Brainworks

Upcoming Exhibit

2011-10-31T12:32:00.005-04:00

My next exhibit "Modern Mythologies" and will be hosted by the Howard County Center for the Arts. The shows hangs from November 4 to December 16. The opening reception will be held on November 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This show pairs my New Mythology work with the life-sized, figurative sculptures by Maryland artist Sarah Wegner. Here is the HCCA website.

For more information, call 410-313-2787 or email beth@hocoarts.org.

Somaphony Launch Party

2011-09-21T05:11:00.002-04:00

My friend, Nate Lewis of Somaphony is proud to announce Open (he)Art Surgery. The Somaphony Launch Party!

Please join Somaphony for an unforgettably funky evening as they officially launch into the District!

Somaphony is a clothing & art line based out of Washington, DC that combines elements of music & anatomy into surreal designs. If you are in the D.C. area, go and support art.

Visit the Somaphony website.

Terry Dixon Reenslavement Revisited at Caton Merchant Gallery

2011-09-06T19:43:00.003-04:00

My friend, Chicago artist Terry Dixon has an exhibit in Manassas VA:

"Telling that slavery did not end with the Civil War,Terry Dixon presents a body of work depicting African-Americans being forced to work for free from 1865 to 1945. His work is created through abstract digital images with acrylics, oil pastels and inks. Terry Dixon lives in Chicago where he continues his artistic discipline. He is as associate professor of computer arts."

The show runs from September 8th - October 26th. His work is remarkable, so go see it if you are in the area.

The Helium Burden Blog

2011-09-05T05:47:00.009-04:00

I have started back at my other blog The Helium Burden with regular posts about my brain cancer diagnosis. I decided to share that blog here with you, my fellow artist and friends. I love dialogue and welcome it, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts and comments.

Here is the CaringBridge site my husband keeps updated.

Recently, I was approached local artist friends offered to put together a benefit to help Craig and I with medical expenses accruing from my recent diagnosis. I am overwhelmed, humbled by and grateful for the generosity of artists and volunteers who have committed to be a part of this act of service and sacrifice. The event will be on November 5th from 4 to 6 p.m. here in my town of Fredericksburg at my church, New City Fellowship. I am speechless, to be honest.

My hope and desire is to get back to the easel once radiation is over early October.

Until then, I have a few paintings left from the "Birds" show at FCCA if you would like one. As always I can work with you on payment.

"Sparrow"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Black Swan"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Osprey"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

'Magpie"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Dark Eyed Junco"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Ruby Throated Hummingbird"
30"x24" oil on panel
$1200

"Osprey"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Great Tit (UK)"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Bald Eagle"
30"x24" oil on panel
$1200

"Cedar Waxwing"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

"Hummingbird"
5"x7" oil on panel
$300

Medical and Art Update.

2011-08-19T14:11:00.003-04:00

This coming week I begin six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy to treat my recent diagnosis of GBM Multiforme brain cancer. You can get the details here if you want to catch up on the last month.

My passion, "New Mythology" paintings will be exhibited along with the work of sculptor Sarah Wegner in a show called "Modern Mythologies' at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City Maryland this coming November.
The opening reception is Friday November 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. The show will exhibit through Friday December 16th.

I so appreciate and love you all. More than you can know.

A few things.

2011-08-09T03:35:00.002-04:00

We have had a quite a journey over the last several weeks. You can read about it here.

The "Birds" show has closed. Here are the paintings that are still available. Shoot me a private message at tracey@traceyclarke.com if you'd like to purchase. As always, payment plans work great for me, too. Thank you to everyone who bought work from the show. Enjoy.

Opening Reception of "Birds."

2011-07-06T13:39:00.004-04:00

Here are photos from the "Birds" opening reception at FCCA this past Friday night. It was a packed house. I sold several paintings, as well. Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the completion of a year long journey with birds. The show hangs through July.

I am taking a few weeks well earned rest and then it is back to the easel to prepare for the "New Mythology" show in November at HCCA.

Artscape and "Birds"

2011-06-28T08:23:00.009-04:00

"Artscape with Bill Harris" is now online. You can see the episode here.

The reception for "Birds" is this coming Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at FCCA.

Here are photos of installation.

"Birds" at FCCA.....

2011-06-21T15:46:00.002-04:00

Here is a slide show preview of "Birds" opening at Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts: June 26th - July 31st.
And here is the page and a link to the press release for the show.
We hang this Sunday.

Bird show and Artscape

2011-06-15T15:30:00.003-04:00

The "Birds" show page is up on the FCCA website.

I have been varnishing paintings and staining frame wood. Most of the paintings are framed and ready. We hang on the 26th, so the work will be open to the public from then on. The reception is the following Friday, July 1st at 6 p.m.

I was on "Artscape with Bill Harris" last week. I will have the show online as soon as it is available, so stayed tuned.

Update....Bird show.....

2011-06-09T09:41:00.004-04:00

I took a hiatus for several weeks as you may have noticed. I appreciate transparency and I am sure I have mentioned my struggle with depression in the past. My old friend came for a long visit recently, so I spent some time "wandering in the woods" so to speak. I feel I have found the way out finally.

The bird show at FCCA opens on June 26th, so there is much to do between now and then to get ready to hang. I will have three to four large paintings and 18 or do 5" x 7" paintings in the show. The reception will be held Friday July 1st at 6 p.m.

A new painting for New Mythology.

On the easel....

2011-04-19T15:27:00.002-04:00

Framing for the bird show has begun....

"Barn Owl Study"
5"x5", oil on panel
$75 framed, message me if you want it...

Newton's Arrival

2011-04-17T09:46:00.002-04:00

The portrait of Newton finally arrives home......

"Sir Isaac Newton" with Sir Isaac Newton and Kathleen.

On the easel....

2011-04-14T15:25:00.001-04:00

Many thanks today to the almighty Sharpie......

On the easel and other things....

2011-04-13T11:17:00.004-04:00

Paintings for the bird show are wrapping up. All the fine details are almost complete. I am beginning the framing, labeling and pricing along with a few other goodies. I do plan to have a drawing for one of the paintings. Yes, you have to attend the show to be entered.

"Bald Eagle"
30" x 24" oil on panel

"Peacock"
30" x 18" oil on panel

Sir Issac Newton was shipped home to Colorado yesterday. Kathleen says she will get a photo of him posing with his painting, which would be awesome....I am so proud of this painting. Thanks to her husband Dan for providing a great photograph. So often I get the old Polaroid shot indoors....almost impossible to work from....

"Sir Issac Newton"
20" x 16" oil on panel

Not much painting this week. We have dear friends who are being relocated, so Craig and I have committed to been spending with them weekly until they leave. I did do another study, though. If you have Facebook, I have a few up still available and add weekly. Any subject ideas for these?

