Friday, December 26, 2014
Recovering this older blog
If you are receiving this, my apologies! I'm trying to recover my old blog site! Thanks, Marla
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Melee of the Middle
Often I think about the hardest part of most endeavors is getting started. In painting, it's often difficult to know when one is finished and just when to call enough, enough. To just put that brush or pastel away and be satisfied. But, this past week has been a scuffle in the middle, a confused fight, a skirmish in paint and sweat. Lots of time spent pondering, looking, accessing....considering what moves will bring the pieces to fruition.
I have about a dozen pieces in various stages, mostly they are in the middle. I see something in each one, something of merit but I'm unsure of how to make my way to the end. It makes me wonder a bit about the "end". What is that exactly. Ending, finishing means you get to start anew with the next blank canvas, the next chapter, ....This is the exciting part and the scary part. I'll go with exciting!! In the meantime, I'll be scuffling in the middle!! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
What Andrew Said
I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm
not painting. It's in the subconscious.
-Andrew Wyeth
Through the mechanics of painting, getting up, going to the studio, opening the jars of paint, mixing, listening to the brush hit the canvas and the tools scratch into the paint, the water being agitated by the cleaning of the brushes, I'm finding a new stillness; I've turned off the music for a change to see what happens to my painting in a quiet space. This is good work; new but familiar work.
I painted until 8:00am, then headed out to dance with my friends. I'm so fortunate to have such a lovely community of people to dance with. Back to the studio for more painting, computer tasks and a meeting with videographers. This day was a good day of the familiar made unusual.
Wyeth's quote resonates strongly with me. These new paintings are definitely conceived in a dream and brought forth through a process that surely involves the subconscious, a process that I don't pretend to understand, I just know it's real.
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| In progress. A goddess with cloths and flowers! |
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Unstuck
One of the wonderful things about being an artist is having so many choices and directions, possibilities!! I'm interested in a lot of things and painting in lots of ways; pastel, oil, acrylic, encaustic. There are so many wonderful mediums to explore and experiment with and subject matter to tackle.
Problem is when you have had a little success in one media and or genre of painting, peoples expectations arise. Whether they mean to or not, people label you, the marketplace loves consistency, predictability. Galleries and publishers want to establish a "brand". Although this can make financial sense, eventually this can be stiffling creatively and in turn lead to less than inspired work.
We humans like to label and seek conformity. It makes it easy for us. We don't have to really pay attention for very long if we get to say "oh she's a landscape painter". Done, we don't have to think about it any more. We do this all the time. Oh, he's a yuppie, or she's an old lady or he's a republican! It makes it simple and we don't have to spend any more time thinking about it. We can label ourselves too. Then we can act out that role and don't have to consider any other possibilities.
Staying creatively vibrant is important to me. I want to paint the landscape, but I also want to paint the figure and explore abstraction. I'd love to learn about sculpture and have ideas for installations.
Choosing joy in painting has helped me navigate my way. For me. the process of painting in much more important than the end result. Staying unstuck more important than staying consistent. And for me painting is always a metaphor for life....
And...I love that both of these pieces are the same!!!
Problem is when you have had a little success in one media and or genre of painting, peoples expectations arise. Whether they mean to or not, people label you, the marketplace loves consistency, predictability. Galleries and publishers want to establish a "brand". Although this can make financial sense, eventually this can be stiffling creatively and in turn lead to less than inspired work.
We humans like to label and seek conformity. It makes it easy for us. We don't have to really pay attention for very long if we get to say "oh she's a landscape painter". Done, we don't have to think about it any more. We do this all the time. Oh, he's a yuppie, or she's an old lady or he's a republican! It makes it simple and we don't have to spend any more time thinking about it. We can label ourselves too. Then we can act out that role and don't have to consider any other possibilities.
Staying creatively vibrant is important to me. I want to paint the landscape, but I also want to paint the figure and explore abstraction. I'd love to learn about sculpture and have ideas for installations.
Choosing joy in painting has helped me navigate my way. For me. the process of painting in much more important than the end result. Staying unstuck more important than staying consistent. And for me painting is always a metaphor for life....
And...I love that both of these pieces are the same!!!
