Artistic Harmonies

Middletown Arts Center: New Oil Painting Class

2011-11-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

Middletown Arts Center: New Oil Painting Class: Sign Up For Our NEW Oil Painting Class with Linda Riesenberg Fisler and receive the following: --a free painting apron --a sample of th...

New Joint Venture with Kevin Macpherson

2010-07-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share with everyone the press release that went out this week.
In the 3 days after this announcement hit the press, we've had over a 1000 visitors to the site and new members sign up for both Aspire and Prosper memberships. The in-depth study has started to receive application! It's been a great week!

Subject: Kevin Macpherson Launches Artist Mentors Online!
AMO Provides Mentoring to Improve Your Career

Kevin and Wanda Macpherson announced today that he is launching a joint venture with Linda and Tom Fisler that provides access to a wealth of information and services that specialize in the training, personal coaching and mentoring of artists who wish to improve their art and business skills. This venture is Internet based and can reach anyone with Internet access and a passion to improve their art career.

Artist Mentors Online (http://www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com) will be launched July 1, 2010 and is designed with various levels of membership.

"With 30 years of experience to offer, I enjoy sharing the art spirit especially to committed, passionate artists. From the comfort of their home or from anywhere in the world, AMO's Internet based courses are more interactive than a book and conveniently provides information when and where the artist needs it." Kevin Macpherson says.

The AMO website features self study to highly intense and interactive participation, guest contributors, resource library and experts in the art field offering advice to benefit its members.

"AMO will help artists better represent themselves and their work. I look forward to interacting with artists and unlocking the potential that is in everyone to succeed." Linda Fisler added, "Artist Mentors Online will be a very helpful resource for aspiring artists."

The site's slogan is "AMO to improve your art career".

To join Artist Mentors Online, go to www.ArtistMentorsOnline.com.

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Trip to Las Vegas Top Ten Funniest Things...(in Letterman style)

2010-01-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Las Vegas and thought I'd post (in the David Letterman style) the top ten funniest things I heard, saw or said myself while I was there. Hope it provides a laugh or two. So...here we go...

Number 10: I'm wondering if everyone is deaf in Las Vegas.

Number 9: I'm wondering why I kept getting handed the "Girls! Girls! Girls!" cards? Where were the "Guys! Guys! Guys!" people?

Number 8: Heard at every casino by every loser...(including me) "Guess I should have stopped while I was ahead." This was followed by "Hindsight is 20/20."

Number 7: "Did you win?" asked one husband. "Do you see my a@@?" replied the wife.."I lost it."

Number 6: "It's only one mile down the Strip..it shouldn't be more than $6.60." We said as we got into the taxi. This was based on the rates on the door of the cab. $15.00 later we were at the hotel. The tune "Round About" comes to mind.

Number 5: Guess drivers don't understand the concept of right on red after stop. This was quickly learned after slaming the hood of the car and shouting "I'm walking here!"

Number 4: When I was being solicited by a guy to see the Holly Madison "Peepshow", I replied with.."Honey...mine are real."

Number 3: While standing waiting for the elevator at the hotel, one woman asked her male companion, "Does this go up and down?" (ok-I did see Bette Midler and she rubbed off on me..)

Number 2: I so wanted my picture taken under the "Rent Me" sign, but Tom was laughing too hard."

Number 1: While standing 300 feet about the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, a woman asked this..."Are there really fish in that river?"

ba-da-bing....

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

So last night I was watching George C. Scott's "Scrooge" and naturally, I started to think back over the year. Like most, I don't like to think of the negative things, but they sometimes are so much easier to recall. Maybe because of the pain and hopefully growth that accompanies any difficult situation. And like most people, I'd rather focus on the positive things that have occurred over the past year. I'd like to take a moment to review these here in the blog, hopefully to provide inspiration and hopefully to make the day a bit merrier before heading down to my studio to paint.

January-May of 2009 was mostly spent on preparing for the "Reflections On A Pond" exhibition at the Middletown Arts Center. I'm very proud of this accomplishment this year and that probably could go without saying. So many people were involved in making this a true success--from our sponsors to the staff and volunteers at MAC to the patrons/artists who enjoyed the 3 day Opening weekend to Kevin and Wanda Macpherson. All were a part of the wonderful positive energy and without them it would not have been what it was. Not only successful in helping us all reach above the usual (whether in our painting or our day to day tasks) it put heads in beds (as a large number of participants were from out of town) and was great exposure for the Middletown Arts Center. My thanks and gratitude to all those who supported my dream of bringing Kevin and his work here to Middletown! Also, thank you to the Board of Governors at the Middletown Arts Center for giving me the "Award of the Year" for this accomplishment as well.

June began the work of cultivating the success of the exhibit into finding another venue to exhibit "Reflections On A Pond" which included forming a marketing plan and then working on the supporting material. One of these materials lead us to working with another good friend, Wayne Johnson. And if you visit the Reflections website you can listen to one of the new marketing ideas. The idea of music to accompany the collection of paintings was initially to create one song that would accompany the montage that we are pulling together for another marketing tool--still in development. It has since grown to many compositions as Wayne has been so inspired by Kevin's work. More details to come as we start to release these tools out to the public. Needless to say I'm very thankful for the work ahead. The website is visited by over 300 people a month and continues to educate fans and friends on the collection.

Shortly following June was the request to exhibit Reflections On A Pond at the Salmagundi Club in New York City (Greenwich Village to be exact). The Salmagundi Club is the oldest art club in the United States, followed by the Cincinnati Art Club (the second oldest Art Club in the USA). It's many prestigious former and existing members present quite an honor for Kevin and Wanda. This exhibition is jammed packed with events including a painting demonstration, weekend workshop and a presentation by Kevin. Also, Kevin will be exhibiting in the Patron's Gallery new work entitled "Portrait of China". These works were created from a painting trip to China that Kevin and Wanda took in Sept. 2009. If you find yourself in NYC in February, please make sure you stop in or join us for an event. This opportunity has kept me busy with PR and agreements and all the details that any event brings. It's shaping up as another fantastic opportunity and I've enjoyed meeting new people and working with everyone involved in this effort!

Work always continues on the "What's next for Reflections" and that work is in high gear and will shift into an even higher gear in January as materials for this are finished and sent out. So, stay tuned!

On my painting experiences this year, I spent a week or so with Kevin and Wanda at his Taos painting workshop where not only was Kevin's instruction and guidance given so generously, but where I met like spirits whose love and passion for painting was so evident and abundant. The week starts out with you painting at the pond, the very subject of the series, as you get the jitters of being there and getting that one painting done out of your system. Then you gather in Kevin's studio (and a gorgeous place it is!) to listen to Kevin's insight on painting, the first of many lessons to be learned and practiced during your week. In the tradition of looking over the past year, I remember returning from my first year workshop totally depressed and wondering if I'd ever get what Kevin was trying to teach me. I could have given up, but I didn't. I wanted to return this year with a determination to do something right! Comparing 2008's results with the 2009's results, I can see such a difference in how I'm painting. At this time, it warms my heart to see this progress and refreshes my commitment to the goals that I'm setting for 2010.

The months that followed the June workshop have been full of hard work and critiques. And I'm happy with the progress. There is more work to be done and I look forward to the next steps on road of improving, continually improving, my work.

I'm thankful to my friend, Steve and Marianne, who allowed me to paint at their home this past year. I'll be there again in the Spring, preparing for yet another Taos Workshop adventure. Goals have been set for what I want to accomplish in the year to come. Without this wonderful location, complete with at pond and gardens, my progress would not be where it is today.

I'm also thankful to all my friends and family, who are probably tired of hearing me talk about art. I appreciate your patience with me. I know I have a one track mind, but hopefully you can enjoy the journey with me as well as my artwork!

I spent some time this year teaching Customer Service to young adults and I'm hopeful that the skills that were taught in these sessions have left a positive mark on the students that I've taught. As I say in the training sessions, these skills are life skills and every encounter whether with family, friends or strangers is a customer service encounter. This training goes beyond just a retail type of customer service but at the values of being and giving respect(ed) and importance, being and making one feel valued and welcomed. It is amazing seeing these young adults walk in unprepared and unaware of these skills and watching them leave with a better understanding on what is needed to not only be able to provide a excellent customer service experience, but be able to face the adversity of life with new skills that will help them succeed. I hope that in some small way, I've helped them accomplish something they have wanted to accomplish this year.

So, this year has been a rather successful one. Progress has been seen, felt and enjoyed albeit not without some or in some cases much frustration. But--oh has it been worth the journey! Thanks to all who are here with me, supporting me and encouraging me along the way. You make it all the more enjoyable. I am looking forward to 2010 and will continue to improve. The intentions of what I would like to accomplish are being gathered and sent out to the Universe. I hope you'll join me along the way. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and have a merry, healthy, happy,and prosperous New Year.

Middletown and a Pendleton Arts Center?

2009-11-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

I know I'll be asked over the coming months about how I feel about the article that was published today in the Middletown Journal regarding the city of Middletown talking with the Pendleton Art Center owners about bringing a Pendleton Art Center here. So, here's my answer.

Let's first look at some facts that are pretty hard to ignore.

1. The Middletown Arts Center(MAC) has been serving Middletown and the surrounding areas for over 53 years. The have a great exhibition space and offer art instruction/education classes in a variety of medias (oil, watercolor, acrylics, drawing, pottery, jewelry making, stain glass to name a few). They hold workshops, some with nationally known artists, and also hold lectures. They have fundraisers and are always looking for volunteers and great ideas to implement.

2. The demographics in Middletown are such that those who have supported our fine arts programs (like the Symphony, the MAC, performing arts, etc) is, unfortunately and quite frankly, aging and dying off. There has been little effort through our community schools and through the city (public and private ventures) to plant the seed to support these organization in our future generations. There have been a few, but these efforts have their barriers and not without internal controversy, shall we say.

3. The following facts are from a study conducted by American Artist Magazine and NAMTA (The International Art Materials Trade Association).
-Elementary school art programs build the future. 63% of professional artists and art students first became active in art when they were in elementary school age or younger. 40% of professional artists and art students said an art teacher helped them with their first significant artwork. Today's active artists have a median age in their 50s. This indicates a 30 YEAR LEAD TIME to build the artist market. The art materials industry therefore needs to support elementary school art teachers NOW as they create the market for 2040.

--There is a faded distinction between professionals, students, and recreational artists. 60% of non-professional recreational artists noted they sold some of their artwork. 55% of recreational artists had attended classes and workshops.

-There are 4.4 million active artists. 3.2 of which are recreational artists.
1.8 million of the recreational artists took an art class or seminar. There are 600,000 professional artists and 600,000 college students taking art classes. There are 122,000 art degree seeking college students.

- $4 BILLION on art-related materials and services are spent by these 4.4 million active artists. $2.1-2.6 BILLION on art supplies alone. Market growth is about 4% per year.

--Artwork created: Professional Artist create about 75 pieces per year. Recreational artists create about 36 pieces per year and students create about 57 pieces per year.

--This study lists as one of its key findings that the growth area in the art market is in products (such as canvas, drawing tools, paints, aerosols, classes, framing, kids' art supplies and print making) and customers (meaning attracting and keeping customers to buy your products).

4. Artist who are renting studio space typically teach classes or workshops. This is done to pay the rent on the rented studio space with some of their revenue coming from sales. While some artist can account for their total rental cost through sales, the majority cannot. It was told to me by an owner of a artist studio building that most artists rent on average a year and then can't afford or can't make it through another year. Said another way, turn over rate at some studios is very high. Most artists are not full time artists--having one or two jobs in addition to being an active artist.

5. Middletown hosted the USA's leading Plein Air/Impressionist Artist this past May. Number of tickets to his lecture and demonstration bought by Middletown residents-- ZERO (0). Number of different states of those who attended this exhibit-- NINE (9) (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio). Economic Impact of that weekend to the city of Middletown approximately $90,000. This was a very successful weekend for the Middletown Arts Center and an excellent opportunity for Middletown to be seen by those outside the area. The visitors had wonderful comments about the weekend.

Ok--so there are some facts. Some surprising I'm sure. Some we already knew.

With the above in mind, I'll now give you my thoughts. I've never adhered to the "If you build it they will come." theory. I don't believe in coincidence either. Well placed intentions with lots of hard work to manifest those intentions--I absolutely believe in that.

First and foremost, I hope that the city and those working with the city (MUM? Arts Central Foundation? Businesses/business people in the city? The Chamber?) would embrace the Middletown Arts Center in this process and bring them to the table during the negotiations. The LAST thing we need to do is create another arts center at the expense of an already existing and struggling arts center in their own backyard. There is a limited base of supporters in this city for the MAC. Some of these very same supporters are also supporting the other arts organizations in this town. We don't need another of something we already have to compete for those dollars. If artist studios are truly what some folks want in this city, then offer the old Senior Citizen's building to the Pendleton as an extension of the Middletown Arts Center. Together the Pendleton, who would open artist studios in the old Senior Citizen's Center, and the Middletown Arts Center could market and grow the art market in this region. To offer the Pendleton a building any further away from the Middletown Arts Center will only trade one empty building for another in the downtown. It makes a lot of sense to me to have the current MAC building and the old Senior Center become the visual artist complex right next to the city building and off the Donham Plaza. It makes little sense to me to try and move or spread an arts area down 3 blocks away from what has been a center for visual arts for the last 50 years. Unless of course, some folks are trying to stifle or possibly put an end to the current center. I certainly hope that isn't the case.

If that isn't the case, then why is there a need for another arts center in Middletown when the current one is, during this economic time, struggling--just like all of our art organization here are struggling (remember the comment about the demographic supporting these organizations)? Where is this overwhelming number of artists here in Middletown asking for studio space? If they are recreational artists, then why aren't they taking classes at MAC? Where were they when the tickets were on sale for the nationally known artist weekend? Where are they for the upcoming workshops and classes that MAC has coming up?

If you are going to tell me that the economy and disposable income is the reason (ie don't have the money for the classes, workshop, tickets, etc) then I need to ask, what makes you think they will have money to rent a $275-$300 studio space?

Of course all of this will probably lead you to believe that I'm not for the Pendleton Art Center to set up shop here. If hard pressed, I'd probably have to say I'm not. It's not that I don't think Pendleton couldn't bring anything to this area. I do believe they could in certain circumstances. I just think that we are not doing something that is absolutely necessary for the success of something this complex. And if it is happening, it isn't being communicated properly. What is "this"? To me, it is building the foundation of what the artists will need to survive here. "This" is to me, building the market for art here first (as in bringing framing/art supply stores and build programs in the elementary and high schools in regard to all arts) and providing/developing a long term plan that is shared with the community. A plan that all can see and support, can verbalize and can rally behind.

Oh--I know--you'll say I'm asking the impossible. And maybe I am. But I can say without this, the current arts organizations as well as future organizations will fail.

So, what I'd like to see is the MAC and Pendleton working together. The Middletown Arts Center has knowledge and contacts in this area that, if they worked and planned together and even marketed together, then the chances of success for both organizations looks better than if these entities are competing for the limited resources and funding. And location to this partnership is absolutely key--the further from each other the less they will work together. Don't believe me--then why are teams in the corporate world always seated right next to each other? Add to that thought, Artspace in Hamilton, Fitton Center for the Arts, the new Warren County Arts Center, Mason Arts Council...and suddenly the available dollars that these organizations are competing for gets smaller and smaller, especially in these economic times. Proper forecasting and planning is absolutely essential. Look at the facts above--this is a viable market---4.4 million active artists!!! This is a business and it deserves the proper forecasting and planning. You can't just say, "Wouldn't it be nice if downtown Middletown became a mecca for artists." If you build it they will come isn't going to manifest the art market here. What's the plan?

