Naming Shells

By doing a google search I was able to learn about proper shell names based on their size, color, and shape. Who knew there were specific names for just about every shell in the ocean!

Top Shell, 18" x 22"

Cone Shell, 18" x 22"

After living with the turquoise background for a day I decided on a darker layer of color to try to create even more contrast. I am sure for each person that prefers turquoise another would prefer indigo. My mood of the day took over and made the change. I also cut off 4 inches of background (what was once 22" is now 18") because it felt like too much empty space. These paintings were quick, fun studies but now it's time for me to change artistic direction although I still don't know what's next.

Warm Waters

It's been a while since my last blog post, Springtime usually means more show opportunities and now that I have received notifications from all of my applications I feel like I can assess where I am at and how I am feeling about my art, my self, and my future.

Bottom line, I am going to embrace being a big fish in a little sea - my show acceptances have all been closer to home in local venues rather than national shows and it always seems the rejections are a bigger deal than the acceptances. I need to work on changing my attitude.

I am participating in a summer show at Gallery Della-Piana, a new venue for me in the town of Wenham, MA. I also received word that one of my encaustic paintings received Best of Show in the mixed media exhibit at the Marblehead Festival of Arts. I was included in the Marblehead Art Association New England Open Show in April, and participated in the local Swampscott Art Association Spring Show. For me, my accomplishments never feel as big as the rejections. There were two spring shows I did not get accepted into. And I find myself asking, is the cup half full or half empty?
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Vacations usually refresh me and until this weekend I did not feel inspired to paint how it felt to snorkel in the magnificent coral reefs of Jamaica. I may continue exploring this combination of sumi-e ink and watercolor but mostly it was fun to finally play with my spray bottle and paints.

Coral Reef, 24" x 18"

Black Coral, 8" x 20"

"In House" encaustic workshop

I had been scheduled to teach an encaustic workshop at a local art association today and about 10 days ago I was notified that there was not a high enough enrollment to run the workshop. I didn't really understand that because there were enough people signed up to cover the cost of their supplies plus my fee. Immediately after the class was cancelled I received emails from several people that had been looking forward to attending the workshop and each inquired about private lessons. I decided to offer a semi-private workshop in my home today. I knew the electrical requirements limited the amount of griddles I could turn on at the same time, and until I make a change in electricity, 2 griddles with a heat gun (and music and proper lighting) is all I can accommodate.

We had so much fun and I plan on opening my home up to future workshops. Several other people are waiting to hear back from me about scheduling another workshop but I needed to see how it went today before I took the next step. After everyone left, I completed my demonstration painting, and it felt good to get back into encaustic painting.

"Winter Brook", encaustic image transfer

I setup a temporary studio in my garage. Fortunately the weather was perfect and the garage door was up all day.

I continue to add work to my Etsy shop with focus on small encaustic works because of the lower price point and the ease in which I can create them. I have so much to learn about Etsy and networking there but for now I am going to just continue increasing my inventory. 

Etsy

Right before I went on vacation I setup an Etsy shop with only two items. I had been familiar with the website and knew it was another way to showcase and sell online but I had never thought to use it because I have always scheduled shows where selling my work in person has been my preference. I am not scheduled to participate in any weekend art shows unless I decide to accept my invitation to participate in the Paradise City fall shows, (first one is not until October) and I will decide at the end of the month. In the meantime, I am going to give Etsy a chance and today I added additional items to my shop. I am wondering if any of my blog followers have used or shopped on Etsy? any thoughts or suggestions?

My Etsy Shop

The costs involved when using Etsy start with a minimal fee to post each item, then another fee goes to Etsy when an item is sold. Accepting payments via paypal also involves a paypal fee, and the end result is very similar to how it feels when a gallery sells work and takes their percentage. I will try and keep an open mind and re-evaluate end of summer.

