lessons learned

I was thrilled when at my reception at Athan's, a woman who came said that she was going to buy "Retired Racer" (above). I had my friend John take care of sales and emails. She wrote the email on a list and now when I'm writing to tell her that the show is over and the piece is ready for her, the email bounces back. I have no other way of communicating with this person :(. I have posted on my Facebook page and have contacted other people that I new were at the reception, but no one seems to know who she is. She did take my card and information and I'm really hoping that she gets back in touch with me. I feel so embarassed and unprofessional. This like this shouldn't happen.

Please please please get in touch with me, CarolynWhoBoughtRetiredRacer! I wouldn't want you to think that I swindled you!!!!

It's been a good week :)

 

Ella

8x10 inch watercolor

 

 

I'm feeling very fortunate this week. The exhibit at Athans is getting nothing but praise from visitors and the press! Look here, there's a mention on BostonMagazine.com! *

 

We had a great reception and I'm so happy 2 of my paintings have found homes!  We (John Q and I ) we're talking the night I dropped them off and we decided since my paintings need homes that we should help out the real animals that need homes. We, Unbound Artists, are donating 10% of the sales made at this exhibit. The Ellen Gifford Cat Shelter ** was the obvious choice because they are right in Brighton. The exhibit is up until Labor Day weekend. Athans has a great menu for lunch/dinner and the eclairs are definitely worth the cheat!

Above is a painting that I just finished for my friend Angie. A wonderful woman that I met at Cocheco Animal Shelter benefit. We were both trying to sell our wares and hers was Barkin' Biscuit, homemade natural dog biscuits. At the time she had Bohdi, a gentle giant of a dog, with her. I did end up painting Bohdi not to long after that because Angie was the winner of my gift certificate donation!
Recently, Angie contacted me to paint Ella, a Sato dog from Puerto Rico. Ella is a goofy Rhodesian ridge back mix who only has 3 legs. Apparently as a pup, Ella broke her foot and when Angie took her to the emergency vet and they set the toes incorrectly. Poor Ella was in so much pain, she was so very shy and hid from everyone and everything. Angie and her husband Jon made the decision that to take off the leg was the only solution. Afterwards, it was as if Ella had come out of her shell. Angie said it took less than 2 days for her to fully recover and get accustomed to the missing leg. Angie wanted a full body of Ella, so you could tell that she had only 3 legs. They did the right thing for Ella.

Angie is also an avid gardener and and raises her own chickens for eggs and meat. She and I both agree that the healthiest and the TASTIEST way to eat is local and homegrown. Although I don't bake my own crackers as she does! So we are bartering for $250 worth of organic groceries. When I went up to visit her, and take pictures of Ella, I came home with 2 whole chickens 2 sets of chicken parts (dark and white), a dozen eggs, radishes, zucchini, lettuces, hot peppers, dill relish, summer squash, dilly beans (which were freakin' awesome!) and some jalapeno jelly. I have 2 more trips up!

I love a good barter!

*http://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/blog/2013/08/02/boston-coffeeshop-art-galleries/

** http://www.giffordcatshelter.org/

***http://www.athansbakery.com/

SOLD!

So the last Sunday, we had the Insperable Companions reception and I'm thrilled to let you know that "Luna" and "Retired Racer" were both sold that night and 10% was given to the Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton MA. Thank you so much to all who attended this great event! It will be up for viewing until the end of August.

Exhibit at Athan's Bakery in Brighton MA

Inseperable Companions is the name of the SOLO show that will have over 30 pieces of my work on display. Located in Brighton Center, Athan's is a cozy cafe, air conditioned and a great meeting place for those who want to take a moment out of their day for some sweets or coffee. The exhibit runs from now until the end of August with a reception on July 28th from 7-8:30pm. I really hope you can make it down!!!

Riverside Gallery Annual "Pop Up Show"

Easter Chic

5x7 inches

watercolor and Prismacolor pencils

Onyx

5x7 inches

watercolor and Prismacolor pencils

I am excited to announce that these 2 pieces, "Easter Chic" and "Onyx" will be included in the Riverside Gallery's annual Pop Up Show this Sunday, June 23rd. Come in and check out the show from 4-6pm. All works are priced at $100. For more information check out the Riverside Gallery's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/RiversideGallery?fref=ts

Hope to see you there!

