Studio Energy

This past Friday was our monthly 4th Friday Opening night.  Mike and I always have the studio open for those who wander over from their visit to Art Works next door or Art Space within Plant Zero.  We both went in exhausted and cranky from the week just ending, but it didn't take long for us to get into gear and enjoy the rest of the evening.

We both noted how much the studio along with our guests and other artists energize us.  I set up my easel and began a new painting and painted for most of the night.   It's fun to be able to share the birth of a piece with anyone who wants to watch.  I love the questions.  How do you decide the color?  Why do you paint in layers?  What makes you choose your subject matter?  Even though it is officially a "work night" for us, it's more of a social event.
A cocktail party where I get to wear jeans!  yahoo.

Mike greeted visitors and wandered around to see what else was happening.  Several times we were asked if we were married to one another.  I think we get along so well as studio-roomies (it's been a year now) and we mesh well as artists, it does lead some to wonder.  We like to give the emphatic "no way!" but really, I enjoy sharing the studio with Mike.  (shhhhh- don't tell him I said that).

At the end of the evening, when things wind down, we get to hang out with assorted friends and fellow artists.  I look forward to those moments.
If you haven't been out, we're there every 4th Friday night of every month, but December.

The Art Software

My friend and fellow artist Susan Singer has asked me to share my quest for a program to help me keep my records straight.

I'll start with my needs so it all makes sense.  I have over 130 images and counting.  I create notecards and have a monthly income from those sales.  I sell prints on request, due to the number of images available.  I paint on commission, so I have a large database of clients and a wait list to refer to.  I keep a mailing list that is organized into various categories.  In addition I have gallery and retail contacts.  Lastly, I keep track of when and where I met someone.  So I want a program to keep all of that information stored in one place and that has the ability to link most anything if needed.  (For example, if I do a show in another city, I would like to be able to organize a postcard campaign via zip codes.  Or if I sell a print, I'd like to link the image, the print and the client together, yet also keep the print edition and image in their own files)

I have used and liked Working Artist, which is on my old PC.  It is not MAC compatible, so I had to find another option.  First I went to Google and searched for programs for artists.  That led me to a variety of options, so I became more specific and looked for office management software for artists.  Then I found most were not MAC compatible, so I added in for MAC.  That led me to just a few.  I also had an article from a favorite art magazine that had a few listings.

I downloaded trial versions of eArtist  http://www.artscope.net/eArtist/
and Artist's Butler  http://www.lynnsoft.net/
and currently am also using a trial version of the made-for-MAC Bento http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/features.html.

All are quite useful and none are perfect.  eArtist seemed the most complete for my needs, although not as easy to use or navigate as I would like.  Artist's Butler was the easiest to use and was no doubt designed for a MAC by and for an artist.  I came close to purchasing, but there was no way to keep track of prints that made sense for the number of images I have.  Combine that with the print size options  and attaching a sale to a client, then I would have had to create multiple, unlinked records.  Otherwise, it was just about the perfect program.  And Lynn at Lynnsoft answered my e-mailed questions within hours.  (nice!)

Then I discovered Bento.  It's a fun program and easy to use, with template options in the program and downloadable for free from other Bento users, but I'm seeing that I'd still have to create databases elsewhere and link them.  I like the ease of use in Bento, (oh, drag and drop, how I love my MAC!) and may just purchase it for other purposes at home, but for now eArtist is the program of choice.  I only wish it weren't quite so, I don't know, "officy."  If another program came along that met most of my needs and was simpler to use, I'd probably switch in a heartbeat. ( I'll keep my eye on you, Artist's Butler.)

Thanks, Susan, for the blog-sharing idea.  And thank you to Susan B. who is the one actually DOING all this data entry and organizing for me.

New Post

This is going to be short and sweet.  I've learned now you need to be careful what title you give a post.  Apparently the word "managing" has triggered those itchy little spammers from unnamed countries to bombard me with unintelligible, non-sensical English.   Which is why I moderate comments.  Not to block out the negative (which thankfully I have yet to receive) but to keep out the crazy and profane.

geesh.

Managing my Records

So, what I've been doing this afternoon between my morning and evening class is trying to figure out which artist record-keeping program I want to invest in.  I could spend anywhere from $30 - $700 +.  Which is astounding to me.

I just want a way to keep track of my inventory of art and my clients, and sometimes merge the two.  I need mailing list options and print edition records, plus a way to track where everything is.  It wasn't hard to narrow down my options.  I'm NOT paying $700 for a program really intended for gallery use.  And most programs do not work on a MAC.  So now Susan B. and I are each working the free-trial-options on the two most likely programs to do the trick.

This is exactly the kind of thing that eats into my studio time and annoys me beyond my tolerance level.
Yet, it must be done.  !

Was I whining?  hmphhh.  maybe so.  I'll go do some sketches.

New Year in - Old Year out

In 2010, I will hand over my day to day business to Susan B., my office manager. 

I have come to realize I can NOT do it all.  I can do it all well, just not at the same time.  And as Susan said the first day we met, if I keep spending my time doing business, I won't have a business to run.  She nailed it.  

