Westy Art

Today's Art Journal entry......

2012-01-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

More Minneapolis Paintings to come........

2012-01-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

I'm having such fun with the Minneapolis skyline! Ok, yes, I'm freely employing quite a bit of artistic license, so some buildings have moved, but your favorites are all right there!!! My goal is to finish a decent number of pieces by springtime in preparation for a gallery show! The wonderful folks at BamBamGrafix are scanning them and making prints as we speak.
Meanwhile, having earned my A license in skydiving, I'll continue to paint the blue skies and the midwest countryside from my new perspective. I have been challenged to paint a 20 foot diameter parachute for West Side Skydivers to hang in their hangar. Wow! That's some serious silk to cover!

Art Journaling

2012-01-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

I have a new obsession......which is actually turning out to be a great lesson in spontaneity for me! I have been working daily in my art journal, with the goal of having a large volume of work completed by the end of the summer. In August I will be teaching a class about Art Journaling, and I want to have a great, personal, example to show.
It is very different to be painting for myself instead of for the public. Sometimes I find it liberating. Sometimes I am afflicted with severe artist's block! It's not always so easy to decide what to sketch/paint/write about on any given day! This is good for me!!!!

My Big City

2011-12-29T06:14:00.000-08:00

"My Big City" is the title of my latest painting, which is a giant (60") Minneapolis skyline. This piece is painted over an aeronautical map on top of canvas, and is just the first of several cityscapes I'm working on. So far all my works have featured my beloved Minneapolis...but I have been asked to try my hand at New York City and St. Paul too!

the many sides of Westy!!!!!

2011-12-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

Every day, when I stroll out into my new, beautiful, warm, and sunny studio, I have to decide which Westy paintings I'll be working on. Blissful skydive paintings? Colorful swirly Chagall-esque images? Sketchy paintings on book pages, maps, etc? I enjoy all these dimensions of my imagination, and the urge to work on one or the other is determined by mood, popularity, and what materials I have around!
On deck right now? -large skydive paintings on really cool aeronautical maps, a new series of nudes a la Matisse, and some very bold winter crows!

Getting ready for the Women's Art Fair and Art and Soul

2011-11-30T01:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again.....and I am painting as fast as I can! I will be in two Holiday shows this December, the Women's Art Festival and the Art and Soul Holiday Sale. At both of these events you will find my newest Minneapolis paintings, my skydive art, and of course a new stock of book page art. As always, I will have originals, reprints, and cards to fit every budget! Don't want to leave your cozy home? Find me on Etsy as well!

Trunk Show Today at Nola Home

2011-11-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

I will be doing a "trunk show" at Nola Home today, 12-5. I will be bringing about 40 new small pieces on vintage book pages, and I will also bring along a couple of my newest skydiving paintings. Come visit and have one of Kelly's famous pomegranite martinis!!!!!!

Skydiving Inspires New Artwork!

2011-11-08T15:24:00.001-08:00

So lately I've taken up skydiving. All artists are crazy like that, right?! This is not just a passing phase; this is a full-blown, passionate, life-changing discovery. And I never dreamed it would affect my art so much!!!! Suddenly I have a need to paint blue skies, happily flying people, upside-down airplanes, and peaceful parachuters. There is a whole other world up there in the sky; one that is much more simple and straightforward than our complicated lives down below. Thanks go out to West Side Skydivers for their inspiration and guidance!

Studio B is completed just in time for winter!

2011-10-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Watch out, world! I have waited years for the opportunity to work in a well-lit, warm, beautiful studio that is all MINE! Many thanks go out to my fabulous contractor and his amazing attention to quality, detailed, work.
MEANWHILE! Tonight, Oct. 13th, from 6-8 pm: Trunk Show at Nola Home, 404 Penn. Ave. S. Mpls.
and Saturday, Oct. 15th, my tent will be up outside of Piccadilly Prairie for an autumnal art fair of sorts..........

Westy gets a New Studio!!!!!!!

