Transition

I keep going back and forth on moving my photo printing studio from my very cozy home office to my new commercial gallery space in the Dallas Design District. Like right now I'm sitting at the computer in my fleece pjs, already on my second cup of coffee, running a print job. It's the second batch (2' x 3' prints on canvas) and I have several more to go. Since I'm batch printing, once the job is set up I can do other things. Like read the paper, or scan around the internet to see what's going on in the world. Or start a load of laundry and fix some breakfast. Lot's of freedom to this.

On the other hand I have a fabulous work space on Glass St. that I'm paying good money for! I would probably get more work done if I just bit the bullet and moved everything in there. Jeez. What should I do?

Empty Walls

It's more than the walls, it's rooms full of empty! On the other hand, I am rapidly filling up my new 3,000 sq ft space. I bought a used workstation unit to create an office space for my computer, all my external hard drives and all my printers. That was a grand plan until I discovered that there are no electrical outlets on that wall. The electrician is coming today, and until then I've kept my office at home. It's just as well since I am in the middle of a huge print job. 2871 pcs to be exact. It's room art for the resort project in central Texas that I've been working on for almost a year. This is the first stage. Hopefully, with the economy taking it's toll everywhere, they won't cancel any of the artwork in the public spaces. That will be next year, though, and I'm only concerning myself with right now. At least my rent (!) is paid until the first of the year. I won't be doing any marketing during this time, using it instead to get organized and make a plan for 2009.

I'm distracted and anxious, and am rattling around in my house that suddenly has become much bigger. I can't paint at home because I've moved ALL my supplies. I can't print at work because all that is still at home. My house is a wreck from moving, and my new space is a wreck of unpacked boxes. AAACK!!

Yes, I'm taking photos, but just remembered I lent my card reader to my neighbor -- who hasn't returned it.

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.

Remaining Calm

Travel is anxiety producing, whether you're coming or going. I've already been home a week (today) and I had to be reminded that I hadn't blogged in awhile!

I came home to three purchase orders from three different clients. The dates are tight, and I'm struggling, since they are all paintings. Then I got another PO for five new paintings for the Ritz Carlton hotel in Dallas. That project also includes 12 large scale photographs.

I still haven't finished the 8 ft painting that I started before my month in California. Yikes!

Also, the PO for my huge project in central Texas has come through! I think I have til the end of the year to get 900 castings made in China, and print 2700 images for guest rooms. woohoo!

And for some reason I have loaded myself up with extracurricular activities. I'm going to the gym with my neighbor in the mornings (when we both can), I have Belly Dancing class on Saturdays, and I've joined three local photography groups and a hiking group. I'm reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I really took to heart what Scott Ginsberg said about getting out of the house. But since I'm me, I'm overdoing.

My Dallas client has asked me to produce a sample 3d installation piece in a size small enough to take to presentations. I've been doing so many mixed-media pieces that photographs can't capture that they need some samples. And I agree -- but how the heck do I work that into my schedule?

Yes, you, too can have these problems. Here's how. If you are an artist, say yes. In fact, what would happen if you said yes to everything? That's what I'm experimenting with right now, which is one reason why I'm so busy all of a sudden! I like it!

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.

Planning Ahead

I thought it appropriate to title this post "planning ahead" when my last one was "be in the moment". How can a person do both?? To anyone who has a busy schedule, you just do it. While I am waiting for paint to dry I scan through emails. When I plan a trip I think ahead to that time off and plan work around it, both before and after. While I'm gone, I'm in the moment.

Today I have been at the computer most of the day, and printing almost the whole time. I had three separate art layouts for hotel model rooms to put together for the designer's approval. It's mostly photography so I made prints. Then I printed some marketing materials. I put together a series of photos documenting the carving, moldmaking and casting process. And I printed out the three section layout of the 22 pc installation that I have designed. Busy day, and the printer is still cranking.

I should have a tracking system, but once I'm paid for the originals commissioned for a hotel model room I put the project out of my mind. It's usually a long lead time between model room and purchase orders. And I don't necessarily get a PO just because I did model room. Sometimes the owners don't like it and they change it up and the order goes to someone else.