Friday, November 9, 2012
A Tree Is Not A Tree; Learning to See
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To paint a thing, I have to see it with
innocent eyes; eyes like a baby. No labels, no bias, no preconceived
notions, no judgements, no preferences. I can't paint a tree, I have to paint a combination of shapes and assign value and color to them. I'm creating an illusion of a tree, not a tree.
I can't paint an apple, I can only
paint a shape that takes on a particular contour and has an overall
value and an overall color. It might sit in the light in a certain
way and I really can't even make a judgment about the light either. I
have to take all notions and language out of the process. I have to
see the thing as though I've never seen anything like it ever before.
And I have to be enchanted by this
interaction! Otherwise, why would I paint it?
As we move through our everyday lives,
we seldom let ourselves look through an unfiltered view of things. We
filter everything we see, do and say through a lens of past experience
and what we think we know. We often look through a lens of fear and
insecurity that holds us back from seeing things as they truly are.
As painters this can make us muddled
and confused. We think we have to paint in a certain way and then we
tend to make rules of thumb into RULES. Taking too many workshops or
listening too intently to the thousand voices telling us how to
paint, can keep us from listening to our own true voice as a painter.
We make hay with the “shoulds” and the “nevers” and push away
the “What if's”.
At one point or another one must try to
see clearly and then be brave. There are many, many things that are
much scarier than painting. There are many things worse than wasting
an expensive piece of paper or canvas. What is very scary is to go
through ones life as an artist and never have put down an authentic
mark; your own mark.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Simultaneous Contrast
Simultaneous contrast is the idea that everything shares a relationship; an object is only dark by comparison to a lighter object next to it. This is really the foundation of painting and by extension the yin and yang of life. Light only exists with darkness. So it's easy to think about painting as a metaphor for life.
Having a clear understanding of the concept of simultaneous contrast can help make us better painters and maybe better humans too!
The yellow square in the middle never changes, only what surrounds it!
Having a clear understanding of the concept of simultaneous contrast can help make us better painters and maybe better humans too!
The yellow square in the middle never changes, only what surrounds it!
Something is only bright in relationship to something dull; only dull in relation to something bright.Last but not least, check out this link on color perception!http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=OoSsMGBPL7k |
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Why I Paint
Back to work! It feels so great to be painting again, and I'm not talking about the walls!!! Having just spent a whirlwind couple of months teaching in Cape Cod, Bend Oregon and managing to just about complete my new studio /workshop space, has made me look a little deeper into the "why"!! These lists are roughly in order of their importance to me. I believe that making a living and doing something you love are not mutually exclusive, although I know I am most fortunate to have the opportunity. Both painting and teaching painting are part of this equation for me. Here are my lists. I'd love to see yours!
Why I paint
To be enlightened
To have my breathe taken away
To feel human
To see the world in no particular way
To learn how strong or weak I can be on a given day
To get messy
To be in wonderment
To master a medium or not
To feel at home,(I've always painted since I can remember)
To make a living
Why I teach painting
To share the above with people that are interested in the same!
To talk with other artists
To verbalize and put into language something for which is very difficult to do this for
To get more people doing art
To make a living
HAPPY PAINTING ALL!!
Why I paint
To be enlightened
To have my breathe taken away
To feel human
To see the world in no particular way
To learn how strong or weak I can be on a given day
To get messy
To be in wonderment
To master a medium or not
To feel at home,(I've always painted since I can remember)
To make a living
Why I teach painting
To share the above with people that are interested in the same!
To talk with other artists
To verbalize and put into language something for which is very difficult to do this for
To get more people doing art
To make a living
HAPPY PAINTING ALL!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Wendy DeHart!!
My friend and fellow painter Wendy DeHart, is a very humble lady and not one to toot her own horn. So after winning BEST IN SHOW at the North Clackamas Art Guild annual show for her wonderful piece, she neglected to tell me even after quite a few emails back and forth after the fact! I need to pay more attention to these things!
It would have been the first thing I would have told her had the tables been turned! So, I'm going to do some tooting for her. Wendy is an amazing painter with a distinctive style and voice that permeates her work. Her work has grace. She works persistently at her own art yet is always the first one to lend sincere encouragement and praise to other artists work. She promotes art and art awareness in the community by being an active volunteer and member of several art organizations locally.
