Keeping Up

Feast or famine - it's always one or the other in my life. Which isn't surprising since I'm a full time professional artist/photographer. But now that I've taken on a bigger than big project I can hardly sleep anymore. Not time to, and also very difficult to quiet my mind. Sigh. Not that I'm complaining, understand.

In an economic time when many professionals are out of work I'm very happy to to be spending quality time in my studio working on commissions.

I did take a break last weekend and made a quick trip up to Chicago for my boyfriend's son's college graduation. He got a degree in computer game design, imagine that! Since Victor added me as his registered travel companion, it's a lot easier to jump on a plane with available seats and take off for somewhere, anywhere. While we were stuck at DFW because flights to Chicago were delayed, it was very tempting to take a flight to Honolulu instead. Of course then we would have missed the graduation. Next time, though, I'm going to pack for all possibilities.

I have a lot going on in the studio. Four 40 x 60 landscape paintings on gold/silver leaf, one large abstract, two 24 " sq paintings with gold painted leaves cascading down the surface, two 48" and two 36" sqs with raised stencil medallions. That's all for this week. I'm also still processing photos for another job which has deadline in a week. aaack!

I'm pouring resin for a job that was rejected! The resin had bubbles. I've poured two more, and they both have bubbles, too. There is no way to prevent that unless you use a pressure tank, and these pieces won't even fit inside one. It's bubbles or nothing at this point. I'm voting for nothing because I'm sick of the whole resin fiasco!

Going to San Antonio mid week for a photo shoot with a friend. I know I don't have time, but the photos are for a specific project. I hope to work in a short visit with my dad.

I've canceled my June vacation to Italy. Just can't take the time right now. Hope to do it in September, instead. And maybe between now and then Victor and I can take a few long weekends somewhere.

Back in the Studio

After a long hiatus I'm back at the studio painting. It seems that there was a stronger demand for photography for a good long time. Right now I have orders for paintings instead. Yay! I have to say that it has felt SO GOOD to be painting again. I'm getting the hang of the "new" studio, and putting a workflow in place. I'm leaving painting clothes and dress clothes there in case I have to meet a client or something. It just lets me be more flexible.

I thought that four 4' x 8' work tables was overkill when I first had them built, but they are all covered with paintings now. And the 16' slant wall has four paintings in progress on one side. Just as I suspected, I'm expanding to fill the space! Glad to have the work, especially in a down economy, and so glad to actually throw some paint around.

I have completed two surfaces of gold and silver leaf - in preparation for landscape paintings. Then I have three more landscapes on paper, a big abstract, and a cowboy painting. Must be a project in Texas!

I'll take pictures soon, I promise.

Whirlwind

Hwy 18, West of New Orleans

Sometimes a long weekend out of town can be more tiring than staying home working. That's how it was with me in New Orleans. I was out walking around with that five pound camera and a backpack full of lenses, filters and flash (must be prepared!) day and night. No matter the rain, or the 40 degree temperatures.When there's just a finite amount of time none can afford to be wasted.

We focused on the expected areas: architecture in the Garden District and French Quarter, a few river shots, devastation in the Ninth Ward. Then we headed out of town down the River Road to visit plantations. Of course Oak Alley is the quintessential southern plantation, but we derived equal pleasure from dried rows of sugar cane, oak trees laden with moss, mildewed picket fences, cypress swamps, and the bowl of gumbo we gobbled down in a cafe/market off the beaten path.

Now I'm back, and the phone won't stop ringing, and I've already had three purchase orders emailed, ones I didn't even know were coming.

And the three paintings that I delivered last week have been rejected (!) because they don't match the palette. Yes, even though the first two were previously approved. The designer didn't provide fabric or color swatches, just a verbal description, so I guess that's a lesson for all of us. I will have to modify all three paintings, and they're big!

It's freezing in Dallas, I'm wearing three layers of clothes and have a heater under my desk. BRRRR!