It is time for the people who are working in the arts organizations in this town and for those in the city who are interested in having the arts be a key cornerstone in the economic vibrancy of the city to stop the infighting and start planning together. And I mean planning---not just ideas and dreams, but roll up the sleeves and start planning--putting it on paper and making the journey known.
History is history...the past the past. Remember what Ben Franklin said "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

I can't support and won't support any plan which possibly promotes the arts at the expense of organizations already existing in the city. There is a huge amount of pride in these existing organizations. Trading one empty building only to create another in the downtown is not a viable plan. And until I see a long term, comprehensive plan (and it better have milestones for 3, 5, 10 and 20 years from now) which encompasses the objective, goals, strategies and measurements for the plan, it will be very hard for me to become excited about it or to support it.

I would rather see the effort placed on attracting an art supply store like Jerry's Artarama or Utrecht to this area. Now we are talking about something that might just pull in artists from surrounding communities to shop here--especially if you talk about discounts. Also, an art supply store would be able to assist the local community, schools and arts center in planting the seed for the artists studio and market that you are trying to create now---in 2040.

So--What have you been up to lately?

2009-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

That's the question I get asked because I haven't been out and about lately--other than painting or coding websites. Yes--that was plural--websites.

So--what have I been doing lately. I started the month of August getting all the media from the Reflections On A Pond exhibit together and was asked by Kevin to update and administer the website for Reflections On A Pond. I agreed to this and the fun began. I've been editting video, selecting pictures, and coding the pages for the necessary changes and updates I wanted to include. That's taken a lot of time and is now in Kevin's hands for review and input. We hope to launch the site soon, so keep your eyes open for an email announcing that.

When I finished that project, I decided that my site was in need of a little brush up and added professionalim, so that coding started earlier this week. Since this was my site, it was a bit easier to make changes, since I was use to my code. Hope that you enjoy the changes and also the new paintings that have been posted as well. There's also a change in that you can now purchase a painting via paypal using your credit card. Some prices have been reduced on some paintings and some can be a real steal if you would like the painting without the frame. Check out the deals and if you have any questions, let me know. Also, please note that the workshop page is back. The upcoming Seeing Shapes two day workshop is actually an excellent beginners workshop. It is always easier to start by seeing shapes versus breaking bad habits. It's also at a great price! Hope that you'll join us!

Now for the painting part, I'll be painting in the studio and also at a friend's house in their backyard which has a pond. The plan is to do that even more as the fall approaches.

Now for what I did today...something I want to share with my friends. I'm working on a painting of my niece Ava. The picture was taken while in North Carolina at the beach. While there I did a charcoal sketch. Since I didn't have my plein air equipment with me (don't go there), I came home and painted a quick study from the sketch and photos. Here's the sketch I did in North Carolina, focusing on shapes...

I grabbed a cheap canvasboard and began the process again, quickly capturing color and shapes in the terms of shadow and lights. Today I went back to the quick study, wanting to work the colors and use that for my larger painting, instead of working from a photograph. Here's where we ended up...

I sat for a very long time and looked at this study. There was something bugging me...and then I asked myself one question. Just what is the focus, the main thing, you want the viewer to look at? The answer was obivious--I want them to look at Ava and focus on what she is doing. When I looked at the painting, I kept going to the the odd shapes that were unexplained in the painting. The lounger legs that create a shadow, the Boogie board that creates an shadow and the bucket in the forground all grab our attention..but for the wrong reason. For someone who was not there, it would beg the question.."Just what is that?" Not what I want to keep someone in the picture. I want them to focus on center of the attention....the child.

So I cropped the picture of the paintng to see if that helped and answered my question. Here's the cropped version of the study.

Next step? I'm cropping the picture, redrawing a charcoal sketch and painting another quick study to check that this composition is strong enough for a larger painting. If so, then we'll start that next, using the colors, shapes,light and shadows from my two studies to paint what I hope will be an award winning painting.

Thanks for checking in on the blog and website. Looking forward to talking and seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Linda

High Altitudes and Challenging lessons Makes One A Tired Puppy!

2009-06-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

Being up at 8600 feet has its advantages when you paint plein air and trying to capture atomsphere. It also has it disadvantages. Thank the Stars for a thing called Smart Water--very soft water with electrolytes. So much better than Gatorade and it doesn't taste salty--it's actually a really nice taste--but enough of the commerical for Smart Water. After standing all day, concentrating on the lesson at hand, being critiqued by a Master Signature Painter and trying to remember what he is telling you...you leave the workshop with your body tired and mind spinning. Is it worth it? OH YEAH! I recommend this to anyone who takes their painting seriously. It's a lot of money, but worth it when you see the difference that it will have on your painting---but more importantly how you see and intrepret what you see will transform your paintings.

The support of those taking the workshop as well as from Kevin himself does keep you hiking along on this journey of seeing better and more. After all, we are all in the same boat--or is that up the same creek without a paddle?

The first day started with Kevin allowing us to decompress and get the first painting out of the way. Of course little do you know that this will be the last completed/finished painting that you are going to paint for a while! Looking back this evening, I think I should have enjoyed that first day morning painting session a whole lot more!! Most of us chose to paint the pond...no surprise. Aspen Pond, the subject of Kevin's series "Reflections On A Pond", calls to you as the reflections in the pond change at almost every moment and the quietness of the scene calms your nerves about being in a workshop of a Master Signature painter...well--almost!!

Here's the scene that I painted---on the left is a photo of the scene I painted. The photo on the right is photo of the painting I did. Hopefully this will give you some idea about how photographs lie and how painting plein air in the outside air is both challenging and rewarding. Between this photograph and this study, I can paint back home in my studio converting this to a larger painting of this scene, and there are a number of things I would change in the composition and what I caught at the time (like the cloud I tried to catch)I was painting and things were changing----here's the photos...

When you paint a study, there are never really any failures. There are things you learn for future reference and your next painting and then there is the editing process in the studio if you convert the study. If you are thinking the study is a total failure, well it isn't. You can always find colors you mixed outside in the open air and can be used for reference for other paintings you may do from photographs when you return home.

The afternoon was spent in Kevin's studio as he instructed us on light and shadows. It was an enlighting experience as things we thought we knew we didn't and how photographs and our perceptions have influenced how we see. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this workshop is all about light, shadows, contrast, and how we see.

The second day is spent on the foundation of the painting and seeing shapes--not trees, sky, pond, etc. There are shapes in that landscape and you will see them by the end of this workshop! It was an overcast day which was a challenge all on it's own for seeing light and shadow in local color...if there is such a thing. But when the sun peaked through the clouds, we worked quickly in the light area and returned to the shadow when the clouds covered the sun or capture in a few quick places that contrast between the shadow area and the light area only to fill in the rest of the light shape when the clouds returned. The afternoon was the same, as we practiced laying in the shaded area in pleasing abstract shapes and then built up the foundation, working in the light area last.

Tomorrow is day three. We'll spend the day learning to paint light and shadows only quicker....we had have a challenge placed before us--two paintings with the foundation light and shadows completed in the morning...and two additional ones in the afternoon. We'll be in Arroyo Seco, a quaint little town. For me, the challenge will be finding compositions that are pleasing and simple...something that hopefully we will cover before I get sent home.

It is always a challenge to paint, and challenging yourself to improve is something that is frustrating, but absolutely necessary. I am and will be enjoying this journey, and can't wait to see the improvement in my work in the very near future--upon my return home and I venture outside to paint plein air in Ohio's atomsphere.
Thanks for reading and all your support!
And now, the bed is calling my name!
Cheers,
Linda

Macpherson's Reflections On A Pond Exhibit and a quick update!

2009-06-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
It's been a while since I blogged, but if you were anywhere near Middletown or if you were lucky enough to have tickets to the Macpherson Reflections On A Pond Exhibit Opening Weekend, you'll know why I've been absent from writing lately.

First, thank you to all the sponsors and those that attended the opening weekend events. The exhibit was a great success, with a nice profit made by the Middletown Arts Center (final numbers are due soon--but it looks like this was one of the most successful events ever!) and Kevin and Wanda had all their expectations exceeded. Thanks for making them feel welcomed and they enjoyed meeting everyone and spending the weekend in the glow of artistry.

The exhibit is coming to a close and I'll be spending June 15th-17th packing up the exhibit for its trip home. We have some possible venues that we are investigating for future exhibitions, so keep in touch for more on this in the future.

Reflections on a Pond has a Facebook page and if you are on Facebook, please become a fan of the page so that you can keep up to date on the exhibit and all that is happening with that. The link is here. Before the exhibit we had about 20 fans and since then the number of fans have doubled. The latest news is that we are working with Wayne Johnson (musician with Manhatten Transfer and Bette Midler) who has composed special music that was played at the Opening weekend. We have some finish work to do on this but look for an announcement and a chance to hear the music soon.

As for me, well, I've be painting and the painting on the home page of the website is the latest painting. My mentor, Kevin Macpherson, has been busy instructing me and raising the bar. It been a most enlightening time and that includes a bit of a style change for the better of course. Next up is travel to Taos on June 22nd where I'll be participating in Kevin's workshop. Then back home to continue painting and to put into practice all that I'm learning. The website will be updated when the time is write, but if you want to see works in progress and quick pictures of what I'm working on, then you'll need to become a friend in Facebook. The link to my Facebook page is here. I also have a Linda Fisler Fine Art fan page. That link is here.

We hope you enjoy the paintings that will be on the way. Kevin is such a wonderful mentor and friend. I am truly seeing a difference and feel that I'm now better prepared to start competing and also to embark on my journey to become a Master Impressionist painter. It will be a long road, but one I'm preparing for and will be working hard to accomplish. I've recently joined the American Impressionist Society as an associate member and hope to become more involved in this organization in the future. Your comments and continued support would be greatly appreciated as I travel the ups and downs of the new path before me. I'm looking forward to this exciting journey!

Off to a wine tasting now--have a great weekend everyone!!!
Linda

Just some ramblings!

2009-03-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't been in the studio much lately. There are a number of details to follow up on with the Reflections On A Pond exhibition and opening weekend coming up in about six weeks give or take a few days. I want this to be a very successful weekend and am committed to that. Working for Kevin Macpherson gives me a wonderful opportunity to view some incredible art. It also makes me wonder just what the heck I think I'm doing!? It can and has made me wonder if I have the right stuff for this journey. You think your job has competition, join us in the art world!! And then finally I ask--One usually doubts oneself every once in a while, right? And then the inevitable...maybe I should rethink this and put the brushes down.

I had the opportunity today to take another look at the book, "Reflections On A Pond-A Visual Journal". In this book is an interview with Kevin Macpherson, along with his journal entries when he was painting the series. I picked up the book after reviewing some pictures of an exhibition at a museum where we are considering exhibiting the series. The art was incredible and the artist were so talented! Not to mention the old master's work there! I then ended up looking at some of the other masters works and well, quickly began having doubts!

So, as I said, I reached for the book and began reading. Kevin's words are so inspiring and his spirit in helping every artist is ever so present. And although I really am still wondering why I'm doing this, I know deep down it isn't a "why", but more of "I must". It's a part of me--actually it is ME-- and the reason I'm in this doubting mood is because I haven't been in my studio or outside painting plein air in far too long. My soul is telling me it is time to get there. My consious self is suffering and the inner self is calling out wanting to express itself. The self doubt is the dark side fueled by fear and indecision, doubts and emptiness. Yes, the emptyness I always feel when the brush hasn't been in my hand in what to others doesn't seem like a long time but to me feels like a lifetime. It is not feeling the paint on my hands or experiencing the zone of creativity when my Guiding Spirits and Muses gather and speak to me.

Change, the heart of Reflections On A Pond project for Kevin Macpherson, is the only constant in this world. And just as the Earth is changing it's axis to melt the winter frost and cold from our hemisphere, change will allow me to journey back to my world of art. For all this shall pass, just as the past has passed and the present is here and now. And the future holds many more paintings and I look forward to the call of the my Muses. Change....it's inevitable. Thank the Universe for that.

Who is on Center Stage?

2009-03-15T12:07:00.001-07:00

I finished a number of paintings in my maritime series and have revised a number of them as well. It wasn't until the other day when I realized that I, like many other artist, suffer from not having someone behind me to "Gibbs slap" my head when I should stop! (Gibbs slap, for all you non NCIS watching folks is a slap in the back of the head done to bring your attention to something stupid you just said or an action that you did and shouldn't have. Usually it is very obvious to everyone else you "went too far"!) Overworking a painting is something that is very easy to do. When is it really "done"? What does "done" mean? The Catch-22 you could get into here is an interesting conundrum.

So, I got out my trusty DVD of Kevin Macpherson (as if I don't hear his voice in my head enough already! ;-) and then it hit me. In Kevin's DVD "Brush With Life", there is a portion of the DVD where Kevin discusses composition and how he selects the components of his painting. (Brush With Life is available on Kevin's website--www.kevinmacpherson.com). He actually makes this very simple and fun. And it is a rule I need to think about more as I begin to ramp up my outdoor painting again.

First, think of yourself as a Director of a play. This is rather easy for me, considering all my life I wanted to attend USC film school to be the next Steven Spielberg--ummm--I mean George Lucas. (Steven went to UCLA...)And as the director you get to choose the players in your play. More importantly, you get to choose who your stars are in this play and who are your supporting actors/actresses. With this in mind, let's examine my latest efforts that I called "Stranded".

In my mind, the stars of this play were the two boats and the platform that leads you to the two boats. It's a nice grouping of three objects and provides a lot of interest. Here's the painting before I revised it. I will admit now that I overworked it--got carried away with the colors and sunlight effects.

Notice in this painting that you are constantly moving from one object to another, almost like it is all overwhelming. Who are you suppose to be looking at the longest--all the characters are on the stage, in the main light and no one is supporting anyone. The trees are just as bright and light grabbing attention as the grasses in the foreground and the boats that are suppose to be in the middle ground--or as I said earlier on center stage.

Compare that painting to this one...

Notice the strand of trees that are now no longer on center stage as a main character, they support the main character by adding depth to the painting and a plane that is calm and supporting to the boats and platform. Since we read left to right your eye enters the painting from the left, moves to the bright platform or the orange bouys and then moves to the boats. The masts of the boats lead you upwards and the trees, again-now in a supporting role, moves your eyes right and down to the shack (notice in the first painting you barely notice the shack and pier) and the pier leads you back to the boats. There are a number of supporting actors in this painting and the main characters itself provide a lot of interest.
It is justified to have some interest in your supporting players, but pay very close attention to the values and the planes when you are adding that interest. Always keep in mind just who is on center stage. After all, you don't want a supporting actor who steals the show--as in Star Wars--there is really only one hero and it's not Han Solo! ;-)

I also would like to publicly thank Joe Anna Arnett for her comments to me when I was working this painting. Although she never said I overworked it, (Bless her!), she did make me realize how all of my characters were fighting for the same attention.

A slightly new look

2009-02-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

It's a rather busy time right now! We are coming down the home stretch for the big event at the Middletown Arts Center--Kevin Macpherson's visit and the opening of his exhibit Reflections On A Pond. I hope those around the area realize how special this event really is--to have someone of Kevin's stature come to Middletown and to show his museum quality series (which has been shown previous to this engage at the Pasadena Museum of California Art) at the MAC. Kevin's workshops sell out years in advance (for much more than the cost of the combination ticket--for example eight hours (one day) of Kevin's workshop could be priced out at $400 a day--we get him for a whole weekend for $150--now that's a bargain!!) And one way of looking at it.

