>Itching to do a collage or two!

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This weekend’s American Artisan Festival in Nashville motivated me to tackle a collage or two.  I saw a few truly wonderful works there, including those I’ve posted images of, above, and the works of Charla Steele.  They all burst forth and inspire me with their great color, texture, style, words, etc. and today went to the local goodwill where I scored some great materials to work with.  Now it’s just a matter of finding the right supports and getting to it.

The Goodwill materials include several very old books, some with terrific illustrations, some with great photos and cutlines, some with fantastic chapter and section headers.  I’ve got three of four themes I plan to work on to build these collages around.  I’ve scoured the internet for some instructive sites but haven’t found too many that add anything to what I’ve read in books already. 

I can’t wait to get started!  Now if only this damn heat wave would exit so I could work out in the garage.  The studio is cooler since we pulled the lined curtains closed in most of it.  There’s still plenty of light to work but it’s laid out more for painting whereas the garage has a wonderful countertop work surface which will be perfect for some of the collage work.  

>Overworking Watercolors

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I could not figure out why my watercolors had these ugly dark “nits” on them, like a sweater gets.  I use high quality Fabriano 140 lb paper and could not understand until this morning – painting before it gets too hot in my studio.  I had sketched out a couple of elaborate landscapes on my paper and was trying to use transparent glazes to give them an ethereal look.  Here’s one of many explanations of why glazes are used and how to go about it. 

Off the subject of glazing, I worked on the below painting the other day in class and my instructor helped with the background.  It’s darker than I’d intended and I will probably do this painting again in the future since I see a few changes I’d like to make, but as a practice painting, her tutelage on the background was helpful and I love the delicate simplicity of the flower. Behold, my first Magnolia Blossom:

>What to paint?

>I’m returning to watercolors right now, feeling the less restrictive medium will be a comforting change for the time being.  I am drawn to seascapes and looking forward to using my new Sterling Edwards palette.  I’ve watched a few short videos Mr. Edwards delivered on the jerrysartarama site and like his style very much.  I don’t expect to be doing work of Sterling’s caliber anytime soon, but he flows, makes it look easy, and has a very professional style.

>Path to recovery?

I met and spoke with one of my fellow painters today who offered me support and strength and shared her experience which is similar and perhaps even more courageous than what I’ve had to do.  The outcome was a very good one in her case and I really hope it is in ours as well.  Time will tell.

Without going into too much detail, I will say I attended my first support group meeting tonight.  Alone.  But through that door, the healing energy was palpable.  I felt immediate relief and in sharing readings from the materials they use, I recognized a home for my pain and troubles.  And yes, I did share my story briefly.  With tears.  At the end of the meeting, I received hugs, a few telephone numbers, more information and a determination to see this through, comforted in the knowledge that not only do I have a higher being, but so does my loved one in trouble.

>No more denial

I had to do something today that I never thought I could.

It has nothing to do with painting, but definitely one of the reasons I sought escape into the world of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre in the first place. Without going into detail, suffice it to say I pulled my head out of the sand, accepted a reality, and choose a course that I hope and pray is for the best for us all. The decision was not prompted by an angry, violent outburst but a cool acceptance of reality and facts.  And I feel a serenity about what I’ve done, despite what my loved one has warned and threatened.

I am aware of the great risks involved, that it could bring about a consequence far from what I am hoping for, but it is out of my hands and control.  I accept that whatever the outcome is, it is because of the choice of that individual and not my responsibility.  And I pray to my higher power to help us all in this.  If anyone’s reading this, please keep us in your prayers and send good healing thoughts our way.

>Another artist’s show at the same venue

>I was very lucky to have met the lovely former-food-columnist-turned-painter Thayer Wine at my reception.  We spoke briefly there and when I learned her art would be hanging after mine, I was dying to check it out.  Her reception was the day after she hung her work and how fortunate I was that she was fine with me coming and yes, I could bring other fellow artists.

Of course, I thought of Miss Hazel and arranged to pick her up and bring her.  And Lynne P. and Lucilla, our dry-witted beloved Italian artist friend came too.  We four soaked up Thayer’s lovely watercolor paintings and Lynne explained to me how the one that looked like a stained-glass effect was actually painted on rice paper that’d been crumpled up.  It was an afternoon of great company, and of course, great food too.

PS:  I cheated!  The above pic was taken of Lynne P., Me and Lucilla the evening of MY opening.  We didn’t get one at Thayer’s. 

>The Show is Over

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The paintings came down much quicker than they took to hang, and David and I were done in like 20 minutes.  All told, I sold the biggest single painting – the Dandelion – and ten other smaller paintings.  I received three commissions from the show and sold a number of the small gift style items – notecard sets, wine gift bags, and tote bags – so it was a very good and profitable “business result” and encouraged me to press forward with my art.

Ultimately, what this, the first show did, was it gave me confidence.  I realized I can paint, and paint things people like and would like to collect.  I realized I have a “knack” for the business/marketing/promotion side of things too, and going balls out to ensure a good sized crowd came was truly worth it.  I can honestly say this endeavor was a success.  

