sweet enemy art

Another commission!

2012-01-22T16:07:00.001-05:00

Working on a piece for a fellow collaborator and I think I'm on the home stretch...

(I rather like having the gallery edges to wrap the image around; it makes the image interesting from a variety of angles, if I do say so myself)

Sphinx Pheet

2012-01-02T23:18:00.001-05:00

Working on a Sphinx or two for Arkonbey, and finding that my usual weakness applies here, too. Number one reason I prefer drawing skirted figures:

Legs.

Trying to get the twist of the feet and the perspective of the legs in general has been a challenge, especially as I haven't drawn for a while.

Just found this image of Bernie's feet, which may help, as I'd like to do a reclining sphinx.

And, for good measure, this one of the whole chunky boy.

Last night just for fun I also started a sphinx on a bike. What I can't decide is, wings or no?

And lastly, looking for other reclining poses, found Rembrandt's Danae so I got caught up doing a sketch from that. The actual drawing is mirror image to what you see here (laptop camera quirk.) Same with Sphinx on a bike.

That's all for now. Just wanted to share one of my latest projects.

I'm going to find this poster.

2011-11-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

More good things found floating around on Facebook. If you know who came up with this in the first place, let me know. (Update! I found where this originated. Now waiting to hear if prints are available...) I want one! Many! Lots!

UPDATE (Jan 28, 2012) :

CCS is pretty cool in my book. They just sent me a whole stack of these. (format is slightly different)

While we're on a roll here

2011-11-29T21:15:00.002-05:00

At last, a valid reason for sleeping in!

Baby's Ride and a Sea dragon. Or, why you can't pin me down to one genre.

2011-11-29T10:00:00.029-05:00

This afternoon my awesome art photographer Neil stopped by with photos of two 'tricky' pieces. He's sort of the mad scientist of photographers, and a fabulous story teller.
Both of these paintings (which I've been picking away at for the last two or more years) have subtle and not-so-subtle textures, and Neil is the kind of person mad scientist who will mess around with filters and flares and lights and I don't know what-all (I sort of glaze over, but the enthusiasm is infectious!) to get the right balance of texture and smooth.

So, what do you think?

Baby's Ride (acrylic on canvas 11"x11") ©Sweet Enemy Art 2011

Sea Dragon (Acrylic on matboard) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2011

By the way, "Flying Carriage" was one title suggested for the first piece. I'm always open for suggestions, as you all come up with far better ones than I!

Obscurum: Call to Artists (of sorts)

2011-11-28T23:15:00.000-05:00

Obscurum: Call to Artists (of sorts)

There's a mission that needs you!

It potentially involves glitter.

Get on it.

A little color, a little sweetness. Bright shiny videos for you!

2011-11-28T23:10:00.000-05:00

To offset the general feeling of doom and gloom, here are two videos I came across yesterday.

Let's start with one that has been making the rounds on Facebook, and also on George Takei's blog "That blog is so Takei!" It's sweet, it's affirming, it's something I'd love to see come true for everyone who falls in love.

p.s. I get a bit sniffly each time I get to the end, and I've watched it three times already.

And then this one from my mum (found it buried in the "Emails I meant to read" folder) is rather sweet, in a 'hey, maybe we'll get through this' kind of dance-number-ish way. Oogh, enough of this crappy economic tangle!
Bonus, the lead singer is channeling some sort of happy John Waters vibe.

Enjoy! And I'll be getting some other things posted before too long. I've been chastened for not keeping the blog fresh. Danggit, I didn't realize people were paying attention!

Avast! Art & Artisans 18th Annual Holiday Market

2011-11-03T23:05:00.000-04:00

I feel like I'm spinning plates with eight hands at once!

Well, after looking at actual plate spinners, I'm feeling a little less overwhelmed.

Instant therapy. Aren't you glad you stopped by?

The reason for the flurry of activity? Another show, of course!

Come and visit this weekend if you find yourself in Jericho, VT:

It's the Art & Artisans Holiday Market from 10-5 Saturday Nov. 5th & Sunday Nov. 6th.

I'm debuting my advent calendar and greeting cards (hurrah!)

as well as a new batch of paintings and drawings.

The Art & Artisans Market: Free admission & free parking.
Come explore the tasty treats and wonderful items for gifting or pampering!

HORROR! Or: Why I love October

2011-09-28T23:34:00.000-04:00

The weather has taken a turn for the wonderful, almost tempting me to sleep out on the deck tonight. However, after seeing some of our resident spiders this weekend, I think I'll pass.

"Spider Silk" will be at the Art of Horror show in October
©Sweet Enemy Art

Still, occasional wood-smoke on the wind, the trees turning to gold, and oh yes,
the spooky sundries of Halloween. We don't have any trick-or-treaters up this way, which is sad, but I still get to pull out some of our fun creepy stuff for the heck of it. In the week leading up to Halloween, Arkonbey often has a lit jack-o-lantern ready to greet me when I arrive home late & tired. Add to this fresh local cider & cider donuts, and life is generally better.

Now I have another reason to be excited for October: The Art Of HORROR exhibit is about to start, and this year, three of my pieces have been juried in! There may be one or two more, depending on what I can accomplish in the next 36 hours (besides sleep & a day job.)

The Art of Horror opens on Friday October 7th at my favorite haunt: The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery; as part of the Burlington First Friday Artwalk. Opening reception is from 5 to 9 p.m. and includes ghost stories and a chance to have your fortune told.
I'll be there until about 8 p.m. (having a brother's birthday bonfire to attend the same night, at least my double-bookings are interesting!)

The exhibit will display through the following dates, and open hours: October 7th – October 29th, open Thursday – Saturday from 11-4pm

Do you Facebook? Here's the event page for The Art of Horror.

Also! This Saturday at 9 a.m. Arkonbey and I launch into our FIFTH year of 24 Hour Comics Day. Aside from reading lots of webcomics, I've been musing about which medium to use this year. Other than that, trying to keep my mind open so that I can start with a clean slate. And a little less caffeine than my first year :)

Poster designed by my own Arkonbey, in-house designer extraordinaire

Well, my goodness.

2011-09-12T13:03:00.000-04:00

I've been mentioned in one of my favorite blogs!

Now I have to address the "identifies herself primarily as an illustrator" bit. Do I? It seemed the best phrase for my short listing in the Art Hop, but I'm open to suggestions. Whimsical is a word that fits much of my work, but I'm honestly done with it. So if you have an idea, shoot it on over!

Upcoming fall events for Sweet Enemy Art

2011-09-05T23:09:00.000-04:00

ART HOP! Located throughout the arts district of Burlington, VT
Friday September 9th, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (parties are known to go much later)
Saturday September 10th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for a map of where you'll find me and my art waiting to meet you!

Paint anything, on nearly anything... Oil Paintstiks workshop

Saturday, September 17th 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Artists' Mediums in Williston, VT

$70 per person, materials included.
Register by Wednesday, September 14th for this one-day workshop. You'll come away with the knowledge and materials to get started painting on just about anything with these luscious paintstiks.

Click here for more information.

24 Hour Comics Day 2011
Free event, Saturday October 1st through Sunday October 2nd from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Join us for a marathon comic-creating session! Each attendee strives to create their own 24-page comic from scratch within 24 hours. Snacks, moral support in the wee hours of the morning, and quite possibly, the feeling of satisfaction for finally busting through your creator's block!
Click here for more information.

Art & Artisans Holiday Market at MMU Highschool, Jericho, VT
Free event
Saturday November 5th & Sunday November 6th
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
An annual event comprising some of the fine handmade creations of the Jericho & Underhill area. Sauces for people who love good food, woodenware & clay, adornments, and of course some lovely artwork that make lovely gifts year 'round. I stocked up on some fantastic gifts last year!
Click here for a map.

Paint anything, on EVERYTHING... Oil Paintstiks workshop is coming up!

2011-08-28T23:32:00.001-04:00

Hello Art Friends & Fiends!

I'm teaching a one-day workshop which will introduce you to a very versatile painting medium: Shiva Artists' Oil Paintstiks.

These look like giant crayons, but are actually fine oil paint in stick form. Paintstiks are safe to use on fabric (soft, wearable & washable); paper (thin, thick, textured, smooth); and much more. They do not require solvents, but are completely compatible with all oil painting mediums if you so choose.
As usual, it's another mixed-media friendly product that I get rather excited about!

All materials are provided for participants. We're going to cover the basics of how to use them, primarily on fabric and paper, but I'll have samples on hand of how Painstiks work on other surfaces as well.

(One thing I'm working on with these is painting an old metal filing cabinet. Not sure if I'll manage to haul it to the store for the event, but I'll try!)

Class is from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a break for lunch) on Saturday Sept. 17th at Artists' Mediums. There is only room for eight students, and it's coming up quick! You can follow the link above for more information. If you're interested in attending, contact the store directly at: (802) 879-1236 to sign up.

Hope to see you there. If you aren't able to make it, please help me spread the word!

Cheers,
Kristin

Super August

2011-08-15T00:24:00.000-04:00

So many things going on in the next few weeks!
Let me catch you up:

The August Art Auction (2011 edition) at The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery in Burlington has already begun, and runs through August 26th. This gallery gets a lot of mentions from me here, in part because I think they've done a lot towards making the Burlington art scene more interesting. I'm also glad to say that it's given me a wonderful platform from which to show my art.

Click here to see the painting that I've donated towards the cause!

There are many great pieces in this auction, and these artists who have donated their creations are really good folk. Did you know you can vote for the "People's Choice" artist when you visit the auction site? I have made so many great connections, a real network of supportive friends through S.P.A.C.E., and I don't want it to end. Help keep it going strong.

Phoenix: our favorite indie bookshop!

In other news, the final silkscreening class is this week, and I've been having a fine ol' time learning the basic ins and outs. Some of the fruits of my labor will be available at the upcoming ART HOP weekend September 9th & 10th.

Phoenix Books will be showing a few pieces by me, my friend Karen, and a photographer (whom I haven't met yet) starting at the end of this week. More info on that as we decide on the reception date and so forth.

Wheeled Rabbit, 8" round ©Sweet Enemy Art

One of my paintings on Etsy was featured in a treasury list last week! A fun one if you like bunnies, and how could you not?

Art openings this weekend

2011-07-26T10:55:00.000-04:00

This Sunday is going to be jam-packed!
First, a quick drop-in with the Maternal family for a lake-side reunion (apparently the beaches have re-appeared, thank goodness.) A quick family photo shall occur, (with promises that Arkonbey will photoshop himself in afterwards) some lemonade and hearty food shall be consumed, and maybe I'll dip my feet in the water.

Then it's off to Hinesburg!
There, I'll be attending the art opening at NRG Systems. An awesome company, which has wisely hired the fantastic Sarah Lee to both create really awesome art installations, and to expand the art collection both of the company and one of the founders. Artists' Mediums has framed a vast majority of the work in this collection, and Sarah Lee also purchased two of my paintings last year, Front Wheel Fish and a Dragonfly piece, which are either in the co-founders' collection or the company collection (I will probably find out.)
One of the artists in the collection, Larry Bissonette, is from the movie "Wretches and Jabberers" and he will be giving a presentation, which is probably going to make me cry. In a good way.

Then, off to Jericho!