"White Peacock"
5" x 5" oil on panel
$75 framed

"Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" has been sold. I am so honored and humbled when someone spends their hard earned money on one of my paintings. You can read the narrative at the link.

"Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt"
18" x 24, oil on canvas

Update...

2011-04-06T16:53:00.004-04:00

Last painting for the bird show...

"Peacock" oil on panel, 36" x 18"

And a few studies....

"Swan" oil on panel, 5" x 5", $75 framed

"Cardinal" oil on panel, 5" x 5", SOLD

"Deer Study" oil on panel, 5" x 5"
$200

On the easel...in the sketchbook

2011-03-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

sketchbook...

Peacock
oil on panel
18" x 36"

oil on panel....

New painting on the easel..

2011-03-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Peacock
oil on panel - 36" x 18"

Study Painting

2011-03-11T12:59:00.003-05:00

Peacock Study
5" x 5"
oil on panel, $80
message me if you want it...

On the easel

2011-03-07T16:46:00.001-05:00

On the easel.....

On the easel...

2011-03-02T15:54:00.003-05:00

Today's study that turned in to a painting.....

"Fourteen's Big Day"
oil on masonite

On the easel...

2011-03-01T14:03:00.004-05:00

All the work for my FCCA bird show in July is about finished and then I will move on to varnishing, framing and getting all the details done. I am planning on having a drawing for one of the paintings. I just need to plan how I want to do it.

As that body of work wraps up I am beginning to shift focus back to New Mythology for the show in November. I have several paintings waiting to be completed and begun for the series, including the one at the bottom.

Etsy

2011-02-21T14:13:00.003-05:00

New small oil paintings available on Etsy.

"Grackle"
oil on panel

On the easel..polar opposites

2011-02-17T15:44:00.002-05:00

Bald eagle on the easel.
I was talking to my husband last night about hearing other artists say they work 10 and 12 hour days in the studio. I have to say because of the manner and style in which I work I am exhausted after four or five hours of painting. So many tedious strokes with tiny brushes, so much concentration on mixing color and checking, rechecking proportion.

I have had a 48" x 36" canvas with a half finished portrait of Jeff Buckley on it following me around for several years. About my front door in the foyer is a large high wall I thought I would paint something for....I am not sure what I will do from here. Maybe a silhouette of something....my abstract artist friends are probably thinking I shouldn't quit my day job in realism....
I love all genres of art. Abstraction is pretty sophisticated, so I call this free painting at best. But I love it so far. It is a completely opposite process from painting, say, the bald eagle. Anyway, let's see what happens.

Portrait of Newton...

2011-02-14T12:59:00.002-05:00

Newton is done except for a few last touch ups.....
oil on panel 20" x 16"

...contact me at tracey@traceyclarke.com if you are interested in a portrait....

On the easel

2011-02-03T16:21:00.003-05:00

Today I had physical therapy and I had my weekly Skype chat with mom, so I only worked about three hours. Tomorrow is Craig's RDO (off day) and unfortunately, we have to go to court because we were witnesses to in a case now going for a second round.....may or may not get to the easel.

Today's work......oil on pane, 30"x 24"....

Bald Eagle on the easel....

2011-02-01T15:15:00.000-05:00

On the easel....

2011-01-31T15:38:00.004-05:00

I picked up my paintings from the Small Wonders show at FCCA. Just a few days ago, Tufted Titmouse was sold online, so I called FCCA where the painting was hanging to let them know it was sold and they informed me it was already sold to someone who came into the gallery. So....sold the same painting twice to my surprise. Can you say "Paypal refund?"

Today on the easel....

Bald Eagle....

Newton....

On the easel

2011-01-25T15:11:00.003-05:00

"Newton"

This is about half way finished. A few have asked about portraits since I started posting in progress images of Newt...if you are interested in a portrait of your dog, send me an email at tracey@traceyclarke.com.

On the easel....in the studio

2011-01-20T15:55:00.003-05:00

My painting time is still rather effected by ongoing, but improving neck and shoulder issues. Still at two physical therapy appointments a week, so painting hours are still cut back to 15 to 20 or so hours a week. Twenty is a good productive painting week if it happens. Even as I sit here in front of the computer I can feel my neck begin to burn..fun times.

This afternoon there was a short stretch when I became unaware of my physical issue and realized that I had six paint brushes in my right hand and two in my left. This is a great sign of the rhythm of "being in" a painting. A nice change from squirming and adjusting to relieve the pain.

I have about twelve to thirteen paintings lined up for the next New Mythology show in November. About half are done and another half are either started with paint or in my mind. I have sold several of the series' paintings, so I have work to do, but I don't need to really start wrapping up actual painting until August or so. Let's see what sort of magic happens until then...the state of the studio today is a fantastic mess with paintings in various stages of completion.

"Newton" on the easel...coming along beautifully....

...and Reuben, my giant snoring dog....who is totally worthless, apparently.

Newton.....

2011-01-12T15:53:00.000-05:00

First passes.....

Update.....

2011-01-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

I started a portrait for friend and fellow artist Kathleen Krucoff. Kathleen and her husband Dan have three basset hounds and I have been given the honor of painting Newton.

Still rotating between birds for the July show and New Mythology's polar bear, lamb...and who knows what for the November show. I have sold a number of the small birds, so keeping numbers up for the FCCA gallery is ongoing. I am planning to have prints available for that show and playing with the idea of giving away one of the paintings in a drawing....

In an effort to use all the paint at the end of the day, I have been doing these loose, impressionistic small works. It really is a completely different process than traditional realism which is my genre of choice. Turning off the mind and taking down the boundaries a bit in a painting is refreshing.....If you want this one shoot me a private message.

"Rooster Study"
oil on 2" deep, 6" x 8" canvas, $100

On the easel.....

2011-01-10T15:28:00.006-05:00

Man, have I been away this long?
Last week I started a new painting. This is a bald eagle...or the beginnings anyway. With all the small birds I have been painting, I felt it was time for a bird of prey...so, plugging away at paintings for the bird show and next New Mythology show in Maryland.....

I have been using the left over paint on the palette at the end of a painting session to do quick studies...

"The Prophet"

2010-12-29T12:06:00.002-05:00

In the New Mythology realm, all mice are prophets.

Finally, done......"The Prophet"
24x12, oil on canvas

Happy New Year....On the easel.

2010-12-28T14:26:00.004-05:00

I took a week off at Christmas and always think I am going to get work done between Christmas and New Years, but I find myself tinkering more than anything else.

I sold "Liar" and "Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" in the last two weeks as well as a bunch of prints, so I am very, very thankful to all who are so willing to part with their heard earned money to have a piece of my work.

