Victoria Ryan

BACK IN HUMBOLDT

victoriaryan — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:12:39 +0000

"Solace of My Winter" SOLD

Well that was a life affirming road trip. I’ve actually been back home for a week and a half from our two week trip to Southern California and the LaQuinta Art Festival but had immediate work to attend to so am just now doing a post trip wrap up.

Getting ready for shows always entails a lot of work and preparation but arranging all of the details necessary for a successful show turned out to be particularly daunting this time. Fortunately life continues to be a learning process and the assimilation of experience and knowledge continues. Some would think that the life of an artist is an easy one, but like any business, if it is indeed handled like a business, for every hour spent in the blissful glow of the studio light, being creatively expressive and steering clear of the left side of the brain-o-sphere, there are equivalent hours spent on the business side and the oft-stressful side of life. As a smart girl product of parochial schools, a worker bee since, well, forever, and an overly sensitive Cancerian worrier I tend to be quite adept at utilizing all facets of my psyche and left brain/right brain yoyo. But being a creative, and an intuitively emotional sponge definitely has its perils along with the benefits. Suffice it to say that though it has been a difficult year, it has been a creative time in the studio. And that is a cool revelation to rediscover. I say rediscover because its something that I’ve known in the past, when I was younger and less affected by the stress of business. While preparing for this show, I was also preparing for a solo show at the Sewell Gallery in Eureka, originally slated for April. At some point in February it became apparent that this was not a solid plan. Being a chronic “yes” person I was not considering my own limits and even the concept of asking for a reprieve. Thank goodness for revelations and support systems and the incredible graciousness and goodwill of my friends at Sewell. I now have postponed my show for a future date to be posted soon. Sewell Gallery is a beautiful gallery in my town of Eureka, California representing some of the finest artists on the north coast of California. If on the north coast, its a definite place to stop in in Old Town.

Arriving in LaQuinta for this show was the equivalent of landing on Mars. We drove through one of the worst dust storms the inland empire had seen in quite awhile. Coming from the redwoods through the central valley to the desert, where I hadn’t been in years, and discovering a lush oasis set against these gorgeous sandy hills in a dry, 80 degree climate was surreal. Fortunately the wind storm died down before we set up and it was clear sailing the rest of the show.

Day One the Awards Jurors came around, introduced to the artists by a volunteer and unlike other similar shows they actually engage the artists and ask questions. I loved that. At the Artists Party that evening I was Awarded Best of Category in Drawing and Pastels assuring my attendance for the next two years, whoohoo. I am proud of my new work so this felt great. The Artists Party was beautiful! The La Quinta Arts Foundation truly treats the artists well at this show and makes sure we know we are appreciated.

At the show we were situated next to contempoary wood sculptor Jay McDougal and had a great time with him and his wife, artist Cindy McDougall. Jay’s work is crazy beautiful. Check out his website for a real treat. Also at the show was fellow artist and friend Mark Kellar who in addition to being a seasoned painter is a long time musician and voice over artist. We all had a great time.

The show wrapped up with good sales, good times and optimism for my return next year!

Today there is a flood watch along the redwood coast and its been raining for days and will continue to. I miss those sun drenched hills of the desert right about now. Thank you La Quinta!

La Quinta Booth Shot

La Quinta Booth Second View

Jay McDougall

Road Trip to La Quinta Arts Festival

victoriaryan — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:11:26 +0000

"To Dream of California"

Its satisfying to see a body of work framed and ready to go after months and months of working in the studio. I couldn’t help but take a few pictures (below.) La Quinta is in the desert of Southern California, near Palm Springs and is a show that I have never participated in because it falls in the middle of the school year. With our daughter away at college, this is the first time we could take advantage of this well regarded event, which the Art Fair Sourcebook rated at #2 in the country in 2011. I’m excited to visit southern California, to be in this show and to get out of dodge for a while! It may be a working trip but for me I know it will feel like a vacation. Here is a link to my featured page at the La Quinta Art Festival website. The show runs from March 8-11 and all of the information you need can be found here. If you are in Southern California, check it out and come on by and see me in Booth #609. Its a beautiful show!

The Road To Happy

victoriaryan — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:52:40 +0000

TaDah!

