Good Idea, Bad Idea

Life is full of crucial decisions. Often a good idea becomes a bad one. An example, cleaning up after your dog's daily walk.....good idea. Forgetting the 'treasure' in your bike trunk for 3 days....bad idea. Very, very, very bad idea.

I made the decision the end of last year to take on 6 commission paintings, a portion of one is sampled above. Good idea. I actually had to make a flow chart to keep track of the progress of each. I am not going to lie, it did become a bit overwhelming but all the paintings are done and there is only one left to deliver. One of the commissions was a different style for me and I really enjoyed the challenge.

I am often asked to paint something that...well, it just isn't me. This is always a bad idea. Always. I know there are those that love Elvis and unicorns on black velvet. However, I would not be the artist to hire. It's important to remind yourself of this when the check book balance is low and the customers excitement is high. You start reasoning, how bad can painting a woodland fairy be?

Okay, okay, I am not knocking all you velvet, woodland fairy painters out there but I do think every artists should stay true to themselves. Do what you do best and don't fit yourself into a style of painting that just doesn't work for you.

Please take my warning about puppy treasures in the wrong place. ( my bike trunk will never be the same) And remember one person's good idea might be your bad idea.

Feeling the Love

Artists are a strange lot. Our egos torture us a lot. In five minutes I can go from thinking I am brilliant to thinking I have no right to own a paint brush! I know a lot of artists that always seem to ooze confidence. In private do they whimper and throw fits at their easel? I hope so.

I got a MAJOR dose of love this week. My friend and patron Joel gave me a call. There were some paintings he was interested in. After a nice catch up chat we got down to business and Joel left with several paintings. Is that the major love dose? Well, certainly a part of it.

Later I received an email from his girl friend Julie who sent one of the sweetest notes about my work that I have ever gotten. Her 5 and 7 year old are also fans. To think my art is a positive force in their lives was thrilling and a bit humbling. I felt like I needed to write her and tell her about my easel temper tantrums. That many of my ideas come from other people's suggestions. I felt a pang of worry that one day she would wake up, look at the painting and realize I am a fraud, not talented at all. That some how she lost her mind and saw creativity where really there is none. Yikes! My self esteem plunged off the charts.

After my self depreciation was done I read the note again and felt a big love dose. Right now four people love looking at my work. It makes them happy. IT MAKES THEM HAPPY! Wow, can you get a love dose bigger than that? Now if you'll excuse me I have a giant cartoon heart waiting to hug me. MMMMmmmmm

My Personal Rat

All artists have a rat. Of course we all shake our heads denying we adopted such a vile creature. I mean the mess alone steers you the other way. But if you sneak into studios you see the evidence. The pack rat leaves an obvious trail. Piles of books, ripped out magazine pages, bits of string, pieces of broken tile, cool rocks, the list is really endless. Why do we subject ourselves to such a messy companion? Because the payoffs can be big. What if that tile inspires us to a brilliant creation? That piece of string could be just the touch needed to make an amazing piece of work.

That brings me to the last Signore Greve Cinema piece. I held on to this packet of MGM postcards for years! I had no idea what I could possible do with them. At the time I had done very little multi media work. But those stinking postcards were so awesome I just couldn't get rid of them. One day I am driving along and it hits me, Signore Greve goes to the movies. I created 4 paintings in this series. My customers loved them. Ahhh, the thrill of the pay off.

So here is a raised paint brush to the pack rats that join us in our creative quest. As I look at my overflowing shelves I curse you. As I look at the above painting I love you. What a relationship.

Time with the Sketch Book

It occurred to me the other day that I had no plan for my July show. That may seem like a long way off but not for a full art show. But as the panic began to rise I remembered my ski trip. Steve and I along with 6 friends had planned for months to head up to Denali State Park for some skiing and camping. Ahhhh, the perfect way to get some inspiration and some sketches in the book. We started the trip with a stop in Talkeetna for a DELICIOUS breakfast at the Talkeetna Roadhouse. The sun was bright, our skis were waxed and we were ready for adventure!