Happy New Year to you all.....and after Sunday....back to work in earnest! So far I have two shows to paint for in 2011

On the easel:

"Carolina Wren"

Birds

2010-12-15T14:11:00.004-05:00

My birds for the July show are climbing. Think I have 19 now. I am making a point of painting birds that are sort of annoying to most people. Often we miss something really beautiful when we dismiss "pest" animals. The common Grackle is probably one of the most bothersome yet, most beautiful of birds.

Shots of the "Small Wonders" show at FCCA. The show hangs through January....

...honored to be mentioned.

On the easel...New Mythology

2010-12-13T16:06:00.003-05:00

I am feeling the magic.........

Check out the Etsy link on the right....more prints and small paintings uploaded.

What's up.....new paintings and getting warmed up

2010-12-06T15:25:00.006-05:00

The "Small Wonders" opening was really fun. One of my paintings received an honorable mention, which is nice. I never win anything, and honestly don't put too much stock in awards, but it was a nice treat. Thanks to all my people for coming out to the party. I was really glad to meet artists Ana Rendich, Jill Powell and finally, Jeanne Tanks. The show hangs through January, so come out and if you do, let me know so we can grab a coffee.....

Me and Jill.....

After so many months of painting tediously for the bird show in July with focused technique and tiny brushes, I did a warn up, a painting challenge of sorts to get myself in a different state by using a completely different approach to painting. I also decided to begin a new New Mythology painting today. Below are the first foundational passes.....

... study from this morning

new painting

On the easel.....FCCA Opening reception

2010-11-30T16:39:00.003-05:00

Birds and more birds.....still. I have 18 now. Let's see how many I can hold on to until July.

"Small Wonders" at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts is now on exhibit through January 28th. The open reception is this Friday December 3rd at 6 p.m. here in the 'Burg.
I will have three paintings on exhibit and will be at the opening. Also downstairs in the member's gallery is the Christmas show. There will be a lot of very affordable paintings in both shows.

"Mockingbird"
5" x 7" oil on panel

Small Wonders at FCCA

2010-11-23T15:15:00.003-05:00

"Small Wonders" open at FCCA in Fredericksburg next week. The opening reception is Friday December 3rd at 6 p.m. I will be there, so come on by. This is First Friday, so all the galleries will be having opening receptions for new exhibits.

Birds Galore....

2010-11-17T15:45:00.005-05:00

I received an letter announcing that I was awarded an exhibit of New Mythology paintings at the Howard County Center for the Arts in November of 2011.

On the easel....birds and more birds...

More prints and small paintings available on Etsy....see the link on the sidebar....

Art Prints...On the easel..

2010-11-05T14:47:00.005-04:00

I have prints very affordable prints and paintings available on Etsy so go here if interested. I plan on adding more birds and paintings from New Mythology over time.

On the easel....

Prints Update

2010-11-01T16:00:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I am in the process of getting prints up and running and it is a long process.

But I do now have prints of most of the 5" x 7" bird oils available. They are 5" x 7" on archival matte photo paper at $25 plus shipping to your destination. These come directly.from me, so I have complete control over quality. I will probably use Fine Art America once I look into all the details and make sure it is all kosher.

The larger paintings (New Mythology) will have to scanned professionally, which will be expensive to set up, so still wrestling around with researching this...

I am still playing with ideas on promoting this option on the website and blog. In the interim if you interested and are on Facebook you can find me here where I at least have an album on the fan page of available prints.

Thanks for following me, everyone. I just noticed followers have jumped from 58 to 81 in the last few weeks. And please comment....:) I love to hear what you have to say. It is important to me.

On the easel....

2010-10-27T15:21:00.004-04:00

Working away at the paintings for the summer solo show. And also putting a few back up on the easel to work more on...

5" x 7" framed oils are $250 should you like to have one.

"Ki Goes Up"

And for the bird show...

"Great Tit"
5" x 7" oil on panel

"Hummingbird"
5" x 7" oil on panel

On the easel....

2010-10-12T15:36:00.002-04:00

5" x 7" oil on panel

Just have to put on the legs.....

On the easel...and it's October!!

2010-10-06T18:41:00.003-04:00

Fall being my favorite time of year, I am soaking in the wonder that is October at the moment.
Most of the time, no matter what is going on in my life, if I can get to the easel, all is right. It is doubly right when the temp outside is only 65 degrees....

On the easel and moving right along....

"Purple Finch"

On the easel...

2010-10-01T12:45:00.004-04:00

Hopefully, with two physical therapy sessions weekly, I can make some serious tracks on this neck and shoulder dilemma. I have been able to paint longer, yet not long enough to really "click in."
Working on paintings for the FCCA solo in July and also this one which I am really excited about....I am using cradled hardboard as opposed to my usual canvas and I may be sold.

On the easel

2010-09-16T15:38:00.002-04:00

On the easel... Beginning the long haul of painting for the bird show in July. I need about 20 more, so one of twenty, a very common yet beautiful bird, the house sparrow.

September back to school for many...back to work for me.

2010-09-07T11:05:00.004-04:00

I have been awarded a solo exhibit in July of 2011 at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. The theme will be birds and I am thankful that I have so much time to paint them! There are currently eight in a list of thirty that need to be painted by March (drying time) I figure one a week will get me to the goal give or take a few because of sales.

Ok. All summer travel, visitors and most immediate new home madness has come to an end. Time to rock the easel. Hope you all had a fantastic summer. Keep in touch with your thoughts and comments.

Where have you been?

2010-08-31T08:40:00.003-04:00

There is one more trip for us yet to come this weekend in a string of summer travels. I have been away from the blog so long I had to actually sign in!

Let's see how much I can get to before Thursday. I am starting a new painting on a new ground. Canvas has been my ground of choice, but in a new effort to expand the work I will be using Ampersand gessoboard.

On the easel and coming to completion....

In the works:

Now showing through August...

2010-08-16T16:39:00.004-04:00

If you'd like to make a day trip to Fredericksburg, "Ei" will show at the Fredricksburg Center for the Creative Arts until August 27th.

And "Diamond, Ringleader of the Spring Revolt" and "Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" are at Liberty Town until August 29th.

If you come to Old Town for a visit to the galleries and see the historic city of Fredericksburg, let me know. Craig and I would love to see you.

Thinking, rethinking

2010-08-16T15:44:00.005-04:00

The great summer is winding down and the days of squeezing in a few hours of painting between travel and house guests are coming to an trickle. Limited by physical pain as well, I did find a great local physical therapist to help me get out of the mess I have with my shoulders and neck. Unfortunately, it will take some time to work back up to several hours a day painting and though frustrating, this is just reality for me at this time in my life. It took a few years to get into this much pain and it will take some time to get free.

