Fresh off the easel

Here is my latest Signore Greve titled "Musical Note". I had planned to put the musical instrument onto the back of Greve's bike. Artistically it just wasn't working so I removed the instrument and added the instrument case. At first I was frustrated that I couldn't make my mental image translate to canvas. But later as I looked at it drying on my studio wall I decided I was glad for the mishap. I think Signore Greve has a bit of mystery to him which is part of his appeal. Being his creator I know what instrument he plays but what does the viewer think? I think that is part of the fun in art, seeing the obvious and also imagining the unseen.

I sold a Greve painting to a wonderful patron of mine who gave it as a gift to his 80 something mother who lives out of state. He sat in the mornings of his visit drinking coffee and looking at the painting hung in the kitchen. As the mornings went by he saw little nuances he hadn't noticed before. On his return home I received an e-mail from him asking me about the little details he noticed. I hope all my art buyers find more and more to enjoy about my paintings as it becomes a fixture in their daily lives.

I hope "Musical Note" makes people wonder what instrument Greve plays. Does Celli howl along? What does your imagination say?

The Tourist are Coming!

That is the hope at least, that soon our streets will be filled with people gazing about at the wonder of Alaska. It makes me happy to live here when I see visitor's faces lit up as they take in their surroundings. Here I am enjoying a HUGE low tide we experienced yesterday. Ahhhh, Alaska.

As I mentioned in my last blog, sunny weather makes concentration somethings difficult. I worked feverishly to get new art into all my venues in April. First because I wanted nice full walls for the tourist but also because you can't help but have your production drop a bit in the summer. I hope to sit on G Street on the end of June during a new art sidewalk show the city is adding this year. (Keep your eyes on the blog to hear more.) And I am busy getting our Art on the Lake trip organized. That takes away from time at the easel.

Here is the good news/bad news of an artist. "GOOD NEWS, we sold three of your paintings and we need more ASAP!" Then comes... BAD NEWS I don't have time scheduled for that since I have these other projects in the works. It really is a good problem to have but a scheduling problem none the less. I am always warmed when someone feels my art was worth laying down money for and taking home. It's what my job is all about.

Time to drag the easel on the deck, ignore the phone and get some paint brushes flying!

Sunshine Days

The weather has been amazing the last week or so. It's hard when the sun is calling me through my window to stay at the easel but I have managed to stay focused. Of course, the logical thing to paint on a sunshine day is Signore Greve. The painting you see it titled "Paisley Forest". It is a paper collage background with oil painting over top. I really love this technique since my options are limitless. Fortunately art buyers love the style too so I get to keep creating.

I hope you are enjoying sunshine days where ever you are!

Bike to Work

Today is National Bike to Work day. The whole week has involed a greater awareness of the wonders biking can do for our earth, our bodies and our minds. Of course being a HUGE cyclist myself I can't help but be drawn to any kind of bike art. We have 4 pieces of artwork displayed featuring bicycles and we have one waiting for a frame. This image is from artist Darrell Hill called "Retro Bikes". Signore Greve himself came from a wonderful biking journey Steve and I made through Italy. Creativity comes easier on a bike ( see blog Pondering and Pedaling). Freed from the roar of traffic and frustration of red lights ideas and images come easier.

I am embarking on a huge project. A project that I have to confess has me a bit overwhelmed. Signore Greve is soon to become his own children's book. I have done the boring work, pricing cost, shipping solutions etc. Now is the time to nail down the story line and get painting. I hope to have the finished product this time next year. Bike to work day will also include my book showing Greve and Celli enjoying the wonders of this world on his bike.

I hope you were able to enjoy some pedal power today. If not, be sure to make a goal to see the your part of the world from a bike seat. Your mind will thank you.

Art on the Lake

I love art attacks. You know what I mean, you are just moving through your day and you suddenly come upon unexpected art. Maybe you enter a building for some mundane errand and see fantastic paintings on the wall. Or you turn a corner and see an art show set up on the street. Your mind is suddenly happy and curious as you soak up all the creative energy. Your boring errands and traffic woes are forgotten as you enjoy the art attack. The Girdwood Center for Visual Art is staging an art attack. We hope to give locals and visitor's a surprise moment of art.

The MV Ptarmigan will tour the pristine Portage Lake and the Portage Glacier like it does every summer. People will enjoy the life sounds of glacier, see the area wildlife and learn about Alaska. The twist? Art from the Girdwood Center for Visual Art will be on display. During the cruise artists will be on board creating while the boat lazily circles the shoreline. Musicians will entertain passengers as they sip wine and munch on hors d'oeuvres. This one time event will add a truly memorable moment to their summer.

I have gone on this cruise and it really is a nice boat trip with a great close up of the glacier. But art added to the wonderful scenery.....now that is going to be great. Mark your calendar if you would like this join this art attack. We will be on the boat Wednesday,June 24 and the tickets are $50. Drop me a note if you would like to know more. And always enjoy those unexpected art moments.