Collaboration

Three years ago my friend and gallery owner Wayne decided to host a themed show based on collaboration at his Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth, VA.   I invited fellow Richmond artist Mike Keeling to join me in a painting.  We were both artists with studios at Art Works at the time. 

Long story short, we wound up making two paintings, loving the experience and wound up as studio mates sharing space at Plant Zero in Richmond.  

Fast forward to January 2011.  

Mike and I are still happily sharing space and friendship.  Collaboration with another artist can be a wonderful experience and honestly, we've been lucky that we are not only compatible, but we have so much to teach one another.  We are totally different souls who approach art in such different ways, but we both have a desire to learn, encourage others and to share.  

"Deck Pup"
Mike Keeling and Adele Castillo
All Rights Reserved

So, Wayne sent an email about another collaboration project and !! we had two weeks to get something done.  I was up for that challenge, having just finished my sketchbook project and wanting to get back into a fun painting before tackling commissions that have been put on hold for awhile.  Mike was up for it, so here is our latest, which will be at the 3rd Annual Collaboration Show opening this Friday night at Riverview Gallery.  

Sketchbook Project

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RAINING DOGS AND CATS,  simply sketches

I thought it might be fun and challenging to take on a new project.  I belong to Art House Co-op, an online gallery where you can "meet" and share your art with other artists from all over the world.  It was based in Atlanta, but moved to Brooklyn, NY in 2010.  You can access the site here : Art House Co-op | We build art projects and communities

Above is the cover for my sketchbook.  I originally had a grand idea in mind, but it didn't take shape in the sketchbook I was doing pre-sketches in, so I decided to tackle those in another format. Then I realized, how silly!  I was doing sketches in a sketchbook FOR a sketchbook.  Why was I doing that? Why would I feel silly?  Well, when you see some of the other books, you will know exactly why:  there are so many talented, gifted artists out there doing amazing things with these tiny little books.  I was feeling competitive and overwhelmed.  Competitive?  this is art, not a sport!  

So after talking with my friend Charles, who was also doing a sketchbook, I decided to honor the spirit of sketching and do, well, a sketchbook. 

Some of the sketches turned out nicely, some not so wonderful, a few surprised me and a few others have given me ideas for a new approach to my paintings.  All the ways in which a sketchbook SHOULD work for an artist. As a bonus, I've learned to love sketching again.  

Thank you, Art House Co-op.  

sleeping dog

2 unsuccessful versions of the same dog.  May as well show the oops drawings, too. 

yawning dog

King and brief Notes

King

Happy New Year.  2011 is here.  As I always do in January, I look forward to classes continuing, meeting new students, reorganizing the studios (seems it's becoming an annual ritual) and generally getting back into good habits. 

I'm currently working on a sketchbook project for Art House Co-op, an online gallery and artists' collaborative.  I thought it would be a nice challenge to get me working regularly again.  Yea, well - now I'm scrambling to complete as much of it as possible.  The good part?  I'm really enjoying the sketches of the various dogs and cats I live with and /or have photos of.  


In February I'm headed to a local, intense drawing workshop.  I canNOT wait to get my hands back into paper, charcoal, crayons and whatever other fun materials we use.  Exploring and reconnecting with other media only makes my art better.  I'm also hosting and participating in an encaustic workshop.  This will be a new media for me.  


In between, paintings are happening and they'll show up here when it's time. 


updates on my fur-family for those who've been keeping up :
Gracie is maintaining status quo.  I honestly didn't think she'd survive, but she's surviving with intent.  Still has food issues, but that girldog has some strong will to be.  She astounds and confounds me. 
Gabriela continues to improve her social skills - on her own.  With friends in and out during the holidays, she chose to be in the same rooms with us, check out new people, allow others to touch her, even if fleetingly.  I grin like a proud mama. 
Eugene is declining slightly.  He is now 11 and at 80 pounds, we're lucky he's still as healthy as he is.  We're hoping for some normal aging for him, because there is no way I'll be able to pick up an 80 pound dog even with intense gym work. 
Sassy cat is nearly age 11 as well and she continues to oversee and control the household from whatever perch she chooses.