Having had a lot of time to think in the midst of the crazy summer, I am unsure of how I feel about the direction of my work. A sense of dissatisfaction or, more positively, a desire to push myself to climb to another level has settled upon me. I suppose this is a good place to squirm. The moment we believe we have arrived in some area of life, something in us settles for less. This is especially true and dangerous for artists. A bit of applause, success and a certain level of mastery tempts us to stay where we are in an attempt to hold to what we have, yet so much more awaits if we are brave enough to wrestle with the fear of change and the unknown to obtain something greater. In my life, when the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change, I know it is time. I have seen artistic paralysis happen to many. I see it in every gallery I walk into. Before we know it, we have churned out the same reworked painting over and over. So, this fall I start the climb of fear and change....again. God willing and by grace, there will be growth.

Still on the easel:

FCCA Regional Exhibit

2010-07-22T14:39:00.003-04:00

"Ei" has been accepted into the FCCA Regional Juried Exhibit. The show runs from August 1 through 27. Opening reception is Friday August 6th.

On the easel....

2010-07-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

On the easel:

Tufted Titmouse
oil on panel, 5" x 7"

In the New Mythology Kingdom, mice are prophets. That is all I can say so far about the painting....

Party at the Clarke's..

2010-07-07T11:47:00.005-04:00

Wow, I am exhausted. The summer has just begun and we have a lot of travel and visitors planned.

On the fourth we had the first official party at the Clarke house with our amazing friends. My sister and niece were here for several days, then dear friends Phil and Elisa stayed and then we are off to Atlanta twice over the next month. My time in the studio might be limited for awhile.

Friday night was the Liberty Town opening. "Diamond.." and "Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" will hang through August. If you are around Fredericksburg, stop in and see the show.

On the easel:

Liberty Bird show

2010-06-30T16:40:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I was notified that "Diamond" and "Overcoming the Seeds of Doubt" were accepted into the Liberty Bird show at Liberty Town Arts. The theme is art inspired by literature about birds.
The show opens with a reception this Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. and will hang through August.

My sister and her kids have been here since Saturday. It is already Wednesday and a holiday weekend at that. More friends in for the weekend ahead and the 4th of July festivities....

Would anyone like to name the latest painting? I have been unable to settle on one.....

I started a commissioned painting today and have a handful of painting on the working list....
On the easel:

New Painting on the easel....

2010-06-24T15:28:00.002-04:00

On the easel:

Mice. Not sure where the mouse imagery is originating, but there is something compelling about their innate ability to go unnoticed and generally influence an environment underneath the surface......I think of Galadrial's words:

“Even the smallest person (or "creature" in my economy) can change the course of the future."

On the easel

2010-06-23T16:15:00.004-04:00

I wonder if I should give up fine art painting for interior decoration.....just kidding. In the last few weeks I have thrown myself into painting my house and love it. Priming those walls are like covering a canvas with gesso. And laying on those coats of color almost as exciting as seeing something come to life on canvas. I even love trim work (what the hell is wrong with me?!...) The house has indeed become a work of art to me. Replacing knobs and outlet plates.....love it. People talk about how much work having a home is, but I love every minute of it.
But I have been painting in the studio and meeting with new artist friends here in the great arts community of the 'Burg. as it is called by locals.

I have been working on this one for some time and it has been a real challenge technically. At first I wasn't sure where it would fit in to the New Mythology story, but as I go an identity is unfolding. Who is this and what will be her great purpose?......

24" x 30", oil on canvas

Physical Therapy and on the easel...

2010-06-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

Last week was my first visit to a physical therapist. After a three hour assessment, I went home with a stretching routine and a bit more peace and education over a long-standing neck and shoulder issue. Along with daily stretches, a few changes need to be made, namely, I must go back to a desktop and learn proper typing. I type with four fingers and have to look. For now, there will be twice weekly sessions of PT.

Balancing my time between new home and new studio is falling into place. Even as I type (with four fingers..) I am sitting on my deck looking out over the woods that leads down to the river. There is wildlife abounding. My kind of living. Our neighborhood red-shouldered hawk has begun the afternoon announcements like clockwork.

I have several proposals on the docket, so plenty of paperwork to do over the next few weeks. Tomorrow morning, I am meeting for coffee with an artist and president of a local co-op gallery.
Katie is coming down from Lorton Sunday night for a dinner and a look at a few galleries

Currently on the easel.....

"Carolina Chickadee"
oil on panel
5" x 7"
$250 framed

On the easel

2010-06-08T15:22:00.005-04:00

"Red Bellied Woodpecker"
5" x 7" oil on panel

Small oils

2010-06-07T11:17:00.004-04:00

More neck and shoulder problems lately. I am (slowly) working on adding to the "New Mythology" body of work and small oils count. My hope is to have 20 or so of the panels for Artomatic, but they are flying out the door. As far as I know they are still looking for a building for the 2010 show.

I have to say I love being a home owner. I enjoy repairing, updating and painting..nesting. We are getting settled, painting walls and endless trim, working in the yard and dreaming up cool things to do in the house over the years. And patio furniture comes Wednesday......yee-ha.

If you are interested in a 5" x 7" framed oil, just say so. Here are some new ones.

"Tree Swallow"

"Mourning Dove"

If you have an specific animal in mind as a subject, I can do that for you, too.

Today's Painting

2010-05-26T16:32:00.006-04:00

So far, I have had a bad time with birds and their nests. There was the robin's nest horror, and then this week the wren's nest ordeal. While working out in the yard, Craig found a nest of baby wrens in a hole about knee high up in the side of our house where the AC wires go inside. Three little hungry mouths. I didn't see any sign of adult birds all afternoon and evening and thought about them all night wondering if they had been abandoned. The next day, out of fear, I resisted looking in on them until the afternoon. What I found was two dead babies. One was obviously taken by a predator. Unfortunately, many of our neighbors have outdoor cats, so this is the probable culprit. I am sure most people have no idea how many birds and other animals outdoor cats can kill.
The birds surely decided the nest location was too risky and left it and the babies to die. I had to pull them out by their little feet. Baby birds are the most helpless of creatures....at this age they have absolutely no chance without parents. I spent a long time looking at them. So delicate. A sad day.

I am certain I might be a bird nerd.

5" x 7"
oil on panel
$250, framed

Finally.....back at the easel....seriously.

2010-05-21T10:15:00.004-04:00

Last week my attempts to return to painting failed. Most of you know that we have been packing, moving and unpacking...and settling. I gave myself permission, in hand with well-trusted friends, to spend more time "nesting" here in our new home in Fredericksburg. I love doing handyman kinds of things and our place needed just that (and more...) I also spent several days painting the kitchen. For whatever reason every wall and every piece of trim in this house was painted antique white, all except for the ugly blue wall on the cathedral stairwell. So, you know, being all about color, I felt I needed to get at least one room painted.

I had breakfast with friend and fellow artist Elizabeth Seaver yesterday. I was greatly encouraged to talk with a comrade and I have gotten back to it this week. And, after six weeks away, it feels great.

