Where to start. Well, it's been a busy 6 weeks or so and it's not over, yet! A week from now I'll have some very exciting news to share, something I've been working toward these past couple of months that I can finally reveal at the weekend. So very glad when I'll finally be able to talk about it.
But, in the meantime, let me update you on a few things that have been happening:
Single Fare 2 was a resounding success, and I am so pleased to have been able to take part in it.
Michael Kagan and
Jean-Pierre Roy did an amazing job of assembling an eclectic and diverse show with submissions from around the globe, around 2000 entries in all (nearly three times as many entries as last year's show which itself had a surprisingly large submission count). Submission was open to all, and I thought that was incredibly generous in that it gives collectors a chance to see works from artists they may not have ever come in contact with otherwise.
Among other publications, both
Reuters and the
NYTimes online blogged about the show and provided us -including myself who was unable to attend- with
video of the work hung. So, I got to be there in spirit, at least. :D
And, this afternoon, the lovely
Alice Gao was kind enough to stop by and take a
snapshot of my little entry, '
Abundance', where it hung on the wall. Thank you, Alice!
Some of the works in the show, such as submissions from established artists like
Alyssa Monks, were raffled, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward charity, including relief for Japan. Very thoughtful of them. So, if you're reading this and live in the New York metro area and happen to be looking for some new art at a very affordable price (each card is just $100) and want to donate to a good cause, stop on by!
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Speaking of relief for Japan, I wanted to let you all know that
Daily Paintworks is hosting an artist's challenge titled, appropriately, the
"Help Japan" Challenge. The theme is "home" and it has been put forward by the amazing artist,
Keiko Tanabe, who is from Japan and has family there whom she visits yearly.
If you would like to purchase one of the Challenge works as a means to donate, or are an artist who would like to donate one of your own "home" themed paintings to the cause, you can follow the link above for more information. So far, in just over 24 hours since it went online, the Challenge has raised over $1250 for this worthwhile cause.
I am so impressed with their efforts and even have my eye on one of the paintings available. I was unable to paint anything in time for the Challenge, and am considering making a purchase as a way to be involved in at least some sense.
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Speaking of
Daily Paintworks, if you click on the link, you'll probably notice my name listed among the incredibly talented artists on their roster. Back in February, David Marine, head honcho of Daily
Paintworks, emailed me and invited me to rejoin the ranks. I accepted immediately. For those who have been following my blog for a while, you know that I was once a member of Daily
Paintworks, but due to health reasons and a necessary sabbatical from art in 2009 and the first part of 2010, I had to relinquish my membership because I was unable to provide the works necessary for membership. So, when I got the invite to come back, I believe I let out a loud squeal of delight that woke my neighbors.
I am still affiliated with
Daily Painters and will continue to post my small scale studies there. But I will also be posting my small works with Daily
Paintworks as well. I consider both to be valuable online resources for artists as well as lovely communities where artists can connect with one another.
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Speaking of connecting with other artists, it is my acquaintanceship with
WonderArtist Karin Jurick that has allowed me to purchase what is, quite possibly, the best and most ingenious
table easel ever invented. Ergonomic, versatile, a total spine-saver. Worth every penny. So popular, in fact, that they keep selling out as soon as she makes them available for sale. If you're in the market for one and want the best, I recommend you keep an eye on her
blog for updates.
I managed to snap one up before the second batch was sold out and modified it just a bit to hold my larger paintings, and let me tell you.........has that easel ever been a blessing while I've been holed up in the studio trying to meet this big, secret deadline.
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So, for those of you who are looking for some new small scale studies from me, you're in luck!!! Now that I'm finishing this big project, I have several small studies in the works which I'll be gleefully finishing and listing as early as next Friday. Funny, after working on nothing but large paintings for several weeks, getting back to the small stuff feels like playtime. What once seemed hard or tedious or strenuous now seems like sweet, sweet relief. I'd like to think the way I push myself with each new painting makes me a better artist, a more confident artist, a more risk-taking artist. In the end, all the strain and hard work is worth it, and I find myself appreciating the little things that much more.
On that note, I'll leave you with a preview of coming attractions:
'Sweet Nothings I' - 4" x 4" - oil on hardboard panel - SOLD
- detail -