Michelle Saffran

Searchers

a photographic journey

@ the Emil A. Gruppe Gallery

Jericho, VT

Michelle is a member of my critique group, and a not-too-distant neighbor too! I've been privileged to see some of her work from the Searchers series as it was developing. These Doll Collection photos look very intriguing too. So I'll be swinging by on Sunday to say hello at her opening. Last time I went to one of her shows she also had a fabulous 50's style outfit, and we are talking cocktail formal. I loved it!

Doll Collection 2 by Michelle Saffran

Hurrah New York!

2011-07-26T00:33:00.000-04:00

A bit behind the times as usual, I just joined Twitter! Not having a smartphone or anything, I mostly will be reading tweets and following links. And some good things have certainly surfaced! For instance, this one just came up, and it's full of "Awwwww." Thanks to Kinokofry* for sharing:

RaeBeta Rachel Edidin

by kinokofry

If no. 12 in particular doesn't make you tear up, I'm not sure we can stay friends. buzzfeed.com/mjs538/portrai… (H/t to @Atomic_Lantern)

4 hours ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply

* And by the way, if you haven't checked out Kinokofry yet, you might find her work amusing. I've certainly amused myself for many hours, pouring over her multiple projects. Her sense of humor makes me want to meet up with her for beer and cookies. If anyone wants to get me over to Melbourne, that is.

Inking it up with New Duds

2011-07-20T22:26:00.000-04:00

Alright, I have been camera-inept of late, so these images are really just me holding stuff in front of the laptop camera and keeping my fingers crossed.

But things are progressing decently in the silkscreening class I'm taking and it's only the second class. A shout out to Torrey of New Duds, I'm having a blast!

First up: something from my latest sketchbook (a bit of an homage to James Jean I suppose):

Followed by the screen I burned at the end of class last night (bear bus!)

Hopefully this weekend will yield some decent studio time both here in the home studio and at BCA.

A perfect summer day for Therese & James...

2011-07-15T22:58:00.001-04:00

Thanks for your patience on this one! Here is the value study, or at least what was able to fit on the scanner bed (there is actually a little more space on the left-hand side, and a bit below the ferns...)

Girl on the right is feeding something (apple slice?) to the horse. I also intended for a stream to run along the bottom edge of the piece, so the group will be set back in space a bit more. Also, there would be some leaves for the two big trees.

Let me know what you think!

K

For those of you in the local 802

2011-07-14T01:02:00.000-04:00

I just got confirmation that I'll be in my usual spot for the upcoming SEABA Art Hop:

September 9th and 10th, 2011

Studio D-3 is on Howard Street in Burlington, VT,
pretty much in the heart of the BTV arts district!

Smack-dab, as I like to say.

I feel like I should have some sort of birthday treat for visitors, as I'll have turned 35 the day before. Suggestions?

©Sweet Enemy Art

The trees along the path

2011-06-22T21:08:00.003-04:00

Walnut Ink sketch June 20, 2011 ©Sweet Enemy Art

Thanks to Arkonbey and some Indian Roast coffee, I've actually been experiencing some nice mornings out in the garden. On Monday, when I didn't have to be to work until lunchtime, I took my beloved walnut ink out to the garden area and did this sketch, about 9" x 10". This is perhaps the first real "plein air" piece I've worked on in years.

I must say, it's a good idea to work monochromatically when you're faced with a bazillion* little pieces of information. Especially a monochromatic medium that is easily correctable.

*bazillion is apparently not a made-up word, or this spell-check is more forgiving than I thought.

I'll have the Walnut Ink out at the shop on Tuesday July 19th from 4-5:30 if you are in the area and want to stop in and try your hand at it. Gorgeous stuff.

A quick wrap-up from Open Studio Weekend!

2011-06-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

Well, it's Wednesday, and I finally feel like my batteries are re-charged. This past weekend was fantastic, despite all my usual cries of "I'm not reaaaaady!!" leading up to it, and the weather being the usual mix of rain and heat.

Lynn Powers and I had easily 65-70 visitors the first day, and a few less on the following. What a blast to have that many happy art-enthusiastic people filling the house with great energy! Nice when it's empty afterwards too, of course, and I certainly needed a full two days to recuperate from all the excitement. As you'll see, I was a little over-the-top with energy. Yikes! And look at me with a drink in each hand. Crazy.

Myself & Lynn, at the tail end of Saturday. Photo courtesy of Barbara Lang.

The shelf vignette outside my studio. Photo courtesy of Barbara Lang

Rick on the deck! Photo courtesy of Barbara Lang

Lynn (on the left) and myself messing about with PhotoBooth

I had so much fun, and yet still didn't get to have as much interactive art-experimenting for our visitors as I would have liked (partly as it was too busy!) So I'm hoping to have another "mini-open-studio" in July or August. This will also give those a chance who missed the first round to come and see what sorts of trouble they can get themselves into here... So if you want to be notified, please be sure to sign up on my mailing list! I'll put a call out here on the blog too, of course.

Before I sign off, I just want to give a quick thank-you to everyone who was involved, and that includes Lynn, Rick, my family, the Jericho/Underhill OSW group, all our fabulous visitors, and everyone else:

I couldn't have done it without you!

THANK YOU!

The shop is reloaded!

2011-05-21T23:57:00.001-04:00

I had one of those AAAGH! moments this afternoon when I realized that my lovely Etsy shop, the one I had just directed over 90 people on my mailing list to, had gone empty.
(gasp, ack, ack, wheeze.)

Well, it's looking much better now, and in fact I'm quite pleased with the selections. Here are a few samplings:

Arkonbey hadn't even seen "Cat helps with the Harvest" yet. There are always so many little pieces of art around here, it's no wonder I'm slow to inventory everything! Etsy is actually helping me bring everything into line. Thank goodness, that means more art for you guys.

Cheers!

2011-05-15T21:31:00.000-04:00

Here's a little test card Arkonbey made for me tonight. Deciding that the original cat-face cards were better, we're going to shelve this design for now, but hopefully use it for something different in the future.

(Phone blotted out, thus the little squiggles under my name.)

Arkobey found the sketch on a scrap of paper drifting about the house

One of the cats from my current business cards

In other news, I scanned in a bunch of new small paintings today, some of which are destined for the Etsy shop, and of course OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND is coming right up. Ai!

Saturday night Works in Progress

2011-05-14T20:33:00.001-04:00

Saturday night Works in Progress, a set on Flickr.

Actually using my camera today. Fantastic having that little thing around, especially when I remember it's here.

A good day overall, with the garage clean-out underway; delicious food consumed, good summer read finished, and wine now in hand.

Hurrah for Saturday!

Via Flickr:
The last few in the set have been in progress for more than a few months, the watercolors are all recent.

©Sweet Enemy Art

Two days after Easter, a haiku:

2011-04-26T21:34:00.001-04:00

Photo on 2011-04-26 at 21.23, a photo by Sweet Enemy Art on Flickr.

Thunder and lightning

Almost all the candy gone

Cat is at my feet

I know, I know. I shouldn't have eaten the entire chocolate bunny with the marshmallow center, but it was hard to stop.

Let's just put it out there right now: I'm worse than a kid when it comes to eating candy responsibly. Can I claim that the lightning storm kept me out of the studio, so I had nothing better to do? Still, I managed to think up a haiku, in honor of National Poetry Month!

Taking a tip from a friend

2011-04-18T18:58:00.000-04:00

Taking a tip from an astrologically-minded friend, I'm doing my best not to start anything new this week, but rather to make an attempt at finishing works. So far I've worked on four paintings and a drawing since yesterday, which is just the top of the pile.

To keep the work happening, I'm staying offline as long as possible. (Beyond these two short check-ins today.)

This is where I am thankful for unabridged audio books keeping me at the desk, especially as I'm tethered with headphones to keep from disturbing Arkonbey as he tries to sleep downstairs. First was "Poirot Investigates: 11 Hercule Poirot Mysteries by Agatha Christie", read by the fantastic David Suchet. And now I'm on disc 2 of Bill Bryson's "At Home." Disc 2 of 13 total! I'll be able to ride this one for the whole week!

dress me UP!

2011-04-13T22:36:00.003-04:00

Hey, did you know you can sample the "Dress Me Up" show online, whenever you fancy? And oh, you certainly may have to get fancy with this, because there are so many deliciously silly possibilities.

Arkonbey pulled all our gifs together into one big happy Flash interactive, and here it is!

Speaking of "here it is" HERE at last, in full, are the two costumes I designed for the event. And it looks like I'll have loan of them for Open Studio Weekend as well. (Thanks Christy!)

Fox and Rabbit Dress (Responsible fur!)

Aquarium Dress

Another action-packed week, and April is up and running.

2011-04-07T21:10:00.001-04:00

Father loves good ale... from Granfa Grig by Wallace Tripp, image from http://simchafisher.files.wordpress.com

KW and I made it to the Wallace Tripp exhibit at Lyndon State College on Monday, despite the sleet storm that we followed all the way there. After a brown-bag lunch in the student lounge, we tried finding a.) the bathrooms and b.) the gallery.

If you saw the same two women going up and down the hall past your office, oh, I don't know... maybe eight times? That was us.

But we did find the gallery. However, it was dark & locked up! Ahh, college galleries. Fortunately one of the staff happened by as he was touching up paint, and kindly let us in. The look of panic on our faces when he asked if we'd be "about ten minutes?" probably tipped him off that he'd best give us a good deal longer.

Wallace Tripp's Wurst Seller; image from http://characterdesignnotes.blogspot.com

It's in a very small room, with only some pieces titled and few dates if any, but we could easily have stayed for an hour or two. Of course I left my camera behind. But to give you a refresher on his work, don't forget this blog. Some of the pieces were from books, some from his greeting card company "PawPrints Press" and some were personal works. All were wonderful. It was hard to choose just one favorite, I would have gladly brought them all home, had they been for sale (and had I the money!)

Since our visit had to be quick, we went to the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, just 20 minutes away, which I highly recommend. KW had been before and seen the art exhibit, but alas, when we arrived the Athenaeum where the exhibit is housed was closed for renovations. The library itself was certainly worth the trip, however, and the sweetest most earnest docent in the world gave us every ounce of information she could muster regarding the collection, and the renovation, and more and more. KW said she learned more in this visit than in her previous three! Take a digital tour here, but try to get up there this Fall!

Today I spent mostly soaking up more art marketing information, at the VT Crafts Council Open Studio Weekend Seminar. whew. And another seminar next week. Ai! Now it's time to get back to that drawing I started last night...

Wallace Tripp Gallery Show at Lyndon State College in Vermont!

2011-03-15T21:53:00.003-04:00

When I saw this show announcement last night, I experienced true fangirl glee.

One of my prized possessions is a slightly worn copy of "A Great Big Ugly Man Came Up and Tied His Horse to Me," which certainly laid the foundation for my sense of humor and my love of line.

Unfortunately I won't be able to get up to the opening (it's 2 hours East of us, and I work that evening) but I plan on going up next week. If Lyndon State College is at all accessible to you, GO.

Especially if you can get there Friday night!
"Wally will attend the opening on Friday, March 18 at 6pm. "

Runs March 21 through April 11, 2011 at the Quimby Gallery in the Harvey Academic Center. Gallery Hours: 8-4, Monday-Friday.

Intrigued? If you'd like to read a beautifully illustrated mini-bio
of Mr. Tripp, be sure to check this link out.