I also realized I love painting enough that I could do it for a living.  It’s more than just a hobby or one of my many tangents that cause my husband to roll his eyes but support me nonetheless.  When all is said and done, I worked on this show full time — and then some — for more than a month to prepare for it and promote it and create for it.  And I did not find it a job at all.  In the end, I relished the opportunity and am so very grateful that it came my way!  

Now, onto whatever lies ahead! 

>Lunch with my mentor, Hazel

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Since Hazel King, 90, my mentor and teacher, was unable to come to my reception, I decided to treat her to lunch at the restaurant that is showing my work, The Mad Platter in Nashville.  She was tickeled pink to join me, and I suspect doesn’t get out often other than to teach and to dance (still!)

I was actually nervous (something that I rarely get) when we entered, wondering if she’d like my work or find fault with every piece.  Thankfully, she was gracious, enthusiastic, and even if she wasn’t crazy about my paintings, she kept it to herself.  It was a very late lunch and I followed her through the (mercifully near empty) restaurant as she inspected each painting, large and small.  She’d squeal “ooh!  This is good!” at one, and then, “you are very brave” at another.  After reviewing most all of them, we took our seats and dined on a great lunch that the owner generously and unexpected provided gratis.

Miss Hazel was a hoot!  I’ve got to say!  She was so cute and complimentary with the waitress, folks at the next table, and of course, me.  She kept saying “You are very brave to have tackeled all this!” and “I can’t believe you painted all this!”  A few of the things she said rang like music in my ears too:  “You will go far with this,” and “You really have what it takes,” and “You paint like noone else — and that’s a GOOD thing.” 

I don’t know how much of what she said was sincere and how much was flattery and appreciation for breaking her free from the confines of her daily routine for the day.  No matter.  To me, it was a day to remember and relish.  Long after she is gone (which, God willing, won’t be anytime soon), I’ll remember this special day and all of the pearls of wisdom she imparted to me today and along this journey. 

>Getting back to normal, finally.

>Who would’ve thought it could take so very much out of a person to have a reception that someone else is hosting on your behalf?  I must have been running on pure adrenaline before the show because, believe me when I tell you, I crashed big time once it was over.  I was utterly exhausted and it wasn’t like I was up til all hours of the night beforehand.  It was an emotional thing, I’m sure.

It’s a week and a couple of days later and I have finally gotten things in order around the house (no more Moesse cards, invites, or merch floating around on the dining room table), and the studio.  The gardens are starting to show they’ve been weeded and I even was able to squeeze away to get to painting today!  It was the first time I got to see beloved teacher Hazel since missing her at the show (she could not get a ride and there was a sad mixup!)

I brought her two of my bags and a set of note cards and asked her if she’d like to go to the restaurant with me for lunch or at least to view the stuff.  She’s up for it and we’ve got a plan.  It was great returning to painting class and I worked on watercolors today, painting at a shared space with Lynne P. and Lucilla.  There is something about painting with folks you respect that elevates you.  I really felt lifted and creative and enjoyed the free flowing feel of working with watercolors today after so much restraint lately. 

I’ve still got some catching up to do, like mailing out cards to those who joined my mailing list.  Next Saturday, the paintings come down and some of the big ones unfortunately did not sell, so I have to make some room.  I view it as kind of a mixed blessing: There is some interest by a few parties in some of them and I’m sure we’ll figure out what’s what by next Saturday when the works come down.  But even in the worst case scenario that noone buys any of the large ones, I at least get to surround the house with some lovely stuff for a while longer!

Reception’s over, but what a time it was!

It.is.over.!  The paintings still hang there for another nearly two weeks, but the reception went off without a hitch, for the most part, aside from the sad absence of my BFF who was unable to take time off to come back down again.  I got there with all my “merch” – additional paintings I had completed recently, sets of notecards I had printed up to sell at the event, canvas bags and little drawstring canvas totes for wine or – in the case of fellow painters – paintbrush bags.

We displayed the merchandise on a pair of tables near the exit, had a pair of “Mailing list” clipboards and other material near the exit too.  My son, Pete, served as host, welcoming guests into the restaurant and I am proud to say, the 76 seat occupancy place was packed at times!  The owner and I estimated we had more than 80 people there!  On a Tuesday night, we figured that was a great thing to pull off.

Highlights of the night were when Pete introduced me to the crowd, and when I presented a painting I had done for the non-profit organization Operation Stand Down Nashville.  Bill Burleigh, the organization’s executive director, seemed to be tickeled pink by the painting and I was so excited to present it and inform the crowd about the great organization.

Other standout moments included seeing high school classmates, painting buddies, and others that I really did not expect to be able to come for the event.  Again, mid-week, downtown Nashville, etc.  And near time for the event to wrap up, Ben Leming, the U.S. Congressional Candidate for the 6th District in Tennessee came in with several of his supporters.  It was a great way to end the evening and I felt truly honored that he took the time to show up.

As for selling, we did far better than I expected, sold many of the smaller paintings, had numerous admirers of the larger ones, notably the Congaree Swamp and “Miracle” one, and had many folks sign up for the mailing list.  Later in the week I’ll post another “after action” post. Tired now and finally unwinding after a stellar event!

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