a work in progress

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with a new client about a commissioned painting for her husband on the ocassion of their 40th anniversay. The painting itself will have to remain a mystery until after its completion, but I can tell you that it is going to be a fun, non-traditional double portrait. It was fun to hear about how this couple met and learn about their personalities. I always enjoy working with people to create the art they want to surround themselves with. I know a lot of artists do not want to alter their vision in anyway and feel that commissions are somehow beneath them. I find that working on commissions is a great privilege and I enjoy balancing my style with their interests. It’s exciting to me that people get involved with art and I love hearing how they perceive what I do. This large painting is especially exciting for me because my client has done a wonderful job of expressing the relationship she shares with her husband and because it was easy for me to identify with her enthusiasm for life and beauty. She has given me just enough direction for a successful outcome but is able to let go and wait for the results.

Since I have no new photos to share today and because painting is such a happy thing for me I though I’d share this Bob Ross video. I may not care for his paintings, but I absolutely adore his sweet and gentle manner. Now go watch Bob create happy little rocks and give them friends!

The Eureka Springs Fall Art Fair was incredible! There is such a wonderful and diverse group of artists in this town it can quite overwhelming to see all their work in one place. I noticed many people who came for two days to try to take it all in. This is the second year of the event and it was even bigger and better than last year. I had a great time meeting some more local artists and patrons and am always so grateful to live in such a fun town. I kept thinking about how cool it is that if you gave all the artists the same supplies and about four hours we would each come up with something unique and that is exciting to think about. At tonight’s Boggle match, it was also fun to think about how our thought patterns might be affecting what we choose to notice. And that’s what I’ve been painting about, too.

Here is what the back wall of my booth at the Fall Art Fair looks like with all the 12″ x 12″ paintings working together.  Okay, it’s not lined up as perfectly as this since it’s hung on fabric, but the effect is pretty much the same. The fair is open today from 9am-6pm and tomorrow from 9am-3pm at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs, AR. I had a chance to walk around and view the booths last night after setting up and there is an impressive collection of work. Of course there are many painters, jewelry designers, and potters, but there are also children’s books, musical instruments, and hats. Many different styles to choose from and lots of incredible work to enjoy.

Today is the day I set up for the Fall Art Fair, which will be open Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 9am-3pm. The fair will be at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs, AR. If you are in the area, please come by. It will be a wonderful opportunity to purchase artwork directly from some of Eureka’s most talented artists.
This morning I am attending to a few last minute details including photographing the last two 12″ x 12″ paintings as well as gathering my display components. It’s a wonderful luxury to be able to set up the day before the show and I am looking forward to an evening of rest knowing my booth is ready.

I have decided to include this big painting, titled happiness, in my booth this weekend. She and the other big eyed girl will be the observers. The other two walls will represent the observations. The back wall will have a grid of 12″ x 12″ still lifes and the other side wall will have the 12″ x 24″ still lifes. I finished wiring and varnishing the paintings today and was very pleased at how the varnish helped the darker and high contrast paintings both come together and pop. I’m toying around with the layout of the back wall and will post that as soon as I have it together. In the meantime, I am working on Thanksgiving dinner, continuing to paint, and managing to squeeze in time for fun, like boggle with friends. Safe home to all you on the road tonight.

I’m still painting for the Eureka Springs Fall Art Fair, which will be the weekend after Thanksgiving. I am also planning my booth space which is an odd size for an art show, at 10′ x 8.5′. I’m varnishing paintings which have already been photographed and planning their arrangement in the display. I have a list started of all the details to attend to before the fair, a list of items to take to the fair, another list for Thanksgiving dinner, and a menu. I love making lists and it will be a great day when I actually remember to look at all my lists and to take the grocery list to the store with me! I do love the practice of making them more than using them and just writing things down helps me remember.

I’ve often thought that if I had received tips from people who come and enjoy my work at a show or exhibit booth, I’d do quite well for myself. Musicians receive tips for sharing their work for a few moments. And since a visual treat can be just as pleasing and memorable for some folks, why do we not have tip jars for visual artists? Money is good and I welcome my growing wealth and independence. So, I have decided to include a donation button on my blog for those who wish to express their appreciation of my work with a donation. I appreciate any feedback I receive here. Your comments and compliments are always welcome, and now, so is your tip.

Now that I think about it, I often receive tips when I am painting faces at an event. I think that is considered more of a service, like a haircut or manicure, and that is why I am tipped in those settings. But when they tip me they compliment not only my kindness to their child, but also the quality of the painting, so they do seem to want to express their gratitude for the art.

This title cracks me up, but it honestly is all we discussed during this interview. I find the whole thing rather embarrasing and I’m not sure why since I am always fine showing my paintings to anyone and talking about why I paint and how I paint. The article tells how I’ve never had any formal training in art, but have a BA in anthropology from Tulane and did a couple years in a grad program in linguistics at UT.  I’ve been sporadically creative for many years, but never considered myself an artist. I started out painting small boxes, moved into furniture and designing of how to projects for the crafts industry. Although I had painted on canvas for several periods, it was not until 2005 that I began to paint more regularly. I have found that with each painting I enjoy the process of discovery and learning and feel I will continue to paint for the rest of my life.

Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same. Every wonderful sight will vanish; every sweet word will fade, But do not be disheartened, The source they come from is eternal, growing, Branching out, giving new life and new joy. Why do you weep? The source is within you And this whole world is springing up from it.
- Jelauddin Rumi

I’ve been out of the studio the last few days and thought I’d share a quote today since I’ve no new paintings to post today. I hope you enjoy pondering this quote.

Another 12″ x 12″ closeup.

My godson said this is his favorite of all the paintings I have done. He loves these organic golden delicious apples. Tomorrow I’ll post its companion painting which is a close up of the apple.

Another 12″ x 12″ close up of the mystery berries.

UPDATE: A friend who grew up around here asked her Dad and based on her description of their shape, color, and arrangement, he thinks they are poke berries and not to be eaten. A quick search on google reveals that he is correct, but that there are medicinal uses for the careful consumption of poke berries.