Approaching Holidays

Every year around this time I promise myself that I won't be so frazzled NEXT year. So far, every year has been the same. Never enough time to cook, buy, wrap, send, visit, hug and kiss. It's getting easier though, since I no longer stress over Christmas cards! Thank goodness for the internet which makes it possible to shop in my pajamas any time of the day or night. Also can contact friends when I think of them instead of waiting for a reasonable hour for a phone call, or days later for a card to arrive. Yes, the internet is wonderful.

2009 has been the busiest year ever for my art business. I have painted more variety this year, and added some new skills. In addition to lots of abstract paintings I've painted quite a few landscapes, and just in the past few weeks, lots of cows. Lots of resin, carvings, castings, and encaustic. I took a workshop and learned image transfer to fresco, but haven't perfected that yet.

I lost a good client this year, by virtue of becoming business partners with her long time employee. We formed a new company in 2009, an art consulting firm, Art-Centric LLC. We were fortunate enough to land a big contract early in the year, artwork for the public spaces of the JW Marriott Hill Country resort and spa in San Antonio, TX. The project is now drawing to a close. It's been a great time, and big challenge for our first year of business. We've been blessed.

It's been a good year for love, too, since I started dating after a long hiatus! We've taken a few trips together, and bless his heart, he's a pilot and flies me around anywhere I want to go on his passes. I hope to take advantage of that a little more in 2010.

I moved my studio out of my house and into a 3,000 sq ft commercial space a year ago, and it was a long transition as I learned to paint in the new space. Now I love it, and have even gotten used to driving to work instead of rolling out of bed into the studio. It's good to have that separation of work and home.

It's been a good year overall, and mostly I have my partner Margie to thank for that. She's a gem, and we complement each other well. I'm blessed, WE are blessed, and I can happily close out this year and welcome the new one.

May each of you source the things that make you happy ~

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.

Settling

The weather is always unsettled this time of year, with Spring approaching. With the stirrings of new growth in the world around me, I am also infused with a new creative spirit. I have a few new paintings being "born". I've done some sketches, but they don't really come together. They never do until I put paint on canvas.

I've been processing a lot of photos. Photography is still trendy in the commercial design field, and with a database of over 20,000 images, I work on them all the time. When a client calls for particular images I need to be ready.

I'm trying to design a new logo. I'm not really good at graphic design, and once I firm up an idea I'll turn it over to one of my friends who do that professionally. I did my own logo when I first started Art Girls, and it wasn't very good! My friend Gary did the next one, and did a great job. Maybe I should call and turn it over to him now.

I've got three new projects for this year. They are all medical office buildings for the same group that built Texas Clinic last year. It's a great group of people, and we have a good team. They just give me the plans and I do a proposal based on their budget. I'm not really accustomed to doing the complete job with all the framing and everything, but they were really happy with Texas Clinic so this should turn out well, too.

Change of Seasons

Today has been landscaping day, when I tear up those spindly summer impatiens and replace them with the smiling faces of fall pansies. I'm doing white this year -- full white flowers, little purple faces, and some burgundy snapdragons as an accent. And red cyclamen. I'm exhausted.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Nita Leland on Friday night, at the gallery reception at Artists Showplace. I bought a copy of her new book "Confident Color" for my friend Dave. He thinks I'm really special for having it autographed by Nita! It's a great book, be sure and check it out. Was also nice to see my dear friends at the gallery.

I have a full week ahead, with a big abstract painting to get started on before heading to New England on Friday.

My new website is being worked on as we speak. It's strictly photography, and I hope to populate it with thousands of images. I've got my work cut out for me for sure!

Power Outage

Sometimes after a painting or project is completed I experience a power outage.

I'm having one today. Yesterday my client came over to help me assemble a seven piece installation that they will use as a sales tool on presentations to design professionals. I was rushed to complete it, and wanted it to be my best work. I used an assortment of techniques: painting, photography, cast resin, poured resin, photos on metal and plexi, and a new process of frosted plexi boxes holding sticks, rocks, and other natural elements. I would post a picture of the completed design, but I didn't take any! Nor did I photograph any of the elements. So unlike me!