Almost complete....putting in the details....

5" x 7" oil on panel

5" x 7" oil on panel

Back to the easel??...

2010-05-10T12:38:00.003-04:00

There are so, so many things to do when you buy a house. I feel like my brain is swimming with possibilities. I have not had the time to even think about painting over the last five weeks, and now suddenly it is back to it and wow, I feel kind of brain dead! It has caught me off guard, to be honest, and I feel like I want to do nothing......like I need a vacation after all that has transpired since March from looking for and buying the house, all the roadblocks with the purchase, packing, moving and unpacking. What I thought would be a jumping back to the easel Monday has been more like a looking at the easel, walking around it, pondering unfinished paintings and a kind of "lostness" over it all.

This past Friday was First Friday in Fredericksburg so Craig and I headed out to go to openings and visit local galleries. A lot of people were out and about and I did get to see a few local artist friends, but I was surprised that it did not motivate and inspire me to paint as these events normally do. So, I guess I will go with it for now.

To my horror Sunday, I saw the nesting robin sitting on bare wood under my deck. I found the nest on the ground with three little blue eggs laying around it. It was either the high winds or a predator, like a crow or squirrel. One was broken, so I put the other two back in and secured the nest back in place with picture wire and waited. She returned in about fifteen minutes and sat on them. Robins are really particular, so I was skeptical that the pair would stay tending the nest. Yesterday, while looking from above the deck through the boards and saw only one egg in the nest, so one was taken. I haven't seen the robins since, so it has been abandoned. Today, I am going to climb up and get the other egg out. I plan on putting a nesting shelf under there for next year.

I leave you with Patte Ormsby's work. I saw one of Patte's pieces ot the FCCA opening this past Friday and was riveted.

Back in the Saddle

2010-05-07T16:33:00.003-04:00

Every box is unpacked, the studio is up and in order and several hours have been spent working on a neglected yard. After a five week break from the easel, I will be back to it on Monday. I wake up every morning amazed that this is my house. It was a long and bumpy road for sure, but here we are finally. We back up to a forest and creek that dumps into the Rappahannock River. There was a ground hog in the yard this morning, robins have built a nest under my deck and I discovered a beautiful eastern box turtle living in the wild rose bush. My kind of place.
Thanks for hanging in there with me....I look forward to catching up with everyone......

The studio:

Update.....

2010-04-17T19:51:00.004-04:00

So, we were supposed to move this weekend but were unable to make closing. What has transpired with the unemployment benefits package this past week also effected anyone needing flood insurance. In short, congress allowed the bill to lapse a few weeks ago, went on vacation and thousands were unable to receive unemployment benefits or obtain flood insurance which is required by FEMA. We happened to find out a bit too late that our new home is in a "potential flood zone." Let me say that the "potential flood" would have to be of biblical proportions to reach our property. So, after a frustrating week, congress has filed an extension and we were able to get our required flood insurance for the mythological possible flood and will now be closing and moving at the end of next week. I have been away from painting for three weeks now and I am ready to get back to it...

Pam Rogers, who I met at Artomatic last year, has a show in Atlanta at Kibbee Gallery in May. Her work is spectacular, so if you are in the Atlanta area go see the show.

Packing....

2010-04-03T12:19:00.004-04:00

I have begun packing for our move to Fredericksburg in two weeks. I am battling a nasty cold and have so much going on. And wow! While packing my studio, I discovered a lot of old dried out paint tubes laying around. The manner in which I store my paint would horrify. I used to do a lot of colored pencil work and my drawer of colored pencils (many of them stubs) really needs to go to my neighbor's daughter, a budding artist. I wonder what else she would like to have? There are at least 20 huge bottles of acrylic paint I haven't used. Old ill cared for bushes....gone. A forced Spring cleaning of sorts...with Kleenex in hand.....

Fredericksburg has a lot of galleries and co-ops. I know a few of the artists there and have received so many warm welcomes and invitations to lunch upon my arrival. I emailed one co-op and had two generous replies from artists there. So, it appears the community there is quite inclusive. I have to say I have been a little unsure about the state of contemporary art there and whether I might find an audience. Time will tell.

So, I will be moving, traveling for a family wedding and visiting with my sister over the next two weeks.

In the meantime, have a look the work of Heidi Taillefer. Amazing.

Oh, and here is our new place.

Painting Update...

2010-03-30T14:25:00.004-04:00

I promise all the madness of buying our house will end....I say this mostly for my own sanity. ;)
Until then, I have updated the small oil paintings page on the website for those who might like to have a look. I am amazed (and grateful for) how fast these go! Let me know if you want one.

I am still working (slowly) in my glazing experiment. I have learned a lot, mostly about what not to do.

Here is the progress of our little friend, Mr Peacock....

Underpainting. I should have made the lights lighter. In general, the underpainting must be painted lighter on the value scale than it really appears because as glazes are added, the painting gets darker.

Too much medium.

I think I am getting it......although, still getting darker and losing highlights.

Where we are now. But...I like it. I will keep messing around with it until it gets to the magical "done."

On the Easel

2010-03-24T16:06:00.003-04:00

Painting without reference material directly from imagination is my most favorite way to paint. My thought here is to integrate the bird figure with the chambered nautilus. You can see the shell starting at the beak.
I feel rather stuck on the stag, so I found a canvas I painted black awhile back and just started with an interesting eye.........and will work outward from there.

Painting Update

2010-03-22T21:29:00.004-04:00

Here are the first glazes on the peacock. I am already finding myself impatient and wanting to paint directly. Hmmm.....may not be my thing, but I will stick it out and we will see, right?

I spent Sunday purging things for our move in April and found an old 40" x 30" painting of me with Vincent Van Gogh. I painted over it and started a new one today. The central focus will be a white red shouldered hawk that fills up most of the canvas. Let's see how it looks in such a large scale and how it evolves.

"Ki" is done....I just need an assistant to help me get an image...

The Stag.....

2010-03-18T15:02:00.002-04:00

Back to the stag today. I am still floating ideas.
Repainted some areas and did the tedious work of painting in the cracks in the antlers. Some scumbling in the sky.
I am trying not to over think here, as I am prone to do with paintings that have been long on the easel.

Today's painting

2010-03-17T14:47:00.003-04:00

American Crow
7" x 5"
oil on panel
$250, framed

New Painting Technique

2010-03-16T14:19:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I can spend all my time painting and forget to continue my oil painting knowledge and technique. Oil paint is a rather complicated medium with a lot of "rules" that must be observed in order for the work to have any longevity. It can be a little overwhelming when it comes to grounds, mediums and paints and their proper use to create a lasting piece of art.

