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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Working out a painting
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
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
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hurricane Ike hits Ohio??
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
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
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Back from St. Andrews By the Sea
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!
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!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Paint Out in New Brunswick Canada!
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!
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!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Macpherson's New Executive Director
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
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
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
"Places I Remember"
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
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
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Golden Slumbers Fill You Eyes-Smiles await you when you rise
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
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
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More News on Kevin Macpherson's Exhibit
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
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
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Kevin Macpherson Exhibit to Hit Middletown!!
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
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
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year!!
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
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
Monday, November 12, 2007
Here's the Latest!
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
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
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Random thoughts on a grey Saturday morning....
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Back from California and Oregon!!
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
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
Friday, September 21, 2007
And the hits just keep coming
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
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
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
TV commerical is now done!!!!
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
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
Saturday, September 08, 2007
WE DID IT!!
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
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
Friday, September 07, 2007
More on buying art
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---------
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---------
Friday, August 24, 2007
A Record Week!!
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
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
Monday, August 13, 2007
How to Buy Art like a Master
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.
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.
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