Saturday, October 26, 2013

All in a day's work

"Lakefront Trail"
8" x 8" encaustic mixed media on panel


I knew from the small works I painted earlier this week that I also wanted to paint a larger version of the autumn colors. I am still thinking this work is not enough for me to feel "done" with burnt orange and golden sunlight and I may have to do an even larger 24" x 24" version! Using small works as a study makes working larger on the same subject a lot smoother, the composition has already been worked out in my mind and things just flow. 

Several weeks of hard work have left me burnt out from painting (for now)… so the paints are cleaned up and put away forcing me to take a break. I am going to see "Madama Butterfly" at the Lyric Opera house tonight. It will be wonderful to drift into another world.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Inspiration is Everywhere

Lately everywhere I go I take photos and think about how I want to paint where I have been. I am working small (3.5 x 2.5), medium (6 x 6), and large (12 x 12).

Here are a few new small works from local neighborhood places. I plan on painting a larger version of the Autumn trees this weekend, I love the colors in nature this time of year.



The snow scene below will be in the Copley Society small works holiday show along with three other paintings, opening reception is November 14.



I also painted my favorite morning scene, a misty Goldenrod Meadow in Vermont, this time it's a larger 12 x 12 version, probably the last time I will paint this place.


The strongest common element in each of these encaustic paintings is the linear etching in the wax. I am in the zone right now and looking forward to painting all weekend.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Gallery Representation

Great story - I moved to Chicago in June and have spent the past few months learning about galleries here, art events, organizations. A few weeks ago I stopped into a fantastic frame shop which also hosts an impressive gallery space (chicago art source). The gallery manager was sitting at her desk alone and we started chatting, I was sensitive to the fact that I did not want to interrupt whatever she was doing... but I wanted to ask about the gallery. One thing led to another, she visited my website, we clicked. As luck would have it, she currently has a client that is looking for something more traditional (representational). All of the current work featured in the gallery is abstract. 

She is waiting to hear back from her client (a major University) about having me do a large commission piece, but in the meantime I am now represented by Chicago Art Source gallery. I will be one of the featured artists in the January show and several of my works are there now. Good things sometimes come when you least expect them. Even if I don't get the commission, I am in the gallery.

My paintings will all share the common theme of Chicago; places I have seen and visited since moving here. 

"Mile 6.5", inspired by the Marathon last weekend.
12" x 12"


Pictured below, paintings completed for the holiday show at the Evanston Art Center, good thing the work is done because now I am focused on the upcoming gallery show in January.


Saturday, October 12, 2013

More new work

The deadline for the Evanston Art Expo is fast approaching (October 21 inventory lists are due) and I am working diligently. I have a few other additional "things" in the works, and when I have the facts I look forward to sharing.

"Autumn Sky"
6" x 6" encaustic on panel


"Snow Reflection"
6" x 6" (another version)

Thursday, October 10, 2013

"BEECause"

"Pollinator"
6" x 6" encaustic on panel


Above, one of the three paintings I will be exhibiting in "BEECause", an exhibit devoted to bringing awareness to the plight of our pollinators. 



Zhou B Art Center - Fabulous galleries, studios, and art center.

VISION
The vision of the Zhou B Art Center is to facilitate the exchange of contemporary art between Chicago and the international art community and promote the convergence of Eastern and Western art forms in the United States.
MISSION
The mission of the Zhou B Art Center is to promote and facilitate a cultural dialogue by organizing contemporary art exhibitions and programs of international scope.

I also received word today that I was accepted into the Chicago Society of Artists. I had applied when I first moved to Chicago, after hearing about the organization from the first group of artists I met. The application process was very different from when I applied for membership at the Copley Society of Art in Boston. I found it peculiar that both organizations claim to be the oldest in the country so I decided to do a little research. Here is the information taken off of each organization's website.

The Copley Society of Art
The origins of the Copley Society of Art date back to the 1870s, a time when interest in the visual arts was gaining momentum in Boston. In 1876, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston opened the doors of its new building in Copley Plaza, and in 1877 the School of Drawing and Painting (later renamed School of the Museum of Fine Arts) began its first classes.
In 1879, members of the first graduating class of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts felt the need to keep the ties they had formed, and to help each other in their struggle to become prominent artists. In May of that year, largely through the efforts of Alice Spencer Tinkham and H. Winthrop Pierce, the Boston Art Students Association (now the Copley Society of art) was formed.

The Chicago Society of Artists 
The Chicago Society of Artists is a non-profit organization begun in 1887. The Chicago Society of Artists is now well into its second century and is the oldest continuing association of artists in the United States. Since its inception and its incorporation in 1889, the Chicago Society of Artists had as its primary objective, the advancement of art in Chicago and the cultivation of a climate to support the production and display of member art works.

So I did the math and will try to keep it to myself!

Monday, October 7, 2013

New Work

Lots of new work in preparation for upcoming shows! Each of these is 2.5" x 3.5", will be floated and mounted in 10" x 10" shadowbox frames.

"Lincoln Park Conservatory"


"Snow Reflection"


"Wildflowers in Vermont"


"Buddha Garden"


"Field of Sunflowers"


I need to have a completed inventory list turned in by October 21 for the Evanston Art Center Holiday Expo which is why I am so motivated to complete new small works daily. I am one of the exhibitors for this month long show, details can be found HERE.