Today I still have some photography to print, but after that, it's basically a down day, where I regroup for the next project. Alarmingly, I don't know what that is, since my schedule seems completely clear.

Good in Every Room

Since I've moved things around and have more room for working in my studio/house, I'm not sure I'm more efficient, but I can work in more rooms at one time. This morning I have a painting on the wall in my studio, large scale photographs for the Ritz Carlton printing in my office, and photo paintings going through my second printer in my alternate print room. That just leaves the kitchen (which I visit often), and the living room where my paperwork table resides.

Today I'm also working outside -- under the carport this time, since there's a chance of rain. These are large abstract canvases, and I'm trying something new -- with the hose standing by in case of disaster. I'm pouring paint on loose canvas. I'm going for a watery ethereal effect, and I hope I can accomplish it, since these paintings are bound for a hotel in Detroit and the deadline was yesterday!

I'm revisiting a design concept that was returned to me yesterday. At least they starred the things they liked and xxxed the things they didn't! It's hard to present concepts without feedback. So that's a new thing on my plate this morning, which will originate right here at the computer, with the hum of the printer in the background.

Endlessly Tweaking

If a painting stays around here past it's time, I keep painting on it. That's not always a good thing. Sometimes I regret the "additions" but it's not digital and I can't go back or use the "history brush". Yes, there's a painting in my studio like that right now. The one above. It's still not finished, I have to add one more photo in the bottom right hand corner. They just decided that today. This is for a construction company, and I used photographs of elements in their yard to create the abstract patterns. There are three photographs, but everything else is painted. The eagle in the top left is an award they won. It's a sculpture, and I painted it from a photo I took.

I really need this painting out of here. It's BIG and I need the room. Plus, it's distracting! I can't stop painting on it!

I'm going to have to push back a deadline for six paintings for a hotel in Detroit. I'm going down to south Texas to visit my dad this weekend, and consequently lose three work days. But, hey, it's just art, right? Problem is, I got the purchase order when I was in California, and I'm already late. I'm doing the best I can!


This is one of my photos from California -- such an inspiring coastline.

Working it Out

After a flurry of activity, and many hours thinking I'd never wrap things up enough to leave town, I'm breathing easier today.

Yesterday wore me out, though.

I've had to clean my front and back studios in preparation for resin pouring. I can't believe I'm doing another two-sided resin box! Not only that, but it's 6 1/2' long! Instead of having a solid box fabricated, I took another route, and made an open box, with the other side separate. This way I can pour resin on both pieces at the same time. It will sit and cure for the three weeks I am away. When I come home, I will glue them together - and voila! That's my last project, and it's under control.

I painted the cast carved sculpture yesterday. My intention was for the fabricator to tint the resin to a dark brown color, thereby eliminating much of the painting process. That didn't turn out as planned, so it was me and spray paint out in the back yard. I like the way it turned out, and hope the designer agrees. I'll know tomorrow. She wanted a "rusted metal" look, and I think I've achieved that.


This one is for model room, so we won't get it back. So, I'll be painting another one today for reference when we get to production stage. There will be over 900 of these.

My project of 22 pcs for behind the registration desk of a local hotel is still in progress, I've worked a little on it every day, but thankfully, I got a deadline extension and it can be finished up when I get home.

Today after the resin pouring I'll be working on the abstract commission. My client is coming to meet me tomorrow, and it would be nice to hand over the finished painting. Hopefully I'll spend at least a few minutes in a lounge chair by the pool!

Mania Sets In

With six projects all in various stages of production I have run out of studio space, which now includes my living room, dining room, and third bedroom. And when a client calls to ask me to do just one more thing before I leave town on Tuesday I freak out! Too much to do and not enough time.

I went to visit my Dad in Harlingen this past weekend, and we had a lovely time watching golf on TV. Golf has been his passion for many years, and since he can no longer play, he watches. He's lonely though, and I wish we lived closer because I don't see him as often as I'd like.