"Road to Happy"

Let’s just say, I’m a Sensitive Cancerian and its been an interesting few months, few years. The beauty of living the life of an artist is that to be in pain is to be alive and deeply felt emotion begets art. The images that I find myself compelled to paint, tell an inner story. The patterns I’ve been attracted to are an attempt to create order, the use of color is a direct reflection of mood. I continue to be drawn to dwellings and architecture as a symbol of humanity or at times an anthropomorphic entity. I just posted more original work so have a look in the New Pastels Section on the right. I’m emerging from my studio to prepare to go on the road for the LaQuinta Arts Festival, a new venue for me. I’m excited about a trip to the desert! More on that in a few days.

Happy Holidays and Let’s Paint!

victoriaryan — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:31:44 +0000

"Farmhouse Evening" - Private Collection Installation -Christmas 2011

Christmas was sweet this year. The kids came home and they’re both doing so well this year that our biggest wish in life has already manifested.

Now comes that distracting week where I really want to be back in the studio. Here’s hoping I get my wish by tomorrow. I’ve got some big shows to plan for including the La Quinta Arts Festival in March and a feature show at Sewell Gallery in April. I also have lots of paintings in my head that want to come out, two of which were started before the holidays. The truth is, the artist just wants to make art!

Thank you Lindy and Rob for sending me this beautiful pic of your mantle all dressed up with “Farmhouse Evening.” xxooo!

December Chill

victoriaryan — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:41:49 +0000

Been busy in the studio. Meanwhile, Robert Allen has my work included in a group landscape show of gallery artists opening December 9. If you are in Sausalito, be sure to stop by!

I’m working on a large landscape this week and experimenting with surfaces. I love the winter months because they allow for this kind of play. I just finished up a series of small pastels (see below) that are available and will be framed up soon. This is one of the images that has been haunting me for so long that I finally painted it. An old winery building. I loved the play of light color against the rustling texture of the grasses and the feeling of solitude.

"Old Winery"

Moving into the winter landscape I am revisiting the local area. This piece is derived from the visual landscape of the area not far from where I live. I love the way the fall and winter rains bring in streams of light filled water on the earthy landscape and the hazy yet beautiful coloration of the hills and trees. I see variations of this every day!

In August I started a regular morning walking regime with my dear friend and artist Kathryn Stotler . Its a good thing we started in in the warmer months because its definitely more challenging in the cold and the rain. We are very committed though and will do anything not to miss our walks. We usually make a 4 to 4 1/2 mile jaunt all over our town maxing out at 5 miles once last week. Its the best feeling getting out in the air every day and even better with a trusted friend who has shared interests. We use the time to talk about business so its well used time even if we are roaming around like kids. Kathy works in found objects so she’s usually spying small specks of metal for her collages. Nothing like combining work with your exercise routine. Last week to started taking my camera with me to shoot for my visual library. It is amazing how inspiring the alleys of Eureka can be.

We usually end our walks by winding through Sequoia Park. I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences walking through those trees on that path. Walking and breathing in the stillness of those trees reminds me of our humanity and of the blessing of being in the moment.

Thanks for visiting. I’ll be posting new work soon. Please contact me if you’re interested in purchasing originals or prints!! Or check with my list of galleries fur current exhibitions.

Kathy taking a call

Cool alley

End of the Walk at Sequoia Park

___

Road Trip and Where did October Go?…….

victoriaryan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:31:57 +0000

Time flies…. October started with a two week road trip from one end of the California Coast to the other. This is one of the first trips where we didn’t have to take care of kids or dogs at home. Empty nesters are we. We had a great time in LaJolla and placed more than a few original works with local collectors. I have a true affinity for my San Diego patrons and have made some wonderful friends there. Also met some new artists, and in one instance an artist I should have known 10 years ago but apparently we’re both usually so busy working in our booths we don’t come up for air. This time we were right in front of each other and scratched our heads as if to say “where the heck have you been.” Dorothee Naumburg makes beautiful gold and stone jewelry the old school way. She’s a true goldsmith and her work is beautiful and special. And she’s almost as funny as I am so we became quick friends.

