The Next Big Step

Another birthday has come and gone. As always it leads me to reflect on the year that has passed as well as what is to come. The next few months will hold some of the biggest changes to happen to me so far.

I'll be leaving a job that I've enjoyed and worked at off and on for a decade! Even more I'll be leaving my friends and family and moving across the state. I'm saying goodbye to my little nest of comfort and complacency to take a chance and dare for something different and new.

This momentous life change seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a new self portrait, depicting the thrill and the fear of a life changing decision. The portrait depicts me walking the high-wire, unsure of the next big step but finding the courage to take it anyway.

Snowy Silence

I am a very "planny" kind of person. I find planning keeps me on task (and keeps me from forgetting things). The problem with being planny is often things don't go to plan, which can be very frustrating. For over a year now it's been  on my plan to visit the falls at Devil's Hopyard and get the final winter image I need for my 4 seasons collection. But problems always seem to ensue. First off this year we really haven't had much snow (nor did we last year). Secondly the road to the falls is filled with sharp twists, turns, and all kind of hills. Driving my tiny Yaris on snow covered roads like these is just asking for trouble. But by the time they're clear, the snow has fallen off the trees, begun to melt, and lost it's magic.

A few Saturdays ago we got our first big snow storm of the season. Two days later I found myself up early and running errands. Much to my surprise, I noticed that though the roads were clear, none of the snow had melted. Best yet, it was still covering the trees, creating that "just snowed" look. It was early in the day and a thin cloud cover was over the sun creating a beautiful diffused light. Without a moments hesitation I rushed home, put on an extra pair of socks, a sweater, grabbed my gear, and was back on the road heading to the falls.

It was a completely spontaneous decision, no planning at all. I had no idea what I'd find. Pulling into the un-plowed parking lot I saw I was completely alone. I have to say there's something pretty amazing about being totally alone in a state park. As I slipped and slid down the steep trail, I was feeling a little doubtful. But then I stepped out onto the rocky landing a breath taking beautiful stood before me. The falls were iced over but not completely. A very light snow began to fall creating a truly magical scene. A true lesson that a little spontaneity is never a bad thing.

Now on Display

This past weekend I was able to attend the opening of the Hygienic Art show. I've done this show for the past 6 years and this is the first time I was able to attend on opening night. The best part, however, was being able to share it with some of my close friends. This made is even more special. Opening night is crazy! The gallery is PACKED with people of all kinds. This year there was a funky Black Light Garden next door, and many of the nearby bars had live music.

Another thing I love about participating in the Hygienic is that my boyfriend has also entered art in the show. It's so much fun to be able to share the experience with a fellow artist. The above print is his pick for this year's show.

I'm also excited that my work "In the Garden" was picked for the Slater Art Show. Even though I've seen my work in galleries for almost ten years now it's always thrilling!

Found a prime spot near the window. And Kevin found a great spot next to a giant Trump painting!

So if you're looking for a an afternoon excursion, check out these two wonderful shows full of amazing talent.

Hygienic Art's Salon Des Independants shows runs from January 28 - February 12th.

The Slater Memorial Museum's 73rd Annual Connecticut Artists Juried Exhibition is on display from January 22 to March 17.

*And if you love Kevin's bus stop image, you can check out more of his hilarious comics and illustration at http://kevstees.com/

Winter Blues

January seems to stretch on endlessly. Short days with little to no sun followed by long dark winter nights. A bitter chill that seeps into your bones and stays with you all day long. It's no wonder that most people get the winter blues this time of year. The only small break from these doldrums are the various art shows that pop up around Connecticut. Next Saturday marks my favorite; Hygienic Art Gallery's 39th annual Salon des Independants. I've been working on my submission all week. Usually I like to do something crazy and out of the box. This year however, in effort to exhibit more of my portraiture, I'm showing a traditional piece. A digital portrait titled "Forever Twenty-One."

New Year New Skills

January is here which means it's time to revisit my goals and set some new ones. It means a fresh start with new opportunities. It also means art show season! It's the one glimmer of excitement during the cold, dark winter months. The first show is the 73rd Annual Connecticut Artist's Juried Exhibition. It's a fantastic collection of artists from all over the state. I'm always impressed by the variety and talent I see at this show. I've been lucky for the past several years in that at least one of my works has gotten in. This year, however, I'm going in a different direction which is a bit of a gamble. I'm planning to enter a piece showcasing my newest skill in progress, digital painting. At first look digital painting may seem easy, but after several attempts I can tell you it's anything but. Both images painted in this blog took over 4 hours each to paint. Even now I've barely scratched the surface of what can be done!

This painting involved an underpaiting in red which I allowed to show through which is an oil painting technique my Auntie Barbara taught me. Both paintings were meant to be an ode to impressionism both in technique and subject.