Watercolors Gallery

Once a month I work at a co-op gallery called Watercolors Gallery. Despite the name, the media is diverse. Artists work in watercolor, pastel, acrylic, oil, and mixed media. The front of the gallery has large windows and lots of natural light. I love to watch the crowds congregate in front, especially the art students on their way home from school.

Being part of a co-op has its advantages as well as its down side. The advantages I've found are the camaraderie of working with other artists (see downside!), another venue to show and sale your work, the opportunity to learn the business side of art, and the opportunity to become involved in arts events happening in the city.

The downside? Working with other artists can be great but as with anything the more people involved the more you find the workers and the queen bees. Personalities are generally low-key here at Watercolors, so I can't complain about histrionics. Running a co-op requires business skills many artists aren't prepared to take on. It takes a full devotion and a willingness to "do what it takes." That is hard to sustain with a large group.

Watercolors Gallery has been going for 10 years now. There are issues with rent, membership and such. It will be interesting to see how it evolves over the next 10 years.

Adorn Yourself

If you love handmade jewelry like I do, you will want to check out the designs of Leslie Marceau. Leslie's jewelry is wonderful. Why? She is a master of color and detail. Each time I receive an e-mail update from her, I find myself amazed by the simplicity of her designs and drawn to her unusual color combinations and attention to the smallest detail.
necklace, copyright 2008, Marceau Designs

So what's the big deal about handmade? For me, I love the idea of knowing the creator making each piece. I can imagine them handling it, admiring it, packaging it up and sending it off. Even when I don't know who the artist is personally, I wonder about them. Who was it that worked for hours on a particular piece, whose fingerprints are probably still on it, mixing with mine? I can almost feel their energy, thoughts and hopes. Now that you can't get from Kohl's.











earrings, copyright 2008, Marceau Designs

Lovin' Pittsburgh

I love the city of Pittsburgh. Even though I'm not really much of a football fan, or even (gasp!) a hockey fan, I've found Pittsburgh to be rich with many things: art, friendly people, a beautiful skyline, great bike trails and lots more. If you want to see some beautiful images of this great city, stop by Planet Art Gallery for an exhibition by photographer Robert Strovers.

Images (left): Water Under The Bridge,Tracks

Images: (left) Come On Within,

(below) Red, White, Blue

Creatively, Robert Strovers' early interests were focused on drawing and sketching. It's clear that imagery and composition, as well as texture and detail were all integral components of his art.

The passing of Rob's brother, who was a serious amateur photographer, resulted in his inheritance of his gear and a strong interest in photography as creative outlet.

Robert Strovers Statement:
I’m often asked, “How did you see that?” or “Why did you think that would be interesting!?”…my answer is part of my philosophy - I believe that there are many, many things that can catch ones eye, but too often we see without actually stopping to really look and look without actually seeing what is there. Photographically, my primary interests are in still life – flora, fauna and the natural world are areas I love to explore but my passion lies with the cityscape and all it offers – architecture, architectural detail, bridges, industry and industrial details - areas rife with texture, color and contrast, full of opportunity and subject matter to capture and share with others.

Oil painting "Pensive", in progress

This is a painting I started a week ago. I haven't figured out how to photograph shiny surfaces yet so you will see several areas that look washed out. I was told I need to purchase a set of lights for that. My final steps will be to glaze a "pinker" color over the skin tones and to refine a few areas after it dries.

I used Wallis archival sanded paper specifically for oil painting. A few things I liked about it: no toning necessary, it comes in a mid-brown color and because it is paper you can crop the painting however you like. I'm not sure how to mount it yet or frame it, but how hard can that be?

Inspire Me Thursday, Recycle & Reuse

This week's Inspire Me Thursday prompt was in honor of Earth Day. My painting is a combination of several dismal failures, cut into strips and woven into one, new textured experiment.

The Great, Big Balancing Act

After reading Alyson Stanfield's new book, I'd Rather Be in The Studio, I started organizing my studio and schedule. As a result, I came up with a way to help maintain a balance in three different areas of my life: family, art and me. I find that when my life swings too much in any one direction, the other areas become neglected. As a result, I often feel very stressed and unfulfilled.

I decided that I needed to establish a way to devote time for each area. I calculated that I have about 14 hours per day to work with, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. I created a form (that's the former graphic designer in me) and broke it down like this: 3-4 hours for myself--shower, dress, eat, meditate and go to the gym; family, 6-7 hours--that includes everything to do with the house and family, and 4 hours for art--which includes creating, marketing. If I schedule it, it's more likely to get done. If I'm aware of how many hours I've spent in each area, I'm more likely to keep things balanced and moving in a positive direction. I'm also less likely to feel pressure to add more to my schedule. ("No, I'm sorry, but I really CAN'T ___________________ this month.")

I found the key to success in using this form is flexiblility. During the course of the day, things change regularly--kids get sick, old friends call and want to chat, the computer crashes. At the end of day, I can look at what was done, how much time was spent in each area and how to plan for the next day. It has made me more productive and, strangely, more creative. I find that when my mind is free from stress and distractions, I am freer to create. I am also freer to have fun in the evening and to enjoy the "art of nothing".

Taking a Break

Most books I read are either art related or spiritual. This book may seem to fit into the latter, but not really; it's more of a personal memoir. Written by Elizabeth Gilbert , Eat, Pray, Love chronicles her search for spiritual balance and peace in her life. After a nasty divorce and broken love affair, Gilbert travels to Italy, India and Bali, absorbing a bit of each culture and adding it to her spirtual repertoire. I found the book to be funny and enjoyable at times, and completely self indulgent at others. Mostly I liked the section on Italy and found myself daydreaming about eating my way through that country. My favorite part was when an Italian man explained the "art of doing nothing."