Just a couple of things to mention...

First, I would like to thank Paul B of Sterling MA who bought this woodcock painting that I did. Sterling is very close to where I like to hike on the weekends, so I brought the painting to him instead of mailing it. It was really nice to meet a collector and his family. And was kind enough to give me some plants from his greenhouse! Thanks Paul!

Which brings me to my situation. Paul found this image as a print first on eBay. He then contacted me about the original. However, eBay is charging me up the yingyang to keep this store open and I feel, despite this recent sale, this store isn't working for me anymore. So this is a post announcing the close of the Ebay store. And that if you are looking at a print to buy, then you should first contact me! or go to FineArtAmerica.com

Secondly, I am offering a special to the end of May. If you donate price of a portrait to the Onefundboston.org, email me the PayPal receipt, I will do a portrait for you of the appropriate size. For example, if you donate $250 (the price of an 8x10) email me the PayPal receipt and the photos of your pet and I will create beautiful art in a 8x10 size. Offer expires May 31st at midnight 2013. http://www.onefundboston.org

thanks!

Boston...

The sun rises over Boston

(view from my porch)

Really still trying to wrap my head what went on this past week. If you know Boston, you know sports... It's kind of shoved down your throat whether you're into it or not. But that's okay... because really, routing for the home team is a lot of fun. Which is what Patriots Day really has become. Yes, we still have the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington... in fact there's always 2 guys dressed in the 3 corner hats riding down Massachusetts Avenue on horseback. The games, both Red Sox and Bruins, were scheduled. And of course, the Marathon.

Monday:

I had tickets to that Bruins game. I was sitting at my desk (it's optional here to take the day off or not) and at around 3:30 - 4 a hoard of coworkers went by my desk to the conference room where the TV is. I followed them. NECN coverage, photographs from the scene. My coworker: "Holy shit, that's blood."

My neighbor ran the marathon. I was texting her begging her to respond to me. She did, about 30-40 minutes later. She later told me she was crossed the finish line 15 minutes before it happened and was eating a sandwich with her boyfriend at a local restaurant. I was calling the Garden, (I must admit here that I was a little in denial, "it can't be that bad.") to see what was up with the game. Got a recording that it wasnt' cancelled. Called Tracy who was at home (and was planning on going to the game with me)

T: No I think it's cancelled. Where are you?

C: still at work. Are you sure?

T: Chrissy, there saying there may be more bombs on the T

C; No way.

T: WAY!

C; I'll call again.

T: Ok, on Twitter. Bruins page says its cancelled.

call back

C: Yep its cancelled...

After that conversation I just went home. Walked, mind you. I don't think I had it in me to ride the train. Jason was fishing (he had the day off). When I called him, we talked a little about what happened. He then told me it was his mum's birthday and would be going out to dinner with his family. I had to wait til 11pm to get a hug. What a horrible day.

Tuesday:

Business as usual in Boston/Cambridge.... kind of. People a little on edge. Everyone asking each other, "are you okay?"

Wednesday:

I'm not a big TV watcher. I look at the Internet a lot and will admit, a bit addicted to Facebook. Really, I don't think its good, but that's a story for another day. Instead, I listen to NPR in the morning. And it was Wednesday morning, when they played a recording of when the bombs went off. That's when it hit me:

the panic. You could hear it in the screams. fucking awful.

I also did yoga on Wednesday after work. I really believe that this alleviated my body of all the stress and tension that I had been feeling, not even realizing, these past few days. On my walk home, I noticed a small pink stuffed animal lying face down in the gutter. Oh, this just breaks my heart. Why? Because all I can think of is that small child that dropped it and is now having a meltdown because she lost her 'bubby' on the way home. I picked it up, brushed off the dirt and put it in one of the flower/plant displays that adorn our city on the 'islands' of sidewalk. And then just absolutely broke down. Sobbing. All the rest of the way home. That poor family. Those poor people. Why does this have to happen? Why here? Why do we do it to other people? What's going to happen.... now? Jason came home and saw me upset. I told him the whole story and he hugged me tight. sigh.

