You're invited to a Garden Party

I have two shows coming up in a week;  the first, on a weekend is outside, and the other a two week one at a winery. I didn't realize I had so many, not quite finished pieces of art.  Some haven't had the wire attached to the backs, some need varnished and a lot are missing the labels for the backs.  I'm soooo glad I decided to start preparing a week in advance.   I will be ready on time...  I will be ready on time..  I will be ready on time.

My VIP mention today is Carol Blackburn from Maine in the US.  Carol's water colours always bring a smile to my day.  They are fresh and cheery.  Go look.

So many photos to choose from...

Recently an artist friend, Cindy Wietzel and her friend Robbie Graham started a page on Facebook where people can add photos that other artists may use for reference material.  It's a wonderful site!  The only problem I have is that I can't decide what picture to use... so many choices... so little time.


The page is called:  Artist reference photos.  I highly recommend you Like the page.  

Cindy Wietzel

http://senatt.sasktelwebhosting.com/cindy/artist.html

Time to choose something new.... :)

Goals are important to me.  I accomplish a lot more when I have them.  With my painting it's especially important since it's a challenge with back problems.  The desire is there but sadly the flesh is weak.  Determination to meet set goals is one of the biggest factors contributing to the fact that I do accomplish something.  Besides completing a pansy each month, I'm committed to adding a minimum of four finished panels to my large painting each month before starting any new pieces.  Oh, how I itch to start something new.

Even though it's been a hectic month, I've fulfilled this months must-do's.  Now to choose the next subject... :D.

This is a picture of the last two panels I painted for the 6'x4' piece I'm working on.  Where did that large leaf come from?  There's no sign of the rest of the plant in the reference photo.  Guess I'm not finished after all... taking photos always make me more work.... ;)

My VIP mention for this post is an artist from Whales whose work I'm positive you will enjoy.  Besides creating wonderful art he tells great stories that always inspire me.  Thanks Ralph. 

Pansy #7 is finished.

I love it when I complete a painting.  It means I have another piece for sale,  AND I have something new to post to my blog,,, that's the most exciting.

Today I get to post #7 in my Flower Box Series.  As you can see, it's of  a very pretty white pansy.  

6"x6" oil on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas 

$100.00 with painted sides (no frame required)

Free shipping in Canada and US

I've been reading about how it's important to have our blog/name mentioned as often as possible on the web so the search engines can find us.  On my blog I have a gadget that lists all the wonderful people who comment on my posts.  I also have several other gadgets that show the artists I follow and those who follow me.  I hope all this helps get their name out there into cyber space.  Now, I'm going to add to that by mentioning one of my followers blogs at the end of each of my blog posts and posting their link.  

So with that in mind, here is my first VIP mention:

This person has an excellent blog where she discusses Art History. Her painting challenges add a fun touch as well.  A great blog to visit:   Tapestry of Art Through Time

From: Fine Art Views

I seldom copy from another people's write ups but this one is such good advise I couldn't resist. This newsletter is one of my favourites.  Enjoy.

Put the Fire Out

by Keith Bond

This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.  You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.


A forest fire was blazing out of control.  Many acres had burned and the fire was continuing to grow.  Firefighters were called in from across the nation to help battle the blaze.  They were spread out around the perimeter of the fire, trying to contain it.  But to no avail.  As hard as they worked, they simply could not make any progress.

Finally, the Fire Chief realized why.  All of these brave men and women were fighting this fire.  But there commission was not to fight it, but rather to put the fire out.  This simple change of focus made all the difference.  And it prompted a change of tactics.

Instead of being spread all around the perimeter, the Fire Chief concentrated the effort to one area at a time.  With much more man-power and a concerted effort in a smaller area, they were soon able to contain that portion of the fire.  They then moved on; working together to contain the next area.  And so on until the entire fire was completely contained.

There is a parallel with your art.

Let’s let the fire represent the areas which need improvement – both with art itself and with your business.  If you are like me, there are plenty of areas in which you need to improve.  It is a lifelong endeavor – that is, if you wish to continue growing as an artist.

Some of the areas might include:  proficiency with your medium, color theory, drawing, composition / design, value relationships, texture, mood, harmony, rhythm, meaning, etc.  Some of the business tasks that need improvement might be:  organization, bookwork, marketing, writing, talking about your art, following-up with clients, managing time, maintaining your website, etc.

Throughout my career I have frequently identified areas which I need to work on.  Much like the firefighters, I concentrate my efforts on one thing at a time – seeing value relationships, for example – until I feel that I have that fundamental “contained.”  I then moved on to something like color theory or composition.  By focusing on one thing at a time, I make quicker progress.  Whenever I attempt containing too many fronts at a time, I struggle and get frustrated.  Little progress is made.

When a fire is contained, it is not extinguished yet.  It is still burning within the containment line.  That line serves as a barrier around the circumference to prevent it from spreading in unwanted directions.  Once it is entirely contained, the fire crews can then work within the containment lines to control the blaze.

Likewise, some level of “containment” in art and business principles does not mean that you have “put the fire out”.  Mastery of all there is to learn – to totally extinguish the fire – takes more than a lifetime.

Although I have reached a certain level of proficiency in several of the principles of art, I find myself returning to them over and over.  There is always more to learn – more work to be done.  I may have contained the fire, now I need to work on controlling it.

And I hope I never put the fire out.

Best Wishes,
Keith Bond


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a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

This article originally appeared at:
http://faso.com/fineartviews/30732/put-the-fire-out

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Happy Mother's Day

I went for coffee yesterday with two wonderful local artists.  It's so much fun being able to talk about your favourite subject without it being boring for the other people in the group.  At least I hope it wasn't.... hmmmm,,, I think I may have done most of the talking.  I'll have to work on my listening skills.

We also toured the Lake Country Art Gallery and looked at the amazing work done by the young folks in our area.  Wow, their talent and imagination amazes me.

Today, I will be heading to downtown Kelowna to attend a Cat Art show with other friends.  I can't wait.  After all the fun I had painting "Smudge" I'm eager to see how another artist has captured other felines.

I don't have any paintings to post today but I wanted to wish all you Mother's out there...

Happy Mother's Day

The Big Painting

I was going to save this painting for an unveiling at our famous Artwalk in September BUT it's such a big project that I have very little left to show on my blog even though I'm painting on most days.  SO... I executed my female right and changed my mind and decided to show it as it develops.

This painting is six feet high and four feet wide.  It is composed of twenty-four twelve inch square panels and I try to complete four panels a month.  I have a choice:  hundreds of leaves or lots of boards.  I am enjoying watching the scene develop but I need to switch to other paintings to keep from getting bored.  Have I mentioned I like change? :)

Sorry the picture is a bit out of shape but I'm not tall enough to take a proper picture of it spread out on the floor.  

I hope you have a great day.

Cat Portrait Finished.

"Smudge"

8"x10"oil on aluminum art panel

Smudge is completed.  He's a fine looking bengal cat and he posed so nice for his portrait.  

I hope to do more commissioned portraits even though the stress level increases dramatically when someone is expecting...  well I'm never sure what they expect but I do obsess a bit about it.  Commissions are definitely an example of me stepping out of my comfort zone but it does feel good to create a unique and lasting keepsake for people. I'll paint a portrait this size for $250.00 if you happen to know anyone who would like one. (person or pet)

Hoping you have a great day and if you're Canadian, don't forget to vote.