Ticket sales have been good with a high number of sales coming from outside the area. Most tickets are being purchased from around the state of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and even as far away as Maryland. I hope to see some Middletown faces to welcome and support Kevin's journey from Santa Fe to our fair city. I also like to thank our sponsors for all they have done for us. You can get more information on the MAC website.

Along with my work in this area, I've been on the phone and in contact to a number of possible venues for future Reflections On A Pond exhibits. These possible venues span across the US. I look forward to scheduling these possible events and working with the staff at the various venues as well. More on that when there are concrete things to report.

I continue to work on my maritime series and receive critiques on these paintings from my mentor, Kevin, and friends as well. Many thanks to Joe Anna Arnett who was standing not far from me when I painted these studies that I am converting to larger paintings. Her insights have been greatly appreciated. In Port, Seaweed Harvest and the Old Mill are 3 in the series that have been posted here. The fourth and five in the series are still in the works and I hope to get some work done on them this coming week.

I hope you enjoy the little changes to the my website and hope to see you at Reflections On A Pond exhibit in May. What a great way to escape the perils of today than to sit and have someone open up a whole new way of seeing the beauty surrounding you everyday. Kevin Macpherson's journey during Reflections On A Pond did just that for him and through his lecture and painting demonstration, he can help you do that for you! A time of change and renewal! See you there!
Ciao,
Linda

Working out a painting

2008-09-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

The last few days have been spent in the studio and outside painting plein air.
Saturday morning was an overcast morning and after walking around the Glendale Art Show, I settled in to paint the gazebo in the Village Square. It was fun saying hello to everyone who stopped by and commented on the painting. Due to other commitments I couldn't stay as long as I wanted, but the painting is a great start and I have some good photo reference. I'll work this out over the coming weeks and you'll see the results here I'm sure.

I've also been working on my maritime series. I wanted to get started on these paintings while St. Andrews was still fresh in my memory. My studies and photographs are proving to be priceless. I thought inside of continuing two blogs, that I'd post my work in progress here on the site. It is amazing how much progress you can make by painting plein air. And..well--drawing. I've been doing more drawing and sketching and that seems to have strengthened a number of skills.

I've gone through over two hundred photos of the St. Andrews experience and whittled them down to ones I want to paint. I start with a sketch of the photograph, beginning to work out details and composition. From there I go to a 11X14 canvas board and work out more of the sketch. Here's the first layout I did with the along with the light and shadow areas blocked in...

There were a number of things that I didn't like about this painting and a number of drawing issues. This was a timed study and wasn't meant to be a painting ready for sale, but one to study and determine what I needed to change, what I liked about it, are the values good...just a timed study to question, practice painting quickly, and from to learn. I decided to return to my photo references and decide if there were some elements from other photos I wanted to pull in or was there a better representation of the man in the boat that would be better.

For example, the man is facing to the right. Your eye follows that direction and "off the page you go" since most of us read left to right. There is nothing really to circle your eye back around in the painting. The boat is somewhat centered right in the middle of the painting. I sat and studied the first attempt for a few hours making note of things I didn't like. Also, the size of the man to the boat is not proportioned right. Perspective is a bit off.

The result was this second study. Again, another timed study, only because I want to practice catching and working out details quickly. This again was a study to work out composition issues and focus on getting the drawing and perspective correct.
Here's the drawing that I did...

This drawing is much better and some composition issues were addressed. The man in the boat is more balanced, and the boat is not smack in the middle of the painting.
The background land is more proportioned and adds depth. The man is now turned back to the left, leading your eye not off the page, but back into the land mass and trees. The trees have sufficient interest as does the rocks. Here's the painting in middle.

Note that there is a considerable lack of interest in the center of the painting. While the values lead you to believe this is a sunny day and add some interest there is nothing really in the center to make you want to linger. Now take a look at the finished study.

The pine trees were added and have some curvature to them that pushes your attention to the right...so your eyes enter the painting at the left (because we read left to right here in the USA) move to the boat, man and then back to the rocks to the left part of the painting. The trees lead you to the right to the house roof, which leads your eye down to the land and the seaweed which leads you back to the right.
The result is a balanced painting. The composition is much improved from the first try and the perspective is also improved. With most of the issues worked out, this is ready to be transferred to a larger canvas. Before that occurs, I'll be pulling my studies from St. Andrews out and place it side by side with this study. I'll be asking myself are the values true to what I saw up in St. Andrews when I was plein air painting. I'll make notes right on the canvas board where it should be lightened or darkened. Then, I'll begin the painting that will become the second painting in my maritime themed paintings.

Check back and see the progress from study to completed painting for the "Seaweed Harvest" painting. I hope you found this interesting as you become part of the process of creating a painting. You know how to reach me if you have any questions.

Ciao,
Linda

Hurricane Ike hits Ohio??

2008-09-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.

Sunday afternoon (Sept 14th) Hurricane Ike blew (literally) into the my hometown. We had 80 mile an hour winds that lasted for about 4 to 5 hours. I could hear the rafters of the house cracking and creeking and the windows making noises as if they were about to pop out. I can only imagine what the folks in Texas and Louisanna were experiencing with higher winds!

I was actually out in the storm in my car and almost got a live electric line along with the tree that brought it down on my car! The wind, when behind me while in my car, felt like it was going to flip the car over tail first!! When I got home, the electricity was off and there was no way the car was going to sit outside with everything that was blowing around--actually more like airborne projectiles!!

As mentioned we lost power at 3:00 on Sunday. As of Sunday, Duke Energy--who had sent a large number of workers to Texas, had close to a million people without power in our area alone (Southwest Ohio--Cincinnati/Dayton). They are working around the clock to restore power--and ours has been restored 48 hours later. However, as of last night, still close to half a million still didn't have power and they are saying it will be well into the weekend for majority of power to be restored. Workers are expected to stay in our area for two weeks.

Gasoline here is getting sparse as well. Long lines, some impatience and in some cases the news is that some stations who have been up are now running low or are out of gas. Other stations can't pump what they have because the electricity isn't on at their station.

Then there's the ice issue. Anything that was in our fridge is now tossed...and anything in your freezer has to go as well. Especially if you can't find ice--which you'll burn your gasoline up trying to do. Our local stores lost all the meats, milk, milk products, freezer items and such. So--it will take some time to stock these up and yesterday--some of the local stores had limited power. If our schools have power--they don't have food for lunches--so schools are off again today.

The worst part about this storm was that it caught all of us by surprise. A majority of folks just weren't prepared to be out of power for this long. While we were without power, we had a battery radio that we could listen too. I got plenty of news on Cincinnati or Dayton--but nothing on the smaller town between the two cities called Middletown. No news on where we could go get ice--if any was available, etc. Without electricity, I felt like I was in a world all by myself. Totally dependant on yourself and you had to depend on your own resources. It was a very lonely feeling and it was very scary.

So why am I writing this--to urge folks to be prepared for anything in your house and area. Who would have thought a category 1 hurricane would hit OHIO!!!??? I faired a heck of a lot better than at least half a million people who are still waiting for power--but we aren't out of this yet. I faired a lot better than folks in Texas--we at least didn't have the storm surge and flooding and I'm not sitting on a roof waiting to be rescued without water or food. I was minorly inconvenience...but it isn't making the impact any easier to deal with....

Please keep those in Texas in your thoughts, and please add us in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky in your prayers as we deal with this crisis too. The press obiviously don't think we are in as dire straits, but there are folks who are. There is a state of emergency here--and the Governor is lobbying to have Ohio added to the Ike recovery list of aid etc--but folks need the help now--as do those in Texas. The media is missing the point here--this is huge--bigger than Katrina in the area that the hurricane hit. Ohio's Emergency response is being tested...and they'll learn from it--but in the mean time things are stressed--including the power grid/infrastructure. For the most part, we are all exercising our patience, but for some that isn't going to last long.

It is a stressful time. It is a total feeling of isolation even with a battery operated radio. It also was a time of learning and discovery---Just what can you do with a can of pinto beans and just how long will that food in your refrige remain good if you don't open the door but once a day? After cleaning up the debris from the storm, helping neighbors, what do you do without a computer, TV, and other electrical appliances? What do you do to get information and where can you go for help? Bottomline--you don't get information....even if you do have a radio. Folks need to realize that sending out a media release or an emergency email, doesn't cut it. Without electricity--YOU CAN'T GET THE MESSAGE! DOH! (and yes--I had two email messages the last two days with emergency messages from my city that I didn't get till this morning.) While without power--I heard nothing...got nothing...saw no police or anyone in authority (and I have a councilperson who lives behind me and down a few houses.)

Thanks for reading--it's nice to be back with some electricity....Thanks to friends that have pitched in and helped one another. My thoughts are with those who are facing more days in the "dark".

If you have contacted me in the last few days--I'll be getting back to you shortly. Thanks

Linda

Back from St. Andrews By the Sea

2008-08-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Just a quick note to let you know that I've returned from my little tours of travel--frist North Carolina and then Canada.

Most recently returned from St. Andrews By the Sea in New Burnswick Canada and what a wonderful paint out we had. I painted with Joe Anna Arnett and James Asher for a week of fun, laughter, joy, frustration (with my painting!) and would still love to be up there in their company.

There will be more later in the Journey to Plein Air blog about the trip and update to the site soon.

Stay tuned...lots happening!

Paint Out in New Brunswick Canada!

2008-07-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Exciting News! I've been invited to paint with the En Plein Air Masters in St. Andrews By the Sea in August. So--what is En Plein Air Masters?

You can learn all about the paint out and who is participating (as in the Master painters) here, but in short the following artists will be participating and helping us all learn as we paint with them:

Kevin MACPHERSON / Oil Painting Landscape
Joe Anna ARNETT / Landscape & Still Life Oil Painting
James ASHER / Watercolor, Landscape / Architecture
John BURTON / Portraits, Figurative / Landscape
Kenn BACKHAUS / Oil Painting, Landscape
Gil DELLINGER / Pastel & Oil Painting
Betty CARR / Watercolor & Oil / Painting
Jeff LEGG / Oil Painting, Still Life, Landscape
John BUDICIN / Oil Painting Landscape
Clayton J. BECK III / Landscape, Portraits/ Figurative
Barry HERNIMAN / Watercolor, Landscape & Seascape

I'm honored to be painting in such company. All, as you can see by the bios and photos on the site, are extremely talented and I look forward to the mentoring they will bestow on me during the paint out.

The painting on the first page of the site, "Diane", was done from a study I did when painting with Kevin Macpherson in Taos. Diane posed for us--tirelessly for a good 4 or 5 hours, hence the name of the painting. She was a good sport and in good spirits we finished up the morning session. The painting was done on the grounds of another nationally known artist, Walt Gonske, home. It was another great honor to meet Walt and he was very patient with all of us. He even painted with us--although I haven't checked to see if his painting of Diane has been added to his site. It was a stunning painting!

Work continues on the Reflections On A Pond exhibit and tickets will be on sale soon
for the Opening weekend in Middletown. There is a lot of activity behind the scenes for future exhibits as well. More on that as things develop.

And with all of this going on, I do find some time to paint. I am currently working on a painting of an adobe oven with three bowls of rising bread dough which are covered in fabric. The fabric is giving me fits--but I think I figured out why and that will be added to the site soon. There's some travel coming up and I'll be taking my plein air setup so I can capture some painting at the beach in North Carolina. Be sure to check the plein air blog for updates--as I'll be heading outside to paint studies as the weather and time permits.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out wassup.

Caio for now!

Macpherson's New Executive Director

2008-07-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Yes, it's true. Kevin has appointed me his new Executive Director. I'm very thrilled to be working with Kevin and looking forward to the many opportunities ahead of us.

Here's the press release---it tells of the responsibilities I'll have and what I'll be doing.

Press Release: Kevin Macpherson Appoints Executive Director
For Immediate Release

July 2, 2008

Kevin Macpherson, Master Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, Past President of Plein Air Painters of America and one of the country's leading En Plein Air Painters, is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Fisler as his Executive Director.

Mr. Mapherson's desire to pursue opportunities exhibiting the "Reflections On A Pond" collection to museums across the United States as well as educational activities in association with the exhibit were cited as the purpose for appointing Ms. Fisler. "I look forward to working with Ms. Fisler. I consider Reflections On A Pond my legacy. The cycle of life in the microcosm of the pond made me aware of the macrocosm of change we live through. Through the educational activities, this concept of change and the journey we all are on can be reflected upon and reveals how preserverance is key."

Ms. Fisler's responsibilities will include the submission of proposals to museums, oversight of the exhibit's progress on Mr. Macpherson's behalf, working with the museum's staff to ensure a successful exhibit for both parties and monitoring the progress and logistics of the exhibits and associated programs.

"I look forward to working with Mr. Macpherson in offering a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see this Master's work and study the effects of time, light and atmosphere. The Reflections On A Pond collection represents not only change in the pond itself, but how change is a daily occurrence in life." Ms. Fisler stated. "I look forward to working with museums across the country in the effort to exhibit this commentary of life."

Reflections On A Pond is an in-depth visual exploration and portrays a year in the life of a pond: 365 days, one leap day, the last day of the century, and the first day of the new millennium. Although Mr. Macpherson knew change was at the heart of the project, he held several elements constant. Each painting was created on a 6 by 8 inch panel. His palette was consistent and he remained faithful to the reality of the scene's composition.

Just as Claude Monet worked to capture the beauty and brilliance of his beloved Giverny Garden, Kevin Macpherson's love affair with mercurial light and mesmerizing colors was interwoven with his heart.

This picture of Wanda, Kevin and I was taken the afternoon of the appointment. The prior week I spent in Kevin's workshop in Taos, painting on hot, sunny, beautiful days with Kevin and a number of other talented artists. It was a challenging and FUN week.

I'm looking forward to working with Kevin and Wanda. The journey has just begun!

Cheers,

Linda

"Places I Remember"

2008-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Well---the paintings are hung! Next up is getting things ready for the opening reception on Thursday. My artwork page on the site will be updated on Friday with actual pictures of the paintings taken by my dear friend, Deborah Rumford.
Deb took some shots of the gallery after we set it up...here they are--kind of a sneak peak for tomorrow night. If you want to see the details of the paintings--you'll have to stop down the center for the opening!

I've dubbed the show "Places I Remember" and if you now have the Beatles tune in your head--well that's a good thing. It's taken from the Beatles' tune "In My Life".
The concept for the show has taken shape over the last few months starting with the 120 hours I worked on the Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's" era painting I did. Of course the portrait of the Fab Four is included in this showing. It's hanging on the wall I call my Rock N Roll and Fantasy wall. Here's the picture of that grouping

Of course the Beatles painting is already hanging out on the website. You can see it here.

As mentioned, "Places I Remember" is about places I visited and remember. These are some of my favorite places, some places that just struck me and awed me, and some are wineries that were beautiful to visit.
Here's a wall that include some winery paintings and the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

The next grouping of paintings were grouped because mostly of the color notes and balance between them. There are 3 never before seen paintings here that will be on my artwork page on Friday. There's a tie for my favorite here--"Walkin' Down a Country Road" was painted of Pascal Winery in Talent, Oregon---in the Rogue Valley. While standing there making mental notes and taking pictures, the ducks walked up and took a walk. The other painting is of Iron Horse Winery in California. It was crush that day, and the barrels were there. It was after a night of food poisoning--so I wasn't tasting the wines. If I had I would have missed this scene completely. The barrels didn't stay long in the sun.