Losing Track of Time

I didn't realize so much time had gone by since I last posted. I've been so-o-o-o busy!

I am still working on the Pensacola project, with large scale photography printed on canvas, and three very large photo paintings. They measure 44"w x 58"h. In order to print on that size canvas I had to figure out a way to get it through my printer, which I did, thank goodness. My normal process is to complete the painted areas first, then run it through the printer, but with so much room for error in the printing phase I did that first this time. All three printed okay. Not great, but good enough.

I am painting them now, and wherever there's a little printing flaw I'm touching up with paint. No one will ever know once they are framed and on the wall somewhere. I've got two completed, and I'm working on the third, should finish today. I hope so, because I want to spend some time in the yard tomorrow when it hits seventy five degrees!

I thought I had the whole month mapped out, but I'm in the business of creating original art for commercial projects. All those designers work on deadlines, and I never know what purchase order might be headed my way at any given time. This past week while doing my best to complete the Pensacola project, I got another order for three original abstracted landscapes on canvas for a hotel in Charlotte. They are big, too, 44 x 44.

On top of that I got one of those "art emergency" phone calls asking for more concept images for a new Ritz property. I didn't know this, but I'm doing model room for that project. I pulled some of my recent photography from Yosemite and submitted that, but also booted up Corel Painter and made a few digital paintings. It was great fun, and very satisfying when my client called me up with a big "wow!".

AND, the client I did the double-sided resin boxes for called. Her client loved them, wants more. Yikes. I SWORE I wouldn't do anymore of those, so we're talking large scale wall hung panels this time. Much easier.

Now I'm stressed again, because I have a trip to New Orleans scheduled for Jan 17 - 21. It's a photo shoot with my friend Nancy.

Taking a Break

After finishing the paintings for lululemon I quickly packed my camera gear, blue jeans and warm sweaters and headed off for the West coast. My photo friend Nancy and I spent two days in Yosemite before arriving here in Berkeley where we are housesitting two precious poodle puppies. Yesterday was a down day, we took the day off from frantically photographing every thing in sight and cleaned our equipment, went to the grocery store and had a nice home cooked dinner.

Yosemite was a bit of a disappointment. We arrived in the park at daybreak, hoping for the pink morning light. It took awhile to realize that the sky was grey, and unfortunately it stayed that way all day. With flat light the magnitude of the granite cliffs was lost. Of course that didn't stop us, and we drove every road in the park. Since they've had no snow all the roads that would usually be closed this time of year were open, so we were lucky in that respect.

Besides the overcast skies, we were also surprised and disappointed to discover that there's no water in the park right now. Yosemite Falls showed as a bit of ice at the crest, and that's it. None of the other falls had any significant water, and even the Merced river had only a trickle. Mirror Lake was a sandbed.

So now we're in Berkeley, trying to decide if it would be better to drive to the coast and photograph there or leave the cameras behind and Christmas shop in Union Square. Tough decision!

My Texas Clinic installation that I've been waiting for all these months is now scheduled for the day after I return to Dallas. Very short notice, which makes me nervous -- but I've got a good crew and I'm sure it will turn out great. I'll be glad to get all that artwork out of my house and on the walls.

I've heard from my client in Dallas, and already have work waiting for me there, so I'm going to enjoy this downtime as much as possible.

Texas Landscapes

Texas River Late Summer, acrylic on canvas

My paintings are not traditional by any means, but sometimes it's necessary to create for the client. That's what I'm doing now by painting Texas landscapes. I won't be selling the originals, but rather giclees on canvas. In order to get a high quality digital image I will take all five paintings to be professionally photographed and scanned into digital files. That's just more inventory for my print files down the road.

Imaginary Landscapes

Sunsets on Canvas, 19"w x 49"h ea

I have new respect for landscape painters. I didn't have reference photos for these three sunsets, so I struggled and struggled to create a good composition. The first one came together well, and fast, as did the last one. But that one in the middle gave me a lot of grief. I finally sat down at my computer and looked through my photographs for inspiration. The bottom half of that painting has lots of paint, and at least four different land masses under the river that finally appeared.

