And, To Think

AND, TO THINK, I never went to college to study fine art and, yet, here I am part of an Artist Colony, painting fine art, having the time of my life! If anyone would have told me I'd be doing this, back when I was in my 20's, I wouldn't have believed them.

Even though I always had a love of drawing and a desire to learn to paint, there were no influences in my life to direct me down that path. It took me until I was 30 (oh, is that a milestone?) to actually take that desire and work toward fullfilling it. My husband and I spent our married years in a small railroad/farming town. I didn't even know another artist. Eventually, I learned of a woman who taught oil painting in her home. After a few lessons with her (it was a long way from home), I went on my own. Art books and various art related magazines taught me, and continue to teach me.

Now, after 32 years and moving to Florida where I am surrounded by artists and great art associations, like the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and the Naples Art Assoc., I live art. To my great advantage, I have a husband who is very, very supportive of what I do. Even though he isn't an "art afficionado," he does anything and everything he is able to do to assist me and support me - even if that means having sandwiches for dinner!

Our Grand Opening was held Thurs. evening, at our Artist Colony at the Esplanade. Our Portside Studio was filled with art lovers. It seemed like the entire community attended this event. Thank you so very much to all of the art patrons out there. You enable us to do what we do. Your purchases and your comments of praise keep us motivated and our brushes moving.

Be True to Yourself

The phrase, "be true to yourself" has been around for eons. Seems like such a cliche` but, when pondered, one realizes just how important it is. Day-to-day living brings unexpected events, situations, personalities, etc. that we must deal with - some good, some easy, some difficult. Through it all, if we are true to ourselves, all things are possible.

It doesn't mean being antagonistic, over-bearing, or obnoxious, rather simply being who you are - be unafraid to let people know you - share your fears - speak your mind, even if softly -be open to those around you and let them see who you truly are.

That said, have a wonderful day. Work hard, be energetic, and above all laugh - it releases goodness!

Do You Believe This!

Checked my emails and what did I see but a message from a Facebook "friend," responding to a brief comment I made today, i.e., "Told hubby I was having a salad for dinner, so that I could paint...." This "friend" commented, in so many words, . . . he has to cook dinner, because she has to paint. Poor guy!"

Now, I don't know how any of you would take this, but I didn't take it sitting down! My husband is attended to extremely well, thank you very much! When I returned from my week's vacation (he opted not to go), I made him a lovely red snapper dinner with all the trimmings, and a fresh peach pie. Last night, I made wonderful cashew chicken. I clean my own house, do all the laundry, take out the trash, make the bed every morning, and my house is always picked up and neat. I AM WOMAN; HEAR ME ROAR!

I find it impossible to create art in chaos. I am not a neat freak. I simply prefer order. I am not anal about it. I can let the dust sit for a couple of weeks and the floor doesn't have to be swept all the time. But I like order/organization.

What I don't understand is why some people think that painting, or any other type of art, is merely a hobby. I truly believe this "friend" is living in the dark ages --- and, you guessed it ---it is a man, or rather, a "guy!"

What Most Art Lovers Don't Know

Today is Labor Day and, at my house, that usually means doing some physical dreaded chore. When living in the north, it was the day we closed our pool for the season. In Florida, it is whatever chore that we keep putting off. The chore this Labor Day was washing and repairing my tent.

Most art fair attendees see the artists sitting in their director chairs, chatting with possible customers, and having the time of their lives. While we do have a lot of fun with all of you lovely art lovers who enter our tents, that is our "rest" time, or at least it's mine. Now, rest means a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, it means not doing physical work. Talking to people is always a joy to me, and I love nothing better than to talk about my art! However, the preparation time before a show, set-up, tear-down, & unloading are a lot of hard work!!! Add to that the fact that the artist may have to sit in the sun at least half of the day, and, for some, all day; then there is the wind and sometimes, when really unlucky, the dreaded rain. We go through all this agony because we love our art and try our best to sell it, in hopes that we will at least sell enough to cover our cost for our booth, maybe a hotel room, gas, and our supplies.

So, while preparing my tent for this season's art fairs, I thought of all these things to jot down, in hopes that it would reach some of the art fair lovers out there. If I have succeeded, please let me know. Encourage me, give me further incentive to keep on keepin' on! See you all at this season's local fairs!

Labor Day

Back in the Groove

After a week's vacation in Michigan (brrrrrrr low 43, and, of course now that I'm home, it's back up in the low 80's!), I'm getting back into the swing of things. Attended a wonderful seminar on Social Marketing, sponsored by the United Arts Council, first morning back; then, on to a board meeting at the Art League of Marco Island.

The next day, after crawling out of bed early, starting laundry & sorting mail, I was heading back to the Island at 10 am for a meeting with the Art League, MIFA (Marco Island Foundation for the Arts), and a few fellow artists, to further clarify the establishment of artists studio/galleries at the Esplanade complex. This is an exciting venture that is the dreamchild of artist, JoAnn Sanborn. She is not only an amazing artist, but is an amazing "leader." If all comes together, there will be 2 - 3 stores in the complex that will house artists working studios. These have been assigned on a first come, first served basis. We are all very excited about this, as it will help to promote Marco Island as the arts community that it truly is!

Today has been spent finalizing my submission for the Poster contest for the 40th Marco National Juried Fine Art & Craft Show, in Feb., 2010. I wasn't going to submit to this, since I'm on the Board, but was encouraged to do so, since I do apply to the show. It pushed me to create yet another painting! That's a good thing!!!

So, as you see, the Social Marketing seminar has encouraged me to dive back into my Blog and Facebook page. You will be seeing and hearing a lot more from me!


SUPPORT THE ARTS AND YOUR LOCAL ART ASSOCIATIONS!!!

What Is Art?

Webster's definition of art is "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation ... the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. in the production of aesthetic objects." Leaves the door wide open, doesn't it? So, since I teach beginning oil painting, I hear these words a lot , "I'm not an artist." My point is this ... If you take a blank piece of paper, canvas, a hunk of clay, etc., and create something on a regular basis, then you are an artist. Art is in the eye of the beholder.

Following that thought, how do we censor (ooh, I use that term very carefully!) explicit and/or crude art? Should we? I believe the answer to be yes, even though I know there is a very fine line. I simply do not want to view something that makes me cringe. Why is it necessary to create that type of "art?" That leads to another question ... Does there have to be a philosophical meaning behind each creation? And, if so, what is philosophical about lude or crude work? Now, what do you think?