Yart Sale

Well, I have been busy going through my art inventory, and as promised to many of you, here is the online YART sale. This is my first attempt at a movie, so, I hope you can catch most of the images. I know it goes fast, but it can be paused. I'm learning.

In the meantime, browse, ask questions and thanks for looking.

This is a special one time "Yart" sale.

If you see something of interest, please email me (lougael@cox.net) if you need a better photo or more information. Thanks!
This post will self destruct on December 15th, 2009.

Water Works Show, Blacksburg , VA.

I hear this is a great show! The theme is water, and it is a varied visualization of what water means to us. Congrats to all the winners!

November first, I can not believe it is November already. Wow.

November 1, morning

November 1 mid-day

November 1 mid-day

(See that patch of gold on the mountain? Well, that's where I grew up as a kid and teen.)

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Here are a few of my Halloween collages!

Great Saturday!

So far it has been a beautiful Saturday! I got up rather early and raked leaves. It looks like I will have about three more weeks of raking to do. That's not too bad; I love being out in the yard, listening to the creek and watching the birds and other visiting wildlife.

I hope tomorrow will be quiet. I plan on painting more little watercolor landscapes, and maybe baking some treats. Next week, I will be anxiously waiting the rest of the new encaustic supplies to arrive, then I will start experimenting with them soon! I can not wait!

October on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Yesterday was a freebie...or at least I took a day off to go on the parkway. What inspiration!!!

October

I sure have not gotten into creating much, but I have been enjoying one of my favorite months, October. Here are some photos I took yesterday around my yard. Enjoy!

Loving the Fall Colors

Well, it does not look quite like the peak, yet. Maybe the colors will be in their vibrant full mode by next weekend. I was, however, inspired to do a few little watercolors. Here is one of my favorites from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Getting Ready...

Part of my creative process is cleaning. Cleaning out my studio space to prepare for what's next; This fall and winter, I plan on trying my hand at using encaustics. Yesterday, I sorted, organized, and tossed things. The rest of this evening is about starting that part of the creative process, finishing what I began yesterday.

Just a while ago, I stopped at Penny's only to find a new flat surface griddle for 19.99 (after rebates). This will be perfect for the encaustic set up which I am in the process of organizing. As I was cleaning, I found a hole new roll of rice paper! It will be perfect for trying encaustic monotypes. Sometimes I fuss about having too many cats, but their empty cat food cans will surely come in handy to melt the wax in. Yes, part of the process is, cleaning things out, but it is also about filling the studio back up. I guess that is something only a creative person would understand.

Fall Colors and Thoughts

the fall of life

young leaf

pale, fresh, crisp green

dancing on a pallet of blooming colors

from the longest of days to shorter days

blistering sun, beating rains, whipping winds

day after day, week after week,

months of pleasure mixed with pain

old leaf

a skeleton of a life

a shell that once held color and life

resembles grandmother's cherished lace.

midlife is racing by

(C) gls 2009

Art for the Earth 2009

The Art for the Earth Show art Gallery 108 is a fundraiser for the Sustainable Living Center in Catawba. 50% of all sales go to the center. Please come and show your support! The show hangs through the end of October.

http://gallery108.biz//

It Must Be the MOON!

Little Watercolors

New Little watercolors.

Encaustic Workshop

I got a wonderful email from my friend Dreama telling me about an encaustic workshop that was going to take place. I was tickled when I found out there was still space and I got in the workshop! I had always wanted to know more abut encaustics because I felt they would be conducive to the imagery I create and help me enhance the atmospheric quality in my landscapes.

While these are my first attempts, I plan on doing more of these. I am sorry the photos did not show more of the rich color in the mountain portions of the pieces, nor did they show the wonderful textures created by using the wax. The possibilities are endless here and I have only just begun.

Jeff Juhlin was the instructor and he was fantastic. He shared his talent and knowledge with all of us. You can see his work along with two other nationally known encaustic artists at Dialog Gallery in Downtown Roanoke. ( It is a wonderful show, please check it out!)

Thanks Jeff!

http://www.jeffjuhlin.com/

Also, at Dialog gallery until the 30th of October,

THREE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ENCAUSTIC ARTISTS ARE SHOWING ENCAUSTICS!
"LUMINESCENCE", new encaustic work by Jeff Juhlin, Daniella Woolf and Jane Guthridge.
These works will be on display from sept 11-oct 30.
New gallery hours: Wed-Sat noon-5p.m. or by appointment

Encaustic one (C) gls

Workshop day at Ed Dolinger's Studio

I met some wonderful new people and got to catch up with old friends.

Encaustic two (C) gls

Encaustic three (C) gls

Encaustic four (C) gls

New River Art Juried Show

Autumn Lights monotype (C) WON Best in Show!

Davis Campground Monotype (C) NFS

I just got an email from David Eakin telling me I got two pieces in this show! I am so excited! I am so fortunate! There were so many fantastic artists that entered.

• September 14, 2009: Jeffry Cudlin selected thirty works by twenty six artists from 199 entries by 68 artists.

Here's the link

http://www.newriverart.org/shows/2009/2009slide-show.html

Dates: Saturday, September 26 – Work delivery deadline Saturday, October 3 – Reception and Awards Ceremony 6-8pm Saturday, November 21 – End of exhibit, work pick-up

Monotypes part 2

Just a few images from the fruits of my labor this past weekend.

Red River monotype (C) gls

Sunset Over Sugar Loaf monotype (C) gls

Ripplebrook Road, Fall monotype (C) gls

Fall Fireworks monotype (C) gls

Too Many Choices...

I can not seem to settle in and focus on any one medium or idea. I am just doing a little of this and that. I have only been happy with a few of my new monotypes, but that's how it goes with monotype, especially printing on the clayboard like I do. Maybe it is partly do to the fact I have some sort of icky cold...sneezing, and all that hooey. Anyhow, I did finish a couple of oils I have been working on. Just something a little different for me.

Resting Cows oil (C) gls

Spring Field oil (C) gls

Monotypes

Just a few more monotypes. Ah, it feels good to be productive!

Stray Cloud monotype (C) gls

Eagle's Nest Lake monotype (C) gls ( not available for sale, yet.)

Feeling the Urge...

Mountainside monotype (C) gls

Go West monotype (C) gls

I guess I have been a tad bit cranky lately, I have not heard any complaints, but I know I have been . Other than having a horrid case of poison ivy all over my face, neck, hands, and stomach, I have a raging case of creative constipation also! You may not think so, since I have been creating a few small sketches, and playing with acrylics. Tonight was the night. I had to close myself off and get into the 'real' paint. Oils...I love oils. Monotypes, I love monotypes. so, here you go. Fresh on the clayboard.

I feel so much better now.

I feel a productive weekend coming on!

(Snicker.)

Little Landscapes

Acrylic study 0

Acrylic Study 1

Acrylic Study 2

Acrylic Study 3

This weekend I painted some little landscapes. I intended these to be studies for larger paintings later on. Typically, I use watercolor, but after re-organizing my studio, I thought I would play with my acrylics. I am not sure I really like using them. I think it takes a lot of practice, or something, to get them just right.

Acrylic Study 4

Acrylic Study 5

I think my next medium to try is Gouache, but I love the spontaneity of the monotypes the best.

Intrigued

I have always been intrigued by water. While calm and serene, reflecting beautiful skies, it can rise and swell into an angry roar. I am fascinated by the mood of water. This summer, I had a new affair with two (new to me) watersheds. I am determined to visit and paint these places over and over.

First, I visited the McCormick Farm in Raphine, Va. which is now a preserved area, a working farm open to the public, now owned by Virginia Tech. While it is rich in historical content, it is also rich in beauty. The pond there captured my attention for the majority of the time I was there. I have to paint it...again...to get it just right. Here are my first few studies of the McCormick pond.