In case anybody has an idea that I am successful with everything I present, let me tell you it ain't so. Got a really big rejection this week. The second design for the cast piece was completely wrong, according to the hotel owner. I wish I could get a handle on what they are looking for, because I don't see a connection between their very thorough criticism and the sketch itself. I better have a lightning bolt of an idea soon!

I know it's Easter Weekend, but I'm being blasphemous and working the whole time. Some in the studio, some at my desk, and some in my flowerbeds! My poor poppies have been valiantly blooming, but since they've lived here they have had to endure several freezes, high winds, and this week's 7" gully washer. They're still blooming, but they're beat up. I'm going to give them some neighbors and plant begonias around them.

Get Over Yourself

Sometimes a person has to have a talk with one's self. Like me yesterday when I didn't want to work, I wanted to play. I wanted another Sunday instead of a workday Monday.

I had a talk with myself. I promised that after I finished my proposal I could play. It worked. Once I dove into the layout of the new space I'm designing, work mode kicked back in. I finished the proposal, and submitted it. Then I printed a photograph for a model room for a hotel in Orange County, CA. Then I varnished (four coats!) a digital painting I printed on Sunday.

I also had a opportunity to be humble. My client called looking for some prints that they had ordered a couple weeks ago. I printed them promptly, then totally forgot I had stacked them in my back studio behind closed doors. I swore that they had been delivered. Ooops! I was wrong. I'll be delivering this morning (humbly).

And it looks as though I have a new resin project coming up. This one requires sculpture of some sort. Another one of those undertakings that I will make up as I go along. I love that!

Inspiration for the Day: putting work first

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.

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.

Color My World

I did something yesterday that I bet nobody else did - I cooked a turkey dinner! I used my new knives that Santa brought me, and my silicone spoon, and my gourmet salt. I slid navel orange slices under the skin of that big bird, buttered the outside and powdered it with fresh ground pepper. I fried fresh apple slices in butter in a hot pan, then added cranberries, diced orange and spices. Acorn squash was halved, buttered and sprinkled with pecans and praline flavoring then popped into the oven. Pureed cauliflower was made much more festive by the addition of roasted beets. It was a lively fuschia color. And of course it was New Years, so I cooked a batch of black eyed peas. Not content with the same old thing, I added dried tomato pesto, which added a warm smoky flavor. And if all that weren't enough, my friend came by with fresh tamales! What a feast. Obviously I didn't start a diet.

But I did start working.

I have been struggling with the size limits for printing. Even though I have BIG printers, the size maxes out at 44" in one direction. I have told my clients this many times, yet they continue to ask me to print bigger. I have researched the costs of those huge printers, and I'm certainly not spending that kind of money.

These particular images are the photo panel series, that have a printed element at the top, and the rest is painted. Sure, I can print to the edge of the canvas for 44", but then there's nothing left to stretch. So, I took a large piece of canvas, folded each side under and stuck it down with double-sided carpet tape. At this point I taped off and painted the appropriate part of the canvas with inkjet receiver and let it dry. I had a little trouble getting that whole thing (44" x 64") to feed through the printer, but finally had success just this morning. I've untaped it all now, and it really worked! I love a challenge. Two more to go.

I love the beginning of a new year!

Inspiration of the Day: fuschia

Working in the Rain

It's typical winter weather in Dallas. One beautiful 65 degree day and five days of rain and forty degrees. I'm having trouble with the resin, I'm late on my deadline and my client is unhappy. I sent her a list of everything I have done on the boxes each day since I started. Today I sent a "resin report", and will do so everyday until I deliver. The weather is not my fault. I did, however, go to Home Depot and buy two new heaters to place under the tables where I am working. That should help warm things up and dry out the air a little.

Yesterday was "art emergency" day. A client had forgotten to send me a purchase order for some photography. The framer went looking, and there's nothing to frame. Backtracking led them to the unsent email. Lucky for them I was in town and could drop everything else and print five large photos at the very last minute.

I'm almost finished with the six photo paintings for my West Coast rep, will be able to ship on Monday. The weather has interfered with that process, too - nothing will dry!

I got a call from an art consultant in the town where my father lives, Harlingen, TX. What a surprise to know that there are commercial designers down there. Seems there's a project at the airport where they are interested in commissioning my work.

