Working Dog

 This is one of my favorites. 

German Shorthaired Pointer

 

Figure drawing

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzY2PrVLxEW/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=I hadn't done any figure drawing in so long so I am very glad for this opportunity to join in on Tuesdays. Drawing from life is  different than using photos. The space is less defined and bends so it can be interpreted in different ways. 

Kenny's portrait

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyHZFJUP9FK/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I am not a super realism artist. I am an artist who likes to play with mixing color and textures. Yes, they are figurative but not the super realistic version. I enjoy seeing how the layers develop into realistic colors. 

Artist Calls

 

Submitting to Artist Calls is an important way to get work seen in person. I use media to show work but there is no comparison between seeing work online and in person. I submitted to an Arc Gallery artist-call "Black and White".  and was rejected with these three pieces submitted. Art is subjective so there can sometimes be reasons the artwork is rejected that the artist is unaware of. Understood! The only thing to do is go back into the studio and keep working. Your audience will find you as long as you are able to be seen. A visual art requires seeing and so it is important to put your work out there to be seen. 

Marker on Bristol

Black pastel on gessoed board

Pastel and charcoal on gessoed board

Rosalie, Matriarch

 

Laying out Reagan

 

Dante

 

This was a challenge for me which made it a lot of fun. There were moments when I was ready to start over completely but just kept working through. Horses require a lot of focus for me because of their very unique curves and shapes. He will be thought of every time a do a horse. 

About Face

We had a great time at the Bedford's About Face exhibit. There was a great turn out and the art work was amazing. The range of styles and ideas created an amazing and very interesting show

The Bedford Gallery

1601 Civic Dr. 

Walnut Creek, CA 94596. 

April 15- June 25, 2023

 

In progress and being patient.

I have to remind myself, make a little progress every day. That needs to be my mantra. Often, I get excited and want to go faster or get ahead of myself and then it can be lost completely. Patience! There is no hurry. One mark at a time:). 
 

Weather

 I was thinking about how unusual the weather has been from what is normal and so decided to draw a skewed view of this cloud scene. 

Being True to Myself

Today I feel like talking about being true to myself with the art I make. I have never been a non-objective (nonrepresentational)  artist and probably never will be. I can connect to art that is non-objective often. I get inspired by some non-objective artwork. I am moved by all styles and genres of art. So, what I want to say is that the kind of work I make represents who I am. There are no value boundaries between the styles of art or genres.  Just because I don't make certain style of art doesn't mean I am making a statement about the other styles. The only statement I am making with my art is that "this is who I am." 

So why am I saying this in my blog? Because some fellow artists are so concerned that by creating a certain style of art means that what they are saying or the work they are making is less valued. That is nonsense at every level! Firstly, artists don't create genres. Artists create art that collectors and critics categorize with names to make it easier for their purposes. Artists just make art. Secondly, the value of the art made is very subjective by individuals. What I may think about my work is key. The value placed by others can go from someone who could care less to someone who thinks I am a genius. To make work to satisfy what others may think is ludicrous in my opinion. Being true to myself can convey my authenticity and help others to see something uniquely mine. 

 

What Am I Doing?

 Today I started a quick draw project. I have a bunch of gessoed squares that I am going to use to make abstract pieces. I want  to push myself into a new place. I have always had a difficult time making  non-objective art so with these boards I will have some kind of intention and a subject loosely floating around in my head. Here is the first one and hopefully not the last one!