Less Blogging, More Painting

Closing out the Thanksgiving week, I am reminded that 'Thanksgiving' is not just a holiday...but thanks giving is a state of mind that should be carried with us every day. I am thankful for many things this week...most notably, my friends and family who uplift and enrich my life.

Serendipity

9X12

Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

'Tis the season for small works... perfect for me, stripped down to the essentials of time, no time for large works, delay, analysis, procrastination...self doubt...only time for the fervor of work, and creative energy. In this fervor, I am finding a flow and rhythm in landscapes (that until now, I have unintentionally avoided), responding to the watercolor underpainting with a deeper sense of expression and intimacy... and with an efficiency that comes from the pressure imposed by time.

A few of these landscapes will be on display for the "Small Works" exhibit opening

Friday Dec 6th at Liberty Town Arts in Fredericksburg.

Paintings will also be on exhibit in December...

The Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton

Merger of Art and Design: MAD Artist! Designer's Choice Exhibit

Nov 22nd-Jan 4th

as well as

The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts

Small Wonders National Juried Exhibition

Dec 6th- Jan 28th

Happy Thanks Giving today and every day!

Featured at Lorton Arts

Orchestrating lines, positioning, contrast of imagery, harmony of values, color intensity, analyzing compositional placement...I must be painting...

...Well not quite...today the show went up at Lorton Arts and will be on exhibit through Nov 7th.

I am amazed at all the factors involved in hanging a show (though I have done quite a few now), and how painful the process can be. Placement of paintings on a wall is an "art" in itself, one which I struggle with for every show. The most valuable lesson learned from today...never underestimate the value of help, everyone has a different "eye" and process for installation. Thank you Bonnie and Kathleen! I couldn't have done it without you.

Exhibiting Oct 4th-Nov 7th

Workhouse Arts Center

Gallery 16

Opening Reception

Saturday, Oct 9th, 6-9p

9601 Ox Road

Lorton Arts, Lorton, VA

www.workhousearts.org

703-495-0001

The curious world of Iris

There have been many "starts and stops" to this painting over the past few months. Each time returning to work, I find myself re-evaluating my intention..what is it I see here?...what is it about this painting that keeps me returning? After all, a new day, brings new perspective (both in life and in art)...new interpretations, new insights.

So I have to ask myself...can my intention be the same each time I return..what I see in the image be the same...when I have changed from day to day? I don't believe it can..exactly; the mood, aesthetic, and way of seeing have changed. I notice these subtle difference in the way I have approached different areas each time following a pause in work. The challenge is in finding harmony among the various "intentions" within the painting and exploring the curiosity that attracted me in the beginning.

So, what is the intention here? Of course, most will see "flowers"; the iris a symbol for hope, faith and wisdom. But today I see energy, curious wonder in the flow of line, lost and found shapes, and the statement of color.

The curious world of Iris

Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord, 16X20

On Exhibit October 4th-November 8th

@

The Workhouse Arts Center, Gallery 16

Lorton Arts Foundation

Virginia Arts Advocacy Day

ArtWorks for Virginia is the only statewide, multidisciplinary conference for Virginia artists, board and staff leaders of Virginia arts organizations, art educators and students, arts advocates and volunteers, as well as anyone interested in successful integration of arts in the community.
Anyone interested in the arts is invited to attend the ArtWorks for Virginia conference for Virginia Arts Advocacy Day in Richmond January 26-28. For the first time, ArtWorks will feature an exhibition on Wednesday, January 27 by artists from the Workhouse! My painting Abundance, along with 12 other 2D and 3D works from workhouse artists were selected to represent the Workhouse Arts Center.

What a Steal!

Join me for a very special night at the Workhouse Arts Center, Saturday Dec 12th.
Each year the studio and associate artists at The Workhouse help with a fundraising event called the Collector’s Showcase. I am inviting you to attend this event on December 12, 2009 and help me support the Workhouse and all of its programs. Art collectors and patrons buy a $150 ticket to the event where they enjoy wine tasting, music and best of all they get to select an original piece of artwork and take it home from a collection of over 100 pieces that have been donated by artists at The Workhouse.

Pelican Party up for auction for a $150 ticket!