Concert Warm Up

12x12 oil on panel

Another for the "Blue and Gray" themed show at dk Gallery. The inspiration behind this show is, I believe, an anniversary of the Civil War and the paintings of Philip Levine. Phil is a talented expressive impressionist painter, workshop leader and instructor. I've had the pleasure of working with him in NYC on workshops and hope one day to travel with him to France or Cuba or ANYWHERE. He leads groups to many wonderful spots and has recently added a culinary and cultural bent to the artist trips. Its really worth checking out. He is a great tour guide.

I've been feeling rather bummed lately... stuck in the studio. I keep seeing all these artist friends reporting in from Italy and France... experiencing cool shows and scenery here in the states, etc. and I have been housebound for months and months. I suppose its just the time of life. My primary role is mother really and while I have a young daughter at home I want to be as involved as I can be in her life. She is my creative task. Though I do care deeply about my art and where it goes. That leads to another bummer. Feeling as if the work I do is just sitting here. Or in galleries perhaps. But the art market is still down - or at least the market for my work - or the art market at traditional galleries. And I've been spending a lot of time considering marketing strategies and day dreaming of Italy. But with such low sales....

Sorry, perhaps I shouldn't be whining here about such things. But such is the life of an artist. We make and market things that are very intangible. Art is an emotional outpouring created by an artist and sparking a response in a collector. And my blog is my "journal" for collectors and friends to understand me and my work better.

I think I am looking forward to my workshop as a way to shake off the doldrums and get inspired... even if its still in my own backyard.

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