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!