Art Binging

Visiting Gallery 206 at Ghost Gallery

 I've been gluttonously art binging. Yes. Three art walks in two days, guerrilla film making a viewing, creative collaboration playing and paint-o-thon-in. Yes oh yes.

Last Friday's Opening of "Pretty, Sexy, Girly, Dirty" at Bherd

Discovery of a new favorite local artist, Sarah Bear

Collaborative Play

And of course, I've been painting.

Even got in some creative collaboration time with some friends including the talented Betsy Schairer. We attacked a panel with a gusto of color and had a marvelous time.

One week until I hang this show and there are still countless pieces "in progress".  I'm buzzing with inspiration and energy - there are ALWAYS so many more pieces that I want to do and so many more ideas that I have during this pre-show crunch time.

It's kind of like going on a major binge - but in an oh-so-good soul-food sorta way!

Will they become artworks in time?

Studio Sneaky Peeks

 Sneaky sneak peek!  

Look - see? Those flowers that caught my eye at the Market today were totally a business purchase. Honest.

 And the cackling crows are emerging...

A Perfect Art Day

 Yesterday was a perfect art day:  

Drawing and carving in the studio in the morning...

Inspiration galore at Kirk Albert's for work in the afternoon...

Great conversation with fellow EDGE artist and friend Jeanne Dodds in the evening...

Catching the tail end of Arts Walk with friends was just the icing on the cake.

Today I'm working on my PR and show write ups for March. Be expecting some sneaky peeks ever so soon!

Where Do Your Colors Come From?

 Was thinking about color and inspiration today and decided to go on a little photo adventure around my home. Partially because a certain Dove asked ... but also probably because this third day of being snow bound has me seeing my home in a new light - a snow-melt quality of light. Just loving and appreciating all of my little collections and I'm beginning to notice just how many of their colors have ended up influencing my paintings. So it really is true - an artist's studio environment can be pretty poignant!

Also - in other snow-bound news I've been watching this and plan to indulge in the last episode tonight. Been loving all the details in their sets - the studios, the sketches and each artist's personal disarray. Got to love the BBC for really doing their homework!

Living Like a Resident

 Over a year ago now I returned from a month long painting residency in Vermont. At that time, I vowed I would continue to carry my practice as close to residency life as I could.

It took me the entire year... but I think I'm finally getting there.  If the beautiful disarray of my living room has anything to say about it.

Combine the disarray with the feeling that comes every so often - like a buzzing in the cradle of my belly like love which signifies hitting a sweet spot in a painting - and I know now. One year ago that dream of how to live my life as a painter? I'm doing it.

 Hallelujah, Yes and Thank You.

After the Rush comes Stillness

Work in Progress 1.5.12

 After the travel...

After the holidays...

After the rush...

Work in Progress 1.5.12

 Comes the turning inwards...

The stillness of hours lost to the studio.

Carving in Progress

 This is where I am. This is where I'll be. 

In presence and mind.

Studio in Action

Signed, Sealed & Delivered

"Bo" - Mixed Media on Panel Pet Portrait

Finished! I can go public with this pet portrait now since it was gift that was given and joyfully opened yesterday. My favorite thing about the holidays is gift giving. I love figuring out just the right gift for a friend to light up their face. This particular portrait was a blast to do for that very reason since the recipient had mentioned wanting to commission me to paint Bo some time ago. Didn't hurt that the canine in question happens to be so wonderfully photogenic!

I had so much fun playing with bright colored highlights for Bo's under-painting. Who knew a fluffy white fella could sport such a rainbow? Purples, blues, reds and yellows - a full spectrum of awesome I must say.

Holiday warmth and cheer,
Sae