A Bird's Eye View

Finished

2012-02-05T13:07:00.000-06:00

Downy Woodpeckers look best on a monotonous background, in my opinion. It accentuates the red patch on the male. The bird is done in watercolor, the tree is mostly colored pencil, with some watercolor accents in the shadows of the tree bark.

It Starts. . .

2011-12-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

I have started receiving applications for 2012 shows. There are a few decisions to be made: try again for the ones that haven't done so well recently hoping that things will pick up, or go in a new direction? Known versus unknown?

Room for One More

2011-12-01T21:18:00.001-06:00

So the art fair season is long over, and I'm filling in some gaps in the bird painting inventory. The Eastern Bluebird is a big favorite, so I'm hoping it sells next year. I had an idea that I would paint it perching on a sumac branch, but though I wasn't sure if bluebirds were ever seen on this tree, I thought the color combination would look good. After some internet research, I learned that bluebirds have an affinity for sumac. So do I.

"Eastern Bluebird & Sumac", Original watercolor by Anne Gilna

And now, it's over (temporarily).

2011-09-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was the last art fair of 2011 on my schedule. It went out with a thud, I have to say. But no more of that. I'll try to create a fall-themed painting before the trees go bare, and then during the long off-season I hope to come up with some more new works. Overall, I'm pleased to have sold some paintings that had hung around longer than they should have. I was proud of them, but for one reason or another, they took a long time to find the right home. I only sold one original botanical painting this season, so I'll probably hold off on producing another botanical work until more are sold. That could change, though, if I am inspired by the beauty of a botanical subject in the near future.

All Birds, All the Time

2011-09-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

I have just finished two new paintings in time for the show this weekend at Art in the Barn: "American Kestrel", Watercolor by Anne Gilna, and "Black-capped Chickadees on a Vine".

Whew!

2011-09-07T21:38:00.000-05:00

The Lake Forest Art Fair on the Square is done- and it was a success! It was an exhausting weekend, but fortunately the weather was fall-like and conducive to shopping. I said goodbye to some of my best paintings, but they're going to a good home. There are now some major gaps in the display, and the next show is coming later this month. I'm working on ideas as I write this. The printing press is rolling tonight.

The Latest Work

2011-08-24T21:52:00.001-05:00

I've painted many hummingbirds, but usually they're seen in flight. This time I felt it deserved a little rest on a hosta stem.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird & Hosta,
Original Watercolor by Anne Gilna

Hot Times at Glenview

2011-08-03T19:10:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've ever been more uncomfortably hot at an art fair that I was last weekend. If I stayed out of the booth, I could find shade, but wouldn't you know it, sometimes people actually wanted to buy something, so I had to go in. It could have been worse, at least 1) There wasn't a drop of rain, and 2) Sales were good. So, though it was exhausting, it's still exhilarating to sell art!

High Maintenance

2011-07-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

As long as it gets a good soaking every day, this hydrangea looks gorgeous. Without the daily dosage, which these days comes from the garden hose, it's a sorry sight.

After a good soaking

Perfect for the Re-Purposed Frame

2011-07-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Though the May warbler wave is long over, I began this painting 2 months ago when they were sweeping through. The oak leaf hydrangea, pictured here, holds on to its dried blooms from the previous year as it's growing new leaves, producing a multi-season effect. The redstart is one of the first warblers I ever observed many years ago and is much easier to identify than most other warblers.

"American Redstart & Oak Leaf Hydrangea", Original Watercolor by Anne Gilna

It Happened!

2011-07-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

In the last post, I presumed that the customer wouldn't bother to return the frame from the painting bought at Racine, and I told him I didn't expect him to return it. Even when I looked at the carton on my front step addressed to Art by Anne Gilna, even when I looked at the sender's address, from a company in Racine, it still didn't occur to me that it was the frame until I opened it. It was an unexpected pleasant surprise, and much appreciated. I plan to reuse it on my next painting.

Thoughts on last weekend

2011-06-16T19:43:00.000-05:00

Yes, it was chilly. Especially Saturday, during which I wore the gloves that permanently reside in my jacket pocket. The tent-like structure over the show area I was in was leak free but I was concerned that some of the mist blowing in overnight would reach the art I left up. That didn't happen. If I show there again, I wouldn't come up Friday night. It's too much driving to make 3 round trips, but I needed to see the place the day before to know what I was working with. I like that it ends at 4 on Sunday, to give the artists time to break down and load the display and get home at a reasonable time.
I was wondering if I would ever sell the Ruby-throated Hummingbird painting done at least 5 years ago, and it finally happened. The buyer didn't like the frame I had put on it, which was its third frame- I liked it, but that's the trouble with framing, someone may not care for what could have been an expensive framing job. He told me he would return it to me in the mail, but I don't think that will happen. Time to paint another Hummer.

Loading Up

2011-06-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

I'm traveling to the Land of Cheese this weekend to the Monument Square Art Fair in Racine, Wisconsin. Chilly temperatures are predicted, though that's not a surprise, it is Wisconsin, after all.

These Are the Garden Photos.

2011-06-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

Though I don't like a cool (cold) rainy spring, it appeals to the plants. They wake up a little bit later, but when they do, it's dramatic.

Squish

2011-05-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

Still waiting for the right opportunity to take garden photos. Yesterday's heavy rain made the ground too soggy, and the typical blooms for this time of year haven't happened yet. Until then, here's a picture of a giant amaryllis that I have that's incongruously blooming now:

Finished!

2011-05-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

Just finished: Charcoal portrait of "Grizzly".

It's In!