Thursday:

Better, but not yet perfect. But hell, I was really looking forward to Jason's gig at OBriens later that night. I really thought everyone could use a drink and some hard rock and heavy metal at this point. And it was fun. A lot of fun. Then at about 12am people hearing and talking about a shooting over at MIT about a mile away. People standing around, "what is this world coming to?" I had no idea that it was related to Monday's bombing. It got eerily quite except for the cop cars FLYING up Cambridge Street. Shit was going down.

Friday:

Phone was ringing at 6:30am. I was thinking "who the hell is calling here" and by the time I got up to answer it, the caller had hung up. Oh, bastards. And yes, I was very hungover. It wasn't til later that I realized that phone call was a "Reverse 911" call telling us to stay in. Went back to bed for those precious 20 minutes before having to get up and get ready for work. Again, turned the radio on to NPR.

Lockdown.

Holy Shit.

AND apparently my cell was on vibrate, so I didn't get the gazillion texts/calls from my mother. Woops. But I did call her at that point and told her that I was fine. I woke Jason up. And it was kind of surreal, this whole lock down thing. What was going to happen? I put Luna's harness on in case we wanted to get out, Fast. Lord knows I didn't want to have to deal with a cat carrier. And then we just waited. And waited. I painted a little... did some laundry. I felt like this guy could be anywhere... was he in my basement? But no, he was in Watertown. Hiding. Bleeding. In a boat that was in a yard for the winter season. And they got him.

I believe that the things that happened this past week is a real reflection on humankind. Both bad and good.  Monday was horrific, Tuesday was edgy. Will things be back to "normal"? No, never. I will never look at Copley the same way again. I'll always think of the people down there on the finish line who were witness to this madness. I'm glad to be a part of this town, for all of it's Massholes and Wicked Pissahs. That's what they mean by Boston Strong.



Art Receptions

Party Pug

4x6 inches

watercolor

Have you ever gone to an art reception? What is that you expect from them?

There's been a couple of articles on FASO lately about being yourself and such. One example is the art reception. They go on to talk about being true to yourself. Such as, if you're one who shows her work, very sociable and open to talk to people and yet when everyone is gone, you say to yourself, "God I hate these things." then you're not being your true person, just someone others may want to see. On the other hand, if you're one of those people who cringe at the thought of talking to someone who asks you questions about your art, yet you still answer them as openly honest as you can be, you are still being true to yourself.

When I had an art reception, the guy who put it together said that it was going to be an artist talk as well. The artist being me. Well, I wasn't NOT prepared for that. I don't mind talking about my art work, it was standing up in front of those people.. that's what freaked me out. Hence the reason for a vodka tonic before I went into the reception. But as it turns out, it really wasn't so much of a talk as I made it more intimate by going up to people, introducing myself (to those who didn't know me already) and asking them, "what is it that made you come out tonight?" Is this a true reflection of me? I believe so. Especially the vodka part.

I was at a reception over at Mt. Ida college in Newton a couple of weeks ago. It was a group show, so there were a number of artists there and each had about 5-10 minutes to talk about their art work. I loved one artist in particular who did prints that were very nautical in a way... the colors that he used and did it with a variety of things that he found walking the beach. All these questions came up in my mind: When were you in Ireland? Do you still have these pieces of material that you used? what it the process of this piece.......

But when the talks were over, they artists, especially the one I wanted to talk further to, were too engaged in the circle of friends that came to support them. I guess this is a good thing, it's nice to have support from friends and family (my mom, dad and aunt come frequently to my receptions) so I'm not going to frown upon that. But is it the responsibility of the artist to make him/herself accessible to further questions? I think so, but maybe he thought he had already talked enough. Well, I guess it really doesn't matter now because I really don't remember his name.

So when you go to an artist's reception, what are you looking for? Do you want to meet the artist? Would you rather have them talk to the group or one on one? Do you go just for the refreshments? Would you rather not talk to the artist at all because you want your own interpretation? Is there really a right/wrong way?

So that being said, Unbound Visual Art group is having a show at the Harvard Learning Annex at the corner of Western Ave and N Harvard Street in Allston, Thursday May9th. I'll be there to answer all the questions you may have about the pieces that I have up.

