Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Art Everywhere

Check out Google today. It's featuring expanding art work. Cool!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Bless the Baker




Liberal, KS is the home of Baker Art Center. I stop in every time I am in town. This small art center is located in the former home of Irene Dillon Baker. I say small art center but plenty on room for display, library, store, & classroom. Recently the center was having a house cleaning sale. Getting rid of pieces from the permanent collection. I arrived in time to get several great pieces to add to my decor. Mrs. Baker had a love for art. She tried her hand at several different media, and the art center had maintained a large collection of her work.


I bought these two big pieces because a had a place for each. I had to wait a while to get them home. I needed a friend with a truck.
The colored piece is titled: It Is, It Isn't, and it is the focal point of the living room. The B&W hinged screen is titled: Study for Space Tension. The Screen separates the gallery from the living room. What do you think? Are they "dated" or "retro"?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Art Center


The Art Center at Dumas, TX is a neat place. A very active group of art enthusiasts make sure the shows and educational opportunities abound. Here is the announcement for the Christmas Show/Sale. I won't make it for the opening but if I get down later I'll make a full report right here.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful

I assume this pic was taken by OPSU grad Cobos Leon.
This is Katy; she is glazing her pot in the ceramics lab.

Thinking today about how thankful I am for Oklahoma Panhandle State University; that's OPSU. I always enjoy my time there; a time of creativity that replaces all other thoughts and cares. OPSU has just celebrated it's 100th birthday. But it didn't start out as OPSU; it has always been part of the OK state university system but only under several different names.
Right now I once again have access to the ceramics department, and continue on my series of masks. I need to get some pics of masks on this blog.

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Lacuna


I've decided that my new favorite author is Barbara Kingsolver. I recently read The Lacuna a story about a young man who mixes plaster for Diego Rivera as he paints one of his famous murals in Mexico City. The presence of Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo figure strongly in the events of the story; a story of intrigue, politics, art, estrangement, friendship, fear & fame.


Diego Rivera's murals are so impressive; art of a short lived era in Mexico when public art and the common man were celebrated. I have wanted to visit Mexico City for many years, just to experience the colonial feel of the city & see the influence of the church. Some research is necessary to see how many of Rivera's murals are left for viewing; it would be a treat to see the real thing.
Shown: Man, Controller of the Universe by Diego Rivera

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Pheasant Run Studio

Wordless Wednesday for November 10 was a pic of the studio door on Pheasant Run. Every time I round the corner and see that door it makes me happy. I once again tried to grow a few pots of flowers for accent but the wind and heat of summer sure take a tole on them.

I wish the inside of the studio was ready for display but it still needs work before I'm ready to show it to the world.

By the way: This blog celebrated its first anniversary on November 10. I missed the day myself and had to go back and look it up. Now I'll have to count the number of entries in that first year.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sweet




Ceramics class at OPSU. Creativity and production abound.




Here is Hannah Sweet with a before and after of a hand built vase.


Great weed pot. I can just picture the cat tails in it.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Willie Benson

On Wednesday October 7 the post was a wordless shot of handsome Willie Benson, a recent graduate of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Willie has a knack with critters: reproducing them with paint and clay. See that wonderful lizard/iguana behind him. If you want to reach him concerning commissions his email address is: bigwilliestyle52@hotmail.com

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

John Piper


Here is an artist who I was totally unfamiliar with. John Piper an English artist who spent most of his career painting English subjects. As a boy he fell in love with the works he saw at the Tate Gallery, London. After Law School when he had an opportunity to go to art school, he took it and never looked back.

His early canvases were abstract constructions. During WWII he painted the war and captured the Coventry Cathedral while it was still smouldering. I saw the Coventry Cathedral in 1985, the ruins and the marvelous new building. The latter part of Piper's career was dominated by landscapes. He painted many of the ruins of England as he discovered them.

Another surprise once I did some google research is that he also did ceramics. He certainly didn't get into a rut with his art; he was willing to try new things whether popular or not.