Thankfully I saw where I was headed and unfortunately I waited as long as I did to remedy the situation. But, in waiting, I met the right match for me in Susan.  I can see us getting the day to day issues back under control so that I am freed up to paint more.  THAT excites me and I can't wait to be in the studio on a regular basis. 

In 2010 I will spend more time painting.  

I have commissions to work on and personal goals to achieve and projects I'm dying to undertake and new techniques to explore.  

 In 2010 I will take care of my body. 

My body fought me for a good part of the last decade.  It seems to think that as I age it's supposed to give up.  My brain disagrees, regardless of what the mirror and scales try to tell me every day.  So I'll continue with yoga to keep my spine healthy and I'll continue at the gym to keep my muscles strong and my goal this year is to remove some of the fat grams from my belly.  oh, I didn't say I was giving up chocolate, did I?  NO I did NOT. 

In 2010 I will take care of my inner peace. 

I have worked diligently to let go of yesterdays.  Not forget, because that is foolish. But let go of those things that like to wallow in the brain.  Live in the moment and make more of the moment I'm in.   I will nourish that which is positive and eliminate that which is negative in my life from my life, whether it be a person or a thing.  That person or thing may not be bad, just bad for me.  I will practice "moving on."


I am looking forward to what may come in 2010. 

From this in 2009

                                                                                       To this in 2010

A Whole Week Disappeared.

I see it has been an entire week since my last post.  I'm trying to do better than that and hope to improve in the New Year.

Let's see - since last time I've received my new easel and work station.  Although the studio is still in disarray, you can see both here.  The easel is in the back left corner and the work station is in the center of the room.  My old easel is to the left in front and the first easel my parents gave me when I was around 10 years old, give or take, is against the bare, back wall. The old easel has my two current commission pieces on it and there is a double-sketch for a client on the floor.  I usually work in a cluttered space, but now that the room is in upheaval as I learn to sort and organize, it's driving me crazy!

Shortly after the easel and workstation arrived, we had a snowfall of 12 inches.  Here is a portion of my backyard (Which 6 days later is STILL covered in white. Look at the snow pile in the chair by the tree.)  Perfect time to paint, no? Well, yes, but I had to spend the time cleaning house for guests, baking and finishing up Christmas shopping when I was able to get out.  I'm finally caught up and plan to go paint, even if for an hour.  Snow really slows everything down.  Taking the dogs outside takes twice as long - the snow boots, the ice.  Driving anywhere took forever, watching out for black ice and worrying about the other drivers.  My husband was sideswiped on a main, undivided highway!  Scary stuff.

I'm looking forward to getting past the holidays and to the snow disappearing.  My office organizer will arrive on Tuesday for our second round of working together.  I can't wait to see how she envisions dealing with what is now an even more disheveled room than the one she left!  And I am anxious to complete some paintings.

Working on it

I'm getting there.
I ordered a "work station" to help organize my supplies and minimize the clutter in my workspace.
I ordered a big new easel (Merry Christmas to me!) to keep two paintings going at once and to accommodate larger pieces.

My new COO to Go arrives in the morning to help me get my act together and learn my business.  The goal is to eventually have her handle the time-consuming, necessary desk work and minutiae that overwhelms me while I, clueless to the world, blissfully paint away.  Well, we'll see how that works out.

Here is one shot of my supply table.  The cat is not always included, but it's typical of some of my workspace. I even have another table in front of that one to hold my palette and another to my left to keep my references, an extra palette, tubes of paint, notes, and more.
 I'll post more before and after pics.  I can't bring myself to put them up all at once.

The hardest part of this is taking the time to actually organize.  I feel guilty!  A catch-22:  needs to be done, don't have the time to do.  ughhh.

Clutter

I am a pack-rat.
I collect things.
I have difficulty letting go.
I might need them someday.  The things.
Why pay for the same thing later when I have it now?  I can save it for later.
It's hard to throw away useful items.  Never mind that I may not be using them.
Too much stuff clutters my creative space - mentally and physically.

Oh, I bet you artists and boomers can relate.

I want a new easel.
I need to do my Christmas cards.
I MUST finish some paintings.
I want to curl up with a book.
I need to clean house.
I MUST finish my Christmas shopping.

What, exactly, is wrong with wanting Peace on Earth.  and a kitten?

I did say, "...with Stay Musings on Occasion."

Raining Cats and Dogs

Ha!  Well, it IS raining.  Again. Endlessly. Ceaselessly.  INCESSANTLY.
Please stop!!
My dogs have to be hosed down after every outdoor venture these days.  Sheesh.  All I can say is that come spring, our plants better bloom and grow like mad.

Above is a painting I'm doing for fun for me in my "spare time."  A style change for sure.

Here are a couple of pieces I've been working on for awhile.  They are in a rough phase now.   Several revisions later, they'll be completed soon, at least that's the goal.

The top one is Plum the kitty and the bottom one is Mikki the Golden Retriever.

On another note, the opening night for Castillo and Company was more successful than I imagined.  We had a huge crowd visit our portion of the gallery at Crossroads Art Center (the Caboose Gallery.)  I'm quite proud of the show and everyone who is participating.  If you haven't seen it yet, it will be on view until early January.  Many of my students do take commission work.  I shamelessly promote them all - they are excellent painters.

