Friday, May 29, 2009

Week's End


The Lucy's Day event at Cooper Vineyards was well attended last Saturday and Sunday was a pleasant day that included a Blessing of the Animals.  Several of the SPCA dogs and a cat found new adoptive homes.  Here's one fella that wasn't adopted, but isn't he the cutest thing?  He's a sweetie, too.  

I'm working on commission paintings one at a time these days.  I'm finding that my former style of doing several in various stages isn't working for me any longer.  It once was helpful to back away from a piece and see it with fresh eyes later, so I'd work on another in the meantime.  Now it just seems distracting,  and I think I'm working more steadily than before.  Well, at least I think that's the case.  Anyway, Miss Lucy from the previous blog post goes home tomorrow and I'm now working on completing the next two pieces to go to their homes.  Ali and Ella and the sweetest lab named Tess are overdue to their owners.  And a wedding present begun two years ago for a nephew is waaaay overdue. 

I'm still learning the MAC and we have a love/hate relationship.  Most of the time I love it, but when I have an issue I can't seem to easily track down the problem like with a pc.  Basically, the MAC seems to think it has control and humans are idiots.   Solutions are pretty black and white or not at all.  ugh. I know my way around a pc, so I find that frustrating.  I do love the One on One training available at the MAC store....that's the best thing ever.  And the large screen with the resolution is awesome.  

I'm thinking about foregoing all shows for the rest of the year until next spring, to concentrate on painting and teaching.  It's a tough decision, but with a wedding falling on the date of my best selling show and paintings to complete, it seems like a plan.   I'm anxious to begin exploring some new things other than commissions as well.  Working with new paints, mediums, textures and styles has been something I've tackled off and on for two years. It's time to dive in and see where I land.  




Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Catching Up

I'm learning the new MAC fairly rapidly and finally have my old computer up and running.  I can now read old e-mails and have access once again to my notecards, photos, artwork, etc.  I was a little panicky there for a bit.  Thankfully I have a wonderful computer-geek neighbor Jim who came to my rescue and fixed me up.  

The e-mail thing has me a little frustrated.  I don't want to download to the old computer and I need to reply or make contact on the new computer.  It's time consuming, but it'll all work out. Who knew how much impact a lost computer could have on an art business?  
  
I got back into the studio this week.  I'm completing remaining commissions in progress ( 3 to go) and look forward to getting organized again.  This nearly complete piece is a beagle named Lucy, but not the same Lucy  from Cooper Vineyards that I've done before.  I love this painting. It's quite large and the image is striking.  This particular client simply gave me her color preferences and chose the photo reference and left me to do the rest.  Sketches for another client are on the to-do list in addition to those other two commissions. 

This weekend, speaking of Lucys, is Lucy's Day at Cooper Vineyards.  I'll be there Sat. and Sun. with artwork and notecards.  This SPCA benefit is in honor of Lucy, a beagle found on the side of the road after being hit by a car and adopted by Jacque Hogge of Cooper Vineyards.  The SPCA will have their wagon with adoptable pups and kittens, there are often other vendors with various goods from food to soap, there is usually an auction of items and of course, Cooper wines to taste and purchase.  (my faves are the Noche and the Coopertage and always the Sangria...yum!)  Please come say hello and make a purchase.  Proceeds of Cooper sales are donated to the SPCA.  



Friday, May 15, 2009

New Computer - huge learning curve!

I have a brand new Mac. 
 I've taken the plunge after 4 days of staring at new computers in various stores and asking everyone from salespeople to tech support to friends about what to purchase...a Mac or another PC ?  Hey, it was a lot of $$$ so I had to compare. 

I fell in love with the Mac for it's modern look and ease of use.  Plus it's all built into the screen...no more huge computer sitting on the floor.  Yay.  Yet I think I'll miss the PC and the range of programs available, and the familiarity.  This morning I took my external hard drive to the Apple store and said "prove to me how easy it will be to transfer my files. "  and they did.  That is what sold me.  And the fact that I don't have to deal with Vista vs. XP on windows !! ( ya listening Bill?) 
 But it is still different so I think it'll take a bit to become adjusted and fully functioning. 

For the time being I'm still without my former e-mails and addresses, but I do have access to anything new.  And hopefully I'll figure out how to download into my new mail program before the weekend is over. 

Now I have about 4 days of lost painting time to make up.  !!  


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Good Show - Bad Computer

Thank you to all who came out to the Gosport Arts Festival and helped make the weekend a success. In spite of horribly hot and humid conditions on Saturday, those who came enjoyed the show. Sunday was gorgeous to make up for the day before.

On another note, my home and business computer has decided to die a slow death. While I can turn it on, I cannot get it to function, so currently I do not have access to e-mails, addresses, client information or photos. Yes, the files are backed up, but with no functioning format, they aren't accessible. For those trying to contact me, the best way is by phone, mail or via Crossroads Art Center. I'll be back online as soon as a new computer is delivered by the tech stork.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

SHOWTIME

It's time for Gosport Arts Festival. This weekend, May 9 and 10. Portsmouth, VA.

Millie Johnson, the show organizer, is celebrating her 25th anniversary on the show festival scene . If you haven't been to Portsmouth, the show is off the waterfront. Downtown is a charming place to visit and there are plenty of places to grab a bite or shop, in addition to all the wonderful art you will see up and down High St. A great place to take Mom for mother's day.

Visit the website www.gosportartsfestival.com for more details on the show. I'll be in booth C29.
Next to good friend and artist Hugh Harris. My ever helpful Ernie will be with me, and we're looking forward to a great weekend.