Monday, October 18, 2010

501


I'm looking at 501 Great Artists again and came upon a favorite Georgia O'Keeffe. Georgia O'Keeffe, the little gal from Wisconsin who became a household name in her lifetime. She studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Student's League in NY. From there she headed west and produced some remarkable watercolors from her impressions of the plains. But it was Albert Stieglitz who changed her life by introducing her to the NY art scene.
Eventually she made her home in the west; I've been to her house in Abiquiu, NM, and I've viewed many of the places where she painted. She captured the heat and starkness of the SW, and really made a name for herself as well as securing her spot in art history.
The pic is of Palo Duro Canyon, TX, which inspired Georgia's early work.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day of the Dead


I'm getting ready for the third annual Day of the Dead exhibit at the No Man's Land Museum in Goodwell,OK. This year I am planning on honoring Georgia O'Keeffe; I'm still looking for a good "head shot".

Laurie Zuckerman is the queen of Day of the Dead. She makes some of the greatest displays. Check out her blog: http://lauriezuckerman.blogspot.com/. The image on this post is one of Laurie's photos; a really Day of the Dead like skeleton; don't you just love him!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Sign Saturday

A sign to point the way to beautiful fall color!



















Tuesday, September 28, 2010

501 Revisited

Once again I'm looking at the book 501 Great Artists. I'm so glad that Man Ray is included. I was first introduced to his sculpture & assemblages in the 1960's and thought they were very innovative. Then in 2004 I rediscovered him while I was taking photography. Yes, as described, he was a man with a diverse range of talents. His black & white photos of manipulated subjects really defined the identity of this artist who named himself, Man Ray. And he left behind not only a collection of great art but a photographic technique known as the Rayograph. Google can tell you more.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mitch Lyons

Ceramic artist Mitch Lyons is coming to Oklahoma City Oct 26-29. He'll be teaching "clay printing". Oh my, would I love to go! But it seems silly to cut my ceramics class and drive 300 miles one way.

I have just watched his DVD, Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons in which he demonstrates his famous "Broomstick" method. Very inspiring; really triggers the creative juices. I'm wondering how I can adapt his methods for my masks. He also demonstrates some "new" tools like a ping pong paddle; I must keep my eye out for one when I make my next thrift store visit.

Check out his web site: www.mitchlyons.com for examples of his work and teaching schedule.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Sign Saturday

This sign greets you at the entrance of the Citadelle in Canadian, Texas. The "house" and grounds could surely be the setting of a Fairy Tale. See posts for September 5, 6, 8, & 10.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Sculpture





Examples of interesting sculpture are scattered through out the grounds and gardens of The Citadelle. The gallery, house and grounds cover one square block in Canadian, TX, a space jammed packed with art; quite a surprise in a Texas panhandle town. Here are some pics of the grounds and the variety of sculpture presented in a garden setting.


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Google

Have you visited Google today (Tuesday Sept. 7)? Run your on-screen pointer through the dots; what fun!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Sculpture




Inside the Citadelle gallery are these marvelous sculptures. Unfortunately I have misplaced my notes on titles and artists.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sign Sunday


The front door to the Citadelle in Canadian, TX. A museum, an art foundation, and a home rolled up into one. Watch the next few days as I share some of my pics from a recent visit.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Visual Journals

Visual Journaling is the subject of the my latest purchase on Amazon: The Journal Junkies Workshop by Eric M. Scott & David R. Modler. These gentlemen are certainly fans of Dan Eldon. And they say so right from the get go in a dedication to Dan and his mother Kathy (Dan's journals are totally another subject). The high point of Journal Junkies is its "Dan Eldon" look, which makes it a fun book to just browse through. The drawings and illustrations presented are eye candy that you just want more of, and I've found inspiration here to incorporate into my written journals.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Journaling


Journaling, a subject dear to my heart. I practice it regularly and have taught classes on how to do it. I just got a new book on Visual Journaling which I may review later, and it gave me a few new ideas to add to what I already do. I have tried Art Journaling or Visual Journaling, but I still come back to mainly writing words. It's a way to keep track of my fascinating life.
The example above is something new I tried at the beginning of 2010, which comes about as close to Art Journaling that I've done. I had heard that Teesha Moore used painted pages with boarders, so I tried it. I painted a bunch of pages and then added the boarders of 1 in. strips of interesting stuff I found. But I produced mainly pages to write on; coordinating pen and paint color. That went on for about 3 mos. and then I was ready for a change. Teesha's pages are much more elaborate and truly wonderful, with collage and markers (check it out on Youtube). I don't know how she finds time to write in her journals.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Artists