Castillo and Company

Wednesday

So the show is hung and I have a day to catch up with blogs and Facebook and sketches and stuff.  Plus go to the gym, cut the grass - yep, that's catching up!  yikes.






I was tickled to finish a piece I've been tackling off and on for a few months.  In my "spare" time.
This is "Running Buddies" and is my husband and youngest pup, caught napping after a run one morning.

Yesterday, with the help of Marcia, I got the show Castillo and Company mostly completely ready.  Still have to get tags and bios and such printed and applied.  We have 14 artists with 43 pieces on display.  I am really proud of all my students, their work and this show.


Now, off to my home studio to finish up some sketches.

Shows and Commissions and Classes, oh my!

Another busy week is ahead.

My fall newsletter is out. If you are interested in receiving a newsletter pop me an email and I'll gladly put you on my email list.

We returned early from what should have been a week on the Outer Banks. In case you missed it, a Nor'easter began blowing in on Tuesday and eventually wreaked havoc on the OBX, as well as in Virginia. So we decided it was best to pack up the dogs and the van and come home before the wind blew us off the roads.

I've spent the rest of my "vacation" time prepping for the show opening this Friday night - Castillo and Company. I am so proud of this show. It's the first one I have organized and mostly showcases the work of my talented students. It also includes a few of my paintings and that of fellow artists Mike Keeling and Hugh Harris. Some of my students are exhibiting artists as well. Even though others are beginners, they are all astoundingly talented. I hope to post photos as soon as the show is ready. The event is posted on Facebook.

I never stop working on commissions and have several in progress again. I hadn't intended for that to happen, but when a few clients didn't respond right away, I skipped to the next client. Before I knew it, ALL responded. (this was several months ago) So yes, I have multiple pieces in various stages of progress. Hoping to get Mikki completed first on canvas, then move on to completing Plum and getting the rest out of the sketch phase following that.

Lastly, classes start up again this week. Just a short class this time around, but come January I'll be offering 3 options, including a daytime class.

So, now that I have caught up the blog with pertinent info, time to get back to painting and getting this exhibit ready.

Saying Goodbye

A month has passed and I have neglected my blog. It turned out to be a month of events and unexpected news. Painting was sporadic, but continued nevertheless.

I try to keep my personal life separate from my art life, but sometimes one affects the other.

Saying Goodbye.

A good friend of 26 years left us a few weeks ago. All too soon. I know she isn’t the first to die too young (I happen to think 70 is too young), but she is the first among my many enduring friendships to go.

I met my friend Terry the first year I taught at a neighborhood school in Virginia Beach. I’ll never forget that day, as there were many of us who became longtime friends that year. Our principal had all of us in a faculty meeting share “how I spent my summer vacation” with one another as an ice-breaker for the newbies and to allow the returning faculty play a quick game of catch-up. We all rolled our eyes and thought about what to share, or not. It was Terry who made the biggest impression as she announced “I got married!” to the surprise of most everyone.

I mention that, because that marriage became a lasting and lovely testament to love, respect and admiration among two people. They adored one another. I not only have cried over my loss of a friend, but for his tremendous loss of his soul mate.

Terry was there for me when I went through my divorce from my first husband many years ago. I puppysat and housesat for her while she and Bobby took trips together. She and Bobby had the most beautiful home and opened it graciously to me. It was a paradise to me and a place where I would draw and paint during those housesitting times.

Terry was an excellent teacher who touched the lives of many children. She had the same effect on all who entered her life and more profoundly on those of us she called friend. And that is a good many people, as it turns out. She had a heart of gold, listened intently, and made all of us feel like we were the most important person in her life. Her sense of humor was keen and crisp, but never biting or harsh. She could tell a story and have us all rolling in laughter or chuckling knowingly at her take on life.

Terry was instrumental in keeping together the group of us who had forged a special friendship at school. We became the Lunch Bunch, and at least once a year for probably the past 20 years we would get together to share our lives, our trips, our failures and our successes. I don’t recall Terry ever missing a single Lunch Bunch. The next gathering will be, well, I don't know how it will be.

Dear Terry, May your energy be sent into the Universe, to be used for the highest purpose and greater good. May your star shine brightly as your memory lives on in our hearts. We miss you.

Fall Season Blending

It is that time of year when I juggle yard work with art work and whatever else comes along. It can be frustrating, but since I have learned, more recently than I should admit, that I can only be in the present moment, I don't worry about what I'm NOT doing and focus on what I AM doing. It's my fall season blending...a little of this here, a little of that there.

Trying to fit it all in is a challenge. I know I'm not alone, but holy cow...I remember days when I would actually wonder, "what shall I do today?" An eternity ago.

One of those Random Posts

I hated missing the 43rd Street Arts Festival in Richmond this year. I had many of you tell me you missed seeing my work. Believe me, I only "skipped out" because I attended the wedding of a nephew that evening in North Carolina. Which was a beautiful mixture of southern tradition and contemporary fun. The couple is just adorable and I was tickled to see the men, as well as the bride, in Toms shoes. No heels under a gown fit for Scarlett O'Hara for my new niece. Back to the subject, I hear it was a beautiful day in Richmond and 43rd Street was well-attended. It's my intention to return next year, if accepted back in.