And last is a grouping feature two Middletown paintings--of the Farmer's Market and the Ohio Balloon Challenge. Also grouped are two paintings from my ESCAPE video. One of the Chandon Winery waterfall. Chandon Winery is beautifully landscape--almost looking like a minature Giverny Garden. The other is from a hike I took in Red Rocks State Park. Red Rocks is so spiritual and quiet! I'm hoping to get back there soon!

Check back on Friday to see the updated page. To see the studies I've been working on and the journey back to plein air, don't forget to check out the other blog! I'll be getting the lily pond painting I did up on the site soon as well!

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you Thursday, June 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Middletown Art Center for the opening reception.
(MAC is located at 130 N. Verity in Middletown, OH).

Caio
Linda

Golden Slumbers Fill You Eyes-Smiles await you when you rise

2008-05-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Just a quick note to let you know of some great things happening!!!

First, an update on the sponsorship of the Macpherson Exhibit and associated news there. We are honored to have the following companies join our distinguished list of sponsors:

Kleingers and Associates
Creative Butterfly
North Light Books

They join our other sponsors:

Evertz Technology
Drury Inn and Suites
Duke Energy
Rumford Productions
Alliance Printing
Weigold Photography
Linda Fisler Fine Art
Bill Murphy

Please take a minute to check out their websites!

Other news on the exhibit is that Kristin Allmyer has joined us to head the Youth Program of the exhibit. Along with teaching youth classes in the summer, Kristin will be working with the Middletown Library to have the kids create their own version of "Reflection On a Pond". The children's creation will be displayed at the library and possibly on Kevin Macpherson's website that he is now creating to highlight the Reflection On A Pond exhibit.
This will be a great event for the kids and fun for everyone. So when you head to Middletown to check out Kevin's work next May (2009), don't forget to stop by the Library just a few blocks away and see the world through our children's eyes.

The Middletown Symphony Orchestra will also being playing that opening weekend of the event and the program was announced. Work continues on this part of the program with a few more details to be worked out--but overall the weekend is shaping up to be a great time in Middletown.

I've been asked to participate in Career Day at Verity School. I'm looking forward to talking with the future artists on this day. I'm very honored to be involved and that they extended the invitation.

I will be having a gallery exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center with an opening reception on June 5th. The gallery hangs at MAC until July when it will be switched to the Atrium Medical Center. I hope you get an opportunity to check out the artwork--there will be seven or eight never before displayed peices that worked on especially for this exhibit. The website will be updated with images of these new paintings after June 5th. So if you want to see them the day they premierre, you need to stop down at MAC. I hope to see you there!

I'm trying to paint everyday and will be out and about painting plein air before heading to Taos in June to paint with Kevin Macpherson (in his workshop--one of only a few he is offering this year). If you see me out painting, be sure to stop by and say hello!

I'll also be teaching a class on Thursdays, starting May 22nd, at the Middletown Arts Center from 10:00 to Noon. The first term is $40 and the second term is $60.
More information is available by calling (513) 424-2417 and you can register at that number as well. We'll make painting fun--so give it a try!

That's all for now---I hope to be blogging more often and keep an eye out for an announcement at the end of June. More things in the works that I'm not willing to announce just yet--but it very exciting news.

Keep on painting, rocking and having fun!!
Peace,
Linda

More News on Kevin Macpherson's Exhibit

2008-03-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It's been a busy time working on the fundraising for Kevin Macpherson's "Reflections on a Pond" exhibit that will be shown in May 15, 2009 to June 15, 2009 at the Middletown Arts Center. To date, things are falling into place and
the contract has been signed--so this is really a go now!

First, I'd like to thank those who signed on as sponsors:

Evertz Technology
Drury Inn and Suites
Duke Energy
Rumford Productions
Alliance Printing
Weigold Photography
Linda Fisler Fine Art
Bill Murphy

Without your help and support we wouldn't be able to bring Kevin and his work to Middletown! We have to hear from a few more folks who have promised to pledge and I'll be following up with them in the next month.

In the meantime, I've been painting--getting things ready for the gallery show in June at the Arts Center. There will be an opening reception on June 5th. Check your mail for an invitation to the reception. There will be new work in this show--the work hasn't been posted to the website--so never before seen.

The next two months will be spent painting--getting ready to attend a workshop by Kevin Macpherson in Taos, New Mexico June 16-20. I'll be outside painting plein air in preparation for this workshop.

More news later---but for now just wanted to say thanks and can't wait to see everyone at the show/reception in June at the Arts Center. The artwork page of my site has been spruced up a bit. At least now you can see all the landscape paintings together and so on. Hope the change is helpful and more appealing.

And as you probably saw, I'm not offering workshops now due to a wonderful opportunity that has presented itself. Not ready to announce that formerly here yet--but keep checking back.

Keep paintin'
Linda

Kevin Macpherson Exhibit to Hit Middletown!!

2008-01-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

Well--it's pretty official--ok--it's officially announced.

Kevin Macpherson, master oil impressionist and highly sought after artist, is coming to Middletown to exhibit his "Reflection on a Pond" series. He'll be lecturing and demoing on the weekend of his visit. Kevin's exhibit is scheduled for May of 2009.
I'm the chair of the exhibit and now the work begins--securing funding and all that good stuff!!

Kevin is a wonderful (understatement!) artist and if you'd like to his work you need to stop by his website and check it out. Kevin has many, many, many accomplishments and it is a real pleasure to work with Kevin and his wife Wanda. Kevin has many publications, has won numerous awards including the Salon International--Best of Show. We--ok---I'm absolutely estatic that this is happening and that we will be able to watch this Master at work and enjoy his creativity in person. Quite a feat for this little Arts Center and for our little group!

We have some dates to confirm and a few more details to work out, but things are moving along. If you like to become a sponsor of the event, PLEASE don't hesitate to contact me. Needless to say this will be an expensive little endeavor! If you'd like to attend the lecture or demo, send me an email me and we'll get your name on the list. We've been drowning in calls already and this is almost a year and half away!!

It's been a surprising day....we'll see how the rest of it turns out. I have no idea how far away this news has traveled. I've been surprised by the number of contacts and locations already!!

In a few days, I'll be putting up the finished Beatles painting I did. How you'll enjoy that one. And don't forget the Essex Studios will be participating in the Fine Arts Fund Weekend Sampler. We'll be doing the art walk on Feb 8 and Feb 9th. I'll be painting, so stop on down and watch me work!

That's the update for now--thanks for stopping by!
Linda

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

2007 is now gone by--we walk into 2008 with hope!

Happy New Year and may you be healthy, prosperous and have fun in the new year!

2008 will be a busy year--That I know will be true. I'll post a little longer blog here in a few days--when some things get settled. There's some exciting news to be shared so be sure to check back.

In the meantime, remember this:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup !
And surely I'll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine? ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there's a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o' thine !
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Here's the Latest!

2007-11-12T06:51:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to say what's been happening around the studio and elsewhere!

Today is a big day! The commerical starts out in the Central Coast area of California! Thanks to the hard work of Jill at Charter Media and her taking initiative to answer an email, we were able to agree to a really good marketing plan for that area. As you know I love the Central Coast, especially Santa Barbara and San Luis. The stations the commerical will be seen on are six different channels, so it a bit different than where it's being shown here in Cincinnati. If you are in the Central Coast and you catch the commerical, drop me a line to let me know you are here!

The past two Essex shows have been fun and enlightening as well. I've met a number of very nice people and am looking forward to the next one. The dates are December 7th and 8th from 6:00 to 11:00 PM. There will be some new paintings displayed and I'm hopeful I can get the one I'm working on now done for the show.

I'm in the process of working with Alliance Printing to get greeting cards available for purchase at the Essex show and various places around Middletown. The cards will be selling 6 for $5.00 and I've already gotten a few orders in. The six paintings that will be featured on the cards are, the Sea Otter (Mother and Pup), the Middletown Farmer's Market, Chandon Winery (the waterfall with the tree stump), Caesar's Creek Lake, Muse Magic and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can get them in a variety pack or six of the same painting. These make great little Holiday gifts--stocking stuffers and such.

On November 24th, I'll be showing and selling art at the Barn Burner Benefit in Wyoming to benefit St. James of the Valley. This is an annual fundraiser and not only are they holding an art sale, but two winetastings as well. The benefit starts at 12 and runs to 6:00 pm. Looking forward to this event and meeting new folks there.

A workshop page has been added to the site and I've posted the workshop offerings for the first half of 2008. There are web design workshops, color theory and basic foundation workshops and plein air workshops. There is also a Plein Air Adventure workshop schedule for June 16-20th in Colorado. The adventure will take place in Red Rocks State Park and the Rocky Mountains National Park where we'll paint outdoors. Be sure to sign up early for the workshops. They are limited in size to make sure that every student gets ample instruction time.

I'll be updating the site soon with some recently finished paintings. I've schedule a lot of studio time in over the next few months! Some of what I'm going to paint won't be posted until after an upcoming, still unannounced show, but I will post some work I'll be doing here.

Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season...and that 2008 is even better and more fun than 2007!!
All the best to you and yours,
Linda

Random thoughts on a grey Saturday morning....

2007-10-27T06:53:00.001-07:00

This will be just a quick note as there is lots of work to do!

The Essex Studio art walks will be this coming Friday (Nov. 2nd) and Saturday (Nov. 3rd) from 6 to 11:00 pm. The Sign Museum will be open along with over 60 artists displaying their works of art. I'll be in the same location, down by studio 163 and the Voices and Visionaries group.

Hope everyone has a fun Halloween this week. It's always so fun to see the little ones all dressed up in a costume.

Along with November comes our elections. I'm not going to harp on how important it is to vote, but how important it is to be an informed voter. Educate yourself before walking into the voting booth. It is amazing to me how many people think that having a directly elected mayor is going to make a big difference. Fact is, the directly elected mayor will have no more power than the mayor that was appointed by council. So, some of these campaign promises to get more involved, be a strong leader, performance over tenure, blah blah blah are really nothing more than rhetoric. The mayor's responsibilities will be exactly the same as before...and don't bother talking about a mandate from the people. The five candidates running may not have enough of a majority to say they have a mandate from the people. Besides even if they do and they think they have a mandate, how are they going to implement it without some kind of change to the charter? Face it, the mayor is a ceremonial mayor--an ambassador to the city--kisses babies, shakes hands and drives consensus among the council so the the city manager can implement the master plan. It is so important that the mayor present a good image, be positive and supportive and not be negative, disruptive and divisive. We had enough of that over the last eight to ten years. It's time for this city to get it's act together and move forward before we are all left behind.

Perhaps the most important decision that has to be made is who will be our next City Manager. There is where the real power lies--gee makes sense when the city is a city manager form of government!! Aside from the fact that the city manager sees to the day to day running of the city, they are also accountable for implementing the budget, master plan, direction and effectiveness of each of the departments within the city and ultimately the finances/how the money is spent. For the most part the city manager reports back to the mayor and council, who hopefully keep themselves informed enough to make a good decision. In most cases, what is presented before the council is rubber stamped....the major conflicts worked out in work sessions, not the business meetings.

So, why all the hoopla over a directly elected mayor versus almost nothing on the city manager hunt? Maybe it's because most people are confusing the "directly elected mayor" with a "Strong Mayor" form of government. Well--that isn't what we'll have here after the directly elected mayor. What we were given with the change in the city charter was a voice to say who we wanted to be the ceremonial mayor--the ambassador of the city. Filling the city manager position is being lead by a citizen's committee who is making recommedations to the council. Ultimatley the city manager will be hired by the council. The city manager reports to the council, all city government employees report to the city manager. The city manager does the performance evaluations. For hiring and firing, the city manager makes the decisions and gets the approval or disapproval of council. Pretty typically, all councils rubber stamp these transactions. Oh, there maybe one or two dessenting votes from time to time--and they typically goes for all issues voted on by council.

So, if you want the city to move ahead in a postive fashion, keep your eye on the city manager job search. The city manager will be the person that has the skills and experience to run the city. Make sure that person you are supporting understands what their powers are on council and mayor. It's so important that Middletown improve their image, has a community that is engaged, informed and positive, sees progress and is actively involved in making the changes that are needed to improve our community.

Back from California and Oregon!!

2007-10-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

Just got back from a "research" trip to California and Oregon! It was a hard trip but somebody had to do it! ;-)

Seriously, I took over 400 pictures while I was there, so I have no shortage of reference material to paint from now. I'll give you a little taste of what went down so you can be envious!

We started the trip in San Francisco. We flew under the Golden Gate during a helicopter tour of the city and later that night attend the theater to see a little play called "Blues in the Night". This is an excellent play with lots of great blues music. Gregory Hines's brother, Maurice, stars in the the play along with "Band of Gold" singer Freda Payne.

When walking around San Francisco it really struck me how much this city has changed since my last stay there. I couldn't help but wonder how people meet anyone in this city. No one looks at anyone they walk past (and with good reason--whatever you do don't make eye contact with anyone---you might just get the sales pitch of any number of panhandlers that seem to have taken over the city!!), and people seem so blue. We walked down to the turn around for the cable cars just down from where we were staying. The general aura of the crowd was a blue/grey depressed feeling and it was pretty overwhelming! It made such an impression I returned later with my camera to take some pictures for a future painting--complete with sketches and a mental image that I'll be putting into the painting. The city was just so different and it was even a sunny day!! Despite this overwhelming aura, I enjoyed the time in Frisco...except for when I ran a red light and almost got us killed!!! (ok--who decided that red lights should go next to cross walk lights anyway?????)

Next we headed up to Bodega Bay and stayed for a few nights. The Bay and coast in this area was just beautiful and full of color. The aura of the place was so much more welcoming than Frisco, bathed in the golden honey yellow hills with reds and oranges highlighting the grasses, moss and blue/purple rocks along the coastline. Of course the backdrop of these beautiful colors were the viriden greens and ultramarine blue waters of the Pacific. Sunset over the bay was just stunning with a rainbow of colors in the sky reflected in the bay waters. Again we had sunny warm days that just heightened the warm colors of this wonderous area. Bodega Bay is where they filmed Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds", so naturally ever time I saw a bird I had to point and shout "The Birds!!" . Yeah, I know---it got old!! We enjoyed wine tasting in the Russian River Valley and there will be plenty of paintings of some of these sites coming up. The Zinfindel and Pinot Noir grapevines were in full color with such warm reds and oranges that they looked on fire with the cool backdrop of the greyish/brownish hills and dark greens of the yet to ripen grapevines.

When we got up on Thursday, it was fogged in---oh did I mention there was this fog horn that kept going off every 10 seconds or so that could be heard throughout the bay. Of course on sunny days this horn was a real nuisance!! It even drowned out the sea lions!! On Thursday, however, we figured out why it was needed. "The Birds" was a thing of the past and Jon Carpentar's "The Fog" was now called to mind. We were going to drive up the coast to Eureka, but after talking to the locals it was decided the smart thing to do was to take 101 up there instead. It was so foggy, we would not have been able to see anything anyway.

From Eureka we headed up the coast to Crescent City. This is the cutest little town and we ate lunch at place out on a pier. Great fish and chips! Sea lions that barked and a wind--not a breeze--a full scale gale as far as I was concerned was more than caressing my cheeks as I struggled to take pictures of the sea lions on the pier. You know that commerical with people's cheeks, hair and bodies flapping in the wind (some kind of high speed internet commerical)?? Well, if you seen that commerical that's about the speed of the wind up there. If you ignored the wind and the wind chill--it was a quaint little town. People there were very nice and helpful. We drove out "Pebble Beach" drive and got some great shots of a lighthouse, Point St. George and beyond.