Then it was five days of decompressing at my wonderful sister Kitty and brother in law Jim’s house at the beach. As creative as some of you think I am as an artist, my dear sister is as accomplished and talented in the kitchen. Check out this work of art she spun out one morning – made it look as easy as making toast. She is seriously masterful and cooks all day like I paint. Of course we didn’t want to take her away

My Sister Kitty's Apple Joulis

from her normal activities and we were treated to such brilliant offerings as pork roast wrapped in pancetta with a roasted butternut squash and arugula salad and a version of potatoes anna with bay leaf that knocked our socks off. Daily walks to the beach were invigorating and life affirming. But there is nothing like laughing with my sister. She is an epic treasure.

One of the highlights of our stay was getting a historic walking tour of Coronado led by my brother in law Jim’s mother Lois. Lois is a tireless worker in local groups and has been leading tours for years. Included in the tour was a map of Navy Aviator homes with corresponding signs distinguishing them. Most were from World War II though there are some more contemporary aviators who had lived on or still do live on Coronado island. My husband, a World War II history buff was particularly thrilled to see where Admiral William Halsey had once lived.

Lois On our Walking Tour

This trip was capped off with an evening of early bird over indulgence, pedestrian style. We all went out with our twenty somethings niece, her fiance, my nephew, on what I guess was a type of “bar crawl.” As fun as it was, I managed to make it back to the beach house by 9:30, with a headache. That’s how I fly these days!

Me and Kitty

Onward up the coast to Solana Beach to drop off some paintings at Susan Street Fine Art’s new digs. A lovely, light filled space in an enclave of creative businesses. Susan and I worked together in decades past and reacquainted last year on a project for UCSD Thornton Hospital. Wish I had installation shots of that!

A stop off for lunch with my dad in Orange County. He’s going strong at 94 and it was a precious visit. xo

Breezed through L.A. and then it was onto my old friend, author Claudia Hoag McGarry’s house in Santa Barbara. This was such a treat. Claudia and I got our first apartment together at age 18 and have known each other for 40 years. She’s the same. Smart, funny, cute and married to the sweetest man. Paul McGarry. They live at the beach – apparently everyone on this trip does! They both are college teachers and there house is filled with papers being graded in overstuffed furniture in a cozy vaulted living room that looks out on a So Cal version of a Eucalyptus forest. We took a short walk through the reserve and found ourselves looking over the ocean at this last peek of the sunset.

This visit was years in the making and now we can’t wait to do it again. Claudia’s second novel was recently released. Her first one, “My Scorpio Soul” really put her on the map and is a great thriller of a read, along with witty and relatable references for any boomer. Her second, “My Aries Secrets” continues the series – this one I still have to read! The next morning our timeline was shortened and we had to be in San Luis Obispo that evening. Missed seeing my sister and her family at her incredible spanish bungalow in Santa Barbara after going by two times!!! We promise to return soon. My sister Sue’s creative gift is in renovating interiors. Can’t wait to see what she has been up to inside this gem. I want to do a painting of that house! And by the way, Santa Barbara rocks.

Who wouldn't love this?

Paul and Claudia McGarry

On to Avila Beach near San Luis Obispo and I feel like I have entered a Disneylandesque (due to its newness and shininess) beach town. I found out later that Avila Beach had been subject to some sort of oil spill under the town and was subject to a massive cleanup and reengineering of the entire town. It rose from the ashes so to speak and is now a thriving little beach town. I can say after staying one night (midweek Autumn rates were quite low) this is a nice town to take a family and the resort is perfect for same. With vineyards nearby and the absolute beautiful beaches, its really quite nice and lovely to see businesses doing well.

The next morning we met with Maridel Salisbury at Salisbury Vineyards. Maridel has been an art dealer like her sister, Susan Street, for decades. The vineyard has a tasting room and gallery in a renovated schoolhouse in Avila Valley. They did a phenomenal job restoring the building and keeping the integrity of the space intact. I was elated to start working with Maridel and to leave her with one of my paintings, “Fall Rain” to formally introduce the central coast to my work.

From there we meandered home, the empty nesters. This is something I am still getting used to. I’m loving it but after two months of not seeing my daughter I missed her terribly. She came home last weekend and I got my kid fix. And she used all the gas in the car, left a big mess and went back to school. I love her so.

