Life Is Good

Just sold from True North Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine, one of my personal favorites, "Carolina Blue".  I always enjoy painting subject that have special meaning for me; that tell my story and describe  my heritage in some way.  And it's always heartening too when an art buyer connects with my story in fine art and lays out the cash to purchase one of my creations.  There is a lot of discussion these days in art circles about the value of brick and mortar art galleries in this digital age when artist's can and do sell their own work online.  While I offer my work directly to buyers online too, my sales come primarily from the hard work that my gallery owners do for me as my agent. I extend my personal expressions of appreciation and thanks to Jill and Harry of True North Gallery and Northlight Gallery; keep up the good work you do.  And I extend my special thank yous too to Mary Katherine of the Fredericksburg Good Art Company, Maggie of M Gallery of Fine Art, S. E., and Kay of the Lagerquist Gallery; I appreciate you all.  Thank you for all that you do for me and the other artist's that you represent.

When you go to the True North website using the link above, you will see "Carolina Blue" another of my paintings that recently sold hanging on the wall to the left.  Here it is close up.

Gallery Guilt

Isn't it great when someone reveals a feeling or thought that you can relate to and agree with at some level.  Well this one hits the mark in that department.  When I go to an outdoor art show or to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, after about a half an hour, I'm ready to walk out.  This Ted Talk speaks to this.  Check it out.  Author of Girl with a Pearl Earring is right on.

New Work

Posting has been non-existent because I have been at the easel.  After returning from the OPA Exhibition in Colorado and the infusion of so much information from master artists, I feel I'm on fire.  New ideas and the purchase of some new brushes have given me a burst of energy that is better than caffeine.  This painting, Wine Decanter with Cherries and Clementines (24x30) is now finished.

The glass decanter is an heirloom treasure that was used for the storage of wine back in North Carolina.  This one will be going to the M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC.  Another painting is one the easel;  I'm on a roll!

And the Winner Is . . .

As promised today was the drawing for one of my lucky newsletter subscribers.  Congratulations goes to . . . Julie Ford Oliver.  She will receive a print of one of my paintings.  And to all the rest of you fine folks, there's more drawings coming up. 

Update

Just found out my painting, French Lace, shown at the OPA National Exhibition at the Evergreen Fine Art Gallery in Colorado French Lace was sold.  It is so rewarding to know that my passion for fabrics and painting the heirlooms of my family resonate with others.

Maggie Kruger owner of M Gallery of Fine Art, Charleston SC was there in Evergreen and wrote about this great event, including pictures.  Read her blog and the exciting adventure she had including bears, oh my!
Just a reminder that if you haven't signed up for my newsletter, do so now.  You can view the past issues and catch up on information worth noting.  The drawing will be held on the 15th and the winner will be posted here on the blog at that time.  

Quang Ho and What I Learned

This month I attended the National Exhibition of Oil Painters of America in Evergreen, Colorado.  One of the many highlights of this weekend was a three hour demonstration by Quang Ho. His alla prima approach was extremely informative both in what he looks for when judging--that info can be found in his DVD, Nuts and Bolts--and his thinking/approach to painting.  What was new to me was a brush called an Egbert (it sounds like a cartoon character doesn't it) and in Quang's hand was amazing.  Here is what it looks like.  It's an extremely long filbert.

This one is a Robert Simmons Signet but other companies make them.  It gives you the ability to make bold beautiful sweeping strokes like a Japanese calligraphy brush and can twist on its edge for expressive thin/thick lines.  As soon as I got home I ordered two.  I had to condition the bristles before I used them in order to get rid of the stiffness.  Quang used this brush to apply the initial layer of paint in a soft, loose manner and continued to use it throughout the entire painting.  If you want to see him in action, check out his DVD, Painting the Still Life.

What's Up

As an artist, I try to keep my finger on the pulse of what's going on with my fellow artists.  A big thata boy goes to David Gluck for his award from ARC for the William Bouguereau Award for his portrait, The Trapper.  He is a master of the portrait and the still life.  Check out all the other award winners.  As a side note, I'm pleased to announce that my painting, "Study in White" sold from my gallery, The Good Art Co. in Fredericksburg, Texas.   

Selling a major piece is a bitter sweet experience and there is a moment of feeling like you want to say, " I've changed my mind."  Luckily that feeling passes quickly.  I'm glad it has a good home.