Christmas is coming, presents are wrapped, the air smells like gingerbread (scented candles), and I'm taking off early tonight to put on my flannel jammies and snuggle on the couch (maybe with a dog). Rain makes me feel that way.

Painting a Cow

First thing this Sunday morning I painted a cow. It's not quite as neon colored as it looks on my monitor. Maybe it will look different on yours. I did intentionally make him/her more colorful than my reference photo, though, because I decided that overall the painting needs more color.

I'm still printing, and will run out of ink again before tomorrow morning. At least it will be Monday and I can make yet another run to the ink store. At least I'm collecting all this valuable data and can plan better next time. I hope. I think I'm going to make my deadline, yay!

Painting and Printing

Current shot of the Texas Clinic grid painting. I've moved it to my top row of nails so I can paint the bottom.

It seems like a never ending cycle. And I'm really having trouble multi-tasking. There are three major components to my artwork production right now. Digital mockups,( including processing digital photographs), printing, and painting. I can't move between painting and printing because of contamination. Paint, I mean. If it gets on me, it will surely travel to a print easily. Can't have that.

I'm enjoying the painting process so much I let the printer stop. I have to take a shower and scrub myself before I can start it up again because I have completely lost track of how many images I've printed. I have to count and pack, and get them out of the way so they're protected.

I'm planning to get out of the house for awhile today and attend the 40th Anniversary celebration of Southwest Gallery. Several of my friends will be there and it will be nice to be social for a change.

Deadline Monsters

Texas Clinic grid painting, 120" x 60", in progress

I'm scared of a deadline. But it's a healthy fear that completely motivates me. Over the years I have found that lacking a deadline I don't do much. These days I'm in overdrive. I really did not fully grasp how long printing these 900+ images would take. I was up at 4:15 this morning changing paper in one of the printers. I still don't know if I'll make the deadline. These are big images and take almost 20 minutes to print one. That means 8 12 hour days for the batch! I'm running the printer longer than that, but still it takes time to tally, to change ink and paper, to pack, etc. I decided not to sign them just because I didn't want to spend the time to do it.

I do feel like the printing is under control, though, and I'm back to the studio painting. The picture above shows the progress of the grid painting for Texas Clinic. I usually design these paintings digitally, make a printout, then change things as I feel it. I've marked off the grids, and started underpainting. Since this painting is already finished in my mind I'm relaxed and enjoying the process.

Got a call from the framer yesterday and everything for the solo show is completed, so that's off my mind, too. I install Oct 2 and the show runs through Nov5 at the Smith Art Gallery and Scott and White hospital in Temple, TX.

Getting My Hands Dirty

In preparation for attacking this big white canvas I had to clear the studio of all the digital printing I've been doing for days. Once again I lost track of how many of each I printed, and came up short by 22. Those are printing right now. The rest are in a safe place.

It's a good thing because my first step in painting one of the grid series is throwing paint. Yes, literally. My preferred background color has always been quinacridone gold, and I'm using the very last little bit of it on this painting. The color is not being made anymore, and my stash is depleted. Nothing else (including Nickel Azo) I've found has come close to the color and staining abilities. Ah well.

An important lesson I learned earlier this year is to cover myself with liquid gloves. Really does a good job in protecting my skin from the paint that inevitably makes it way to anything uncovered. Yes, I should cover my hair, but I don't. I do lay newspaper down on the floor though, and that helps a lot with drips....because after the paint throwing comes the spray bottle!

Then I use water soluble crayons to write on the canvas. Sometimes prayers, sometimes things about the painting itself, sometimes numbers, just whatever comes into my head. I always say my mantra at this point, and often it goes on the canvas, too.

I'm happy to be painting. I've spent too many hours at this computer doing mockups for hotel rooms, and all this digital printing that's still going on. At least I'm down to one printer now, which frees up the other one to print photography for Texas Clinic. I hate to jinx it by saying this out loud, but I think I'm on schedule to meet all foreseeable deadlines!

Tastes Like Summer

Polar Bear in Central Park

It was a long travel day yesterday after a great trip. We were held up in La Guardia for five hours when American had to find us a new plane. They discovered an oil leak before takeoff, and since it was a fuel pump leak they downloaded us back to the terminal where we entertained ourselves by watching TV and eating junk food. I'd rather that than crash!