2011-09-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

After this last winter, I decided that I had had enough, once and for all, of cold Minnesota winters. My studio has been in the basement for over 15 years. This year, I'm movin' on up!!!! I made the monumental decision to renovate our saggy baggy front porch into a real live heated, insulated studio, complete with it's own entrance and some french doors into the main house/parlor. I am so excited! I will be back at work at my easel and on my press before winter comes. There will be light!!!!! yay! Best of all, for any of you who live here in the city or happen to be passing through, I will be having open studio hours for visitors, as well as small classes for people wanting to try their hand at painting and printmaking.

Westy's 2011 Schedule!!!!

2011-07-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Things are finally starting to fall into place for the rest of the 2011 season! Here is where to find Westy and her art:

Sept. 10 & 11: Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival at Centennial Lakes
Sept. 24: Take Me to the River Art Show and Sale at the Historic LeDuc Estate
Dec. 3: 17th Annual Art at Ramsey
Dec. 10: 19th Annual Women's Art Festival

I will update this as things come up!

New spring paintings

2011-05-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

I recently challenged myself to do 20 new paintings on a small scale for a show in July. Here are the first three! All are 12" tall.

Art and Garden Sale at Cafe Wren

2011-05-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

In one week I will be heading to Luck, Wisconsin with a car full of art, much of it brand new this spring. Also included for sale will be these hand painted clay flower pots, which I am just tickled about! They are so HAPPY! If you are in the mood for a road trip, come to the Wren Cafe and check out the annual Art and Garden sale-it's awesome!

Westy's Etsy shop is open again

2011-05-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yay! My Etsy shop is up and running again with brand new paintings on vintage book pages. These make lovely, unique gifts, and I will ship anywhere!

Lots going on, finally!

2011-04-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

At long last winter is over. I think. In Minnesota, one never knows...........
At any rate, the big news is I now have a website! There you will see my latest work, and where I'm showing. Its construction is ongoing......please check it out! http://www.westyart.net

At present, I have pieces hanging at the Hair Police in Uptown Minneapolis, and at the end of this week I will be hanging a two month show at Cafe Wren in Luck, Wisconsin. Both shows feature primarily new work created in the last year.

NolaHome Event - Thursday, December 16th 6-8pm

2010-12-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

One more little shindig for the season-and if you haven't experienced the fun and wonder of NolaHome, then you NEED to visit me Thursday evening!

2010-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

The last few months have found me painting more soulfully than ever before. Lately, instead of just whipping out pretty pictures, I have been intent on creating pictures with even deeper, more personal, layers of meaning. I guess, at the ripe old age of 44, I am finally searching for the meaning of my own life. The answers are surprising. The paintings, I hope you will agree, are getting more powerful. Now if only I had more time.........

2010-09-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

For all those who have inquired, these prints (and many others) are available in 16" x 20" for $145.00, 11" x 14" for $75.00, and 8" x 10" for $35.00. All are high quality giclee prints on paper, produced for me by BamBamGrafix. Just email me!

2010-09-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

While I am working feverishly on several new large pieces, I am also making lots more of my little paintings on vintage book pages. I just love how words and images play together......

2010-09-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who stopped by my booth at the Centennial Lakes show; I had a phenomenal weekend. The weather was so perfect! Here are two new paintings that I just completed; many more in the works. I feel that this fall is going to be a very productive time in my studio. I'll keep you all posted!

women's press cover!

2010-09-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

Whew! one kid back to school, summer teaching over, and now maybe Westy can begin to paint again! I'm feeling especially nostalgic about the past and the wonders of life, and I can feel new paintings bubbling under the surface. Meanwhile, I am very honored that my artwork was chosen to grace the cover of the latest issue of the Minnesota Women's Press magazine!
One last outdoor artfair remains for me this season: the Centennial Lakes Fall Into the Arts Festival, September 11 & 12. I will be in my usual spot on the far northern end down by the water. Stop on by and say hello!

Eagan Art Fair!