Welcome to the Salon...

2011-03-04T00:07:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

Q: What's the last thing that goes through a bug's mind

when it hits the windshield?

A: The butt.

Nothing like a little third-grade humor to get the post off to a good start.

I thought I'd share a few of the many pieces that I'll have on display at SPACE

for the new show: Christy's: Salon Art Event

I'm one of eleven local artists to be displayed, and it's going to be a wonderful mix.

"As curator to The SPACE, Christy Mitchell has come to know and love the work of many of the artists who have shown in the gallery since opening it’s doors in August of 2009. You’ll see vignettes featuring new and older work by:

Beth Robinson, Christy Mitchell, Jme Wheeler, John Brickels, Jonathan Ward, Justin Atherton, Kristen L’Esperance, Kristin Richland, Sage Tucker-Ketcham, Wendy James, & Wylie Sofia Garcia"

I hope you can make it!

If you aren't able to see it in person, Arkonbey has promised to take pictures while we're at the opening.

If you can't make it to the opening but want to see the show, the exhibit will run through the month of March, open every Thursday-Saturday from 11-4 p.m.

www.spacegalleryvt.com

Until next time...

Black and Green go well together

2011-02-25T19:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've been remiss in posting all my pictures, partly because I've been busy with paintstiks and the next show at S.P.A.C.E., but here's a sweet little taste from the Seven Days website:
Body by Jme Wheeler, Black Gear by Justin Atherton, and the Green bits are by yours truly!
(click the link to read the nice little write-up)

And what's next at S.P.A.C.E. you ask? Why, this!

Christy's: Salon Art Event

March 4th - 26th

Opening Reception: First Friday Art Walk, March 4th 5-9pm
Take a stroll through The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery's Great Room this March, as Christy

Mitchell showcases the work of Burlington's finest.

Curator and Creative Facilitator of The S.P.A.C.E.,

Christy has come to know and love a talented group of local artisans

since opening the gallery doors in August, 2009.

Christy invites you to enjoy selections from each artist's body of work,

presenting you with the opportunity to expand your own personal collections.

You'll see work by:
Beth Robinson
Christy Mitchell
John Brickels
Jonathan Ward
Jme Wheeler
Justin Atherton
Kristen L'Esperance
Kristin Richland
Sage Tucker-Ketcham
Wendy James
Wylie Sofia Garcia

See you there!

Winter catch-up!

2011-02-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

So the past few weeks have gone by in a bit of an art-making blur, though I don't have the usual type of finished product to show for it.

First came the a day of three art demos for the Vermont Maturity magazine's 50+ Expo: Relief printing, Walnut ink, and Oil Paintstiks. I spent the majority of the prep time working with paintstiks, as those were entirely new to me. Here's the photoset. I'm doing another demo (of paintstiks) on the 26th of February at Artists' Mediums.

In the middle of the January I went to my third "Cross Pollinators" crit group. There I shared a project I'd worked on at the beginning of the month: living dress drawings done super-small, in just graphite, trying to mimic old photographs. I've started creating a loose story line around them (very loose!) and am setting them in a vintage-style black photo album/ scrapbook.
But THEN! Just as I'm working super small, and everyone at the group was interested in seeing the dresses far bigger, I got an email from S.P.A.C.E. facilitator Christy Mitchell. The call to action was for an interactive, almost life-sized paper doll show for February. I came up with two outfit designs and got them fully painted in the nick of time to be scanned by the originator of the idea, Jme Wheeler. The night before the opening, scissors flew as pieces came out of the printer.

The opening itself had a nice turnout, and several of us are hoping we could take the idea a bit further. Once we find out how much the printing actually cost, perhaps we will!

Artists involved in the Dress Me Up Show: Jme Wheeler, Christy Mitchell, Wylie Sofia Garcia, Beth Robinson, Justin Atherton, and me!

I'll edit this post later to add the images of my two outfits.
Ciao!
Off to make valentines and eat good food.

Some creatures on bikes

2010-12-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

Let's just be clear, here: I have lived with Arkonbey for a long time, and there are always bicycles in the house. And yet, I remain completely unaware of how the things are actually constructed. Far be it from me to actually go and look at one. I mean, there are only a paltry few to choose from. Regardless, here are a few creatures, on my interpretations of those two-wheeled devices.

Cat on a bike 1 ©SweetEnemyArt

Cat on a bike 2 ©SweetEnemyArt

Lemur on a bike ©SweetEnemyArt

Thing on a bike (For Arkonbey) ©SweetEnemyArt

Thing on a bike was the progenitor of this series, by the way.

Art Community

2010-12-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Wow. I am grateful for many people today, and since I've been terrible about keeping a journal of such things on paper, why not list a few here now.

1.) Christy Mitchell, Creative Facilitator at the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery. She's created this wonderful microcosm of artists and happenings right in the middle of the Burlington Arts district, and I always have a great time whenever we go. She's a great dancer and has a wonderfully odd attraction to retro accessorizing.

I hope she doesn't kill me when she sees this.

2.) Lorraine Reynolds, Mixed Media Collage & Assemblage artist. Lorraine just shocked the pants off me by putting a little blurb about me on her blog, which is really sweet, especially seeing how I was going off last night about how she's doing a workshop at A.M. in the Spring, to at least three of her mutual friends, and we're all really excited...oh, I guess we hadn't confirmed that yet ...blush...

Captain by Lorraine Reynolds

3.) Sidney Eley, Photographer and Mixed Media artist who invited me to take part in a group of working artists that bounce ideas off of each other. I met Sidney at the VSC Vermont Art Week this April. Through Sidney, I've been able to make better connections with some great local artists. And it's good to have homework. I'd put in a link to Sidney's work, but couldn't find one. Still, if you're on Pine Street in Burlington, check out a few of her pieces at the new SEABA headquarters.

4.) All my peeps at Artists' Mediums. Ten years and they still put up with me. They even buy new framing equipment for me! Alright, for the store, not necessarily for me. But you should see this awesome book they put together for me. And you will, someday soon.

5.) Our buyer's agent, who had the foresight to give us a beautiful oil lamp as a housewarming gift, and the local power company crew, who made sure we didn't have to rely on it for more than two nights in a row.

6.) And oh! This artist, Kirsty Mitchell, whom I just stumbled upon this morning. A photographer in England, who's right up my alley.

7.) More people than I can count... you know who you are, right?

17th Annual Art & Artisans Market November 13th and 14th 2010, 10-5

2010-11-08T07:05:00.001-05:00

Alright art friends, here's the skinny. You can start your holiday preparations this coming weekend at the Art & Artisans Market, where I'm a guest artist. Stop in and see what's cooking.

(no, I mean it... It's Arthur's Fault will be there...)

Art Trek--I'm Massachusetts bound!

2010-11-07T10:00:00.100-05:00

So, you know how lots of artists dream of showing in a NYC gallery?

Karen and I are on our way to the R. Michelson Gallery, a venue I would love to show in someday (NYC is still on the list though.) Northampton is a fun place to nose around in, so if I had an extra reason to go there, well, I wouldn't complain.

The opportunity to rub elbows with some of my favorite illustrators and authors is such a treat. Last year I came home with two books autographed by that master of many mediums, Barry Moser. Check out his work if the name is new to you.

Speaking of treats, we'll be making our usual stop to L.A. Burdick's chocolate shop along the way. Oh yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Here’s a shot of the reception for last year’s show. We had a prime spot just behind Rich Michelson himself, because we couldn't tear ourselves away from the book table...

Well that’s it for now. If you’re up in the Jeffersonville VT area, make sure you check out the Small Picture Exhibition at the Bryan Memorial Gallery, which opens today. The show runs through December 23rd.

Likewise, if you’re down Northampton way, I highly recommend the R.Michelson gallery. The Children's Illustration Show looks to be up through March 2011. Both venues have more than one show going at a time, well worth the visit.

Plus, and this is important, both towns have some fabulous food.
You knew I was going to end on a food note, didn't you.

Small Picture Exhibition opens this Friday

2010-11-04T00:23:00.000-04:00

Nazgul Bride Graphite on paper ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

I've submitted two pieces to the annual Member's Small Picture Exhibition at the Bryan Memorial Gallery, which runs through December 23rd 2010. Obviously, what you see here isn't quite Vermont landscape, but this show usually mixes things up a bit. I'm curious to see if they hang both my pieces at once, or if the turnout was large enough where only one piece from each artist will show at a time.

Guess I'll have to wait, though, as I'm missing the opening reception this Sunday! Check back then and you'll see why.

Incubating ideas

2010-10-20T22:57:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended my second meeting with the 'Pollinators', kindly hosted by Sidney E. This is a group she invited me to take part in, where working artists can bring their in-process-work in for feedback and ideas. As with the first night, the Mode-de-Monstre work that I brought received the best response. Sculpture keeps coming up as a response when I show my drawings, and Wylie mentioned an iron pour that takes place in Burlington. My response has been rather giddy. I got out my roma plastilina clay when I got home, but it's tricky to work with (and my hands stank all night.) This is something I'll probably need to talk with some other sculptors about.

I'm also halfway through a class with Alyson Stanfield of artbizcoach.com and it's simultaneously overwhelming and energizing. Tons of "to do's" are threatening to topple over onto me, so thank goodness arkonbey has stepped up to the plate and is, well, washing the plates. Ladies and Gents, my man makes dinner and he does the dishes.

Back from the HoP

2010-09-14T20:30:00.000-04:00

...and spending a few minutes searching for Sweet Enemy online. Found a few images of my artwork, which is great--that's what I was hoping for, but I also found someone out there who's got a righteous excuse to use my psuedonym: Check her out.

Fresh Art for Etsy

2010-09-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

It's almost Art Hop time again! I'm cranking up my matting and framing in the studio, trying to get ready, as once again I've got a space. Meanwhile, here are a few close-ups of pieces that just went live
on my Etsy shop. More to come soon...

Waiting At The Station (detail) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

Waiting At The Station

Walnut ink and gouache, two great mediums that go great together!

This little guy is rather melancholy, waiting faithfully on his bench...

Gothic Reader (detail) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

Gothic Reader

Walnut ink and gouache again, with a liberal dose of colored pencil and snaky hair.

This Is My Cheese (detail) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

This Is My Cheese

From a series of pieces I did when experimenting with some new-to-me acrylic mediums... the whole thing started off with this lovely yellow cheese-like surface, so the subject just had to reference that.

Grandma Sweater (detail) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

Grandma Sweater

Walnut ink strikes again! And so does Grandma, with yet another bizarre sweater at Christmas.

This piece shall now proudly take its place with the other Mode De Monstre.

Bright Bird (detail) ©Sweet Enemy Art 2010

Bright Bird

From a lovely day of printmaking down at the Burlington City Arts Print Studio, here is a monotype done in a technique which I always love but don't often have a chance to use. And because I can rarely leave well enough alone, there is colored pencil and possibly some watercolor along with the dry-media and ink that the print was originally made with.

15 microseconds of fame!

2010-07-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe not fame exactly, but when I checked into Etsy last night, I discovered a friendly little note from bythebead saying that one of my pieces had been picked for a treasury. Treasuries aren't that rare, it's not like being posted on the main page or anything, but still, nice to see my work in a collection picked by someone else.