2011-05-22T23:21:00.000-05:00

The garden is in! Pots are full, though after over buying last year, I came in a little bit under this year. It's hard to find deer-resistant annuals for the pots. I'm tired of the all-night deer banquet around here. Most of my annuals are not imaginative species. I love the wave petunia! I know, they're big at the big box garden centers, but I like them! Pictures to come. . .

Well.......

2011-05-16T21:01:00.001-05:00

People came to the sale, they really did. The weather was cold, windy, raw, rainy, damp, gloomy, chilly, and any other descriptive words. We sold, but for the most part the sales were for small items, and I don't want to be negative so I'll stop. It was good to see what the other members of the Reed-Turner Artists' Circle were up to. I got some nice plants from the garden club sale, which is an event that I look forward to every year.
Almost finished with the portrait of Grizzly.

2011-05-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to this event - There will be a great selection of plants provided by the Long Grove/Kildeer Garden Club and an equally great selection of botanical art prints, note cards, and other media created by the Reed-Turner Artists' Circle, of which I'm a member. The Nature Center is located in the beautiful Reed-Turner Woodland in Long Grove. Now I know it's spring.

Show Recap

2011-05-02T20:29:00.002-05:00

I'd have to say that attendance and resulting sales at the NSUC show last weekend were less than stellar. The weather was better than it has been lately, which probably keeps people from going to the indoor show. And of course, it's the economy, (I'll try, but fail, to not say "stupid" here). But, I did sell one of my unframed original bird paintings. This was the first time I have shown originals without a frame, just matted and sealed in a clear envelope. So, this could be a trend, or just a random event. We'll see.

I found out from a knowledgeable source that the pumpkin pictured here is called a "Lumina" pumpkin. It is also a chance to add a sample of one of my unframed originals for sale.

It's Almost Showtime

2011-04-21T20:32:00.001-05:00

I'm putting the finishing touches on my preparation for Art2011- the first art fair of the year. It's nice to be in a spring (indoor) show to get started on the season. I think I have enough prints and cards ready. I've prepared some new print images, but the old favorites are back, too.

"Chickadees & Red Twig Dogwood", an all -time favorite.

Pseudo Winter

2011-04-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

Snow Saturday, snow coming tonight. I did put away the down coat, that's what caused it.

Pseudo Summer

2011-04-10T22:43:00.004-05:00

Windy, humid today, a drastic change from previous days. Instant summer. Time to wash the down coat and file it away. Keep the gloves nearby, though, for the end of the week.

Next up, warblers.

Playing Around with the Blog

2011-03-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

So, now I have added some new pages, listed on the left column. I can squeeze so much information into this blog, do I really need a paid website?

A World of Artists

2011-03-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

Through Facebook, I have been in contact with many wonderfully talented artists. The world is full of them! Some of the botanic art is achingly beautiful. It brings joy, and that is good.

On another note, I have been trying to get the slideshow to show all my art in the Photobucket album, but it refuses to do that, and seems to run out of energy on the last page. At that point, the random slideshow begins again. It's not really random, though. The difference is that the shuffled order repeats exactly the same after one loop. Do I need to mess with this or just give up and move on to some other issue? I think I have already answered that question.

Slideshow!

2011-03-10T19:26:00.000-06:00

Somehow I figured out, with a little help from other blogspot users, how to show a slideshow of my bird images on this site. I can't figure out, though, how to show other albums, such as botanical art and portraits in one continuous loop. But since the name of the blog is A Bird's Eye View, I'll just have to settle for the birds.

Another Downy?

2011-03-07T21:31:00.005-06:00

Yes! Just finished, a downy, again. I think the pose is so typical of a downy. It has a kind of tension in its posture. It's not a "relaxed" species. The branch was one of many pieces of oak tree that have been shed on my lawn this winter.

"Downy Woodpecker", Original Watercolor by Anne Gilna, 2011.

Messing With My Mind

2011-02-24T12:36:00.001-06:00

While shoveling heart-attack snow from the driveway this morning, I heard a robin singing.

Finished Portrait

2010-12-12T20:22:00.003-06:00

I just turned over this commissioned portrait to the customer. He seemed very happy- I even got a hug. Not as good as tears, but it still means success. The nice looking one is his niece, the slobbery, wrinkly one is the dog he gave to her but has since died.

My Photobucket Portfolio

2010-12-02T19:03:00.002-06:00

I've added a link (on the left column of this site) to my Photobucket account. It displays most of the work I've done in recent years. You can look at individual albums of bird paintings, botanical paintings, and portrait drawings. Can't hurt to look!

Does Time Fly, Or What?

2010-11-25T19:21:00.002-06:00

A few days ago I received an email inviting me to participate in a 2011 art show. The cycle continues. There's always next year.

2 by 2

2010-11-04T20:50:00.004-05:00

Cedar Waxwings are social birds, so I felt it was necessary to paint more than one bird at a time. I'm leaning toward multiples in my bird paintings lately. Here they look very busy in the crabapple tree.

Just finished: Cedar Waxwings, Original Watercolor by Anne Gilna

Shining Bright

2010-10-12T19:31:00.005-05:00

It's time again for the maple tree in my backyard to produce
its annual display of color. I search the ground for the best
examples, and start painting before they dry up. There are a
few days each October when the tree is at its height of color
and in the afternoon when the sun shines at the right angle
the inside of the house glows with a rosy hue. Then, after a few
memorable days, it passes, until the next year.

My Little Chickadees

2010-09-25T21:37:00.003-05:00

New this fall - more chickadees. The stiff structure and variegated foliage of the zebra grass in my garden provides the right backdrop for the black-capped chickadees. The grass was just about to bloom at the time, but I didn't want the plumes in the painting. I thought they would cause too much visual clutter. For some reason, I don't want to paint just one chickadee. They are too small and social to appear alone.

