Monday, August 29, 2011

It's time for some time off.....

It's Monday, the 30th of August. Today I took down the exhibit and drove it back to the studio. I am trying hard to make sense of the results of this year's exhibit, and I think it boils down to lack of funds. From the response of the visitors I have had, everything could have been sold many times over, so I'm chalking it up to a knot in their cash flow.  People who come in to an art gallery are sometimes other artists, looking to be inspired. I get it, and do it myself. I also need to see what's out there on the market, and in the museums, so that I can gauge my own work's qualities against what is considered the bar of excellence. I have travelled and visited some of the great museums and galleries in the world, so I have a good idea of what quality is. Most of all, I try to follow my own heart and impulses when creating. I don't paint like anyone I've seen before, and sometimes when I paint something, I say to myself 'that doesn't look like anything I've seen before in a book, or art venue elsewhere'. 'Must not be good if I haven't seen it done by someone who is a 'role model' for me. Then I grab myself by the neck and shake well, because that is exactly what makes my work 'me'. I can't paint like someone else, THANK GOD. The work is progressing from year to year. Those who have followed the work for many years now see it very clearly. I am thankful that I have at least one very loyal and lovely sponsor who encourages me to keep up the work and knows that one day, I won't be writing blog articles like this any more!
To all those who have purchased paintings now and in the past (more than I can count) I'm honored. I won't let you down ... future paintings are awaiting me back in the studio, so they can come to life. Time is on my side.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Showing up for the work....

Except for Monday and Tuesday, I have been at the gallery every day for a minimum of 4 hours.....mostly 5 or 6, cause I like to open as soon as I show up (11:00 or 11:30) and stay when I see that there are still many people out wandering around the street. I have been rewarded by having the most positive feedback yet in terms of visitors loving the palette of colors, the compositions, and nearly every painting has it's scores of fans. Out of 17 paintings, only one has yet to be singled out for praise by at least one person. How amazing.  So, I'm wondering, am I expecting too much when I expect better results than last year's exhibit? Each year's production is different, yet my signature brushwork and color palette are in place, as are the uplifting feelings that I feel reverberate from the canvas. I'm not one to politicize art, or provoke and disturb the viewer. I aim for soothing calmness, or positive energy. A painting, for me, has to give me a lift when I confront it. I WANT to surround myself with the energy or the peacefulness of nature. My interpretation of these states of mind, have found a home on a piece of cloth, much like a author writes, a musician plays and instrument, or an actor uses the stage.  I am at a loss to understand why the step is so large to say 'yes' to surrounding oneself with inspiration, instead of things from IKEA, or other objects that a million other people have. You will probably never regret buying a piece of art, but how much junk do you find at garage sales or 'lope markeds'? Own something that keeps giving back. If you 'connect' with a piece, go for it. I will regret seeing my work disappear, but I can continue to investigate the realm of painting, and who knows where that will take me. I look forward to each new day in the studio. The gift keeps giving.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Exhibit 2011, best yet.....

The paintings are up, the door is open and the first painting has been sold. I feel real good about this year's exhibit. The response from total strangers, friends and family has been so completely positive that I am looking forward to the rest of the month in a big way. I have posted new photos on my FB and will try to put them on here, but am having trouble with the sizing and placement here.










Lille Atelier is just the right size and location and you would think that we would be bombarded with requests from independent artists to rent the space for their own exhibit. I guess that many artists are expecting to get discovered, or waiting until their work is good enough for a shot at a commercial gallery in this city-or another. I say, take your work out yourself and make it happen. Make sure you have quality, and when you do, put it in a fantastic 'wrapper' and expose it. Lille Atelier is that 'wrapper', but there is alot of work involved in putting your own exhibit together, and being the one that meets and talks to the public when they come in. Scarey......yes. Rewarding......yes.  Not for everyone, maybe. I enjoy it, and the feedback is invaluable.  I'll get back to this blog in a day or so....... when I get a break. Thanks for reading and following. Cheers! C.