His Gaudy Vest

"Fish fine, and far off." --Charles Cotton

 (From John Gay, an English poet)

When if an insect fall (his certain guide)

He gently takes him from the whirling tide:

Examines well his form with curious eyes,

His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns and size,

Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds,

And on the back a speckled feather binds,

So just the colours shine thro' ev'ry part,

That nature seems to live again in art.

Although the possessive pronoun "His" in the above  poem refers to the "Gaudy Vest" of the insect, I thought that theme might be what directed my decoration of the fishing vest for Casting for Recovery.  I got a little carried away with the decoration of the fishing vest.  But it was fun, if perhaps a tad too time consuming.  And there won't be another one of my oil pastels being had for a song at an auction.  Instead, hopefully someone will get to bid on the fishing vest.  Now, I did paint all of the flies, river and fish on canvas rather than directly on the vest (how does one hang a vest on an easel to paint it?) and instead of gluing the pieces on the vest, I used velcro so all the decoration could be removed.  So, in theory, a person could buy the vest and remove the canvas pieces and frame them. Or they could buy the crazy vest and keep it just the way it is.  What would you do with it?

Resolution Revisions

I'm beginning to think New Year's resolutions are not for me.  They are too vast.  And by setting so many tough resolutions, I feel like I am bound to fail.  So, I'm implementing a new plan.  A monthly revisit of what I want to accomplish.  After all, a year is a long time and I may like the opportunity to change that resolve and those goals.

Studio work is going well.  Mostly oil pastels since I haven't been applying to shows much in the painting category.  I think the work I've been putting out is strong and I have some good ideas of where I would like to take it.  Whether it goes with me is an entirely different story!

After watching a reality tv show about a failing restaurant, I turned to Rees and said "I can't believe this guy doesn't know the costs that go into his bread."  And then I had a moment. A moment when I realized that I did not have a strong handle on the costs of my "products" either.  I did at one time.  But, I've upgraded the frames, my mat supplier has raised his pricing, and frankly, I don't know if my glass costs more now than it used to. In fairness to me, I am not on the verge of bankruptcy.  I am making a decent living. Still, a good business person would have a handle on both fixed and variable costs involved in his/her business.  And, so I am going to calculate those things out. Then, at least I'll know and won't be a pot calling the kettle black the next time I watch that silly tv show....

Oh, and by the way, my new year's resolution of "Being Nice to People" is going pretty well.  I do try to get Rees to answer the phone in case it is a solicitation or something, which would probably elicit a rude response from me.  But, so far, the nice thing has been pleasant.  Tough when I had to hand the receipt over to the anti-theft person at Sam's door on the way out...but I did smile.  Couldn't quite get myself to say anything nice but I did smile.  How is that for resolve!

Let the Preparations Begin

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

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!

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

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

 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?

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

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.

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!