This morning I am printing three giclees for model room for a hotel resort. Purchase orders will be issued for this job when I get home. I'm printing all three images, with quantities of 900 ea, so I need to get a move on - it will take forever and I'll use both of my 44" printers. Also for this project I am painting the casting that I've had made of the original sculpture I finished this week.

I have struggled mightily to get three good prints on aluminum. I've had different problems with every print, and it has cost me hundreds of dollars since I'm buying pre-treated metal from Booksmart. Yesterday I pulled my last sheet out of the package and it has a big gouge across it. I'm a little high strung right now and fired off an email which was quickly answered by Eric, offering to replace the product immediately, and he helped with the other problems I'd had, too. Thanks Eric!

Spring storms are wreaking havoc here in North Texas. Besides tearing up my beautiful flower beds, the high humidity makes it hard for paint to dry. I'm trying to heed all the cautionary labels that say "do not use in high humidity". Well I can't wait forever!

My medical clinic project is coming along nicely. I love working with Denise! We have all but a couple of pieces picked out.

I have a new project that's a large grid painting for a local construction company. I went to their offices yesterday for a photo shoot, and got lots of really great ideas walking around their back storage yard.


The new abstract commission the Glorieta series (above) is almost done, but it just hasn't told me so yet. It still needs a tiny bit of tweaking. Lucky for me the wonderful woman who ordered it understands the creative process and will wait.

This weekend I'm fabricating another photo box with resin so it can cure while I'm out of town.

With all these things in process, nothing will get finished before I leave town, but I sure will have a lot of work when I get home. There's some security in that.

Taking My Time

Invariably I am swamped with projects before I leave for a trip. This time is no exception. I'll be gone for three weeks, and there are several deadlines during that time, which means I'm working like a madwoman! I have projects in every room of my house, not just the studio. I am printing on metal in my second office for the large registration installation, printing original photography for public spaces for another hotel in my main office, the front studio is full of platforms in various stages of completion, my slant wall holds an abstract painting commission, the table in the living room is covered with sketches for another carving, the kitchen holds glass bowls of colored water where I'm adjusting color recipes for the cast resin pieces, my back studio table holds the printed metal photography which is being coated with layers of clear varnish. So when I got another purchase order yesterday afternoon, I almost went over the edge! But how could I say no to this? It's the hotel in Arlington that I did etched glass for back in the 80s.

This is the original glasswork that I did in the 80s. At the time the wavy pattern matched the fabric on the chairs.

Door to the lounge, I sandblasted the logo back in the day! Soon to be replaced.

This is the colorboard for the new space.

This is the drawing of the photographs and installation of artwork for the new space. The photos are mine, black and white, which will be printed on 44" x 44" plexi and mounted with standoffs. Cool installation.

It's just so very odd that my work would be featured so prominently in the same hotel I worked on twenty years ago! I have original photography in every guest room, and according to the PO I just received, twenty large scale photographs for public spaces. Amazing.

The good news I received after that PO was a phone call that one project's deadline has been pushed back two months. Yay! I can finish it up after I get home, and can go visit my Dad in South Texas without worrying.

Today I'm in yard, it's time to plant flowers!

Caribbean Blue

60" x 30", acrylic on canvas

I have finished the large abstract painting I've been working on the past few days. Next step is getting a transparency made and scanned, so I can print this as a three piece giclee, twice this size.

My next project is in California, and I've been gathering and submitting images for that since yesterday. Also on my schedule is more work for a hotel in Arlington, TX with an unfortunately small budget for public spaces. I'll probably do giclees for that, too.

I took a time out Saturday, and didn't work at all. Spent an hour in the gym in the morning, then went to the Fort Worth Stock Show and the rodeo. I haven't been to one in years, and it was a real hoot. Fast paced excitement that's for sure! I did take my camera, since I couldn't pass up the chance to take cowboy photos. See my photoblog for a shot of the bull riding.

Cleaned Up

that blue does not photograph well, especially with the sun shining on it! 60" x 30"

Well I've cleaned up since yesterday -- even had my nails done. I was through with the blue, anyway.