We headed over the mountains to Medford and the Rogue Valley. We knew there were more wineries there and we had never tasted the wines from this region although we had heard of a couple of the wineries. However, on the way we had the stalwart redwoods of Humboldt and Redwood State Parks to be in awe of. I had the feeling I had been here before and after talking with one of the guides at the visitor center I'm sure now that this is one of the areas my Dad drove us throught when I was nine. Lots of photos of these massive tree trunks were taken--they are so tall you can't get the whole tree in frame!! Back to Medford-- We headed to Edenvale Winery--what a beautiful place to taste wine and paint. Their grounds were meticulously planted with a demonstration vineyard, welcoming roses, a pear orchard, a restored Voorhis Mansion, a quaint tasting room and a friendly, courteous staff who didn't mind this redhead running around snapping photos for the future. The wine was equally as enjoyable as the grounds. After Edenvale we headed down I-5 to Paschal Winery just outside Talent, Oregon. The views from the winery were very nice and we unfortunately hit the winery at the same time as a bus tour. It was a bit overwhelming for the staff. We were spoiled at Edenvale and after taking some shots of the mountains and some baby ducks we headed up 1-5 to the Umpqua Valley.

There we tasted wine at Abecela Winery and two family owned wineries that we just lucked into finding. Spangler Winery just off I-5 is definately worth a visit. The wines are big and bold and you can tell that winemaking is a passion to Pat Spangler. We were lucky enough to have Pat pour his wines for us and talk about his passion. Just like when I talk about art, you could tell the passion was there by the sparkle in Pat's eyes as we enjoyed the wines he poured us. He then referred us up to Rueslte Prayer Rock winery. This little family owned and operated winery is a find--literally--as it is off the beaten path a bit but definately worth the trip out. Gloria greeted us and wouldn't let me eat any of the chocolate she had out until after we tasted her great wines!! (This actually became a joke between us--she has a great sense of humor.) We tasted three of their selections and she paired the tasting with some tasty little appetizers which aided in tasting the wines. These wines were "bone dry" as Gloria put it. The appetizers helped in bringing out the true beauty of these young wines. After taking a few pictures here and at also at Spangler we headed up the road to Eugene, Oregon.

Unfortunately the weather turned to what we hear is typical for Oregon at this time of year. The rain came and we headed over to King Estate the next morning for what we thought was brunch and turned out to be lunch. This was fine though as the food and accompanying paired wine was excellent--even if I hadn't had breakfast yet! I just kept telling myself it was 3:00 in Ohio...and of course 5:00 somewhere! We tasted a few more of King Estate's wines before getting back on the road to our departing destination of Portland. It was an early rising to catch our flight out on Monday, so we repacked the suitcases and watched a little football---oh did I mention that I got to watch my USC Trojans play twice while in CA? That was cool! Don't get to see them much back here in Ohio.

So here I am, back in Ohio with 417 photos to go through and get in some kind of order! Whew--this is going to take some time!!

Don't forget that this weekend is the Essex Studio's First Friday/Saturday Art Shows. I'll be showing down there, so stop by to hear more about the trip and to say hello!

Toodles for now!
Linda

And the hits just keep coming

2007-09-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Just a quick update on this Friday afternoon.

First, just wanted to let everyone know that over on Youtube, Escape has just reached a milestone that I didn't think we'd get to this early. It has had over 815 plays since I posted it back in March! Wow!!! Now the countdown starts for the new milestone--1000 hits. Just in case you want to visit it again, here's the link

The commerical has been accessed over 100 times since it was posted at my website on Sept 14th or there about. Thanks to those who are stopping by to take a look!

I've completed two more paintings that will be posted to the site in a couple of weeks. One is of the Ohio Hot Air Balloon Challenge that took place in Middletown in July. I wanted this painting to be very vibrant and full of color because if you have ever seen a Hot Air Balloon you know those colors are just that. I hope you all wander over to take a peek at this one when it's posted.

The second painting is of the cliffs along Torrey Pines State Park--just up from the Torrey Pines golf course. The cliffs were just covered in this beautiful moss....reds, oranges, yellows and greens were just so striking and I had to paint it--the scene--not the moss. ;-) It was a grey day that day and I really didn't want a sunny sky with clouds to take away from the moss and the colors playing on the cliffs--so it's an interesting sky too. This one will be posted in a couple of weeks as well.

Oh and I almost forgot---Johnny B and the Gravediggers has sold!!

As you can see this has been a pretty good month and well, it couldn't have happened without the support of great people like you! Thanks so much for stopping by, passing on my info/artwork to friends of yours, saying hello when you stop in at the shows and generally just loving what I do. I love doing it--so it is special when someone takes an interest in my work and falls in love with it too. I'm truly lucky and blessed to be doing this. Thanks!!

Love to you all,
Linda

TV commerical is now done!!!!

2007-09-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon everyone!

Great news! The commerical is done and on it's way to Time Warner for it's premiere on September 17th. In case you aren't in the Cincinnati area where it is first initially showing, you can see it here as well. Just click here

I've also swapped it out for now on the main page to give it some play time and give you a break from the Escape video. If you tuned in to view Escape, you can do that here

Thanks for stopping by! And if you like what you see here, please tell the friends in your address book!

Peace,
Linda

WE DID IT!!

2007-09-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

The video shoot is now complete!! Next up will be the editing session!

Yesterday evening, my friends and compadres, Deborah and Don Rumford, headed out to Ceasar's Creek Lake to shoot the video needed for the commerical. We were a bit skeptical hearing that rain was moving in, the wind was blowing and the skies were filled with clouds. We just kept saying, we only need a few minutes of sun light.
So we kept our fingers crossed as we drove along.

We arrived at the appointed location and I unpacked my painting gear. I set up the easel, got the paints ready and the canvas board in place. I started painting and Don started shooting, while Deborah took still shots of the shoot. Light was changing pretty quickly and within about 45 minutes I had a study complete and Don had all he wanted from that location. So we changed locations and we started again.
However, just as we started this, the sun decided to grace our presence and answer our request. We worked quickly to capture the light. The colors on the study are very vibrant and should be captured well, even though that wasn't the idea--I really pushed the color just in case there are some shots of it.

After Don made sure he got the shots we needed and we were pretty sure that the sun was not going to come back out, we packed up and headed back to our house to celebrate a successful shoot and good friendship. We even managed to get the grilling done before the rain set in. It was a fun evening/night and nice break for everyone from the routine.

Next up is the editting of what we shot and then the tape gets sent out to Time Warner. The commerical will be aired the week of Sept 17th on the Golf Channel.
If you happen to catch it, drop me a line and let me know what you think. And if you are out of town, you'll be able to catch it off the website or at Youtube.

Now down to the studio to hang some Ott lights and get more light into my studio!
Peace,
Linda

More on buying art

2007-09-07T06:56:00.001-07:00

This post is from a e-newsletter I received and find very helpful. This issues deals with buying art. I hope you find it useful.

Evaluating Art By Robert Genn
Dear Linda,
This morning Kerim Kahyagil of Istanbul, Turkey wrote: "I used to evaluate paintings by looking at composition, technique, color, tone, texture, perspective, etc. Now I realize that even though these are important, they are really about craft and artisanship. I now think they come at a lower priority than the totality. I've re-written my evaluation process: 30 points when the passing viewer comes to a stop. 30 points if viewer gets the point--message, feeling, mood. If too explicit, I deduct points. 35 points to artisanship as before. If, after a year, the viewer still enjoys looking at the painting, it's worth another 5 points. Does this system make sense?"Thanks, Kerim.

Not really. All rigid evaluation systems eventually get the heave-ho. There are so many reasons to accept or reject a work of art. In your complex percentage system, it would be impossible to get real thoughts and feelings from collectors. Further, collectors are not everybody--there are the vastly different points of view of artists, investors, decorators, critics, mothers, etc. Sometimes a painting has everything wrong with it and yet it totally rings someone's bells. Inexplicable.

Yesterday I was one of five on jury duty. While the entire slate was already chosen and hung, we had to choose thirteen winners of cash prizes. As painters ourselves, we all started with the knowledge that our choices might not be the public's choices. Also, because the collection had both realistic work and cutting-edge modernism, there was the need to present an open-minded balance. Some of the paintings definitely stopped us dead in our tracks, although they didn't always get our votes. Scratching my head, I couldn't help thinking my old evil thoughts--why not let everyone who comes to the show--both artists and the general public--vote on the work by secret ballot? Give out the green stuff accordingly at the end.

As all evaluation systems are suspect, there's another way for creative people to approach the game. Pay no attention to what anybody thinks. Set your own standards. Paddle your own canoe. This includes not putting yourself at the mercy of kangaroo courts. Simply become your own jury and prize-giver. The real prize comes to the artist when the work is made, and if it's truly worthy and anyone wants to vote for it down the line, maybe they'll track you down.

Best regards,
Robert
PS: "The King, not wanting to appear a fool, said, 'Isn't it grand! Isn't it fine! Look at the cut, the style, the line!'" (from the story by Hans Christian Andersen, The King's New Clothes, as told by Danny Kaye) Esoterica: If expert opinion is suspect, so is that of the general crowd. Public opinion polls are notoriously faulty. People will say they want to buy small, economical cars--then they go out and get gas-guzzling trucks and SUV's. In art they give lip service to imagination and creativity, but when push comes to shove it's often security, conformity and provenance that win the day. One can only conclude that we are a deceptive lot. A friend of mine just had to have a Rauschenberg and went to New York to get one. He didn't care so much what the painting was about, as long as it was a Rauschenberg. When I asked him why he wanted a Rauschenberg, he told me he liked saying the name. "Rauschenberg. Rauschenberg.""

---------This article is reproduced with permission. Copyright 2007 - Robert Genn. To get more of Robert Genn's insights into the life of an artist, sign up for his twice-weekly newsletter at: The Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letter:http://www.painterskeys.com---------

A Record Week!!

2007-08-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

This week has been a record week at Linda Fisler Fine Art! We broke two former records and it doesn't even include the numbers for Friday and Saturday yet! We've had over 276 hits to the website starting on Sunday through Thursday and we are still counting!! When "Escape" was launched we had a record 233 visits to the website. Previously our record day was 54 hits. On Thursday alone, we had a record 80 visits to the site!! Thanks to everyone who stops by www.lindafisler.com!!!

We continue to work on the commerical. Yesterday we polished up the script and we'll be shooting it in the coming days. It should hit the airwaves in September, so keep your eyes open!! We'll also be posting it out at Youtube and also at the website. It will be showing outside the Cincinnati area in a few months as we check the marketing plan and results in our test area.
No place is safe!! ;-)

There are a number of things going on--some in the early stages and not quite ready to discuss yet. The mind is always thinking and it seems, based on the record week and painting inquiries/sales, something must be working right!! Check back here from time to time to see what I'll be up too in the coming months.

Also, don't forget that I'll be at the Essex Studios showing on the First Friday and Saturday in October, November and December. We are also having a show on Sept 14th in downtown Middletown. The calendar page will be updated shortly to show this.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Looking forward to seeing you at the shows this fall!
Peace,
Linda

How to Buy Art like a Master

2007-08-13T09:42:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!
Just returned from a trip to North Carolina. While there, the Raleigh News and Observer printed an article called "How to Buy Art like a Master." I am "re-printing" the story here because it is probably the best source I have seen for the everyday person who enjoys art, but can't afford the "names" of the art world--or said a different way--the high prices of artists in galleries or the 5 or more digit artwork of nationally and internationally known artists. I hope you find this article helpful.

Selling my artwork through my website has allowed me to keep my prices down and you'll hear more about that in the coming months with the commerical that we are making and the marketing plan we are developing. Stay tuned!!

Here's the article:

"How to Buy Art Like A Master"
by Ellen Sung of the Raleigh News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)

You may not have SAS chief Jim Goodnight's millions -- or the connections that helped him buy a Monet for his sitting room. But to decorate your home, there's no need to settle for posters from Target. The Triangle has more than 1,000 practicing artists, from big names to hobbyists who sell work at craft fairs.

"A lot of people become collectors in a very modest way," said Gordon Jameson, artist liaison for the Orange County Artists Guild. "They may buy one print and one day wind up wanting more, if they had a good experience."

Here's our guide to building a collection of original art for your home, without having to take out a second mortgage.
Shopping: Choose your artists
ONLY BUY WHAT YOU LOVE. This is the cardinal rule, because you'll see the art every day. If you find yourself thinking about a piece of art after you've left the gallery, or even days later, it's a good candidate. Decide for yourself how much you care whether it matches your furniture, but you'll probably keep the art a lot longer than you'll keep the sofa.
"I think people should decorate around the art they buy, as opposed to trying to find a piece of art that's going to match," said Michael Lowder, executive director of Artsplosure.

DON'T BUY FOR INVESTMENT... You're probably not buying investment-level art unless you have five figures to spend on a single work. You probably won't resell a $100 painting at the original price, but you should focus on its value to you over the years.
"If you're buying for investment, it's a totally different set of questions," said Sarah Powers, the executive director of the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh.

... UNLESS IT'S INVESTMENT IN LOCAL ARTS. Many artists are just trying to make enough money to continue making art. The price covers not just materials, but also hours of labor, previous unsuccessful attempts, shipping and marketing material. You aren't buying a commodity but supporting a career.

SHOP GROUP EXHIBITS OF EMERGING ARTISTS. Local guilds, such as Visual Art Exchange or the Fine Arts League of Cary, usually sponsor big group shows at least once a year. They include artists with a range of experience -- and prices from $50 to more than $3,000.

MEET THE ARTISTS. You can see a wide range of work, and usually talk to the artists, at First Friday art walks, university student shows, artist studio tours and higher-end juried art fairs such as Artsplosure. You can ask all your questions about how things were made, and often the artwork is even more meaningful to you after you get it home.

TRUST YOUR GUT. Don't have an art degree? Don't worry.
"Consistently, people will say they don't know what they like and then have strong opinions about what they like," Powers said.
Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, wrote: "Many times, I have taken a dozen folks into one of the galleries ... and asked them to give me -- in five minutes -- which single painting they think is the superior one. Invariably, eight or nine out of 10 people pick the same piece -- which happens to be the one I, too, think is the best.
"Laymen, even if not steeped in art history, really can spot artistic excellence."
Buying: Get a price you can live with.

PAINTINGS CAN BE PRICEY. Large paintings tend to command the highest prices. If you love an oil painting but can't afford it, ask whether the artist has sketches or studies that were used to prepare that piece. The artist may also have work on paper like a print or a giclee.

DROP THE FRAME. Some galleries will sell work unframed, which can knock a few hundred dollars off the cost. You frame it yourself at home, or even hang the work without a frame.

GET CRAFTY. Fine craft can a great bargain. Pottery and glass can be just as beautiful, intricate and intriguing as painting or photography - and you can take home small pottery by a museum level artist for as little as $20.

NEVER HURTS TO ASK. "People go int a Gap and say 'Can you get this shirt in a medium and purple?' " Powers said. "We're in retail too. We want to help them get what they want." If you can't affor the painting, see if they artist has or is willing to create a similar smaller piece.

BUT DON'T HAGGLE. This is generally considered rude. Some galleries give 10 percent off and they're more likely to do that if you buy several pieces. Hobbyists may give you a discount too, but professional artists are very unlikely to do so. They often have strict agreements with galleries not to sell work below the price listed in the gallery.

TRY IT OUT. Many artists and galleries will let you take home a work or art "on approval" for a day or two, just to see how you like it.