Screechy and Streaky

2010-09-14T22:07:00.001-05:00

The Owl is finished.

Streaky

2010-08-23T23:04:00.003-05:00

I'm working on a commissioned painting of a screech owl. I've done one of these before, and it's like most birds of prey species, characterized by very streaky and barred feather patterns. Also, because the owl is so fluff-feathered, it can shift its shape from lean to puffball. I want it to look relaxed, so I'll fluff it out a bit. I'm trying to avoid the cartoon-like owl's face with the staring eyes. This is a challenge, and I'll post the finished work soon.

A Cool-Looking Bird

2010-07-16T22:24:00.004-05:00

I think the Kestrel is the best looking bird around. It's relatively easy to paint, for a bird of prey. There's a minimum of streaking (at least on the male) and the basic colors, indigo, black, and burnt siena, are almost, but not quite, right out of the tube.

Here is my latest original watercolor, American Kestrel, by Anne Gilna 2010

July Snapshot

2010-07-11T20:21:00.003-05:00

The latest blooms: Bee Balm, Purple Coneflower, black-eyed Susan, Joe Pye Weed, Balloonflower, Liatris, Russian Sage. Still hanging in there: lady's mantle, yarrow.

Old-Fashioned Roses

2010-06-05T19:40:00.001-05:00

I haven't seen these roses bloom like this in years.

More Art in the Garden

2010-05-29T22:20:00.006-05:00

There is a lot of purple in bloom now, including false indigo (top) and Siberian Iris (below). Other purples are sage (May Night, the purplest sage), garlic chives, allium , phlox (at least that is what I think it is), annual petunias, maybe more but it's dark out now and that's all I remember.
The combination of the sage and the yarrow (right) blooming together at the same time is something I look forward to every spring. Some years there is a greater overlap of bloom, and this is one of them. It is such a visual delight.

The Garden As Art

2010-05-22T18:23:00.003-05:00

After spending a recent day planting 25 pots of annuals (including buying them, filling the pots with a combination of last year's and new potting soil, deciding what plants go in which pots and where to place the pots, adding the plant food, and watering the whole thing when done), I can say that the garden is ready for viewing. I even gave much consideration to the placement of various rocks, concrete ducks, and even a gazing ball. All of these elements put together, combined with the existing perennials and a few new ones bought from a plant sale, remind me of creating a painting. I plan, step back, walk around, look from different angles, give it some thought, go away and come back in a while to check and recheck my design decisions. Of course, unlike a painting, the garden changes constantly. In the course of one day, especially in spring, new blooms appear, old ones fade. Right now, I love my garden.

Redwings and Cattails, Together Again

2010-05-06T17:18:00.004-05:00

There's something right about these two species together in a painting, done before by me and other artists, but Red Wing Blackbirds just go with Cattails. While I was working on the painting, I accidentally knocked over the cattails which were being kept indoors in a vase, and they "exploded" their little fluffy seeds all over everything.

Some Things Never Change, and Shouldn't

2010-04-30T20:07:00.002-05:00

The 41st Annual NSUC Art Fair- a lot like the 40th Annual Art Fair, and previous year's shows, and that's a good thing. Same booth location, almost the same artists (one in my section was different from before, that I could tell), same customers, same tireless and devoted volunteers. Oh, and same food - a very good thing. Attendance was high for an indoor show, partly due to bad weather and helped by free admission. So, an enjoyable weekend.

At last!

2010-04-14T22:03:00.005-05:00

Soon I will be unpacking the paintings, prints, and cards at my first art show of 2010, the 41st annual art fair at the North Shore Unitarian Church, April 24 and 25. It's all indoors, admission is free, there is good art and good food, it's all good.

A Good Year for the Forsythia

2010-04-11T00:03:00.004-05:00

The forsythia in my front yard is very hardy and low maintenance, but its blooms are inconsistent from year to year. Some seasons there are hardly any, some seasons it's gone wild. This is a good-blooming year. With some early warm days and recent rain, things are rolling along.

On schedule

2010-03-07T18:41:00.001-06:00

The red winged blackbirds are staking out their territory, making announcements.

They just know.

2010-02-25T13:57:00.005-06:00

Somewhere, not far in the distance, I heard a cardinal singing.

Details, details

2010-01-22T22:36:00.004-06:00

For a few reasons, I'm not crazy about birds' feet. Not that they smell or anything, but they're scaly, skinny, generally not too attractive, and they're hard to figure out how to draw and paint. I've known for a while that the back toe on the feet of most perching birds is the equivalent of our big toe, and it's not jointed, so it doesn't wrap around a perch like the others do. What I found out today is that the other toes have different amounts of joints, and I've been studying diagrams to help me do the best job of making them look accurate. Who wants to lose a sale because a knowledgeable and particular customer says, "I'm not going to buy that painting because you should know that the third digit has three bones, and I only see two." That's not highly likely to happen, I know. However, I can tell when looking at another artist's work if they have really observed and are educated about their subject. Once, a bird artist I met at a show, a wood carver, pointed out to me that he could tell I knew my subject because my bird's back toe was straight, not bent. Believe it or not, I was flattered by that comment.

I found this very simple yet very helpful drawing from a Google search for bird foot anatomy. It was done by an artist named Jack Laws. I hope I have given him enough credit for this drawing!

Doldrums

2009-12-21T18:31:00.000-06:00

That about says it- doldrums.

Back by Popular Demand. . .