Wendy was telling me that she did this piece after a photo excursion and it made all the difference for her to have worked from her own reference; she could remember feeling the wind and smellingl the air. I wholeheartedly agree that having stood in a place and breathing it in, makes a connection that we then, organically and somewhat intuitively transmit to the work. This is the magic. Wendy caught a little magic!! Be sure to check out her work at http://wendydehart.com/!!
CONGRATS WENDY!!!!!!
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| "Sun and Storm", pastel on paper 20x24 |
Wendy was telling me that she did this piece after a photo excursion and it made all the difference for her to have worked from her own reference; she could remember feeling the wind and smellingl the air. I wholeheartedly agree that having stood in a place and breathing it in, makes a connection that we then, organically and somewhat intuitively transmit to the work. This is the magic. Wendy caught a little magic!! Be sure to check out her work at http://wendydehart.com/!!
CONGRATS WENDY!!!!!!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Lovely Cape Cod
I had the privilege of teaching two Masters series workshop for the Pastel Society of Cape Cod last month. I don't think two workshops could have been much better! I was honored to have such wonderful artists in both my classes. It was so fun to work with such accomplished groups and get to know them.
The first session was Plein air and we couldn't have had more beautiful weather! The painting gods were definitely watching over us! We painted in three diverse and equally fabulous locations; the first day at Gray's Beach which boasts lovely bay views and marshes. Also good parking and bathroom facilities. Always a plus! The second day we were a Bray's Farm. Tons of choices with lovely structure, farm animals, fence lines and woods. It got a little gusty, but was clear and pretty warm. I was working on my farmers tan. It was a terrific group with whom the three days just zipped by!
We had a day off to relax, recharge, explore and enjoy!
The first session was Plein air and we couldn't have had more beautiful weather! The painting gods were definitely watching over us! We painted in three diverse and equally fabulous locations; the first day at Gray's Beach which boasts lovely bay views and marshes. Also good parking and bathroom facilities. Always a plus! The second day we were a Bray's Farm. Tons of choices with lovely structure, farm animals, fence lines and woods. It got a little gusty, but was clear and pretty warm. I was working on my farmers tan. It was a terrific group with whom the three days just zipped by!
We had a day off to relax, recharge, explore and enjoy!
Next up was the classroom session and once again the weather gods were watching. It was kinda crummy outside whilst we were cozy in our classroom! Another full class with a lots of energy and enthusiasm! Now that was super fun! Thanks once again to the Pastel Painters of Cape Cod and a special shout out to Joan Dromey and Sherry Rhyno for all the thought and time that went into the organization of the two workshops. It made it super special for us.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Did You Think I'd Left?
I'll bet some of you just thought I'd given up on this blog! I haven't and I won't because I love writing it! I just got a little sidetracked being a CEO, CFO of SE Atelier. It's been super fun and a great new adventure....But, I also want to paint. So, I made the executive decision to hire some help, something I have never done.
I ran this ad on Craig's list:
I am an artist. I'm pretty good at that and would like to continue to do that until the end of my days. The reason I am writing you, future employee, is that my business is starting to impinge (read: take over) on my life as an artist. That's where you come in...I'm opening an art workshop/event space. I will be teaching there, painting there and expanding the boundaries of my art. The tricky bit is that my art is being taken over by this space -- that's where you come in. If you've got a sense of humor, it helps.
Here's a partial list of what you might be doing:
maintain and organize computer files
update OS and programs
provide tutoring on using Photoshop; indesign, online classroom program
organize images files
respond to daily emails calling for class information and/or images
update website when needed
do admin. on classes; make class lists, take calls, respond to emails, take registrations and payment
generate constant contact marketing and maintain email lists? (maybe this is for the other person??)
run errands keep the office/studio organized, tidy and stocked with what is needed
put together packets of handouts for students
Schedule:
Looking for someone who can work part time (up to 25 hour maximum to start). The schedule can be pretty flexible, but something like,Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday for about 4 hours each day ending no later than 3pm (18-24 hours per week) would be best.If you are very helpful you can work up to more hours per week.
WE prefer someone who will be with us for a long time, hopefully 12 months or more.