Portrait Society of America's Annual Conference

I returned from the conference with the same buzz and renewed conviction as last year, but this time with more direction and purpose in my career. Since I recently started painting in oils, the demos actually made sense to me now. There were several things from the conference that stood out as memorable:

The demos--yeah, sure, they are a dime a dozen at these conferences, but when you sit and watch someone paint who is at the top of their game, it's extremely enlightening.








First two photos show David Leffel demonstrating the "finishing" of an eye.








The next two photos are of Burton Silverman painting from a model. The screen split shows the model and the painting as it progressed.

The portfolio critiques from both the portrait brokers and from other artists were the main reason I attended. The encouragement and suggestions were truly invaluable.

There were several speakers who provided marketing and business information. Two who stood out for me were Michael Shane Neal (gotta love those bowties!) and Michelle Rushworth. Michelle has had an almost meteoric rise to success and she shared some great ideas and suggestions. I'm quite sure I don't have the same, fervent drive (or energy) that she does, so I'm not expecting the same level of success in four short years. However, she has proved that you can truly reach whatever level you aspire to with the right amount of focus and determination.

Although I loved the conference and have already signed up for next year, there were a few things I could have done without. Without naming any well-known names, some of the artists (and that's what we all are, artists--not gods) could have left the egos at home and I think we would have all been fine with that.

Ending on a high note, the other artists I met were from all over the world and, although our backgrounds and lifestyles differ a great deal, I found the common element of the love of portraiture surpassed any differences we might have. Most of those I talked with were fun, engaging and, in general, people I would have a margarita with--and I did!

I also met in person, for the first time, someone who has helped me a great deal in my marketing efforts. Alyson Stanfield, art marketing coach and author of "I'd Rather Be in The Studio" was at the conference promoting her book and meeting new artists. She is as nice in person as she is over the phone!

No More Excuses!

As you can probably tell from my blog, I enjoy reading--artist biographies, spiritual books, art marketing books, artist magazines, art history books, drawing books, how to books. You name the art topic and it's probably on my list. The book I'm reading now, and probably will be for a while, is a new book by Alyson Stanfield titled I'd Rather Be in The Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. The reason it will take me a while is that it is full of information--not the kind you browse over, the kind that makes you STOP and do. Work on that artist statement, organize those files, update that 10-second commerical, and list your goals. No time for excuses.

I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion is for artists of all kinds. Painters, sculptors, ceramist, jewelers, photographers, and others will benefit from the easy-to-follow self-promotion practices in this book.

Author and art-marketing consultant Alyson B. Stanfield, of ArtBizCoach.com, focuses on sharing the artwork directly with potential buyers through electronic and traditional communication outlets—in a manner that is comfortable, not artificial. Artists match Internet marketing strategies with sincere personal skills to take charge of their art careers.

The book includes online worksheets and downloads.

The Four Agreements

A friend gave me a book to read called "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. The Four Agreements are very simple, but very profound. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim or none of the above, these agreements are practical, down-to-earth guideposts for anyone seeking better relationships with those around them.

The Four Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Words
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
3. Don't Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best

These Four Agreements might seem overly simplified by themselves, but I found the book to be a powerful reminder of the effect your words and thoughts have on everything you do in life. With only 96 pages, it's a very quick read.

Stephen's portrait, step 2

I worked on this in class yesterday. At first I thought the orange underpainting was a big mistake (see earlier post). The fleshtones looked awful next to the orange. But my instructor convinced me to wait until the the entire painting was blocked in to evaluate the color. Voila! The orange adds an overall warmth to the painting that I wouldn't be able to get otherwise.

Jake's Portrait, step 2

This is Jake's portrait, a little further along. I found that this board, which is student grade, is not the best quality. It became apparent after I starting loading up the layers and the paint just sort of fell off. (Well, it was also apparent when my instructor said "This is a crappy board.") So, first lesson learned--buy a decent support.

Oil Portrait, step one

With the extended drying time in oils, it makes sense to me to have several oil paintings going at once. This is a portrait of my son that I previously painted in watercolor. The lighting in this photo is a wonderful soft, morning light. Stephen has a peaceful, calm expression and gesture that is rare for him. I most want this painting to emphasize that mood and feeling.

I started with a warm underpainting of cadmium orange then transferred my sketch onto the canvas. The next step will be to block in big areas of color.

A New Adventure--Oil Painting

One of my goals for 2008 is to take an oil-painting class. I found a portrait painter whose work I admire a good deal (his name is Robert Daley) and who has a lot of experience teaching portraits. Boy, did I luck out. Not only is he still teaching, but the class is very reasonable and only about 15 minutes away. It also fits perfectly into my schedule, Mondays from 10-1.

Okay, the stars were aligned, I signed up and loaded my toolbox with a bunch of strange-looking and smelling art suplies. Yesterday was the first day of actual painting. All I can say is Yowza, do I have A LOT to learn. This is the first painting that I started. I need to wait until it dries (Did he say it would take a WEEK?) to continue. I do love the fact that I can be incredibly indecisive when I paint. Very different than watercolor, where you need to spell out all those details in advance. This just might be a good match!

Coming Soon! "The Art of the Portrait"

Coming in April to Philadelphia, Pa is the Portrait Society of America's annual "Art of the Portrait" conference. This will be my second year attending and I'm looking forward to the many opportunities to have my portfolio reviewed, talk with portrait brokers, see demos and attend the breakout sessions, including a drawing workshop with Anthony Ryder.

Kind of reminds me of a Star Trek convention, without the vulkon ears--all those people wandering around, speaking a strange language with words like claybord, trois crayon, hue & value, high key. Where else can you walk into a room full of painters excitedly discussing the work of John Singer Sargent? Yes, we're portrait nerds, but we're proud of it!