Everything has a beginning

The beginning for the exhibit of paintings by myself and my dear friend, Jane McDowell

had a beginning almost a year ago, on my birthday!

Jane and I were having lunch in

Old St. Charles.

A birthday lunch!

After indulging in a wonderful dessert, I told her

I had a surprise for her.

so I led her off to Framations Gallery,

right there on Main Street.

Jane is an amazing artist. It's in her soul!

Years ago we had met.

She showed me some of her work:

Piggies for a children's book,

drawn beautifully,

but so lightly. No darks to balance.

but the drawing was amazing.

I knew I was looking at an artist.

Jane and I also share the same church,

the same beliefs in the power of God to guide us.

While looking at her drawings,

I literally heard a voice saying

"She needs you. You can help her"

So I did.

And had the great honor of watching

an artist unfurl her rainbow wings.

An amazing blessing for both of us to experience.

Sharing became a Duet of creating

painting after painting.

Together.

So our exhibit is titled:

Duets, Harmony in Color.

Jane it is a great honor to remind you of your wings

and an even greater one

to watch you fly.

It has been pretty darn busy in the Creve Coeur studio!

My dear friend, Jane McDowell and I will be opening an

exciting exhibit at Framations Gallery

in Old St. Charles

We are very excited.

Both of us have been painting madly,

framing madly,

and just plain living madly.

I have to admit it is wonderful to see my work properly framed,

ready to find their forever homes.

So even though the laundry piles up a bit,

and the floors are pretty dusty,

I am filled with happiness!

It's like sending your children off to school for the very first time,

You hope they will get along,

be accepted,

go forth and become what they are meant to become:

Sources of beauty and peace.

I hope you can join us on June 13 from 6-8

for a fun reception.

You are all invited!

Five Studio tips for painters



Sweet surprise
11 X 14 oil
Purchase here

I have been totally overwhelmed with

the lovliest case of Spring Fever.

It caused me to reinvent my studio,

invest in some books on running an art business

and try to get serious about my time and how I spent it.

In contemplating the where and when of nesting as it

relates to being a creative person,

I focused on what I really need as an environment,

an incubater....

a sanctuary.

Artist and teacher Nancy Medina

suggests that artists

"Create a reality you can live in

without any fear"

I took that to heart as I listed the five things I require

for my studio space.

1. Space: that would be space in your house, in your day, in your head and your heart. Robert Genn said that art is the meeting of the heart and mind with certain technical skills. Technical skills can be learned, but there must be a spacious heart connected to the process. Creating art calls for a sense of generosity that can be recognized in both paint and quality.
2. Fresh air !!!! Breathe !!!! Open windows, fans, good ventilation is important no matter what your medium. Oxygen feeds the brain. the brain controls the body and we use our bodies to create art. A few yoga lessons are not a bad idea. I've been doing yoga for over 25 years. Deep, controlled breathing can lead to new perspectives and ideas. There is a yoga mat in my studio.
3. Life begets life.......Plants are a great addition to studio space. Growing things inspires growth. Tending plants can be a centering meditation at the beginning of each painting session. this can create space in your mind (see tip #1).They also make great models. On top of all that, plants absorb toxic fumes and clean the air (see tip #2). I have a few flowering plants that have reminded me time and again of the wonder and inspiration nature provides us.
4. Just say NO! Close the door. I have a cute little sign that can be hung on the door knob that says "Go Away! Leave Me Alone! P.S. I love you." It works. Closing the door is just the beginning. turn off the cell phone and the laptop. Let friends know you are not available. Gift yourself with the power of no and use it often. I had to practice in a mirror. Focus in painting is so important. Say no in your mind to the laundry and the dirty dishes and all the mundane tasks until you have finished your session
5. Use a planner. you can't get where you are going if you don't have a map. Use an app like Asana or Evernote to create the space in time that you need to create. Write down how you spend an average day then search out those precious extra hours. Count in time to read art books, blogs and magazines. Plan time to plan....a great time to do this is at the end of the day so you know what to do when you get up in the morning. Plan your success..whatever that is. Plan your creative time. Write it down. then when someone suggests a lunch date or a coffee meet up you can look at your calendar and say "No! I have plans! ( see tip #4).