Hope to see you there!

Unbound Visual Artists group presents Joan Mullen

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, come and check out Joan Mullen's exhibit at the Faneuil Library in Oak Square, Brighton.

Faneuil Library Art Gallery (Brighton)


Unbound Visual Arts, Inc. and the Faneuil Library are pleased to present the art exhibition Joan Mullen “Abstraction: Sculptural Installation” that explores the experimental qualities of abstract organic form. The public opening reception is Saturday March 30 from 11:00 am -1:00 pm
The exhibition concludes on May 11, 2013
Faneuil Library Art Gallery, 419 Faneuil Street (Oak Square), Brighton, MA
Open Mon, Wed, and Thurs: 10 am - 6:00 pm, Tues: Noon – 8pm, Fri: 9 am – 5 pm and Sat: 9 am – 2 pm
617-782-6705

Unbound Visual Arts, Inc. (www.UnboundVisualArts.org) is a non-profit organization recently incorporated with a mission to enliven and inspire the creative economy of Allston, Brighton and the surrounding area with affordable unbound contemporary visual art for all through exhibitions, sales and educational programs. A Board of Directors and Council of Advisors manage it. Its members include artists, art supporters, businesses, organizations, curators, art collectors and anyone that recognizes the importance of the visual arts in their personal or professional lives. Unbound also develops and nurtures partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and businesses to promote and achieve its educational purpose. Its contemporary artist members create fine art paintings, photographs, sculptures and assemblages.  Unbound’s Facebook site is www.Facebook.com/UnboundVisualArts and its Twitter site is www.Twitter.com/UnboundArts

Independence

So there have been a couple of things that I have witnessed that makes me so thankful that I am an artist but a solo one. I'm not going to go into what I had witnessed, other than a big blame game. But as an independent artist, you have only yourself to blame if your art isn't doing what you want it to do. 

Party Pug

watercolor

4x6 inches

For example, if I'm not making the deadlines on gallery or show exhibitions, I can't sit there and say that it was so and so's fault because they "promised" me that they would get the application in on time. I can't blame it on anyone else if I haven't painted in a week or so because it really is up to me to make the time to sit and paint. And I certainly can't blame the economy or lack of for a lack of sales.

Luna in Oil

16x20"

oil on canvas

Again, bringing this up, because I have seen a lot of groups fall apart because they can't put there egos aside, or will sit and blame another person in the group. To me, that's a poor way to be creative. Sure, we all have distractions and responsibilities to one another as well as to ourselves. But once you start piling blame up on one individual it's just a set up for disaster.

It's best to stop blaming and start solving.

Snow dog

Some one asked me once to not only post my paintings, but post the photos that I work the commissions from. So here's Dublin, the Snow dog!

Dublin

5x7 inches watercolor

Dublin's photo

the client had given me about 10 photos to choose from. After talking with the friend of Dublin's owner, he told me that a) this doggie is no longer with us and b) that he just loved being outside and was a big goofball. Typical golden, right? So I had to do the one with him in the snow. I didn't want to go overboard with the lattice on the porch, so I made it more of a pattern in the painting. And I didn't retort back to my pencils (trying to keep it strictly watercolor) so I had to break out the white watercolor to get the snow on the fur. There were many photos, like I said, and this photo with him in the snow didn't really capture his true golden color. This can show you how important to get more than one or two photos for reference!!!

I hope she loves it!

Before and After

 Not going to apologize for not posting for a while. Things have been crazy lately. Going forward, I'm going to try posting once a week again.

I always have posted my paintings to my Facebook page The Pedigree Artist, Christine Winship, but some one recently asked for me to put up the photos that I've used in order to see what the difference was. So: this is the photo of my last commission:

Bed Buddies Photo

and here's the painting:

This painting was for the winner of my gift certificate for the PBRC (Pit Bull Rescue Center). They have an auction on Ebay every year and I've been donating to this cause for the last 4 years or so.