I spent some time this weekend refreshing myself by reading about oil paints and methods. I looked at some amazing artwork that really challenged me to stretch my approach.
In my work, a painting is created in a fairly direct manner, meaning I mix and apply the paint directly from the tube modeling it within the value scale until I achieve my vision.

I decided to try the indirect method with the peacock. I began by painting a highly detailed image in grays. This is called grisaille and will serve as the structure for the completed work. Once it is dry I will apply several glazes of color over the next weeks until I get what I want. In other words the colors are optically rather than physically mixed. It is much like stacking pieces of colored glass on top of each other to obtain a luminous result.
I will post images as a go along. Hang in with me and lets see how it goes.

Update.....

2010-03-12T13:52:00.005-05:00

We have been in the process of buying a house, and though I have been able to do some painting this week, that process has taken most of my focus. We did indeed get the house we offered on Sunday. I am surprised at how exhausting house hunting can be. From Sunday to Wednesday night was a roller coaster. Hence the wiped out feeling, I suppose.

I am really excited about how "Ki" is coming along and will post an image soon. I started a new painting, too, and I am still mulling over the stag painting.

For the weekend I will leave you with Jeremy Geddes. His paintings are the perfect marriage of technique to creativity. Not an easy task.

"The White Cosmonaut"
c. Jeremy Geddes

Frustrating Friday

2010-03-05T15:36:00.004-05:00

Still struggling with shoulders some today from sitting at the easel and computer......
An offer we made on a house was not accepted and I had to paint over hours of painting.....ooohhh....and I was on the phone with Jerry's trying to resolve an defective order issue for a long time.

My motto this week was "Thou shalt not Whine"......I am not observing it very well today.

Off to First Night Fredericksburg to attend openings for two artist friends.....I will have wine instead of whine, right?

On the Easel,,,,

2010-03-04T13:35:00.002-05:00

detail of "Ki Goes Up" (working title...)

At the Easel

2010-03-01T17:06:00.005-05:00

"Black Swan"
7" x 5", oil on panel
$250, framed

The last week I have been taken out by a pinched nerve in my shoulder. I feel like I have so much work to do and with such a painful, time consuming incident, I have to say I got a bit depressed. It seems for me this is going to be an issue related to my work, so I have to find ways to do whatever I can to keep flare ups at bay. Laying on an ice pack for days on end is rather frustrating, but I did think about those who deal with chronic pain without much relief and wondered how they manage whether it is because no one has found an answer to their pain or they live in a place without medical care. Within a few days of a visiting my chiropractor I was 100%. That day was today and this painting is finally done thanks to Dr Mannino.....

I just read that Artomatic is probably going to be pushed back to the fall. Gives me more time to paint.......

On the Easel: Cedar Waxwing

2010-02-22T16:02:00.005-05:00

on the easel: Cedar Waxwing
7" x 5", oil on panel
$250, framed

Artomatic 2010 is approaching and I have decided that I am going to do a group of 5" x 7" oils of birds for the exhibit. It is really quite amazing how much I have learned about color and technique from doing these little paintings. As I get farther along I will ask you to help me come up with a title for my exhibit. I plan to have at least 20 framed oils and a set up like I did in 2009.

Along with that I am working on getting back to four or five unfinished New Mythology paintings hanging about. The setback I have had with my shoulders and neck has created great frustration, but I am so thankful to get back to the easel.

Caton-Merchant Opening

2010-02-16T12:27:00.003-05:00

A fantastic time we had on Saturday night....."Myth and Mystery" opening at the Caton-Merchant Gallery.

with Kathleen Kendall

Linda, Claire, Emily and Jim

George and Benjamin

Mike and Chris

with Linz

Alix and Shelly

Dave and Katie

Post show shenanigans with Chris, Mike, Phil, Linz and Elisa.....

Thanks to Thia for these much more artistic shots:

Painting Pain....

2010-02-12T15:36:00.005-05:00

Still having a seeming unending struggle with my shoulders and neck, I have been really limited in doing any painting or working on the computer. Though really frustrating and at moments discouraging, I have taken this week to do a lot of thinking (since I am most comfortable flat out.) I may have worked myself beyond muscle soreness to strain and now possibly something worse. I am hoping a very long massage will help on Sunday along with some rehab at home. I am ready to get back at it as that enormous stag painting stares back at me every time I wander into the studio along with several in process canvases.

We had quite the blizzard here along with several smaller snow storms over the last month, but all is on for the opening of "Myth and Mystery" Saturday night. If you are in the area, ride over to the gallery and join us for food, wine and art. There is a brand new parking garage right next to the gallery, lots of great places to have a nice dinner and the ice skating plaza will be open.

Myth and Mystery Installation Photos

2010-02-04T16:26:00.002-05:00

On the easel

2010-02-04T15:03:00.002-05:00

On the easel...

Caton- Merchant Gallery Opening Rescheduled

2010-02-04T08:53:00.002-05:00

As we have yet another snowstorm approaching on Saturday, the Caton-Merchant opening of "Myth and Mystery" will be rescheduled for Saturday February 13th.
Note the snow date on the postcard.
Mark your calendars and look forward to seeing you there.

Gallery Opening at MLK Library

2010-02-02T13:19:00.006-05:00

Katie and I grabbed a quick lunch and delivered our the paintings to Caton Merchant yesterday. I haven't seem her new work and I was amazed at how prolific and fantastic it is for someone who works full time. The work will be hung today and I hope to get photos up this week.
It isn't looking good for our opening on Saturday at this point as we have another snow storm in the forecast. If we have to cancel the reception it will be rescheduled for the following Saturday on the 13th, so if you plan to come, stay tuned. I will make the decision by Friday morning.

Last night, Craig and I went to the district to my friend Terry Dixon's opening at the MLK Library.

In celebration of the first day of Black History month, Terry, along with fellow artist Robert Morris, presented work based on Douglas Blackmon's book "Slavery By Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of African Americans from the Civil War to World War II."
The exhibit is designed to highlight the role of major corporations and local government in denying southern blacks their civil rights through the power of judicial and penal systems.

me and Terry

"Life of Labor"

"Re-enslavement"
(love, love this painting....)

Myth and Mystery exhibit

2010-01-29T14:38:00.005-05:00

I am in the middle of another flare up with my neck and back, so I haven't spent too much time on the internet in the last week.

We are about to have another snow storm. I planned to deliver the paintings for the "Myth and Mystery" show tomorrow if the weather allows. Karen Eide, one of the three artists, has had an accident and broken both of her wrists, so she may not be able to attend the opening. She lives in Richmond which is a good two hour drive to Manassas. I am disappointed about this......we will miss her. Katie and I were really looking forward to meeting her in person after so many months of emails.