Here's the link

So what's YOUR vote for my next Etsy batch, oh internet peeps?

Should I post more line drawings, or bigger pieces, or what?

Until then, looking forward to this heat breaking a bit. It's too stuffy in the studio, and we just found our awesome vintage fan needs an overhaul.

Cheers

The shop! The shop!

2010-06-29T00:21:00.000-04:00

The shop is alive!

Ten original pieces have made their way onto Etsy. I feel like I've done a technology workout this evening, but it was all worth it. Here's a few pieces that you'll find there:

Ghost Cat, one of the most recent mini-cat watercolors (1.25 x 1.25 inches) is at the top of the list. Now that I've blown the image size up here on the screen, I don't know if I can part with him! Excuse me while I go jack up the price. Just kidding.

Favorite Book Bug

Celtic Pup, loose in the book of Kells

My imaginatively-named "Bird Number Two"

At Arkonbey's suggestion, I've set Mondays aside for business-related activities. Tonight was one of the more rewarding Mondays, even though it overlapped into Tuesday. Next week should see a few more pieces in the shop. Till then, Goodnight!

A pair of birds

2010-06-26T23:10:00.001-04:00

I'm waiting to hear if the recipient likes this design. She'd missed her chance on obtaining an earlier piece of mine, so I'm revisiting the theme, but it's turned out quite different from the first.

There's just something I love about the way a crow quill pen scratches across textured watercolor paper. This may get a bit of color later on. Remains to be seen.
While drawing this, I took advantage of my fancy-pants laptop's DVD-playing abilities, and went through three episodes of "All Creatures Great And Small" (Season One.)
Fantastic show, and I'm familiar enough with it that I just listened to it, audio book style.

Private lives of sophisticated cats

2010-06-08T22:02:00.001-04:00

Private lives of sophisticated cats
Originally uploaded by Sweet Enemy Art

Here are two 6x6 pieces I started last week.

If you dropped by the studio on Sunday, I had just started the one on the right. On the left panel, I let a few folks try out my white acrylic ink and watercolor crayons. Most of that has now been covered up, though this absorbent ground has done its best to play tricks on me.
Sometimes "permanent" just isn't, at least on this stuff.

Paintings find new homes

2010-06-06T22:00:00.001-04:00

This year's Open Studio weekend was a wonderful experience, as I've mentioned previously. Here are a few of the pieces that have found new homes:
First, Lizard With Sandwich (24x18")

Young Rabbit (10.5"x5.5")

Two of the following pieces sold, and of the one in pink & blue, I just realized I might not have a better image! Nuts! Perhaps I'll discover otherwise if I do a little digging... Anyways, pink & blue is "You Listen To My Stories" and the other that sold is "Nest Egg."

The last one I have an image of is the Polar Bears, done on an interesting shaped piece of paper (it's scooped in the upper right corner.) They're just hanging out, listening to some stories. In their cozy little igloo, perhaps.

(size @ 2.5"x4.5")

Wrap it up and plant that garden!

2010-06-01T21:59:00.003-04:00

Another Open Studio weekend has come and gone. Before too long, I'll have some new progress shots of new work. But first, it's time to say thank you.

Thank you one and all, those of you who came to find me specifically, and those of you who just followed signs and happened upon our house.

All in all, I believe we had almost sixty visitors. Whew!

Special shouts out to:

Mister Brunelle (and many others of you) for describing my work as:

"Illustrations for a story that doesn't yet exist"

Lorrie, for bringing freshly baked cookies (they were lovingly devoured)

Theresa, for loaning me her display panels, thus saving my walls.

The fearless ladies who conquered our rocky hill on their road bikes, you were awesome!

Marcia & Skip, who saved the eight-foot-tall monster dress drawing after it came loose from the side of the house...

Those of you who came from afar: Richford, Plainfield & Newport, Vermont; Connecticut, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, even an artist from New Zealand!

Rick, for helping me with all the last minute set-ups and keeping me sane.

(And for letting people visit your studio space and see your work too!)

You all gave me great ideas to pursue, other artists to look up, and you all shared some wonderful stories. THIS, not to mention your wonderful encouragement, is what makes these events worthwhile!

As Sunday drew to a close, we celebrated with home-made sangria, local pizza, and Big Trouble in Little China. Bernie--our new cat--celebrated his release from the bedroom. Next year, perhaps he'll be brave enough to greet the guests.

Studio Visit! Open Studio 2010

2010-05-20T09:15:00.003-04:00

It's been a long slow start-up to Spring, but here we are: Memorial Day is right around the corner.
That means it's time for an Open Studio tour!

Our Jericho-Underhill group once again has its hub at the Emile Gruppe Gallery in Jericho Center. This is a good spot to pick up your maps (both the local and the state-wide) and to view samples of work by our group as you plan your tour. Also on display at the gallery are photography by Bruce Gilbert-Smith, and watercolors by Kathleen Bergeron. The yellow maps for our local group are very handy, if you need good driving directions.

In previous years, I exhibited my "studio" off-site. This time, I invite you to visit the studio itself.
Come and see what I keep on hand to inspire me, what materials I use, and more. Try your hand drawing with walnut ink, or charcoal, or who knows...
Here's a typical painting day for me: everything at hand! Everything!!!!

The last few months have been an interesting "germination" period. Most recently, the week I spent at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson yielded new work: more "Monster Fashion" drawings (bigger and bigger!) and a self-portrait diptych that is in the very early stages. These are just two of the many things I've started recently, but yes, there are a few finished pieces as well. I am looking forward to sharing them with you.

To get you started, here's the map for the local tour!

Studio Center--the first few days

2010-05-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

Well, here are a few images from the studio as I was getting unpacked. This space was HUGE; almost as big as our living room, so now my "previously big" studio at home feels really really small. (Current task is to empty it of all unnecessary stuff so I have room for, well you'll see soon...)

After a day and a half of sanding and priming the four panels I brought, I did this quick water-like painting on one of the smaller pieces. Feeling a bit looser now, nice to work on something this size. Acrylic on clear-primed birch panel, 24"x24."

And finally, for tonight at least, a part of the Studio Center that I rarely set foot in during the day, the bedroom. A rather monastic setting, which was just right. Check out the built-in drawers! I think this used to be the dining room when this house was originally built. And love the funky colors, though I certainly didn't want to linger in bed too long when there was amazing breakfast to be had.

And the studio was calling.

Off to the Studio Center!

2010-04-25T11:47:00.002-04:00

Feather Study, originally uploaded by Sweet Enemy Art.

Vermont Art Week starts today!
I'm taking a short break before I load up the car with tons and tons of stuff and head to the VSC. It's gorgeous weather outside, though chilly.
The laptop will stay behind with Arkonbey but I'll bring my camera, so next week there will be a post (or two) of images documenting my time away away away!

Oh Wow Oh Art

2010-04-22T16:25:00.001-04:00

Using the "trick yourself by treating yourself" idea, I started the day with a quick blog-roll checkup, a local errand, and an early lunch at the local cafe while working on my artists statement for two bodies of work, and then I hit the library and found:

Almost as head-spinning as a quick trip to the Met or the National Gallery, I spent at least an hour pouring through Phaidon's "The American Art Book" which is a hefty tome and a worthy one too.

What a delicious selection of works, all arranged alphabetically by artist; almost everything from the early early days to the present is at least touched upon. Here are two favorites out of many:

Joseph (Guiseppe) Stella (Tree of My Life) on top, Ammi Phillips (Portrait of a Young Woman, Possibly Mrs. Hardy) below.

But aaaaaaa!!!!! my brain is full to overflowing with images, and I have to get at least something on paper. Today. Now. And since I've checked off three other things on my to-do list (call 7Days, call the insurance people, write something for the blog, oh, hi there...) I think it's time to do just that.

Until then.

Mark your calendars, art fiends!

2010-04-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

A little drum roll please, as we announce the:

Memorial Day weekend has lots of enticing events, but if you're able, consider attending this one!

It's state-wide, so wherever you are in VT on May 29th & 30th, you'll probably see the ubiquitous yellow signs directing you hither and yon.

Much remains to be done as the clock ticks its way towards that weekend, so it's nice to check one thing off the list.

Other things I'm happy about lately include:

--The Vermont Artist Week at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, where I'll be for a solid week of art making very VERY soon.

--The one-day encaustic workshop I attended at Studio Place Arts in Barre last week, at which I made lots of mess, but sort of found my groove at the end.

--My Etsy shop, which is that much closer to actually getting done (I know, THAT'S been a long time coming!)

--Arkonbey the Awesome, who came to my rescue with his design skills last night, and will also be giving the Sweet Enemy portion of our Obscurius site a nice facelift soon as well. It's pretty great as-is, but it's time for a re-arranging and updating, as with most things.

--Daffodils. Daffodils and crock-pots, though not together, both make me happy.

That's all till next time.

What happened to the fishes

2010-03-17T10:58:00.002-04:00

Mixing paint in front of people is something I'm not too scientific about:

But the nice thing about this technique is transparent glazes are very forgiving...here I am wiping something out:

(Thanks to Lynn Powers for these demo images!)

And here's where the painting is now, with a bit more color glazed over the gray underpainting:

Now here's what's happened to my fish painting. I think it was a case of too much paint, not enough paying attention, or "do not listen to Brave New World on audio book while painting, it's too much."

Below, the original underpainting.

And here we have the current status:

Other than being choosey about what you listen to while creating, may I offer this advice as well:

Keep the initial color values light, light, light when glazing. And be careful how much detail you add in a small piece, lest you end up with a cramped painting.

Monday night paintings

2010-03-17T09:09:00.001-04:00

Three pieces that had their genesis during my Acrylic Underpainting demo on April 27th. Really all I came home with at the time was two pieces of matboard: One had been an example of tinted absorbent grounds, applied with a squeegee so two contrasting colors blended, the second piece was just a soft iridescent reddish-orange background. The first has now been cut in two, and the second is becoming ever-more sparkly. The shimmer is really obvious in the last image.

A last look before bedtime, originally uploaded by Sweet Enemy Art.

Since then, the pepto-bismol pink half is now the acrylic drawing on the right. Here's what it looked like a few days ago, as I discovered that Absorbent Ground on a textured matboard is a surprisingly forgiving surface when using a dipping pen:

And last night I held my breath and started putting in some more color. It is always hard to make that jump, but I remind myself now that it's worth it. Besides, Absorbent Ground is very forgiving if you're applying thin washes at first.

This one, the "fairy-tale drapery" piece, is more of a mood piece right now. Great fun was had with the spray bottle and some blue matte acrylic, but not sure yet what will be in the center. Thinking of the Arabian Nights, perhaps. It's always a blast to look back and see how my paintings started, because in the end, this painting will hardly resemble what you see now.

Right behind it, is the tree painting I'm working on (visible in the center of the top photo.) So far there have been about six layers of varying colors, and heavy usage of masking fluid.

Next up, I post what happened to the purple fish painting. Yikes, we'll see if it can be saved.

This blog has moved

2010-03-14T15:03:00.002-04:00

Whew! Transfer complete!

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Farewell Boo

2010-03-14T13:58:00.001-04:00

The studio just isn't the same without you, to say nothing of how empty the house feels. I miss hearing your tiny heavy paws come padding up to me and the tap-tap as you asked to get on my lap.

