Ahhhhhh, the last day of my exhibit today. I was looking forward to being free from having to sit a minimum of 4 hours nearly every day of the month, except Monday, of course. Well, I will miss all of the positively motivating conversations I have had with the visitors. They were so inspiring as to my frame of mind. We painters are always doubting ourselves-and the only way to know if what we're doing is communicating with others is to lay it all out there and wait for the response. Well, the response this time has encouraged me to paint like mad for the next exhibit-although I don't have anything scheduled yet. (next September??) Although I see which paintings generate the most interest, I still have to explore the other areas and expand my horizons with both techniques and subject matter. Thanks to all those who bought, to those who helped nearly as much by encouraging me with words, and to my husband who helps me in all ways to be able to do this. Love and Peace..Connie

This is the final spurt...the last few days to present the work that I have worked 15 months on. The response has been good, and I am looking forward to seeing those people who are still sitting on the fence. Trust your gut feeling, and if that says "I would really enjoy seeing this image on a daily basis, it would calm/stimulate/amuse/inspire/cause me to reflect, (well, fill in the blank)....then we can make it possible.
The weather in Bergen today is, how to say this in a positive way....nope......miserable. Raining cats and dogs and the wind will probably blow me 30% off course on my walk to the Gallery today. Better put on the whole nord-easter gear. My children (grown now) used to look like little moon men when they went to the play-park in this kind of weather, and they stayed dry no matter what, so I'll try to remember how I did that. Have a great day everyone.

Friday already...wondering how today will develop. I have been rewarded with some movement of paintings, and am sure that as the month progresses, those who are on the fence will be back to claim a piece for themselves. Brochures are flying out the door faster than I can make them, and I have used a fortune on printer ink and glossy 180 gm. professional paper...but they are nice!! Love my Mac and iWorks.....Gotta get myself into the Gallery in an hour, and have yet to do the most basic preparations (clothes??, food, reading material??) My wish is that the people of Bergen would trust their own instincts more and not think that because I have priced my work on the lower end of the "original art work" scale, there must be something to be leary of. I did it because I WANT those who want my work to be able to afford it, and for me to be able to replenish my dwindling canvas stock and get some new stretchers-and my landlord (for the studio) has just increased the rent alittle.....it's not cheap to make art, but I'm doing my bit to make it affordable.

One week in to the exhibit, and I must say that I have never had such a good response to an collection of new paintings before. The enthusiasm is so encouraging/confirming what my gut feeling was when I hung it up. So the fact is that I am still waiting for the first person to commit to buying a piece. Can't be the work, because never have I had an exhibit before that was so well received. Some are not trusting their own judgement, and must go and bring back a husband/wife/friend, to confirm what they already know....they want their favorite piece (or to, or three)....I know that times are tough, so I'm patient, knowing that the pieces are so good that it's like anything else that you see that makes a deep impression on you....you won't rest until you have it. I am looking forward to the next week or two, cause that is when the action will start happening..........

What a good day! You think that you'll NEVER be ready, but, that's all in your head. I was more than ready when the first guests showed up at my gallery door today, and it was so pleasurable, that I can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow. Good weather, lots of friends and family, and even a nice mix of total strangers who were ever so positively liking the work. I'll have to make more brochures, cause they disappeared fast.. The cookies went like hotcakes, too. My feet hurt from standing so long, but it's a small price to pay for the fun of putting your work out to a appreciative audience. Thanks everyone for giving me such a nice day.

August Expectations

Again, I'm surprised that it's only a few days until I present the last year's work to friends, family, and anyone who wanders into my gallery, Lille Atelier, Lille Øvregaten 16, in beautiful Bergen. After 3 great weeks in the U.S., I returned to face squarely the fact that I had tons of work to do before I could present my work in a manner that would make me proud. Invitations to make and deliver, posters, folders, emails, blog update, opening wine to buy and I have decided to make chocolate chip cookies and mini brownies to have with the rosè wine.....the list is still not complete. I have taken a breather day today, but tomorrow it's back to the list,..... check/check/check....I am not exactly nervous, but that will come on Friday nite/Saturday morning. It'a funny, but even though I have done this a dozen times before, I keep surprising myself by the small things that I forget-until the last minute. Last year a tourist to Bergen, by way of a cruise ship, wanted 2 paintings, but needed to have them dismantled, packed and ready to go on an hour's notice. I need to be ready for that again.... I will be ready and it will be fun. If you're in the neighborhood, please drop in!! Wish me luck!