november 26 2012

I forgot to put my car into park when I checked for the mail. That would be an issue on any street but our road has a 50 ft drop off! My car was slowly rolling down the street toward, what would have been, my “fiscal cliff” if it had gone over.

The drop-off is way steeper than it looks…what could have been my “fiscal cliff.”

I ran like a crazy person…fortunately I left my door open so I was able to jump in and  slam on the brake. So, glad I didn’t hit the gas pedal by accident.

I seem to be forgetting a lot lately. This brings up a big issue I am grappling with…the pros and cons of multi-tasking and a busy mind that does not focus well. Quieting my mind to see, hear and retain better is a huge goal of this year…maybe even more than the art part. I’ll write more on this later.

november 20 2012

David Mitchell, not the author, the favorite son!

november 18 2012

The baby boomers were out in force…1200 of us to see  Judy Collins at the FOX. I was going to love the concert no matter what but it ended up being way better than I expected. Her voice has held up relatively well…she was super in the lower ranges and she ended with a set at the piano (she is classically trained) that was magnificent.

I was inspired to see her, at 73, still sharing her gift.

november 17 2012

Took a nice walk down to Fairmount Park with Zee so she could see the white pelicans that I had been raving about for the past few weeks. They did not disappoint us…a big feeding frenzy with the cormorants. Zee went back the next day with her good camera ( I just use a digital point and shoot) and ALL THE PELICANS WERE GONE!!!

november 15 2012

My drawing class at Riverside Art Museum ended today.

Kelly Rider. my instructor at RAM

Loved my instructor, Kelley Rider (don’t worry Denise, you will always be my favorite) and classmates, especially Ai and Ellen.

Teodor

I’m not into representational art much and find that I am not patient with drawing unless I can do quick sketches. But I do realize that having some decent drawing skills is an asset even if you work in a more abstract style.  I am able to copy most anything but can’t draw out of my imagination (like my friend, Ellen…boy does she have one   and young, local and accomplished artist, Teodor Dumitrescu, whose work and imagination are exceptional) Developing that ability will take way more time and effort.

One week our homework was to draw eggs …broken and whole. I came to class with sketches of whole eggs but announce that I couldn’t draw them broken. (had used my 1/2 dozen rock eggs for my model) I think I really wanted to avoid drawing broken eggs because that would be harder. 

november 12 2012

“Did you paint an orange?”

“NO…of course not, I’m not an artist!”

we have a Paulden Evans orange from the first event a few years ago. This is a promotional picture Carla Bender took for the 2012 event

“Excuse me, but you just had a show.”

This was the discussion I had with several people at Riverside Art Museum’s Orange Aid  event where 150 local artist painted small oranges (like the cows in Chicago)

When does one cross the line from wanting to be an artist to feeling like they are one??? I’m not sure…I’ll let you know when it happens for me.

This was our favorite picture but for some reason wasn’t selected? :)

The other big issue is how do you get comfortable with all the self-promotion necessary to market a show or to sell your art?

 I haven’t blogged in six weeks (I have journaled and will backdate and post  some of the memorable moments) Quite frankly, the reason I stopped posting is simple… I got sick of myself (So can only imagine how you were feeling) I have been marketing, with great passion and determination, for Riverside Personnel, the non-profit fundraisers I helped start and political campaigns, for 35 years. I enjoy marketing and have been fairly successful. I have not enjoyed this new world of “self-promotion.” 

Marketing for yourself is so different and difficult…it just doesn’t feel right. It is all about me, me, me…look at me. On one hand you want that…you make a piece of art or have a show and you want people to see it. On the other hand, it feels a wrong…but it isn’t. And unless you are famous, with a publicist…you must promote yourself. SO HANG ON…I am about to start the self promotion tour for 2013.

november 11, 2012

Last post on “a love affair”….PROMISE. I have always wanted to be an artist…this show …my first…was a dream come true. Mark Schooley, Ex Director of Riverside Community Arts Association said over 1200 people came through the gallery during the exhibit. I think I talk to 1000 of you and enjoyed every conversation. I especialy apreciated all the encouragement. I took the show down today and it is time to move on with my artistic journey. If you want to follow my year arts sabbatical subscribe to my blog below. Scroll back a few post if you want to find out about my plans for my 60th year off.

october 11 2012

So much has happened this past week, from turning 60… having my first art exhibit…to starting a 52 week arts sabbatical the day before Riverside Personnel’s 35th year. I will take time to reflect soon. Until then, my show “a love affair” is up until Nov 10th at the RCAA gallery/ 3870 Lemon St/ 11-2 on Tues-Sat. Also, during Nov 1 Artswalk from 6-9pm.

october 10 2012 

September 28 2012

It is just a number…I feel great!! 

I have an amazing birthday week ahead.

I’ll write more…soon. I have to go celebrate now!