Workshop date set

Demo form Water Street Gallery

I had fun doing this demo, it is not a finished painting but I think the idea is there.I was nervous, performance anxiety you know. There was a good turn out and a few signed up for my 2 day workshop. The date is June 26 & 27, it's a weekend for those of you who work. It will be held at The Water Street Art Gallery, 16 Water Street, Sapulpa, OK, from 9-4. The focus will be on still life in a smaller format. Painting smaller and quickly is a powerful way to rapidly improve your skills. I will provide handouts and info on blogging and selling on ebay among others. We will study composition, drawing, color, and harmony. I will demo and there will be individual and group critiques. The class is limited to eight and the cost is $160. If you are interested call me at (918) 756-7516 or email me spoonart@juno.com or spoonart@att.net. A $50 non refundable deposit is required to save your spot. Thanks and happy painting!

Demo This Thursday

"Copper Pitcher and Egg"
I will be doing a demo this Thursday, April 15, at 6:30pm. It will take place at the Waterstreet Art Gallery in Sapulpa OK. I havn't figured out yet what I will be painting, nothing like waiting for the last minute! Wish me luck.

"Still Life w/ Kumquats"

Oil 5.25"x 12.75"

How is everyone today? I just got back from San Antonio yesterday, Spring is in full gear down there. My aunt, Sr. Bridget, yes she is a nun, is 91, and lives there. Sr. Bridget has been one of the most influential people in my life. She left Ireland at age 15 to become a nun, she is kind, sharp witted, has a great sense of humor and is the wisest person I know. We had a lovely visit. I visited the Greenhouse Gallery while I was there, wow, What a great gallery! 12,000 square feet with some of my favorite artists, Walt Gonske, Sherrie McGraw, David Leffel and Daniel Keys. Daniel is a young artist with huge talent, he is a still life artist and is in this months Art of the West magazine. The gallery is getting ready for the Salon International Show next week, over 300 paintings were juried in.

Out of the Box Promotion

I saw this video on Fine art Views and thought it was a unique idea for self promotion. Perry has combined his art with his life and set it to an appropriate tune. By the time we're done watching we feel as if we know Perry, and he seems like a real likable fellow. This kind of connection is so important in creating lasting collectors. He has thought outside the box and has created a successful marketing tool. I wonder how difficult it would be to do something like this ourselves? The video dosen't quite fit here, but if you double click it will take you to full screen on you tube.

Art for Art Sake Leaves Me Hungry

Study in Pink and Green Oil

I remember when I was in art school many moons ago, all of us baby artists struggling with the idea of what it meant to be an artist. High morals and righteous attitudes were in no shortage, "art for art sake" was the mantra. The thought of selling our art for money was looked down on. Our art was an expression of ourselves, part of us, selling a painting would be like selling our children. "We're not in it for the money" we would say. Money was looked down on, true artists didn't care about cash, trust fund kids would dress the worst, grow dreadlocks and hide the fact of who they were. Easy to do and say when mom and dad are footing the bill. But in the real world there are bills to pay and would you rather sell your art or wait tables? I always looked at it from a different perspective, I felt that finding the one person who connected with my painting and wanted it in their life was the natural end of the creative process. It is an honor for someone to love a painting enough to dedicate a place in their home for it, and to compensate me for that is a privilege. So for that privilege , my obligation is to produce the highest quality most beautiful painting I can, and to help that painting find it's owner. I think a lot of artists find that selling their art and themselves to be no fun. It can't all be fun and games, when we wear all the hats in our own business there are going to be some things we need to do that aren't always fun. With the introduction of the internet it has become so much easier to reach our people, and you know, collectors like to meet artists, it furthers the connection to the art. Besides, who knows more about your art than you. I think we should embrace our customers and want to know them, after all they are buying our children.

Workshop Announcement

"Ruby Red and Pansies" 11"x11"

Hello Everybody, sorry for not posting recently. I have been working on some nudes and it occurred to me that this subject matter may be objectionable to some of my viewers, so I haven't written. What's your opinion on this? Hey, I am going to give a two day workshop toward the end of June, hopefully a Saturday, Sunday at the Water Street Art Gallery in Sapulpa, OK. It will focus on still life in oil, and I've got some fun ideas for us. If you think you might be interested let me know and I'll put you on a list for further info, or just stay tuned here and more will come. Are you ready for Spring? I am, but I can't complain, my mom in NY had 3 feet of snow last week!

"A Day of Art, Friends and Fun"

I had so much fun last Saturday in my studio. A group of 8 painters and one model joined together for a day of painting and drawing the human form. Our lovely model was brave, as temperatures hovered around 18 degrees and snow flurries flew, she held her poses and didn't complain, even when one of us just had to go outside and let an icy breeze sweep in. We worked from 10am until 4pm. and I was tired by the end but exhilarated as well. It is a privilege to be in the company of like-minded friends striving toward the same goals. What hard work, so many decisions to be made, so many measurements to be taken. I hope we can do this again soon. Below is the start of a painting I did today based on the studies from Saturday. I'll keep you posted with the progress.

