creativity in the wee hours

It never fails:  the closer I get to an event, the more REALLY AWESOME IDEAS start coming as to what I could create for said event. 

But as I get older, I am at least able to let some of these ideas go, and thus remain somewhat relaxed.*  "Next year," I'll whisper as I pat them on their little heads and send them out the door.  "You're a great idea, really great.  But let's try for next year.  Bye bye!"

Still, the idea of completing these 18 new small paintings just cannot be let go of.  I have tonight (and it's almost 11 p.m.) and tomorrow night in which to finish them.  

Here's a view of what I did to our living room last night.  Camped on the couch while installing hanging hardware and roughing in colors. The lights are low to protect the innocent.

Now, off I go to attempt this crazy goal.  


*I am fairly certain my guy will attest to this.


Bonus picture from my archives!  Here's what I look like after way too many hours spent painting and staring at screens.  Well, it could be worse, I suppose.

this is actually from 3 years ago.
I don't want to see an updated version.

  

Art Hop September 6th-8th 2013

My studio table this afternoon 

These new canvases and mini-panels are a blast to work on.  I am feeling very productive!  

Our friend the S.P.A.C.E. Astronaut!

ART HOP:  The official info is here

Art Hop hours at S.P.A.C.E:    

Fri. Sept 6, 5 pm - Midnight

Sat. Sept 7, 10 am - 11 pm

Sun. Sept 8, 11 am - 4 pm

Find us at 266 Pine Street, right behind Conant Metal and Light.  Look for the Astronaut mural;  when you enter that door, we are the first studio on your left.  

Swish on over to see the new work!

What's up Portland?

Portland, Maine, that is.  I'm headed there for the Picnic Music & Arts festival this weekend.  Looking through the vendors I'm both excited and a wee bit worried:  Excited to be selling alongside some great-looking vendors, and worried that I am going to buy too much stuff...

Still, it's a great experience, and I'm going with local art maven Beth Robinson of Strange Dolls.  And I will be debuting my new panel paintings!

here's just a few...

Next stop, Art Hop September 6-8th at the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, where Jess Polanshek and I will be sharing this awesome space:

Yours truly, always smirking

Hmmmm...what to do with that niche?


thanks to Polanshek for the studio pics!

Bears!

Here are a few bears I painted recently, you'll notice they're inspired by the banners I made a few months back.   They'll be going up on Etsy soon, but you can message me in the comments if you're interested in them.  Speaking of Etsy, make sure you read all the way through this post.

By the way:  in honor of today's British royal birth, I made a terrible joke on the last photo.  Sorry in advance.  

Bear and Honeybee  Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear with Honey Jar, Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 6" $40

Bear and Berries,  Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear has a Snack, Acrylic on panel, 7"x5" $45

Bear Apparent (get it?  Heir apparent!)  Yeah.
Acrylic on 4"x4" x 3/4" panel, $40

  Watermarks seen in photos are not on the actual work.   

Now then:  Do you follow me on Facebook?  Like my page and you'll see a way to browse my Etsy shop that is most rewarding (click the "My Etsy shop" icon once you're there.)  

I'm currently offering 10% off items already in the shop.

Why?  

Because my checkbook needs a stimulus so I can make more art!  

So follow this link and treat yourself!

https://www.facebook.com/SweetEnemyArt/app_259525164100619

They drifted... New painting-in-progress

They Drifted Across the Night Sky... (title/painting in progress)
©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Rather happy with how this one is shaping up so far, as it's looking pretty much the way it did in my head.  And that's rare!
16"x 20" using the slow-drying Open Acrylics by Golden artist colors.  On Monday I showed it to my critique group and am now working on the edits suggested.  I have at least one other composition in mind, a companion piece that will be much wider.  That's going to require a lot of sketching beforehand though, as there will be many more rabbits drifting across the sky.

Happy Birthday, little town 'o mine

Barred Owl Banner
©Sweet Enemy Art 2013 

Our little town celebrated it's 250th Birthday last Saturday!  Here are some of the banners I helped create as decoration up and down three of the main roads.  Over 80 banners were completed overall, with work contributed by several local artists and other volunteers.  All of it was spearheaded by artist Mary Hill, who provided guidance, materials and the use of her wonderful studio space.  I actually worked on at least 5 other banners (or 5 sides, anyways) but don't have photos of those yet.

These are all 24"x36", and it was a good exercise to work this fast (deadline!!!!) and loose.  Thank goodness we worked this big, because once they're up twelve feet off the ground they don't look so big...

I also really enjoyed working on the black canvas (it looks blue in some of these because it was evening when I snapped the pics.)  

Not sure yet if there are plans to auction these off afterwards, or to display them elsewhere.  Still, the whole thing was a fun diversion, and I may have to make some for our house.

Fox Banner ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Fox Banner detail ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Hi There Banner ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Bear and Honey Banner ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Hiker Banner ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Wood Thrush Banner ©Sweet Enemy Art 2013

Tell us a Tale! Opens June 6th, Barre VT

Hurrah!  I'm in another exhibit at Studio Place Arts, in Barre VT!  Five of my works will be on display for the month of June.  And Flying Carriage got picked for the promotion!

From their website, here's a great description of what to expect:

"This 2-floor SPA exhibit is inspired by children’s literature, including stories, poetry and songs.  It will include original, contemporary artwork in a variety of media motivated by favorite children’s literature, both old and new.  The artwork will have roots in folktales, fantasy, myths, fables, legends and fairytales – including both modern interpretations of classic stories as well as traditional ones."

  

OPENING RECEPTION: 

Thursday, June 6, 5:30-7:30 PM - for 2 Exhibits at SPA

IN ADDITION:

The Barre Cultural Alliance – which involves 5 cultural institutions in Barre - was created in early 2012 with broad-based goals to help revitalize downtown, historic Barre with a strengthened voice for arts, literature, and cultural heritage programs.  

In early June, 2013, the Barre Cultural Alliance is collaborating on a major program: “Story Time in Barre:  A Celebration of Children’s Literature & Books.”  The “Tell us a Tale” exhibit is a part of this larger event.  Go to www.studioplacearts.com for a calendar of activities (see column on the right side).

Flying Carriage  11"x11" Acrylic on canvas ©Sweet Enemy Art

Little Bear & The Cookie Jar 11"x11" Acrylic & colored pencil on canvas
©Sweet Enemy Art

Tales by the Fireside 7"x7" Watercolor & ink on paper
©Sweet Enemy Art