Monday, October 28, 2019

Always Be Prepared!

I am not turning into a Boy Scout here, I am not a boy for one thing, and a bit past the age limit as well!  But their saying has a lot of merit. 

This week I received a call from an artist friend who is in charge of a gallery space.   There was no one for the November showing, and could I do it?   This space holds at least 25 paintings!   I gave a quick look and yes, I can do that!   I will need to frame some pieces, and finish the one on the easel, but at least that's do-able.

This means that even though a month ago I had no need to have such an inventory, its a good idea to be ready anyhow.  Which means working.  Often if not daily.   When I might not feel like it so much.

“Amateurs look for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Chuck Close
Not that its easy.  I find myself late in the day far too often, wondering where my time went?   I can easily "just one more chore..." myself to bedtime.   Its hard to do at times when I see nothing coming up, but just that quick something can come along to flip things upside down.   I am happy I was prepared enough to say yes!  

Old Feed Store Art Center, Bassett Nebraska.   I will have at least 25 paintings on display and for sale, for the entire month of November.    
Hilltop Barn, Dubuque    One of the plein air pieces done earlier this month at the Bluffstrokes Paint out.  It will be
included in the showing in Nebraska for the month of November.


Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Dubuque Paint Out and Artists' Block

I am finally getting back to normal, or as normal as I get!   I was juried into a larger paint out than I've ever done before.   After the DeSmet paint out that I've done several times, I also decided up upgrade my painting set up.   Easier said than done!  Took 3 tries to find what felt right for me.  

This paint out, called "Bluff Strokes", for all the bluffs in the area, was back in Iowa near where I grew up.   It was also a full week long!  So off we, Arty and I, went.   The first few days I was flailing terribly.   I just couldnt' get the art to flow.  Argh, a really bad time for an artist block!   And the more it is a struggle, the more tense I get. 

Then I was going into the city of Dubuque, which is very hilly--and I could no longer deny that my tahoe was having difficulties with the brakes.   Feeling pretty defeated, I called my folks and they came to my rescue.   The next morning I was sitting in their fix-it shop, getting an entire brake job.    As much as this seemed a set back, it rather Re set my mindset, and the rest of my week kept going better.  

On Friday evening was the Patron Show.   It was one of the best shows I've seen.  The quality of work, the way it was displayed and the live music was awesome.   I sold 3 paintings done in the area, and one studio work!  Yes!

Saturday was the public sale, and the end of the event.  As awful as it started, by the time I headed home I was pretty pleased.    I have many nice photos of the area I'd like to work from in the studio when the weather turns, I got to spend time with a long time friend, and my folks.  Arty and I  hiked the Swiss Valley area, which was a wooded area with beautiful trails.  

So what does a person do when they get hit with an artist block?  Paint thru it.  Go hiking.  Get your car fixed 🙄    When it hits, it feels as if I will never be able to paint well again.  Not so!  Does this happen to anyone else?  I am certain it does!  
a very common road in Dubuque area.

9x12 pastel on panel, Hillotp Barn; Dubuque Iowa

My new set up working well by a quiet roadside pond

2 works before being framed.  both sold

overlook in a park, of the Julian Dubuque Bridge on the Mississippi

hiking the trails at Swiss Valley campground area