. Easy. Only, the forecast changed. Big time.

Set up Friday morning was fine, although my booth did not back up to a building--which is how it looked on the original map--but an open parking lot (read wind tunnel!) Then, a quick lunch at a nearby and highly touted Vietnamese restaurant--A Doung--that failed to live up to its accolades, a shower and a return for the preview party at 2. The show continued until 10 that night. Exhausted by the long day, we returned to our very nearby hotel--Hotel Ft Des Moines, had a beer and another shower and fell into bed. At 1:15 my cell rang and in my sleep haze I took too long to find it...but I retrieved the message from another artist who said that while my booth was still standing it was very precariously tipped and I should come down and see what I could salvage--he did say that so far, nothing appeared damaged. We hurried out--spent the next 2 hours removing art from the tent and trying to right the tent--luckily, no bent or broken structural pieces! My neighbor, Gillian, was not so lucky. Her tent was in one big pile (by the next day we figured that she'd lost frames and mats but not much of the real art!) But middle of the night perusal of the show didn't reveal all the damage. Many other artists lost pieces, booth display parts, and tents. A big heartfelt thanks goes out to Chris & Kyle Dahlquist, Jim Brown and Lisa Burge, who contacted me and helped me (and others) get their situations worked out! Thanks too, to Stephen King and his staff who worked through the night to help salvage art, fix booths, contact artists, etc.

So, day 2. The show opened at 10 so we had to get there early to rehang the booth. This day the weather guys had it right: hot & humid--heat index of 102 on blacktop in the sun. The crowds were merely slogging around. Really, it was too hot to be looking at, let alone, buying art! We survived the day by hiding in the shade, taking longer than necessary bathroom breaks in the airconditioned show headquarters (and I even slipped back to the hotel for a cool shower about 3 that afternoon.) Evening rolled around and the show put out a weather warning that more storms were due that night. So, after a grueling 13 hours in the heat, we spent another hour and half putting most of the art in the van. This time, with permission of the show, we pulled our van through that parking lot and parked it next to my tent. We tied 2 legs of the tent to van and went off to shower and sleep. And hope for no calls in the middle of the night.

Sunday. Got there early since we had to re hang the booth--so now it feels like 3 shows instead of one, with all the extra work of rehanging art. There was more damage. My booth had scooted just a bit but others were 6 to 8 feet away from where they had been. And these are good strong tents with at least 200 to 300 lbs of weight attached! Thank goodness we had tied to the van. Gillian's booth would have blown away except it ran into a light pole a few feet behind her.

So, while I appreciate the invitation to participate--185 artists were accepted out of a pool of over 1300--I think I'll look closer to home next year--maybe New Mexico Arts & Crafts will have me back! (My damage was minimal: spent yesterday revarnishing and touching up the few pieces that were...)

Summertime Insanity

2010-06-18T18:01:00.003-06:00

Let's face it. I've over scheduled my summer. I've got 7 shows (maybe 8 if Cherry Creek let me in) in 9 weeks. That is not counting this weekend--basically my "I can count on" one weekend off, this summer. Now, I've got one show right here in Angel Fire--still a show but I don't have to pack my clothes or find someone to take care of the dog. And then a lot of these shows are relatively close by--Boulder at 6 hours, Breckenridge at 5, Crested Butte at about 4 or 5. Then, we head to Park City, Utah. I've heard good things about the show but have not ever done it. Usually it is the same weekend as Crested Butte show but somehow the calendar gods worked in my favor (or not, depending on how I am feeling at that point in the summer) and I have the ability to do both. Then, instead of coming home, we'll head directly up to Sun Valley, Idaho--a show that is a complete pleasure to do. I hope to get a little fishing and hiking in, in between those shows. So, anyway, now you know I am crazy. But, I'm an artist, right? Aren't we all crazy? Then, I've slotted 2 weekends to be home so I can enjoy Music From Angel Fire's season, almost in entirety. And my old college friend, Jim, is coming out from Philly for a few concerts. I'll miss the last concert or two because we'll be at a show in Santa Fe. I'm still trying to decide how many shows to do in September and will have to decide soon. I guess it sort of depends on how I am selling. But, I get a charge out of each show I do--meeting the people who like the work, selling work and interacting with peeps. Since my life in the studio is a bit solitary--I do eat lunch with Rees and JuneBug occasionally graces me with her presence--she splits her time between the studio and Rees' office--the shows provide a little human interaction!!!

Home, at Last!