Presenting artists Anna & daughter-in-law Dallas Mayer. The WOW poppies, or are they hollyhocks, are the work of Anna & both artists now have work on display at the Guymon Library. Also look for Anna's "art quilts" at the TX County Free Fair; just look for the blue ribbons and you'll find one of Anna's quilts attached.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Art Biz

Well Alyson Stanfield has done it again; she's given me a good word just when I needed it.
I tend to putz with my art. I blame it on my "day job", claiming I have no time. Well Alyson has some advise to help my problem. And it comes in the form of a question: If someone asked you, "What projects are you working on right now and why are you enthusiastic about them" would you have a great answer? I would have to say NO! I usually say, "O, I'm just doing a little of this and a little of that." I must do better than that. So True, start working on something, and then decide why this project is important.
So here goes! I have two projects going right now: 1.) I'm painting my first floorcloth. This is something I have wanted to do for years. I even had this design in my head for about 10 years; a Navajo inspired design. This will go under the kitchen table. 2.) I have started my first installation piece using fiber with the theme of coffee. It will have a place in a corner of the gallery.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Mousetrap?

What is that saying: build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door?

Well how about paint can? Last night I started to paint a floorcloth; I had drawn the pattern on Tues., and I was faced with the challenge of fighting with paint cans. There is just no good way to get the paint out. I have used the paint of one company that has plastic jugs. But that only presents the problem of getting your hand around the lid so you can unscrew it.

We can send people into space but we can't design an efficient way to package paint!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt, an American in Paris: Images of Quietude and Reflection, 33 works on paper, presented at The Citadelle in Canadian, TX.

Mary Cassatt, (b.1844 d.1926) born to a wealthy family in Pennsylvania, made Paris her permanent home around her 30th birthday. Her decision was timely, for Impressionism was finally gaining momentum and acceptance in the established art circles. Mary too found acceptance, friendship, and camaraderie among the impressionists, especially Edgar Degas.
Mary's most important works are done in pastel; her subject matter, "a women's world". But she also produced a series of prints that were strongly inspired by Japanese prints that were arriving in Europe. A print in the above exhibit called "The Kiss" (etching and aquatint), shows a mother kissing the child in her arms. It's simplicity is stunning, yet the simple use of line defines shape and form revealing the mass of the figures.

Americans love her works which are held by many galleries and private collectors.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Work of Art


Is this not a work of art? And this "salad" tasted as good as it looks. I found it at The Cattle Exchange in Canadian, TX. You can find them at: www.cookya.com

And speaking of art, there is more art to come.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Citadelle


Bright and early tomorrow morning I am heading to The Citadelle in Canadian, TX. Yes, I was at the military Citadel in Charleston, SC in May, but this Citadelle is an art museum. Well, in it's first life it was a Baptist Church; then it became a residence; then after much expansion it became an art museum only opened to the public in 2009.

I am going specifically to see an exhibit of 33 works on paper by Mary Cassatt.

I'll take lots of pics, and some may land on this blog.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Quilt


Quilts, I consider them fabric collages. This is a great example of the color that I love. The pattern: Orion Star, done in batik fabrics by Joan Davis. Delicious!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

the sketchbook project


I was checking out some of my favorite art blogs at 3am, when I came across the sketchbook project. I signed up immediately and my sketchbook arrived in the mail last week. I'll be working toward a January deadline and then my book will join thousands of others on a tour of the USA. Afterwards it will join a permanent collection in Brooklyn, NY.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

501

I discovered 501 Great Artists on the new book shelf at the library. Boy, what an education. There are so many that I am totally unfamiliar with. And not just the early ones (for the book starts in the 10th century), but even in the modern ones, 1880's to present.

This book has a brief summary of each artist's life and accomplishments with a picture of the artist and maybe one example of his/her work.

There were some surprises: artists listed that I never expected,
artists missing that I expected to find.

The inclusion of Romare Bearden was a surprise. I first discovered this work in 2000 in Gerald Brommer's book on collage. I love the primitive, folksy look of this work. Best known for his photocollages, he distorts figures making great shapes with great color in themes of African American life, drawing his images from the jazz he loved. His fresh, honest style is totally recognizable.

Romare Bearden 1911-1988

This book is also a source for some great quotes; like this one by Paul Klee "Color and I are one: I am a painter." I can relate to that.

I would rate this book at 5 stars.