CREATE BREATHING ROOM. "One of the big mistakes is people think they have to hang something in that space above the TV," Powers said. "Don't waste your art by hanging it by other busy things."
Likewise, if you have loud colorful furniture, don't make it compete with loud, colorful art. Maybe that's the spot for crisp clean black and white photography. And if a piece of art is very subtle, make sure the funiture doesn't block people from being able to look closely at it.

PLAY WITH THE LAYOUT. Everyone has one big wall to fill--and the obvious way is with one big painting. But it is often to buy three or four small pieces or similiar size, (Linda's note--go with the odd number--it's more pleasing to the eye.) then arrange them in a grid or row.

USE THE 5-FOOT RULE. Galleries often hang art so it's center is 60 inches from the floor. Similiarly, a square grouping of paintings will have its center 60 inches high. The goal is for the work to be at eye level but adjust for your ceilings and preference.

Work, work, work!

2007-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Another day, another.....penny ;-) (as we use to say)

It's been a very busy time and continues to be that way. I'm happy about that naturally. It means business is good!

The artwork page has been updated with two new photos of paintings. The first is a painting of the Golden Gate bridge. This is done in a yellow/purple compliment color scheme. The mood is set with the skies and warmth is felt throughout the painting especially in the beach area of the painting. The Golden Gate stands guardian of Baker Beach as well as the mountains in the distance. Very peaceful and warm painting! The second painting is sold already and is a vibrant red sky which leads to a tall, cool mountain and foreground. The blue colors give the coldness tp the mountain that is then touched by the warm reds and yellows of the sun setting behind a mountain ridge. Very vibrant with the contrast of the warm sky and cold earth.
Make a quick escape and take a look at these !! It's a treat you deserve.

I've just about finished a painting of Johnny B and the Gravedigger's performing at the Affair on the Square and Farmer's Market. It will be off to the professional photographer to get a good picture of it for the site. Turned out very nice with a coral/yellow/orange flavor of color that was painted on a very hot day. This is very much an impressionist painting....hope everyone will like it.

I'm getting ready right now as I write this to head down to the studio to paint another Affair on the Square painting--of the Farmer's Market this time. Depending on where my muse takes me, I'm going to try a few new things with this painting.

Work continues with the Middletown Art Center with weekly meetings of the Marketing and Development committee.

Today, I'll be stopping by my good friends production studio (Rumford Productions) to listen to music for the commerical. The script has been finalized and now to get the images and music nailed down so the true work can begin--you know the video shoot and the editing! I am so grateful to Deb and Don, for their guidance and support through this process. They are great at making you focus on your objectives and know the business to help you narrow down what you are trying to accomplish. A lot of research was done before the script was finalized--took a lot of soul searching. The proof is in the pudding as they say and hopefully what we want to happen from the commerical will actually happen!! If it does, it will be because of all the hard work that went into creating this.

Later this evening I'll be teaching art lessons, so a very busy day. Time is slipping by me, so I shall log off and head to the studio. If you are interested in lessons or any of the paintings, please feel free to contact me at lfisler@lindafisler.com.

Don't forget that there are shows schedule for the fall, including the Essex Studios in Cincinnati.
Peace,
Linda

Checkin' in with some Good News

2007-07-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone--
It's been a busy time! Most of which has kept me out of my studio, but that's life sometimes.
Looking forward to painting today.

I was honored to be invited to join the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) Board of Governors this past week. I enthusiaticly accepted this position and was "sworn" in on Tuesday of this week. We had a quarterly Board meeting immediately following the meeting. We have lots of work to do. The Middletown Art Center is a wonderful facility offering a great variety of arts education and enjoyment to the community. It drawns a large number of students from neighboring communities, with the minority from the Middletown community. The teacher to student ratio is low, which I think helps with it's appeal.

My interests have lead me to join the Marketing and Development sub-committee of the Board of Governors. We are writing the Center's Mission, Vision and Purpose statements. We'll later tackle the hard chore of determining how to get the message out. It's a very exciting time and I've enjoyed meeting everyone on the Board.

Now a painting update....
I've finished a couple of paintings and those will be posted as soon as I have some professional photos made of them (of course they have to dry first!). I'm starting a couple new ones today--these will be street scenes from the locate "Affair on the Square" that happens every Friday. This is a farmer's market and free music concert that is given at the square in downtown Middletown. Some nice weather has helped to make this a well attended event. The music has been great--provided by friend Rob Hoffman, Chuck Evans, Johnny B and the Gravediggers to name a few.

I'm also very happy to report that a few more of the paintings on the artwork page have found new homes. It is always a joy when one of my works finds an owner who enjoys it as much as I enjoyed painting it. Thank you to those who have purchased. Enjoy!

Work continues on the a few other projects as well. Personal affairs have kept me from putting more time into these projects, but I'm hoping that is calming down now so that I can refocus.

Thanks for your continued support. Hope to see you in the fall at the scheduled "gigs" as I call them. Looking forward to talking with you and seeing you there!
Peace,
Linda

2007-07-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Welcome to my new website. We did some re-designing as you can see. We hope that you'll find the site more user friendly and a tad bit more organized with less clicks to get to want you wanted quicker.

You also notice the addition of a Calendar page, so now you'll know what art shows are coming up. You can also schedule an art show or private showing in your own home. What a great way to do something a bit different at your next party!!! If you are interested, drop me a line! I'll look forward to hearing and working with you to help your next event be something folks will remember and talk about!

Lots of things in the works right now. I'll be starting a cd cover art project this coming week. I'm also getting started on a commerical that will air in the fall. There will be some prizes given away at the website that a special promotion code (from the commerical) will be needed for--so be sure to stop back for the exciting details!!

There are also some shows already scheduled for the fall and more to be scheduled. I'm in the studio readying unreleased paintings for the upcoming shows. Also, keep an eye out at the "Affair on the Square" Friday Farmer's Market as I plan on bringing my easel and painting plein air at a few of these events.

If you are a musician and would like to talk to me about doing some cover art for your next release, drop me a line at lfisler@lindafisler.com and we'll talk.

That's all for now---Oh, Thanks for stopping by and please stop by the guestbook and let's us know what you think of the new site!

Monet in Normandy Exhibit reflections

2007-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

I traveled up to Cleveland this past weekend to take in the paintings of a master, Claude Monet. The exhibit was at the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is undergoing a 258 Million dollar renovation. Traveling to the museum and finding parking was a bit of a hassle--well all right--it was a major hassle. In case you don't know, the CMA is located around the campus (or is that on the campus?) of Case Western University. The University was holding its graduation on the day of our tickets, May 20th. This was suppose to be the last day of the exhibit, but they have extended it until May 28th.

The streets were naturally torn to pieces by the renovation. They was also construction on Euclid Ave. from downtown Cleveland as well which resulted in us taking an alternate route to the museum. So, on Sunday morning we left early to head up to the museum, only to discover the graduation...oh and did I mention the Cleveland Marathon was being held that morning? This also lead to street closings and bumper to bumper traffic, short tempers, frustration...well you get the picture.

The trip up to the museum didn't exactly leave me in a good mood. I hate city driving as it is, but I'm also a terrible map reader (according to Tom), so the lesser of two evils is for me to drive versus being the navigator (which invaribly will end in an argument about how I can't read a map.) We parked the car, and tried to find the entrance to the museum. There were no signs directing you to the entrance. I guess we were suppose to be clairvoyant and see it in our crystal ball. We walked around for about 15 minutes when some kind souls, who had just left the museum, directed us to the entrance. Finally inside, we got our tickets from Will Call, and I found the comment box. ;-)

Because of the renovation, the rest of CMA is closed down. Everyone filed through the exhibit like good cattle and was very considerate. I wanted to be closer to the paintings to really study his brushwork and blending. You don't get many chances to see this that close. The lighting was not all that good (again--thanks to the renovation I'm sure--if not, I hope they have set aside a large amount of money for new lighting!), but it was sufficient.

The exhibit began in Normandy, Monet's early painting years when his style was tighter and less impressionistic (more realistic). While all his works are wonderfully done and truly masterpieces, it was interesting for me to see the progression of his art through the years. The exhibit included paintings from Rouen Cathedral and Eretat (seascapes), the Popular Tree paintings and hay stacks, and finishes with his work of Giverny. Again, words can't describe the experience a true "student" of Monet has when presented with such a once in a lifetime exhibit. There were times I was winking back the tears of joy when viewing the paintings.

It was also interesting how within this wonderful display there were a few of these paintings that rose above the others. These paintings had wonderful composition, color values and balance, depth, atomsphere---all the elements of a masterpiece painting coming together in that eye catching awe. Most memorable to me was a painting of lily pads. While there were three or four of these paintings, there was one that really caught my eye because the elements of the painting were done so much better than the rest. A look at the dates was just as interesting, as any fan of Monet knows that he was losing his eyesight toward the end of his life. The painting of the lily pads that I was drawn to was done early in his Giverny period. The blending of the colors in the water, the shadows of the pads on the water, the painting of the lily pads with bold yet caressing brushstrokes---I probably blocked a few peoples view I'm sure as I studied his handiwork closely. I then stood across the room and looked at the painting and how all the elements blended together. I let both images soak into my memory.

I never tire of studying Monet's work. I studied and soaked in his skies. I tried to mimic his brushwork in the waves (not touching the painting--after all I didn't want to be thrown out of the exhibit--but stood and moved my brushless hand in the same manner). I took note of his blending style, his choice of values. It was also interesting to see the difference between the paintings that were obiviously plein air and those that were done from studies in his studio.

This was the last stop for this exhibit. It was offered in San Francisco first, followed by the Raliegh Museum of Art in December of 2006 before coming to the Cleveland Museum of Art.
I'm truly blessed and lucky to have had the opportunity to see this Master's work up close and personal. And now, I'm off to my studio to work on my brushwork, blending and skies while thinking of all I was able to note while looking at my "teacher's" work.

This that and some other things

2007-04-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I dropped by here to say hello. It's been a busy, strange and good time.
There's a lot happening here with me and my art. Some interesting turns of events for my art and in the city and throughout the nation as well. So hold on tight for the roller coaster ride you'll be going through here. Hopefully there will be some thoughtful statements that will get some folks thinking about things.

First, my art, since that is what the blog should be about. We've had over 600 hits so far on "Escape", between the Youtube posting and the link on my site. Keep passing it around--I really appreciate it. Considering all that is ugly going on in this world, think of it as passing on a little positive energy to help negate that ugliness. I appreciate your support sending it along! I was bold enough to send this to Howard and Judi Behrens to check out and they were very nice in responding to my message. Howard Behrens is one of my favorite artists, so any compliment from Howard and Judi is always appreciated and treasured!!

I've been accepted to participate in the Evendale Fine Art Exhibit which was juried by nationally known artist Michael McGuire. This was really exciting and I think they heard me two houses away when I opened the letter to learn my work was accepted!! What a confidence boost it was and I'm honored to be a part of this. I'm glad to also volunteer to help with set up and tear down of the show. I'm looking forward to meeting Martha Carmody and many other artists that will be participating in the show. The show starts on May 4th with a opening reception that will have Bernice Robinson (cellist) and Douglas Webb (harpist) will be accompanying the open. The reception starts at 6:00 pm and goes until 9:30 pm on the 4th. Looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing old friends at this show.

I'll be heading outside to start back into painting plein air again this summer with Chuck Marshall. Chuck is an inspiration and it's always nice to get his critiques and reminders on what I 'm doing.

Probably the bad news should be mentioned here as well. The studios are not going to happen--at least the ones at the 1 Floor Up building. The building owner has decided to sell and doesn't want to put anymore money into developing the building. The building is listed with ReMax. After spending 40 hours on developing a business plan and discussing what we could do with Steve and other artists, this was a sobering blow. We hosted one final First Friday event before pulling the plug on these. It was nice to see our core supporters stopping by to check us out and provide comfort and support at this time.

This isn't all bad news mind you....thanks to my friends at Rumford Productions. Deborah and Don Rumford have offered some space in their office building to hold art shows for the group that was involved in the First Friday events. After discussing this with the artists, we've decided to take them up on the offer, but with some changes. Looking back on the show with the limited display space and artist participating, we didn't have a high turn over on the paintings. Jeff did a great job of having new pottery. We've decided that maybe we would serve ourselves better by doing a quarterly show. There's more space at Rumfords Productions and it is located in the first block that has been "targeted" for attention on the revitalization of the downtown. I'm very thankful to Deborah and Don-their kindness is great and naturally I enjoy their perspective and friendship. They are really really good people!!! While we won't be doing studios, I keep hearing rumors of other studios being built. I wish anyone who is going into this venture the best of luck. For me, this ended up being a good thing. It caused me to step back and think about where I was going, how much support we really have here in Middletown (in regards to the city and general public) and made me focus on what I should be doing. You'll see the result of that thinking over the remaining year. Hopefully, fate will allow me to keep posting good news and less of the bad news!

Now for some thoughts on the city and some recent changes. Two surprise "announcements" were made this past week. One was, of course, the "Citizen Comments" agenda item being removed from the televised portion of the public meeting. The change is that an open forum will happen from 5:00 to 6:00 on the Tuesday City Counsel is meeting in conference room 2C.

Now here's where it almost gets hilarious. Enter the usual suspects and biggest abusers of this privelege (it's a privelege folks---it has nothing to do with Free Speech--more on that in a minute.) saying that the city is trying to hide something and keep their citizens quiet. No--that's not what is going on. They are trying to take control of a city who is in desperate need of real leadership. They are trying to keep the meetings from being hi-jacked by citizens who feel it is their mission in life to constantly drag in the negativity of any situation and infuse paranoia into the uninformed good people of this city. We have some major problems here and it is not going to get better by calling for everyone's resignation! My motto has always been, "if you aren't willing to be part of the solution, then don't get involved." Pointing out the so called bad things in Middletown doesn't help unless you have a solution--and resignation of everyone isn't the answer. It's an easy way out.

I'm actually glad that the counsel and new interim city manager have done this. It does not take away anyone's free speech rights. You can still talk with them in conference room 2c. You can still write emails. You can still call them on the phone. You can still voice your opinions to them anytime you see them--including making arrangements to meet with them personally. This does not preclude you from writing to the newspapers, starting a website, or a blog (now there's a thought! ;-) where you can list your issues (hopefully with solutions that can be employed) and get community involvement to your issues. Instead of making the city counsel meetings the "As Middletown Turns" soap opera, some work might just get done. Take a look around and listen to what those outside this community like of us who live here. It isn't pleasant and yes you should care about this image--especially if you ever want it to succeed or sell your property.

The second surprise announcement is that our current Mayor announced he will not be running for our first directly elected Mayor. Now mind you--we will still be a city manager form of government so the only real change here is that a candidate has to say he is running for mayor, get elected and after elected will control the agenda, kiss a lot of babies, attend as many events to represent the counsel and city as possible, and provide direction (based on full city counsel votes etc.) to the city manager--you get the idea--it will still be a ceremonial post.
My concern here is that people will actually think with a directly elected Mayor that all of the sudden we have a Mayoral form of government. Nope--not unless we change the city charter.
The only change is that the people get to put in place their mayor--where before council appointed the mayor at a retreat. Maybe it will solve the intercouncil bickering...but I doubt that. As I stated before, we need real leaders to get us through this time. And I'm not just talking about council. It seems most people here are just more interested in electing a person that they can make a scapegoat. If that's true, no wonder some folks aren't interested in running for mayor.

