Energy of Spring and "The Patron's Show"

I love the energy in spring, something in the air that calls us to rearrange, clean our spaces, and take on new projects (more on this later). The green fog of pollen must work in a similar way to the oxygen pumped into the casinos in Vegas, alerting our senses. So with this "energy", this week I gave in to urge to rearrange the furniture in my studio at Liberty Town.

Above is a photo of Studio #3 at Liberty Town Arts in downtown Fredericksburg...my space, my solace, where some of my work gets done, and I teach a few workshops throughout the year. Over the past few years, I attribute my success and growth as an artist, in no small way, to the support, camaraderie and creative energy of the artists and mentors at Liberty Town. In May, Dan Finnegan, the founder is hosting Liberty Town's Annual "Patron's Show". Local artists come together to donate paintings in support of the arts and vision of LibertyTown, and to celebrate it's anniversary. The concept for the "Patron's Show", simple: buy a ticket, take home an amazing piece of art... and enjoy the company of the colorful community of artists and patrons in Fredericksburg. Tickets for the event go on sale "First Friday" May 7th. Visit the website for more information. www.libertytownarts.com

Another love to share this week...watercolor sketching (long overdue)... simplified, loose, and rich in color. Doing small sketches, I can explore a concept, test a composition, plan a color scheme and structure without having to commit. If a design doesn't "work" as a sketch, it won't work when enlarged to a finished painting. Only, I won't have invested so much time to the idea and therefore feel compelled to persist. I also avoid that uncomfortable middle ground in a painting, full of self-dought, when I am not sure if I can pull it all together. "Energy" takes on many forms.

A few sketches, soon to become paintings.

Kid's Art Safari at LibertyTown

A few things I learned teaching art camp this week.
1. It is impossible to be toooo silly.

2. 6 and 7 year olds love to smile and laugh.

3. Children have wonderful imaginations. Want to know all the possibilities of creating a map collage (and what to do with it)? Ask a 6 year old.

4. Plan plenty of "extension" activities. Art exploring can be very exciting.

5. It is physically impossible for 6, 7, & 8 year olds to sit still, not talk and giggle, draw silly faces, and not skip. Something like "exploding heads" may result.

Student Artwork on Display at LibertyTown

Just a few of the amazing artworks on display in the Liberty Town Student Art Show, exhibiting through Jan 2009. Many of the artists had never painted in watercolor. Thank you to all who participated. Follow the link to see the Complete Class Schedule at Liberty Town Arts Workshop or visit my website http://www.artbyariel.com/ for future workshop schedules.

Creativity Takes Courage.

~Henry Matisse

First Friday at LibertyTown

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...at Liberty Town and in my studio. Join me at LibertyTown this First Friday, Dec5th 5-9PM. The artists and craftsman at LibertyTown are exhibiting Small Works in the Main Gallery. The gallery will be transformed into a Craft Emporium: Guest craftsman, New displays, New furniture, An All New Look. And Mirinda Reynolds and I will be hosting a Silent Auction in our Studio (No3).

Foraging, No2, Pastel, 5X7

This is one of my new works that will be on display and for sale in the Main Gallery at LibertyTown for the Small Works exhibit.

Studio Visit

My studio at home.



Liberty Town Arts Workshop, Studio 3, Fredericksburg, VA
www.libertytownarts.com


Welcome to the places where all the work gets done.