I think it turned out well. At least I varnished it and put my brushes away, so it's finished. All three are sold for Texas Clinic. They won't be hung together.

I'm glad to have these off my wall, I've been looking at them for weeks!

Me and Frank Stella

This is the painting installed at the Ritz.

Amazing things happen! I've already posted about getting one photograph in every room at the new Ritz-Carlton hotel here in Dallas, but I have something new to report. Now I have one original in a suite, in the company of modern art heavyweights like Frank Stella. The Ritz had a nice budget for artwork, and if the design firm had been local I would have had a better chance to get more paintings in there, but as it is, I feel lucky.

Today I'm shipping off a stack of paintings to my rep in California. Once that's cleared out it's back to work on the sunset paintings which really need to be finished up and out of the way.

I'm printing today, too, with this being the first major test of my newest printer. These are large digital paintings on canvas, 44" x 72". They will go in a hotel in Burbank, CA.

Got my new washer and dryer installed, so I've been washing everything I can find to test it out. Have you ever seen a top loading dryer? I love it!

Looking for the Muse

With all creative possibilities open to me for the Texas Clinic, I find myself floundering. I am stuck with the art placement. I know where each piece will be installed, that's already been approved, but now I am designing those paintings, and deciding themes, colors, etc. It's an all black and white space so the artwork will be the only color. aaaak!

And during this time, everyday I am getting new purchase orders from my other client. Lots of photography, which I'm having trouble with now because of computer/printer conflicts. aaaak again!

I'm ordering a new computer today. That will help tremendously. The system I have now just can't handle the large files I'm working with, and the two professional printers. It's just not working and my frustration level is high.

I've painted all the skies in the sunset paintings, now I'm working on foregrounds. I didn't realize how hard it would be to be painting out of my head and not with reference photos. Good exercise for me, though. Which brings me back to my problems with the art placement. These three paintings are for Texas Clinic, and although I've pored over the floor plans I can't find a good place to hang them. I think I'll consult a friend to help, I'm a little too close.

Ah well, it will all work out. Speaking of working out, I'm taking a time out to attend a Powerflex class at the gym this morning. Hope it doesn't kill me.

Upgrade Challenge

Three Sunsets, in progress

Have you noticed that as soon as you get some new electronics that everything else has to be replaced? I had a heckuva time installing my new printer, only to discover today that now my big printer (the workhorse) won't work. It's hair pulling time. It's such a chore to go through processes to eliminate causes of malfunction. I have discovered that the printer works fine when attached to my laptop, but apparently doesn't play well with the new printer in the office. I may have to separate them.

Bottom line it's my old outdated computer that I haven't wanted to replace. Not that I don't need a new one, but I don't want to spend the time configuring everything again. I am doing research, and now it's just a matter of time (maybe a short time) before the new computer arrives and anxiety levels rise. yikes!

I've instructed the construction manager to cut out a wall for a niche where art will be hung at Texas Clinic. The walls are already up and painted, but he was a nice guy and just said "sure, we can do that". It's part of my master plan - which isn't yet complete.

When I walked the space with the owner he showed me around his personal suite of offices, and showed me where he wanted artwork. There's a long ramped hallway that leads to radiation (I think). He mentioned that if you were a patient and you were going down that hall, it wasn't good. He expressed an interest in some decorative element for both those walls, but the construction guys disapproved.

I had an idea today for that space. Multiple small boxes, spread out in a broken grid across each wall, all painted in sky and clouds to create one big image. I submitted the idea this morning (with a visual) and he likes it!

Today I'm going down to the Appraisal offices and fight the tax valuation on my house. It's getting so that I can barely afford to live here!

Then it's back to work -- I'm still painting sunsets.