There are some things that as an artist we feel is necessary to change and some that is necessary to keep. Hence the reason why to get a painting done, right? I felt in this one, that the black on the blanket would loose the effect of fabric, so I omitted it. Then there's the dog's themselves. Some one who came over my house saw the painting first and when I showed her the photo, she said, "I didn't even SEE the little dog in the back. You make him stand out that much more." And the black n' white dog seems to be "floating" a little out of the painting. I think this adds to the dream likeness of this painting.... them being in bed and all :)

Look, I'm Famous... (kinda)

My art and I made the local paper!!! Very nice article, thanks Jing for giving me the opportunity to bring my art and opinions to the village of Allston/Brighton. You can read it here: http://www.wickedlocal.com/allston I started laughing when I read that I was "tearing up" when talking about Luna. She was such a mess when I got her LOL.

First Layer

I haven't even titled this piece and was having a issue deciding whether to do it in watercolor or oil. I settled with watercolor, but did a 2nd "trace" of the image in case I go back to oils. So maybe this is just a study? We shall see how this turns out.
T & I went on an equestrian vacation at the Icelandic Horse Farm up in Mad River Valley Vermont. The horses were wonderful, the inn was beautiful and the people were awesome. Of course I took tons of pictures and plan to turn them into paintings. Maybe make a themed show out of it someday....

If you ride, you should really check them out http://www.icelandichorses.com/

Legacy

Art can do a lot of things.

Olivia Pedrick

Ms. Olivia Pedrick is a 9 year old girl who paints pet portraits and gives all the money to rescue organizations. I found out about Olivia from a friend of mine who posted this article on my Facebook page. http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-rescue/rescue-stories/Helping-Animals-with-Art

This young lady has created quite a stir with her folky art portraits and the compassion that she has for helping the animals. Reminds me of me when I was a young girl.There was a few people talking about how giving gift certificates towards paintings isn't a good idea because the lack of customer base and actual sales will come from it are pretty low. That may be the case, but can we be more like Olivia and just do it for the doggies? I can only imagine what great things are in store for this young lady and her art career. Beautiful and admirable, Olivia.

Pussy Riot

Yesterday, 3 members of Pussy Riot, a Russian all girl punk band, were sentenced to 2 years in prison for performing their song on the steps of a Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Whether you agree with their methods or what they had to say, there is no justification in putting these girls to prison. If you want to listen to the song go here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/video/2012/aug/17/pussy-riot-release-new-single-video.

If you don't speak Russian and want to know what they're saying, here are the lyrics:

Punk-Prayer "Virgin Mary, Put Putin Away"

(choir)

Virgin Mary, Mother of God, put Putin away

Рut Putin away, put Putin away

(end chorus) ...

Black robe, golden epaulettes

All parishioners crawl to bow

The phantom of liberty is in heaven

Gay-pride sent to Siberia in chains



The head of the KGB, their chief saint,

Leads protesters to prison under escort

In order not to offend His Holiness

Women must give birth and love



Shit, shit, the Lord's shit!

Shit, shit, the Lord's shit!

(Chorus)



Virgin Mary, Mother of God, become a feminist

Become a feminist, become a feminist

(end chorus)



The Church’s praise of rotten dictators

The cross-bearer procession of black limousines

A teacher-preacher will meet you at school

Go to class - bring him money!



Patriarch Gundyaev believes in Putin

Bitch, better believe in God instead

The belt of the Virgin can’t replace mass-meetings

Mary, Mother of God, is with us in protest!


(Chorus)



Virgin Mary, Mother of God, put Putin away

Рut Putin away, put Putin away


These women, and Olivia too, are creating a legacy with their art. A read a post from LuAnn Udell (FineArtViews newsletter) who wrote about "What we leave behind" just the other day:

"What matters, in the end, is the kind of life you strive to lead. The ripple effect of your actions in the world—the kindnesses, love, energy, opportunities you were given, and in turn gave to others, create wavelets that move far past our own seeing. We have to simply trust they carry our best intentions, wherever they go.


What comes after, whatever is made of our efforts, when we are gone, whatever it is those others who come after will understand, will be what serves their need, not ours."

What's my legacy? I may never know..... but it makes me want to create more art.