Last night was busier than anticipated at 4th Fridays in Manchester. I saw a few old friends from Tidewater (Hampton Roads shall forever be Tidewater in my heart) who came in on a charter bus with fellow members of Chesapeake Bay Artists Association to see their own group show at Art Works. Thank you to all who wandered over to Studio 8 for a visit.

Later, fellow artist Susan and her husband popped in late and we have decided to paint out of our comfort zone. Soon she and I shall meet and do landscapes. ! I'm dying to have the opportunity to explore and grow. I love painting my pups and kitties, but I've been doing it for so long, I need to tackle something new. It will help me to be a better painter and is always energizing and refreshing. AFTER the upheaval and cursing, that is. (I really despise painting landscapes and even more doing so outdoors. But I shall persevere.)

Classes are underway and I am so excited that 3 of my students are branching out and exploring other subject matter. Hmmm, I just caught the connection there. Maybe there is an energy out there calling to some of us right now. Well, here is to taking the next step.

On another note, I had the opportunity to see the show Flesh Made Paint just before it closed at the Phillips Collection in D.C. I understand it has moved to New York. If at all possible and you are an artist, or even if not, it is one of the most fabulous shows I've seen. It can be found via google. ooooh, ahhhh. amazing.

I'm going to end this post with an image from one of my customers. I am so glad one of my random photos become painting found its rightful home. You can see in this photo that Diesel is admiring his newly acquired portrait, titled Taking Notice.

I take photos of dogs whenever I do an outdoor show. Then I paint the images that speak to me, usually for exhibit or as demonstrations for my students and workshops. This pup caught my eye with his unusual eye patch, so YEAH, I took pics and painted him.

In the meantime, his owner contacted me about commission work. I sadly relayed that I wasn't taking on new commissions. This particular person would check in from time to time to see if I was ready to take on a new commission. I didn't make the connection right away and I had no idea at the time that this person contacting me was the dad of the dog I wound up painting later for fun. Thankfully I often make notes about the photos I take if the owners are willing to chat with me at the time. And sometimes I even check those notes. :-)

This ends happily a year and various e-mails later (yep, I didn't say I was quick.) Once I connected the dots I contacted the pup's owner to let him know I had actually already painted his dog. Once he saw the pic, he confirmed. A painting I did at random was united with the pup's humans. How sweet is that?

I've neglected my Blog!

Well, September is here and I have neglected my blog. This is a quick post to catch up with basics and then more posts will follow.

Classes have begun again at Crossroads and at the studio. It's good to see everyone and be back.

This Friday night will be 4th Fridays in Manchester and as always, our Studio 8 at Plant Zero will be open for you to visit. No special plans this month, but Mike has been working on new paintings he'd love to show off.

I spent more of August working on home projects than I had anticipated, plus took a sweet beach vacation that was most wonderful and much needed. I pulled out my crayons and sketch book for the first time in several years. Lastly, I spent my creative time in August working on sketches for several commission clients and I'll soon be putting about 5 new commission pieces on canvas. Then there is Mikki who is in the final stages of completion. So, while things didn't go quite as planned, which is soooooo typical of my daily life, it was a kind and gentle August for the first time in several years.

Ahhhhhhhh.

End of August

It's nearing the end of August. I had hoped to accomplish more, but am tickled I got as much done in the studio as I did. Not too unexpectedly, household projects took their share of my time. Nevertheless, here are two pieces in progress.

This one is Sundance.

And this one is Micki, Tess's companion.

Sundance is a small 8 inch square panel and Micki is a larger painting on canvas.

Ditto, Plum and King are all in the sketch phase and I'll post their images as soon as each makes it to canvas.

Remember this Friday night, the 28th, is 4th Friday celebrating the arts in Manchester, downtown Richmond and we'll have the studio open with our guest artist exhibiting for the first time. We're pretty excited about that. See the Art Tails info in the column to your right.

My latest e-mail newsletter has been sent out. If you didn't get it and would like to, email me and I'll get it to you asap. If you do not have my email, visit my website and you'll find a way to contact me.

Lastly, I'll soon be setting down the brushes for a much anticipated week on the beach. Yay!! Then back to work and classes begin. I need another month of summer. Any way we can order that, for takeout?

Good Energy Good Month

So much happening in a month that was meant to be quiet and productive for me. Productive it is, but in ways I had not anticipated.

Last night I attended a meeting with a diverse group of artists representing an array of media - from actors to painters to writers and an architect, and my favorite of the night; a professional pumpkin carver. The energy was relaxed yet invigorating. Bringing so many together to network and share knowledge and ideas was for me just what the doctor ordered. Wow.

You can follow this group on Blogger

http://www.collaborativearts.blogspot.com/

and once I remember how to, I'll include it in my sidebar here.

Carley is another commission completed which goes home this weekend. She's a precious King Charles Spaniel. As with all of my images notecards are available and prints by request.

More commissions are in various stages - from sketches awaiting approval to Tess, progressing nicely. Tess hasn't been seen by her humans yet, so still no post for that one.