2010-06-16T17:24:00.002-06:00

Hey, peeps. Just a quick note. I'm home from an extraordinarily long trip. We combined a trip to Zihuatanejo with some wonderful friends with a couple of Chicago area art shows--57th Street & the Old Town Art Fair. But 26 days was too long to be gone. And, on that note, I'm finally realizing that I prolly over-scheduled my summer. Oh, well. I tend to work better that way. But, the list of to-dos is so long, I don't want to take much time here. I promise some insights into my shows and what I'm gonna be working on next. But, it won't be until tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Old Town Art Fair

2010-06-10T07:47:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I did the 57th Street Art Fair. We stayed in Chicago to get a family visit in. But, also, I was an alternate for the Old Town Art Fair. Well, I got the call yesterday that I AM IN!!!!!! It is a show I've been wanting to do for a while and I am simply ecstatic that I am in! The weather forecast leaves a bit to be desired. But it is Chicago and that could always change. So, if you are a blog reader from near Chicago, come see me in booth 32! On Menomonee just east of North Park!

New Mexico is Home

2010-06-04T16:04:00.003-06:00

Sorry for my quiet. My bad. Off to Zihuatanejo, MX for a week with some dear friends at a fabulous villa. Great food, times, music and fun. Then up to Door County Wisconsin with my folks, Rees & Bug and my 96 year old grandmother, Evie. It was where we vacationed every summer when I was a child. Flooded with memories of good times, I enjoyed the visit. And the barns. But, with still a week or so to go in the Chicago area, I must say I really miss the mountains--and my studio. I am expecting an actual explosion of work once I return. I've got a ton of ideas--just hope they transfer to the panel/paper well!
PS I'm sure the barns will show up in some of my pieces but I doubt the palm trees will!
PPS I hate to admit it but I missed internet access (and cell phone coverage in both places)!

2010-05-18T18:22:00.002-06:00

This is a new ad Rees designed. I like the variety of pieces in it. Thanks, Rees.
(And if you've wondered why I'm so infrequently posting, just know that summer is here. The schedule busy. The studio a mess. Framing. Packing. Painting. Getting commissions ready to ship. And on top of all this, we're fitting in a vacation!) I promise more soon.

Fly Away! to Your New Home, little creations!

2010-05-14T17:38:00.003-06:00

I paint a lot. I like to. People ask if it is difficult to give up (read sell) favorite pieces. My answer is a resounding "NO". First of all, I don't really have favorites. I may like a certain piece because I have attacked and solved a problem--a solution that I know I will be able to use in the future. Or, maybe I had an accidental inspiration--something unintended--occur in a piece. Or maybe I really am fond of a particular reference photo that I have used. What I do have is pieces that are not my favorites--poor step children, as it were. After reading some other artists blogs, I realize that it is okay to delete these pieces. So I do. Occasionally.

But, back to the subject of giving away/selling the creations. I do take a reference snapshot of almost every piece I do ( I am sure I forget a few over the course of a year!). So, I can remember them, with fondness. But, I don't have enough wall space to hang all my work. Actually, my house is chalk full of art--all kinds, but hardly any of mine. And, if I am not selling my pieces they are just sitting in their storage boxes waiting for a home. So, I enjoy meeting the future owners of the pieces, knowing that they want the piece hanging in their home. Sometimes 'cuz they love it and will find a spot for it, and sometimes 'cuz it is just the right piece for a spot. No matter. It will be appreciated. And, that makes me feel good.

Booth Angst

2010-05-12T07:34:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted. Truth be told, I probably did have the time. Just not the words to express anything of import--or interest! But, what has been raging through my crazy artist brain is this: I don't like how my booth looks! Don't get me wrong. I still like my work. Just not the way it looks on the walls of my display set-up. When I first started I had many seasoned artists tell me that I was hanging too much work. That I was making the decision-making too difficult for potential customers. But, I was selling well--still sending poor Rees back and forth to the extra inventory so people could look through everything. So, I didn't change anything. Nothing at all. But I started liking my display less and less.