Useful Skills:
(These are not required but can be helpful.) 1. Experience making/editing excel sheets
2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
3. Basic digital photography
4. Basic photoshop editing
5. Creating Ebay/Amazon product listings
I got a pretty amazing the response from some really very overqualified folks, mainly people looking for part time work so that they can also pursue their own passions. So I'm hoping for a great collaboration! I think I have my person and I'm looking forward to having more time in the studio, thanks to them. I'll also be able to spend more time on my blog, showing you my process and sharing my travels and experiences! I'm headed to Cape Cod on Saturday to teach two back to back workshops for the Pastel Society of Cape Cod. They should be two great workshops!
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| Demo for the open house of SE Atelier |
I ran this ad on Craig's list:
I am an artist. I'm pretty good at that and would like to continue to do that until the end of my days. The reason I am writing you, future employee, is that my business is starting to impinge (read: take over) on my life as an artist. That's where you come in...I'm opening an art workshop/event space. I will be teaching there, painting there and expanding the boundaries of my art. The tricky bit is that my art is being taken over by this space -- that's where you come in. If you've got a sense of humor, it helps.
Here's a partial list of what you might be doing:
maintain and organize computer files
update OS and programs
provide tutoring on using Photoshop; indesign, online classroom program
organize images files
respond to daily emails calling for class information and/or images
update website when needed
do admin. on classes; make class lists, take calls, respond to emails, take registrations and payment
generate constant contact marketing and maintain email lists? (maybe this is for the other person??)
run errands keep the office/studio organized, tidy and stocked with what is needed
put together packets of handouts for students
Schedule:
Looking for someone who can work part time (up to 25 hour maximum to start). The schedule can be pretty flexible, but something like,Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday for about 4 hours each day ending no later than 3pm (18-24 hours per week) would be best.If you are very helpful you can work up to more hours per week.
WE prefer someone who will be with us for a long time, hopefully 12 months or more.
Useful Skills:
(These are not required but can be helpful.) 1. Experience making/editing excel sheets
2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
3. Basic digital photography
4. Basic photoshop editing
5. Creating Ebay/Amazon product listings
I got a pretty amazing the response from some really very overqualified folks, mainly people looking for part time work so that they can also pursue their own passions. So I'm hoping for a great collaboration! I think I have my person and I'm looking forward to having more time in the studio, thanks to them. I'll also be able to spend more time on my blog, showing you my process and sharing my travels and experiences! I'm headed to Cape Cod on Saturday to teach two back to back workshops for the Pastel Society of Cape Cod. They should be two great workshops!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Out in the Hood and Wendy's Flowers
Going to work by myself every day is just not something I've really ever done. I've worked in a home studio for almost 20 years. I'm finding it's a great ritual; the preparation of oneself for the day, the preparation of ones stuff and then there is the drive, the coffee, the traffic. All this is new to me. Well, not the coffee part! I know, it might get old, it might get rough around the edges especially when the days are not so shiny and bright. For now it's all new and wonderful.
There is also the anticipation of the day. Is everything I'd left there yesterday safe and sound? Will everyone I leave at home have a good day? What will I accomplish or fail to accomplish. Such new territory for me both literally and figuratively.
Once here, I'm settling in pretty well.
With this warm weather, I've been able to leave the front door of the atelier open and enjoy the breeze and the summer light floating into the space. Also floating in and out of the space are my neighbors and the occasional passersby. This is also new to me. An unexpected delight. Yesterday, I was out in front painting the trim on the building... Yes, I'm still painting walls, but I've also started painting paintings! A young woman with her small son in a stroller happened by. She immediately busted out in a warm and welcoming "hello" and asked what I was doing with the space. When I told her she said something like "get out, girl!" She was encouraging and delighted with the idea of the space. It was so wonderful.
Then came Wendy and Jackie to have lunch with me. Of course Wendy came with a vase full of fragrant, beautiful roses from her garden. Of course!! As if I weren't lucky enough to have come into this space, I also have a "Wendy". Along with Wendy, comes her lovely friend Jackie. Both are brimming with excitement for me and the space and tons of brilliant ideas! MORE, MORE, MORE!!
