Did You Think I Was On Vacation?

In case you were wondering if all I do is yammer on about the beach or Mineral King, let me remind you that I am a working artist. Sure, maybe I’m only working part time these days, but I AM working. Here’s a list of upcoming projects (remembering that until money exchanges hands, it is only conversation):

  1. I bid a mural which I did not get.
  2. I won a competition for a mural that was initially promised to me, turned into a competition in which my design was chosen, delayed, and now, three years later, it might actually happen.
  3. Some folks want a pencil drawing of the view from their parents’ front porch in Texas. This will be a very challenging commission. Maybe they’ll send me to Texas. . . probably not.
  4. The same folks want another pencil drawing of the view from their other parents’ home with a vineyard and the Sierra in the distance.
  5. Someone I’ve never met in person but am getting acquainted with on The Frugal Girl blog wants an oil painting of his house, somewhere on the east coast.
  6. A friend and I are discussing a painting of the 2 sequoia trees in Redwood Canyon (on the Mineral King Road), which she calls “Two Sisters” and I learned as “Aunt Tillie and Uncle Pete”.
  7. My show continues in Tulare, so here is a reminder of the dates, days and hours.

The list format doesn’t allow for photos to be inserted, so here are a few to keep you from thinking TLDR, which means Too Long, Didn’t Read.

#1 —I didn’t waste time doing sketches when the potential customer hadn’t come up with a budget. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

#2 This is the mural that I designed, submitted to the competition, was chosen, then put on hold. I sure do hope I get to paint it!

#3 Texas porch view photo to be turned into a 14×17” pencil drawing

#4 Front porch view (but change the trees to a vineyard)

#5 This is just a photo of his amazing Japanese maple. This will be a very challenging painting but I’m up for it!!

#6 After photographing them countless times, I could only find one shot, which is horizontal rather than the desired vertical format. For now it is just conversation, so there is time to get new photos.

Finally, here are the specifics about the show AROUND HERE in Tulare.

AROUND HERE will be at the Heritage Gallery in the Tulare Historical Museum through August 30. Days/hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, 10-4. (444 W. Tulare Ave.)

Good Reception, Going Quiet

The reception was well attended by people from all different parts of my life. I was especially touched to see several of my drawing students there (no extra credit for attending; no demerits for skipping.)

Here are some photos provided by attendees.

I love my drawing students and miss them when we don’t meet for two months in summer.
There was an enormous selection of finger foods which looked delicious, but I stuck to water. Too much talking and handshaking and hugging to be dealing with a plate of food.
Father John, formerly of St. Anthony’s Retreat in Three Rivers is a very accomplished painter who encouraged me back when I began oil painting in 2006.
Kim is a fabulous realistic pastel artist and also a fabulous pianist. Her tunes in the background were perfect.
I was thrilled to see some MK friends! (and learn that others stopped by a day or two later on their way to MK—thank you, G & D!!)
This is the only decent photo of the ones I took before the reception began. I was a little worried that no one would show up, so maybe I wasn’t giving photography my best attention.

Why is this chick so smiley? Because: A. Her favorite dress still fits after 30 years and she rediscovered that it has pockets; B. She is going quiet on the interwebs for a week or so; C. She will be with her first friend from Three Rivers and her very dear friend from Texas next week.

Nothing to see here, folks.

AROUND HERE will be at the Heritage Gallery in the Tulare Historical Museum through August 30. Days/hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, 10-4. (444 W. Tulare Ave.)

P.S. It is ALL FOR SALE.

RECEPTION TONIGHT!

The gallery director and her granddaughter hung the show with my eager and curious assistance.

This gallery seems dark inside, but the lights on the art are terrific. Carpet on the walls looks odd at first glance, but it is surprisingly effective in preventing the need to continually patch and repaint holes.

It’s a great gallery and I hope you can come.