What had changed was my work. About 3 years ago I found a combination of fixative and acrylic varnish that worked with the oil pastels so I wouldn't have to use glass on all my pieces. Hoorah!!!!! However, I haven't stopped working on paper--truth is--I love working on paper. And so my booth has become a bit of a mixture of the 2--panels and works behind glass with white mats. It wasn't until this last weekend at the Laumeier Art Fair in ST Louis, where I was positioned with my tent and booth under the big top--making things very dark, that I figured out part of the problem. Without the white mats and light frames, the whole booth looked darker. I rearranged and put pieces with mats and glass near the front and it improved the overall look. Not perfect--but an improvement. And, since my summer schedule is a very busy one, I probably won't be able to do much more than tweak the overall look. But, I think it is an important project to consider for the fall. How do I display enough to give my customers a choice but not make it look like a flea market display? Do I reduce the number of sizes? Do I stick to either/or? (works on paper vs. works on panel) Do I display only a few pieces of each size? Do I replace my walls with a lighter color? I'm not sure. But, I promise I will do some thinkin' on it. Whether any changes get translated into a new booth design sooner or later remains to be seen. Comments, ideas always accepted. And, I can take the criticism--if that is what you have!

Road Food--Part 3

2010-05-03T13:18:00.002-06:00

I like tacos. NO. I love tacos. A lot. So, Thursday last we headed out to try a taco stand Rees had heard about--Tacos El Guero. Very delicious. Not very spacious. 6 stools at a bar about 2 feet from the cooking station. We tried Al Pastor, Bistek, and one I am ashamed I do not know the translation. All very delicious. If you are on Bryan Street in Dallas or nearby, try it out!

Road Food--Part 2

2010-04-27T13:17:00.004-06:00

The day before yesterday we drove over to Fort Worth to try out some paintings in a client's home. And, not only did I get a commission on a pretty large piece, we got to go to Joe T Garcia's for lunch. We'd not been there in a while, since the Ft Worth Main Street show has not juried me in the last few years. Nothing better than a relaxing outdoor lunch - -if you haven't been, get the family style dinner--enchiladas, tacos, cheese nachos, rice beans, guacamole, fresh corn tortillas. All for a very reasonable price. Add a cold beer (or two), perfect 70 degree weather, a favorite companion (Rees) and you've got nirvana!!! But, maybe not so good for the waistline. Tough!!! It was worth it!

Foreign Challenges

2010-04-27T12:50:00.003-06:00

My sister-in-law is a very gracious hostess--letting me bring my dog and my easel to mess up her tidy house. Both the art supplies and the dog do a good job keeping things messy! But, unlike my studio,with the myriad lights etc, I had to position the easel to take advantage of the natural light pouring in. That put me was directly in front of BOB, her punching bag guy. When I'm actually painting, I don't see him, but he is a great distraction every time I do look up.
One of my other distractions is the above mentioned dogs. Laird has a new dog, within the last few months--a 2 year old terrier type named Zip. I was worried he and Bug might not get along. I needn't have worried, as you can see in the photos. The only challenge came when they both decided to lie under my easel and between my feet, together. So, I'm guessing not as much painting as I had planned.

Away!

2010-04-22T06:04:00.002-06:00

We're off today for a few shows. The van is mostly packed and I'm almost ready. Quite a shock this morning when I awoke and found it had snowed--again! Just a dusting but enough to make me realize I was rally glad we were leaving for a while. I'll post a bit while I'm away as I plan to paint on the road but the postings may be a bit scarcer than usual. So, off to Texas for Southlake and Cottonwood, followed by the Laumeier show in St Louis. Wish me luck!

Midwest

2010-04-20T17:15:00.002-06:00

I'm doing a few shows in the midwest this spring/summer--The Laumeier show in St Louis in a few weeks, the 57th Street show in Chicago at the beginning of June,The Des Moines Arts Festival at the end of June and thought I ought to have something besides mountains to bring. So, some barns. Too bad I can't recollect exactly where they are--most were based on reference photos taken while driving down the highway in Sweet Ride.

Commission Completed

2010-04-18T18:35:00.003-06:00

This is probably the most urban piece I've ever done. Still, there are mountains and snow in it. It is actually a commission piece for a friend of mine from high school, who happens to love Telluride. It was fun to do (as was catching up with someone I haven't seen in 30 years!)

Repurposed

2010-04-17T16:19:00.003-06:00

An old bakers rack--great drying rack for finished pieces under 25 inches in any direction. I traded for it with a batch of cookies--to the guy at the dump--excuse me, transfer station. The top corner is held together with duct tape!!! Another of my favorite tools!
Painters tape: great for taping pastel paper to my easel as it doesn't rip the corners when I pull the piece off the easel. Also good for keeping bangs out of eyes--really! Exacto knives with various blades--good for creating fences in panel pieces--just scrape down to the white gesso. Also a good tool if you inadvertently make mud and want to scrape back. The other item is my "smoosher"--the clay shaper tool used to do detail work in clay work--I use to smoosh the color into the paper or to blend colors--better than the pad of my finger!
This computer desk was actually purchased with this purpose in mind. But it was a whole lot cheaper than the pastel tables in the art catalogs. The keyboard drawer is a nice additional space.