Our new 10 month old puppy Ginzee wasn't sure about the pack back. She initially carried the 5 pound pack like a sway back horse but once we hit the woods she knew this was going to be great. It was her first camping trip.

There is hardly a better view of Denali than Buyers Lake. The sun was so warm and the snow was fast. Our friend's dog, Kiley had enjoyed this experience before. Steve and I wore pack backs in while the others pulled sleds.

Sadly my camera did not pick up the stunning view of the Mountain behind Kelly and Heather. Heather, growing up in Texas, can not get enough heat. But even she was pulling off clothes due to the incredible heat from the winter sun as we skied across the lake.

We did find open water at the creek that feeds into the lake. The ice froze crystal clear at the lake's edge. It was like looking through a window at the underwater scene.

It was unanimous that our back country ski day was the favorite. We crashed, fell over buried in snow and laughed and laughed. Here, Noah attempted a downhill run. He was almost successful until he hit a deep patch of snow that stopped him instantly. Kiley rushed in like a EMT for a face lick.

Did I get a show idea? I did! Getting away from phones and 'to-do' list always clears the head to let ideas flow through. I come home with a fresh dose of vitamin D, an exhausted puppy and a sketch book that promises a good July show!

Nature's Gallery

This was taken on Sunday at Turnagain Arm. It's our favorite hiking spot this time of year. The sun and wind remove most the snow which makes for pretty easy hiking early in the season. Being a snow/winter lover I really don't look forward to spring. However, the warmer weather and longer daylight is very energy infusing. I have many sketches ready for canvas. Hikes on a beautiful day can do that to you.

This is the ice formed on the mud flats on the Arm during low tide. We are high above the flats looking down from a rock cropping. It reminds me of the crust on brownies out of the oven. I love the peace and quiet of winter and I hate to see it go. But watching the earth wake up is amazing.

Mmmmm how could I recreate these trees on canvas and keep the gnarled but beautiful quality? The wind bends and distorts these trees. They stand like sentries so bold and strong. The harsh silhouette against the soft pastel setting sun is a great juxtaposition.

I love cotton wood tree bark. I brought a piece of bark home off a fallen tree. I thought a relief of it would make a great background. Just a walk in the woods but so many amazing things to see. I have walked this trail dozens of times and I always come back with a full camera. Here is to nature's gallery!

Picture perfect day

The skis were waxed. We were carbo loaded and ready for our Tour of Anchorage adventure. Steve and I set off to complete the 25 k route of the Tour. As you can see, it was a gorgeous day!

Nothing like a little art along the way to keep you inspired. I had to stop and take a photo of this great sign. Thank you to whomever took the time to create this cheer to keep us going.

We weren't the only ones taking advantage of this perfect winter day. After a very cold winter, the sun with HEAT felt pretty amazing. Westchester lagoon was packed with ice skaters.

The view from the Coastal trail route never ceases to create awe. At this point we had a snack and watched about 20 ravens play on the thermals coming off the inlet. They were breath taking.

Our last breath before the long climb to the finish. We have about 20k under our belts at this point. The bad news the worse is about to come. Can you say "UP"?

Steve takes time to collect his thoughts before we grit through the last 3k. I assure you he made it! It was a great sense of accomplishment and a wonderful way to spend such an amazing day. It always feels good to have a goal and to meet that challenge.

Sighs of relief

Yep, you have seen this before. This is my rendition of Georges Braque famous painting. I was commissioned to create this and then an additional complimentary painting. It was outside my comfort zone but I jumped at the opportunity.

Here is the partner to the above painting. The instruments are from the same era. This one was a bit more challenging since I was basically made it up as I went along. I have taken a sigh of relief that they are done but still am holding my breath that the clients loves it. Gulp.

I have also taken a big step in my career. I am hiring a temporary assistant. I seem to be unable to get an upper hand on maintaining all my 'fires'. After much pondering and discussions with my manager ( my honey) in the board room (hot tub) we have decided to bring someone in for a few months. Gulp again.

Growth and change can be good if it's managed right. As I said last week, it's called a comfort zone for a reason. So, here's to a little discomfort!