And while we are on the subject of elections and leaders, I can't say I'm impressed with the field of possible candidates for President. And we are over a year away from the election and I'm already sick of the media coverage. I like England's election process--six weeks--that's all you get to get your message acrossed. I could go for a six week election process here. What we need both here in Middletown and in this nation are visionaries. This is yet another crossroads and we need people who can see beyond the tasks of today to make sure that we are on the right path to leverage tomorrow.

Well--I think I've rambled enough. Let's keep faith that we find those visionaries and they change the path we are currently on to one more positive and inspiring.

Video Project Wrapping Up

2007-03-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

That's always the problem when you don't write things as you go. But then when you are in the moment there isn't much time to write. We didn't have much downtime when we were in the studio.

We started by videoing the paintings that we wanted to use in the video with very little direction on exactly what I wanted. I figured I'd let art flow over me during this process. As Don did the taping, he started noticing my muse in the paintings--also known as faces...hidden in certain areas. It was great!

This really opened the mood up and allowed us to enjoy the moments as we talked about what we could do with certain pieces in the song. The following time was sitting in front of a video editor and monitor. Every note played and matched to the visuals we wanted where we wanted to compliment the composition. Special effects here and there. Render it, watch it, change it, watch it, change it again...well you get the picture.

We now have the final version I believe and as I sit here and review it, I'm really impressed with the product. I'm looking forward to the Release Party and watching everyone's faces as they view Escape! for the first time.

We'll post it to Youtube the following day, so keep an eye out for the URL and please forward it to your friends. I'm hoping this video makes it around the world--just for fun.

I named it Escape because between the music provided by Wayne Johnson and Solid Air Records accompanied by the beautiful visuals of my paintings almost makes you go on a mini vacation. It certainly is a refresh--relaxation enhancement peice. I hope you will enjoy it!
Off to the studio to get some more things painted.

Talk with you soon
Linda

Lots going on

2007-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

Greetings on this cold, snowy, bone-chillin' cold day!

It's been a busy January and by all indications, February will be just as busy!!

First, an update on the video. The ten new paintings are finished. The frames have been ordered and delivered. Last Sunday, we spent about 5 hours in the studio shooting the paintings. This Saturday, we'll begin editing and pulling the sequences we want for the final cut. A special thanks to Rob Hoffman of Uncle Daddy and the Family Secret for being our "hand" model for a really cool effect we are planning for the opening of the video. It's always great fun to catch up to Rob and chat. He's a busy guy and we were happy to get some of his time with us! So--thank you my friend! Don and Deborah Rumford (of Rumford Productions) and Rob were the first to see the paintings in person. We had some fun filming them and discussing them. Even though we shot 4 and half hours it went by pretty quickly.

The Middletown Journal has a weekly magazine dedicated to what is going on (entertainment wise that is) and last week I received a call from Richard Jones who works on the magazine. They wanted to do a story on the Artistic Harmonies First Friday events. Tuesday was spent with a photographer from the Journal who got a tour of the building, background on what we are trying to accomplish, and a peak at the progress of the artist studios. Then Jeff Michel (another artist) and myself posed for pictures. Check out the website on Saturday or Sunday for a link to the article. For those in the Southwest Ohio area-It will be in this Friday's GO! magazine. Thanks to the Journal for their continued support.

You'll also start hearing a commerical on the airwaves for the First Friday events if you are in the Middletown area. The Middletown Convention and Visitor Bureau has decided to highlight the First Friday events. You still need a reservation/invitation to get but all you need to do is contact Linda for that. I was thrilled when Maria told me they decided to highlight Artistic Harmonies.

This Friday is a first Friday---the event starts at 6:30 to 8:30. Stop by to vote for your favorite painting and tell us who you are going to be cheering for in the Super Bowl. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

It's so touching to see the support of the city and friends in my endeavors. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new year and creating more art. I can't say enough to thank everyone for their kindness. It certainly makes the snowy, grey, cold day a lot warmer!!

In March, we'll be releasing the video on youtube. Stay tuned for the link to be posted here, and on my website. I hope that you'll forward the link to family and friends to share the inspiration that I hope it brings. The original paintings used in the video will be for sale. I'll also be taking orders for gilacee's (prints--of very high quality) to be made. So if you can't afford the original painting, you can order a print. The website will be updated with all the information.
Until then, rock on and you know where to find me if you have any questions!
Peace and Love to all,
Linda

Thanks and lots going on

2007-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Greetings on this snowy, grey, bone-chillin' cold day!!

It's been a busy January and by all indications, February will be just as busy!!

First, an update on the video. The ten new paintings are finished. The frames have been ordered and delivered. Last Sunday, we spent about 5 hours in the studio shooting the paintings. This Saturday, we'll begin editing and pulling the sequences we want for the final cut. A special thanks to Rob Hoffman of Uncle Daddy and the Family Secret for being our "hand" model for a really cool effect we are planning for the opening of the video. It's always great fun to catch up to Rob and chat. He's a busy guy and we were happy to get some of his time with us! So--thank you my friend! Don and Deborah Rumford (of Rumford Productions) and Rob were the first to see the paintings in person. We had some fun filming them and discussing them. Even though we shot 4 and half hours it went by pretty quickly.

The Middletown Journal has a weekly magazine dedicated to what is going on (entertainment wise that is) and last week I received a call from Richard Jones who works on the magazine. They wanted to do a story on the Artistic Harmonies First Friday events. Tuesday was spent with a photographer from the Journal who got a tour of the building, background on what we are trying to accomplish, and a peak at the progress of the artist studios. Then Jeff Michel (another artist) and myself posed for pictures. Check out the website on Saturday or Sunday for a link to the article. For those in the Southwest Ohio area-It will be in this Friday's GO! magazine. Thanks to the Journal for their continued support.

You'll also start hearing a commerical on the airwaves for the First Friday events if you are in the Middletown area. The Middletown Convention and Visitor Bureau has decided to highlight the First Friday events. You still need a reservation/invitation to get but all you need to do is contact Linda for that. I was thrilled when Maria told me they decided to highlight Artistic Harmonies.

This Friday is a first Friday---the event starts at 6:30 to 8:30. Stop by to vote for your favorite painting and tell us who you are going to be cheering for in the Super Bowl. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

It's so touching to see the support of the city and friends in my endeavors. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new year and creating more art. I can't say enough to thank everyone for their kindness. It certainly makes the snowy, grey, cold day a lot warmer!!

In March, we'll be releasing the video on youtube. Stay tuned for the link to be posted here, and on my website. I hope that you'll forward the link to family and friends to share the inspiration that I hope it brings. The original paintings used in the video will be for sale. I'll also be taking orders for gilacee's (prints--of very high quality) to be made. So if you can't afford the original painting, you can order a print. The website will be updated with all the information.
Until then, rock on and you know where to find me if you have any questions!
Peace and Love to all,
Linda

It's a New Year

2007-01-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

and already the bickering has started again on City Council. Why am I not surprised?
Last night's Council meeting was relatively short compared to the past soap opera sagas that have taken place. I wonder aloud why that is? Could it be that Mr. Schiavone is back as Mayor and where were Mr. Rapp and Mr. Nagy now that Mr. Shiavone is mayor? Not that I missed their insane rants---I didn't. About the only thing new in this soap opera was the addition of one new face baiting Mrs. Williams. But even that isn't new. This stupidity is getting so old it isn't even worth going on with another blog of opinions. Swimming pools....income tax increase discussions....seating a new councilman to replace former Mayor Wells....lies....deception...typical politics.....yawn.....next topic....

Video Project update....
We are heading into the production stage of the project. The majority of paintings are completed and we've began shooting on one of the paintings. We have some surprises in store with this. I'm not going to spoil some of the things we are doing, you'll just have to watch it when it's released. We're going to be planning a release party the night before we release it on Youtube.com and our sites. Stay tuned for more information.

Art Studios
Construction continues on the studios. I'll be posting some pictures of how far along we are soon. There are two studios still available. A "Grand Opening" is going to be planned shortly--as soon as I can figure out when we'll be ready for public viewing. Being out of town over the holidays has cut into some time for planning, but we'll let you know when the opening happens.

Artistic Harmonies
The next Artistic Harmonies First Friday event is Feb 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30. It's quite possible that Friday the 2nd will be the Grand Opening as well. We'll open the studios all day and have the First Friday event as part of that. In the meantime, plan on stopping by to see the place on Feb 2nd at the First Friday event.

Off to the studios--I have a number of paintings in mind. Happy New Year everyone!!

Welcome to the Dark Side

2006-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

WAIT!! Can you hear it?? That breathing---that dark sinister sound that preceeds the presence of the Dark Lord of Sith? Or is that sinister laughing the mad scientist uses before he throws the switch? Whichever it is--it isn't a pleasure hearing it. You know something evil or bad is just around the corner.

Well--wake up Middletown--because the Dark Side is just around the corner and while you are sleeping, it is slinking it's way into your everyday life that you won't like. If you don't wake now to stop the Dark Side, it will be too late.

For those not in Middletown that drop by here to read what's up with the video project or the art studios, let me enlighten you. In the Colonization!! post, you read my rant about the tax levy failing and how some in this community, backed by some on the council, have hijacked council meetings. Well, evidently the Dark Side has won yet another victory. Our City Manager announced last night that he will resign. He stated in his resignation that he heard the rumors (or was it the breathing?), 3 councilman have called for his resignation and the last thing Middletown needed was another crisis in the form of the city manager being fired. Not only do I hear the sinister breathing...but I hear the footsteps. So much for good will to men and peace on Earth!!

I just finished watching the council meeting. I think we need to start calling them something different. It's really starting to remind me of the Galactic Senate in Star Wars, just before Senator Palpatine declares himself Emperor (after a motion from another Senator who was used as a pawn--I don't think I have to identify the players here) singling the death of the Republic. "So this is how democracy ends - with applause?" The mother of Luke Skywalker asks. So to, is democracy, the republic....the common decency that once existed in this council dying. Does anyone hear the applause?? To top off the evening, we have one councilperson in public asking if an action of another councilperson is competent. We have a council full of hate of each other and the barrier is getting thicker and thicker.

It is so evident that certain members of this council are so hungry for the so called power of "running" the city that they will use whatever tactic needed to get what they so desire. (Needless to say that any Mayor post directly elected or otherwise does not have that power in a City Manager form of government--but hey why should that stop them..) And when the councilperson achieves the position he so lustfully desires--shall he call himself Emperor and overturn the city charter instituting a mayor form of government? I'm certainly wondering where all this will end. Certainly we can't be this fired up about being mayor for the great pleasure of setting the council's agenda at council meetings.

You see, as they spin their web of deception, they themselves, don't see just how much of their wrongdoing is hurting the city. All for the simple pleasure (or displeasure) of being called Mayor, cutting a few ribbons at business openings, setting the council's agenda and providing limited direction to the city government. Nothing is going to change with a directly elected mayor. Why? Because the city charter hasn't changed. It is still a city manager form of government. The City Manager is paid full time to administer to the city--not the mayor. The mayor is a ceremonial mayor--that's it!!!!! So my only conclusion since I don't trust this council is that when the Emperor appoints himself to this position, the Emperor will in fact overturn the city charter and make the mayor position all powerful. The call has been made---"the City Manager should be fired---the Economic Director and other heads of the departments should report to the council!!" I remember the quote from the stormtrooper who shouted this from the disguise of a citizen's mandate. It's not my mandate....but I said that already.

And like Darth Vader--I'm not saying there isn't good here--it's just being done incorrectly. By the time this council and city government is turned to the good side, it just might be too late.

Enter the appointment of two "new" councilpersons. Enter the rumors that the candidate has already been chosen. Enter the rumors that even more resignations are in the wings.

Hopefully, it won't take the extinction of the city charter to wake us up and realize what is facing us. Maybe it is time to recall all the members of this council. Maybe it is time to revisit the city manager form of government. After all, with all this infighting and hate, who in their right mind would want to walk into this firestorm and take that city manager position? Oh--but wait--I think I just questioned the competency of those who want to continue down the Dark Side. ;-)

Holiday gifts

2006-12-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!!

The season is in full swing (since October in the retail shops!!) and the weather is turning a bit cold as well. I can do without the snow though...even though a little dusting of white would be nice on Christmas Day!!

Of course with all the season's cheer, comes shopping for loved ones. A wonderful Christmas gift to someone creative would be lessons on pottery, oils, drawing, or any of the arts for that matter. I am now accepting reservations for my beginners classes (oil and drawing) for people of all ages. Classes will be offered as well as individual lessons if that is preferred.

In the beginners classes, you will start with simple lessons dealing with shapes and light effects on the shapes. You will start with a limited palette of blue, red, yellow and white. Even though this is a limited palette you will learn color theory and how these colors actually provide you with more color range than all the tube made products. We'll develop your eye to see color (this is very important)! After completing the lesson paintings, you will be able to choose a painting you want to do and we'll work together in creating your first painting. There will be some formal instruction and then 1:1 instruction while you are painting. The first class session will be a 10 week term.

The same will occur in a private tutoring session, but you will be one on one with me the whole time. Of course, private sessions cost more than the class sessions. Appointments for the private sessions will be made at each session, no term rates will be offered for private tutoring--providing more flexible scheduling for the student.

Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions.
Enjoy the seasons and we look forward to working with you to make 2007 a great and colorful year!!

Colonization!!

2006-11-12T11:49:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone,
It's been an interesting week!! From the downer of watching the voting results for our local tax levy (which was really needed--but a bit excessive in the amount) to meeting my first cousin and first cousin once removed (yeah--come on you can figure it out---and hopefully I have it right!! Don't you just love trying to figure out how you are related to your family?), it's been a roller coaster of a week!!!

First my thoughts on the tax levy failure and then the following debacle of a council meeting that happened the next day. I sat through a number of presentations by our city manager Bill Becker during the weeks running up to the campaign. I thought that Bill and Ann Mort--as well as the rest of the 20/20 committee did a fine job presenting their side. However--as demonstrated by the usual suspects (lead by an even more obivious usual suspect)--there are those in our fair city who feel they need to hold us hostage to actions that occured in the past.
Instead of focusing on what our fair city could become and use the process of voting to remove those from council that they do not like--they have decided to hijack city council meetings while grandstanding to those who watch this soap opera on TV Middletown. Deeming they have a mandate, they spouted out a 7 step agenda (anybody see any resemblence to a rehabilation organization here? or even the Borg--resistance is futile--you will be assimulated!) that they wanted followed and implemented or a petition recalling all 7 council members would be circulated. I only have two questions...

1. Who elected you in charge?
2. Why do you feel it's necessary to drag everyone down to your low level in this city?

While these "can't see the forest through the trees" citizens distract council with their outrageous and off the wall demands, the rest of us continue to work to make this place a good community to live in (which then they point to saying we have a great city here---like they had something to do with it--hmmmph!!!!). People in the Art Central Foundation, Middletown Symphony, the Chamber of Commerce, individuals who just moved here, myself, New building owners in the Downtown, the Economic Director/most of city government, people in the 2nd ward--the list is really endless--work hard to improve things on limited budgets, fundraising event and other activities, there always seems to be these out of touch rebel rousers that have to remind us that they don't like it here. Well fine--you move!!
The sad part of this, is the rumor of who is behind these instigators--feeding them information--even orchestrating their moves. Would you believe that the rumor is that a few of our own council members are behind this?!! Again--all because of greed, having their name attached to some kind of accomplishment (the "look what I DID for the city") and wanting the limelight shown on them all the time. These few council members--if the rumor is true--should be reminded of two things--1. revenge is a dish better served cold and 2. absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Instead of everyone asking themselves what they can do to make this a better situation, these fine people decide to focus on the past, not work with those who they need to work with--but isolate themselves in a demoralizing agenda that quite frankly most Middletownians are tired of hearing about. June 6th is over---get over it--run for office yourself if you don't like it--but quite threatening us and our council and let them get on with the business of making the cuts that you decide on Nov 7th they had to make. And by the way---don't cry or yell when the city government can't take your phone call, your house burns to the ground because we have two less firehouse and not enough fireman, not enough police to protect our citizens, the streets aren't plowed when it snows---shall I go on?