In general, it feels like the art world has become even more competitive, plus galleries continue feeling the economic downswing of the current state of the union. Finding appropriate opportunities to show and sell my work seem few and far between. I thought going on vacation would refresh my outlook but I still have not felt the spark to "go get 'em"!

Recently my friend Mark posted about show competitions and jurors and I agreed with his conclusion -  paint for yourself, and paint what you love.

Today I did a bit of gardening, something for myself, something I love. This was my "painting" of the day.

Vacationing in Jamaica

I had the best time learning how to snorkel off the Jamaican coast this past week, I am addicted. Now that I am rested and rejuvenated, I should be ready to start new work in the studio soon. In the meantime, I am thrilled to be sharing photos from my trip....  new inspiration for future paintings.

Chakras, bookmark design

After completing the chakra series of treescape paintings I realized these paintings were more inspirational seen as a group rather than individual works. Each painting was my way of learning about the different energy sources within the human body; together they represent a complete, healthier understanding. I made a small reminder to carry with me and designed a 9" x 3" bookmark. I am offering these for sale on Etsy, thanks to the encouragement from friend and fellow blogger, Eva.

My Mental Vacation

This week the public schools are off for spring break. New England public schools always take the week of Patriots Day off (a New England only holiday), and I decided to take a mental vacation with my paints.

"Sea of Clouds", 26" x 41" watercolor

I used my last sheet of jumbo size watercolor paper and fortunately I can use a frame I recently purchased specifically for this size work. I had done an abstract Treescape in January thinking it would be a new art  direction and decided to frame it. Actually, it led me into the chakra series of abstract paintings I just completed. What I don't like is the lack of structure in this first treescape piece and the "Sea of Clouds" brings to me the warm glow of sunrise. Isn't it terrible how fickle I am - my favorite painting is usually the one I just finished.

The Third Eye

It was subconscious that the last treescape painted was the sixth (and not the seventh), known as Ajna. This chakra represents intuition, insight, and imagination. What is more important to an artist than their imagination?

Ajna, the third eye

The treescape series is an interpretation of the seven chakras from Sanskrit text. A simple translation of chakra is “Wheel of Light”. It identifies different energy sources within our bodies. These paintings are my way of seeking a better understanding of whole self. They also represent the forest of thoughts constantly running through my mind.

The compositions are free-flowing and chaotic. Layers of color between exposed white paper and a tape resist transport me into an awareness of the seven energy sources as each painting develops.

My goal was to achieve sound body and mind with each painting. I am able to identify where I have strengths, and where I have weaknesses. This awareness is the first step toward living a more complete, satisfying life.

"1000 Trees", The Seven Chakras

I am excited to start a new painting, another large landscape inspired by the Huangshan Mountains. There is a wonderful feeling I strive to create when I see the amazing combination of heavenly sky converging into dramatic, mountainous land.

Manipura, solar plexis

The third chakra, Manipura

"He who knows others is learned;
He who knows himself is wise."

Lao-tzu, Tao te Ching


I have one remaining chakra to paint in order to complete the series, The Third Eye. You can read about treescapes HERE 

Yellow, the third chakra

Yellow is everywhere this time of year. It's the first sign of spring flowers on local forsythia bushes. It's the color I bring into my home that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

It's the color I am drawn toward when I am painting landscapes, and it's one of the most challenging colors to maintain when using the watercolor medium.

   

      

Yellow represents the third chakra, Solar Plexis. It is symbolic of identity and inner strength. It is the color of self-definition. 

Lately, I have felt "out of it", defined by chakras as out of alignment. I have been unable to complete the third chakra painting in my Treescape series however I am hopeful that will change soon. The composition is set, all that's missing is the yellow, the color of ego.

I have been organizing for upcoming show submissions, deciding which pieces will go where, and making sure I don't submit the same piece to different shows that overlap. I am trying to prepare for what could end up as a whole bunch of rejection. I feel vulnerable. I am still at war with the inner critic, and the truth is, I don't think I will ever peacefully co-exist.