Oh yea, I did want to share that my Dad seems mighty impressed with this big project. He insists that I must take credit for my work, just like the architect, the lending agencies, and the construction company. He thinks I should have a placard on an easel in the lobby for the grand opening. Believe me, this is not something I have thought about. It does make sense, though. Take credit where credit is due, you know. So thanks to my Dad for that reminder. (He actually told me to tell them I am the best artist in Dallas, but that might be a stretch!).

Three Sunsets

I started painting late last night, past closing time for the studio, but it helps me think.

The day was scrambled, since I got the news that my proposal for Texas Clinic had been approved. It's the biggest project I have ever tackled (but we won't tell them that!). I'm so excited -- and of course I can't sleep. I got up at 3:30 am today. Crazy.

The sunset paintings are not a triptych although it looks that way from the photo. They are companion pieces, and I will probably use them in Texas Clinic.

My next step for the clinic project is doing the actual design work. There will be 15 or so original paintings. I have a pretty good idea of what they will be, but I need to finalize it and get it on paper for approval by the owners. The balance of the project consists of about 65 photos and/or prints of my work, all framed. I have an install date of October 15, so I'm glued to the studio until then. I hope my creative muse sticks with me.

Backroads Rewards

Mt Hood, Oregon, at sunset

I can't begin to describe the majesty of the state of Oregon. I am enthralled by water in all it's forms, and they are all in Oregon. There's the great Pacific, awe inspiring in any light; the coastal fog; rain as it poured on me, and dripped off impossibly green leaves in forest settings; waterfalls; gurgling brooks; rushing rapids; and the meandering scenic beauty of the Columbia and Willamette rivers.

On our last night, before searching for a hotel room in which to repack and sleep for ten minutes, Nancy and I ventured off the mapped roads into the Mt Hood Wilderness area. Since we'd had so much rain the roads weren't in good shape. Scary dropoffs and washouts were bad enough, but at dusk it turned into potholed gravel. We slid scared looks at each other wondering if we'd even make it back to Portland. Then the forest cleared and as we turned a bend Mt Hood revealed itself sheathed in dark clouds and bathed in the pink glow of sunset. Yes, it was all worth it.

And obviously we made it back, since I'm now sitting at my home computer, culling photos.

Tomorrow I'm back to painting, Friday I have a meeting to confirm art placement in Texas Clinic. Back to work, for sure.

Me and my travel partner, Nancy.

Blue Forest

"Blue Forest" 16 x 24

Paintings always look different when you walk away and return. Blue Forest is no exception. I painted it very fast, in Mendocino. Then when I took it out of the shipping carton yesterday I spent a few more hours on it, thought it was finished. Got the brushes out again this morning, and noticed that it's time to walk away. Now that I look at it here, there's a few things I want to fix. Aha! Another never-ending painting!

About eight years ago I did a series of still lifes that started with wrinkled tissue paper varnished onto watercolor paper. It provided a nice texture. This was one of those paintings, well, just a start, really. It had the tissue and a background color and that's it. So this practically painted itself in the beginning, since I used folds of the tissue as the tree trunks and limbs. The rest was basically negative painting. Now I've added additional colors, more trees, and a better composition, although not great. I probably should put it away and get back to commissions. I'm starting to obsess.
This is a photo of one of the sheep that lived at the place we stayed in Mendocino,CA. One of three. Sweet!

Being in California

I have a horrible habit of loving everywhere wonderful place I go and then wanting to move there. I'm happily settled in the house we've rented in Mendocino, decorated in over-the-top cowgirl, surprisingly enough. But the big wraparound leather couch and Pendleton blankets make me feel right at home. It's on seven wooded wild acres, with a view of waves crashing on black rocks, and deer wandering through the yard early morning. Couldn't be more perfect. Nancy and I each have our own big beds with silky sheets and comfy covers.