Art Reception at the Faneuil Library

Me and my art

(Doggie Butt, Bull Terrier & Bongo on the Beach)

Last Tuesday was my reception for the first solo show that I've ever had. Quite a milestone for me! There were some familiar faces that came out (my parents and aunt were there) and some new fans as well. Over all we had a great turn out. Someone asked if I was going to do a "talk" but not really given any structure, I was more left to talk to people on a one on one atmosphere and I think that actually was better for me!

I would like to thank everyone who came and John Quatrale for putting it all together. The exhibit will be up for the entire month of August. The Faneuil Library is located at 419 Faneuil Street, (Oak Square) Brighton MA 02135.

A Solo Show at the Faneuil Library in Brighton MA

Luna in Oil

oil on canvas

16x20"

How do I explain how excited I was to read the email sent last month from John Quatrale asking me if I would like to have a solo show at the Brighton Faneuil Library?

Very excited. I will be showing 12 watercolors and 2 oils, including the one above of Luna. This is a very last minute thing and though the library isn't huge, a show is a show and this will be my first ever solo one. When we installed the paintings last Tuesday, John informed me that he listed it as more of an artist 'talk' and that I should be prepared to say a few things and answer some questions. Good Lord, I'm hoping that they'll let me serve some wine!

The Faneuil Library is located at 419 Faneuil Street, Brighton MA (Oak Square).

The show is up from July 18 through September 7, 2012.

Reception July 24 6:30-8

Hope to see you there :)

The Effects of Art

I truly believe that a successful piece of art is one that leaves you with emotion as you walk away from it. This could be disgust, joy, sadness, anger or anything really. I'm wondering if my art does that for anyone. Does it even do it for me?

"Horse Landscape Vermont"

Oil on Canvas

I will admit I'm more of a junkie when it comes to painting.... and it's not the art that I'm producing per say, but more of the medium: Can I handle oils? What can I do with salt and watercolor? How much can I stretch this composition out with out having it break apart in my hands? As you know I work primarily in watercolors. When I first started working with this medium, I would use colored pencils as well. Primarily  to correct some mistakes I had made, or punch out some values to make the piece more dramatic.  Slowly over time, I've stopped using those pencils because it was more like having a crutch - something to fall back on if things didn't turn out like I wanted them to. I have started using oils and looking at some videos regarding color mixing so that I can master this one as well.... But are my pieces evoking an emotion????

I've never been one wanted to "disturb" people viewing my art. Blame it on my 1990 experience of being in the middle of threat of the pulling out funding National Endowment of the Arts. I was in DC at the time of Maplethorpe's NOT being shown at the Corcoran Museum (my school). Too many people where figuring out how they too could make "shock art".

I was at Mass MoCA recently and saw this piece:

"You Are Loved"

Andrea Mortson

Oil on Canvas

I was thinking, "Oh my goodness. It's so beautiful the way she leans against him, how the tree encompasses both of them" and then I read the title and was just hit with a wave of emotion. That we should all feel loved.. Am I loved like the woman in the painting? I believe so. Is the artist loved? She must be, how else could she have captured this so perfectly? You might not feel the way that I do, but again, this is what I call a successful piece of art.

I hope to God that my art does this to people, and if not, will some day. Maybe I should start believing that it does and it will reflect in the art itself. But like everyone I need reassurance. And I guess I haven't got that in a while.

Allston is my home

Welcome to Allston.

If your not familiar with Allston it is the west side of Boston that is sandwiched in between Boston University and Boston College. The only place in the US that is actually named after an artst, Washington Allston, and is also home to Biogen and New Balance sneakers. It's also where I've been living for the last 15 years. Allston, unfortunately, has a reputation. Because of it's location, we have more student housing and renters than we do home owners. Our downtown is filled with restaurants of any ethnicity you can think of, bars and clubs as well as a couple of head shops. Because of this, there is a lot of underage drinking, basement parties and trash. I'm trying to change that. And I know I'm not the only one.