2009-11-14T19:24:00.002-06:00

For some reason, the Downy Woodpecker is my most- sold bird subject. This is my latest version of the Downy, perched on an oak branch in October. It's inspired by a large tree in my front yard that is frequently visited by downys (downies?) as well as other bird species. Of course, you're not supposed to have large trees so close to the house, but the tree was here before the house was. It sheds leaves, branches, acorns, dead bugs and live squirrels on the roof. Those are the negatives, but it creates a shady environment for the front yard, which is a positive.

Just About Everything

2009-11-05T18:49:00.003-06:00

If you'd like to take a look at what I've been drawing and painting for the last several years, go to: www.photobucket.com/artbyannegilna. Click on the various "tags" on the left side of the page.

Fire in the Sky

2009-10-11T23:01:00.003-05:00

It's time for the annual show in the back yard. For a few days each October this maple tree absolutely glows. The photos don't do it justice, but these are my best efforts.

What Happened?

2009-10-09T22:18:00.001-05:00

Time to pick the moths and spiders off the aloe vera plant and bring it inside. It seems like a minute ago I was feeling the warm sun.

End of 2009

2009-09-30T21:23:00.002-05:00

The art fair season is now over, just in time for the weather to turn chilly and furnace-worthy. I'm hoping to catch up on some new paintings. I have all kinds of ideas, let's see what materializes.

Couple of Cardinals

2009-09-23T20:42:00.002-05:00

I've bravely finished a new painting of two cardinals, following my recent trend of painting multiple birds in one picture. Cardinals are often seen in pairs, and having done many works of either male or female cardinals, I thought it was time to show them interacting. He seems to be taking some interest in her, she looks unimpressed.

Also, there is a small tree in my back yard that is in the process of changing color. I don't know what kind of tree it is, but the leaves were beautiful. I'm always looking for unusually colored foliage; this conceals my impatience with trying make green leaves look the way they should.

Here it is:

It's Good to Be Back on the Square

2009-09-08T21:15:00.003-05:00

After a 2 year absence, I had the pleasure to be back in the Art Fair on the Square show in downtown Lake Forest. The weather was good, the crowd was good, and I was selling some art. The negatives: yellowjackets (they like the same foods that people do) and the traffic situation at tear down. When you have a bunch of tired, cranky artists and not enough organization in a small space, things can get unpleasant.
This was my last outdoor show of the year. At the end of this month, I'll be in a barn again. By then, I'll have at least one new painting done.

Making the most of scraps: My latest painting

2009-08-26T20:34:00.002-05:00

I've just finished this watercolor of 3 chickadees on a crabapple tree. This is the first time I've shown three birds in one painting, and the first time I've done a painting in this kind of proportion - very vertical. This was inspired by two things: attempting to experiment with different approaches to birds and botanical paintings, and not wanting to let a good scrap of paper go to waste. I like the scroll-like appearance of the design. I'll probably use a wider, antiqued frame to add balance to the narrow design.

Not a bad weekend. And an award.

2009-07-28T20:31:00.003-05:00

The Glenview Art Fair turned out well. The weather was absolutely terrific. A very good crowd, and as expected, sales weren't fabulous, but all things considered, okay. Art fairs are a mixture of anticipation, dread, exhaustion, anxiety, exhiliration, heavy lifting, dehydration, disappointment and thrill. Those terms are listed in no particular order, but the overall sentiment is positive, or else I wouldn't keep signing up for more. Lately, I've been receiving more awards (Merit Award for this one) and it might have something to do with better framing. There is nothing that enhances original art or a reproduction like good quality framing.
My framed prints are gaining popularity. All you have to do is hang it - instant art!

Deep Purple

2009-07-10T21:04:00.003-05:00

This morning glory is the most intensely purple flower I've ever grown. Two years ago I bought three potted plants at a Whole Foods for a bargain price. Yes, a bargain at Whole Foods. I had no idea that this variety would be a vigorous re-seeder. It pops up in gravel paths, lawn, and other gardens on the property. This doesn't bother me, as the new shoots are easily pulled. These blooms are stunning. If you'd like a few, there's plenty to go around.

I'd considering doing a painting of them, but I don't think I can match the color.

"A Garden Party"

2009-07-07T23:22:00.003-05:00

As I may have mentioned already, I had to miss the opening of the Garden Party exhibit at The Art Center in Highland Park due to my extreme fear of violent weather. Afterwards, though, I went to view the show on a day without the threat of death by rain. There was much terrific art, and I have to say without a doubt that our Reed-Turner group produced the best botanical art in the show.
Credit goes to The Art Center for quickly responding to my request to compensate me for damaging one of my frames during setup.

At Last, Silence

2009-06-29T20:53:00.003-05:00

Finally, the stuff that was sprayed from low-flying helicopters to control the gypsy moth plague seems to have taken effect. After munching and crunching the oak trees while crawling over buildings and people, they are dying in large numbers. It looks like most of the caterpillars won't turn into moths after all. It made for an unpleasant experience to be outside, but like the aliens in War of the Worlds, they are stopped. These critters, along with the emerald ash borer and japanese beetle, along with native species such as deer, are more challenging to a gardener than ever before.

The Latest.

2009-06-06T21:25:00.002-05:00

This painting is just finished, "Caladium", a botanical watercolor. I haven't painted a purely botanical work in a long time, possibly years. Usually there's a bird or insect included but this is purely plant. I've painted this plant before, and added them to my garden, but until now they've never flowered. This one is flowering profusely, and it's fascinating. I learned that they are a member of the arum family, like the jack-in-the-pulpit, and the flower has a scent reminiscent of wintergreen- like the Lifesavers!