2010-06-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, just because I haven't blogged lately, it doesn't mean I haven't been producing new art. I've just been swamped with work, teaching and painting like crazy! So, this weekend, the 26th and 27th of June, I will be in booth # 220 at the Eagan Art Fair. Pray that the hail storms and tornadoes go away, and the sun comes out on all of us! This will be the only art fair I participate in until late summer, when I return to Centennial Lakes.
Anyone who is curious to see what I've got for sale can always make an appointment to visit my studio in Minneapolis, near Uptown.

Two New Retail Locations!

2010-05-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! My work is now in two more locations outside the Twin Cities: "Bumbledees", in St. Cloud, and "Krista Artista" in Anoka.
Meanwhile, here is a new piece that I just had scanned, and I have some beautiful giclees of it wrapped up and ready to go! It is called "The Wanderer".
Oh, I will have bins of work available at Gallery M during this weekend's Linden Hills Garage Sale days, May 15 and 16. And, for the Memorial Day Weekend, I'll be setting up a booth at the Wren Cafe in Luck, Wisconsin. And last but not least, it's only a couple weeks 'til the season's first art fair!!! I'll be in my usual spot at the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival on the 5th of June. Hope to see you all soon!

new show up for spring!

2010-03-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself in NE Minneapolis, check out this cool little hair salon. My artwork will be hanging there for about two months. At least a dozen new pieces, and priced to sell! Yay spring!

New Retail locations!

2010-02-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

Hi everybody,
I have finally crawled out from under my winter log! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm gearing up for a fantastic new year full of newly inspired paintings!
I was recently given a tour of Minneapolis from the 40th floor of the Capella building, so I have many snapshots of our city to work from. I have also been invited to borrow some lovely buddhas from NOLAHOME to photograph and paint. yay!
I'm also happy to report that my work is being carried in three more local shops: NOLAHOME, 404 Penn. Av. S., Ethique Nouveau, at 317 W. 48th St, and Shoppe Local, over on 50th and Bryant.

Trunk Show at NOLAHOME

2009-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

Last show of the season! After this I can go back to actually painting new things!!!! I am honored to be paired with another fellow animal lover.

Women's Art Festival!

2009-12-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

All packed and ready to go set up for the Women's Art Festival which starts tomorrow at 10:00am. This is a fun show, and I enjoy doing it every year. You'll find me in my usual spot right when you walk in the door! It's at the Midtown YWCA, 2121 East Lake St. Show ends at 5:00 Please come visit!!!

gallery show Friday night, Dec. 4th

2009-12-03T14:25:00.001-08:00

I am so excited! Yesterday I hung my work up at the Frank Stone Gallery in NE Minneapolis and it looks so good! I am in a weekend long show with two potters: Bob Briscoe and Jo Severson. (Or should I be calling them ceramics artists? their stuff is lovely and very functional)
Anyhoo.....Reception at Frank Stone is Friday the 4th from 5-9; show is also open Fri, Sat, & Sun. 12-5. The next weekend is a holiday show which includes many artists from the fall; many of my pieces will stay for that. Unless they go home with someone......
Please come on out and see this show!

Inspirational, funky, tote bags for sale!

2009-11-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided to go out on a limb and have one of my images printed on a market bag. Reprints of this painting have been selling like hotcakes; maybe we're all in need of a little inspirational pick-me-up around here! These bags are made right over there in New Hampshire, next door to my native states of Maine and Vermont. :) The ladies who run the company are so nice and easy to work with, and their product is very well made, if I do say so myself.
If you are interested, I am selling them through my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/WestyCopeland
Of course, if you live here in the Twin Cities you can just swing by my studio and save on shipping!

New work for the winter shows!

2009-11-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

I have completed several new larger paintings just in time for my fall show season. I am having so much fun with this bright color pallette! Perhaps my new attempt at a positive attitude is coming out my fingertips!

Hand Painted Purses

2009-10-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

.....my newest silly thing I love to do: find old purses at the thrift store and make them new and fabulous with a little paint! These will be appearing at all my holiday shows, starting with the "Presence of the Holidays" gig at the Suburban World Theater, in Uptown, on Nov. 14th. I can't wait!!!!