Lastly, my studio partner Mike and I are trying something different. We have invited our first guest artist to show her work in our studio. We always open the studio on the 4th Friday of every month, and my student and friend Shirley Silberman is looking forward to her artistic debut in August. Hopefully I also figure out how to post her invites, but you can read more on my Facebook page or look for the event titled Art Tails. Shirley's style and work has intrigued me from the day I met her and I am proud to show off her work at The Eight, our Plant Zero space.

Time for a Break

So, more sketches and paintings are now in progress and I'm gonna take a break and put my toes in the sand for a bit.

Before I leave, I'm going to share something I've been pondering that puzzles me greatly.

I paint in color. You can't miss what I do and how I do it. I do not paint in realistic color....I interpret with color. I assume people are drawn to my work largely because of the color, or if they want one of my paintings, they know I'll be using unusual color. So I am baffled when a client (and it's been more than one) asks me to paint their commission piece in realistic colors. For me it's like saying "I love what you do, but do something different." And I do accommodate the requests to some degree. After all I want my client happy. But my best paintings are the ones where I have the most freedom to let the subject matter speak to me.

Similarly not too many months ago, I took my paintings out of a gallery that was not successful in selling for me. The gallery director, upon my leaving, thanked me for bringing my work and told me how much he and his clientele loved seeing what I do. And that he'd love for me to bring more work in the future if I desired. And that maybe I should do landscapes.

Now, I was feeling pretty good and ready to thank him profusely until that last sentence.

Huh? I dunno.

Would you ask a landscape artist to paint green dogs? A portrait painter to draw bowls of fruit?

Again....I dunno.

Share your thoughts if you are so inclined.

Moving on in the Studio

Tess will be delivered this weekend.  Her companion Micki is now underway.  Carley is nearly finished.  

So, worried I would be in a lull a couple of weeks ago with the pending completion of current work,  I contacted those next in line for a painting.  Got a photo shoot done.  Contacted the next person and didn't hear back.  So I contacted the next person.  And response was slow in coming.  So I contacted the next person and got in another photo shoot.

Oh, you know what happened next. 

ALL of them made decisions at once, so now I have 3 simultaneously waiting for sketches.  and yet a 4th person to get back to me about photos. yikes.  It'll be a busy August, but it's manageable.  The good news is the wait list gets shorter and shorter. 

In the meantime, classes have ended for the summer so I can enjoy uninterrupted painting (theoretically, that is) and get in some beach time.  Classes will start up again in September. 

Lastly,  I'm still transferring e-mail addresses manually to my new computer.  Once I have that done, a newsletter will be forthcoming.  Are you on the wait list and haven't received an update? Don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.  It's quicker for me to respond to your request than for me to send out updates. 

  

Tess is DONE!

Finally.  I have completed sweet Tess.  I'll probably keep tweaking til it leaves the studio ( or rather til the varnish goes on) but I am done.  Yahoo!  

Am working on a spaniel for my next client and waiting for decisions from several clients after that.  It's nice to be in a groove and have a gentle pace.  

This is Carley.   In progress. 

Miss Tess

This is Tess.  Another painting nearly completed. 

Tess has been among the most difficult paintings I've ever taken on.  Just looking at it you wouldn't know, but she is a composite of many different photos.  Her human wanted to see Tess's quirks and special features, her love for her ball and her curved paw, and capturing them all in one photo just didn't happen. I had a really hard time getting a good photo of Tess, as she is a very shy creature, hates the camera and is elderly, too boot.  Meeting Tess helped tremendously and a second visit later helped cement what we ( Tess's mom and I)  thought would make a good composition. The elements would have to come from several photos, a few of mine, a few of hers. 

And that was the easy part.  

This is one of those pieces that I had to work on some, set away for awhile, work on other paintings,  get input from my client, work some more, wait some more, etc.  Getting proportions correct when doing a composite is a huge challenge alone.  Adding to that was my leaning to certain colors that my client wasn't so fond of, so finding what worked for both of us and compromising along the way was a learning experience for the artist's side of me.  I got it from a customer/personal point of view.  But once I hit the palette and easel, it's another thing entirely. 

Complicating this even more for me was my client's keen and critical eye.  When I would ask about one item of concern, she would find another few to point out.  Not that that is a bad thing, it's just that for me, I had my head wrapped around solving one issue and next I knew I had a few more to consider at the same time that I didn't see.   Again, I learned a lot about being in my head and communicating that compared to a client seeing something with fresh eyes and what pops out for them.  

Honestly, there were times when I didn't EVER want to look at this painting again.  ( Since I'm blogging about my experiences,  only posting the good moments would be unrealistic.)

Thankfully, my client was much more laid back than she may sound here.  She simply says what she thinks and while that was hard, it was helpful.  She also has given me time to "get it right" so we are both pleased with the outcome.  How long has that been?  Over a year.  Really.  

I'm back to a place where I'm painting Tess daily, working on the details and not minding a bit. I see progress and am feeling satisfied with the results. It's a good place for an artist to be. 

I'll post the completed piece, after I say "I'm done" and after Tess's mom says "Yes, you are."  

I want her to look at the painting every day and be able to say "That's my Tess."  

Another One Completed

Yay.  Another painting completed and ready to deliver.  