Here it is:

Inspiration

2009-06-04T20:44:00.003-05:00

This is a recent photo of one of my gardens. The Siberian and Bearded Irises are both in bloom. The persistent cool weather is garden-friendly. The current plague of gypsy moth larvae is not. The trees are crackling with the sound of their munching, and they are crawling over buildings and dropping out of the trees onto defenseless humans below. Eeeewww.

Making the Best of It.

2009-06-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

Having to take some unpaid time off from work has had a benefit. I had a chance to meet with the Reed-Turner Botanical Artists for the first time in well over a year to discuss our group's issues and actually draw in the field. It really was in a field, a prairie, and I had a chance to learn more about the prairie wildflowers, all while swatting mosquitoes. (Couldn't resist adding a complaint).

A Garden Party

2009-06-03T22:50:00.002-05:00

I don't enter many gallery shows, but this one is tailor-made! "Garden Party" will feature garden-related art, and I'll be showing 3 original pieces: the Robin and Magnolia painting seen in the last entry, the Goldfinch and Coneflower, and the Nasturtium and Magicicada, both shown in earlier posts on this blog. Opening reception June 19, show will end July 16.

The Latest.

2009-05-18T21:32:00.004-05:00

I try to cover all 4 seasons my paintings - Hmmm . . . can you guess which season this one is? Spring hasn't come easy this year but this painting is my way of celebrating its arrival.

"Sign of Spring", Robin and Magnolia, Original Watercolor by Anne Gilna

The Art and Plant Sale

2009-05-18T18:17:00.001-05:00

It was good to get together with the Reed-Turner Botanical Artists, though art sales were slow. It just was. The artists are very talented, and we're keeping keeping on.

A Positive Sign

2009-05-03T22:56:00.002-05:00

The NSUC show went really well. Every year I make an appearance to set up for this show, greeting the same volunteers, occupying the same booth space, and even seeing many of the same customers. Most of the same artists are there. It's very reassuring, yet strange that an entire year passes in between a show, and little changes from one to the next. Attendance was noticeably higher, in part due to bad weather (the opposite of an outdoor show) and free admission.

Back to the printer issue. It turns out that a new print head, again, was needed. We're giving it another try. It's working great presently, though by deleting and reinstalling the printer driver, the color adjustments I'd made were lost, and images looked too intensely colored, and generally off. I'm making the corrections, recalling the general tendency of the program to overdo it regarding saturation.

It Continues.

2009-04-09T21:15:00.003-05:00

After producing several good prints, the miserable lines reappeared, ruining a print. Though one of the cartridges was low, I decided to redo the print head alignment. While waiting for one of the test sheets to print, the machine just stopped dead and shut down. It wouldn't restart. Nothing. I waited. I changed the (presumably) empty cartridge. Still nothing.
I looked into getting the newer comparable model, which would cost the same as this one did years ago. I'm not giving up on this one though, I have it on good advice that a new print head assembly would cure the problem, guaranteed.
Though it doesn't resemble a yellow citrus fruit, I think I have a lemon printer.

The Continuing Saga of the Epson Stylus 2200

2009-03-31T23:40:00.002-05:00

For the last 3 or 4 years, I have been producing my own high quality reproductions of my original work using an Epson Stylus 2200 printer. It produces good, sharp images, and the media and ink cartridges are reasonably priced. It has been fun to create prints as they are needed, and over time I have learned which images are most likely to sell, and which ones are more likely to stick around for a while.
Last September, one particular print came out of the machine showing some unusual marks, sort of like a faint bar code, showing each of the 7 colors, at random places within the print area, but not the result of ink on the rollers, and not responding to repeated print head cleanings.
The repair center that had replaced the print head in the past wasn't familiar with the problem, but didn't encourage repairing the machine again, since it's now obsolete. I checked out the newer models, but none seemed to have the familiar, simpler features I'd grown accustomed to.
So, I took my printing business to Blueraven Creative, and was very satisfied with the results of the work. However, I still missed producing my own prints, and the flexibility of creating prints whenever I wanted, as few or as many as I wanted.
I contacted the repair center again, and the technician suggested it may be a software issue. I uninstalled the program, and eliminated all traces of the printer from the registry. Then I downloaded the driver from the Epson website onto another computer first, and ran a test sheet. It came out clean, without the strange line pattern. Encouraged, I downloaded the software on my computer, and the test sheet again came out clean. I ran 2 prints successfully, and on the third try, the lines reappeared. This was frustrating, to say the least.
Though the machine is long out of warranty, I felt that I had nothing to lose to contact Epson support online. I described the problem, and their solution was to try realigning the print head, something I hadn't thought of. It took some time, paper, and a magnifying glass, but the realignment happened, and I ran several prints successfully. No strange lines.
This takes us to the present day. I hope this saga does not continue. . .

Serendipity

2009-03-14T15:30:00.002-05:00

I've just attended the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association conference, as a vendor. The conference took place over 4 days, though I was able to sell for only one of the days. It was an unexpected find. The attendees were appreciative of my work in watercolor, as well as my portraits. I spent a lot of time discussing my bird knowledge, and I appreciate the dedication the rehabilitators have to their work. It turned out to be a productive day! I'd like to participate next year, but that will take place in Seattle - I may not be ready for that transportation adventure. We'll see.
Meanwhile, I'm giving serious thought to some springtime bird and botanical paintings.

Light and Shadow

2009-01-28T22:34:00.007-06:00

One of the most difficult, yet essential, aspects of painting any subject is to create a contrast between light and dark. I have always struggled with achieving this effect, especially when painting birds or botanicals. Sometimes the light source isn't very distinct and I have to invent one, or I am too cautious with the dark areas, and don't want the painting to look overworked or muddy.

