"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol
I love this quote, after reading it - it sure makes me want to get back in the studio. I actually just received a commission for 9 pieces to be set in a grid pattern, all earthy colors - so even though I didn't think I would be painting much this summer - guess what - I will be! This commission comes through my gallery in Middleton, WI where I have a show scheduled for October of this year.
I have just received two notices of acceptance. One was for the Nicolet College Annual Art show in Rhinelander, WI - second year in a row, but I never really count on it because it is a tough show to get into. THEN, for the second year in a row, I was a finalist in 'The Artist's Magazine' Annual Competition - which means I will be in the December issue of the magazine - although I wasn't a 'top prize' winner, I like the baby steps and who knows, maybe someday.
So, yes I am painting and actually am enjoying getting back into the studio, although it's hard to pull myself away from the beautiful summer days that we are finally having! Hope you enjoy the sunshine, too!

"Fears arise when you look back, and they arise when you look ahead" - from book Art & Fear by David Bayliss
What the heck!!! Life could really be a no-win situation if we really think about it. Lucky for me I just seem to have always been one to 'forge' forward and not always analyze everything to it's bare minimum. For the most part that works for me because if I would analyze everything I know I wouldn't be making a life as an artist. A life of an artist contains a lot of unknowns, worries failure and successes - more than the average person could tolerate!
This year I decided to 'retire' from art fairs and turn over my work to some wonderful galleries for representation and I am very excited for this slight change. I am, however, doing one local art fair (Art for All in Menominee, Michigan) this Sunday and I have been diligently working, somewhat under pressure - but that helps, on some new pieces that I will have ready for the show on Sunday! I am actually looking forward to the show as I know so many of the people and after working in the studio so diligently all winter it will be nice to be face to face with my collectors - and maybe some new ones as well! See you on Sunday!

"Sometimes on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one" - unknown
This quote crossed my path this week and I love it! How true is that!

I am having a hard time focusing on my art this summer, could it be because my peonies, iris and miss kim japanese lilacs are all in full bloom and the scents keep luring me outside???? After I look back on all the work that I got done this winter, I guess it's o.k. if I play for awhile, however the urge to put paint on panel keeps calling me - in shorter spurts.
So, meanwhile, I plan on journaling, collaging ideas in my 'art journal' and taking time to contemplate my 'way to a dream'! Enjoy your day!

"Make each day a further exploration into the depths of your heart." - unknown

As this summer gears up and I find myself way too busy, I've decided to start getting up earlier and making my days 'longer' and it's working! I just spent two days in Chicago changing out art work at a gallery and I must say I loved the visit, but am so, so glad to be home and back into my creative little routine. The hustle and bustle of the city life is something that my creative soul probably wouldn't be able to handle on a daily basis, but we did shop well and eat good!
This summer as I continue to work on my abstract landscapes, I must remember to take time out to 'journal' and sketch and take notes because it is days like today where I don't know where to begin, that I take a look in my journal and it gets me going in the right direction! Here's hoping your day is jump-started in the right direction!

"In order for my work to continue to evolve, I become involved in playfulness and take the opportunity to look at the 'what-ifs.' Whatever the result, it expands my vision by letting go of who I think I am and discovering the spirit within." - Jean Deemer

Time off to play is a good thing and that's what I have been doing the last couple weeks. Catching up in the house, working in the gardens, doing things that I put off when I was busy getting ready for my last couple shows. I enjoyed this time off, I think my brain is still working, still creating, even if my hands are not involved in the process. Yesterday I got back in the studio and it felt good. It all seems to come back to me by itself, the layers, the scraping the sense of color and value - that doesn't mean to say 'it's easy' - never is a moment in the studio easy . . . exciting, scary and magical seems more fitting. But for some reason we seem to go back - yearning for more. Even a bad day painting is a good day! Enjoy yours . . .