Friday Funny

Convictions with foundations

Lately, I have been asked:

Why do I paint the way I do?

It has made me think about what lies at the foundation of my reasons. Do I have a reason I tend to use collage? What draws me to text? Do I have an opinion or conviction for my method? Thinking on this....my answer is "YES!" I have reasons! Realizing this gives me great relief...... (smile, giggle). Things along the way have influenced me subconsciously and appeared on canvas years later.

I have always enjoyed writing, not just the actual handwriting of a person, but text, letters, symbols, fonts. I grew up doodling names in block letters of different shapes and sizes. In painting, I love being able to get close and study the texture and have the secret of a letter or word hidden just under the surface peeking out. I find textures and patterns interesting background. Interesting text and textures cause me to take a closer look to see what secrets lie in plain sight. Mixed media continues to hold my interest simply for the fact that anything can find it’s way onto the canvas. I wish I could remember the artwork I saw as a little girl that used the mixed media technique but I do remember finding small words written in typeface in the background. It was so unusual to me that it made an impression on me that lingers and effects my work now.

Simply put....."Why do I paint the way I do?" because it makes me HAPPY!!

Happy, Happy, Smile, Smile......grin. It's F...U...N...!

My very first PRESS!!

Exciting!!! My very first PRESS!! I was interviewed at The Village yesterday. How Cassie made sense of all my disorganized ramblings, I will never know. But, she wrote a great article and Stuart showcased the artwork fabulously in the photographs he took. You can read the article here at The Eagle.

I am receiving such wonderful support and encouragement locally. This is a great place to be to grow a business. People here want you to succeed. It definitely sets an example to rally around local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Village Cafe and Art979 Gallery Art Show

The Village Cafe is filled with my artwork!! What a very cool and surreal feeling!!! It was jam packed Friday night for First Friday art walk downtown. It was a fun atmosphere with music and friends. This picture is taken from the back of the cafe looking toward the front door.

These are my newest medium, alcohol ink. I received many comments on these. They are fascinating to look at up close with the vibrant colors and abstract shapes. This is the front of the cafe just as you walk in.

I will be doing more of these for my next show in October.

"Sailing On" right by the front door.

Across from the alcohol inks....

It's really fun to walk in and see people sitting with these paintings!

Great windows all the way down the west side of the building. I think the building is from the early 1900's and still has the original floor. If these walls could talk.....

Towards the middle of the cafe. It took 51 paintings to fill all these walls! The space is long and narrow but there is a lot of wall left even with all the windows.

Dining in Venice.

And even 'Tubin' with Rick.....

The show will stay up for the rest of August. The Village will have a reception for me on the 26th. In the meantime, I am gearing up for the next thing....painting LIVE for the Art Center fundraiser in September.....eek!

Thank you to all those who could come out Friday. And thank you to all who sent encouraging notes and comments!! Hugs!!

Almost ready....

"Grow into your dream" 24x48

I've been so busy getting ready for the August exhibit that I am just now coming up for air! I think I'm almost ready!! A few more edges to paint and seal....a few more labels to make.....and then time to hang! I will have 49 originals to display!! The show opens August 5th in The Village Cafe and 979 Gallery! Fun and exciting!!

All By Myself

I have spent the last several days at home alone....secluded.....all by myself.....and I was PRODUCTIVE!!! Yes, I miss my hubby but I have painted my heart out. Smoothies for breakfast, popcorn for dinner.....totally "in the zone". I have 9, yes NINE, new paintings ready to be scanned and printed! The prints will be in the shop in a few days. The originals will be in The Village Cafe in a few weeks. Here is a preview of some of what's new:

My next plan is to do some really large pieces! Stay tuned!!

The office is open for business

I'm busy painting in the studio!! YAY!! It's exciting and intimidating preparing for my first SOLO EXHIBIT!! For the month of August I will have my artwork in The Village Art 979 Gallery. I blogged earlier about it here. I remember thinking ,"One of my goals is to have my work here." and.....it's happening!!! The painting above is the beginning of my latest. Sometimes it's fun to record the process and see it transform to the final product.

Here it is almost finished but still missing meaning.......

It felt like the bird had a message, something to bring to the viewer.

The message was a key on a chain.....

The bird is bringing the very important key to unlock her dreams.........titled "She was given the Key to her Dreams". 12x12