You only twice ever got in the paint, you were content to stay countless hours with me, as long as you had a good place to curl up and my water-glass to drink out of. Every painting I have ever done you were there from beginning to end, or at least it felt like it. Even when you were underfoot, I loved that you just wanted to be "with."
You used to mew for us when we got too far ahead of you on walks, now it's us looking for you.

Love you, babe-cat.
Thank you for everything. Thirteen years went by far too quickly.

sweet & melancholy

2010-02-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

After a record amount of snow yesterday, I was able to sleep in a bit this morning, having the day off. Got into the studio even before I had breakfast, painted for at least 20 minutes, then went to find something to eat. And then went right back to the studio.
What helps keep me glued to the seat is having something good to listen to, and this morning it was an audio book of "Animal Farm." After having read some of the "Freddy the Pig" series by Walter R. Brooks, I was intrigued to find that Orwell wrote his book in 1945, well after the Freddy series began (in 1927.) I hadn't read "Animal Farm" since the '90's, so it was high time, and there it was waiting for me at the library. Obviously Animal Farm is an excellent--though depressing--allegory, but it's amusing to note the many similarities it has to the very amusing & well written Freddy series.
And needless to say, it's an odd mix to have a cheery painting going on the easel while an allegory of the Soviet Union is playing in the background.

Took a break mid-day to attend the funeral of Rita Roy, mother of my own mother's best friend Therese. Barely made it there in time, but was so glad I went. Therese & her husband are both wonderful musicians and each contributed to a part of the ceremony. James played oboe during one part, later Therese with her violin while he accompanied on the piano. Watching & listening to them play, especially in such a setting, I don't know if I could convey how sweetly it came across.
After the funeral, there was an honest-to-goodness church-lady meal (oh marshmallowy-green-fruit-stuff, so tasty) and for a brief time, we were able to visit with Therese, her sisters, and Mom's friend Annie.

The day wrapped up a bit with a massage, which I have almost ruined the effect of by coming home to paint more at my desk, and oh yes, to type on the computer.
Now the winds are picking up outside, I think another branch just fell off of the pine outside my window, and it's time to go to bed. Actually, I should have been in bed an hour ago.
Hopefully I'll be posting an image or two tomorrow of what I worked on this morning.

More images for the demo!

2010-02-21T21:50:00.000-05:00

Right. So, if you missed it, this is for the
Acrylic Underpainting Techniques
Free demonstration at Artists' Mediums, Williston, VT
Saturday February 27th, 2010
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Okay! Here are a few more pieces I've prepared for the demonstration. It's really hard to stop at the underpainting stage on some of these, because I really like what's going on, and want to keep doing it.

That's about all that I have the patience to upload tonight. The internet is moving at molasses speed, and I want to get back to the paint. So here's a link to my flickr stream, where you'll find a few more of these pieces.

Acrylic Underpaintings

2010-02-21T12:54:00.001-05:00

Acrylic Underpainting Techniques
Free demonstration at Artists' Mediums, Williston, VT
Saturday February 27th, 2010
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In preparation for this weekend's demonstration, here's a peek at at least one image.
As usual, I've made a huge list of things I want to show, namely different grounds and techniques for applying them. Colored pencil on watercolor canvas, colored pumice grounds, etc. A pile of samples is currently building up by the door. I also am working on a more complex piece in grisaille, based on Arkonbey's original sketch. I haven't quite captured the original expressions yet. But some of the shadows overall are pretty decent.

More images to follow as we go!

Listening to while posting: My Maudlin Career

Vermont Artists' Week Residency!

2010-02-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

A nice little pile of mail awaited me this evening, and I'm pleased to say that I've been accepted into the Vermont Artists' Week residency at the Vermont Studio Center!
This was my second attempt, and I was quite picky about which images I chose (I also sent far fewer) and in what sequence they would be viewed.

So, several projects are in the works, including a collaboration with Arkonbey, partly in preparation for my Acrylic Underpainting Techniques demonstration that happens at Artists' Mediums on the 27th of February. Wonder what I'll be working on when the residency rolls around...

woohoo!

The paints are out!

2010-01-31T15:25:00.000-05:00

It's been months since my acrylics have gotten their time in the sun. Well, I'm fully fueled with caffeine and am poking through the corners of the studio, finding random surfaces to prepare.

Because I'm doing a demonstration of "Acrylic Underpainting Techniques" February 27th at Artists' Mediums. So I'd better get cracking, eh?

In other news, just picked up my work from the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery (looking forward to their Valentine-themed show this Friday) and we came home with prints by two other artists as well. Images of those later, once we get them situated.

Diaspora!

2009-12-08T23:49:00.000-05:00

Well, this has been a busy week and it's only Tuesday.

On Sunday I managed to do a quick install of some originals & prints at the Deborah Rawson Library, but lo, the shelving brackets confounded me in my pursuit of a well-balanced display. Of course I managed to be attempting this when Pete & Karen Sutherland (arguably the most well-known folk musicians in VT) were trying to set up in the same room. Yikes! Hopefully I'll have a chance to get back and adjust the shelf this week.

Yesterday saw the shipping off of "Buzzy Will Guide You" to a friend I've known since at least the first grade, who now resides on the other side of the country.

And this evening, I hand-delivered "Mode de Monstre" (the original 6 paintings in the series) and "City Wear" (also from the M. d. M. series) to a dear friend who is also an artist.

Sadly, there are only so many hours to each day. The advent calendar project has gotten side-lined again, but there may be hope. And preparations are still underway for this weekend's:

PINE STREET
(arts district) HOLIDAY OPEN STUDIO & SALE!

(it's hilarious, I think more words are added to the title of this event every time I hear about it from someone!)
Well, you'll see me there at #4 Howard Street at Studio D-3, once again a guest of Marie Davis & Carol Norton, hurrah! Fellow Underhiller Anne Linde will also be there with her cards & small sculptures.
The show will run:
Friday December 11th 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
&
Saturday December 12th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are some really fine & amazing artists & craftspeople in this district, it's an honor to be invited once again. Hope to see you there!
(And don't forget to stop into S.P.A.C.E. to see the Small Works show.)

Shows, shows and more shows

2009-11-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

Currently Showing, through December:

The Bryan Gallery is hosting both their annual member's "Small Picture Show," in which I have two pieces (though just one on the wall currently,) and their anniversary show "Hello Dolly, Hello Teddy," to which I was invited by one of the curators.
The Doll show is appropriate for just about any age, and just about every taste too: i.e. when bringing my dolls in for the show, I received both a horrified "oh, that's really weird" and a sweet "these are great" response, just in one hour.

I contributed eight of the dolls I'd made several years ago, such as The Jolly Queen, Mama had a baby, The Debutante, Soft Frog Robot, and others. Also on display is my painting of the little bear with the cookie jar. Remember him?

At the opening I met Beth Robinson, creator of the lovely Gothic Lolitas on display. Her "Daisy" is one of the dolls on their image gallery for the exhibit. I've also linked her site "Strange Dolls" here on the blog. These shows are up until the end of December. I highly recommend checking them out!

Next up: Three more exhibits! How did I ever get so busy?

Small show at S.P.A.C.E. starts this Friday, December 4th during the First Friday Artwalk. I've submitted 5 pieces, two of which are "specimen" type drawings for my Mode de Monstre series. There are also two dark moody water-themed acrylic pieces and one teeny tiny drawing. The rules for this show were anything 12x12 inches or smaller. This is a great new venue in the area, and I'm very excited to take part!

Pine Street Studio Holiday Sale is December 11th & 12th!
Many of the galleries and studios along Pine Street will be participating. You'll find me at the studios of Marie Davis & Carol Norton, on the corner of Pine & Howard. The last time this show happened, in 2007, it was for only one day. This year you'll have more chances to get around and see everyone. I plan on having a studio "clean-out sale," so no matter what your budget, I hope you'll find something you love to take home or to share as a gift.
The Studio sale starts at 3 p.m. on Friday (running till about 7 p.m. I believe) and starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, running till about 5 or 6 p.m.

At the Deborah Rawson Library in Jericho, I'll be exhibiting work in their small display case for the month of December. Also on view will be work by Joan MacKenzie, so the library will be brimming with weird and wonderful animals all month long.

More news to come, but I think that's enough for now. Hope to see you at one of these fine events!

Bug Parade part two

2009-11-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

More Bugs! Again, these are about 5.5"x 5" actual size.
And may I just say how much I love advance posting? Because if you're reading this at on Sunday morning, I'm not at my computer, I'm on my way to the 20th Annual Children's Illustration show with my friend KW! I need to brush up on who's going to be there, just in case, you know, I get to actually meet any of them... (I'm just a bit giddy.)

Now, back to bugs:
#3.) Garden Bug Parade

#4.) Favorite Book Bug

Please note: I'm always open to suggestions for more bugs. Or bug situations.
Somewhere in my studio there's a slow-moving bug that keeps showing up this time of year, I'll have to do a portrait of him sometime. Most recently this bug was crawling all over Purple Easter Man while I was working on his portrait. But perhaps I should first find out if he's a good bug or bad.

Bug Parade part one

2009-11-07T10:24:00.004-05:00

Here are a few small (5.5" x 5") drawings I plan to either put in the local library show, or post to Etsy. Once I've matted them I'll know where they're headed...

#1.) Gentleman's Stroll

#2) Walking the Beetle

Inking away

2009-11-04T21:28:00.005-05:00

My poor, neglected acrylic paints.
They think I don't care for them anymore.
This past week it's been all about ink. And more ink.

Arkonbey & I have been following Jake Parker's blog, especially his wonderful execution of an ink drawing a day for the whole month of "Inktober"
(Not only does he post his own fantastic artwork, he also provides extra inspiration via ink illustrations by other artists, some well-known, others new to me)

A few months ago I dug up my old bamboo pen and did a few big ink portraits, as yet un-photographed. But for your viewing pleasure, and also because I wanted to write an entry for the AM Blog, I present to you some new work: portraits of Buzzy (top) and Purple Easter Man (with chair.)
Higgins non-waterproof ink on 11x14 paper, with nibs by Speedball & a new favorite, though vintage: Esterbrook.
More to be seen on the Artists' Mediums Blog!

Offler, my new art trip companion

2009-10-18T21:54:00.003-04:00

We adopted Offler* this September during the local Harvest Market, a great traveling companion, and a bargain at 15 cents!

*he's named after Offler the Crocodile God, resident of Discworld. Need I say more?

When you crash into a studio window, a leaf in the beak is a comforting thing.

2009-10-15T22:10:00.006-04:00

After hearing a tremendous Ka-BANG! in our house this morning, I finally found the source outside and saw a big bird on the ground. From up on the deck, it looked like a big pile of feathers. In a lump. Uh-oh.
When I got down there, I discovered it was this lovely owl. On its side, eyes closed, but still breathing. I've never seen one so close before, and yes, I did have to touch it--I couldn't resist. With gloves, and only very gently, but the poor thing didn't even notice. It was completely knocked out at this point.

Still unsure as to whether it would live or not, I ran back inside & called the Vermont Wildlife Rescue Association. Which is run on a shoestring by Carol, her family and a few volunteers. When they can afford to be open. I found her number just two days ago when I found the article I'd clipped from last year's paper. That was lucky.
Keep in mind that this was barely 8 a.m. (for me, that's an ungodly hour.) Nevertheless, Carol kindly gave me the number of someone more local who handles raptors, but I had to leave a message.