Pet Portraits

2009-10-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am having so much fun painting portraits of people's pets for them! I have done both dogs and cats, (waiting for a bird! might have to do my friend's hedgehog!) and each "character" is a distinct presence in my studio. When I do this sort of commission for a client, I ask for stories, pictures, memories; anything relevant. Through this information I channel the pet's personality and let the picture go where it may.
This is a portrait of Wiley the dog. He has a great soul.

Where to find Westy!

2009-10-17T17:35:00.001-07:00

The season has started! First up, Ken's fabulous Fall Harvest show in the barn at Mudd Lake Furniture I've been packaging new art all day long! And wishing the oil paint would dry faster!!!!

Oil paints are back!

2009-10-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

Wow! For the last three days I have been working with my old favorite: oil paints. I'd forgotten just how much fun I have making monoprint/paintings on paper. And the studio smells like days of old!
I'm trying very hard to log as many hours as possible in the studio. If I am to get anything done, I need to treat this like a full time job! ( when I'm not working at my teaching job, or my mothering job.....)
Anyway, here are two new paintings, hot off the press! One will most likely go in my show at the Frank Stone Gallery this December.

Hand painted wood blocks. Little size, big color!

2009-10-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Oops! I got sidetracked, and for the last couple days I've been playing around with these little chunks of wood. So fun to paint! So happy! I see stacks of them playfully arranged on people's shelves! Now, back to the "real" stuff. There are stacks of prints drying in every corner. Pictures will be posted soon!

Paintings on Found Objects

2009-10-04T04:15:00.000-07:00

There must be something about old piano parts......every painting I've done on pieces of wood from my old piano has sold! I just love doing these! The beautiful grain shows through, and each uniquely carved part has such history in it. I was sad when the tuner told me the piano was no good for playing, but I have found a way to recycle, once again!!!

Patches!

2009-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since ALL of my patches sold at the last show, I figured I'd better start making more! This is the first bunch. Obviously I was in a bird mood! Next up, faces? cats? dogs? cities? For folks who didn't hear my spiel, "liquid thread" is the best invention EVER for putting these on easily and quickly! Think jeans, jean jackets, purses, kid's clothes, etc etc. Five bucks each; happy to mail them.......

Framing frenzy!

2009-09-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Alas, artists don't often get to spend every minute simply painting or creating. We often must spend hours on the more mundane chores, such as building web sites, packaging art, and framing.
So, every once in a while the studio becomes a frame shop. Thank heaven for my years of experience!

2009-09-16T10:31:00.001-07:00

Many, many, thanks to my friend Ken, who not only sat with me in my booth at Centennial Lakes last weekend, but has now inspired me to reach higher, go further, think bigger. I feel a new Westy era coming on.
Please note that often I post pictures of paintings that are not yet finished, such as the unlikely trio at left!

A few new things......

2009-09-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here and there I seem to manage to get new things done. I'm dreaming of the day when I can spend some time reflecting on what I've done before I rush new pieces off to shows....I still remember my college teachers encouraging me to slow down, re-do, think things through......

Art in Offices!

2009-09-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky! My art seems to find it's way into various office settings, including a couple of dentists, a chiropractor, and most recently, my friend's brand new private therapy office in Uptown. Thankyou, Suzanne, for decorating your entire office with my paintings!
Anyone in need of counseling email me and I'll send you her info.
Meanwhile, I am preparing for my first fall art fair: the Centennial Lakes Fall Into the Arts Festival on Sat (10-6) and Sun (10-5), Sept. 12 and 13. 7499 France Avenue South, Edina. A beautiful setting down by the little man made lake. I will be in my usual spot, booth #179. Please come visit!

what a day!

2009-06-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today it rained and rained and rained and rained.....you get the picture. But I was amazed, no, stunned, by how many people came out in the rain to see the art fair. Thankyou, all!!!! I wonder if each and every one of you knows just how much you mean to an artist! Doing an art fair is long, hard, tedious, work. And what makes it all worth while is the smile when people find something they like.
I can't wait to make more art! Guess I'll have to make some in Vermont, where I am headed in just three days. Until then.......

a rainy art fair day!