McCormick Farm #1 Watercolor (C)

McCormick Farm #2 oil (C)

The second place I was mystified by, was when my friend Angie took me to her place on the New River. I was so excited. While we spent the time toasting the end of our summer break and floating down the river on intertubes, I longed to paint it after feasting my eyes on all the colors as they rippled across the mountains and water cast by the changing clouds and light. It's Angie's little slice of heaven and she is generous to share it, as well as her friendship. Soon, I will be posting my studies from there.

Reflecting...

Fall Trees by the Creek oil on canvas (C) gls

Well, school has begun...the crickets are churping, the cicada are getting quiet, the fish are swimming slower in the pond, the end of summer flowers are blooming, and I smell fall, even if it is close to 90!

Guided By the Light

Yesterday photograph (C) gls

Landscape of Time photograph (C) gls

(won 2nd place at the League of Roanoke Artists Juried show 2009)

Spirit Door photograph (C) gls

The Other Side photograph (C) gls

Square Dance photograph (C) gls

Last weekend was the second annual Plein Aire Paint Out for Art for the Earth. This year all proceeds from the art show and sale (featured for the month of October at Art by Night at Gallery 108) will go to the Catawba Sustainability Center. For those of you familiar with a ride over 311 towards the Homeplace Restaurant, it is the large farm just to the right as you come down the mountain. The farm includes 370 acres of beautiful farmland, now owned by Virginia Tech. There are many ideas generating around this property, one idea will be utilizing the land by renting out small gardening spots for local folks to raise crops which in turn are harvested and given to local food banks, etc. The site will also be used educationally in may ways, from visiting local schools to Tech architecture students, to name a couple.

While we were all there to paint, we were over come with the beauty of the farmland, houses, barns and outbuildings. While it was a beautiful day, the wind was quite ferocious, making it tough to control paint, pencil, and paper. I found myself more engaged and taken by walking around the property and investigating the old structures and land. I was intrigued by the smell of the old barns which brought back some of the best memories of my childhood, the days I lived on a Fincastle farm back in the 1960's. I was mesmerized by the shadows and how they landed on the walls and floors inside the buildings. I was excited at all the patterns created by lime stains, cracked concrete, light coming through the old window panes, and the light patterns created inside the old silos. Painting will happen another day since the center is open to the public, and I fully intend to pack my paints and return.

I took two years of photography is college and loved it. I dabble here and there but never show any of it. I think, this time I may show some of my photographs. The images, to me, are hauntingly abstracted forms of farm life and nature. I hope you enjoy them...I'd love to hear what you think!

TA DA.....Check Out This Blog!

YAY! David Eakin has a blog! Check it out!
http://davideakin.blogspot.com/

Lazy Days of Summer

Under a Stormy Sky Monotype (C)

Lazy days of summer. I have been enjoying these lazy days. Rainy or not, hot or not, humid or not. I have been lazy. I just realized it will be time to go back to work on the 12th. Somehow, I think that once I am on a schedule, I can get more done. Why is that?

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs

An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth. Bonnie Friedman


Time is just something that we assign. You know, past, present, it's just all arbitrary. Most Native Americans, they don't think of time as linear; in time, out of time, I never have enough time, circular time, the Stevens wheel. All moments are happening all the time. Robin Green and Mitchell Burress, Northern Exposure, Hello, I Love You, 1994

My mind is full of ideas, time to organize and produce. Time to let go of the dogma. Time to stop being lazy and get away from this computer and do something productive.

If you happen to get a little time, please go check out the impressive BIG paintings at Signature 9 Gallery. I went to the opening last Friday night and it was an incredible opening! Fantastic art and artists and an array of unique h'orderves . WOW.

http://www.signature9gallery.com/

Also, I just wanted to let everyone know about the WVTF ART SHOW OPEN HOUSE:
Friday, August 14, 2009
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Jeffrey W. Allison - Art Show juror from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Live music from Sage Wright, Lydia Bassett, Mike Mitchell, Benedict Goodfriend and Cara Modisett playing classical from 5 - 7 p.m. followed by The Wright Kids playing bluegrass from 7 - 9 p.m.http://www.thewrightkids.com/

Details at http://www.wvtf.org/artshow.php

The piece Mr. Allison selected was my oil based monotype, Bent Mountain Marsh. (SOLD)

What Inspires You?

What inspires you?

Is it a person, place, or thing?

Is a poem, song, or a painting?

Please comment and share!

For me, inspiration comes in many forms. From objects. From experiences. From memories. From concepts. From people. From places. From everywhere and everything.

I am inspired by...dreams, books, colors of glass, bubbles, the night sky, twilight and dawn, flowers, skies and clouds, green foliage, mountains, watersheds, birds, mammals, amphibians, anything domestic or wild, the smells of coffee, chocolate, or the vanilla air that penetrates my soul when I order ice cream at Brewster's, the smiles of the people I know and love, from thinking back about the teachers I had that pushed me to my limits and made me think and create, from the mistakes I have made (HA!), from thinking back about my childhood escapades, from my exquisite friends, the purr of a cat and the howl of a dog, from the earth, air and water, and right now, from the downpouring rain. As the rain tapdances on the earth, I can smell the dirt, I love that smell. If you are not inspired by something, well............ If you look, really look, inspiration is there.

This summer has been a rainy one indeed, but, it has inspired all the colorful flowers in the new garden. That in turn has gone from my senses to paper.

'Summer Garden' watercolor (C) gls

Shadows of the Sun

Yes, most of my works are small. Typically, I print on an 8' x 8' substrate or smaller, however, I found these clayboard panels that were 6' x 24'. I am really excited about using them. The first one I printed was 'Across the Day' http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w5NDbgggnTM/SM2tgwrAHhI/AAAAAAAAAfA/qbBj6Od2p8w/s1600-h/across+a+day+mono+6+24.jpg







This image is the second one of this size I have done. Working with oils and very little working time due to using the clayboard, I find the larger attempts a lot more challenging. I find my mind spinning with ideas. WOW.

Lately...

Night Shadows photograph by gls

Lately, I have been working in the flower garden and yard. Today I finally finished a 7' x 7' patio made from thick brick-like pavers. Being much older now, I need to be careful following through on these huge whims I have, I feel it, lol. My bones ache. Not even a 30 minute dip in the cold creek made a difference...not physically anyway. It felt great, all the sounds of water falling over rocks and the kingfisher darting all about invoked a feeling of peace. Ah-h-h-h.

I am getting ready to make art now. After tomorrows visit to the local gallery to switch out work, I plan on making prints and painting some watercolor landscapes. The annual pilgrimage to Bath County, to drop off work for the Bath County Show, is this weekend. I do love that ride.

I have been renewing my interest in photography. I bought a new digital camera a while back and have been trying to learn about all the amazing things it can do. My first digital camera was only a 1.7 mega pixel camera and I remember being impressed with it, lol. I found a good home for that camera though! I had a student last year that expressed an interest in photography, she even wants to become a photographer at some level, fashion or medical. I was so impressed with her this because this student has a keen eye and the personality to be successful at anything she tries. So, I gave her the old camera, a few typed notes that may be helpful to her, and a jump drive to store her photos on. The day after I gave it to her, she came bouncing in my room, showing me her first photos! I am anxious to see what she does this summer! I tell you, this kid is a natural. I pray she follows her dream!

Well, the night clouds are rolling in. Time for me to move along for now.

Back to Basics

Last week was a busy week for me. A friend and myself decided to take a Nature Journaling class at Mary Baldwin College. We did this so we would be more resourceful when taking our students outside. I am filled with ideas to get the students outside, and to get them to write and draw.

It was a little tough because we were required to draw, and draw very quickly. Most drawings were done in one to five minutes. Well, being an artist, you'd think drawing is a snap...but, if you don't draw all the time, and practice, you loose a certain part of it. I realized that I had done just that. I have learned how to 'see', but I have become more accustomed to seeing in blocks of shape or color, not the lineage that makes up the detailed object. There are so many visual interpretations possible from what we see. I am a printmaker. I see color, shape, and texture, so this class was an exercise in drawing. I really needed to re-visit this aspect of my drawing abilities.