Back outside, I found the owl sitting up, holding this giant leaf in it's beak. I'm really not sure how or why, since it's beak was empty when I first saw it. But there you go. Leaf = security blanket, perhaps. This owl & I sat about 8 feet apart for maybe ten or more minutes, and it seemed to take no offense at my quiet talk.

A blinking owl is a fantastic, marvelous thing. Every now and then it would sort of hang it's head down a bit, so I would too, and we copied each other for a little bit. Or I flatter myself to think that we did, anyways. Later, when it had flown up into a tree, I was on the phone with Craig (the local raptor guy) and he said it probably had one heck of a headache.

Arkonbey asked if this is going to make it's way into my drawings somehow, and yes, that will happen one way or another.
I wrote a thank-you to Carol, and if her association is still up and running, I'd love to try and lend a hand now and then. To work up close with a variety of creatures?! Yes please! Even if it means prepping raw meat. I can probably handle that. It would be great to get some close-up understanding of wildlife.
VINS down in southern VT allows for photo sessions with some of their birds, for a fee. Perhaps this could work for Carol's organization too. I'm a bit excited, can you tell?

Raptors!

Well, too late to be getting into the studio tonight. But it was worth it. I harvested the last of our basil, and I posted about "our" owl. Tomorrow, back to the drawing.

some stuff from the desktop, part 3

2009-09-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

Here's a little (blurry) view of a piece that has been sitting on my drawing board, untouched for a month or more until just two days ago, when I finally picked up the pencil again.

I have stared at this section for more hours than I want to recall, while slowly filling in, erasing, filling in, erasing, filling in, erasing, filling in,
you get the idea.

Among the audio books that helped pass the time were "The Thin Man" (Dashiel Hammet) "Every Living Thing" (James Herriot) "The Lord of the Rings" (Tolkien, BBC version.)

So, like I said, hours.
But once you've used a 2B pencil on Stonehenge paper, it's all worth it. MMmmmm, velvety.

some stuff from the desktop, part 2

2009-09-23T23:15:00.000-04:00

Here we have Serious mouse people. Two of them really don't want to share that cheese. The third is a bit more light hearted.

Made these while trying out some new acrylic & drawing combinations. And liking them. Too bad I haven't touched my acrylics in over a month since!

Acrylic (lots and lots of acrylic) & pencil on matboard

some stuff from the desktop, part one

2009-09-23T23:08:00.001-04:00

Since I haven't left myself much time for painting lately, I prepped a bunch of mini watercolor canvas and have been messing about with gouache. Also you might see some pen & ink in the background there.

The watercolor paintings are about 3"x3" at their biggest. A bit jumbly right now, but I think they'll clean up nice once I get them in mats.

A first!

2009-09-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

Finally, the very first image directly uploaded from my camera to the blog. Thank you Picassa for simplicity, thank you Arkonbey for solving the great hardware crisis.

Pictured at left is a family of bears that resides in the window of a hopping ice cream shop in Northampton MA. They are huge and pleasantly shaped, and they've been there quite a while (a bit of sun-fading, which gives character.) They are dieting bears, so the vinyl ice cream is rather cruel, don't you think.

Snapped while on an art 'outing' with Karen, which included a full day of visiting the Carle. (That's the Carl Museum of Picture Book Art. Heaven.) Sadly, no pictures from there, as just about everything on display is copyright protected. We closed 'em down though... I think they suffer us staying late because we buy stuff in the bookshop :)

Well, more pics later, now that I've got this technology under my belt. For now, BED.

Other people's creatures

2009-09-15T20:57:00.004-04:00

Here's an amazing artist Arkonbey just reminded me about: Patricia Piccinini

You should check her out. Specifically her "The Long Awaited, Foundling" series, it's fabulously creepy and sweet all at the same time. You'll see why I'm attracted to it.

Arkonbey wants me to 'flesh out' some of my creatures this way, or at least in a life-sized drawing. Well.... it would be fun.

Laaaaaaap toppppp

2009-09-05T16:44:00.003-04:00

Arkonbey held true to his promise (thanks, buster!) and we purchased a new laptop for yours truly today. We went pc, which is a first in the last twelve years or more at this house. Still, it's half the price of going mac. Even a refurbished mac! I mean, come on Apple, we knew you were elitist, but geez.

Well, the ol' Miketop will hang around for awhile longer, until I'm sure I'm satisfied with this new slick box. The difference in speed is certainly nice. I have managed to get Pandora going in it's own little application, so this has happy consequences for the studio.

But Pandora, you're playing some really whacked stuff today.

Maybe it's just me.

art in the garden, or at least the windowboxes

2009-08-14T20:15:00.004-04:00

I HAVE A CAMERA!!!
Let's ignore the fact that I barely know how to use it. These are just a few silly shots of a pop-up card I made while trying to learn some basic techniques. That's my lovely basil in the background.

In other garden news, here's Arkonbey listening to the squeaky quality of our peas:

art in the garden, or at least the windowboxes

2009-08-14T20:07:00.001-04:00

Summer Idylls

2009-07-28T22:29:00.005-04:00

In the last few days, my free time has been delightfully squandered in the reading of Swallows & Amazons and Swallowdale, both by Arthur Ransome. Arkonbey, my ever-understanding (or enabling) husband, has purchased the first two of the series, after hearing my reaction to the first, found at the library.

The laptop is still creaking along, not too slow, actually, just so loud! Either way, I've probably spent far too much time on it, but in doing so I discovered a link I'd forgotten to post.

I had two pieces selected for the Flight Fur& Felines juried show, which showed at the Bryan Memorial Gallery in Jeffersonville, from May 22 - July 19th.

Lizard with Sandwich was one of the pieces selected for the display page!

Also take note of the fine rabbit(title: "Just Resting") by my friend Karen Witt.

Arkonbey's photo of Kermit at Brant Lake also made it into the show. First show he's entered since Meca! (Arkonbey posted about his piece ages ago, but then he's more timely than I in such matters.)

Lastly, here's a great resource I just heard about: the Vermont Art Zine

Just like back in school, I find myself more attracted to the work of sculptors than the work of fellow painters. Not that I don't like the paintings! The creation of some of my favorite work is quite mysterious to me, and I view it with fresh eyes, whereas I look at a painting and get hung up in the technical aspects of it.
While some of my favorite sculptors work with the figure, I also appreciate the abstract. Last time down in Brandon, I dropped into the Brandon Artists' Guild with Mewsea, and fell in love with some sculptures done in alabaster. Should I ever have a disposable income... But I suppose I should look up the name of that artist first.

a few of the latest sketches

2009-07-19T20:27:00.001-04:00

At last! My new-to-me digital camera is in hand, thanks to the folks at Lezot cameras in Burlington. But for now, here are a few of the teeny ink & watercolors that I was working on a few weeks ago. First off, (above) we have some bears gathered around for a reading.
Note the odd shape of the paper... it's from a 3 1/2" x 5" watercolor sample book that was going to be thrown out. Same with the rest of these.
Next up: more ideas I'm tossing around for the Mode De Monstre series, which mostly consists of dresses with a life of their own.

Cherubim gown:
And then, Kimono with Fan:
Lastly, Slouching dress:
(hmmm... I sized these last two a bit too small... they're really the same size as the others.)
I'm aiming to have these dresses stand on their own as living things, and on a larger scale than the previous 4"x6" paintings that I made. Also in progress (and now that I have the camera, it will show up here soon) is a graphite drawing in this vein, a full 22"x30." Whoo!

I've been busy, I just have no way to show it yet...

2009-07-06T19:51:00.003-04:00

There are some nice big drawings in progress here at chez studio, but the digital camera has somehow eluded both Arkonbey & myself. We are utterly mystified... where the heck did it go? This seems yet another good excuse to go shopping for a new one.
In addition to the big drawings, I've done a few more miniature pen & ink/ watercolors. These may appear on Etsy once I get that hurdled.

For now, here's an old picture of my studio that I dug up. Showing Boo's favorite new place to sit. Directly in my way.

In other news, I picked up my two pieces from Art's Alive this week. Frog Hollow had displayed "Lit from Within" in their front window and "Nest" was accepted into the Juried show down at Union Station. Not bad. Seeing the big work on display at the juried show was one impetus for the new big drawings. Stay tuned.

The irony of free time now vs. then

2009-05-24T21:46:00.006-04:00

The irony is that I barely had time for being on the internet these past few weeks, and so missed the opportunity of announcing what I was preparing for.

The 17th Annual Vermont Crafts Council's Open Studio tour just wrapped up this afternoon. 2009 marks my third year doing this, and my first year of participating in my actual neighborhood. Chamberlin's farm & garden market in Underhill hosted the five of us artists for the first time, and what a great space.

Taking part in events such as this make me realize just how many people I know (or at least recognize) through my workplace. Many, many, lots!

Thank you to everyone who responded to my last minute mailings and e-mail notifications, even to those of you who couldn't make it but passed the word along.
Special thanks to my fellow artists at the Chamberlin's site: Linda Amundsen (my neighbor), Devon Banse Dougall (mom!), Miriam Wells (paint those trusses!), Ann Linde (has a new kitten!) and Tinka Martell (hope the wedding went well!) and to everyone who helped make this weekend enjoyable.

Great company of other artists, great visitor turnout, and great location. What a weekend!

Thanks everyone!

Next up is getting my Etsy shop up and running. Open Studio preparation laid the groundwork for that, so it shouldn't be long.

Williston Community Foodshelf Update

2009-04-11T13:56:00.003-04:00

So, it seems there's been a bit of mix-up in some email linking, so if you've found yourself here while trying to get to the web page for the Williston Community Foodshelf Fundraiser, you will find the correct link below:

http://www.wcfs.cmarket.com

Or try:
http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=wcfs

(The Williston Community Foodshelf does not yet have it's own website.)

More donations are coming, not just artwork but gift certificates and more. Bookmark it once you've found yourself there, so you can keep tabs on what you're interested in. The auction itself runs this May 1st- 7th.

p.s.: SK, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (i.e. almost finished our taxes) so I'll contact you soon with more info on my participation with the fundraiser.

The Portfolio

2009-04-06T21:52:00.003-04:00

Has been updated!
It won't look too different at first, but if you go to Paintings, each sub-category has new content. Yes, many of these were previewed here, but please note, print availability is now indicated!
The above image is of "In the Reading Room." Available soon in print form, and my fabulous printer (North 7 Studios) did some beautiful re-touching for me. Though I can no longer recall WHY, I had at one point edited out the left-hand piece. Edited with an x-acto,* that is. And then altered all the colors on the right-hand section. Well, through the miracle of Photoshop, the prints are going to look great. And whole.

*keep those knives away from me! I am not to be trusted!

Time for some Minatures

2009-04-06T21:36:00.004-04:00

Miniature cats! The first group are mainly one-inch squares. And I went through an astounding amount of tape when doing these. Still, a good use of scrap watercolor canvas. I have a few scraps left, but I certainly have to be in the right mood to work this small. All pieces in this post were executed in watercolor & gouache on watercolor canvas.
This guy (?) is just SO happy. And wants to hug you.

Still working on a title for this group. For now, here are "The Comrades."

