Thursday, June 21, 2012

back to the drawing board...


If you've been following my story, I created 4 paintings to gain entry into an art exhibit in my area. The series of 4 paintings is HERE.

Well, I didn't get in. There are a couple of things that I think definitely worked against me: 

1. My work wasn't consistent enough. I had 3 watercolor paintings and 1 acrylic painting. All of them, except for the two chicken paintings, look like they could have been created by different artists. This is definitely a no-no when trying to get into contemporary art exhibits. The body of work should look like it all goes together with a similar style and treatment. The artist's personality and originality should shine through each work and look like it all belongs together. I knew this, of course (having been an art teacher).

2. The theme wasn't developed enough, creating even more inconsistency. One of them is in the realm of fantasy (the one with the big flowers), one is more in the realm of realism and the others emphasize borders. I was just too all over the place. I believe I would have had a better chance if I had stuck to one particular way of working within the theme.   

3. I didn't give myself enough time to create a body of work. I was rushed. This year has been marred by medical crises and illnesses, whether mine or someone else's. Being distracted does not bode well for making a consistent body of work where some leisure can bring thoughtfulness and reflection. Instead I was overwhelmed with too many things on my plate to think clearly about what I was creating. I thought I had enough time to paint 4 acrylic paintings and 4 watercolor paintings (for instance) and choose between the two mediums. 

4. Not enough pieces:  the prospectus called for 4 - 10 pieces. I'm sure most artists went more for 10 which put me at a disadvantage too.   

5. politics: I think there is always a little of that in the jurying of every exhibit (especially in an area like this where most artists know each other, or at least each other's work). Some artists specialize in farm scenery and it is all they do -- full time. This is not my main focus even if it is becoming part of my palette.

In a way, I am glad I didn't get in especially as I am still dealing with #3 and still greatly overwhelmed to the point where I'm even shutting down my Etsy on-line store for awhile to get back on my feet. Assuming that brighter days are ahead, I will reapply next year. This gives me an entire year to paint and to explore what direction I want to take this work. Working in watercolors and acrylics should be possible too with so much time ahead of me assuming I can get most of my graphic work, greeting cards and music done during the day time. 

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed reading about my journey so far...

       

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Two Doves Trinket Box

Two Doves Trinket Box
© 2011
hand painted
available HERE
may also be available HERE

If you haven't been reading along, this box is part of a series I made in the winter of 2011 (I call it my "paint everything in sight" period after acquiring a studio with running water and a big work table). The rest of the series is HERE. I am just starting to list them for sale now, in 2012.

Of all of the painted boxes (so far), this is probably my least favorite (I like the butterfly boxes the most). I did take great pains to paint stars on the inside of the box for this one. 

Last night when I was busy painting an ACEO (a mini original painting that has to be 2.5" x 3.5"), I realized that the top of this box was not much bigger (2.5" x 4.5"). Hmmmm, so that's why I was always using my liner brushes!

Back to painting!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Devotion to Birds


"Devotion to Birds"
original india ink ACEO
size: 2.5" x 3.5"

sold 
(if interested, other works somewhat like this one may be available through this link)


If you haven't the slightest idea of what an ACEO is, go HERE to read about it.

This is part of a series of Celtic-style Tree of Life images I have been making for several years. This one is the first in India ink. 

If you have been following along on this blog since my last post HERE, then you'll know that I have not made any art since I became ill (on May 22). I tend to produce ACEOs when I want to experiment with a new style or when I'm unsure about a direction I want to pursue or when I'm lacking in energy (i.e. not feeling well enough to tackle a big project!).


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Time Out

Time Out
© 2012

This is what happens when you don't feel well (you make work like this, outside of your realm and to describe crudely how you feel). It is the only work I have produced outside of one ACEO (a mini original art work that is 2.5" x 3.5") since the last time I posted. In fact, this whole year so far has been marked by health issues whether it be mine or someone in my family. Bad year. Wish it would brighten up!

It has been hard to work, which is one of many reasons I just decided to list trinket boxes for awhile. Now even that has become difficult. I am used to robust health in myself and my family and producing a lot of work that this is an anomaly for me. I realize, however, that things could be worse, so I always try to count my blessings and keep an optimistic viewpoint.

In order to keep a positive outlook and to keep my attentions from distracting, I may put my on-line stores on vacation for awhile and just blog about others. I'll see how much I can do even with that. 

Just wanted my readers to know why I haven't been listing things the way I said I would (with a lot more frequency)...   

Monday, June 4, 2012

angel box

Angel Box
one of a kind, hand painted
(for jewelry, ornaments or trinkets)
available through my Etsy on-line store here
or through my Artfire on-line store here

Here 2 other views of the box:



If you haven't been following along, this box was painted in the winter of 2011 during my "paint everything in sight" phase. The other trinket boxes painted during this time are HERE.

I have done many angel figures in this kind of style for many years on my hand thrown pottery, tote bags, tee shirts and hand embroidered items and I thought I would try one in paint on a box. I do like the way it comes out on pottery and embroidered items best (hard to paint so small as the top of the box was only 3"!). If I ever do another one, I'll do it on a bigger surface.

Here are some pots I made (for comparison):