2009-06-05T19:09:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! My car is packed up and ready to leave at 6:30 tomorrow morning, bound for St. Paul. I will be at the St. Anthony Park Art Festival from 9:30-5:30. My booth is right along Como Ave, and I don't care if it's raining, I'll be snug in my little tent!!!!! Art fairs are actually kind of fun in the rain, I think. If you're out and about, and the Edina is too much for you, or if you need MORE than the Edina, come visit us!!!!! It's my last art fair before I start teaching full time at Leonardo's Basement all summer.

the next show!

2009-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

whew! what a weekend! Ken's Big Barn Adventure was fun. Thanks to all who came and visited and bought local art!!!! Thanks to my friends who road-tripped out there with me and partook of the festivities.
And now, the next event: The St. Anthony Park Festival: http://www.stanthonyparkartsfestival.org/
It's a one day event, short and sweet. Last year there was a petting zoo for the kids.......nice green lawns......come visit!!!!

new work completed and sold!

2009-05-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a fresh painting titled "Dear Henrietta". It ended up looking eerily like someone I know; lo and behold that someone decided she liked it! So, this piece, in it's fabulous 4" wide shabby shic frame, is coming out to Mudd Lake with us, just for kicks, with a sold sign on it. Hold on, D, you'll have it soon!!!!

another cool show!

2009-05-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, friends, the summer season is kicking off to a great start! Thanks to all who came by the Art and Soul sale last weekend. The next fabulous event going on is Ken's Big Barn Adventure. (see flyer at right) Ken is a dear friend of mine with a knack for finding fun and funky artists and bringing them together. This time we'll all be out at Mudd Lake. If you're reading this blog, then you are invited to the party on Friday night, which is from 3-8, I think. Food and libation, art, furniture, what more could you desire?!!!

It's Showtime!!!!

2009-05-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I must apologize to any of you who were having fun reading more frequent posts!!!! I have not had the time to do all the things I said I would. I have, however, been making lots and lots of fresh art, both big and small. Much of this new stuff will be at Art A Whirl this weekend in NE Minneapolis. For those of you who live here and are planning on attending, I will be a part of the Art & Soul collective, and we will be in the building right behind the Northrup King building. The address is 1400 Van Buren. Art A Whirl runs from 5-8 on Friday, 12-8 on Saturday, and 12-5 on Sunday. So come on out and enjoy the sunny weekend and see lots of art!!!!

spring comes to Minneapolis!

2009-04-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

.....and at long last, the studio is humming again. Oh, there were occasional bursts of painterly energy this winter, but nothing astounding was achieved! Now that doors can be opened, birds can be heard, and I don't have to wear mittens to paint in, I'm full of inspiration. Not to mention the fact that I have a couple commissions due and they aren't painting themselves!!!!!! So, keep in touch!!

Christmas is coming too fast!!!!

2008-12-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe that Christmas is coming so soon! Now if only it would snow some more. It might put me in a more painterly mood! Ok, so my hallway is filled with all the art and props I'll be loading into the car early in the morning, on my way to Luck, Wisconsin. Here's a shout out to the fabulous Wren Cafe, where you can buy local art AND eat great food. Well worth the drive for a visit. Here is one fresh piece headed that way: a new painting on glass. She is really meant to look pensive, not sad.......

working at a furious pace!!!

2008-11-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

whew! In an effort to keep up with the pace of sales, I am spending every single "free" moment painting. I'm afraid this means that my house is a disaster and dinners are not slaved over......but I'm on a roll, and I've learned to ride the roll! Here are some pictures of smaller finished pieces; stay tuned for larger things that are evolving much more slowly.....
Thanks and a shout out to my friend who gave me an entire box of vintage recipe cards, which are now inspiring and starring in many of my paintings.
Another thanks and shout out to my many friends who continue to buy my art even though they have no wall space left! You are all the best support I could wish for.