It's coming together bit by bit and some of it by leaps and bounds. Remember, it will be available to rent as both workshop and event space! It's big and now it's beautiful and cool!
There is also the anticipation of the day. Is everything I'd left there yesterday safe and sound? Will everyone I leave at home have a good day? What will I accomplish or fail to accomplish. Such new territory for me both literally and figuratively.
Once here, I'm settling in pretty well.
With this warm weather, I've been able to leave the front door of the atelier open and enjoy the breeze and the summer light floating into the space. Also floating in and out of the space are my neighbors and the occasional passersby. This is also new to me. An unexpected delight. Yesterday, I was out in front painting the trim on the building... Yes, I'm still painting walls, but I've also started painting paintings! A young woman with her small son in a stroller happened by. She immediately busted out in a warm and welcoming "hello" and asked what I was doing with the space. When I told her she said something like "get out, girl!" She was encouraging and delighted with the idea of the space. It was so wonderful.
Then came Wendy and Jackie to have lunch with me. Of course Wendy came with a vase full of fragrant, beautiful roses from her garden. Of course!! As if I weren't lucky enough to have come into this space, I also have a "Wendy". Along with Wendy, comes her lovely friend Jackie. Both are brimming with excitement for me and the space and tons of brilliant ideas! MORE, MORE, MORE!!
It's coming together bit by bit and some of it by leaps and bounds. Remember, it will be available to rent as both workshop and event space! It's big and now it's beautiful and cool!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Moved in...sort of!
Remember, the space will be available to rent in addition to my classes and workshops. Just give me a shout!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ants in My Pants
I'm at the Bellevue Arts Fair in Bellevue, Washington this weekend. It's a a great festival, surprisingly in the parking garage of the mall! This year both Mike and I have booths that are separated just a bit. The separation gives us something to talk about during the day! Although it's always a nice show, the hours are EXTREMELY long; 9:30am to 9:30pm. So at one point or another, twiddling ones thumbs comes into play.
I'm so anxious to get back to work on SE Atelier. Before I left for Seattle, new carpet was installed in what will be my office and VIP Lounge! Electrical bids are in the works, floors are getting prepped for refurbishing and moving day is being scheduled! With a lot of sweat equity, it's starting to come together.
I'm envisioning myself in the space and wanting to broaden that vision to include a community of artists. It will be a space that will be warm, comfortable and inspiring for others to be in. I hope it is an empowering space. So much great energy has already come from it and the ideas are pouring in. What would you do in it?? If you have ideas, I'd love to hear!
I'm so anxious to get back to work on SE Atelier. Before I left for Seattle, new carpet was installed in what will be my office and VIP Lounge! Electrical bids are in the works, floors are getting prepped for refurbishing and moving day is being scheduled! With a lot of sweat equity, it's starting to come together.
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| The beginning of the painting! |
Sunday, July 22, 2012
It's Official!
Ok...It’s official! After returning from Denver, I signed
the lease on a 2500 square foot space in Milwaukie, Oregon. I’m opening an atelier where I’ll have ongoing classes for adults and high school students,
workshops and of course, my own studio will be on the premises. I'll be inviting workshop
instructors from around the country to conduct workshops in various media and
plan to add life drawing sessions in the future. The space can accommodate 20
plus students. This is an opportunity to be part of the community and to open a creative and dynamic space to many more artists! I'm so excited!
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| After a TON of work! |
It’s a superb location in downtown Milwaukie where a little
nexus of restaurants, shops and mixed use housing makes for a fun and energetic
feel. There's public parking, it’s a quick 8 minutes from Portland and a few
short blocks from the bus transit station.
We've been working non-stop, putting lots of sweat equity into the space, thus the infrequency of blog posts. Sorry!
Here's a hint of initial offerings. I'll be adding more as I get my legs under me a bit.
Open House, Sunday September 9th 10 - 4
Free demos, studio open house. Please come and join me in celebrating this new endeavor.