Yay.  Printed my first notecard successfully using the MAC, Print Shop and my trusty Epson printers.   ( that's a huge step in my Mac learning curve) 

Accomplishments abound so I dance with glee.  !! 

This is Ella and Ali, two beautiful black labs who live together.   Once their human and I agreed on a format, this painting was a joy to do.  It was challenging with all the dark hair, various highlights and way too many blades of grass to even contemplate replicating,  but fun to paint.  Originally there were to be pots of geraniums or hydrangeas included, then perhaps more landscaping, but it all distracted from the pups, so away all that went.  Sometimes a simple presentation is all ya need. 

Although I don't include much personal info here, I am quite proud of myself for returning to the gym after a nearly 10 year hiatus.  I splurged to hire a personal trainer, but it's been well worth the expense to get back into the groove.   What does this have to do with painting?  Well, if I am going to continue painting for more than an hour or two at a time, then I need to get back into shape.  Really, don'tcha need biceps to hoist a loaded paint brush? :-)  

Seriously, I just felt the need to find what muscles I had left and make them work again.  Yoga helped me get to where I am now so adding the gym workout seemed to be the next logical step.   So far, so good.  

Short Notes

Geez, already mid-June.  This is just a catching up post. 

I've taken the leap and decided not to do any more festival shows this season.  I won't get back out on the circuit again until next spring.  The economy is making sales slow, there are too many commissions waiting to be done and I'm in a groove.  It's good to see the paintings evolving and even better when I deliver one.  

My classes have started back up again as well.  So yep, some new work may come from demos, but most work will be commission pieces.  

I will be hosting a show and exhibiting around the holidays this year, so stay tuned for that.  

Since it is summer, I'll also be taking time off to spend with my husband and friends on vacations.  Can NOT wait to put my toes in some warm sand. !!   We just spent our first weekend trip in the mountains with my oldest sister, visiting old family haunts and giving Ernie his first look at my parents' home town.  

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.  

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.  

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.  !!  

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.

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.

Rambling Thoughts

Thanks to everyone who came out last 4th Friday night. It was a slow night, but it was beautiful out, so who can blame anyone for indulging in drinks on the patio instead? Here are a couple of photos of the newly updated and clean studio.

On another topic:
I make no secret of the fact that I spend most of April and May painting and prepping for the shows I attend. I suspend my classes for a month. Commission work isn't set aside, but it isn't my priority for that period of time. I basically reverse my usual tactics - I work on new pieces for show and do the commissions between drying times and to change up what I'm seeing. Typically it's the other way round - commission work first, other work as fill-in.

I suspect some may question why I do shows if I have a backlog of commissions to do. Well, it's for the income. Also, because painting for fun is what attracted most of my clients to my work in the first place. I enjoy doing the shows, meeting people and the pets they bring, and selling my work. If I didn't love it and it wasn't a significant part of my income, I would give it up. ( well, the show part; I'd still be painting.)

It may be difficult to believe, but even though they contribute to my income, commissions aren't what brings in the cash. Notecard sales and show sales do. Commissions take longer and are more difficult, as I'm pleasing more than just me. Or attempting to do so, anyway.
So why do the commissions? Because people request them. Because I enjoy the challenge. Because making someone happy with a painting that captures their furkid is a joy.

So, these past two weeks I have been crazy painting every day, including finishing up a commission begun quite a very long time ago. It was a productive ( and tiring) period. I've spent the last two days in the "office" doing the busy work that I must to prepare for the shows. Printing business cards, postcards, notecards and small images; checking inventory, labels, supplies; reviewing the wait list to see who I might see that is on there and getting my books up to date. Oh, and a shopping trip for some new attire, too. yippee!

Like most artists, I am a one-woman operation who runs her business AND her household. I wish I could just paint and had someone to do everything else for me and keep me straight.
But, alas and again, like most artists and really like most working people, I do not. Which is why I continually thank my waiting clients for their patience. I also understand the frustration, so I do understand when anyone tires of waiting, for whatever reason. If I could paint faster, and maintain the quality, I would.

To end my ramble, I'm loving this weather and hoping we have many nice weekends to come.

4th Friday Art walk in Manchester

For all who are local fans and followers it's going to be 4th Friday on the 24th and as usual Mike and I will be in the studio to welcome all visitors and friends. Come see our new look.... totally full walls of art; some fresh off the easels. Mike and I have both been busy.
Also, visit Art Works next door and Art Space in the back of Plant Zero for opening night events. Don't forget 1212 Gallery just down the road at 12th and Hull.

Catching Up

Whew.
I finally can take a little breather and get back to a normal pace. ( I actually went shopping for a jacket on Thursday. I haven't shopped for clothes since last spring! )
The past two weeks have been non-stop working, among other things. But much was accomplished, in spite of losing one client and praying a sick family member would pull through after an unexpected surgery. I'm no different than anyone else; sometimes we just get busy and work on overload. But it always passes.

Our Fetch a cure pup named "Puptart" had her debut last night at the Fetching Art Show held at the Glave-Kocen Gallery in Richmond. ( Thank you Jennifer and BJ for offering your wonderful gallery space to benefit Fetch a Cure)
Here she is in the studio the night before delivery. Those are puptreats from the Three Dog Bakery on the side. Three Dog is our pup sponsor.
Thank you to Alicia who designed the pup and to Mike for helping us with the chalkboards ( not pictured here) that accompany the pup.