When I got up this morning (late) I found my basket of peaches in a sad state. Instead of throwing the whole bunch in the trash I rescued the good parts and added them to my protein shake which made it taste like summer, a season that's fast fading. It's still warm in Dallas, but leaves are breaking free of branches, and summer flowers are turning to seed.

First thing I did this morning was load up both printers, so I'm totally back to work.

Well, I am back to work, but at a more relaxed pace. My inspiration is the photo above, of a polar bear at the zoo in Central Park yesterday morning. This big fella was swimming in circles. Under the water, breaking the surface, then falling backwards with a splash, and circling around again. I think he was grinning with delight. I know I was. There's a lesson for me there, I know it.

Outside the Studio

My plans for yesterday were waylaid by 7 inches of rain. Delivering artwork in such weather just wasn't worth it. So today I'll put my good clothes on (something without paint splatters) and get out to the gallery. I'm delivering the 15 paintings completed on Sunday, and picking up paintings that I will take to the framers for my solo show in a few weeks.

Yesterday I started printing. I didn't think this project through, and now I'm extra glad to have two printers, because both of them are smokin' right now. I'm printing large photographs for hotel guestroom art. The print that's 24 x 24 takes 11 minutes to print, and there's 311 of them. That means 4 3/4 12 hour days. I have to sleep sometime! I tried to print through the night, but both printers ran out of ink and stopped.

I'm working overtime because this is a short work week for me. Taking Debbie to New York City for her 50th birthday for the weekend, leaving Thursday. I've kept it a secret from her but she got so depressed about the 5-0 that I told her on Sunday. She's ecstatic, and I'm glad to do it for her. I've actually had it planned and booked for months. And in order to make it a true vacation I'm not even taking my camera. Only a carry-on and a backpack -- traveling light. Got tickets for three musicals, and will not eat breakfast so we can splurge on big dinners. Booked a hotel in midtown, so it's convenient. It will be nice to visit the City - haven't been since my group of artist friends met up there in February 2005 for the Gates exhibit in Central Park.

I will do some galleries, and already have a list of where I want to visit. And of course I'll go to MOMA. Other than that -- free time! woo hoo!

Packing in Supplies

You'd think I lived in the wilderness the way I check my supplies mid-week to make sure I don't run out of an important item over a working weekend. Like ink or paper. Things I can't buy on Saturday. I'm starting a big print job, and I don't really know how much of what it will take. I overbought, with the understanding that I will always need and use these supplies.

It's only 7:00 pm but I'm beat. I finished the boot painting today (minor adjustments and varnishing). Started a new Glorieta painting for my solo show next month. I still love that series. And I submitted about ten digital images for various projects.

Got the series of 15 abstracts all laid out and ready to go. They are all taped off waiting for paint. I need light for that, so will put it off til tomorrow.

Doesn't really seem like I accomplished that much for getting up just after 4:00 am. Silly me.

(yawn)

Doing a Walk-Through

It's been awhile since I worked as an art consultant and was responsible for art placement. I'm doing it now with Texas Clinic, and thank goodness I remembered that things in the construction industry change and nobody tells you. So that's why I wasn't too surprised yesterday when I did a walk-through of the building.

There are doors in places where art is supposed to hang. There are glass walls that aren't on the blueprints. There are new walls where they weren't before. All in all, several things changed and I have to adapt my placement for it. One thing I did was eliminate one large original in the first floor lobby and make the custom designed grid painting bigger. I ordered the canvas today, 120w" x 60"h x 4". woo hoo!

I'll be printing this weekend so I can start taking things to the framer. My goal is to finish this job ahead of schedule. I really want to take a trip in October -- to photograph fall color and waterfalls. Hopefully Nancy's ankle will have healed up enough by then for her to hobble around and hold on to her tripod for support. I know she'd kill me if I went without her!

I finished a painting for my solo show today. It's another Glorieta painting, photo coming soon.

Also have some printing to do for a big presentation next week for a giant hotel project in Central Texas. Doing some cool stuff, printing on metal, and maybe doing some cast resin. This is a project where we are competing against another company so it's whoever has the coolest design gets the job. Oh boy!