Back to the studio………I’ve got some paintings in me that are just waiting to get out! Stay tuned….

Getting a Jump on October

victoriaryan — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:55:23 +0000

Busy time continues and I’ve been holed up in my studio for the past few weeks working away. Sometimes the business of being an artist means juggling deadlines, details and most importantly, showing up. In addition to a large commission, which thank goodness I have a few months to complete, I have gallery shows and another art festival this opening this weekend. This pastel is for a group show at Studio Seven Fine Arts in Pleasanton, California through October.

This weekend is also the LaJolla Art and Wine Festival where I will be showing new work. This is the last festival of the season and the year. I’m looking forward to spending some time on the Southern California coast, visiting friends and family and taking a much needed break with my sweet husband. I did a series of small paintings revisting my ocean series. The beach is where I go to clear my mind and refresh my creative juices and it just seemed fitting to return to this imagery after a work filled season. This was a long summer and I’m ready for fall. Bring on the autumn color!

See you on the other side.

HOME

victoriaryan — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:41:36 +0000

"Summer House" Pastel Victoria Ryan

After a week living out of a suitcase at The Four Points Sheraton and preceded by weeks and months of annual preparation for my biggest event of the year The Sausalito Art Festival, we are finally, and happily, home. I’m sitting in my office, Barack Obama is addressing Congress in the background…..hmmm, I’m not big on politicians right now, even the ones I voted for. I’m incredulous to all of the rhetoric but let’s see how he does. I need to be inspired right now.

This time of year is historically the end and beginning of the work season for me. I just sent my daughter off to college and my dear husband and I are now empty nesters. Its a strange feeling but one I am embracing for the sake of my psyche and my art. I look forward to working with abandon in my studio late at night, taking the occasional trip to gather inspiration without having to concern myself with school schedules and the fear of my child driving at night. No car for this freshman and the dorm is right on campus. Somewhere there is an R.A. who is going to get a nice Christmas card from me. I wonder if they make sure the kids eat their vegetables?

Back to current events….. Sausalito was a bittersweet blast. Its always fun and crowded and I’m by now a show veteran along with my other peers in Row 600 on the tennis courts. This year’s “gala” was a tad ill conceived but our spirits were not deterred come opening morning.

My work looked great and I placed quite a few originals in the hands of new collectors and added to the collections of more. I love this show more than any other and its always sad when its over. So many friends and laughs and good times. But its so nice to be home.

In a little over two weeks we take off again for San Diego. A little show in LaJolla that has the benefit of having Joseph Lillis on board. He is the mastermind that turned the Sausalito Art Festival into a blockbuster event for artists and patrons and is hoping to do something similar in other venues. Till then I’ll be back in the studio in earnest. I have paintings to paint including a big hospital commission. Hope to come up for air soon.

Bay Area Friends: if you would like a private showing of anything you saw at the Sausalito Art Festival I will be in the Bay Area at the end of the month. Please let me know and I’ll come by and show you work in your home/office!

Barack is still talking. Lots of clapping. Seems to be going quite well. I’m actually inspired! Awesome.

California Coastal Landscapes at Robert Allen Fine Art

victoriaryan — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:31:06 +0000

New Gallery in Town

victoriaryan — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:32:32 +0000

This coming weekend should be fun. In addition to it being a 3 day holiday, the 4th of July is my birthday! No big whoop there but there’s always fireworks! Locally though, we have our first Saturday of the month’s Arts Alive and this month there’s a new gallery opening featuring some of the best of Humboldt’s artists. Located in a LARGE space previously occupied by our beloved Plaza Design which relocated to G Street. Jack Sewell, a local sculptor has taken over the space and along with his wife Amy they have done the leg work and homework needed to become not so small business owners in the form of this great new gallery. There was a soft, soft opening last Friday for the artists where we all gave kudos to the Sewells for taking on this commitment to the art community, drank wine, ate great food prepared by John Sallizoni and basically shmoozed and saw folks we hadn’t seen in a while. Here’s a link to an article in our local North Coast Journal about Jack and the opening of the gallery. The inaugural exhibition begins in July and I will have a few pastels to show including this new landscape.

And then fireworks! Have a Happy and Safe 4th!

"Into the Hills" 12x12" Pastel