End of 2009

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

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

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

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.

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

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"

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.