St. CLoud Art CrawL*******

I love this shot.  Yes, I realize it's rather creepy taking a picture of people in front of your own work --- but I was honored. And super super curious...

This was the first time all of my stuff was really out in public.  An art-seeking public, at that. 

I couldn't help it:  What were they thinking?!  How did my work hit them?! Gosh, if it were at all socially acceptable -- I would have totally interviewed each person -- asking the above.*** :)

Dodie loaned me a book a few weeks back -- Lucian Freud.  He painted very intimate figures -- & is fantastic.  One of his quotes really hit me:  "The painter makes real to others his innermost feelings about all that he cares for. A secret becomes known to everyone who views the picture through the intensity with which it is felt."  --Lucian Freud

Okay, so I realize I paint boats & cars & the occasional cow...  Nothing super deep in any way.  But to me --- it is!? 

As Lucian said ----my paintings are my way of truly showing others how I think & relate to my world.  It was glorious to see others engaged in them ---- & I cant help but wonder what the heck they think!!

The night was great.  CMAB hosted & catered the event.  Lots of fun, artsy talk & people.  Thanks Anna (sister), Ryan (bro in law), Dustin (friend), Niko & Joe (former HT students) for coming.  Truly meant a lot.******

If you happen to see Mr. Jim Younk -- give him a high five. Definitely.

My old (former**) high school teacher is an amazing wood-worker. I met w/him on Tuesday with a few frame ideas -- he had this one finished by Thursday!  I just put it together thismorning -- & I love LOve it.  It's made of local barn wood, which just adds to the charm.  Even better than I had envisioned.  :) :) :) THANKS Mr. Younk!!

Oh, & here is my new set-up.  I got nervous w/my paints & canvases outside in the studio.  Yes, it gets toasty when the space heater is on -- but overnight/crazy-snow fests?! -- I decided not to drag things back & forth -- so I just took over yet another room of my parents' house.  They are being really good sports about it, which is why I love LOve them as well.******* 

I dreaded finishing this painting.

Nothing ever went quite right.  The painting seemed like a mucky, disaster.  Finally, today, I was in a 'slap-paint-on-the-canvas' kind of mood.  (Perfect to either salvage or kill...)  I figured I'd just let loose & see what came of it.

For nearly two hours, time & thought didn't seem to exist.  It was glorious, liberating, meditative(?) & somehow worked!!?! :)

"Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." ~T.Guillemets

U of MN courses for spring: Advanced Painting, Advanced Drawing, BFA Seminar-Concepts & Practice, & Internship @ K.Nash Gallery.********

NOV 19th -- St. CLoud Art Crawl.

When I got to Dodie's  - she had an assignment for me:
4 COLORS:  red, yellow, blue, & white.

  

A canvas divided into 9 BOXES. 

Each box could have 3 SHAPES. 

I was to start in the middle & complete that square.  Then move clockwise around the canvas.  Painting the piece square by square. 

For such a 'simple' result --- the process of this painting was a complete learning experience. It forced me to MIX my colors -- decide which SHAPES gained importance, and OMIT/EDIT my composition continually.

 It was liberating knowing that the painting was simply to learn.  EXPLORE.  It didnt have to be a masterpiece.  Wasn't ever going to be.  It could just teach a lesson. -- Coolest part though?!  RED, YELLOW, BLUE, & WHITE.***  That's it.****

I have a few pieces at this home decor event in Buffalo.  Karisa stages houses (decorates homes to help the selling process) & then sells her inventory at discounted rate.  Custom cabinetry, home decor, & artsy/creative ideas.  Located near Wells Fargo Bank in Buffalo & well worth the stop!!  (Much thanks to Rochelle Lindberg -- for the connection.**)