100 Stroke challenge

I set a challenge for myself today, paint a portrait in 100 strokes. Why would I want to do this? Well, I admit I heard someone recently talking about this and I got really excited by it. To say as much as possible in as few strokes as possible. I think this is the goal of most painters. After doing this I realized many things. #1, most of my portraits have a whole lot more than 100 strokes, and #2 in order to be economical, I needed to connect shapes in one stroke. To do this, a lot of paint needed to be loaded on my brush so I would be able to complete the stroke. I created some neat effects by not totally mixing my paint on the palette and having different colors show up by twisting the brush on the surface, especially in the hair. Also, you would think that it would be pretty quick just painting 100 strokes, but no, every stroke had to count, every stroke needed to be thought out carefully and placed precisely. 3 hours and I have to admit it took me 112 strokes. Yeah, I cheated, I couldn't help myself. I was having some chin issues. No, It's not ready for the framer, this was just an exercise, I was being a student today. It's not the best thing I've ever done, but I am not embarrassed to show you my experiment. Take this challenge yourself, it doesn't need to be a portrait, try a landscape or stll life, be a student, and let me know how you did.

4 srokes

12 strokes

26 strokes

54 strokes

55 strokes

75 strokes

89 strokes

106 strokes

112 strokes

Their little Faces, I Could Take Them All Home

Oh the Pansies are here, in Oklahoma they last through the winter so the nurseries are full. So many varieties I wanted them all. As far as models they are the best, they last and last even out of water for a while without drooping. If they do droop, pop them back in water and they are good as new. Maybe I should rate the best and worst flowers for still life painters based on how well they cooperate. I know I have watched Tulips go from closed bud to wide open and pointing in another direction in a couple of hours. Anyhow, I painted this 6"x8" as soon as I got home, what fun.

Why Buy Art?

For many of us buying art can be an intimidating process. Galleries have gotten a bad reputation as being run by snobs, and yes maybe justly so. But I can assure you for the most part those days are gone. Gallery owners have come a long way in making attitude adjustments to staff and are much more gracious. I believe buying art is about making connections. Many of us buy art for nostalgic reasons. The picture takes us back in time or reminds us of experiences we have lived. It makes a connection to our lives.
So where do you begin? Explore the local art scene, the more you look the more you’ll learn. Buying art is one of the most subjective things you will do. You alone know what motivation is strongest in you and you are the one who will make the connection to the art. Artists are usually happy to get to know their buyers, don’t be afraid to speak with them about their work. It gets lonely in the studio; a phone call is always welcome.
The Bottom line is that whether we buy art to mirror our lives, to express our identity or to decorate our homes, most of us buy art because we like art. So when deciding who or what to buy, my response has always been, “buy what you like.”

Gilcrease Miniature Show, Opening Night

Well, a good time was had by all. Gilcrease knows how to throw a party, the food was good the spirits plentiful, and paintings were bought by many. So is the recession over? Who knows, maybe we are all just tired of being told how bad things are and feeling it in our retirement accounts. Sometimes you just have to say to hell with it and go buy something. A little buyers rush is a good thing. Especially when you've tried to be good for a long time, or maybe not such a long time, hmm. Last night my artists friends did pretty well and I am happy in their successes, now they can go shopping too.

New Gallery

"Funny Papers" 10"x10" Oil

Hello everyone, I just got back from taking my youngest son (11) trick or treating. I fear this will be his last year. Our state park hosted Halloween, people set up their campers and decorated them with every scary thing you can imagine, it was an all day event with music, bingo and hay rides. My oldest was scaring people silly as a zombie on the spook trail. They are growing up too fast. Anyway, hey, good news, I am now a part of a new gallery in Sapulpa, OK. called the Waterstreet Art Gallery. I have a link posted so you can check it out. They have a real talented group of artists showing there and I am honored to be invited into their warm and friendly space. For those who are local, you should pop in and visit, we will be having a miniature show and sale with great gift ideas for the holidays.

"A New Direction"

Christy Reclined" Oil 15"x24"

For a long time now I have wanted to do more figurative work, I used to drive to Tulsa on Thursday evening's to attend life drawing. I loved it, but it's at night 45 miles away and ok, I did it for years, but boy, it gets tough. So I hired a model to come to me. I may be a little tentative in this piece but I am pleased with it. What do you think? I welcome your coments.

"Eeny Meeny Miney Mo"

I have no idea if the spelling is right, and maybe I should have chosen a different title but, I like it so I'll keep it. This is one of two painting going to Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland Washington. I was invited to participate after the Oil Painters of America show was held there. They liked my "presents" and thought they would fit in well with their holiday small works show. I'll post the other one in my next post. Painting these presents has become addictive, I look for paper everywhere. I've even had gift stores wrap some empty boxes for me because they do such a beautiful job. I have found a website called www.agiftwrappedlife.com that sells the most beautiful gift wrapping sets as well as gifts perfect for any woman. While you are there check out their blog, it gives tips on how to wrap, what's hot and lots of great ideas.