I also found out a lot about the Meaningful Watershed Experience. This experience is an investigative or experimental project that engages students in thinking critically about the Bay watershed. MWEEs are not intended to be quick, one-day activities; rather, they are extensive projects that allow students to gain a deep understanding of the issue or topic being presented. Students participate in background research, hands-on activities and reflection periods that are appropriate for their ages and grade levels.

As a class, we did water sampling and evaluated our samples to determine if our creek was 'healthy'. It was awesome. I can only imagine what this project could do to increase our students knowlege and self-confidence. This course made me re-evaluate myself as a teacher as well as an artist. I am going to look into adding environmental sciences or general middle school science to my endorsements.

This class was taught by some fantastic people. Claire Walker Leslie taught us a lot about journaling, and drawing. She had us do gesture drawings, which I had forgotten about. Some of my favorite drawings in college were gesture drawings.

Claire is a journalist/artist, and works with all populations to encourage journaling. Her link is below.

http://www.clarewalkerleslie.com/

Rhonda Roebuck is a very talented photographer and artist. She shared so many wonderful ideas with all of us. Thank you! Check out her website below.

http://web.mac.com/rhondaroebuck/Site/Rhonda_Roebuck.html

Dr. Tamara Willis is the person that wrote the grant for this program. She is one of those folks that is really making a difference. See the MWEE link below.

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/education_mwee.aspx?menuitem=19535

McCormick Farm, is a great place to visit! A small jewel. Check it out if you want to paint, hike, or bird watch! Check out the link below.

http://www.vaes.vt.edu/steeles/mccormick/mccormick.html

Jo King led us on a bird hunt at McCormick Farm. I was amazed with her knowledge! She was awesome!

http://www.augustabirdclub.org/index.html

Betty Greenwood was also a wonderful and knowledgeable person when it came to watersheds and art. I could not find a website for her, sorry. Her journals are beautiful inspirations as well. She turned me on to Peerless watercolors and water brushes...WOW!

I also met a lot of wonderful people from all over. What a week!

Thanks so much to everyone involved!

Summer!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!

Earlier today I placed fresh cut flowers from my flower garden on my dad's resting place. I know they flowers will not last long, but I know how much he loved natural things. Thanks dad for all you taught me and for all your love...I know our time was short. Bless you.


The mountains from Sherwood Memorial Gardens is magnificent! From my mind's eye, here are two monotypes created from my visual memory.

This full moon monotype is one that I had created some time ago, I felt it was lacking something...After sitting outside last night, I was taken by the trees blowing in the wind...

TREES! The night glow of the trees. WOW.

Enjoy your summer, and all the natural things around you. Hug your father and let him know how much you love him.

51st Sidewalk Art Show Roanoke City Market

Just to let folks know that this event is wonderful! It is like an artists family reunion, of sorts!
AND...It looks like for the first time this whole week, the sun will shine for all of us!
YAY!

I love seeing all the folks that take the time to come out and view the works and catching up with my fellow artisans.
Come check out all the excitement!

And I will be in my usual spot, F-44, in front of Gone Co-Co! (my favorite dress shop)
Come say hello!

New Miniature Collages (cards)

Years ago I began making these cards for family and friends. Soon, I was asked to make them for this so and so and that so and so. Soon, I was making them on a regular basis. I began these originally more than 15 years ago and they have blossomed in size and in the amount of work I put into each individual one. One customer told me she bought one each year for her child, an aspiring artist, so she could start her own affordable art collection. I was ecstatic!



Finally, I had some time and created a few new collaged images. I will have these ( as well as my monotypes) at the Sidewalk Art Show on the City Market this weekend, and after that you can get them at Matrix Gallery in Blacksburg.

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=10428161&nav=S6aK

http://www.matrixgallery.com/

New Love

Today I took a workshop using precious metal clay. Everyone got to make a pendant after an excellent teaching demonstration. I was amazed at how this stuff works. Now I know why they call it 'Amazing Metal Clay'! I hope to take more workshops in the future.
Here is last weekend's work. I did several of the mini watercolor pendants that a few folks have been asking for. These are actual watercolors that I created on a much smaller scale, about 1" x 1 1/2" then encased them on a small silver (or patinaed frame) so they could be worn as a pendant or charm. I will have these at the Sidewalk Art Show next weekend (May 30-31) on the City Market. So, if you want to take a peek, just ask me, I'll have em.

David Eakin's More Than Places Show

Plein air painting is one of the most exciting forms of art because it engages all the senses and infuses the painting with an energy and sense of authenticity not found in studio work. When you have a opportunity, please check out David Eakin's More Than Places Show! David has sure created this energy and truly engaged the true sense of place with each landscape. I was there for the opening and I honestly could not decide on a favorite!

David also included some dynamic figurative pieces full of color and shape. I love the way he uses color to fill the inner figurative space, giving a 'spirit' or 'soul' to each figure as an individual.

Mark this show down on your list of 'must see'!

His website address is on my sidebar, please chek it out! :)

Open Studio Tours 2009

http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com/artist/stanley.html

Well, this year I am at a new location. I will be at Mary Bullington's wonderful house, located at 2242 Westover Avenue 540-904-2828 or 540-761-1414. Please come see me, I'll be hanging out on the front porch!

Essential New Toy

Well, I have the essential new toy, yeah! I guess some would say I am behind the times, but, my old Dell DJ 30's battery died. I felt guilty spending the money, but hey, an artist HAS to have music, right? I have been busy downloading the cd's that I have. What a process, but it will be great once I am done.

On another note, (no pun intended) next weekend is the Empty Bowls event. Come to Floyd and show your support!
Here is a little more info on that:

March 29th – Empty Bowls Event
At the Jacksonville Art Center in downtown Floyd Virginia.

Come and enjoy some local music from The Statement, Bernie Covenry and Andrea Marshall while eating some fresh home made bread, great soup in a handmade bowl with desserts from the Floyd County Culinary Class. Tickets cost 10 dollars for adults, 5 dollars for children 6-12 and children under 6 are free and you get to take home the bowl! Tickets are available at the New River Community Action Project, Wildfire Pots Studio at the Winter Sun Building and the Jacksonville Center. Proceeds go the New River Community Action Backpack Project. 11am to 1:30pm. 540-357-5657. For more information: call 540-357-5657


http://www.floydvirginia.com/calendar.html

Odds and Ends

It has been a rainy, cold weekend. I love it becasue I got to get off the hampster wheel for a few days!

I fooled around with my new digital camera and have a lot to learn. I got my old one in 1996, and I tell you, they sure have made a lot of progress with the image quality.

Here are some of the completed earrings I have made with the tissue paper collage process. Now that I understand how the process works, I am going to make more. I am now in search of decorative tissue and handmade papers to use next time around.

Also, I thought I would post a few new photos. Enjoy.

March 2009 full moon

View from the kitchen window.

Slow...

I seem to be moving slow. I am not sure if it is from the winter, or trying to get caught up at work, or what. I finally took photos of the finished earrings from the patterns I made on the snow day! Now, I just have to post them. :)

I quite tickled because my monotype, "Autumn Lights" was just accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts Juried Show which will take place April 3rd-24th, 2009! The Academy is a fantastic place for all of the arts to happen. (Please offer them some support).

http://www.academyfinearts.com/enter.asp

Not much else is happening, well, other than listening to the sleet hitting the window.

More soon!

Snow Day

Wow!

What a great surprise, snow at last! I had hoped to get a lot accomplished, but just piddled. I had a stack of art and jewelry magazines collected on my coffee table, so, along with a great cup of coffee, and watching the birds, I grazed through the collection.




On magazine had a neat tutorial on how to make earrings with tissue-paper. I did not get a finished product to show you, yet, but I did get some pretty cool bases. Some of them I will make into charms for another addicting charm swap I signed up for. Yeah, I know.