Once my Etsy store is up, I may post these guys there.

portfolio update coming soon

2009-03-31T22:25:00.002-04:00

Arkonbey has his work cut out for him this week! I spent a few hours compiling images and information in order to bring in some new work and to indicate which images are available as prints. Once the new content is uploaded I'll post a link.

On Sunday I painted a series of approximately 1"x1" watercolors (on watercolor canvas scraps--waste not, want not.) Those will be posted here soon.

Sunday afternoon, I went downtown to help Miriam set up for her show at Tribeca. Great portraits of construction workers executed in oil on panel, as well as beautiful photography of trusses set against blue sky. My favorite portrait of hers is right behind the register area.
See her work at First Friday Artwalk, this Friday starting at 5 p.m.!

Another venue I can personally recommend is the 215 College Co-op gallery right above H&R Block. Diane Gabriel and Jordan Douglas are showing black and white (silver lith?) prints, and what I've seen so far looks fabulous.
The gallery should be listed in the ArtMap (see First Friday Artwalk link above) which you can grab at just about any participating venue downtown.

linking to some loveliness

2009-03-21T23:31:00.004-04:00

Okay, let me see if I can hyperlink tonight's web exploring:

1.) I checked out Scott C.'s blog to look at more of the images from his "Home Slice" show at Gallery Nucleus in L.A. Here's "Cat House":

2.) I first discovered Scott C. via his marvelous story submissions in FLIGHT.
WHAT!?! You haven't read Flight yet? Issue 6 is in the works, and Arkonbey and I will definitely have a rumble over who gets to read it first in this house.

3.) Gallery Nucleus has many fine looking prints for sale, including "The Totoro Forest Project Prints," a deadly combination aimed at my spending willpower. The Nucleus collection has some of my favorite artists from Flight, and all the reasonably priced prints help raise funds for the Totoro Forest Project. This is "New Leaves" by Kazu Kibuishi (Editor & Art Director of aforementioned Flight.)
4.) Phew. This blogging thing takes way too long to organize properly. As it's officially past midnight now, staring at the computer monitor must come to an end. Hope you enjoy these fabulous links as much as I do.

People need to eat!

2009-03-15T22:52:00.006-04:00

Update! Here's a piece from a few years ago, one of my earliest underwater themes.
I had just purchased some new paints and brushes, and wanted to break away from what I'd been making (mostly with an earth-toned palette and blocky forms.) This piece of smooth, thin birch panel had been kicking around the studio for some time, so I primed it in blue and I was off. The tight vertical format was a good challenge.

This week I donated an Artists' Proof of "Hatching Ground I" to the Williston Community Food Shelf for their fundraising auction. The print was made for me by North 7 Studio and is 100% pigment based ink on 100% cotton rag paper, matted in archival materials. (100%!) "Artists' Proof" means that it was a test-proof done as we checked for color accuracy & desired size.

The auction will be held on-line, hosted by cMarket, or "Bidding for Good," an auction site for non-profits. See links below.
A number of local artists have also joined in and their work should appear on the site in the next week or so. Kim Rainbolt is the organizer, and is asking for help in spreading the word.

WCFS Online Art Auction May 1st-May 7th!

This is a fundraiser for the Williston Community Food Shelf.
We provide food and essentials to those in need.

How You Can Participate: Donate art to our auction; become a sponsor of our fund raising auction; Bid online or make a cash donation online May 1st-May 7th, 2009.

If you have any questions or would like to support our event,
please contact Kim Rainbolt at 878-8701 or nolanrainbolt (AT) gmail (Dot) com

Thank You!

quick notes

2009-03-15T22:23:00.004-04:00

Here's the weekend wrap-up:

1.) Studio night on Saturday, yielding a quick silly drawing on reclaimed frame backing.
1a.) This is my biggest completed colored pencil to date (16x20)

2.) Woken up Sunday by viciously hungry cat. Ouch.
3.) Weather is fantastic.
4.) Early breakfast out with Arkonbey, with donuts for afters.
5.) Start reading The Magician's Nephew.
6.) Good morning of painting (after consumption of donuts.)
7.) Afternoon visit from D & B. D & I take marvelous walk down to the park & back.
8.) Weather still gorgeous.
9.) Plans made for Monday with MW.
10.) Consume tomato sauce made with our own tomatoes from last fall.
11.) Finish The Magician's Nephew.
12.) Muddle about in studio.
13.) Forgive cat for clawing hand. Go to bed.

meca in days of yore

2009-02-26T22:22:00.005-05:00

I had fully intended to bring these out when I met up with the other alums in Portland, but never got around to it. So here I go publicly embarrasing myself and perhaps a few others... First up, my old birkenstocks and white-clad rear take center stage in a polaroid that was rightfully thrown away by some meca publicity photographers. As it's the only image remaining of this huge drawing collage that I did (220 pieces) I do treasure it. Plus it looks so punk. This was junior year at meca.
The highlight of that year was our Washington, D.C. trip with Ed Douglas. I was using a disposable camera and didn't develop the images for months afterwards, so everything has a bluish tinge. Left to right, as I remember are:
Will B, Renee B, me, Chris K, Constance O, Julie...., ....(eeek I forget) and Jack S. I presume Ed took the picture. So far it's the only time I've been to the capitol, but I'd go back if I had the chance (the National Gallery! Smithsonian! Phillips Collection! GAH!)

This is from 1999, fourth & final year. My studio had this window as one of three walls, and there were work crews on scaffolding outside almost the whole year as renovations progressed. Arkonbey took this pic, and it's still one of my favorites from the whole time there.

Also taken by Arkonbey, (same space as above but at night) showing me in my lovely studio togs. Bleh, I probably was fresh from my dishwashing job or something.
That's all for now. Perhaps some other time I'll post the few others I have stashed away somewhere. I do rather wish I'd had a digital camera back then.

Miss Finch, with help from Miriam

2009-02-23T19:56:00.004-05:00

Hello again. Today's posting is inspired by Miriam's comments on a previous post. Here is a rough sketch from my Quattro journal:

And here's an 8x8" pen & ink of the same basic composition. There will be some light watercoloring in addition to it's present state. The next version of it will have to be on larger paper, I ran into the edges here, and would like to include a bit more airspace around the characters.

Before heading out this afternoon, I got a bit crafty. I can still smell the glue-gun glue here in the studio. If what I made isn't totally ridiculous, then maybe it will make an appearance here. Sequins were involved, so I'm not sure.

Frogs for PW!

2009-02-15T22:47:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of the frog 'studies' I've been trying to re-create for P.W. My goal was to recapture the feel of the original that sold at Art Hop, but without copying exactly. Well, there are a fair number of attempts, but still I'm not quite sure I've got it. Patient P.W. has been waiting for ages to see something (anything!) so here they are for her perusal.

Out for a jaunt with his mushroom umbrella and acorn. 4x6 inch.

Walnut ink wash, colored pencil and black ink. 4x6 inch (I like his eyes.)

Quite a departure from the 'original' I wanted to give him more landscape. (For 4"x6" I was able to squeeze in a good amount.)

Breaking away from the original 4x6 size, I went to 8x8 and then cropped to about a 5x7 size here. A few nice moments in this, but also a few technical issues. This led Rick to recommend me doing more figure studies for Frog.

These sketchbook images are from this evening, I'm trying to emphasize his "dancing" posture.

She's blanked herself! Alumni Show Re-cap

2009-01-28T21:57:00.004-05:00

Yay, me. With all good intentions of putting up a new profile image, I find myself with none. Blogger and I just can't get along today!

Well, I'm back from a second trip to June Fitzpatrick's gallery in Portland, ME. This time I brought along my laptop, but did I think to post while I was there? Ummm... no.... But I did distract myself mightily with my new cellphone. Those will come once I figure out the phone!
Showing with me were: Renee Bouchard, Will Broadbent, Doug Dulac, Constance Oliver, and Jack Sabon. Forgetting about the camera on the phone, of course I forgot to take a picture of Renee & Constance when we were wrapping up the show Saturday.

June Fitzpatrick's High Street gallery was MUCH warmer this time around (thank you, June!) but it was still a very quiet few days. One couple who did come in happened to be regular customers from Artists' Mediums, of all places! Smart move on their part, as Maine was far warmer than VT that weekend.

Despite being within sight of the Portland Museum of Art, I missed the Friday night free admission once again! Feeling a bit road-weary after the drive and sitting in the gallery all day, I opted to check in at the Inn first and then go back downtown for dinner & art. Sad to say, there was a hockey game happening, so ALL parking had evaporated. After driving around and around and around (partly trying to find parking, but then trying to find my way back!) I opted for dinner from the grocery store, ate back in my room at the Inn, and wrapped up the evening on the phone with Dani.

Saturday and Sunday the fare was MUCH better: if ever you visit Portland, have dinner at Katahdin on High & Spring, and then have brunch (7 days a week! oh my waistline & wallet!) at Bintliff's on Portland street. I wanted to bring the waiters home with me, and oh yes, the food was amazing. Thanks to Mike & Heather for treating me Sunday, and for getting me to the MECA ICA Show "Twilight."

Cheers!

Pen & Ink for winter

2009-01-18T21:46:00.003-05:00

The last two months, I've barely touched the acrylics. But I have been wearing out my crow-quill pen, I'm down to the last few drops of Higgins Black Magic, and my watercolors are finally getting used up.
Yes, there's a bit of a reading theme now. Perhaps I could do a story after all, despite my protests to the contrary.

pretty little color boxes

2008-11-22T23:16:00.005-05:00

I just found this beautiful post: a re-imagining of a Photoshop desktop; on Drawn
It's one of those things you wish you'd had the genius to think of yourself.
All those teeny little pieces: the wee drawers alone have me going all squidgy. (at least I think they're tiny, I haven't looked through the 'making of' section yet.) And the color palette! I'm betting color aid was involved. Remember color aid?

This reminds me of the cool little exhibit at our local library this month. A collection of antique watercolor paint boxes! We are talking real vintage here (not 1970's) as in perhaps your grandparents used some of these when they were kids. I always get that warm fuzzy feeling when I come across a toy I once had loved but had since forgotten. And there in the display case I see a watercolor tin with a circus painting on the lid. Oh! MY! This probably wasn't the one I'd owned, as it was in really good shape, but nevertheless, warm fuzzies. If you live out this way, check it out at the library. Worth the visit.

Tomorrow Miriam & I head to the Print studio to get some more prints made: I think she's working on her zinc plates, and I'm trying out some drypoint on plexiglass for the first time. Still have to bevel the edges, but I might have access to a file there in the studio. If not, I'm bringing my linoleum as backup. My finger is still hurting from trying to scratch my image into the plate with an old carving tool. But I think that's more the fault of how I held onto it than anything else. Still. Ow.

meme (what does that mean again? I'm too tired to look it up.)

2008-11-12T22:45:00.002-05:00

It's an internet meme, hereby letting you in on how really boring I can be! (except the names section. There, I shine.) Things are a bit out-of-date, as this was from two nights ago.

1. Five names you go by:

A. Kristin
B. Nitsirk
C. hey, kid
D. sweet enemy
E. Miss Petunia

2. Three things you are wearing right now:

A. carharts (a bit mucky from the garden)
B. Darn Tough socks
C. Fleece pullover

3. Two things you want very badly at the moment:

A. more daylight
B. chocolate

4. 3 People who will probably fill this out:

hah! Most of you will probably ignore this. It's okay, I still like you.