There's no TV and no internet, so I am using the computer at the art center. I have told my clients that I am out of touch (which I feel both good and guilty about) but my cell phone works if they are desperate. Otherwise, it's relief not to check email constantly. If I miss something -- oh well.

Our landlady is also an artist, and she generously showed us around her house, including her studio. What a great place.

The house is actually a little north of Ft Bragg, so we have a ten mile drive to the Art Center everyday. This was the first day with Robert Burridge, and we're both beat, since we had a late night getting ready, then painting all day today. He says lots of people go back in the evenings to paint more, but that's not my choice since the landscape around here is so seductive. Looking at it makes me want to move, but I have to settle for getting the best photos I can of the area. It's spectacular!

The workshop is proving to be exactly what I expected and more. Bob is an inspiring guy, and I could use a little of that, who couldn't?

Landscape Design

I've been rearranging my yard again. I found a friend who loves to garden, and makes extra money on the weekends by doing yardwork for different people. I love him because he knows everything about each plant, and has his own recommendations (while constantly praising my choices). I saw him next door this morning, so I made a mad dash to several nurseries, and replanted some of my beds. The ferns went to the back yard under the yaupons, and I brought in red salvia mixed with double marigolds. It's a riot of color thanks to the 50% off racks at Lowes.

And I'm much more tired than I expected to be at 7:00 pm on Sunday night.

I did start a new painting yesterday, it's based on the design for Omni, which I guess I never added to my website because I can't find a picture of it. Anyway, it's a teal/turquoise background with swirls of metallic pearl. I'll take a photo tomorrow.

And I guess tomorrow I will find something out about all the unloved paintings from last week.

Still Blue

"Lattice Trees 2" 25 x 29 on canvas

I'm still in the blue phase. When clearing out my studio to start the new project for Mercury Grill, under two layers of paintings hanging on my slant wall I found another canvas left over from that project that got cancelled a couple months ago. It was stapled, textured and taped, so what could I do but start a new painting. Began with blue, dribbled and flicked to create a nice background, then went in with a chocolate color at the bottom creating the little window shapes. Took the canvas down and laid it flat to start the chocolate dripping the other way to create tree trunks. At that point it needed a little something else, and added some shaded stripes on the edges to hold it all together. My friend Raya uses that technique a lot, as do several landscape painters in Santa Fe. So why not me? Make it your own as they say on American Idol.

The ticks are out in East Texas. Spent half a day there looking at property. Specifically a lovely 15 acres with a house that was about to split in the middle. It wasn't what I was looking for, too much work for the time I have left in this world, but I'm still in the market. I want a place outside of town, out in the country, with trees, water, an old house and a big barn to work in. Won't stay there all the time, but just enough to get infused with the energy of the earth. Had to pick the ticks off, hope I got them all.

Revisiting Old Series

"Skysquares 10" 24 x 24 acrylic on paper

When I got a call from a client in Denver I wasn't excited about doing a few new pieces of Skysquares, a series I had long since retired. I found new energy once I started them, splashing the sky colors, but tinting them to more current tints. Then I noticed they were grids!

Then when I did the grid overlay I decided on transparent interference colors instead of the opaque metallics I used in the past. It made all the difference. Now the grid of squares dances in the light and comes in and out of focus depending on the angle of view. I love them again!

Experiment with Compositions

"Lattice Trees 1", 25 x 28 acrylic on canvas

One of the new design elements that I am currently in love with is negative painting to create little "windows". I used it first on one of the Generations paintings, then saw it in a gallery in Santa Fe. I used it in the painting I posted yesterday (Lattice 1). And today I have taken that concept and turned it into a landscape. I'm using "current" colors of light blue and chocolate, to make my clients happy.

I'm on my way to visit a client, and am taking the two new paintings with me to see what kind of feedback I get.

Results of client meeting:
They LOVE the trees above. And in showing the abstract, we discovered that it looks much better with the grid at the top.

So it looks like I'm going in the right direction.