Anyone on my client wait list and e-mail newsletter list knows that every May and September I participate in various art shows. Which means I spend much of April and August working on new paintings in addition to the commission work I do. I completed 3 new paintings ahead of time for the Fetching Art Show last night ( which was a fabulous exhibit of 12 artists who have various takes on animals in art). It helped that those 3 pieces all started as demonstrations for classes and workshops. So I'm back in the studio for commission work this weekend and back to photo shoots this month. I didn't say things came to a halt; just that it's return to normal. I'll also work on a new batch of my smaller square pieces for the spring shows. Here's one painting finally complete that you may recognize from previous blog entries. The title is "On the Tip of My Tongue"

Fetch Pup

Today, I watched the pup Alicia and I worked so hard to complete ride off into the sunset. OK, so that's not true...it rode off onto a rainy interstate in the back of a lawn trailer at noon, but still....I was so proud to not only see the results of our work moving on, I was thrilled to be on time. AND I was able to deliver my paintings to the gallery for the Fetching Art Event and auction a day ahead of schedule. ( Plug here: Glave Kocen Gallery, Friday April 17, 7 p.m.
Come see art, meet artists, buy artwork, proceeds to benefit Fetch a Cure!)
Here's a preview, intentionally vague until our pup makes an official debut.

A Week of Nothing?

I'd like to see an entire week where nothing happens. Where the world shuts down and everyone takes a big inhale. No where to go, no deadlines, no expectations, no disappointments, nothing but the sun rising and setting. I'd settle for just one day. A week would be glorious.

What a Week

With no new posts this past week, you can figure it was packed busy.

Here is Miss Vegas, bone included. At least one painting was completed this week. Another 5 or so on the easels and a pup for Fetch A Cure is in progress, with co-conspirator Alicia Zatcoff. Some pics will be forthcoming, but no complete pics until the official unveiling.

Upcoming posts will be short and sweet, as my fingers are needed in the studio.

Demonstration Progress

These images show the progress of the painting I began as a demonstration for the Eastern Shore Art League last week, prior to a one day workshop.
The beginning sketch can be found on an earlier blog.


This one is the first layer of color - mostly reds and yellows, with some blue as a second layer beginning to cover the red. I intended to do a blue dog, and I like red underneath to make the blue richer and deeper in the dark areas.

This is adding more blue, bringing up details.

Here I have decided I liked the red instead of the blue.
But the background green was too dark.
Although I like the effect of that dark green
under this cobalt teal and brilliant blue mixture.

Monday Morning Questions

Well, I lied. Not on purpose. But the painting I was going to work on I did not. I began a new piece and continued another for the demonstration yesterday. Here is one. Thank you to those who came to watch. Some of you had some very good questions.

So now is a good time to address the questions I am most often asked.

How long does it take you to do a painting?
How long depends on a number of factors. The easiest to address are the size of the canvas and the scope of the painting. The larger and more detailed, the longer it may take.
Along with that comes my personal issues as an artist. Do I enjoy the painting? Is it of my choosing ( or is it a client's preference if it is a commission?) Are there things not working in the composition? And, of course, difficulty.

There is no magic formula or "how-to" when I paint. I've been asked "how do you paint a nose?" Well, I LOOK at the nose and I paint the one I see. Seems simple, but not always, and the bottom line is, for me, that I don't use any step by step "rules" when doing an object.

So the answer is - I don't know how long a painting may take. Some may be done in a matter of days, some weeks and even others, over a year. If I set a painting aside and wait, rather than struggle through and fight with it, it can often be a much better painting in the long run. If my signature goes onto a painting, I have to feel like it's the best I could do with that piece.
Thankfully, I have some very patient commission clients who understand.

How do you choose your color?
Totally random. At least in the beginning. Rarely do I ever envision a finished piece. I pretty much paint from my gut and I "listen" to the painting. Once I'm into it, of course I make thoughtful choices about how colors interact and mix, but to start? Totally random.

How do you decide on a price?
That's a tough one for every artist. After years of arbitrary choices, I decided to price per square inch. It makes sense and is consistent.
I choose a bottom line that the local and regional market will bear and yet compares to regional and national artists who also do what I do. I know what my customers will pay. I know what I need to balance the bills and remain fair to my clientele. It's a fine balancing act.

Demo Sunday at Art Works

Want to see what I do? Watch me at work? Have questions about acrylic, color or painting?

I will be doing a 45 minute demonstration of my acrylic painting style at Art Works Studios and Galleries. Sunday, March 22 promptly at noon. Come see. I'll have info about my painting classes available. After, venture over to my studio at Plant Zero, right next door. Just follow me after cleanup. Or stay and watch one of the other dozen artists demonstrating their wonderful work and techniques. See the schedule and get directions at www.artworksrichmond.com.

I'll have this painting in progress at the demonstration.

Other Things

Welcome to the new followers to my blog. Thanks for joining in.