8 Routines To build Your Art Business

As a wife and mother of two sons and a full time artist my life is full indeed. I do have the luxury of working from my home and I consider myself a small business with one employee, me. That means I wear lots of hats. The artist in me wants to be in the studio always, but the practical side of me knows that there is so much more to do than just paint. Being organised is not a bad thing, most successful artists I know are savvy business people and having routines actually frees the mind to be able to be more creative.
1. Set a schedule with regular studio and office hours.
2.Start your week out right, I usually go to my studio for a little while every Sunday to straighten up, declutter, and think about what I will begin on in the morning.
3.The "To Do List" also on Sunday. Ex. order supplies, photograph art, calls to make. I get great satisfaction crossing them off, knowing I am advancing my business. I keep my list in a notebook and what I don't get done on last weeks list moves on to this weeks list.
4.Clean up at day's end. Walk into your studio ready to paint. What a drag to have to clean dry brushes and paint when you want to start painting.
5.Don't forget marketing! Write a newsletter,update mailing lists, post to your blog.
6. research galleries, artists, shows of interest, and magazines. Keep current.
7. Keep a file cabinet. Soooo helpful. I have files for forms, ex. inventory and model release, receipts, sales info, newsletter ideas, files of paintings location, etc.
8. Review your goals and see what steps you need to take to further them along and write them on your list.
There is so much to think about and rember, but having a set routine can keep us on track and focused for success.

Oil Painters of America Paint Out

Marty Peerson of Fort Smith Arkansas shows good form as he paints

Jasan Sacran uses a palette knife to apply paint

OPA member Betty Dalsing is brave enough to wear white!

Alan Frakes found a prime location

Ruth Harris prepares to paint

Gail Rogers OPA member enjoys a day of plein air painting

It couldn't have been a more perfect day to meet new people who share a common interest, painting and the outdoors. This weekend I hosted the Oil Painters of America's paint out in Oklahoma. OPA is holding paint outs in all states across America and I am proud of the group the group that turned out. I crossed my fingers and said a prayer that it wouldn't be pouring rain, well as you can see from the pictures it was splendid. Ideas and addresses were exchanged as well as a few laughs. The Waterstreet Art Gallery in town hosted a reception for us at the end of the day and we got to look at every ones work. The Sapulpa Arts Council also provided gift bags in the morning complete with bottled water and a candy bar. You know you have to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar up when your painting out. This was the first year for this painting event and I hope for it to continue and grow. As artists we lead isolated lives, in the studio or on mountain tops honing our skills and trying to answer our own questions, it's events like this that bring us all together to exchange ideas and answer some of those questions. Thanks to everyone who came out and the gals from the gallery and arts council for their support.

My Favorite Places

Triplets?

Neighbors

Mineral Springs Falls, Highland Mills, N.Y.

This was one of my favorite places to hang out when I was a kid. My own kids were wowed by it. I was happy to have them experience this place. You have to walk a trail for about ten minutes to get to it. All I told my boys was that they would hear and feel it before they saw it. Because the falls are spring fed it is soooo cold, the air temperature drops as you get closer to it. Our feet were numb after standing in the water for about 30 seconds. What I love about the Hudson Valley region is that these kinds of places are everywhere. There was a whole art movement based on the landscape of this area. Maybe some day I will be able to paint here, I hope so.What kind of makes me sad is all the development taking place obscuring panoramic views.

The wildlife are at odds with the encroachment into their territory. We went to visit my sister in Pennsylvania, she had mentioned the Deer and how they were like pets, not fearful of people. Well seeing is believing. A doe appeared from the woods to visit one of the neighbors and a little while later she was back with these three fawns, too cute. We didn't know if she was the mother of all three or maybe a surrogate mom to one of them, so many deer are killed daily by cars. We didn't know if Deer could have triplets. Does anyone know?

Legendary Pearl Paint, NYC

My family lives about 50 miles outside of New York City, great for a day trip into the city. Pearl Paint is a legendary art supply store more than 70 years old. As an art student I spent countless hours wondering the 6 floors, It is so big that a store map is offered when you enter. Pearl opened in 1933 the same year Albert Einstein came to America, the Golden Gate bridge began construction and the Great Plains were devastated by the Dust Bowl.

Pearl Paint is located on Canal Street, probably one of the busiest streets in NYC. If you need a handbag or a scarf this is the place. We had to be careful not to lose each other as we pushed through the crowds. We walked through Chinatown amazed by the sidewalk fare. Fruits and vegetables never seen before, Ducks hanging in shop windows and if you are a still life painter there were fabulous stores full of Asian teapots, bowls, beautiful hand made papers, oh I could go on. My problem however was carrying all this stuff since we did not drive, but took the bus. There is something to be said for having a car.