Looking Forward

Usually this time of year finds me looking backward, examining the rewards and shortcomings of the previous year, but I'm not doing that this time. That year is gone, a new one stretches ahead, and I've got interesting things on my schedule.

As always, I'm grateful for the people and things I have in my life, and I resolve to treat them better.

With a new commercial gallery opened in the Dallas Design District, I'll be putting more miles on my car, but producing a lot more art. I'm still struggling with the decision to move my print studio from my house down to the gallery. I work so much from home, and at odd hours, I'm not so sure I want to drive 12 miles to work all the time.

I need someone to set up a network for me - so I can remotely access all my files. I'm trying to keep things simple, but nothing really is.

I learned about QR codes recently, and it really IS simple - so I will be using that new technology as much as possible. Download a QR reader app to your phone, point the phone at the image to the left, and my website will magically appear!

It's such an interesting technology I am looking for new and interesting ways to use it.

I have lots of travel plans for the year. It's my favorite thing to do! Vegas for my birthday next week, Washington DC after that. Looks like I might be making a business trip (photo shoot) out to Big Spring, TX in the near future. Got plans for Paris in April, maybe Italy and Croatia in September. And my photo friend Nancy and I are in the planning stages for somewhere exotic.

Who wants to stay home (in Dallas) when there's a big world out there to discover?

Social Media

I've had a few emails recently, from people noticing that I am neglecting this blog. It seems that Facebook has been my preferred method of keeping in touch, but I promise to get back to blogging.

Just returned from a week in Florida, where I toured Sawgrass (golf resort) for a golf-related project. I'm a novice, it was all new to me, so I learned quite a lot. First and foremost, never tease a golfer about the game. It's like church, they are serious!

The course itself was manicured to perfection -- lots of water and palm trees, with a profusion of azaleas. Gorgeous! Got in some beach time, even though every time I laid down the towel, clouds started rolling in. But hey, it was still the beach!

Met with a new client in Jacksonville, and hope to establish an alliance with them. Business is off in the commercial art industry, but the one segment that is still strong is healthcare, and that's their focus.

It's Sunday, and not normally a work day, but I'll be downloading and processing photos today. Might even make it over to the studio to work on the two paintings in progress.

Distractions

For the past few months I have had an enormous amount of distractions. First I came out of self-imposed exile and created a new social life. Then I moved my painting studio out of my house and into a commercial space I share with my framer. I underestimated the time and energy involved in socializing (yes, dating!) and my work has suffered a bit because of that. Also, instead of painting in my bunny slippers I now have to get dressed and drive to work. aaack!

Now I am traveling (Berkeley, CA) and there are even more things here that I find distracting. There are a huge number of entertainment options, but above and beyond that is the great outdoors. I've been hiking and kayaking, both, and would gladly do a little of each every day. I'm afflicted with the California dream.

Pulling me back down to earth is a commission that I agreed to do while on vacation! Silly me! But I'm headed out to a friend's studio in a bit to work on that. And I have another friend in town visiting from Dallas, and we're hooking up for a couple days, too. By that time the whole two weeks will have flown past me and I'll be headed back to Dallas. I'm trying to remember why I live there when there are so many other options.

Falling for Color

Fall in New Hampshire

It was my first visit to New England in the fall. Sure, I've seen the picture postcards, but witnessing those colors in person was spectacular. Coupled with a deep blue sky the yellow, oranges, reds and magentas were magical. Apparently the colors don't last long, though. I flew into Boston and saw the gradual change from green to bright reds from the plane. The city was awash in neon colors, as was the lake region of New Hampshire, but two days later in the White Mountains there were few leaves left. One standout was the tamarack, which is a conifer that changes to a bright yellow before shedding its needles. Nestled in with deep green pines, that color popped.

Since the mountains were nearly bare, we headed to the New Hampshire/Massachusetts shoreline, where dark clouds rolled in and sucked the color from the sea grass. Intermittant rain made me reluctant to expose my camera to the elements, but I grabbed a few quick shots.

I'm back in Dallas now, and find that my best client has left the gallery she's worked at for almost twenty years. Since she has been the majority of my income for the last several years, that's a shocker. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

Last week's installation went better than I could have imagined. It was at a construction company and I didn't expect a bunch of hardhat guys to be so enthusiastic with some artwork, but I got hugs from everybody (which was a bonus!). I haven't photographed it yet, but will get over there soon to do that, since they now want to discuss more art for the interior offices.