This is gonna be a rather boring addition. No, wait, let me find an image to post. Images are always fun.
There it is. I began this, oh a year ago or so? I was working on some pieces for a demonstration I'm doing soon, and this was calling from the corner table, so I pulled this out to complete it while I had my palette open. This is my Gracie girl - official name Gracie Allen, also known as the daddy's girl ( and oh yes she very much is), pooh, poo-pie, and assorted other names. There is no title for this painting yet.

I'm a little scattered as I get organized for a workshop I'm teaching in a couple of days. I find things as I search for other things, and get distracted. Then I remember to catch up on even more other things. But, I shall be ready and even overly prepared by the time I leave. Such is the result of last minute pressure.

I haven't forgotten to finish up the tale of the collaboration. It's coming.

End of a Normal Week

It's Friday the 13th and other than a dog having an icky personal moment, which I shall not describe, it has been neither unlucky nor lucky. The week has been quite productive, so regardless of all that is left to do, I feel a sense of accomplishment. whoohoo!

For those few who wonder how my time is spent:
I've completed a painting begun quite some time ago, am catching up with those on the wait list and those wanting to be on the wait list, have taught two classes this week, am prepping for a workshop next week and I took temporary possession of a pup for FETCH a cure, all while doing commission work interspersed. For grins, here are two of my "in process" commissions, waiting to get back on the easel. And yes, if you have been following faithfully, the bone is nearly finished in the Vegas painting. :-)

March 10 - Almost Finished: The Collaboration

Here we are, nearing completion of the project. We're both tickled with what's been happening. Mike, who paints loosely and by instinct, is learning application techniques and tightening up his style. In the meantime, I'm getting freer and less deliberate and enjoying letting things happen. It doesn't matter to us at this point whether the paintings are wonderful or not. It's been a valuable experience for both of us and we learned that we make a great team, even when we would disagree. The process became what we both looked forward to each weekend, and if some wonderful things happened on canvas along the way, we were even more excited about the day's work.

These images are near the end of the project. We've gotten to a point where now the challenge is to make them both complete. We'll go through a few more stages and this is where we really did collaborate. We'd both stand in front of the same canvas and one might add paint, the other alter or remove it, or repeat that application. Sometimes we'd throw paint at the same time or teach one another something new to try. We honestly had so much fun working on these two paintings.

The outcome was that both went to the show in Portsmouth. Mike and I decided to do more collaborative work. Our first step to that end was to rent one large studio together and move from our smaller studios nearby. We each do our own work there and we're mulling over what to do next together. The completed paintings will be in the next posting. Along with some thoughts about working with another artist.

A not unusual Day

The photo, which has nothing to do with this entry, is from this morning.

This entry is for those who wonder how my days go. It's not typical, but not unusual, except that I didn't make it into the studio to paint. At least I did get in a photo shoot for a painting.

4 a.m. - up with my big dog, who has sinus issues. We discovered the natural solution is to allow him to eat grass OR we feed him raw broccoli. With more than 5 inches of snow still on the ground, it was a broccoli morning.

7:45 a.m. - up with all dogs. They get breakfast, then we head out for about 1/2 hour. Then I get breakfast.

9-10 a.m. Prepping for today's photo shoot scheduled at 11:00.

11- 12:30 Photo shoot with two pups and a kitty. Kitty was involved by default. :-)

12:30 -1:45 Travel time, errands, home.

2:00- 4:30 - Doggie lunch cookies and outside again. then I get lunch. Feed the cat. Make homemade dog cookies. Check e-mail. Talk to puppy sitter. Make blog entry. Go watch Ellen. ( I am late! I always watch Ellen. it's my one hour to relax).

5 p.m. - prepare dinner

6 p.m.- head out to yoga

9 p.m. - return home. catch 30 Rock. Take dogs out and go to bed.

And ( in case you did) you may wonder no more why I don't paint any more quickly.

More on the Collaboration

Once Mike and I got into the studio to work together, it was a great experience. Our styles are so very different, we had a blast learning from one another.
We'd start out each working on our own canvas. I thought we'd paint a little, then switch, paint some more, talk about our choices, switch again, etc. So much for having a plan.

Our set up was back to back, each with an easel and canvas in front of us.
As we worked, we would turn around to see what was happening. Before we knew it,
we wound up so engaged in what the other was doing, we worked on both pieces together a good portion of the time.
These two images show the first layers of color on each painting and we've each had a hand on both canvases.
We wound up working together most Saturdays, about 3 hours or so, for about 4 months.
We're not done yet......

MARCH 3 - more randomness

We have a wonderland of white outside; nine inches of snow fell in our backyard between Sun. and Mon. The pics are Monday a.m. and the sky is still gray.

Here's more about the collaboration between my studio partner Mike and me:
I was invited by a dear, supportive friend ( Wayne, who co-owns Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth VA) to participate in a show he planned to title "Collaboration." The only stipulation was that more than one artist had to have their hand in each piece. So I invited two artists to join me. One was not available, but Mike was and eager to give it a go. So, we each eventually began with a large canvas ( 30 x 48) and started with whatever we wanted. Mine was going to be a dog. His turned
out to be his dog. We each did our own preliminary sketches.

Then the fun began. This pic is what mine was originally planned to be : two panels, each 24 x 30.
Things did change. And I need to get into the studio. Stay tuned.