5. Two things you did last night:

A. Started reading Ptolemy's Gate.
B. Ate too much candy.

6. Two things you ate today:

A. Eggs
B. Pasta & tomatoes

7. Two people you last talked to on the phone:

A. Miriam
B. Rick

8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

A. Take the car in for oil & tires (just in time)
B. Work. (the irony being, Rick works for a Canadian-owned company, yet HE gets an American holiday off.)

9. Two longest car rides:

A. VT to Maine, by way of Canada for stupid reasons.
B. Does the bus count? If so: Atlanta, GA to Portland, ME.

10. Two of your favorite beverages:

A. Cider
B. Tea

from the archives

2008-11-04T21:16:00.002-05:00

After voting early yesterday, I came home to attack the mess in my studio. Glad to report that it feels wonderful in here now, though there are a few big piles of STUFF outside my door, and if I don't act soon they'll just creep back in.

Re-arranging the boxes in the far back of the closet I found a box of mementos that I hadn't looked through in years. Though my mom was very conscientous about dating my creations* this gem escaped notation. I'm super-pleased with how I managed to show these ladies really dancing. Rick loves the 'all-around' teeth belonging to the lady on the right. Perhaps I'll do a painting based on this.

*and often writing descriptions. Which is a good thing, as I would never have assumed that a picture of a guy in front of a teepee with a sleigh off to the side was my letter to the Easter Rabbit. Wow, those childhood narratives!

decisions decisions

2008-11-02T23:23:00.005-05:00

Ahhh... a beautiful fall weekend. After an idyllic day spent wandering around with friends, Rick and I returned home to have a quiet fall afternoon soaking in the remaining hours of sunlight. We've successfully ignored the piles of dishes, and I shall continue to ignore them on my day off tomorrow. Here's why:

It's late and I've just re-connected with an acquaintance from school, via Facebook. It was rather eye-opening in that it made me realize I've missed being in touch with the more contemporary art world, and that I need to seriously look over my goals as an artist.

Looking around my studio, (and how spoiled I am to have a room of my own!) I see how little of it is actually dedicated to making art for myself at the moment. Rather, it is full of random piles of detritus (that I threw in here when cleaning the house for our Horror Movie Night) not to mention several boxes of unpacked art from the last art show, and unpacked art materials from the last two events at the store!

I love the store, I always want to be involved in it, but I also need to go beyond my comfort zone and think about doing an artists' residency. I need to deflate my ego quite a bit and realize that everyone at the store can get along without me just fine for a week or two. (See why I've had a hard time actually even taking a vacation!)
More of my energy needs to be directed at my own growth, because I've got quite a bit of catching up to do when I look at my peers from school. At a show this summer, it was pointed out to me that even though I have a studio at home, I probably devote more time to housekeeping than studio work, and this is true. I haven't found a good balance yet, though I know some artists have achieved this.
The hungering I experienced upon reading about my former classmate's art experiences has me thinking that maybe it's something more than just a need to "keep up with the Joneses." I don't feel like I need to move to NYC, or to pander to the more ridiculous aspects of the art world. I DO think I need to break out of my usual routines and look both inward and outward, otherwise my senses will become dulled.

Hydra

2008-10-28T21:11:00.002-04:00

After laying awake in bed last night for at least an hour, I finally thought up a few feasible Halloween costumes. From my Stik-Fas flower fairy (with her hammer of love, so named by a friend's daughter) (nixed because I'd have to buy shoes) to a rendering of one of my Monster Dresses (Robe de Globe Oculaire, for instance) (nixed because it would take far more time than I actually have) and finally to that snake-headed wonder, the Medusa.

If I was, again, endowed with more time, I could rig up an art-history-nerd-worthy costume of the Raft of the Medusa, but I'm not so I shan't.

Way back in my early days I watched "Clash of the Titans" on the TV at Grandmom's. That meant it was in full color, and it was loud. And I had horrible visions thereafter of the Medusa's head silhouetted against my bedroom window. This costume wins in two respects: I have plenty of old sheets to make a toga from, and I have a lot of paper-mache and plaster bandage.

The plaster bandage is currently curing on my head. It's cold, it's wet, and it's too late to have realized I'm wearing a shirt I didn't necessarily want to get plastery.

But Excelsior! There shall be a costume made!

now if I could just find the camera...

old gem of a link

2008-10-18T15:52:00.003-04:00

Ooooh! I'm taking advantage of Arkonbey being asleep (recovering from 24 Hours of Comics day)and going through my old links list on his computer.

Check this out. Quite pretty, and in keeping with my most recent post, too!

The 24HCD event at the store went well. Around 2pm they forced me to go home, rightly so, and it's a gorgeous day so I'm happy to be here. In a few hours, perhaps I'll go to sleep. The t-shirts with the poster were printed by moi, in a crazy first attempt at 2-color silkscreening. What the hey was I thinking? Well, it kept me focused through the wee hours of the morning...

More birds

2008-10-15T10:02:00.002-04:00

By request, I've been working on a few new pieces in the same vein as a previous "Circus bird" drawing. These aren't all that different from the original in terms of pose, so I'm going to take a break tonight and work on something else in order to come back to this with fresher eyes. It's been nice to work in pen & ink again, scritchy and unreliable as it is.

Stormtrooper seeking...

2008-09-24T22:34:00.002-04:00

Hmmm. In order to keep the newest version of Firefox from overwhelming the poor miketop, I've been using Safari. This is the first time I'm using Blogger on Safari to do a post, so where the heck has my hyperlink option gone? They expect me to remember how to do html? They are insane!
So, I found this thing that you need to see (if you're a nerd like me and my friends,) and even though it's not delicately hyperlinked, I think you'll forgive me.

Enjoy!

http://flickr.com/photos/doctorbeef/sets/72157603716342376/detail/

(courtesy of Mightygirl.com)

Art Hoppin'

2008-09-10T21:51:00.003-04:00

Alright, Burlington! I have finally partaken of the massive event that is the Art Hop. And it was good, largely thanks to the wonderful spot provided by Studio D-3 (Marie Davis, Ginny O'Reilly and Carol Norton.)
The mini heat-wave on Friday had everyone out and about, including the UVM students, for whom this was their first full weekend. I saw quite a few folks with skateboards in hand, and were I so athletic, that's totally the way I would transport myself about for such an event. There were so many venues that I wanted to see, and so little time to run out and see them.
The Mister was kind enough to relieve me for a bit Saturday afternoon, so I could do just that. I also made him bring me food, since I'd survived on one donut and lots of water since 10am. (Not that I couldn't have foraged for myself, but I didn't want to miss anything.) Fortunately I ran into Miriam on the way out, so we went up the street to see her great paintings at the Soda Plant (at Alderson Inc./Jordan Silverman Photography.) We also saw Adam Marsano's wood structures at Recycle North's Building materials site, and stuck our heads in at a few other venues on the way back to my spot. We got there in time to start winding down, which, thanks to Mom & The Mister, went smoothly.

I know I always say this, but Thank You, and I really mean it, for coming out to see me art Art Hop!

Next up, odd things (and good things) overheard at Art Hop.

All in all, a wonderful lead-up to my Birthday!

TWO POSTS in one day? Never!

2008-08-19T21:29:00.003-04:00

I just realized the two or so of you readers out there never got to hear my story all about how I made money on the commuter train! It was quick, painless, and I would have only charged the guy five bucks if anything at all, but he was so happy, he gave me a twenty.

Thus ends my sad attempt at innuendo.
So there we were, just settling ourselves into our seats on the Grafton-bound commuter train Sunday evening, and I chose to sit facing Rick, since we were on the seats by the door where you can do that. A couple with two little kids sat down, the mom holding her baby girl sat next to Rick along with her son, and the dad next to me with the carriage. I was pretty absorbed trying to sketch Rick (and it was actually sort of looking like him, too) so I never even noticed the dad leaning over and complimenting what I was doing. Rick had to pretty much kick me. Anyways, he asked if I'd take a commission, drawing his wife (now holding the little guy, who'd fallen fast asleep) So I did my best, and dang if I didn't actually get some sort of a resemblance, and even managed to finish up just as we pulled into their station. He was happy enough with it (or at least the experience & novelty) to give me a twenty when he shook my hand, and I was more than happy to have been given the challenge.

It made Rick's day too. He even posted about it before I ever did.

sweet enemy art

Another commission!

Sphinx Pheet

I'm going to find this poster.

While we're on a roll here

Baby's Ride and a Sea dragon. Or, why you can't pin me down to one genre.

Obscurum: Call to Artists (of sorts)

A little color, a little sweetness. Bright shiny videos for you!

Avast! Art & Artisans 18th Annual Holiday Market

HORROR! Or: Why I love October

Well, my goodness.

Upcoming fall events for Sweet Enemy Art

Paint anything, on nearly anything... Oil Paintstiks workshop

Paint anything, on EVERYTHING... Oil Paintstiks workshop is coming up!

Super August

Art openings this weekend

Hurrah New York!

Inking it up with New Duds

A perfect summer day for Therese & James...

For those of you in the local 802

The trees along the path

A quick wrap-up from Open Studio Weekend!

The shop is reloaded!

Saturday night Works in Progress

Two days after Easter, a haiku:

Taking a tip from a friend

dress me UP!

Another action-packed week, and April is up and running.

Wallace Tripp Gallery Show at Lyndon State College in Vermont!

Especially if you can get there Friday night!"Wally will attend the opening on Friday, March 18 at 6pm. "Runs March 21 through April 11, 2011 at the Quimby Gallery in the Harvey Academic Center. Gallery Hours: 8-4, Monday-Friday.

Welcome to the Salon...

Black and Green go well together

Winter catch-up!

Some creatures on bikes

Art Community

17th Annual Art & Artisans Market November 13th and 14th 2010, 10-5

Art Trek--I'm Massachusetts bound!

Small Picture Exhibition opens this Friday

Incubating ideas

Back from the HoP

Fresh Art for Etsy

15 microseconds of fame!

The shop! The shop!

A pair of birds

Private lives of sophisticated cats

Paintings find new homes

Wrap it up and plant that garden!

Studio Visit! Open Studio 2010

Studio Center--the first few days

Off to the Studio Center!

Oh Wow Oh Art

Mark your calendars, art fiends!

What happened to the fishes

Monday night paintings

This blog has moved

Farewell Boo

sweet & melancholy

More images for the demo!

Acrylic Underpaintings

Vermont Artists' Week Residency!

The paints are out!

Diaspora!

Shows, shows and more shows

Bug Parade part two

Bug Parade part one

Inking away

Offler, my new art trip companion

When you crash into a studio window, a leaf in the beak is a comforting thing.

some stuff from the desktop, part 3

some stuff from the desktop, part 2

some stuff from the desktop, part one

A first!

Other people's creatures

Laaaaaaap toppppp

art in the garden, or at least the windowboxes

art in the garden, or at least the windowboxes

Summer Idylls

a few of the latest sketches

I've been busy, I just have no way to show it yet...

The irony of free time now vs. then

Especially if you can get there Friday night!
"Wally will attend the opening on Friday, March 18 at 6pm. "

Runs March 21 through April 11, 2011 at the Quimby Gallery in the Harvey Academic Center. Gallery Hours: 8-4, Monday-Friday.