Baby wipes!!! The are wonderful for pulling oil pastels off of your hands!

Art Shows

2010-04-15T17:51:00.002-06:00

My booth at the Woodlands Waterway Art Festival
More of my booth
Vern Rollins, a painter and neighbor at the show and me!

I put some photos on the post because I'm used to doing so and didn't finish any pieces today. Although I did get a couple started.

For those artists who do art shows, skip this part. You know it already. But, for those of you who don't do art shows , I thought I'd tell you a little bit about the process. First, we DO NOT travel as a caravan from one location to another like some giant circus--although the carny analogy does work a bit!

Basically, almost every art show you attend (or think of attending) is juried. Meaning, you can't just pay your booth fee and show up. You and your work must be approved of in advance, up to 6-8 months in advance. This is done not by using a resume or reporting a history of sales at a particular show. And while some shows still require slides of your work and one of your booth display, the majority of shows are using online application services --zapplication, Juried Art Services, Entrythingy. So, for every show an artist is interested in doing, he/she will have to apply--pick images of the art and one of a booth display and send them in, along with a jury fee. Then, you wait a couple of weeks/months to find out if you have been selected by the jury to participate. Most all shows have a limited number of spots for their show. Some shows may receive 1200 applications for 150 spots--so your chances of getting accepted are spotty. So sometimes you apply to more than one show on a weekend, in hopes of getting in at least one of them. Or, if you get into two, you have to decide which one to do. You can't send a representative. Artists must be present (admittedly the better shows are better at policing this than some of the lesser shows).

If you are in, you get to send them more stuff--money (for your spot), more money, if you want a corner, still more money if you want electricity, and sometimes more money if you want a specific location. Then, some shows want to know how long your vehicle is--try measuring Sweet Ride in a 6 foot snow bank. Others want a copy of your drivers license, some of your business insurance, some a special passport sized photo for your pass to get into the artist lounge (thanks, Sausalito!), some want your vehicle license number--what happens if you get a new vehicle between now and then?. And, of course, if you are going to donate a piece to their charity auction (THAT is an entirely different post and one I will address soon.), they want to know (again, 6-8 months out) what the piece is, what its title is, want a digital image of it--usually a very specific pixel size.

So, basically, we artists apply for our jobs constantly--no tenure here, baby! If the jury is good and qualified, it will choose artists whose work has artistic merit. If the jury is not exactly qualified, they'll choose what they like. Most juries are supposed to change from show to show, but some recycle their judges pretty often.

So, if you get in, you pay your money for your spot to display what you juried with. And in a very few cases, a commission on the sales you make. In return, you get crowds and advertising for the show. But, you do not get a booth/tent/canopy or walls. The artist is responsible for all that. That is what Sweet Ride is for. We shlep it to the show and put it up and take it down. And, you can only display what you juried with--can't show jewelry if you got in with drawings....

Some artists do a huge number of shows in a given year. Others not so many. But, we artists do make friends at these shows. Our geographic circles may only intersect occasionally--I see my pacific northwest friends at shows in California, Arizona and Idaho but not as much in Texas. But, the really good shows, artists do travel much further afield.

While we don't have total control over our "job"--since we can't always get into all the shows we would like--we do have control over much of our livelihood. and that makes it worthwhile!

Big Panel

2010-04-14T17:44:00.003-06:00

Almost finished this panel today. I still have some highlights to add to the trees. But since I used some oil stick for some of the darker spots on the trees, I've got to wait for that to dry a little so the highlights will stick. The piece is based loosely on the Santuario de Chimayo.

Texas in Springtime is Heaven

2010-04-13T17:22:00.003-06:00

This one is actually Clovis NM--but it is only minutes from the Texas border.
Bluebonnets in Hamilton.
Cows!
Bluebonnets!

I hate HOT and I hate humidity, both of which you'll get plenty in Texas in summertime. But, in April, Texas is a magical place. The bluebonnets are out, as are the Indian Paintbrush and some cool looking yellow daisy-like follows. Add those to the lush green grass, nice light blue sky and you've got a slice of heaven. Then populate the landscape with horse babies, cows and their calves, a few goats, an occasional cardinal. Perfect. So perfect, in fact, that Rees & I meandered our way home from the Woodlands (we found Hamilton County to be particularly beautiful). Made for a long day of driving but was worth it.