Show Schedule

2008-11-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

A friend reminded me that dates and addresses would be lovely! So here goes:
Friday, 11/21 through the end of December: Holiday Show at The Good Life 859 Lake St. SE, Wayzata. (Opening shindig tonight, 11/21, from 7-10)
Saturday, 12/6: City of Lakes Waldorf School Holiday Art Fair, 2344 Nicollet Ave S., 10-4.
Sunday, 12/7, Handmaiden's Craftsmas Show, Uptown VFW (Lake and Lyndale, next to Herkimer's), 10-5.
Friday-Sunday, 12/5-7 & 12/12-14, Holiday Sale at Cafe Wren, Luck, Wisconsin. (a fabulous cafe-look it up online to see their goings on)
Thursday-Saturday, 12/11-13: Heart and Soul 11th Annual Holiday Sale (formerly known as Soul Tonic), 2014 Central Ave NE, 10:30-5:30 on Thurs, 10-8 Fri, 10-6 Sat.
Saturday, 12/13: 16th Annual Women's Art Festival, Midtown YWCA, 2121 E. Lake St, 10-5.
whew! I'm tired just typing that all in! Now, I must get back down in that studio, crank the music up, and get painting! Please come visit me at one of these shows....they all rock, in different ways. And, since so much of my work is one-of-a-kind, there will be new and different things at each show!
Here's a snapshot of the characters who are waiting for me in my messy studio right now:

It's sale season!

2008-11-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

As usual I have signed myself up for an awful lot of holiday sales this winter! But they are so fun! Find me at: The Good Life, the City of Lakes Waldorf School Holiday Art Fair, the Holiday sale at Cafe Wren, the Handmaiden's Craftsmas Fair, the Heart and Soul 11th Annual Holiday Sale, and the Women's Art Fair.
Today as I was wrapping up new paintings, I asked my daughter which were her favorites, and she picked these two. An unbiased opinion, of course!!

The many moods of Westy

2008-11-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Some days the voices in my studio say "work big!". Some days, they whisper, "work small!". For every mood, there is a project. Black and white woodcuts or color monoprints? Big oil paintings or tiny acrylics? People or animals? Oceans or cities? Old works being redone or new, vibrant, ideas being sketched out before I lose my train of thought? You get the idea.
Well today was a "small" day. It was a day for dancing around with a new little idea that seems to work well and make me smile. And when my own work makes me smile, I know I'm on to something. These little paintings are only 2" x 8" or so, painted on maps which are glued to pieces of wood. I love the sketchy, spontaneous, quality.

old paintings redone

2008-10-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I never would have had the guts to completely change a painting that I had previously labeled "done". I would have stubbornly clung to the notion that done is done. Good enough. These days, however, I am always looking at old paintings with new eyes. If a piece has sat around a little too long and garnered no attention on the art fair/gallery circuit, then I know it needs a radical makeover. I often surprise myself by going deeper, and adding new dimensions. Then, upon discovering the brand new, much better, version, I wonder how I ever could have called the previous incarnation "done".
Here is an example of a makeover. Those of you who saw the old version will know the difference. The rest of you will just have to enjoy the brand new version.

The etching press has been moved!

2008-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, just because I haven't been writing does not mean I haven't been working! Here is a piece that will be in a show coming up in two weeks: "Visual Pros: An Exploration of Language in Art", at Your Art's Desire in Minnetonka. I've been enjoying painting on book covers and book pages. Sometimes these works are more like little sculptures than paintings.
One day when I was bored I decided to move the etching press to the other side of the studio. Well, rearrangement always inspires me! I've started a new bunch of monoprints using vines and plants from the garden. They came out so cool I did the happy dance after lifting them from the press!
More on these soon!

A Successful Art Fair

2008-09-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who came out in the rain to the Fall Into the Arts Festival. I enjoyed myself and had a successful weekend despite the pouring rain! Now that school has started and my crazy summer of teaching has ended, I'll be back to posting (almost) daily with new creations. Fall weather has energized me, as well as the fact that I've signed up for three more art fairs and a big exhibition in the next few months! Stay tuned......

Back at last!

