Purple Loosestrife

"Purple loosestrife is a very hardy perennial which can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat".

I was intrigued with the angle and composition of the purple flowers surrounding this local pond and thought it would make for an interesting landscape painting. I decided to do some research to learn more about the flowers and quickly realized it is like an invasive weed, the flower is called Purple Loosestrife.

I took this photo several years ago and used it for a demo painting during one of the workshops I was teaching. I was not pleased with the outcome of the painting and put it away, hidden in my paper file.

Over the weekend I pulled out a variety of photographs to use for small encaustic paintings and I decided to re-use this same photo hoping I would be happier with the outcome. I also decided to re-work the watercolor I had done, using black ink to exaggerate the design of the composition that I found so interesting when I first photographed the pond.

"Ware Pond", 18" x 24" watercolor and ink

Below is my encaustic version of the same pond. Now I actually like my re-worked watercolor better than the new encaustic version. Maybe in a few years I will feel like reworking the encaustic (but I doubt it!)

"Purple Loosestrife", 6" x 6" encaustic on panel

Lupines

I started several small encaustic paintings this morning, inspired by wildflowers this time of year, but had to stop mid afternoon in order to attend a reception for the local art association. I did manage to finish one piece before I went out.

"Lupine Sunset", 6" x 6" encaustic

I will have more new work to post this week. Recent motivation has come from taking a short break, enjoying the outdoors, and feeling refreshed. 

Chicago

It's been educational to say the least, re-aquainting myself with the city and studio space, teaching and exhibiting opportunities, learning about apartment availability and costs, all in preparation for my move back to Chicago next year. At this point there is little else to do until March 2013 when I can actually sign a lease. The Amdur Art festivals seem to be the closest show opportunity comparable to the Paradise City Fine Art festival, something I have been doing for the past 6 years. And visiting the Evanston Art Center was just the tip of the ice berg in terms of teaching opportunities.

There will be so much to do, rebuilding a life in a new part of the country. Staying focused on one step at a time without freaking out has been my immediate priority! 

Yesterday I walked through Lincoln Park and despite high humidity and heat it felt great to be back home. I took pictures along the way, the organic farmers market held every Saturday morning was a highlight.

 Yoga class (above) being held next to the farmers market.

Yum.

Color!

Past the farmers market heading north is the zoo and then my favorite, The Conservatory.

Yes, I do love the lily and koi pond

Orchids

I know what I will be painting when I arrive home this week. I am looking forward to getting lost in the creative process, my happiest place to be.

When a negative becomes a positive

It was an artful weekend, both days I was able to paint without interruption (probably because both of my daughters left early Saturday morning for their summer jobs and I will be an empty nester for the next 2 months). Sunday morning I went to IKEA to purchase more of the shadowbox frames needed to display the small encaustic paintings only to discover they are no longer making the 6" x 6" size. Because these paintings are so small it is important they be presented in a way that enhances the work. I ended up purchasing several of the larger 9" x 9" shadowboxes, the only size they are carrying now.

The good news is I actually think the paintings look better matted and with more empty white space vs. floated on a white background without a mat. What do you think?

Large and small frame

Both paintings in the larger 9" x 9" frame

New Poppy paintings 

I have quenched my artistic thirst for painting flowers, at least for the time being.

Flower Power

My summer project(s) officially started today. I am going to try to paint 30 new encaustic paintings, all small works, by August 1. The past week was surprisingly successful as I had multiple sales on Etsy as well as in the Copley Society small works summer show. 

These paintings are 2.5" x 3.5", then floated and mounted on 6" x 6" watercolor paper, with my stamp signature on the bottom left. I think the addition of the shadowbox frame enhances the presentation and they are priced under $100 each, a key selling point.

I also have 5 small works being featured in Gallery Della-Piana, opening next week. The gallery owner was more interested in my winter scenes rather than summer as she said most artists neglect to find the beauty in a winter garden. 

As usual, I spent most of what I made in sales last week reordering supplies to allow me to continue working. Getting ahead is a never ending challenge... starving artist comes to mind.

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?
                   _________________________________________________________

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.