1926 SE Scott Street, Milwaukie, OR
Ongoing Classes
SE Atelier, Milwaukie, OR
Tuesdays 6-9pm Drawing Basics*
Thursdays 6-9pm Painterly Painting*
*Class sessions begin October 23rd 2012. Ongoing class
sessions $45/ea*
(Purchase 6 sessions, get 7th session FREE)
To register or
for more information, contact Marla at 503.329.5117 or at mbaggetta@comcast.net
Three Day Workshops:
Feb. 8 -10, 2013 - Loosen Up Intensive
Mar. 15 -17, 2013 - The Figure in Pastel
(Please check online for additonal dates or at SE Atelier).
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Ommm!!
Working on being peaceful in the face of relative chaos! Early this morning, woke up, made a strong pot of coffee and headed out to strike our booth before the show opened. It wasn't raining and we had plenty of time to dry things off a bit before we put more wet stuff into the truck along with the waterlogged art. With just one booth to deal with, we had it done pretty handily within an hour.
Then off to a hot breakfast at a local spot called Wild Eggs; a great, cool, Jetson's-like place with super friendly staff and a hardy morning staple. Back to the hotel for yet another hot shower and a much needed cry and rest! I allowed myself a bit of self-indulgent crying for about 2 minutes before I turned my head and chose to "just be happy"! Just like Wendy's niece said, you can just be happy or????
I make art. I can make more. I love to do it. PERFECT!
I'm looking forward to getting home and setting to work on my atelier! More to come on that later in the week as I have pictures and updates. It's gonna be great! Check back soon!
Then off to a hot breakfast at a local spot called Wild Eggs; a great, cool, Jetson's-like place with super friendly staff and a hardy morning staple. Back to the hotel for yet another hot shower and a much needed cry and rest! I allowed myself a bit of self-indulgent crying for about 2 minutes before I turned my head and chose to "just be happy"! Just like Wendy's niece said, you can just be happy or????
I make art. I can make more. I love to do it. PERFECT!
I'm looking forward to getting home and setting to work on my atelier! More to come on that later in the week as I have pictures and updates. It's gonna be great! Check back soon!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Cherry Creek and Lots of Water
We found out the hard way today that art festivals and massive amounts of water don't really mix.
A flash flood hit the show around 4:00pm and our booth happened to be at the confluence of two alleys. The water rose to knee depth and started to bend poles, and move the panels to the point that they were leaning and in danger of collapsing. We had no choice but to remove all the artwork from the booth as quickly as possible from the panels. This meant exposing them to the heavy rain. We stacked all the work against the side of a building. Kind bystanders helped form a fire-line and moved it all pretty quickly. All the work that was stacked in the booth off the walls is lost. Some of it we actually pulled out from under water! It was wild!
Final artwork damage won't be counted until tomorrow, but so far one macbook pro bites the dust as well as a stash of chargers. We'll head to the site in the morning and remove the booth, then take stock, try to dry out and head on home! Bummer! Wish we had pictures. In the chaos of it all, we didn't think to take any. Might have been good for insurance.
Wish us luck!
BTW, I apologize for the empty post the other day. My mistake!
A flash flood hit the show around 4:00pm and our booth happened to be at the confluence of two alleys. The water rose to knee depth and started to bend poles, and move the panels to the point that they were leaning and in danger of collapsing. We had no choice but to remove all the artwork from the booth as quickly as possible from the panels. This meant exposing them to the heavy rain. We stacked all the work against the side of a building. Kind bystanders helped form a fire-line and moved it all pretty quickly. All the work that was stacked in the booth off the walls is lost. Some of it we actually pulled out from under water! It was wild!
Final artwork damage won't be counted until tomorrow, but so far one macbook pro bites the dust as well as a stash of chargers. We'll head to the site in the morning and remove the booth, then take stock, try to dry out and head on home! Bummer! Wish we had pictures. In the chaos of it all, we didn't think to take any. Might have been good for insurance.
Wish us luck!
BTW, I apologize for the empty post the other day. My mistake!
Monday, July 2, 2012
How Computer Savy Does an Artist Need to Be?
I consider myself a fairly proficient user when it comes to the computer. I can usually navigate my way around software and figure out the basics when I'm having a bit of trouble; things like restarting, force quitting etc. I keep my files organized and I know how to download, make zip files to send large files, put things on disc, things like that.
Beyond that it gets tougher for me. I don't know html. So if I need a big change or something goes awry, I'm kinda lost and need help! If I want to start a new website or something big. I'm kinda lost.