In the meantime, I am printing six large photo montages for a Myrtle Beach hotel, and quoted a big hotel job today, so I'm immediately back to work, thank goodness!

Managing Change

This is a series of digital prints on canvas (30 x 42 ea) commissioned for a hotel in Myrtle Beach, FL. They will be printed on canvas and gallery wrapped. The fish photos were taken in the San Francisco aquarium last year. It was such a challenge to get any good photographs in low light conditions with moving subjects. These aren't entirely clear, but they make up for it in character!


As I look around my small home studio and analyze all the equipment, storage, and supplies that I have crammed in here, I can't help but feel good about the new commercial space. There will be room to do everything, and everything will have its place. I need someone with space planning skills to lay it all out for me. What a relief that will be!

I haven't decided about moving my printers and home office. Obviously I will now need two computers, and some kind of network so that I can access my files from home. But just thinking about that makes my eyes glaze over. I'll have to hire that out.

Today I have a 2:00 installation, then I need to get home to pack for my trip to New England tomorrow. It's a photo shoot, and I'll be mostly concentrating on that, but it sure will be nice just to breath the air up there. My friend Helen has given me an itinerary to follow for the best scenery.

Through the Fog

View of the Golden Gate bridge with Full Moon -- in the fog

After visiting with my friend David Arnone, glass artist, I headed up to the Golden Gate bridge. Last night was the night before the full moon, and since I'm here I couldn't bypass the photo op. I like to shoot from the Marin headlands so the moon rises over the San Francisco skyline and the sun sets behind and lights up the bridge.

Well, that's on a good day.

This wasn't one of those days. The sunny blue sky day quickly deteriorated as I headed south on 101 by Corte Madera. The wind driven fog swept across the highway obliterating most of the light. I perservered, as I am known to do, and headed for Hawk Hill hoping I could get above the fogline. Nope.

Forty five minutes later I was back down in Sausalito, where the fog was above me, and there was a clear line allowing the full moon to glisten down into the waters of the marina. I sat there for a minute and just looked. Totally forgot I was supposed to be on a photo shoot!

I headed home.

Today I've been running around town doing last minute things before my vacation ends. And I've got some clothes washing and house cleaning to do before my friends come home tomorrow. It will be so nice to see them and share stories.

Breaking Waves

Northern California beach

I've been on vacation too long -- and haven't accomplished a thing. Oh, you mean I'm supposed to be on "vacation", not hauling my 10 lb camera from here to there and designing artwork on my laptop?

When I left Dallas I had just delivered a 22 pc installation for a hotel registration desk. Apparently it was well-received by the designer, since I have already designed a similar one, and have a meeting set up for a third. I have new ideas now that I'm traveling and refilling my creative reserves.

Sometimes I get lazy, though. Nothing stimulates me more than a looming deadline. In looking at my calendar I see that I have less than a week left here in northern California. With that in mind I went kayaking on Monday, then shooting down in Monterey. Tuesday I went shopping and processed my photos. Wednesday I drove north to some rocky beaches close to Bodega Bay and did the thing that I love the most -- photographed rocks and water with slow shutter speeds. I was alone on the beach, with wind whipping my hair, waves crashing on black rocks and kelp littering the gravelly shore. The sun was low in the sky, plating the water with gold. I took a deep breath and thanked the universe for letting me have that moment.

Dahlia taken with Lensbaby 2.0

Today I returned to the dahlia garden at Golden Gate park with my Nikon, my macro lens and my Lensbaby, just for fun. And on my way home I made a stop at SFMOMA to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit.

It was spectacular. I've been to a lot of museums, lots of galleries, seen more art than most people. This exhibit moved me like no other. I wanted to spend more time in front of every painting, examining each stroke, and empathizing with the emotions shown on the canvases. ...sigh...