A close up of a square pair of tissue-paper overlays. Cool, huh? I can not wait to finish these off!

I plan on making a few more of these tomorrow, and doing a few new monotypes. One more snow day was just what I needed!

New Pendants!

Inspire Pin (C) 48$

WOW!

After a short two day trip, last weekend, to Washington D.C. and Georgetown, I am full of ideas! I visited several museums and went to a fantastic art supply store. This weekend, finally, I had time to work in the studio!

I wanted to work on so many things, but I ended up working on new pins and pendants. I sell these at Gallery 108 (in case you are looking for them locally), and of course, the ones I have shown here are for sale as well. They are all one of a kind...

Enjoy!

Bad Hair Day Pendant (C) 40$

Caged Bird Pin (C) 48$

Dragonfly Pin (C) 42$

Dreams Pin (C) 48$

Best In Show Art Show-Benefit for the SPCA

"Happy" (C) gls SOLD

On Friday, February 6, 6:30pm - 9:00pm the Market Gallery is sponsoring “Best in Show”, an exhibit of 12” x 12” canvases which are related to animals and pets. This is a benefit for the Roanoke Valley SPCA the co-sponsors of the Opening which will be held in the Atrium of the Taubman Museum, Salem Avenue and Williamson Road in downtown Roanoke. Artists young and old, experienced painters and novices have come into the gallery to get their blank canvases. After the Opening exhibit, the entire show will be hung at The Market Gallery, 23 Salem Avenue, There will be continuous viewing of the show, with refreshments, all day Saturday, February 7 and Sunday afternoon, 1:00pm - 4:00pm.

Please come show your support!

'Wishes' Fabric Collage (C) gls

Wishes to all for a

Healthy,

Happy,

Safe,

Prosperous,

and

Creative

New Year!

New Beginnings

Lately, I have not had an opportunity to really splash into painting. Holidays and various other distractions are keeping me on the hamster wheel.


I have had only a few moments here and there. Moments...fleeting, yet just enough time to push a little paint around. All I have is color and shape...the new pieces are simple, light, full of color, just simple abstractions for the distractions.

Traveling Spirits (C) watercolor

The Color of Rain watercolor (C)

Crocuses watercolor (C)

Gladolias (C) watercolor

At The Birdfeeder watercolor (C)

Photo vs. Watercolor

Here are some of the photos from Green Hill Park from the Art for the Earth Plein Air paint out. I looked at the photos, trying to capture what I could from the natural settings onto the watercolor paper. I have to say, that after several hours...days, I was pleased.

The watercolors...

Typically, I do not use such vibrant color. I need to experiment more with color and watercolor techniques. The whole process is 'backwards' from doing monotypes. It will take some getting used to, that's for sure.

Plein Air Painting Day

Last week was the Art for the Earth Plein Air painting day. I am just now downloading the photos of the art I did on location. There was something spiritual about hiking along the Roanoke River and finding a spot to paint. Uninterrupted. No phone, no people, no cats knocking water or paints over in the studio. Nothing, just quiet except for the river rushing past me. I have to say, I am not typically an outdoor, on location painter, but I think I will be doing a lot more painting outside in the future. Roanoke River Fall (C)

12 O'Clock Knob (C)

Roanoke River (C)

Fall

Today really feels like fall. A cloudy mist surrounds the cabin and I can hear the leaves falling. Color ovewhelms me. Dampness is in my bones. Time to dig out the quilts. Ahhhhhhhhh.

This Sunday will be a great time for Art for the Earth!

Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Twilight watercolor (C)

What a great weekend! I met quite a few wonderful people at the Lynchburg Art Club's Show this weekend and the weather could not be beat!

Painted Earth watercolor (C) SOLD

My next venture will be Mountain Color at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd, and the Art for the Earth Plein Aire painting event. I am excited about both of these shows as I they will be full of ey candy for one and all. You can read more about them here:
http://www.jacksonvillecenter.org/galleries-1.htm
http://virginia.sierraclub.org/roanoke/

Fog Lifting watercolor (C)

What a Week

Mystic Moon Watercolor (C)

All week I have been framing and getting mats cut. That's the part I don't like about painting or printmaking. Tonight I have five more pieces to frame then I will be ready to pack up for Lynchburg. The weather looks as if it will be fantastic. Clear cool and no wind. Perfect for an outdoor show.

Setting Sun monotype (C)

Flowers on the Hillside watercolor (C)

Getting Ready...

Across A Day monotype (C)

Turbulance monotype (C)

Red Sky At Night monotype (C)

Deep Woods monotype (C) SOLD

I have been busy printing.

Getting ready for the Lynchburg Art Show next weekend!

I have much more to do.

Where does the time go?

Check Out Interactive Workshop

Check out Kim Rae Nugent's new book! I just noticed that Amazon has a search inside the book link!
http://www.amazon.com/Interactive-Art-Workshop-Mixed-Motion/dp/1600610803/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220569905&sr=1-1

Last year, Kim emailed a group of artist to submit samples of various art projects to , hopefully, be included as examples of movable art in her new book. I was one of the fortunate and humbled artists asked to participate in the challenge. I noticed my name in the index and see that I had four pieces included! I am very anxious to see the book!

Best of luck to Kim and I truly appreciate being part of this book.

By The Sea

Not too long ago, I accepted an challenge from ArtChix Studios to participate in a chunky book page swap; the theme was By The Sea. Once I received my pages, I was in total awe at all the fantastic work and surprised by all the goodies Helga added to the package.

(Thanks Helga!)

I am even more surprsied now! I was doing a little online shopping at ArtChix and noticed my page was one of the artists selected to be part of a collage sheet! WOW! http://www.artchixstudio.com/mall/cc909_info.asp

Check out ArtChix and do some great shopping while you are there!

Rain

The summer has been terribly dry. I had forgotten the smell of the rain, listening to the pattering of the rain drops on the roof as I drifted off to sleep, and how hard it was to wake up on a rainy foggy morning. Ah, how peaceful it was. It also 'perked up' the landscape and it became much more alive. The road to my house was a mix of fog and sunlight.

Fog and Sunlight watercolor (C)

As I took my morning drive to work, I pass several farms with hay fields. This one, in particular, I love. The way the light falls on it and the fog hangs over it in the mornings. In the distance you can see Tinker Mountain as well as several other mountains that surround the valley. Naturally, I had to try to paint it.

Roanoke County Field watercolor (C) SOLD

I hope to paint more this week. The Lynchburg Art Club is having their show on September 20th and I need to have some new works for that.

Painting Again!

Today was wonderful!

I was able to have a little 'free' time to re-arrange a few things in the studio. I looked over my list of shows coming up and I sort of began to sweat. I really need to get creative.

I cleaned off my table and pulled out my thumb box of watercolors! I sat for a few hours painting a few small landscapes. I can not tell you how good it felt to sit quietly in my new studio space and paint. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Along the New River (C) watercolor

Warm Springs (C) watercolor

Rising Fog (C) watercolor

Wonderful Surprises!

What a nice surprise to get a phone call from David Eakin telling me that I had won first place in the printmaking and graphics category! Wow! Then I got a call from the Bath County show chair telling me that I had sold all three pieces of art! I was really surprised considering there were 634 pieces of artin the show!

http://www.therecorderonline.com/news/2008/0717/news/070.html

I am still in the process of getting my studio back in order. I was thinking about a song by Joe Cocker, "A Little Help From My Friends." I received a wonderful surprise in the mail recently from a fellow artist and I am tickled beyond belief! All kinds of goodies to help restock my studio with the most fantastic items! I am amazed at the compassion and goodness that still lives in this world. My faith in mankind is also restored. Thank you so very much for being a blessing and an angel! I hope that tomorrow I can get in some studio time and collage and paint!