Today I'm painting the curly swirls on that blue background. On Monday I'll take the painting to have a transparency made and scanned, because I intend this image to go in my "giclee" file. Sometimes my clients don't have the budget for original paintings. I use the scans to print my own paintings, and sometimes to montage together for entirely new "paintings" created digitally.

That keeps my printer running while I'm in the studio. I'm giving it a rest today after two days printing round the clock for a room art project in the Caribbean.

Got a new project on my plate today, room art for a hotel in Southern California. My client called and gave me the color palette and design concept. From there I dig through my image inventory of both paintings and photography and submit appropriate things. That actually is quite an investment in time, because I always color tint whatever kind of image it is to fit the project. There's a lot of photoshopping involved. Still so much easier than painting something and hoping somebody likes it! Computers really simplified the commercial art business. I don't have to paint a thing until it's sold.

Paint Under My Fingernails

Lest anyone think I've been slacking off the past few days, what you see above is my hand, right now. This is the color I'm painting with, and as you can see, I'm a "hands-on" kind of person.

I have finished up a number of projects and delivered them today: digital printing of photography for Mobile, AL project, a digital painting for a hotel in Fort Worth, printing of photographic room art for a hotel in the Caribbean, three original paintings for that Charlotte project, and one extra painting because I painted it wrong the first time.

The turquoise painting on my wall today will be behind the registration desk at the hotel in the Caribbean. Sigh. With this cold and windy weather just the thought of the islands is so enticing!

I've got another order for room art for that same hotel, and while I'm in my office updating this blog, I think I'll set up the printer to run that print job while I'm painting. We never know how many minutes we have left in this world, and I don't like to waste any of them.


This is the replacement painting I had to do. Not much different than the first one, except the color is much more muted.

On Track

Painting #2 for Charlotte hotel. This is the one that is based on geometry.

I'm glad I have a trip coming up this week. A deadline like that is always motivating in all areas. I make sure my bills are paid, pick up the house, wash clothes, organize my camera equipment, clean my studio, make sure my laptop is ready to go.

Yesterday I transferred 70gb of photos off my laptop to one of my hard drives. At the same time I've been working on painting #3 of a project. I hope to finish it today. It's an abstracted landscape. I'll take a picture when I'm done.

I got approval on painting #2 yesterday, so it's a go.

I am supposed to be submitting imagery for a hotel in Burbank, but I haven't been there and don't really know what's appropriate. Guess I'll get more info about that today.

Thank you to everyone who has emailed me with great suggestions on what to see in New Orleans!

Inspiration for the Day: French Quarter

Goal Setting

I've decided to take myself less seriously this year. During the past few years I've gotten a little too caught up in meeting deadlines. I feel as though I missed some important things while doing my best to be responsible. I can't say that I will abandon that attitude completely, but hey, it's only art after all.

Yea, I say that on a weekend that I've spent printing images for one project, and completing three paintings for a different one! Still, I went to the gym this morning and have gone to the movies twice. So I'd say that's a good balance.

Next weekend I'll be in New Orleans, and I've been researching on the internet things to see and do. I don't think we'll even need a car since the hotel is right by Jackson Square. My feet can take me around lots of interesting places from there. I would like to see the plantations, though, I'll just have to see how it all works out. This is primarily a photo shoot weekend, so it's all about timing the light.

Rescheduling

Okay, I'm a wuss. When I went to my welding class on Tuesday night I sat on a metal chair. Since the work area is outside (duh) it was like sitting on a block of ice. It was cold, and I was ill prepared. I'm rescheduling the class to March, when days are longer and it's a little warmer. Jeez - it's not like I HAVE to learn welding in the dead of winter! Interestingly enough the instructor is someone I knew already. He made the brackets for a cast resin installation piece that I did a few years ago. He works with one of my clients.

And I may have someone onboard to redo my websites for me so I won't have to learn Dreamweaver or anything else. Sure hope so.

Final submittals have been made for the Ritz-Carlton project. There are only four pieces of art in each room. I don't even know how many rooms there are. It's not that this is a big money-making job, but hey, its another RITZ! They will commission originals for model room, then prints will be made from those.

