Years ago I was in a workshop of Robert Burridge, a great painter from California, whose wife is an excellent 'marketing manager' for him. One note that I ran across as I was looking through all my old journals was his quote "exposure=success" "get your work out there, no one will see it if it just sits in the studio!"
I never forgot that comment and how true it is. I like to take advantage of national juried shows as well as other shows and galleries. Last month my friend told me about a juried show at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan. The deadline was nearing, so I quickly entered and had two pieces accepted. I was thrilled! I didn't win an award, however, I immediately got an email from Margaret Tvedten of Tvedten Art Gallery in Harbor Springs, MI asking if she could represent me and my artwork in her gallery! I knew exactly what gallery was hers as I always try to stop in Harbor Springs on my trips to Traverse City with artwork drop offs. She has a great gallery and represents about 20 very accomplished artists. I will be working all winter to send work off to my galleries in the Spring.
This was a perfect example of how important exposure is!!!

It seems like a long time since I've had 'quiet' moments to just work in the studio. Today was that day and I was able to add some new layers to some old pieces that just didn't seem to be working out. Just when you think a piece is going backwards, it's time to say 'what the heck' and add another layer on top which starts the whole process over. Afterall, it is all these thin layers that really make the piece.

I had a fabulous show in Wausau this past weekend with many returned 'collectors' or my work buying more pieces - including Aspirus Hopsital and UW-Marathon. Thanks to all - and I had a great time, weather was nice and not too hot!
The opening of the juried show "66th Art Annual" at the Neville Museum in Green Bay was this weekend as well. This is a very competitive show with 78 artists submitting works and only 49 being chosen. I didn't win an award but I was mentioned in the juror's statement of Lisa Englander "the thick overlay of encaustic, densely applied, in Ginnie Cappaert's Vessel shows the rich use of the pigmented paint."
The piece I entered was an encaustic titled "Vessel" and although I primarily work in oil and cold wax now, I love to 'play' with encaustic as well. I think both working processes complement each other and make the switch easy.

I'm too excited to even paint today. In order for me to be productive I have to be in a calm state - not today, I guess!
I just got word that the e-book of artists abstract works that I was included in is being picked up by a publisher (North Light Books) that publishes artist books and will be printing a hardcover book in 2012 - including my work and many other national artists!!! Wow!!! What a great step in my career! (awalkintoabstracts.com)
Also, a painting I had in the Nicolet College Art Annual, Juried show sold as well as won an award! This is a tough show to even get into, so I was really thrilled! My friend Candace Zebell also had a piece exhibited and won an even BIGGER AWARD!!! I am so excited for her as her work is awesome! Check her out on facebook - her mixed media pieces always include a photograph and then a textured area on the canvas which adds a sense of mystery to the work. I really love the new pieces she has been working on which include not only the photo and canvas, but wire and driftwood! It is a blessing to have a wonderful artist friend to share 'art talks' with - her and I think alike in terms of art, always stretching borders and breaking rules!
I'll be busy in the studio working this week and then will be exhibiting at the Wausau Festival of Arts Fair this weekend in Wausau, WI. It will be so nice to see my fellow artist friends as I wrap up the season of art fairs for the year - in my sweater and fall jacket!

Could it be, as I prepare for this weekends open house at my studio/gallery, that Fall is in the air? A coolness seems to be moving in, even some color changing in a few trees. I love fall! Kids are back in school and I can get lots of painting done, too! I am so grateful where I live that I can experience the 'change of seasons.' Each season brings a newness and a more interesting take on life, sometimes a challenge, too. Enjoy your weekend - if you get a chance stop out - I'll be open from 9-4 each day. Here is an image of an encaustic painting I did titled "autumn".