Monday, July 5, 2010

SCAD


Anderson Hall is one of the many SCAD buildings located around Savannah


I first discovered SCAD as I was doing research for my recent trip to Savannah. My reaction was: where have I been in the art world? How did this treasure escape me? Well I'm glad it didn't escape Brenda, our tour organizer, for our group had the treat of visiting the museum. It is a museum is progress, with ambitious plans to take over the train yards.


A little background:

Founded in 1978


A private college


Has campuses in Savannah, GA; Atlanta, GA; Hong Kong & Lacoste, France.


Enrollment approx 12,000 students.
















Tuesday, June 22, 2010

P.S.

Just a brief word to clarify the Wordless Wednesday post of June 16: No, this is not my art work. It is a student piece from the Art Jubilee show at OPSU. I am amazed at the creativity these high school students show. I was snapping away at everything that I thought would photograph well. I like the idea of extending the photo onto the mat, and the foreshortening; it was a piece that grabbed my attention!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Art Biz

I must mention again the wonderful newsletter from Alyson Stanfield at http://www.artbizcoach.com ( see post for 12/18/09). Alyson gives out the best "how to"advice to help artists self promote. Let's face it, creating art is a lonely endeavor:
no one is in the studio with you urging you on,
no one is there patting you on the back saying,"great job",
no one is there to tell you what subject to paint, what color to choose, or how to arrange the composition.
No! We as artists must work that out all by ourselves. Then what to do with the finished piece? Does anyone care? Would anyone buy it?
This is where Alyson can help. Her words of wisdom and step-by-step plans on how to get the art you made "out there" where the world can discover it, are helpful and encouraging.
Try the art biz site; I think you'll like it!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Artist


A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do you know about God?

A hand shot up in the air. "He's an artist!" said the kindergarten boy.

"Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked.

"You know ~ Our Father, who does art in heaven..."

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Sign Saturday

Back to my May trip to Savannah & Charleston. I was expecting lots of history, but there was plenty of art as well. I was torn as to how to spend my time. Do I want to just walk the streets and soak up the historical ambiance, or do I want to visit every gallery I come across?

We had one rainy Tuesday during the trip, so my friend Marilyn & I used that opportunity to see one historic house, several galleries and the shops & restaurants of the riverfront.



Friday, June 11, 2010

Kristy Patterson


Kristy Patterson at work.

Kristy Patterson

Kristy Patterson is an Oklahoma artist with a knack with pastels. Oh, she does other media as well, but her pastels are so vibrant that they really grab your attention. You can read all about Kristy & her art, particularly her recent success at the Sunflower Festival, at her blog, http://flyingshoesartstudio.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

POGO 2


I must add another wonderful thing about the POGO prints: when you peel off the paper backing they will stick about anywhere!

Monday, June 7, 2010

POGO

Alleluia! I got the POGO printer to produce prints; amazing prints!

I first heard of POGO on the web site of Opie & Linda O'Brien www.burntofferings.com when Linda mentioned the Opie never left home without his POGO.

POGO is a Polaroid product, and I decided I must have one! So it was my Christmas gift to myself. Then came to challenge of getting it to work. Even after several calls to the company, still nothing. This evening I was determined to try again. I plugged everything in, and everything popped up on the screen just as it was suppose to and I was in business. Maybe it was the classical music playing in the background?!

I said amazing prints, not perfect prints. But considering the size (2"x 3") they are great, and what potential for my mixed media work.

Oh, the fun I will have with my POGO.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sign Saturday


Back to my May trip to Savannah/Charleston; I will be posting art news about that trip on & off for weeks to come.

This sign greeted us at our hotel. Yes art was everywhere in the hotel. It lined the halls and filled a gallery. Galleries were abundant in the historic district of Savannah. Commercial galleries dominated by national artists, private galleries featuring the art of one artist, and co-op galleries in which a group of artists split up the space, the rent and the hours worked. More art was available than could ever be seen in a few days.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Sunflower Festival


Sunflower Festival











I was one of the fortunate artists to be asked to do a street banner for the annual Sunflower Festival. Here are pics of the evolution of the banner ( the pics came up out of order, but you get the idea). The challenge as I saw it was: what will show up from street level? I do tend toward reducing an image down to basic elements, and so these are my stylized sunflowers.
You can see my banner hanging at 4th & Main in Guymon, OK.