Now, I think I've made some progress in this area, with my latest watercolor, Kestrel. The light is cast strongly from the right side, defining the form. Another notable thing about this painting is that the bird is looking straight at us, creating more shadow away from the light. Here it is:

I no longer like metal.

2009-01-14T20:50:00.002-06:00

Frames, that is. For years, I framed all originals and prints in aluminum frames. The idea was that the thin metal frames were secondary to the detail of the paintings and would not detract from the subjects. Okay, they were really cheap. Now, after listening to advice from other artists and having access to quality wood frames through my workplace, I have gradually reframed almost all of my art in attractive wood. What a difference! If you come to one of my shows you'll see what I mean.

The Making of a Portrait

2009-01-13T22:14:00.013-06:00

Most of my portraits begin as a snapshot, supplied by the customer. In this case, she felt this photo best demonstrated the pet's personality. It's unusual to include inanimate objects in a portrait, especially vibrant blue purses, but it's crucial in this case. We didn't want to show all of the other extraneous items, though, and I eliminated them from the completed portrait. I offered to draw the portrait in graphite instead of colored pencil, but she felt that the bright colors enhanced the cat's mischievous personality. Here are before and after pictures:

My goal was to keep the visual clutter to a minimum while still preserving the essence of the picture - a moment in time when the cat was in the bag.

Staying Productive

2009-01-09T22:16:00.004-06:00

I've just finished another painting, actually a combination of painting and drawing. I'm still working on creative ways to blend watercolor and graphite. This latest work does that, I hope. Over the years I've done many goldfinches and coneflowers, in many combinations, and this is a new variation on that theme. I wanted to depict the coneflower in different phases of growth, typical of botanical art, but I admit that painting the seedheads gets a little too picky for me. So, by adding graphite instead of paint in that area, I can still be accurate without getting bogged down in the details. Here it is:

Goldfinch and Purple Coneflower by Anne Gilna

Portraits, too.

2008-12-23T21:37:00.004-06:00

Until now, this blog has been concerned with my watercolor bird and botanical art, but now I'd like to show an example of my work in portraits. I have just finished this colored pencil drawing of a wheaten terrier (called "Reilly", by the way). I worked from the customer's photos, which is the usual situation. She e-mailed me four images, and told me which was her favorite. Since that particular image was somewhat out of focus, the other images helped to fill in the blanks, so to speak. Using a combination of the images provided, I was able to create a completed portrait of Reilly showing him looking his best. The customer was delighted, I might add.

I Just Can't Stop Painting Downys

2008-11-24T20:36:00.006-06:00

Here is my latest watercolor, inspired by the deep red sumac berries in fall, and the ubiquitous downy woodpecker. I enjoy painting fall and winter scenes, because I admit that though I love botanical art, I prefer not to paint green leaves. It seems contradictory, but a lot of green gets, well, tedious. The reds and browns are more appealing to me, and don't compete with the bird either. Here is a preview:

It Doesn't Take A Lot. . .

2008-10-03T21:06:00.002-05:00

So, I got a voice mail from a customer from Art in the Barn who bought the "Cardinal and False Indigo" painting. She called to let me know how much she loves the painting, how good it looks in her home, and that she appreciates my art. This keeps me going! Thank you , Renee, for thanking me. I'll do some more painting in the off season.

End of Shows

2008-09-28T20:51:00.002-05:00

The 2008 art show season ended today, on a positive note. I haven't been commenting lately on this blog, because, well, I hadn't had much to say that wouldn't sound negative. It's been generally a negative year. Fine art just hasn't been a priority for most people lately.

The Art in the Barn show, which was this weekend, was extremely well attended, but most of us felt that customers were not confident in spending much. My sales were better than the other 2008 shows, though. All that aside, I was in the "upper barn", which really is a barn, minus livestock, but with many residual barnlike characteristics. It was good to be inside (though the weather outside was good this year), but there was a definite lack of natural light. More lamps and extension cords will be necessary next time. I enjoyed the company of my neighbors.

What about next year? It remains to be seen. . .

Best In Show!

2008-07-29T07:49:00.002-05:00

Yep, my first ever Best In Show award! What an honor it was to be selected by the committee to be the best of 114 artists at the Glenview Art League show last weekend. I'm always thrilled to get an award of any kind, but this was even better.
We had excellent weather, and it was well attended as it always has been. The sales weren't so special, but it has been a trend this year, and I'll have to wait it out.

I Can't Believe It's Been Over Three Months. . .

2008-07-08T21:57:00.004-05:00

At last I have a new entry in this blog. The NSUC show was fun, but sales were not too great. In May, the Reed-Turner Botanical Artists held their show at the annual plant sale, with excellent results, with more members having a chance to produce and sell digital reproductions of their work. It was an example of finding a "target audience" for our work, plant lovers, or course.

My next art show, in an abbreviated schedule for 2008, will be the Glenview show on July 26 and 27.

Until then, after much delay, I am revealing my latest original watercolor, shown above.

It's called Cardinal and False Indigo, begun last winter and finally getting its finishing touches a few days ago. It's framed more elaborately than most of my paintings, and I feel it makes a significant statement! I'll be displaying it at my next show.

The Demo

2008-03-27T08:51:00.003-05:00

Recently, I gave a demo to an art league on how to draw pet portraits using colored pencil. I'm not used to drawing in front of an audience, especially other artists, while keeping up a running commentary. In addition, I had to actually produce something attractive and informative in a short time! It was easier than I thought it would be, and I hope the 20 or so attendees took something away from the experience. I drew (pun, get it?) on my lessons from long ago on how to produce a three-dimensional effect using form, shadow, overlapping lines, etc. I stressed the importance of knowing the correct anatomy of the subject, while constantly reminding oneself to keep superficial details secondary to the overall form. I'd like the opportunity to try this again. Now, however, I'm stuck with a partially-drawn portrait of Charger.