I'm painting today, in the middle of a three painting commission for a hotel in Charlotte. This piece is completely geometric. Geometry was the one class in high school that was beyond me. I must have developed that part of my brain since then, because I laid the whole thing out manually, and it worked. So that's something.

I'm also printing. Another purchase order arrived in my inbox yesterday for a project I didn't even know about. All photography, couple hundred pieces altogether, for a hotel in city near me.

Looking forward to next weekend in New Orleans.

What a Blast!

With the fast pace of 2007 behind me I thought I'd have a lull in January 2008, but it's not to be. It's only the 9th and I've got three purchase orders in house already, and have quoted several more projects. And it looks like I'll be doing all the artwork for model room for the new Ritz-Carlton property. I submitted concepts for it last week, and yesterday got a file with all the images that were selected.

In order to shake up my routine, and maybe add a new skillset, I started a metal arts class last night. That's right, welding! I thought there would be a bunch of guys in the class, but it's four women, all artists. Yay!

And I signed up for a web design class that I badly need. My website is pitiful! But I'm having a hard time keeping up with technology these days. I'm hoping the structure of a real class will be enough to keep me focused. Alternatively I'm talking to people about doing it for me.

I've been in the studio the past two days, have paint all over me, which is how I like it.

And I've been asked to quote another resin job! This one is 18 pcs of 3d cast resin. I would have to sculpt the original, make a mold and cast each one. This might be something I can subcontract part of. I'd rather do the original and have someone else do the casting.

My New Year

Today is my birthday, and with the way it's situated in holiday season it feels like the real beginning of every new year to me. This year it's on a Monday, even better!

The image above is a "digital painting" created from a photograph. It's a little hard to see the brush strokes in the small web version, but the original size looks great. It was fun to do, and I submitted it for model room for the new Ritz-Carlton project I've been working on.

I delivered the Pensacola job today, and the gallery had a sign on the locked door that they were closed for a meeting. I pulled out my cell phone and found out that everyone was there but deathly ill from a virulent bug. I left the art at the door and watched from a distance as someone came out to collect it. I sure don't want to share that microorganism.

So I'm laying out more canvas for the next three paintings of abstracted landscapes. Don't have much energy for painting today, so I'm thinking I'll clean out a kitchen cabinet to make room for some of my new kitchen equipment that Santa brought me!

Inspiration of the Day: new beginnings

Countdown

I've printed all the photography for my newest project located in Pensacola, Florida. These are all large prints on canvas, with the smallest one 35" x 35". This is a beach/water theme, and I sold four photos that I took at a marina in Oregon in June. Then several images of fishing nets (the photo above) taken in Port Vendres, France last year. I still have three large paintings for the project, but that will wait until next year! It feels so good to say that.

I'm REALLY not working next week! Of course the week after that is New Years, then the week after that is my Birthday, so who knows when I'll get back in the studio. Whenever it is, it will be a fresh start.

Catching Up to the 70s

Acrylic on Canvas, 48w x 36h ea

Whew! I had a whirlwind trip to S. Texas to visit both my Dad and my dermatologist. I was glad to go, it's been six months since my last visit, and I was starting to feel guilty! My Dad and Sarah are both hanging in there, I'm happy to say.

When I came home on Monday I went straight to the studio and that's where I've stayed in order to finish the two seventies style paintings you see above. Just tonight got approval on them, so I've varnished them twice and my client will come pick them up later this evening. Her store (lululemon athletica) will open at 8:00 am - her first day! She's excited, and can't wait to see the paintings in person.

I might hit the stores in the early morning, then finish packing for my trip on Saturday. I've got my camera gear gathered up - that's the most important thing. I don't really care about the clothes. As long as I'm warm! I know it can get really cold in Yosemite - but I don't know if it can beat Dallas tonight as a cold front comes through and snow expected! Two days ago it was 84 degrees and I had the AC on. Typical Texas weather.

I took some time out today to count my blessings -- I have so many!

Inspiration for the Day: big red Christmas lights