Point Reyes Photo Shoot

Point Reyes Seashore

I bundled up all my gear, old and new, and took it hiking. It was foggy, breezy and quite cool at the beginning, but after a few minutes of hiking in sand with a 10 pound backpack plus my 6 pound camera and zoom lens around my neck, and my tripod -- well you can imagine how fast I warmed up. Since the light was diffused it was good conditions for macro wildflowers and seed pods. They create nice abstract patterns when there's a short focal range. The light wasn't much good for anything else, though.

Had I been to the beach at Abbott's Lagoon before I wouldn't have hauled my tripod with me at all. Since it's in close proximity to McClure's beach, I was hoping for rocks, but there weren't any. After making my way (huff puff) back to the car, I realized how close I was to the Tule Elk preserve, and thought I'd give it a look. The road up there travels along the ridge, and it's desolate as can be. The photo above is of the elk. Can't see them? Me neither! I turned around and headed home about 7:00pm.

By the time I arrived back in Berkeley the sun was out, new fog was rolling in and there was another fabulous sunset.

The Blackberry as Metaphor

How NOT to eat a Blackberry.

The sun finally burns through the morning fog on its journey over the Berkeley hills. On its way it sparkles through the thorny vines in Helen's backyard. All my shirts are snagged, since I cannot resist reaching for the farthest fruit, the one fat globule that will either make my mouth water, or gag me.

I know the secret of blackberries, and that is that there is one special moment when the sugars are the sweetest. It's the moment right before it releases from the vine and drops to the ground, and not a minute sooner. It's best to have your hand there waiting. It doesn't help to pull or yank or twist. Those berries are guaranteed sour.

So it is with all things.

Instead of waiting for the perfect blackberries everyday, I'm hitting up the golden plum tree where every one is as sweet as the next!

I've been to galleries, but not museums yet. Been to the Bay but not the beach. I have two weeks left in northern California -- guess I better get busy!

I'm Off

Now I need to quit answering my telephone. I've already had three requests, for today! One, print a giclee on canvas 44 x 60, come in and sign four paintings, what color spray paint to use to create a deep cherry brown, and a digital file. Now when I answer the phone knowing it's my client I just say "no". I'm off!

I finished a painting in the photo painting series this morning, one of five that I have a PO for, due a week after my return.

I've made sure I have everything I need on my laptop, I'm packed, dressed and ready to head out to the airport. I will have email, but no phone, yay!!!

Slow Recovery

It's been over two years since New Orleans was ravaged by hurricane Katrina. The city has not recovered.

Cleaning Frenzy

My tables are clear, my slant wall is empty. My printer is covered and sleeping. All my clothes are washed, my bathroom is neat. All are those are definite signs that I'm leaving town. The other thing on that list is that I always clean my camera and lenses before I go on a photo shoot.

I'm packed, and will leave early morning for New Orleans. I have a long list of must-see things, and I'm prepared for the blast of cold air headed that way.

Meeting up with my friend, fellow photographer Nancy. woo hoo!

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.

Travel Time Again

Tonight I'm packing, tomorrow heading home to Dallas. Wednesday morning the installers come to pick up all the artwork and start installing Texas Clinic. A few months late, and of course they want it when they want it. Which will be fine, but it's been a challenge to organize it from California. By Thursday afternoon it will all be on the walls, and the job complete. I can't wait to see how it all looks together, and if it matches the vision I have for the space.

I have more work waiting for me at home, and received another purchase order from my West Coast rep since I've been here, so it's nice to know that I've been away but not forgotten.

Fun Funky Project

Here's the second mockup for the painting for lululemon, a new yoga athletic store in the Dallas Galleria. It seems that all the stores are a bit different, with local managers having the last say on decor. Fun and colorful, both these images have been approved by the store manager. The moment I met her and saw the under-construction interior, I knew what the paintings looked like. Obviously this is not something I would have done on my own. I got it from the vibe of the store, the manifesto (philosophy) of the company, and by the energy of the manager. Deposit is now being processed, and I'll start painting tomorrow. Will be a rush job since she wants them in the store for Black Friday. Have to finish by then anyway, since I'm off to Berkeley on the 24th.

Nancy and I are trying to work in a trip to Yosemite before the housesitting gig actually starts. So today I'm going to do some research beyond mapping the trip -- with just a short time I want to see the most scenic and photographically inspiring areas.

I spent all day yesterday on a photo shoot of boots, only to be told, no, it's not right. Jeez!