Nuff said on that---

So what's the that good that happened this week? As I mentioned I met my first cousin and her son and his daughter on Saturday. Jan, Steve, Elizabeth and I probably hadn't seen each other in a number of years--at least 10 I'm thinking. Steve had no idea I was an artist and working on the art studios and Artistic Harmonies as well as Linda Fisler Fine Art--and I had no idea that he was a photographer. We talked about what I was doing and we toured the building that will be our Art studios--our Art colony starting in Middletown. The studios are for career minded artists that will be open to the public to visit while we are working and to further educate the public on our work.

As I explained the vision, walked everyone through the building, I could see Steve's excitement grow as he could see the vision and opportunity. Steve doesn't live in Middletown, he lives in Hamilton. I wasn't raised here...the building owner doesn't live here, wasn't raised here. Jeff, another artist with great enthusiasm for what we can accomplish is from Chicago. As I talked to David Matthews at the Symphony that night, he could see the vision and opportunity here--even siting the owner of Gillies in Dayton started out this way. So the third question--how come everyone outside of Middletown can see this vision and is willing to sign on to make it happen but not a certain aspect/element of those who grew up here in Middletown? I don't have the answer to that....but find it to be a really interesting question.

In any case, here we are--expanding to Art Studios--beginning what I hope will be the colonization of the downtown by artists with vision and dreams, futhering supporting and strengthing those who have moved here and those from here who also saw and shared in the dream to date.

Hope to see you on November 18th for 1 Floor Up's Holiday Bazaar, Artistic Harmonies artist meet and greet/demos, Got Art, and the dedication of Governor's Square. How's that for a bunch of things to do on a Saturday in downtown Middletown? I'd like to thank everyone whose negativety spurs us on!! (And yes, that last comment was sarcastic... ;-)

What's Happenin!

2006-11-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since the last time I sat down to write to this blog. Wow--so much has that I'm finding it hard to start--where to start!!

I spent a week in October at a wonderful workshop of plein air painting. Chuck Marshall who trained in California was the teacher/mentor and did a great job of helping breakthrough a few barriers that needed to be knocked down. I continue to think about what we discussed while I'm painting in my studio. It was a grueling week and my brain hurt by the end of the week trying to absorb, study and figure out this new technique that I want to introduce to my work.
That's always the challenge. Trying to get out what you want the muse to do and is guiding you to do. It was a wonderful time and I would love to do more of these intense sessions with Chuck and others. Now to get the budget for it!!!

The last two weeks have been spent in my studio. We are getting ready for the storyboarding process of this project. To do this properly, I want to have every painting that will be used in this project blocked in and about 2/3rds of the way completed. In the last two weeks, I've been working on about eight paintings all together--some not for the project--and it's been an interesting balancing act. Starting that many paintings is interesting because you begin to really focus on the foundation of each painting. You start seeing things differently and how you might be able to save time later if you take a few steps or changes now. I attribute this to the fact that I'm getting much much better with the wet on wet technique. I'll be back down in the studio painting today.

Artistic Harmonies is on Friday, Nov 3rd following in two weeks by Got Art! (Nov 18th is the opening). Artistic Harmonies will be a part of the Got Art! art walk as well. We'll be open that day, so you can come in, look over the paintings and warm up a bit from the cold! Stop by tomorrow night (Nov 3rd) to get a preview of the work the artist have been working on for the event!

I'm also working on getting artist studios started in the building that hosts Artistic Harmonies. There are a few artists that want to start this, so here we go!! The studios will be behind the Artistic Harmonies Gallery show and some studios will be open during the First Friday art exhibits for patrons to look around. More on this to come as the plans will hopefully get finalized this Friday and in the next coming weeks.

There's probably a million other things--just thought of one---we've decided that we are going to have a release party for this video. Invitations will be mailed to those lucky ones who get to attend. We'll have fun at this one---can't wait!!

I need to get back into the studio. Thanks for dropping by....
Peace,
Linda

All Work

2006-10-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

After sending off the new updates to the website this week and getting some painting done on the third of the 10 paintings needed for the video, today was a day of catching up on the Arts scene in Ohio. Just a little reserach for future planning.

The work on the third painting is a bit frustrating right now, but it will come..it the all important drawing stage. If the drawing isn't right it will consistently pull the eye to the wrong things in the paintings---and yes I'm a perfectionist. I want the viewers eye to be drawn into the painting the I want them to be, not because I have a drawing flaw in the painting. So, it will be corrected and I'll get it right yet!!!

The feature story that was done on my work is posted at www.middletownnow.com
There will also be another story coming out in the Middletown Journal soon as well.

The wonderful world of a massage awaits me this afternoon and I'm looking forward to it. After that I go to the arts center and work on the painting that is being displayed on my website in the Works in Progress page. It should be a beautiful painting of Monet's Giverny Gardens. This is being painted from a beautiful photograph that was taken of the lake, the Japanese Bridge and a pathway to the bridge appearing in the lower right hand corner.

Other than that, just painting, painting and more painting...Who knew life could be so much fun!
Peace to all!

It's a Beautiful Day

2006-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy time lately and sometimes I wonder where the time goes!

Lots of media news to update you on. I believe I mentioned that I had an interview with a journalist who works on a electronic magazine for the area that I live in. The interview went very well, although a few quotes I wish I could have changed for clarity, but that's the way it works for now. The article can be seen at www.middletownnow.com, scroll down to the feature story--"Linda Fisler takes a chance on art" is the title.

Sunday was a fun day! I got to play at being a DJ on WTUE FM which originates out of Dayton. At first I was a bit nervous--but Ann Stevens was great and within a few minutes I settled down and just decided to have fun. I played my "top ten Beatles Songs" which had a lot of George Harrison's music in it. What can I say--I love the guitar and George's spirit. I know that I could take some lessons about living in the moment from him! So, on Sunday I played the ten songs, gave the weather report and read some "liners" as they are called in the industry. The whole thing lasted a little over an hour. I don't think I'll make DJ my next career choice, but it was something I always wanted to do. I have a tape of the show, which I haven't listened to as yet--I can't stand listening to my recorded voice!! But as Ann says--that's why radio is live! Well in the Breakfast with the Beatles show anyway! I think the funniest thing that happened while I was DJing was a person calling in to request a song. This guy certainly didn't get that it was "Breakfast with the Beatles". So we answer the phone and we get.."Can you play Freebird by Lynard Skynard?" "Uhhh...no." LOL! The second best call was from someone who didn't know the name of the song and tried singing it for us....but---he didn't know the words or the melody...."really---it goes something like this....." !! Needless to say, we had no idea and couldn't really help him.

I've spent the last couple days painting. Two down only about 8 more to paint. The third painting is under way. Started it yesterday afternoon. The first two paintings for the video project are really nice paintings. They are as diverse as you can get in subject matter I think, so it was interesting painting those back to back. I'll probably not be posting these on the site, I rather like the idea on having never before seen paintings in the video--and it give you a reason to look and listen to the video.

Artistic Harmonies is this Friday and I'll be busy with that over the next few days. Then some plein air painting on Saturday at Ceasar's Creek. Artistic Harmonies picked up a couple new artists this month. We should have about 10 artist showing this Friday. Check out the Artistic Harmonies part of my site (www.lindafisler.com/artisticharmonies) for information and directions. Appetizers and drinks will be provided and folks seem to enjoy looking at the art and talking with the artists.

There was another interview yesterday for the video project as well. When that article is available I'll pop on and give you the link. Everyone is anxious to get started on the project, so I need to head back down to the studio now and get the third painting done!
Peace to all,
Linda

With a Little Help From my Friends..

2006-09-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a week and it's only Wednesday!!!

I ended last week thinking everything was in place that I needed for the agreement--that it was over and signed and mailed. NOT!!

We had a new round of emails--and since written text can be read so many ways--let me say that all my friends (new and old) here were very understanding until this newbie got it right!!
Thanks to James Jensen of Solid Air for his understanding as I learned what is typically done with permission to use agreements. Thanks as well to Wayne for his time in reviewing the new agreements. Now to get that agreement signed and in the mail.

This led to some interesting conversation between a musician/producer friend of mine here in Middletown. I was curious how masters are handled today with the record industry so I asked him how he handles this with his artists. I'm not going to share the answer, but it was really interesting hearing how Ray Charles actually lost money controling his masters and what my friend does today. Learning how to deal with all these agreements in the internet world is just as interesting. (How come I keep hearing Leia's voice saying "the more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.") What a delicate line to walk--and musicians aren't the only ones walking it. Like a painting on an artist's website--save to your computer and make it a wallpaper without paying a penny to the artist. In the meantime, while you like the art, the artist isn't compensated for their work, talent and for the cost of the supplies as well as thier learning. They don't even get the benefit of knowing that someone liked it enough to want to have it on their computer. However, don't have a presence on the web, you don't get the art in front of people to buy or see. The only thing I can add is that the pictures don't do the artwork justice. To get the depth and feeling (even more than what's invoked by seeing it on the web), you need to see it in person. AHHH...the electronic world!

In addition to working the agreement I stretched a number of canvases and am still battling the first of a number of lighthouses I'm painting for this project. I just need it to not fall off the cliff I have it on!! Now you know why I stretched canvas. This one is going to really kill me!!
But again I enjoy painting and it's a constant learning for me. Tonight is plein air night...if it doesn't rain. Then back to the studio to paint some more...

Also, we are starting to book in acts to 1 Floor Up. Have a meeting today with my musician friend to put some plans in place to make this a great place to play, listen, and socialize. I'm looking forward to pairing Artistic Harmonies with a concert again. A Friday night out---with music and art---sounds good to me!

So, with the help of my friends, we continue on. More later...

What goes Up, must come down...Spinning Wheel..

2006-09-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a wild ride the last couple of days--some highs and some lows. The lows--well--aren't even worth mentioning since I learn from them and forget 'em.

The highs--

On Wednesday, I had the first of what I hope will be many interviews (for this project) with a e-magazine here in Middletown. We talked for about 3 and half hours and the feature story should be out in October. It was a fun experience and knowing the journalist helped to settle the nerves a bit. The URL will be posted on my site and here for those who want to read all about it!

Got some work done on the second painting for the video project. I'll be in the studio working some more on this one this weekend. It's always interesting to hear people's reactions when you are painting with others. And when I'm in that zone painting, I don't hear a thing except my muse telling me her opinion ;-)

Had some more interest from some journalists/newspapers on the project as well. The official press release has been written and sent it out my partners on this project for input. I've received the input from Deborah and Don. I'll be sending out the press release to folks shortly.

I can't help but think of my two friends who are out in Hocking Hills, Ohio this weekend for the Ohio Plein Air Soceity competition and show. Why am I thinking of them? They are outside...painting...in the rain!! That's not a fun thing to do. Wishing Chuck and Muffie the best here--it certainly will be a challenge. I decided not to join them--I've got enough going on right now--but I'll be there next year.

Need to run to a meeting with a client...then back to work...oh wait---the meeting is work too...
It never ends--but I love it!

Some painting done today!!

2006-09-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

Well dinner is in the oven, my cats have had their tuna (which they are always grateful for...), and I'm about to open a bottle of wine! I managed to get something accomplished today--including starting the second painting for the video project!! Hooray!!

It's always amazing to me how quickly time flies when I'm in my studio...but I guess that's the way it is when you are doing something you really enjoy. The weather outside was really dreary--fall is making it's way into our area--just hope we don't get so much rain that it ruins those fall colors. I was looking forward to painting plein air Fall trees and beautiful sunsets this fall.

The contract for Wayne and James Jensen was created today and we'll be gathering signatures tomorrow. Then that will be off in the mail with copies. The paperwork will hopefully be out of the way with this round done.

Saturday's weather was beautiful---sunny--hot-- and I've got the sunbrun to prove it. I forgot the hat and the sunscreen but hey--it was fun anyway. I forgot how beautiful Eden Park is...I hadn't been there in a while.

More meetings tomorrow and then hopefully I can get some painting in. If not there's always Wednesday...Oh yeah--on Wednesday I'm being interviewed by a e-newspaper. More on that in October when the feature story publishes.

Until next time...peace!!
Linda

And the beat goes on....

2006-09-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh...hope that doesn't mean Sonny Bono will be in your head singing that tune for the rest of the day!!! ;-)

Just wanted to quickly share some more good news. A local journalist called to make an appointment to interview me on the work I'm doing with the video as well as my Artistic Harmonies First Friday shows. When the article gets posted in October, it will be highlighted on my site for all to send to whoever you want. The interview is suppose to be on Wednesday.

Work continues on the video project. I'll be starting a painting later today. Deb wants to swing by and catch some video of me starting the painting and middle of the process and then the end of the painting. So, we'll probably do that and I'll load that up as soon as we have it--your own little sneak peak--behind the video shot.

I'll be outside painting tomorrow in Eden Park. Hopefully some folks in SW Ohio will stop by and say hello. The weekend continues to get booked up and continues right on through the first part of next week.

That's it for now....off to do some errands.
Love,
Linda

Welcome to the Artistic Harmonies Video Project Blog

2006-09-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by...if you are here you must have read the latest news on my site.

Well--it's been really exciting getting this project up and running. I must first say that I'm absolutely thrilled to have Wayne Johnson and Rumford Productions working with me on this project. I also need to thank James Jensen at Solid Air Records for their support as well.

Wayne is just a super guy!!--fantastic musician!!--funny!!---talented!!--well I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Above all, I'm honored he said yes and I'm honored to call him a friend.

My friends, Deborah and Don Rumford are just as super, talented, funny, and fantastic at what they do!! Deborah and Don have a lot of wonderful ideas to bring to this project as well as to the city of Middletown. I'm looking forward to working with them on this project as well as many more at 1 Floor Up. In the future, we're hoping to do some live recordings at 1 Floor Up--who knows maybe we'll even stream some live events on the web. (I think I just heard my friends at 1 Floor Up and Rumford Productions fall off their chairs!! ;-) All in good time, my friends!!!

The script has been written--a really rough script, but it got the ideas and vision across. Thanks to Wayne and the Rumfords for taking time to look it over and see my vision. Well be refining and adding to this basic script in the months to come.

So, what's the next step. I have a ton of painting to do!! You'll be able to watch the progress of the painting at my site (www.lindafisler.com). You won't see all of the works that will be used, but you will see some of them as I work on them. I've finished one, the sea otters--we only have about ten or so more to paint...you can imagine where I'll be spending my time.

In the meantime, check out my friends that are working on this project with me. Here's the websites...

Wayne Johnson www.waynejohnsononline.com and http://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/clinicians/wayne.asp Wayne is also a clinician for Taylor and has an upcoming workshop in Bellingham Washington--so check him out there!! And if you don't have it yet---get Wayne's One Guitar cd...it's just maaarvellllous!!

Rumford Productions www.rumfordproductions.com they do excellent video/photography work and are currently working on a number of projects that will be announced soon on their site.

Solid Air Records can be found at www.solidairrecords.com Many awards have been won by this record company. Check out the artists on their label!

Well, time is getting away from me again. I need to enter an artist show here and get into the studio...as Wayne chided me yesterday..."Paint...." and so I shall!!!
Peace to all,
Linda