The Reed-Turner Group Show- We Rocked

2008-02-16T22:50:00.002-06:00

What could be better- a beautiful show with an official opening reception: food, wine, a presentation by a botanist, lots of guests, press coverage, and even some sales! We're proud of our work, and it's gratifying to have others appreciate it. The artwork will be there for a while, until March 13, so why not take a look?

This show will be special!

2008-01-24T11:43:00.000-06:00

Our botanical artists' group is preparing for the show opening on Feburary 3. I'm proud to have one of my paintings on the promotional postcard. There is so much artistic talent in this group!

The Dead of Winter

2008-01-13T11:32:00.000-06:00

I'm doing some re-framing of some original art in preparation for the ASBA show, and because I've finally accepted that good framing makes a definite difference in the appearance of artwork. It also helps that I work at a custom framing company, and have access to excellent materials, especially the $1.00/ft discount specials. The old reliable metal frames just don't do justice to original art, so I'm making the transition this winter. Time to get the printer ready, too.

With a whimper

2007-10-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

What if they gave an art fair and nobody came? You'd have Arts and Riverwoods. Why is it the show with the highest booth fee had the fewest visitors? I'll refrain from analyzing this and other questions in this space. The show organizers were tireless and the committee may have raised a lot of money from the Preview Night, but we artists were lonely standing at our booths listening to the blaring PA system that night. Most of the rest of the weekend, there were more vendors than customers in the big tent. I'll stop now.

The official art fair season is over for me. I've decided not to pursue the "Holiday" shows. They're mostly for gifts, decorative or practical, and most shoppers aren't looking for fine art. However, if you're interested, you know where to find me!

Student Show

2007-09-24T20:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations on the fine work displayed by the artists at the Chicago Botanic Garden! I am inspired by your dedication to representing botanical subjects. Many of your works made some not- so- beautiful plants have a definite beauty to them.

A Really Big Show

2007-09-17T11:48:00.000-05:00

The Reed Turner Botanical Artists (a group of which I'm a member) are planning to hold a group show at Brushwood, at Ryerson Forest Preserve, in February and March of 2008. It's the same place I held my exhibit in April. Since there are at least 10 of us who plan to participate, we'll have the entire building to hang our work. An opening reception is planned as well. We can dress up, hold wine goblets, and discuss various arty subjects. We will also have a group exhibit at the Ela Library in July. I'm already looking forward to these shows. After Arts and Riverwoods next month, the paintings otherwise would be stashed in their containers for 6 months.

Six Down, One to Go

2007-09-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

Here's the post- Wilmette Arts Festival report: The weather was ideal, the crowds were smaller than I would have liked, the location was good, and the Wilmette Arts Guild, who organized the event, were tireless. They are generous, too. I didn't win an award, but the dollar amounts of the awards are not small! Maybe next time!

I'm assuming that the community wasn't yet aware of the new location and time of year. Being in a visible commercial area has potential, though it seemed that there was an invisible barrier between the Saturday morning farmer's market (very popular and well-established event) and our show. Produce shopping and art shopping are not necessarily compatible, I guess.

All in all, I enjoyed the weekend, though sales could have been better. It's a relief to setup and take down in cool weather for a change. Oh, and a certain coffee chain has just moved into the vicinity, always convenient!

All's Well That Ends Well

2007-09-03T22:36:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of reorganizing my stuff after the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Artisan Guild show, as I do after every show. Here's how it went: NO RAIN!!!! Besides that fact, I enjoyed it, and had my best sales of the season so far. We were very close geographically to the Deer Path show, which confused some customers, but allowed my regular customers to find me when they couldn't find me at the other show. This happened a number of times, though I tried to make it clear in my mass e-blast, many people either don't get my e-mails, or just forgot.

I do believe our much smaller group siphoned off a small bit of sales from the very well-known (and quite excellent) Deer Path show. At first, I was still annoyed that I wasn't in it, especially since I was informed that there was a space available for me there a few days before the show, but I declined the offer due to having made the commitment to the Artisan Guild earlier. On Sunday, though the weather was great, the crowds were small, and it was discouraging. Monday, also with perfect weather, brought more people, many of whom were existing customers, and more sales.

We had live music, which was very enjoyable and conducive to enjoying the art, and a food vendor. I believe they helped attract attention to our location. The organizers were diligent and welcoming. All in all, like every show, it was exhausting, but, unlike every show, I feel this was a worthwhile experience!

Nobody Puts AG on the Wait List

2007-08-14T18:40:00.000-05:00

Well, maybe they do. But, if one show isn't convinced it wants me, another one does. I've accepted an invitation to exhibit at the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Artisan Guild art show, only one block away from the square. Just go north, to the Lake Forest Bank. I'll notify all of my regular customers, occasional customers, and everyone else on my e-mail and snail mail lists of the slight change in location. This show has been organized by some very dedicated people, I'm looking forward to participating.

The heavy lifter and I visited the Art in the Park show in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin last weekend. It has been many years since I have been to Lake Geneva, and I was favorably impressed with the town. It doesn't have that ticky-tacky look some resort towns have. The lake, parks, and businesses look clean. Everyone looked happy and relaxed.

Oh, and the art show. I knew many of the artists from the local shows. All that I spoke with were happy with their sales! This show may have potential for me. Something to consider in the future.

2007-08-06T15:40:00.000-05:00

Best In Category!

I was awarded first place in watercolor at the Evanston Lake Shore art fair, one of the many good things about last weekend. Other positive things:

I sold one of my favorite paintings, 'Gold and Silver' a goldfinch perched on silverfeather grass.

