What's on the Easel?

I've got two painting sessions done on this one of Chilly, and I think I'll probably work on it another couple of times. So, we're at the half-way, point, which is a good time to loosen it up, and throw paint splatters all over it.  I took it out back, mixed up some thin white paint, and some orange, and gave it some slings. Maybe too many, but those can be worked in as I progess. He's back on the easel now, and I'll try figure out what I want to do with those birds, and arms. I'm not happy with his all-gray uniform that makes him look likes he's a prison movie extra- especially sappy with the birds flying off, screaming "Freedom!" Needs some color or pattern, (but not stripes.) Also, I'm still working on his face. He won't look like such a bad guy when I'm done with him. That's what's on my easel. What's on yours?

The midpoint of my Chilly painting.

toolin' around NoDa

Date night with Chilly in NoDa last night.

Monroe Art Walk - opening night

Downtown Monroe was alive with art on Friday, and what a beautiful spring night to have an art show! We met several interesting artists, established and emerging, and it was cool to see how we all benefit from seeing each other's works, and talking about the artworld. I think everyone got a little energized. I was busy drinking wine and chatting, so I didn't get many pictures of the show, but here's the gist of it....

The work of Luis German Ardila

These, large, bright pieces are by Luis German Ardila. His gorgeous paintings have texture, and symbolism.

Sorry, I'm not sure of the musicians' group name, but I believe it was The Union County Youth Jazz Ensemble. They were really good, and the crowd picked up, when they started playing.

Above, is the work of Herb Dickinson, who does contemporary landscapes in vibrant colors. Herb's a great guy; he had lots helpful advice on selling work online, getting pieces into galleries, and photographing artwork.

Above, my Chilly is conversing with the authors of  the children's book, "Oscar". The art pieces hanging over their table, are the originals for their book, by local artist, Bill Colt.  

 Oh, and you know, my stuff. Look how that old pipe is running behind "Namaste."

The building is a photographer's dream come true (not that I'm a photographer.) Wouldn't you love to just spend time taking pics of the pipes, the floor, the elevator, the windows, the ceiling, etc. The owners of the building very generously loan the space, (this one is the "loft") for the Monroe Art Walk.  I hope I get to set up here again for the next one! Time to start some new paintings.

Namaste, friends.

Monroe Art Walk - set up

Chilly helped me load up the van with my painting for the Monroe Art Walk this weekend. I took about a dozen paintings.

 

This gallery space is gorgeous, I can't believe I get to hang my art here. My wall is on the second floor of an old building, next to the former Belk store in downtown Monroe, NC. The Monroe Art Walk was started by mother and daughter, Joyce Rentschler and Andrea Price, in an effort to bring back Monroe's long ago art crawl, and the great thing is, there's no charge to the artists, everyone just brings their work, and nails it to the wall, any way they want. The show has a very grass roots, it's-all-good, kind of feel. I love it. 

 Here's Chilly hanging my work....

And here's the final lay out. I'll be hanging here between the work of Bill Colt and Luis Ardila. I'm pinching myself!

Ugly's Helpful Tips - organizing your painting information

I've gotten to the point where the info for all my paintings is beginning to swim around in one big pool in my brain, and I can't remember what's what. Did I already enter this one in that show? How much did I price that one for? When did I paint this? I started an excel spreadsheet to keep track of each painting, but sometimes I just want it right in front of me. 

These index cards are the answer. I make note of the title, medium, size and price. Then, I record each show or cafe I've had it hanging in, and if it's had any awards. When I send a painting off somewhere, I pull the card and stick it in my file cabinet. 

I guess I could take it a step further, and write down how much I paid for canvas and supplies, and how much the show entry fees were, but I'm not THAT organized. 

Happy Thursday.

Some artwork around town

Here's my "Luna" and "Feline" sandwiching Laura Sussman Randall's "Fly Away Home", on the first floor of the Mint Hill Town Hall. The exhibit runs through spring, until the first week of June. Nice combination, I think.

Gnome's Roams

Good Morning Dearies! It's Monday, which for me, means prepping for my Monday Journaling w/ Art class. I've been considering changing the name of my class so that the word "journaling" is not an intimidation factor...what should I call it? "Art with maybe a little bit of writing, that you probably won't even notice?" And for those who are worried about the art part, we'll call it "Journaling w/ a tiny little bit of time that you might hold a paintbrush."  That's what's wandering around in my brain today.  


Remember, Not all who wander are lost.

Oh, and can you tell I know nothing about scuba equipment? 

"Gnome's Roams" by Barbara Travell 2013.

The Letter B

Mint Hill Arts' March exhibit is called "Letter B" - artists could enter any artwork, any style, any medium, just had to relate to the letter B.....bicycles, bananas, boobies, Barbies, bunions, bravery.....whatever, and there it is, above. As you can imagine, there were some humorous entries this month.

Above, is my "Belling" and below is my "Be Still"

Here's my piece above as it hangs next to James Fales' "Summer Romp" and above mine is Anthony Billotto's "Bicycle Man Carrying a Tree." I always love to see who I'm hanging with.

And here's my "Let Her Be". (The title is temporary, a pun just for The Letter B show. I'm not sure what I'll really call it.)  So, although all my works are for sale, I might want to hang this one in my bedroom. It's a nice big piece that would look great on my gray walls with my white comforter. But folks, I love to make a sale, so just let me know!

Also, Chilly entered his mobile...I'll post a pic next. TGIF friends. 

TTFN

It's a gorgeous, sunny day here in Charlotte, and I've got six paintings and one lino print ready to go out the door for gallery shows. So much nicer to deliver paintings on a sunny day rather than rainy...Out goes "Bell", "Feline", "Luna", "Be Still", "Letter Her Be", and "Nethania".  Yep, it's gonna feel empty around here while they gone, and of course I'm hoping they find permanent homes. (note to self - update your Etsy store!) So, it's time to start a new canvas. Are you creating something today?