FOUR EVENTS FEATURING MY ARTWORK THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6th!

Some of my work at InSideOut in Vinings

February is usually a slow month in the world of art.   My plans were to organize in January and February, update my website and set up a good inventory system - and then start a new series and experiment with new techniques.   Also, January and February historically is my busiest time in the year for my day job - and I tend to work 50+ hours a week during this time, not leaving me much time for my art!

But something happened, and the week of February 6th has me attending FOUR events that will feature my artwork in and around Atlanta.

Starting with Monday February 6th, which is  the opening of the 30th annual Spotlight on Art, an invitational fundraiser for the Trinity School, located on Northside Drive near the Chattahoochee River.  A weeklong event, it begins with the Opening Reception 6p-9p on Monday and going through Saturday.   It features 350 artists - -  all invited to be a part of this show.   I will have three pieces on display here.

Song of the Moon
24x36

Up next, on Thursday  February 9th.   InsideOut Accessories located in Vinings Jubilee will host an evening with the artists from 5-9p.   This is an artisan boutique that features everything from jewelry, metal sculptures,  glasswares and much more.   This is a good destination to find that one of a kind Valentine's Day gift, as everything in the store is handmade by Georgia artists.  In addition to what is usually on display in the store, I will have several small original paintings that would make a great Valentine's Day Gift, as small at 3"x3" to 24"x36".

InsideOut

February, Friday, February 10th.  Emerging Art Scene, located in Castleberry Hills will be open 6-9p as part of the monthly Art Stroll.   My work will be exhibited as part of the Valentine's show!

AND, finally, The Seen Gallery, located on Church Street in Downtown Decatur will feature my work beginning on February 11th.   An opening reception will be held on Saturday February 11th from 7-10p.
The painting below will be featured in this show.    The show is tentatively titled Journeys.

Hope to see you at one of the events the week of February 6th.   I have not entered into any festivals this year, so this is the only chance you will have for awhile to see my work.  Of course you can always visit my studio!!!!

THE ADVANTAGES OF OWNING ORIGINAL ART

Spring Moon 24x36 on canvas

Now you have a place to call your own.   But, do you want it to be like everybody else's?   Even if it is just a room, an apartment, or a recently purchased house, don't you want your surrounding to reflect who you are?   I don't know about you, but I don't want my surrounding to look like it came out of an Ikea catalog.   Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I've always surrounded myself with furniture and accessories that I felt were unique to me.

Which brings me to the first reason to buy original art - you are purchasing something that is unique to you, it is a one of a kind piece.   It is as unique as you are - there is not another one exactly like it in the world, just like you are one of a kind!

The remainder of the reasons are in no particular order.

You have found something that gives you pleasure, it moves you aesthetically, or moves you on a sensory level.   This gives you a personal connection to the pieces, a connection only you have with it!

You also are supporting an artist and allowing the artist to continue to create.   And, you are probably supporting a small business owner.   If you are buying from a local artist, or from a local gallery, you are supporting the local economy.

Don't be afraid to buy original art.    It doesn't have to be as difficult or as expensive as many people believe it to be.   Most galleries are happy to talk to you about their pieces, and there are many places that carry small pieces that aren't that expensive.   I myself have ornament sized paintings that I sale for under $50, and many purchasers have returned to purchase larger pieces.   And, if you do buy an original piece from a gallery, most artists are happy to talk to you about the pieces.

So, unless you want your home to look like everybody else's, search our original art in your local area, check out art festivals, check out co-ops.   There is plenty out there!

HELLO 2012!

Because I spent the last several days of 2011 cleaning up my studio, I was raring to go on the first day of 2012.   I am going to document my process better in the upcoming year, and give each completed piece a "story" - meaning I'm going to keep up with the materials used in each piece.

Today I started with a piece I have been working on and experimenting with.   I had ALOT of texture on it, but wasn't pleased with it.  So - I spent some time burning the texture off with a blowtorch, as well as gunpowder.   As a result, I burned through the canvas a few times.

The piece I'm experimenting with - with my new hand sander!

Below - you will see a sequence of pictures, beginning with the back of the piece to illustrate how much fire I used on it.   I sanded it down and it lightened it up a little bit.   I then added red to the areas on the painting that appeared to be bubbles as a result of the fire.    I started to see a pattern emerged.   I continued to play with it.

the back of the 12x12 canvas

While the piece isn't 100% finished, i think the progression is working nicely.   It started out today very dark, and actually it was looking a little burnt because I was overzealous with the fire!   A little sanding,  finding patterns in the texture to emphasize, spraying alcohol back into it to dilute the paint has made a big difference.  I would welcome any suggestions on how to proceed!

Next post will be about the mixed media online workshop I am playing around with.   This is where this piece is beginning: