2 Day Mixed Media Collage Workshop at the Maitland Art Center
November 9th & 10th, 2013,
Saturday and Sunday
10:00pm to 4:00pm
Members $99 Non-Members $110
Today is the most perfect day for an art festival! And I'm sitting here at the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, listening to fantastic folk music, meeting the coolest people, and was even petting the cutest rabbits! Come by and say hello! Festival hours are 9 to 5 today and tomorrow.
Booth #6 North end of the park near the music
Come see my new work in person at the Winter Park Art Festival this Sat. and Sun from 9 to 5. I'll be at booth #6 near the stage. Just follow the music!
Builders
16" x 16"
Exchange
12" x 12"
Enjoy
12" x 12"
Flying
6" x 6"
Wishes
8" x 10"
Times Two
10" x 10"
When I built my new site last year, I wanted to make it clean and neat to showcase my available work. But it feels like a huge hole not having at least some of the work from days past! So I have sifted through the thousands of paintings from the past 20 years and have archived some of my favorites. I have sectioned them by period (instead of theme). It brings me such joy to think that these pieces (many of them with eyes) are staring at YOU each morning while you have your cup of coffee! THANK YOU to all you great clients that have purchased my work throughout the years.
As an artist, I can say that the only thing better than a fabulous gallery, is a fabulous gallery at the beach! After dropping off a bunch of new work at Arts on Douglas Gallery, I stopped and took some time for myself with a walk with the birds, the breeze and the waves. I got filled up with new ideas and inspirations from the textures and sounds. I got energized by the bliss of the kids playing in the water and the patience of the surfers waiting for the next great ride. I love the ocean. And I am so grateful for the people at Arts on Douglas.
Being an artist can be so exquisitely blissful. I've always said, “Any day in the studio is a great day.” But it’s not always easy having a career as an artist. When you're used to making a nice living with your work and a “bad economy” hangs on for over 5 years and counting, the ugly face of doubt starts appearing in the strangest of corners. Galleries are facing the same problems as artists, yet the rejection letters from them are stinging a little more than usual. I need to find new ways to get my work out in the world.
I try to remember the many reasons I admire Georgia O'Keeffe including that fact that she sold a big commission to Elizabeth Arden (the cosmetic queen) in the 1930's for $10,000. In 1932, the average salary for a textile worker was $423! I believe that anything is possible. By definition that includes complete catastrophe and outright miracles. I’m choosing miracles. So I'll continue my search for representation in new galleries, I’m looking forward to the next check in the mail and I will always practice gratitude for the wonderful things I do have- like the great galleries that I am in and stopping for soft sand.
Every now and then, I have to go back and re-work a painting. Here's the latest!
Renewed, 24" x 24", acrylics, charcoal, fabric and paper on wood panel
Don't Forget, 24" x 30", Arts on Douglas Gallery this weekend.
Isn't it amazing how fast a sunset or sunrise changes? Sometimes I wish I could burn the images of how it changes into my memory so that I wouldn't forget. Like watching you kids grow up! Simultaneously, so slow and so fast.
Like Clearwater, that I did a few years ago, I did Don't Forget with hardly any paint. It reminds me of the fabric bowls that I did with my son a few weeks ago.
I've been doing a lot of research about pattern design and pattern design artists. I just adore my collection of fabrics and I'm entertaining the idea of training myself to make my own. I started sewing when I was 5, so as a child of the 70's, patterns are in my upbringing. My ancestors, on both sides of my family, were French Canadians that moved to Rhode Island to work in the textile mills during the Textile Revolution, so textiles are in my DNA. I've created with them for years; sewing them, painting on them, painting with them. I think I'm ready to design them!
Destination, 12" x 12", at Arts on Douglas Gallery this weekend.
What's your next destination? If you're not travelling over the next 2 weekends but want to venture into new places, come take a workshop!
2 Day Mixed Media Collage Workshop at Mount Dora Center for the Arts
September 21st & 22nd, 2013
Saturday and Sunday
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Members $195 Non-members $225
2 Day Mixed Media Collage Workshop at Crealde School of Art
September 28th & 29th, 2013
Saturday and Sunday
9:30am to 4:30pm
Members $185 Non-members $205
September 21st & 22nd, 2013
Saturday and Sunday
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Members $195
Non-members $225
I recently had the privilege of doing a commission for an extremely awesome daughter from down under. Sarah from Australia wanted me to do a painting of her Mom, who lives in England, for her 70th birthday. Her Mom, who's name is Christine, is a world traveller and has lived in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Norway, Scotland, England, London and Cornwall. She travelled with her 3 children when they were young too. Sarah sent me a bunch of photos of their adventures and told me about how Greece was one of her Mom's favorite places. Christine also used to own a fabric gallery in England. The serendipity! I love it!
So we chose this photo because of her great expression and contentment. I am so happy with the way it came out!
Christine, did you know then the years of adventures to come? You're an inspirational Mom in my book and you definitely raised a thoughtful daughter. I wish you a very very HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY! Enjoy!