Bath County Art Show

The Bath County Art Show Is A Wonder For Artists And Art Lovers

This special event, hosted by the Bath County Arts Association, has been a county favorite for 44 years. Local and out of state artists in oils, watercolors, sculpture, photography, and other media will be represented. The Art Show takes July 13th through July 20 at Valley Elementary from 1 to 5 pm each day. For more information, please contact Kathy Singleton at 540-839-2139. Don't miss it!





Sunday I will make my yearly trek to Bath County. Rolling hills and vast farmland. I also like to stop at the waterfalls along the way. I love Bath County!



I am not sure which pieces I will take as I don't have a lot to choose from. I have only had a small space to make prints in since the studio is beng rebuilt. I guess it is a good thing I make small prints...for now. Out of five pieces, here are the three I liked best.

Bath County Storm monotype (C) gls [won 1st place printmaking and graphics]

Cloud Shadows monotype (C) gls SOLD

Faux Sunset monotype (C) gls

Paint Something!

Go ahead, paint something!

http://www.printmaker.com/paint/index.html

50th Anniversary Sidewalk Art Show

50th ANNUAL SIDEWALK ART SHOW!!!!

Saturday & Sunday, June 7th & 8th

Every year, since 1958, the Artists have held a sidewalk art show to celebrate and support the creation of original fine art. This year’s 50th art show celebrates the fine art of painting, watercolor, mixed media, sculptural art, drawing/ original printmaking and fine crafts.

Come help support the artists !

Where: Market Street and Salem Avenue

Downtown, Roanoke, VA

Time: 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Noon

5pm on Sunday

Cost: Free and open to the public

This year I will have limited work due to the house fire that claimed a huge body of my work. I typically have my fine art collaged charms and pendants, but the Art Museum said I can not show these...after years of doing so. The art charms and pendants will be available at Gallery 108! So, please check them out there and also check out my work and other fantastic artists work as well.

I will be at space F-44 in front of Gone Co-C0.

Tranquil day at the edge of a field

A frog glides across frosty water pooled at the base of a rock statue

tribute to years of cascading dreams

Drifting across the surface breating in the mist lifting off

the icy blue water

unemerged green stalks

promises of flowers

calm the frog hoping for a warm Spring ahead

-Whitfield-

Forest Songs (C) watercolor

The Sounds of Spring

I finally had an evening to sit on the front porch and listen to the creek. The mallard male and female are back! I love watching them year after year as they return to create the sweetest little ducklings! The creek music is singing with a range of sounds and the greens are a feast for the eyes. Bamboo green, Cadmium green , Cobalt Green, Compose green, Permanent green, and Terra Haute. Perhaps a touch of sepia and a hint of Ochre and Umber. Ah, and perhaps a tad of cobalt blue. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

" Forest Song" watercolor (C)

"Falling Branch Creek" watercolor (C)

Little Bits

Just a few new 'little bits'. All I can manage to squeek out for now are a few little bits of art. These are all smaller than 4 x 4 inches. Now, all I have to do is get things framed. Gee, next weekend is Open Studios. Where does the times go? HA!

Managing Interruptions

Two weeks ago there was a 'small' fire at my house. Fortunately, everyone two-legged and four are all OK! It' s a long story and I will spare you, but two rooms of the house were affected, one being my art studio. I had a lot of art stacked up high and fortunately the fire nor the water the firemen had to use got to them. Unfortunately, I had works hanging on the walls and some on a table that were not so fortunate. But again, I am so thankful the firemen (a total of six trucks came) responded so quickly and that the fire was not worse than it was. I am very lucky! And...Rusty, the cat, will get fresh cooked chicken breast everyday! He alerted me to the noise in the dryer (where it all began). I am just glad I paid attention to him!




Well, Open Studios is coming up on the 26th and 27th of this month. I am afraid I have not been able to create a lot of new work. I have been busy cleaning and hauling stuff away, meeting with insurance guys and contractors. Trust me, I'd rather be painting!



Here are two new little watercolors I managed to do today. I am going to be filling in the cracks of time by painting, managing interruptions! But again, I am so lucky!

Creative Surges

Blue Ridge Fall watercolor (C)

I am tickled to be on Spring Break, finally!

I have had time to create these little pieces,

but hope to get much more accomplished in the next week.

Open Studios will be here before I know it!

Where does the time go?

Sumac in Color watercolor (C)

Love animals?

Come see the Best in Show!

Jazz (C) casien and acrylic

If so, check out the Market Gallery’s upcoming Best in Show. Part contest, part fundraiser, part community art project, Best in Show is a spirited collaboration between the Roanoke Valley SPCA, the gallery, and local animal loving artists. Last year, folks of varying experience and age—as young as 8, as young-at-heart as eighty—purchased 12” x 12” panels upon which they drew, painted, collaged, even sculpted images in honor of a furry friend. The works were then submitted to the gallery and combined into a giant, grid-like wall piece. This year follows suit; the colorful collaboration will be unveiled on Friday, February 15 at a special opening reception with munchies, music, and merriment from 7 to 9 pm. From the hundreds of submissions, one will be chosen to grace the cover of the SPCA’s beloved fundraising calendar. The calendar features photos of Southwest Virginians and their four-legged companions, and proceeds go to the SPCA. The 2008 Best in Show will be on display until the end of February, and works will be for sale with proceeds going to the organization. So trot on down to the Market Gallery during February; it’s located at 23 Salem Avenue in downtown Roanoke, on the corner of Salem and Wall.

http://www.marketgalleryroanoke.com/
540.342.1177

Monotypes

Morning Mist mono (C)

Here are a few monotypes.

I finally had time to photograph them!

Now, I am looking for more time...to print!

Sky Over Rocks mono (C)

Snow Days

I have enjoyed the falling snow, savoring coffee with Rusty (the cat) in my lap, catching up on some overdue pleasure reading, and...now days are good for painting! I painted this watercolor today. It is part of what I see from my front porch. I love this tree and the way the branches hang when they are laid with snow.

I also primed a rather large canvas, 5 ft. x 4 ft. Almost larger than I am! I have it resting on the easel in the old studio. I sit and look, stare and imagine what I want to fill this canvas with. I typically paint or print much smaller with the largest being 24 to 36 inches, but on average, most of my work is 8" x 8". So, as you can see, I have my work cut out for me. My mind is full of color, light, shape, texture, and other artistic forms of expression...Now I just have to lay them all down. All I need to do is add a few more coats of gesso.

New Year Wishes

At the Edge of My Yard...photo by the artist (C)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are my wishes for you!

Strength to accept the things you can not change-shade at twilight on a summer afternoon-a heather plant to greet you-a friend who you are proud of-good hard work-one comfortable place to sit-your favorite music-warmth in winter-those old shoes-heat of the sun-ocean breezes-dark chocolate--cookies-a card from a friend-a single flower-windmills-funky cars-an infectious laugh-recycled stuff-people who let you be real-finding 10$ in a pocket-books that touch you-helping a stranger-pets-clean sheets- quilts- pleasant childhood memories-giggling children-drawing a picture-a favorite color-the things you belong to-a sunset-a sunrise-water-mountains-100% cotton-organic stuff-grass in the cracks-stormy skies-unicorns and mermaids-a clear pond-time change-peace-dinner and dishes by someone else-negative ions-clear counters-moss-time alone-warm a bath in a quiet house-a stranger saying 'Hi!' and believing it-dirty knees-laughing-a good cry-a box full of memories-picking and eating from your garden-a car you can trust-comfortable silence with friends-gentle children-giving unconditionally-making someone smile-setting a goal and accomplishing it-a toilet that flushes-standing tall-stamps-people with beautiful hearts-leather-plant and flower shops-old jeans-feeling good enough to be kind-a quiet faucet-ice cream-clean water-a friend that has one you can borrow-chimney sweeps-lightening bugs-evening breezes and bats-fantasies-being there-a heartache that is gone-a friendly tax appraiser-a friend that sings as she works-a cup of hot tea-lacy things-nosegays on the windwsills in summer-a single feather-the hours before the world wakes up-being gentle to Mother Earth-consoling someone-falling stars-spring aromas of honeysuckle-back scratches-no line at the check out counter-inner peace-an old t-shirt-a parking place-feeling the breeze-a time together-finishing a task-touch-feel-declared by mother nature-smell-hearing-seeing-ice on the window-a holiday-singing in a group-big men with little babies-remembering someone who loved you well-green apples-cheese-art that touches you-night sky-big trees-staying home-respect-affection-compliments you believe-a well deserved paycheck-big trees in little cities-motorcycles- Amtrack- airplanes- taxi's and busses-clean paper-giving something of benefit back to society-movies with gentle hero's-popcorn-the idea of enough-being able to read-being able to love-choices-saying' no'-saying 'yes' from deep down inside-babbling brooks-linen-a tax refund-the purr of a cat-and a meaningful kiss...