Though it was hot and humid Sunday, Saturday was cooler than average and cloudy. Also, the heavy rain was only at night. By the way, the Trimline was watertight during a night's worth of rain. I will never overcome my fixation on weather.

My neighbors were nice. That's rarely a problem, but our booths were shoulder to shoulder, and we made the best of it.

The prints sold well, cards did okay, too.

Not positive things:

The volunteers never actually volunteered when I needed a break. After one came around early to offer assistance if needed, I never saw him or any others again.

Biting flies.

I got a parking ticket. It's Evanston.

Since the booths were in close contact during many hours of rain, mildew formed on the top and sides, which I will battle with Windex.

Good weather at Glenview

2007-07-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Glenview art fair went well! Both days had good weather - cloudy with no rain the first day, completely clear but not too hot the second day. The setup of the Trimline and mesh panels was time consuming, but the finished look is a great improvement. Print and notecard sales were good, and I saw a lot of repeat customers.

Next weekend, Evanston Lake Shore. . . I'm hearing reports of 90s predicted ( am I paranoid about weather, or what?) but of course, nothing I can do about it now, or then, for that matter.

I've been on the wait list for the Deer Path show, and they won't give me any clue about my position on the list. There's not much chance I'm going to be in that show, but there may be an alternative. More on that later.

Mesh Panels, Galleries, Weather

2007-07-26T23:23:00.000-05:00

The mesh panels are here. Tomorrow is setup at Glenview. I'm optimistic that we can assemble the Trimline and panels easily with far less shlepping than before. The weather forecast for this weekend is excellent!
I met with the owners of the Woodland Gallery in Long Grove today. We plan to show some of my work, most likely prints, later this year.

Time for an upgrade

2007-07-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

The heavy lifter has decided that we must find an alternative to the 2' x 6' grid panels we've been using to display my paintings. Since I have upgraded my booth from the rain-catching EZ-Up to the dome-topped Trimline, the grids don't attach as well to the interior, and on top of that, they look haphazard and weigh a ton. Today I ordered the Mesh Panels from Flourish Co. These panels attach to the booth interior and provide a neat and orderly background for my art. Their website is: http://www.flourish.com/. Best of all, they're lightweight and portable. Anything to make set-up and take down easier.

Here is a picture of the Mesh Panels. That's not my artwork in the picture!

Being Judgmental

2007-07-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Today I was an awards judge for the Lincolnshire Art Festival, along with two other artist/judges. We were to grade all exhibitors, 180 of them, based upon several criteria. After all of us were done, we met to total the points, and awards were to be given to the highest scores in 6 categories. The weather was hot and sunny, and the judging process took me close to 5 hours to complete. I talked to most of the artists, many of whom I knew from shows that we had been in together, and though it was time consuming, it helped me to learn much more about their work.

Here's what I learned in the process:

The quality of the art in this show was superb.

The photography was the hardest to judge, as I know very little about the process, but I was greatly impressed by the artistry and technical skills required to be a good photographer.

Most of the artists are so devoted to their work that they cannot be doing anything else.

My favorites were the creations that were previously unknown to me.

It doesn't hurt a bit to talk up the judges, it's like making a sale. I must learn to do this when I am being judged as well.

My booth display could use some more curb appeal. This entry formerly contained the word "pizzazz", which needed to be changed. I just changed it.

Drawing in the garden

2007-07-01T17:30:00.000-05:00

Our meeting of the Reed Turner Botanical Artists group was Saturday. We sat in a beautiful wildflower garden on the property of Ms. Reed Turner. Butterflies and dragonflies were as abundant as the sunshine. Until then, I had always taken a cutting of the plant I wanted to paint, set it up at my desk, and hurried to sketch it before it changed. When drawing from nature, it was hard not to be distracted by, well, all of the natural distractions. All in all, it was a good first experience.

We also discussed the possibility of having a pre-holiday sale of our work at the nature center. I'm all for it, as that may be my only chance of displaying any work in the off-season. We will need publicity to draw potential buyers of nature artwork to the center. We'll continue to discuss this, I hope.

Link to Reed Turner Woodland website:
Long Grove Park District: Reed Turner

My latest work

2007-06-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

I have just completed a new watercolor/graphite work, "Nasturtium and Magicicada, 2007". I have tried in the past to combine watercolor and graphite in a botanical, and have not been satisfied with the result. I have seen this done successfully by other artists, but when I tried it, it was hard to incorporate the pencil into the painting. Now, I'm happy with the final product. Here it is:

Second Place in Painting!

2007-06-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

Though the weather was hot and sales were off, I was delighted to receive the second place award in the painting division at the Hinsdale Art Festival last weekend. My booth location was shady but overall, the heat and humidity were not conducive to buying much artwork, at least in my case. I do plan to return next year to give it another try. Here's something new: I have been asked to give a demo on drawing pet portraits at an art league in the area. This is a good opportunity to go in a new direction- teaching art to other artists. I have learned a lot this way, in informal groups. More on this in the future.

magicicadas

2007-06-16T20:23:00.000-05:00

This is in the wrong order, but this one is fully mature.

This is how a cicada looks after emerging from its shell, but before it's fully mature.
A cicada and its shed exoskeleton.

In the process of becoming an adult.

I'm now able to upload photos, so here are some pictures I took of the 17-year cicadas in various stages of growth. They are now nearing the end of their life cycles, but are as noisy as ever, though many of the dead ones are littering the ground. Though they can be annoying they are a remarkable phenomenon and it's kind of difficult to think of what may be happening in the world 17 years from now.