An Artist's List

I don't know about you, but everyday I start out with a mental (and sometimes written) list of the things that I want to accomplish by the end of the day. I usually only get about half of these items done. The list is something like this:
1. Finish oil paintings for show in VA so that they have time to dry before shipping.
2. Call buyer and make arrangements to pick up painting so that I can varnish.
3. Order from Jerry's frame to fit small 6x8 oil and get more acrylic, oils, small disposable palette for French easel, linseed oil and small masonite boards.
4. Work on small pastels to fit all the frames and glass that you have.
5. Sort through all of the recent pictures you took last weekend.
6. Check out information on tax stuff and get taxes done!
7. Do my BLOG!!!
8. Get outside and get some sketching done-focus on figure drawing and quick gestures.
9. Go by studio and remember to bring home newest acrylic so that I can wire it.
and on it goes. But you see in there that I want to get to my blog and how far down the list it is...actually, I am shocked that it has been a month since my last entry!
This list happens almost everyday not to mention a gazillion other things to do just to live! I think that the biggest challenge is carefully watching how much time I spend on each task as I could literally "fall into" it and spend all day just on one item.
The pastel above is a companion to my last entry and is going to the Norfolk Academy show and will be shipping this coming week. When the work is small, I like to do pairs or three's...they hang so much better than just one lonely painting all by itself.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Norfolk Academy Art Show

I'm getting work together for the Norfolk Academy Art Show while dodging boxes and packing for the move. This painting is called Silent Beach and will be in the show. The opening is scheduled for April 27 and it runs through May 12th.

Summer Ideas...

The weather has been fabulous and it won't be long before sitting at the beach on the weekend will be on everyone's mind. This painting is 24x48 and is titled "We have all day..."  I am dropping off my work for the Norfolk Academy Art show tomorrow. The opening is scheduled for the 28th of April from 6-8. It's always a lovely time and a beautiful school, so think about coming to the opening and checking out the art.

Spring Brights

I painted this a couple of weeks ago and while working kept trying to keep things more angular and squarish. I am happy with the result and the colors which are very clean and pop well. It is going into the Norfolk Academy Art Show, which opens on the 30th of April. Lots to do to get ready. I have promised several people that I will start posting prices and sizes. This is 18x24, in a wide, gold, plein aire frame and will sell for 475.00. Once I am through with this show stuff I will get back to my Palette of Places and will be working on Lexington, Virginia.

Gallery Wrap or Frame?

As I start preparing for the Norfolk Academy Art Show at the end of April, I wonder whether which paintings to include, what will sell the best, what prices, whether to frame or not....the list goes on. Sometimes it's a gamble with my choices and sometimes you can hit the jackpot. I have learned that moving artwork around in expensive frames is problematic at best--nicks, scratches, dents and dings seem to be inevitable. Also, I have noticed at the many shows I have attended that absolutely lovely artwork, placed in an inappropriate frame, is a sales killer.
I personally love gallery wrapped canvas and have talked to many who come into the studios and love the way the lack of a frame doesn't impose upon the art.  But I have also talked with people about frames, and many think that having a frame is a bonus and they are happy to not have to worry about the effort in purchasing one. 
With smaller work, maybe under 6x8 or 8x10, I always frame it unless there are several that are supposed to be hung together. A nice plein aire frame with a wide border allows the work to become more important and easier for someone to image placing in their home.

Taste in frames vary so widely that it's a difficult call. I think that the work should still speak for itself, but sometimes I feel that there aren't many who agree with me on this one. To frame or not, that is the question.

Upcoming Shows for 2010

I am grateful to have been accepted into the following juried art shows in the Tidewater area. It is a great opportunity to check out wonderful, original and unique artwork.

Norfolk Collegiate,5429 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk
Show dates: Jan 8-12
Open house hours: Sat 10-4; Sun 1-4; Mon-Wed 9-5

Nansemond Suffolk Academny, 3373 Pruden Blvd, Suffolk
Show dates: Jan 30-Feb 6
Show Hours: M-F 8-3; Sat 10-4; Sun 1-4

Norfolk Academy,1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk
Opening Reception - April 30 from 6-8
Show dates:May 1-7
Show Hours:M-F 11-3:30, Sat, May 7- 9-2:30

Every First Friday of the month at Olde Towne Art, 525 High Street in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, there is a new show. Each month varies and the current show for December is Xtra Large, which features work at least 24x36 inches in size. In January, we feature artist Julia Burgess with a Faerie Ball.

Catching Up with the Norfolk Academy Art Show

On Saturday night, the Norfolk Academy had their artist's reception and opening. Lovely food, wine, music and art...what more could a person ask? The school is beautiful and the artwork as well as some antiques and 3-d work was well placed and hung. So many people were there it was difficult to manage down the halls to see all of the paintings. I was thrilled to see that one of my paintings had already been sold early in the evening. The show will be open from 11-3 daily until April 30th and is well worth the visit.
I think that I will go back when it is less crowded and give myself the time to see the work and study carefully. I was impressed and feel lucky to have been able to participate.