2008-06-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

At long last, a day of my own, alone in the studio. This morning I felt such lightness of being as I anticipated five or six hours of unadulterated creativity! The sheer happiness that swept over me reduced me to tears for a moment or two. Then I got to work, dancing around to loud reggae music all the while. Here are two things I finished. One of them is an old woodcut that has been sitting in the corner for over ten years. I think the thing looks much better as a painted piece of wood than it ever did as a woodcut!
The idea for the bird song is borrowed directly, I admit, from the work of Morris Graves. His "Bird Singing in Moonlight" is my favorite.

A Cool Event

2008-06-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

ok, well, if I'm working too hard to get any art done, at least I can tell you where to go to find my art! As well as that of lots of other cool artists: Check it out!
Meanwhile, when this week's teaching job is over, maybe I'll have the energy to paint!

Reality!

2008-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog, I vowed I'd finish one painting per day, and only post finished pieces. But to have an honest artist's blog, I need to admit that some days just slide by without a whole lot getting accomplished. It has been several days now since I have descended into the basement and faced the unfinished pieces awaiting my attention. Usually it is my children who are the impediments to my creative time....oddly enough, today it was my son who drew the whole family into the basement for some creative time. As he carved wood at his bench, my daughter read old books (she doesn't care if they're all ripped apart!) and I got to address some paintings. Soon we were listening to music and all just happily cranking away! What an incredibly dreamy moment for me! So, this painting is only just started. It is in the "ugly" stage, which I usually don't allow anyone to see, but my son challenged me to post it, saying that it was ok. The basic sketch/layout has just been painted in, but the colors and attitudes and layers have a very long way to go.

Mr. Bean rules!

2008-06-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here watching " Bean the Movie" for the 5th or 6th time, and can't stop laughing! If you don't know this movie, picture Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) as a befuddled gallery guard who's hired to protect the portrait of Whistler's Mother, and subsequently ruins it, replaces it, and wins everyone over. Yes, Mr. Bean is an acquired taste.
Meanwhile. I'm pouring my soul into this latest painting. (this is just a detail of it) It is full of symbolic details. I am newly fascinated with portraits by old Masters that show priceless family jewels, family pets, and other details of their subjects' lives.

Printmaking: back to my roots!

2008-06-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today I kicked everyone out of the house, sent them off to the zoo, and stayed home to clean my studio. For two hours I threw things away and put other things back where they belong! ahhh! I can actually move around down there! Afterwards, I settled down to work on a woodcut, which is something I have not done for months. I started this lady a long time ago; today I deemed her done. I rather like her repeated in a row of three; sort of Warhol meets Klimt. Rats, I won't get to work in the studio again until Tuesday during M's naptime. How can I stand to wait? Well, you take what you can get. I am so blessed to be an artist.

Doggie day.....

2008-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

In between feeding three kids (seriously! and kids who go to sleep at midnight and get up at six!!!), running errands, and delivering art, I managed to paint one little ditty (not so little; 16 x 20) in honor of something a friend said. Doesn't Eddy look like he should be the subject of a book? Yes, I know, it's another dog. I promise, I'm also working on several other pieces involving people, cats, the ocean, birds, Paris, Minneapolis, antiques, etc. But sometimes, ya just have to roll with what's floating around in your head.

A lazy, rainy, day

2008-06-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my acrylic paint palette, which I hauled upstairs to the front porch, along with my easel, my brushes, etc etc, all at the bequest of M, who insisted that we "paint on front porch, Mama". I got all excited about the prospect, since it's pouring rain out, and I haven't painted in a day or so. Of course, when you're two years old you have the right to change your mind immediately. Painting out, sorting beads in. I managed to start two little paintings, but mardi gras beads and shells and assorted rocks soon took over. That's ok. Tomorrow and Friday are my days to paint. Kind of. Now that school is out, I have someone else around to entertain.....but he understands and can let me mutter about in my studio if I need to!
I remind myself that when I'm sixty, I'll be lonely and wish someone would interrupt my painting. Right? right.

