Ringing in the New Year

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in

Leonard Cohen

Happy New Year! Many people would be surprised I have quoted Leonard Cohen in the spirit of celebration and happiness. At times his works can impart a heavy message. Songs and poetry allow room for individual interpretation just as our visual art does. This verse speaks to me as I begin to look ahead in 2011. When I look back on my past works, not all turned out as I imagined they would when I first set my brush to the canvas. I get frustrated at times, even though intellectually I know I'm learning something from the experience. However, in the spirit of ringing in the New Year, I realize I should be celebrating each time I finish any painting. Why Not? Maybe it isn't perfect, maybe it has a little crack in it but isn't the bright side of that, as Leonard Cohen so brilliantly states, "that's how the light gets in?" Each work has its own uniqueness whether it followed my initial plan or not. The piece shown here is one of several small works (9x8) that a friend commissioned me to do last year. Her request started with a vision; several original oils inlaid on the front of an antique cabinet. We collaborated on subject matter but had no idea how it was all going to come together. One idea led to the next and eventually created something beautiful. I have decided to begin 2011 with that same outlook; taking one idea at a time, one piece at a time, each building upon the other. Not to form a perfect offering but to start ringing some bells with all that I've got. Celebrating the fact that any cracks I see are guiding me along my path. I feel lighter already. Do you hear the bells ringing?

It has been a busy art time since my last post. While I have a brief break in the action it is time to post some of the upcoming art activities in which I'm participating: The Wild Arts Festival is going on through tomorrow at Montgomery Park in NW Portland. A wonderful event supporting the Audubon Center. My 6x6 donation sold early this morning along with many others! It was very well attended with other wonderful artists who exhibit annually. Two of my favorites were Sue Allen and Robert Schlegel. I have a link to the exhibit on my website events.

I am participating in Art Media's 10x10 project "Think Outside the Box, Think Inside the Frame" which benefits a very worthwhile cause in our community, p:ear. A photo of my painting and information about this exhibit and p:ear can be found on my website by clicking on EVENTS.

The Caswell Gallery in Troutdale, OR is featuring an ongoing exhibit entitled "It's the Little Things" through the end of the year. The idea is to have pieces that appeal to Holiday Gift Giving at affordable prices. I have over 20 pieces in the show and will be present for the First Friday Art Walk event December 3rd. Everyone is invited to attend. As in November, there will be great food, wine, and music provided. Rip Caswell has his wonderful selection of bronzes displayed in this marvelous gallery space.

The Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, WA has my current work on display along with the featured artists for this month. I have a link for the gallery on my site.

I am also privileged to be invited as one of seven NW artists to display works at the Pittock Mansion's Holiday Exhibit this year. The painting above is one of the paintings on display which speaks to the theme "The Natural Beauty and Bounty of Oregon." An art friend, Celeste Bergin, has more information on her blog along with a list of the participating artists and their websites. This season is bright with original fine art everywhere for all to enjoy. Please feel welcome to join in the festivities and support the arts in our great NW.

California Dream'n

I have been preparing for a painting road trip. It is almost here! It is exciting to be reuniting with members of API a very talented group of plein air painters from across the United States. Our destination is the coastal area near Cambria, CA. The painting to the left was done when we last met in this area. We were painting on the beach near Morro Bay but as I looked upward the sun was hitting the front of this beach house so brilliantly it captured my complete attention. The misty atmosphere was lifting along the tree line and masking the distant hillside. Soft ocean breezes were refreshing us as we painted in that liquid sunshine. Over the years stonger breezes have shaped these rugged trees giving the coastline its unique silhouette. There is as much variety in this landscape as there is in this multitalented API group. One of the events planned is an informal panel discussion by select API members in Paso Robles at Studios on the Park. The topic will be "Finding Your Voice" as artists, Friday April 23rd at 5 PM. It will be an inspiring evening complete with a reception for artists and guests. I am looking forward to the California sunshine and hope it follows me to my doorstep in Oregon. My return will be just in time for the Columbia Art & Agriculture Exhibit in Hood River, OR. I am hoping to be blogging during this trip and sharing some of my plein air adventures as time permits.

New exhibit for New Seasons

Another opportunity for displaying art works!

New Seasons Market in Happy Valley invited me to display landscapes in their gallery located in the cooking school area nearest the west entrance. The art exhibit went up yesterday and will be on display through April 1st. Once again I must say although it takes time and energy to hang art other than in a gallery setting, it is not only appreciated for beautifying an area, it can be an educational tool as well. Not everyone understands how fine art gets accomplished by the artist, when, where, or why. This is my own neighborhood and I'm hoping this exposure will generate curiosity to seek out more of this information. I have business cards and a bio provided along with my work in a very comfortable social setting where learning becomes enjoyable. The area adjacent is a dining area for all the wonderful delicacies New Seasons has to offer customers first hand. In addition art works by local school students are also displayed. It was fun for me to watch both exhibits going up simultaneously. What a revelation for me to think back to an earlier time (noted in my bio) about wanting to become an artist someday. I hope I can inspire one of these budding artists to want their own show someday too. For now - a New Season is just around the corner!