A Work in Progress

It's Day 11 and I can finally hang some paintings! Not quite finished with the trim and still lots of housekeeping to do to get the new studio in shape, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'll also have to change the title from one-half the thoughts of Studio 116 because as of today, this is my very own single-artist studio! Woohoo!

"Show me Paint the Fence..."

Time to paint the walls of the studio and start to make it mine. Exciting and scary, but more exciting. Lots of work ahead of me even though I've been at it for 7 days now. Can't wait to see where this story goes!

Brass Band and Swap Meet Saturday

What was I thinking when I decided to get some hours in at the studio during the City's Swap Meet event?? A four piece brass band is playing right outside my studio doors and it's a challenge to hear a conversation even with my doors closed. Apparently all the other artists think it is too loud until they come down to ask what I think...and then they realize what LOUD IS!! Sorry was I shouting over the din? Seriously I am not a big fan of very very loud air when I had hoped to get some painting time in today. Making my "lemonade" with this lemon and painting a cabinet instead of a canvas. No imagination required for drawer fronts.

Meet the Artist - Gene Jones

What a beautiful group drawing day! I got to meet the gracious Gene Jones, who hosted our group. We all heard delightful stories of far away places as Gene recounted her days of teaching watercolor art on the QE2! It was a morning of art and making a new friend who was also a friend of my mother. A big thank you to a beautiful lady for sharing herself and her home with us.

"The Times They Are A Changing..."

So much going on in Studio 116!! Within the next week or so, my studio mate Ray will be moving into a studio of his own. While I was happy for him, I knew lots of big decisions would have to be made very quickly. After the recent grief of a family loss that came on the heels of boundless joy (and responsibilities) of a new little baby, Life was dealing a few too many changes for my comfort. Fortunately, after several long discussions, a couple tears, and wonderful support from family at home and at the d'Art Center, I resolved to rededicate myself to my art.
While I am sorry to see the best ever studio mate to leave, I am beginning to feel excitement at making a go of having the entire studio as my own!

Meeting Norman Goodwin

Nationally known urban artist Norman Goodwin* came into Studio 116 during d'Art's 25th Anniversary reception on July 9. The reputation of this highly talented Hampton Roads phenom precedes him, so I was well aware that my paintings were under the highest scrutiny from one who would have no qualms about openly critiquing my work in the company of others. When he asked Ray for introductions, I was a bit cautious after he had been quietly observing my wall of art. A few questions later, he offered the ultimate approval with, "I love your work; your colors, your brushstrokes, your balance. You are a good painter. And I don't say that to many people." 
Ultimate fear gave way to ultimate honor and the night was good!
After the weekend, I had a voicemail from Norman: "I have been thinking about your paintings all weekend. There isn't a bad one in the lot and I want to buy one." We have been chatting a couple times a week now, working out a delivery date!
*Norman Goodwin's paintings are collected by museums, including MOMA, the Chrysler Museum, Art Institute of Chicago and the Nasher Museum at Duke University. He is a certified fine arts appraiser and conservator.

Virginia Artists 2011 Juried Exhibition

As usual, James Warwick Jones packed the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center Opening with art patrons and artists! All galleries were filled with shoulder-to-shoulder attendance and only the upstairs gallery offered a little breathing room and an easier time to view the wonderful art in this exhibition. Juried by Amy Moorefield, Director of the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University, the exhibit featured 106 works by 81 Virginia artists, including yours truly with the selected piece at the left. Leaving the DVR on record for the Women's World Cup Soccer game, I headed over to Hampton for the reception, and not surprisingly, the long trip with the 6 mile tie-up at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, westbound, and a slightly shorter tie-up going back east to Virginia Beach. Sadly, I did not see a single soul I knew at the reception, and only recognized two of the award winners--Mark Miltz, "realist" painting award, and Victoria Pharr, sculpture award, and a paper artist who used to have a studio at the d'Art Center, but one of the few who I did not get to know. Happily, my painting sold! I actually has taken it home from my P|4 show and kept it at home to enjoy instead of the studio, so I am very glad someone else loved it as much as I do!