Back to the Rich Colored Landscapes

Artists are always evolving and hopefully their work evolves as well.   Its interesting to reflect back on previous work and what was the impetus that inspired it and moved it forward.   When I look back on this past year (I tend to think in terms of years ending at Labor Day….something to do with the school schedule….)  I was clearly in an introspective time.   My landscape paintings were more intimate and focal, the color was rich yet not as saturated.   I am proud of the work I did but am ready to move on again, or should I say back a few yards to more vast views of the landscape.   Travelling in the Pacific Northwest this summer I was inspired again by our beautiful northern vistas, hills and valleys, our vineyards and farmlands, and the rich color palette that our eyes are lavished with.   I’ll be continuing with pastels and also with oils.   I’m ready for summer to simmer so to speak and to roam the valleys for places to paint.   August has already been fruitful so  check back.

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Bellevue Art Museum Arts Fair

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I’ve been busy preparing for one of the big events of summer, The Bellevue Art Museum Arts Fair which will be held July 24, 25 and 26 at Bellevue Square in Bellevue Washington. The fair juries in some of the best fine art and contemporary crafts seen in the Western Region. I always end up going home with a new piece of art from  the fair. Its one of our favorite shows to do even if the hours are long!

“Sunlit Bungalow” 12.5×7″  is one of the smaller pastels I will be premiering at the Bellevue fair. I hope to see my Pacific Northwest friends and collectors at the show!

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THE TECHNO CHALLENGED ARTIST IS HERE

 Its been an exciting month.    Open Studios was successful thanks to my loyal repeat and new collectors here in Humboldt County.    I spent the next few weeks working on commissions while attending my daughter’s softball Tournament of Champions in the evenings.   They won!   Now its on to All Stars for the summer.    I guess I know what we’ll be doing.

I also have been completing new pastels including the piece above which is from the Winter Wildflower series.   That subtle winter light drew me in once more….this painting had to be done but now I’m drawn to the light of early summer that is just now peeking out on the North Coast of California.  

I also was forced to update my whole computer system which is still a work in progress insofar as transferring files and data over to my new system goes.   I’m determined to figure this all out as much as I can on my own.   Even my pragmatism has a right brain slant so my technological skills are no different.   I will say though, that this new IMAC system is pretty much how I expected computers to work 12 years ago….but they didn’t.   At least this system has prompts!  

Lastly, Bruce and I had a wonderful weekend in the Bay Area that included completing an installation for new collectors S & D.   Thank you so much for acquiring 10 original pastels for your beautiful home!   I think we were all delirious by the time we left (it was after all over 100 degrees that day) but the entire collection is looking incredible!

I’ll post more new images soon!

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North Coast Open Studios

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Its Open Studios Time.   This coming weekend, June 6 and 7 from 11am to 5pm at my studio.  

2286 Ralphs Ct., Eureka, CA.  This is an annual event held in Humboldt County and was started many years ago by a few of our esteemed local artists.   It has now turned into a big event from Garberville all the way to Trinidad and beyond.    Come by my studio to see new pastels and oils and to take advantage of special offerings from the studio wall!   See you here!

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An Award that Has Inspired Me

 

There are artists in my extended community who truly blow me away with their energy, intelligence and abilities.   I am constantly amazed at the level of commitment and tenacity, not to mention the level of artistry I am presented with by my peers and by artists who come to me for coaching and career consultations.  I am also in awe of how legions of artists have learned to take their careers into their own hands by utilizing websites and blog formats.    My blog is still in its infancy and I’ve yet to find the right formula to share information for artists while showcasing work for my collectors.   I do LOVE the fact that this little blog has so much potential…..we’ll see where it goes.   I am working on it.

Today I was happily surprised to be  given an award for my blog by an artist/blogger/colleague/friend  Casey Klahn.   Casey is a pastel  artist and super blogger from Washington State.   His exquisitely minimal pastels remind me of why I chose to work with this medium in college.   I was influenced by an exhibition of George Segal drawings and sculpture at CSU Long Beach.   Segal produced a series of simplified figures in bold pastel colors.   Casey’s work has a similar immediacy.  He has a kinship with Wolf Kahn but I always think of those George Segal drawings…..Thank you Casey!   You have inspired me to blog and blog some more.

 The Noblesse Oblige Award is given for the following accomplishments:

1.The blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances of different cultures and beliefs.
2. The blog inspires, strives to encourage and offer solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the blog and it is one that fosters a better understanding of social science, politics, economics, the arts, culture, science or belief.
4. The blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The bloggers promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The rules are as follows:

1. Create a post with a mention and a link to the blogger who presented the award to you.
2. Display the award conditions.
3. Write a short post about what your blog has thus far achieved.
4. The blogger must present the award to blogs in concurrence with the award conditions.
5. The blogger can display the award at any location on their blog.

In kind, I am presenting this award to  intuitive artist, mandala maker and blogger extraordinaire  Sue O’Kieffe.

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