So, I have twelve paintings lined up to hang, but this morning I noticed a problem with one of the stretchers, so after picking up some hardware I attempted to re-stretch the canvas on new bars. This is a new endeavor for me as I haven't re-stretched a painting before. I never had to. Apparently, this was a bum canvas with poor quality wood stretchers that buckled on one side after a time. Even though I bought new same sized stretcher bars, the new ones are a bit larger than the original and now there is a small edge of white unpainted canvas on each side. So, I have to pull the painting from the show. This is a lesson in carefully selecting canvases. It is my regular practice when buying a canvas to lay it flat and on each side to see any gaps or warping. Generally, I find that canvases larger than 22" really need a crossbar. I am not sure where I got this particular canvas but it is a telling sign of cheapness that it has no brand name on it. Live and learn.

I will keep you all updated. Please plan to come to the reception on the 6th if you so can. Manasssas is a neat old town with a lot of cool places to eat and the Harris Pavilion will be open that evening for outdoor ice skating.

Here is the Candy Factory which houses the gallery. You can read about the historic building here.

Thinking....

2010-01-25T14:05:00.005-05:00

There are those who would have you believe as an artist that success is all about the product. Certainly, your art is of vital importance and it is imperative to follow that creative passion without concern about who will buy or how it will sell. People can tell if you aren't all that into it. But is really and truly is a numbers game. The more you get your work out into the world, the more response you will get in return. I suppose this is a true principle in most areas of vocation.

A year ago, I made the decision to do the work I felt lead to do and to make a concerted effort to promote that work. I am amazed at the response. Beyond all the encouraging words, which are very important, people actually want to spend their hard earned money to own one of my paintings. I have had the blessing of three exhibits over the last four months which generated a lot of interest and several sales. Some of these people have found me on the internet. I just shipped off "Ovis Nectarus" to New York to a woman who sent me five postdated checks over a period of months to buy that painting. It is about to happen again. Because a person saw my work at the Athenaeum, she looked me up on the web, saw a painting she loved and tonight I am meeting with her to discuss purchase.

I say all these things not to brag. Everything I have ever been given is a gift from God. I have had my doubts, putting up obstacles of my own making because I was afraid to fail. But I want to encourage everyone who has a dream to step on out onto the path despite fear or the "they says." Just have a willingness to do the disciplined work, consistently get it out there and watch what happens.

Today, I am grateful to each of you. To those who have encouraged me with words and to those who have supported my dream with their money. Love you all....

Come on to the "Myth and Magic", our three woman show if you are around. Saturday February 6th, 6-8 p.m. at the Caton-Merchant Gallery old town Manassas. Some of you I have never met. I would love to see you there.

Opening in D.C.

2010-01-21T17:13:00.004-05:00

My friend, artist Terry Dixon, has an opening featuring his latest body of work titled "Re-enslavement." Terry and I went to the Atlanta College of Art together. He is a successful working artist living in Chicago.

The "Re-enslavement" paintings are inspired by Douglas Blackmon’s 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Slavery by Another Name: The Re-enslavement of Black Americans from the
Civil War to World War II." The reception is Monday February 6Th at 6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Library. Terry, along with another exhibiting artist, Robert Morris, will speak about their work.

Writing Without Paper Blog Post

2010-01-20T13:00:00.004-05:00

Maureen Doallas has a brilliant blog called Writing Without Paper. She posted about my upcoming show with Karen Eide and Kathleen Kendall, and asked a few questions about my work.

Narrator of Myth: Tracey Clarke

Painting Update

2010-01-14T16:02:00.004-05:00

Two weeks until the Caton Merchant opening and I am excited to debut the baboon that night. About time, yes? In the meantime, I need to conjure a title and make some sense of the bits and pieces of story. I feel a weight, like a finally faced memory, lifted now that he is complete. And, if I may say so, he really is magnificent to behold.

In working on small studies this week, I decided it was time to paint a female hummingbird.

"Ruby Throated Hummingbird" (female)
5" x 7", oil on panel
(available, $250, framed)

February Show

2010-01-06T17:03:00.006-05:00

Anyone ever get stuck in a blue place? I know that this struggle isn't particular to artistic temperament and I am sure many of you deal with this as well. It has been an off and on lifelong companion for me and my old friend has been visiting for a few weeks for a number of reasons, hence my absence. But I feel the veil is lifting a now.....

The "Myth and Mystery" show opens in a few weeks and I have been finishing up a few paintings and addressing how to fill up a 30 running space. Katie and I are getting together next week to talk about details of the reception. The other artist, Karen, lives in Richmond, so we look forward to meeting her at the reception.

Please join us if you are able.

2009-12-30T14:54:00.002-05:00

Because I have had so many inquiries about small 5" x 7" paintings on panel, there is now an official link on my website so those interested can find all the specifics in one place.

This has been a week of catching up with friends and updating my website. I did find time to work on the baboon and tamarin paintings yesterday and I am quite excited about the direction they are headed. I pick up the work from the Athenaeum on Sunday and it is nice to bring home a lot less than I dropped off. I hope to have a few paintings to add to those for the Caton Merchant show which opens on the 4th of February.

Being an artist who likes to introduce other artists, I leave you with Greg Simkins work today. For me, creativity coupled with technique is the one quality that attracts me to most art. Greg's work is really at the pinnacle of that mountain. Though I don't always connect with his work on an emotional level, I am blown out of the water each time I see one of his new paintings. As someone who works with narrative, I often wish he would share verbal bits of info along with his paintings. Coming from a graffiti background, for descriptive purposes, his work falls under the pop surrealistic category. I am sure your responses will sit along the spectrum, so let me have it.
And, uh, yes that is acrylic paint he uses. Amazing.

"Damsel"
c. Greg "Craola" Simkins

Happy Christmas......

2009-12-20T09:13:00.006-05:00

I am sure many of you got as much snow as we did over the last few days. Being socked in, I have had plenty of time to cook, which is really just a thinking exercise. As Christmas and the close of the year approach, I stand in my studio, thinking about the paintings created over 2009, wondering about how well I executed each, where I can improve and concocting new ideas in my mind. I plan to follow this frame of mind through New Year's Day. I have about five paintings in early stages, but, if you have known me long enough you have figured out I tend to start painting after painting as the ideas are just too big to sit on. They seem to carry with them birth pains and I can so nothing about it. They are coming to be. But I commit to finish those waiting as soon as I am back to the easel the first week of January. A New Years' resolution of sorts (...we know how those tend to work out....)

At the close of 2009, a grateful thanks to each of you for encouraging and challenging words, for supporting me in a myriad of ways in my life as a painter, a life I would not have without your presence.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a blessed New Year to each one of you.

On the easel...

2009-12-17T16:23:00.004-05:00

I have about four of five painting that have been waiting to be addressed. This one is finally coming along and some new ideas are bubbling up....