Quiet Days

The last few days, it has been damp and rainy here.
I have enjoyed this break following the holiday frenzy.

Misty Lake monotype (C) SOLD

I have been extremely lazy...yes.
Today I dug through the cabinets in my studio, looking...looking for something...what?
Nothing in particular.
Typically, when I go through things I will find something to evoke a spark of creativity, however, today, I did not find it. What I did find were some old photos and poems that I had stashed in the art cabinet, perhaps when I was cleaning (I often stick things inside of something in order to tidy up, lol). I sat, read, looked at the photos and reflected on the imagery.

Frozen Lake pastel (C)

The images I added today were images from past creations. I chose these because they seemed to reflect my mood and the weather.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing for Peace ON Earth!
Merry Christmas to everyone who stops by...

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday!

Getting Ready For Christmas

sold

sold

Needless to say, my stupid fall left me running (literally) behind. I am just now going through all the cards I have gotten and looking at my shopping list. It looks as if I will be shopping on Friday and Saturday. I know darn good and well I have a whole year to be prepared, but am I? NO! Of course not! Are you?

At least I have painted a few Christmas cards this week.

sold

Art Under the Sun Show

I had a fantastic Thursday this past week! I delivered art to Floyd's Art Under the Sun Gallery! Marsha, Tina, Patricia, and Gretchen, as well as Gretchen's daughter, Marjorie, helped me unpack, hang and decorate for my first Floyd show, which opened last night! I usually get really anxious about show openings, but I have looked forward to this show for months! I love what is happening in this gallery! Creative energy abound!

Here is the set up!

Wonderful lights and space!

I will be showing my pendants for the first time!

*Art Under the Sun*
302 South Locust Street Floyd, Virginia
December 6 through December 14th, 2007
Opening reception: December 7th 4-7 pm
http://geocities.com/underthesungallery/

PLEASE! Check out the gallery next time you get to Floyd, tell Marsha that Gina sent you!

I love Halloween!

Hope you get more treats than tricks!

Have fun!

Happy Halloween!

Cool Weather Art

I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures! Still Virginia needs rain, lots of it. The leaves are turning, but dropping and falling off rather quickly. I am still hoping I get to see the corals and salmon colors that fire up my senses...we shall see.

In the meantime, I have been working on some mini watercolors. I hope to get outside and paint on location, or at least get some good photos. I just got a toy Holga camera and am anxious to play with that as well as my new pinhole camera.

Graveyard Spirit Photograph (C) 2007


I have way too many images in my head. Never enough time to carry them all out...guess I can dream.



Here's what I have so far (sorry, they are a little too blue);

Blue Ridge Parkway (C) watercolor 2007

Winter Mountain watercolor (C) 2007 sold

Winter Creek watercolor (C) 2007 sold

Fall Creek watercolor (C) 2007 sold

October-Fall is Upon Us

"Twilight Storm" (C) monotype

Well, I have been neglecting my blog, as you can tell. Since going back to teaching full time, I have been spending less time painting. I find myself hoping, already, for a snow day or two! I have been doing a few small pieces here and there, painting in the cracks of time.

I have agreed to do a few shows this fall. So, I better get busy!

Come visit these galleries and view the shows.

Here are a few of them:

*2007 Open Studios Art Show @WVTF *

(public radio and TV, located on the road by Red Lobster)

Dates of show: October 1 through 31, 2007

Opening reception Friday, Oct. 26, 5:00-8:00 pm

http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com/

*A Delicate Balance*

(I will be showing with my friend and fellow artist, Janet Sachs)

Gallery 108

November 1 through December 1, 2007

Opening Reception: Thursday, November 1st, 5-8 pm

http://www.gallery108.biz/

*Headwaters, A Celebration of

Virginia's Western Lands*

Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center

Clifton Forge, Va. November 27 - December 28, 2007

http://www.norsecode.com/ahacc/

*Art Under the Sun*

302 South Locust Street Floyd, Virginia

December 6 through December 14th, 2007

Opening reception: December 7th 4-7 pm

http://geocities.com/underthesungallery/

For those of you who have not been to Floyd recently, you have got to visit this wonderful gallery!

The gallery is made up of a grassroots group of artists from Floyd County... Karen Sewell's cozy country scenes; Tina Liza Jones' pen & ink drawings of folk musicians; Karen Limke's pastel nature studies; Marsha Slopey Paulekas' oils of musicians and country characters; Gretchen St. Lawrence's pastel animal portraits and Patricia Robin Woodruff's spiritual and nature art... as well as featured artists each month. Exhibits change all the time. Every Sunday, they offer figure drawing from 3-5pm! First Friday celebrations combine live musical performances and art along a theme. Come join them for drawing opportunities and weekend classes. Floyd is known for its live music scene, creative culture and art. We have one red light, over 12 live music venues, and over 14 art galleries, as well as the beautiful rolling hills of a Virginia rural area. While you are there, enjoy a grand cup of coffee at Cafe del Sol.

http://www.floydcoffee.com/features.html

"Western Mountains" (C) monotype

Lynchburg Art Show, September 15th, 2007

"Winter Creek" (C) monotype

I have been getting ready for this show! It is one of my all time favorites! I just love sitting out at the ball field, transformed into an art show, meeting new folks and catching up with other artists! I will miss being next to Kim, who is having a baby, and Lorna who is in the midst of buying a house. I will have two new 'roomies.' One is an artist from North Carolina, Lynn, and one from Smith Mountain Lake, Nancy! I adore them both! And, as always, my dear friend, Lucy, will help me set up and listen to my drivel all day! Now for the best part, after the show, we go to our favorite Mexican place! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.




Many thanks to David Eakin! He works so hard and makes everything so nice for the artists. Check out his work! http://www.davideakin.com/bio.asp
Hope to see you all soon!

Where does the time go?

Busy times.

I am working on more pages for two more 'fat books.' I have become addicted to making and receiving them over the years. I have met so many other fantastic artists and made new, wonderful friends. I love my opening 'fat books' while sitting in my car once I get the package from the post office box! I get in the car, turn the air on (damn, it has been hot), and covet it in my cool, private moment! Most of the time, they arrive on a day when I really cherish the break, the art, and the inspiration contained inside. What a rush!

This fat book theme was 'Nesting. " See how fat? A fat feast for the eyes!

Then there was the charm swap! Here is a photo of just some of the charms from Amber Dawn's charm swap! I adore those as well. I am fortunate to be a member in such fantastic groups!

Belle Armoire Jewelry Volume 3

I was surfing the net this morning over my coffee. I found a beautiful site http://happydayart.typepad.com/ and had a HUGE surprise! I noticed I share the cover with these other wonderful artists! I am so excited! Thanks to Michelle and Belle Armorie!

http://www.stampington.com/html/postscript_ba_jewelry_vol3.html

Excerpt from the intro for the magazine:

Belle Armoire Jewelry Volume 3 is your source for some of the hottest trends in jewelry, including metal clay, beading, metal stamping, paper collage, resin, and fiber. Deryn Mentock takes ordinary antique flatware and transforms it into perfectly wonderful “Spoonful Pendants” with the addition of vintage chandelier crystals, beads, wirework and ethereal images. Elegance, tradition and history come together in Kristen Robinson’s “At The Ball” resin and silver charm necklaces that evoke the glorious age of the haute ton. Metal clay is not just “For the Birds” as wannabe metalsmith Catherine Witherell shows in designing whimsical birdhouse pendants and jointed bird pendants with Precious Metal Clay. Belle Armoire Jewelry Volume 3 has something for everyone!