 Allston Roof Tops

watercolor

Don't get me wrong, I was in college too. I went to these parties when I was 22... (still going to some now!) But because of the more renters, I'm finding people are going to be caring a lot less about their surroundings. Everybody who went to school in Boston lived in Allston for at least one semester. It's kind of like a right of passage. But for those of us who have stayed, I'm tired of people talking trash about my neighborhood. I have the advantage of  being so close to downtown Boston. Jason and I walked to Fenway on the 1st game of the World Series back in 04. I would never want to live in a town that has only 3 restaurants and one of them is the 99 (ugh!). Jason who is in a band and has his own label, we are very much involved in the live music scene. I have 3 places within walking distance where I can go see live original music. I can walk to Harvard Square where I can check out any of the museums there. The Charles River is minutes away if I need to get out and have green grass under my feet. And the art scene is alive! 119 Braintree is home to over 40 artist studios not to mention the Rugg Road Studios right down the street! Allston Open Studios happens every November for you to come and check out the art scene in my town.

Come visit us! You'll love it! Just pick up the trash when you're done, thanks!

Roxy

black watercolor

One life to live

I was going to write today's post about how things are starting to pick up in a business sense. I've been painting right along and below are two of my latest paintings. An oil and a watercolor. Then I read on line today that Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had died of cancer today at the age of 47.......47!

Beau in Oil

8x10 inches

Kitty Dreams

5x7 inch watercolor and colored pencil

This news has effected me in a way that I think MCA (Yauch's stage name) would be okay with. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE - WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT? Apparently Yauch had been battling with cancer for the last few years and it finally won and took this man's life. A man who, mind you, got to the public eye with songs like "Fight For Your Right" and "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" and other white boy rap songs about partying and girls.

But as the boy became a man, he directed his efforts not only towards his creativity, which grew so much into a funky hip band, but toward Buddhism and for the independence of Tibet. He also helped form Oscilloscope pictures, a successful independent film production house.

There's only so much time that each of us has on this planet. Please use it wisely. Do something creative. Help someone out today. Donate to a charity. If you really believe in something, make your voice heard. Don't watch junk TV. Don't eat at McDonalds. Tell the person you love that you love them. Paint a painting. Write a poem. Support the arts. Don't laugh at someone when he tells you he likes ballet. Adopt a cat. Volunteer.

And download Check Your Head. I think its one of their best albums.

I saw the Beastie Boys back in 1986. I was 15 years old and it was one of my very first concerts. I had so much fun and loved how obnoxious they were. The turn tables that the DJ was on was made to look like a giant Jolt cola. And I vaguely remember a huge penis on stage. Too much.

Pay to Play

I received an email recently from publishers of AKC Family Dog (according to them, "the most widely distributed canine magazine in the world!"). In the email, they tell me that my work has been recommended by the editors to be included in the July/August issue.....

Trout Dreaming

8x10 inches, watercolor

But of course, this isn't free. $395 to "offset production costs". Hmmmmmm. So basically they've chose me to pay for space to advertise. Then not moments later, the CAG crew emails came in. Apparently the majority got the same email which made me think that I wasn't very special anymore and this was a blanket email. I'm not going to do it, mind you. It's just too expensive... but they way they worded it, it did make me feel kinda special.

Then there are the vanity galleries. Vanity galleries (not to be confused with co-ops which are another thing) will approach an artist like myself with the space and location that all artists dream of. They want to take your work and hang it for a couple of months, like an exhibition, but you have to pay a fee up front to be there. No guarantee that your work will sell, hell, they don't have gallery people there to help you. YOU do all the marketing, selling, working.... wait, isn't this what galleries are supposed to do for me? Why should I pay someone to hang my work in there space? Sure they may claim that they have tremendous foot traffic... but how do I know that? Or they have testimonials from other artists that this was a great experience and "I learned a lot." I don't need to pay to learn a lot anymore. I finished paying student loans years ago and have no intention of doing it again (anytime soon anyway).

Bands have this to; it's called Pay to Play. There are organizations out there who will get a couple of bands together... and give each player x amount of tickets. Then the band players have to go out and sell all their tickets to their shows. Wouldn't be so bad if the bands didn't have to charge their friends $10 for a ticket. But because there are venues that will have bands play, maybe give them discounted beer if not a free one, and the profits made at the door is split by the band. It's never a lot of money, but I think it's better than putting your friends in a awkward position by having to buy a ticket for 10 bucks ahead of time.

I've only heard bad things about vanity galleries and pay to plays. Maybe you have a good experience you like to share with me? I would love to hear about it.