New Show Up at Latte

2008-06-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

By seven this morning I was on the road to the distant country of St. Paul, car loaded with things to hang at Cafe Latte. I am amazed at how tiny these pieces look, hanging on that gigantic wall! In my basement studio, they seem so huge! As things happen, of COURSE I broke the glass on one big piece. Darn it all, pieces framed under glass are so much work. Anyway, my paintings look good on those crazy red and green walls. If you're in the area, now you have an excuse to go have fabulous cake or a glass of wine! I know I'm going back as soon as I can!

A Mad Dash!

2008-06-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, today I scrambled from one end of town to the other, getting paintings scanned, picking up paintings and dropping off paintings.......miles and miles at $4.09 a gallon. In there somewhere I managed to put the finishing touches on this piece, which is called "I Can See the Future". It is called that because I had this spooky feeling when I finished her face a few weeks ago....I suddenly saw that this is what my daughter is going to look like when she grows up. I'm sure of it. Will she have a fish on her head? why, of course! metaphorically speaking, that is.

Getting ready to hang a show

2008-06-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today I did no painting, alas. But I did figure out what I'll be hanging in my next show, at Cafe Latte, in St. Paul. (http://www.cafelatte.com) They want big pieces! So by golly, they're gonna get all the big things that I paint that are far too large to drag to art fairs and shops! This will be fun to see. If you are in the area, check out their fabulous wine bar and their chocolate cake! Here is a picture of a piece I just finished a couple of weeks ago. It started out as an entirely different painting I did years ago in graduate school. Later I gessoed over it and painted a new image. A couple months after that I decided I hated it, and painted yet another image. Third time is a charm, for me!
Thanks again to all the cool people who bought my art at the fair; it's been fun getting emails from some of you about my stuff!

I love great weather!

2008-06-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Whew! after crazy weather all week, the sun shone on the St. Anthony Parks Art Festival today. I met many fabulous, art-loving folks, many of whom already have my art hanging in their homes! What an immense honor it is to have people appreciate what I create. Thanks to my sweetie's mom who bought me food! Thanks to my sweetie for unloading the car when I arrived home victorious but exhausted after loading, unloading, setting up, and smiling for eight hours!

Artists never sleep!

2008-06-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Up and at 'em at 5:30. Miss M wanted to read and draw! Stayed up til midnight making cards for my upcoming art fair (check it out at http://www.stanthonyparkartsfestival.org/) Hope the thunderstorms die down by Saturday!
Ok, I'm posting yet another dog painting that I just finished. Yes, I admit it, I'm stuck on a dog roll! But they're so cool!
Don't worry, cat lovers, I have two big paintings with cats in them waiting in the wings........

2008-06-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today I started these little miniature paintings, and worked on some bigger pieces that no one is allowed to see until I'm happy with them! I had some help, as you can see......still and all, I dream of having longer periods of time to create....and I do dream of a studio that is not in a basement.....perhaps a lovely studio in the mountains of Vermont.........ah, dreams.

2008-06-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Whew! in between work and taking care of miss M, I managed to finish several more quick paintings. Here are two of my favorites!
Twenty five pieces were delivered to the Capstone Gallery for their Urban Folk show opening Saturday. Check them out at http//www.frameups.net
Tonight I worked on new Happy Paintings while watching Senator Obama speak to us from St. Paul. Three cats are watching with me. My hubby and my son are there, two people among twenty thousand. History is indeed being made right now.

...later that night

2008-06-02T20:21:00.001-07:00

So, my sweetie set this site up for me, since I've been feeling the need to blather daily about what I do all day long down there in the studio.......at least, on those days when I have the freedom to descend the stairs with no little two year old to interrupt me......
Here is a photo I took to send to my parents in Vermont. I have this need to let them know what my stuff looks like once in a while, since they've been listening to me yap about my art for 25 years now, and I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere.
I like seeing other artist's workspaces. My favorite Picasso pictures are photos taken of him in his crazy big studios, surrounded by canvases and stuff and goats and dogs.

Blog #1

2008-06-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first post. Just Testing for now!