"Nuthatch"
commissioned painting
5" x 7 " oil on panel

(I have had many orders for these small paintings, so if you'd like to get in line for one, just email me.)

Small paintings

2009-12-14T16:23:00.005-05:00

The 5" x 7" paintings on panel are in high demand of late and I have been working on those commissioned pieces over the last week. I have sold four that hang in the Athenaeum show and have a few commissions in line. Although I really prefer to work on a larger surface, I can understand the attraction of the little paintings from a subject matter and price perspective. They really work well for small animals and have a very intimate feel. And $250 is a very reasonable price for a framed oil painting.

Hoping to have at least the baboon painting and maybe one new painting completed for the Caton Merchant Gallery show in February. We will have to see with the commissions and holiday travels.....

Women Artist

2009-12-11T08:39:00.002-05:00

The interesting current letter from Robert Genn at the Painter's Keys.

"Dear Artist,

Last night I was giving a short talk and signing books at one of our local art clubs. I happened to notice no men were in the hall. The club has many male members, they assured me, but apparently they don't come out on rainy nights. Not to listen to me, anyway. I wasn't crestfallen--I was being sociologically informed. I've always noticed the 80/20 split in these organizations, but I knew the full-female thing was just around the corner. Anyway, it was a combined lecture and holiday-season windup, the shortbread was good, and no one asked me to dance.

If you don't mind, I'm going to lay some statistics on you. Of the 82 new people who signed up for the Twice-Weekly letter yesterday, 56 were women. That's 68%--which pretty well mirrors our current ratio of 67% women subscribers. Maybe this means females might be more willing to listen to males than males are. If true, one wonders what percentage of males is willing to listen to females.

Yesterday, among the people buying my new book on PayPal, 65% were women. Funnily, more men paid by check-in-the-mail than women. One might conclude women are what social scientists are now calling "early adopters."

Fact is, women are more into growth, self-improvement, networking and learning than men. In a recent UNESCO study, more women than men got university degrees in 75 of 98 countries. This goes for most professions with the exception of engineering, computer science and math. Some fields are being overwhelmed with women. The vet school in Guelph, Ontario, for example, reports 80% of current grads are women.

The fact that boys lag behind girls in school is well known and not peculiar to our times. Studies show that as early as grade nine girls crave learning more than boys. Apparently the boys are now lagging later and later. The new statistics might be alarming to some. Roles may be reversing. Are men going to be stay-at-home-daddies while the women go out into the world and slay dragons? Is breeding going to grind to a halt? Are women going to be all the doctors, lawyers and artists? And by the way, do men just not want to listen because they already know it all and need to get on with it?

Best regards,

Robert

PS: "It's not ridiculous to say women will have the upper hand in a way they haven't in the past." (Economist Ross Finnie, University of Ottawa)

Esoterica: The "demographic bomb," as it's being called, may have its short term benefits, but the longer picture is not so rosy, particularly for Western cultures. If women are busy building empires, where will the new customers be coming from? One more statistic and I'll shut up and get back to my easel: In my four top galleries it looks like 27% of living artists represented are women. Ten years ago it was 24%."

Wright to Read Program Wednesday Night

2009-12-10T19:41:00.002-05:00

We had seven Wright to Read kids and tutors (and friends) last night at the gallery to do some creative story writing about my paintings. This whole experience was new to me, but I worked really hard to step out of my comfort zone and in the end it was a really wonderful time. I hope to get copies of the stories they wrote soon so I can post them.

After an introduction, the kids spent time choosing a painting and then writing a story. We then had each one read there interpretation and I would read my narrative.

Children have a wonderful ability to see things as they really are. Some of the stories were very concrete, and some were very detailed with great sensitivity. I find many adults don't notice the slight nuances in my work, but most children do see the less obvious. Hearing the interpretations of kids is such an incredible experience because they SEE and see in a unique way. This way of seeing happens before the creativity is all but wrung out of us all by the time we are 13 or so. In some ways, it is sad to think that most probably they will lose that sense over the next five years. But I am glad to have a hand in encouraging the imaginative mind and with the help of the tutors and Twig, the gallery director, hopefully, there were seeds planted that will blossom into a creative life.

Wright to Read program

2009-12-09T11:22:00.003-05:00

Tonight, kids in the literacy program Wright to Read are coming to the Athenaeum gallery to hear me talk a bit about creativity and then choose one of my paintings in the exhibit to write a short story about. This is new territory for me, but I am really excited about interacting with kids and promoting the importance of creativity and imagination. And, of course, I am very interested in hearing the stories they create. I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow along with photos.

While cruising around Etsy yesterday, I stumbled across the most brilliant and beautiful sculptures by artist Robin VanValkenburgh. I cannot find much about her process, but I think she uses antique molds to make the sculptures. I have my eye on this one.

c. Robin VanValkenburgh
"Matilda Marrie"

Today's Painting

2009-12-03T16:33:00.003-05:00

This particular painting has been hanging around unfinished for a long time. It is one of the few paintings that I was wrong on for the original idea. Usually, a painting ends up almost exactly like the original vision. This one had at least four different transitions of idea and many, many countless hours of painting and repainting.

It also has been to source of hours of frustration, despair and doubt since I began so long ago. At least one thing I have learned from it is persistence in the presence of pain.

Having loved this baboon from the moment I saw him and I knew somewhere in that image was a character to be created and a story to unfold. The last few days he has become a beacon of creative energy. I am so grateful for that gift today.

Now....what would he sitting on?..........

Self Portrait

2009-12-01T17:04:00.003-05:00

The portrait. I keep thinking it is done (like the baboon painting....which, I worked on today) but I began to think about what it says about me...being a self portrait. My love for animals and the fact that they are the subjects of my painting coupled with my strong feelings concerning their welfare, I decided on baby mice. They are to me are the most helpless of creatures. Every dream I have has a animal in it and most usually the appearance is that of young or baby animals.

In my own life, I constantly walk a line of joy and pain, as I am sure many of you do. There are moments when we see the triumph of mercy, kindness and goodness, in my fellow humans and then there are great periods of darkness when it seems all the earth is filled up with the pain and misery we inflicted on our fellow creatures human and animal.

The weight of innocence lost or destroyed is a heavy, heavy one.

I painted in the mouse nest and then went back after meditating more and made the hole in the concrete....like they are in the wall.

Good Times

2009-11-28T09:08:00.008-05:00

Did you grow up in the 70's like I did? CHIPS, the Dukes of Hazard, the Love Boat...Good Times?
Remember that J.J, played by Jimmy Walker, was a young aspiring painter? Do you know that the amazing neo-mannerist paintings used on the set and credits were created by Ernie Barnes, the football player turned painter? I didn't realize he passed away this past Spring.
Here is his website and here is a CNN video tribute.

c. Ernie Barnes
"Sugar Shack" (used in the intro of "Good Times")