Tomorrow I'm going to the local elementary schools PTA meeting where the kids whose art competition I judged will get ribbons awarded. Should be fun!

Catch Up

The headache went away. I remember waking up in the middle of the night without that oppressive squeezing, saying "thank you thank you" out loud into the darkness. I got up early to rejoice in my recovered health.

Then I did a little work. Set up the photo shoot for the very cool cowboy boots delivered to me by my client. Didn't like the light in any area, have set it up again for today.

Worked up a mockup for the store in the Galleria - that's the image, above. There will be two canvases, 36 x 48. I wondered how she found me, and she said "googled local artists, saw your website and didn't look any further". I consider that a compliment on many levels. One, for my website that gave her such confidence, two, for me, since she made a decision based on work I've already done, and three, that she didn't ask prices, just moved ahead with the discussion of the commission.

Did I mention that I have a new blog? Yes. Daily Travel Photos
Only photos, no commentary. As if I needed something else to keep up with!

Going to see my dad next weekend. Thank goodness AA had a fare sale. Prices have gone up so much it's a financial struggle to get down to S. Texas anymore. And an eight hour drive is just too much. Probably too expensive to do that, too, with gas nuzzling $3.00 here in Dallas.

Judging Others

Normally I would have to say that it's not our place to judge others, tempting though it is. However, yesterday I had an experience that thrilled and excited me. I judged an elementary school art show. I guess submitting was entirely voluntary, because the number of entries varied widely by grades, with second grade having the most. The color, creativity and imagination made me feel like we're leaving the world in good hands with this generation of kids. What a thrill for me to see this work. Luckily I was able to award more than one first place per grade, which means that those entries advance to the next level of the competition. I found out afterward that I chose to promote the artwork of one of the kids who lives across the street from me. No favoritism, I promise!

I got an email yesterday from a retail store opening soon in the Dallas Galleria. They want to commission a large abstract painting for the store. Sounds like fun, so I said yes, and will talk to them more about it today.

I still have not followed up on the contacts I made at the Healthcare Design 2007 conference, will be doing that today.

Trying to plan a trip down south (Texas) to see my dad, it's been over six months since I visited last.

Finalized plans to go to Berkeley after Thanksgiving. My photo friend Nancy will be meeting me there, and we'll haul our cameras into every nook and cranny we can find. Hopefully do some tidepool shooting, if I can find out where to go.

The clinic says they need a few more weeks until installation, so I don't know if it will get installed before or after my trip. But it's done, that's for sure!

Get the Party Started

Last week I had a sad realization that I have sacrificed social interaction for my work. I have to call all this art-making "work" since that's how I make a living. It's my job. But in my quest for success and achievement I have completely ignored all the things that combine to create a balanced life. Mine is decidedly unbalanced.

I used to travel more. Lately I have not wanted to turn down jobs in order to leave town. I badly need to take a trip down to see my Dad, but I haven't been able to schedule even a day away with all the projects I've had going on.

It's all winding down now. I took the last batch of images for Texas Clinic to the framer today. I delivered the last originals for the huge resort project for model room. I went to the mold makers -- and the casting came out GREAT! My part is over. My client will work with the mold makers now, directing the casting and painting.

Today I'm finishing up the last originals for Texas Clinic, cleaning my studio, washing my brushes, and invoicing!

Planning An Escape

It's been too long since I've had a change of scenery, and I'm planning just that. I need to get away, I need to be alone, and I need some distractions. Luckily my artist friend Helen is going away over Thanksgiving and she needs a petsitter for her little dog Redford, and her two new poodle puppies! How could I resist the allure of northern California and two puppies?

Hopefully all these projects that have made me so crazy over the past few months will be installed and off my mind.

Today I am painting three abstracts (the ones I forgot about) and delivering the abstract I painted yesterday that will be turned into digital wallpaper.

Had some major complications with the carving. The casting estimator got the numbers wrong and now it's not even close to being affordable for room art. It's possible that we'll have enough time to get it to China for casting, but that's a long way off, and decisions can be made after model room (Nov 1). We're doing the first one here, that's for sure.

Still doing last minute prints for Texas Clinic. I have one 46' wall left to lay out, and I'm done with that. Can't wait to see what turns up in my inbox today.