I had to do an abstract yesterday because I just didn’t have brain power for anything else. It was a meditative process. The felted cat is a second piece I did in the workshop I took over the weekend. The 2nd and 4th pieces were actually both done today. So I’m one ahead! The painting is done, but the collage will need more work and may turn into a mixed media piece.
I decided May was a good time to do a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. It’s been a while since I’ve done one. I added an additional twist to it by using my 30 min time glasses. I’ve got a nice pile of pictures to pull from and my tools are ready and waiting each day. The first 3 days are complete – two watercolors and a wool painting. Today will be another wool painting.
I’ve had a great week. I finished several pieces. Some had been languishing in the studio for months and some that have only a few weeks. Some were even already on my wall, but I knew that before they went public they would have to have some tweaks made. Two were actually a single piece for years. It was one of my over done mixed media pieces. I’ve gotten much better about not over doing them.
Well, obviously not keeping up with my Blog. The Holidays always do a number on my time management skills (which as I age deteriorate regularly).
I’ve been entering shows, sometimes with new work, sometimes with old work. Most of the time they request that work be no older than 3 years and most of the time I obey. Occasionally, though, if a piece fits the theme I’ll go ahead and enter something older. After all, it’s not like I don’t still want to sell it! The pieces I’ve shared with the public lately:
It’s an addiction, obviously, my art buying. I purchased a print of Elaine Austin’s, Janet Rogers watercolor, Jl Kette (in Melrose) Sumi-e bamboo, Kathryn Heise mini watercolors, Megan Reid, , Rosanne Egidio. I’m always adding to my collections, so I’m sure I’ll be sharing some more.
It’s been a while since I won an award this piece recently won in a JAG show. It’s a funky piece that makes you go “Hmmm??”, I hope. It’s called “Which Way Is Up? I received a Juror’s Choice award (Honorable Mention).
I’ve always loved all sorts of textile art. Felting and weaving are some of my favorite’s. Art quilts are a long time passion given that my mother was a quilter. The first is by Candace McCaffery (in Melrose) the second is by Amy Dove, number three is by Stacy Streeter and the my most recent was purchased at the Cummer and is by Billy MacCray. Isn’t she lovely! Well they ALL are.
I’ve been working on this one for a few weeks and as soon as I finished it, I realized that there is no way it will be accepted. Sadly it wasn’t as cathartic as I’d hoped either. The venue is a business so they aren’t likely to want an overtly political piece being displayed in the office. Ah well, it was in my head and had to get out, I guess; even if it didn’t relieve my anxieties.
I’m fortunate that many of my artist friends are willing to not only trade with me for art, but also give me art. How did I get so lucky?! They’ve been particularly generous this year. The orange tabby was painted specifically for me by my friend Cynthia Csalovzski. The other paintings are by Arlene Tabor.
When I buy a friends art it gives me double the pleasure. Being a member of several local art groups means I have lots of artist friends: in order from left to right Bill Gura, Donald Penny, Gail Beveridge, Jacquelyn Pfaff Pratt, Kay Deuben, Lisa Lofton, Lori Ann Sweet (actually a trade for a frame), Michelle Karahalios, Peggy Harrell, Rhona Scovell. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so much talent!