Spending time on the computer is really a love/hate thing for me. It's satisfying for me to master a tidbit from a different world and it's an opportunity to step away from the demands of "starting" a painting. In other words, a terrific excuse to procrastinate!
A few musts:
Be able to organize and manage image files and provide them to shows/galleries in both good high resolution and web formats.
Know where your domain is hosted and keep track of renewals.
Be proficient in Photoshop or similar
Be proficient in a database program like Filemaker or similar
Know how to navigate the web
Be able to set up a blog and use it.
Be able to use Facebook even reluctantly!
Know how to get images on a disc, how to send them as compressed files, and upload them to third party sites likes Yousendit.
Anything else I missed? Please add on to this list!
I really try to spend the majority of my time doing what I do best, painting and teaching painting. Going too deep into the world of computers doesn't really serve this agenda, but is a necessary part of doing business.
Beyond that it gets tougher for me. I don't know html. So if I need a big change or something goes awry, I'm kinda lost and need help! If I want to start a new website or something big. I'm kinda lost.
Spending time on the computer is really a love/hate thing for me. It's satisfying for me to master a tidbit from a different world and it's an opportunity to step away from the demands of "starting" a painting. In other words, a terrific excuse to procrastinate!
A few musts:
Be able to organize and manage image files and provide them to shows/galleries in both good high resolution and web formats.
Know where your domain is hosted and keep track of renewals.
Be proficient in Photoshop or similar
Be proficient in a database program like Filemaker or similar
Know how to navigate the web
Be able to set up a blog and use it.
Be able to use Facebook even reluctantly!
Know how to get images on a disc, how to send them as compressed files, and upload them to third party sites likes Yousendit.
Anything else I missed? Please add on to this list!
I really try to spend the majority of my time doing what I do best, painting and teaching painting. Going too deep into the world of computers doesn't really serve this agenda, but is a necessary part of doing business.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Moving!
Ok, ok...I'm getting ready to sign a lease on a studio/workshop space and open an atelier in Southeast Portland! Nervous and excited. I'm making mental lists and some written ones. Trying not to get too ahead of myself and not be overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. Moving a studio of 20 years is fairly involved and of course I'll be setting up the space for students as well as for myself, so there are numerous considerations.
Bottom line; tons of stuff!! This of course drives me nuts. I don't really care for "stuff". I'm that lady that has a small closet with three colors of cloths in it; black, white and grey. I like to keep it simple and when I envision moving an art studio, the word "simple" does not really come to mind! So, this morning, I went into my studio and looked around at the books, supplies and equipment and took a deep breath. Yes, all of it will eventually have to be moved, but I asked myself what is really essential to the move? Two things came to mind; a stool and a bucket. Without these two items, I could not have a studio or at least it would not be MY studio. My stool has been with me since I was five...a very long time! It is stawart, and sturdy. It gives me comfort and is molded to me. The bucket is the one I bought the first day of Art Center. It has the residue of 30 years of painting on it. Essential items. Just two, really. That makes me feel good!
Bottom line; tons of stuff!! This of course drives me nuts. I don't really care for "stuff". I'm that lady that has a small closet with three colors of cloths in it; black, white and grey. I like to keep it simple and when I envision moving an art studio, the word "simple" does not really come to mind! So, this morning, I went into my studio and looked around at the books, supplies and equipment and took a deep breath. Yes, all of it will eventually have to be moved, but I asked myself what is really essential to the move? Two things came to mind; a stool and a bucket. Without these two items, I could not have a studio or at least it would not be MY studio. My stool has been with me since I was five...a very long time! It is stawart, and sturdy. It gives me comfort and is molded to me. The bucket is the one I bought the first day of Art Center. It has the residue of 30 years of painting on it. Essential items. Just two, really. That makes me feel good!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Rule Breaker
I just returned home from my odyssey of three workshops in four weeks. I'm a bit tired but at the same time renewed and excited to get back in the studio for a bit.