(My piece is the third one form the top)

Women In Art

This is Awesome!

Lynchburg

I had hoped to get more photos of the show. Ted did a fantastic job of hanging all of the pieces!This photo depicts only a small portion of this show. I walked in and was amazed to see a full gallery representation of my work. Typically I hang all my work on my home studio walls. I see it up close and in often poor lighting. Seeing it hung in this manner was astounding. I hope that if you get to go to the show, you will please comment and let me know what you think. Thanks!

(Special thanks to David and Kelly!)

Winding Down

I have been printing, painting, matting and framing pieces for the upcoming art show. I figure I have over 50 pieces ready to be hung. This is exciting! I can not wait to see them all hung in a gallery setting.

The opening is next Friday...YAY! After that, I am hoping to take a break, read a few books, garden, etc. There are a few folks I plan on visiting and I need my girlfriend fix...I also have a few birthday R.A.K.'s (random acts of kindness) to fill. I also try to stay active with postcard-X and I try to send postcards to random folks from all over. (Postcard-X has been a lot of fun...I never know what treasures or oddities will grace my mailbox!) I am just looking forward to enjoying what few days are left of vacation.

"Watercolor" watercolor (C) gls

"Storm Cloud" Monotype (C) gls

" Stormy Canyon" monotype (C) gls

"Storm Chaser" monotype (C) gls SOLD

More Monotypes

Carving the Earth (C) monotype gls

Distant Mountains (C) monotype gls SOLD

Abberations of Light (C) monotype gls

Stormy Waters (C) monotype gls

Figurative Works

Grandmother's Wndow (C) monotype collage gls

The Orchid and the Dandelion (C) monotype gls

I do not do too many figurative works...I prefer the landscape and capturing the soul of the earth. But, these figures have an element that ties them to the earth, flowers. I prefer not to use detail in the faces...as I feel the statement is what we leave behind, or what we give back to the earth, not take from it. These figures are in tune with an earthly balance...

True Boheme

Winter Falls (C) watercolor gls

Sun Fog Watercolor (C) gls sold

Autumn Creek (C) monotype gls

A Rose in the Woods (C) monotype gls

A Touch of Red (C) gls

Western River (C) watercolor gls

Rancho Murieta watercolor (C) gls

Winter Lights Watercolor (C) gls

Fall Fog (C) watercolor gls

I seem to be living the typical Boheme lifestyle. LOL. Creating...sipping a bit of wine here and there, and definitely NOT following a clock. Typically, I arise at 5:30 am, but now I get up at 8:30 am or even 9am. I truly feel out of sync, but I am getting some creating done. I am not sure how though because I am not one bit focused. I play with the cats, check emails, eBay auctions, and run in and out of the house, deadheading flowers, and looking at the wildlife here. Somehow, I have to find time to clean house, do laundry, and cook dinner. I wish I could download atomic clock sync internally...or maybe not, lol.





So, I guess I am living the life of a true artist?

Frustration

Green Hole (C) gls

Fall Creek (C) gls sold

Cloud Shadows (C) gls SOLD

Fall Lake 2 (C) gls

Fall on the Creek (C) gls

I am frustrated. I seem to be getting things all muddied...or maybe I have been working too hard getting ready for the coming shows?

This is ART!

Just let the page keep building, it will spell something, lol.


http://amaztype.tha.jp/US/Books/Title?q=art

Make a Pollock! Have Fun!

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/


"It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well."Jackson Pollock

Here are some of the fatbook pages and a new pendant.

New Work, New Directions

Re-Creating My Life (C) gls

Wow, what a busy month already! I have kept up with doing art daily, but have not been great about being near the computer. I have been getting ready for four shows that will hang this month and next.

I also signed up for five altered fatbook (chunkybook) swaps. Making the pages for these is challenging, but I love to get the completed book back in the mail. These little books are gems! I love to sit back with one and savor it over a cup of coffee. (I will try to get a photo of a fatbook on here later).

I have also been gardening. I created a new bed last summer and it needed more work. Not to mention the three huge truckloads of mulch I spread. Now things look so much better. If only my new plantings with with stand the heat.



Well, here are a few new pieces. Some are monotypes, some are altered photographs, and some are fatbook pages. Enjoy!

Messgener Spirit (C) gls

Secret Shadow (C) gls

Misty Waters (C) gls SOLD

Art Daily

More art dailies.

Since I am teaching summer school, I do not get to post daily...so I thought I would share a few of the art dailies at a time.

Day #2

Purple Sky monotype (C) gls

Day #3

Night Ocean monotype (C) gls

Day #4

Fish Pond Watercolor (C) gls




Also, check out the WVTF Art Show online!

http://www.wvtf.org/art_gallery/art_show_finalists.php

Summer Goal

My goal this summer is to create at least one piece of art a day.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so I figure making a piece of art a day (results good or bad) ], will keep creative constipation away.

Creation #1

Frosted Branches (C) monotype by gls

Create the World You Want to See and Feel

Yesterday was hot, really hot. After teaching summer school, I drove to Lynchburg to look at the gallery space and the Art Academy, where I will have a one woman show show this August. While I was there, I happened to view the current show, Interpretations of the James. All of the paintings and prints dealt with the subject matter of the James River. There were 12 artist represented and the pieces were rather large. I found them breathtaking.

I have always admired the works of Richard Crozier. I marvel at his plein air paintings, his simplicity, his textures created with each stroke of the brush, and the mood he creates. Some of the others, who exhibited were Franks Hobbs, Ray Kass, and Ron Boehmer. The other artists were new to me and I felt I should have known of then sooner than yesterday.

I am charged with creativity right now, despite working half days. I have been creating prints. I have been working very slowly, methodically, and thoughtfully to create a mood while refining my technique of creating monotypes on clayboard. I am in love with the surface.

Last night, my studio was hot, very hot. I had the air on, but it did not seem to reach me. So, I created a cool image, literally. I thought back to the falling snow, watching it fall slowly from my studio door, and feeling much cooler. Summer is not my favorite season. Not that Winter is, but Summer is NOT! This monotype was my attempt to create a sense of winter peace.

Winter Peace (C) by gls sold

Little Bits

The Sidewalk Art Show was good! Saturday it was one of the best weather days ever. Sunday it rained. I somehow found peace in that rain. I know we needed it as it has been really dry here. While the rain was not good for artists, it was good for flowers.

I have been only doing 'little bits' of art. Artist trading cards, small playing card sized art. After next week, I plan on doing more new work. But for now, this is it.

49th Annual Sidewalk Art Show

Seems like forever since I have posted.

I am frantically making prints and cards for the huge show next weekend! It is the 49th Annual Sidewalk Art Show on the historic City Market. I have done this show for many years. I think I keep doing it mainly because I have a ringside seat to see some of the oddest things that happen at art shows. For example, last year, a huge horse drawn carriage stopped at the end of the street. A wedding procession got out and came walking sown the street with an animated photographer trailing them. It was a hoot. One just never knows...it is better than TV, that's for sure. And, if I am lucky, I will sell some art!

"Reflected Clouds" (c) monotype

"Reflected Sun" (c) monotype SOLD

"Western Mountains" (c) monotype SOLD

Young Art

I have a special place in my heart for the 'young at ART'. 'Bob', is an emerging new artist. His favorite past time is to get butt nekkid and slather paint on his body then roll on a freshly gessoed canvas! GO BOB! GO! I am the proud owner of one of his paintings. 'Bob' is my best friends child, so I am anxious to see him continue on with his creative spurts.

Kids breathe new life into just about anything. They say and do the dangdest things. I was amazed at some of the quotes from some aspiring artists. I trust you will be astounded as well. Here they are:

Quotes by Students:

"Make art. See art. Buy art." a first grader

“Art is the key to life” first grader

“It’s an art world after all!” first grader

"I love art. I not only love art, I live for art!" third grader

"I run the tundra of my dreams, I howl to the stars of my imagination. I fly on the breeze of my mind and I pour my soul into my pencil. I dream in color, and see the world through a rainbow."

Angela, 8th grade

"Art is what lets your mind explore." a sixth grader

"Art is like recess for the mind." a second grader

"Art is not just a mixture of color on canvas, but a feeling; a magical feeling the embracer creates and cherishes throughout life's journey." Harrison F., 5th Grade

"I might not like how my painting turns out, but I always love art." primary student

"My mind flies away when I do art." primary student

"Art and I are like best friends, like salt and pepper, or socks." primary student

"Just do Art with your heart." fourth grader

"I love art because I can impress myself." fourth grader

"Self esteem comes from being faced with a challenge, whatever it might be, and meeting it." 8th grader

Hope you find this as inspiring as I did!

Spring Works

Thinking about spring already...and planting the garden.

"Lace" monotype (C)

"Sowing Seeds" monotype (C)

Books I Love

I was just thinking, if any of you are interested in reading (and you better be), I thought I would list a few of my art favorites.


My all time favorites are:

O'Keefe and Stieglitz:An American Romance by Benita Eisler

Intimate Memories: The Autobiography of Mabel Dodge Luhan by Lois Rudnick

The Landscape of Memory by Milton Meltzer



And a few others:

Notes for a Young Painter by Hiram Williams ISBN 0-13-624115-8

Homemade Esthetics: observations on art and taste by Clement Greenberg ISBN 0-19-512433-2

Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison ISBN 0-385-72154-4

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield ISBN 0-553-37211-4

The Spirit of Abstract Exressionism by Elaine de Kooning ISBN 0-8076-1337-1

Fate of the Gesture by Carter RatcliffISBN 0-8133-3544-2

The Art Spirit by Robert HenriISBN 0-06-430138-9

Callings by Greg LeVoyISBN 0-609-80370-0

Actually, I would have to say I hoard books. I have them everywhere; under my bed, stuffed behind other books in bookcases, and stacked in my closet. I have a vast collection of photography and artist monolog books and all types of poetry books.

Here are a few quotes about books:

The books that help you most are those which make you think the most. The hardest way of learning is that of easy reading; but a great book that comes from a great thinker is a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth and beauty. Theodore Parker


Our house was a temple to The Book. We owned thousands, nay millions of books. They lined the walls, filled the cupboards, and turned the floor into a maze far more complex than Hampton Court's. Books ruled our lives. They were our demigods. Nick Bantock


Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed on and digested. Francis Bacon


The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you the knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination. Elizabeth Hardwick

The Landscape

Once again, intrigued by the landscape. I always think of Walt Whitman. Many of my paintings, monotypes, and watercolors begin with the thought of a poem or song.

A Song of the Rolling Earth

by Walt Whitman(1819-1892)

A song of the rolling earth,
and of words according,
Were you thinking that those were the words,
those upright lines? those curves, angles, dots?
No, those are not the words, the substantial words are in the ground and sea,
They are in the air, they are in you.

Open Studios Tour...April 28 and 29, 2007

Along the Tygert monotype

http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com/artist/stanley.html

If you are looking for something interesting to do this weekend, please check this out!

More New Work

Reflected Clouds (C)

Turbulent Skies (C)

Waterside (C)

New Monotypes

Dancing Moon (c) monotype

I have not had quite the creative surge I had hoped for during this spring break.

I have managed to squeek out a few new monotypes.

I think I will try again today...

Icy Valley (C) monotype sold

Hidden Spring (C) monotype

Ready to Show

Spring break is upon us, yet it is 32 degrees outside today with a light dusting of snow. I am using the day to get ready for the Open Studio Tours in a few weeks. Here are a couple of new creations.

Mountain Fog (C)

Still Waters (C)

Spring Symphony

Collage by gls (C)

A few inches of rain fell here this weekend. Actually, it down poured! I did get to play a little bit in the studio, but I was more excited about the Spring Symphony of color happening outside! The flowers are coming up, the trees are branching out with green tips, the frogs are peeping, and the birds are visiting the bird houses I put up! Life is happening!

Now, if I could just get some art work done...

A Few New Pieces

I am afraid I have not been very productive lately. I have been working and taking grad classes again. Spring break is in the near future, so, look out! I feel heavy inspiration coming! Here are a few monotypes for now.

Stormy Skies monotype (C) gls

Winter Place monotype(C) gls

The Bathers monotype (C) gls

Cool Charms

I recently participated in two International Charm Swaps! above are some examples of my charms. I created 4 sets of 25 charms each and I received close to 100 charms back! I am still debating on how to show these off. I was tempted just to wear them as a pendant, changing them daily, but I really think I want to make them into a bracelet of some sort.

The link http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/ch.html will take you to an example of another swapper's finished product. They are so cool!

These links are also great! I get extremely inspired to make collages or other creations when I browse these sites!

http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/new2007.html

http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/newstuff.html

One of my recent inspirations came when I found a bag of old watch parts. I rearranged parts for days, finally, this pin was created.

The Mystic Hand assembled pin (C) gls

New Pochade Box, New Watercolors

A few days ago my new pochade box arrived! I got mine on eBay (LOL), but you can get them from Judson's. http://www.guerrillapainter.com/Product.asp?record=1



Today I painted a few mini watercolors. I had so many requests for small snow scenes, so, that is what I decided to paint. Many are the ATC (Artist Trading Card) size, 3.5 x 2.5 inches. ATC's have become quite popular. I have a nice collection of several artists ATC's. Also, I have been doing the 'ART SQUARED' size 4 x 4 inches. These also are highly collected.



Below are some of today's outcomes.

Snow fog over the Mountains ATC (C) gls

Cabins and Snow Fog ATC (C) gls

Snowy Valley (C) 4x4 gls

Cabin by a Frozen Lake (C) 4x4 gls

Full Moon, Snowy Night (C) 4x4 gls

Shows for 2007

Just a partial list of shows I will attend this year:

OpenStudios April 28 and 29, 2007

http://www.openstudiosofroanoke.com/

Sidewalk Art ShowOn the historical Roanoke City Market

June 2nd and 3rd, 2007

One Woman ShowAugust 2007

Academy of Fine Arts, Lynchburg, VA.

Landscape Quotes

Since I am a landscape artist, I wanted to share my favorite landscape quotes.

Winter Creek monotype by gls (C)

Any landscape is a condition of the spirit. Henri Frederic Amiel

The landscape represented a sanctuary of protection and peaceful comfort. I try to guard the beauty and privacy of it with respect and consideration. Walter Annenberg

More varied than any landscape was the landscape in the sky, with islands of gold and silver, peninsulas of apricot and rose against a background of many shades of turquoise and azure. Cecil Beaton

Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape, and inspired us with a powerful work ethic. James H. Douglas

Certainly one of the more common experiences in the jazz field is discovering someone new. Improvising musicians are capable of being musical travelers, voyagers. We want to join in on whatever we hear. There is a freedom to wander the musical landscape. Gary Burton

The lifestyle that an artist can have, the freedom to wander in the landscape with no real pressure or deadlines, was a very attractive one. John Dyer

Landscape is a piece that is emotional and psychological. Jim Hodges

Painting the landscape was, in a sense, another means of exerting control, of imposing order on the disorderly. Tracy Kidder

Then I paint again for a while: if the sun is shining a picture of the lake, if it's overcast then a landscape from the window of my room. Gustav Klimt

For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life - the light and the air which vary continually. For me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere which gives subjects their true value. Claude Monet