I had so many memorable and even life altering experiences on my trip that I'll sure to be writing about them for quite some time! One of the things that stand out for me is my demo for the Pastel Painters of Maine. I decided to make it a fun two hours and do some variations from my 100 series. I made this decision last minute when sitting alone having breakfast at a little cafe called All Day Breakfast in Kennebunk. The demo was my last obligation before I headed home, so I wanted it to be good. As I sat and ate my eggs all alone and anxious to be back home, I took out my trusty ball point pen and sketched a variation on a napkin. Then I wrote next to it, "Finding a familiar place far from home". That sealed the deal. Variations for the demo, it would be! How could I do anything else?
The demo had an amazing turn out of guests. Folks from as far as New York drove into Kennebunk to attend. I was very honored! I did a little intro, telling the group a bit about my journey as an artist and then chatted a bit about my pastels and other materials I use. Then, I dove into the pieces in my customary, "decide as I go" fashion. These pieces are so liberating for me and at the same time, a place of familiarity and solace.
As I was painting and explaining my thought process one of the attendees ask, "Do you consider yourself a rule breaker" Ha, ha ha!!! I turned around and smiled, "Yes, that's what artists do". I went on to say that I build myself playgrounds with good solid foundations, then play safely inside them. Well, sometimes not so safely, but you get the idea. All the stuff we can learn in art school, in books and from workshops is just the beginning. From there you put it all in the soup and stir well.
Thanks to PPOM for making my stay so special! It was fun being in the "other" Portland!
I also want to thank students from Pennsylvania, Raleigh and Traverse City, who wrote notes and emails. Thanks so, so much for all your feedback and kind words. It truly makes it all worthwhile!
A couple more practical notes. I've been using "the square" for credit card purchases on the road, and it works like a charm. Such a handy little gadget.
I'll be headed to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, Co, July 6,7 and 8. I'll be featuring my figurative interiors at the show.
Be sure to check out the new book Sketchbook Confidential 2. I'm in it! Regardless of my own presence, the book is a really cool peak into the private sketchbooks of 38 professional artists.
I had so many memorable and even life altering experiences on my trip that I'll sure to be writing about them for quite some time! One of the things that stand out for me is my demo for the Pastel Painters of Maine. I decided to make it a fun two hours and do some variations from my 100 series. I made this decision last minute when sitting alone having breakfast at a little cafe called All Day Breakfast in Kennebunk. The demo was my last obligation before I headed home, so I wanted it to be good. As I sat and ate my eggs all alone and anxious to be back home, I took out my trusty ball point pen and sketched a variation on a napkin. Then I wrote next to it, "Finding a familiar place far from home". That sealed the deal. Variations for the demo, it would be! How could I do anything else?
The demo had an amazing turn out of guests. Folks from as far as New York drove into Kennebunk to attend. I was very honored! I did a little intro, telling the group a bit about my journey as an artist and then chatted a bit about my pastels and other materials I use. Then, I dove into the pieces in my customary, "decide as I go" fashion. These pieces are so liberating for me and at the same time, a place of familiarity and solace.
As I was painting and explaining my thought process one of the attendees ask, "Do you consider yourself a rule breaker" Ha, ha ha!!! I turned around and smiled, "Yes, that's what artists do". I went on to say that I build myself playgrounds with good solid foundations, then play safely inside them. Well, sometimes not so safely, but you get the idea. All the stuff we can learn in art school, in books and from workshops is just the beginning. From there you put it all in the soup and stir well.
Thanks to PPOM for making my stay so special! It was fun being in the "other" Portland!
I also want to thank students from Pennsylvania, Raleigh and Traverse City, who wrote notes and emails. Thanks so, so much for all your feedback and kind words. It truly makes it all worthwhile!
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| Portland, Maine |
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| My feet in the Atlantic Ocean for the first time! Thanks Ellen! |
I'll be headed to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, Co, July 6,7 and 8. I'll be featuring my figurative interiors at the show.
Be sure to check out the new book Sketchbook Confidential 2. I'm in it! Regardless of my own presence, the book is a really cool peak into the private sketchbooks of 38 professional artists.
And the very big news is that I will be opening up a studio/classroom space for workshops and ongoing classes. I will have a drawing night and a painting night and special intensives mixed in. I will be offering classes to high school and serious middle school students one afternoon a week. My usual workshop offerings will be sprinkled in throughout the year. I hope to have things up and running no later than September. More on this to come!
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