The holiday rush is on. I don't know about you, but I'm stressed, and I don't really have any big commitments for Christmas. However, there is something about this time of year that, at first, inspires curmudgeon behavior. Then, about two weeks or less before Christmas, I just want everyone to have a prezzie. Here is a portrait that I am working on (22" x 28," oil on canvas). I've been layering, starting over, re-doing sections for a few weeks now. My boy is going to be home tomorrow night after a very long and difficult semester away at college. He'll probably still have snow in his hair when he arrives. I know he'll be tired.
I am going to be distracted for a few days. I may not be online for awhile.
Even though I'm not finished with this portrait, I wanted to post my process. The grand finale will come later...Oh, it would be nice if it could be finished before the end of the year. We'll see.
I've got gifts for you, my online artist bloggers. The following links are for art submissions. I believe they are all legitimate. I know that I am hoping to submit work to at least one of these opportunities.
Here they are:
Emerge
Manifest Gallery in Ohio
Santa Cruz Art League
San Diego Art Institute of the Living Artist
Slow Art
Los Angeles Printmaking Society
Art interview online magazine
MOTA
Let me know, won't you, if any of these are ones you find interesting, or if you apply and get accepted? Best wishes to all!
12 comments:
Melinda -
The painting looks rich! Such colors.
On the gifts... I'm not feeling like submitting now, but someday I will again. But thanks for the investment of time an thoughtfulness.
I would love to see more process photos along with the finished piece. The hands remind me of Egon Schiele hands. Very cool.
I too thank you for taking the time to put those links up...I will check them out.
You should go and be distracted and enjoy your son's return! The blogs will be here...
Hi Melinda,
I know what you mean about Christmas. It hit me in a rush today -- the urge to give. I too have a son coming home next weekend after a difficult but exciting semester at university.
The painting is magnificent. Gorgeous, beautiful, rich, emotional -- what can I say?
I hope you keep blogging. I will, and I always look for yours.
But hey the Christmas tree goes in my studio -- so it's a bit of a squeeze. Thanks for the gifts.
Happy Holiday,
Barbara
Thank you, Karen!
I'm going to keep the camera nearby. It IS a good way of tracking progress.
Egon Schiele? Oh, my. I really like that. I would love to be that expressive, graphic and colorful! (with the painting, I mean!)
Barbara,
Thank you very much for the good wishes! I'm honored that you like the portrait.
I know you understand about the return of one's college boy. This is such a challenging transition--fun, exciting, stressful, hope-filled, nerve-wracking, mind boggling, and....ah, the list goes on.
Christmas tree in the studio?! Do I sense a painting in the works? Or, perhaps, pine needles in a mixed media piece?
Hi Melinda,
I'm not too mixed media, although I
have stuck the odd sketch on canvas.
Pine needles tend to mix media themselves like dog and cat hair throughout the house, to be discovered in odd places months later. When they pop up inside china kept in a cupboard you have to wonder.
Yet I always feel that people who complain about the"mess" of trees -- needles, leaves -- probably belong on Mars, or somewhere where growing things don't disturb their order.
Love the tree, and love both your writing and your work.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year,
Happy whatever you celebrate,
xoxoxoBarbara
Hey I'm in the middle of the biggest snow storm I've ever experienced in my life, then I get on your blog and it looks like it's snowing in my computer!!! Very cool effect.
Portrait is looking very good. I'm with Karen, Schiele hands. I like your choice of vibrant background colors. Bold, daring.
Thanks for the links. Merry Christmas!!!
Silvina!
I have a friend who lives near Lancaster and I heard that there was snow in some parts of Southern Cal. I'm so happy for you! I thought that we were going to get snow in Tucson, but it didn't snow in the valley. The mountains look great, though.
Mucho thanks for the reference to Schiele. Wow. I'm beginning to see some elements that look Schiele-like and I don't want to lose that. I'm humbled and I hope I can finish it soon.
Enjoy the weather...I'm hoping we'll get snow this winter as you have.
Have a very, merry Christmas!
Melinda
I'm wishing you a great year coming, full of hope, joy, and creativity -- and breakthroughs in the art field.
I'll take those words and will watch as they come true.
Best wishes as you navigate your future. You know all will be better in 2009!
Hi Melinda, I just discovered your blog and I love your work and the thoughts you share on your blog. Your blog is motivational! I have bookmarked your blog so I'll check back to see what you're up to.
Happy New Year!
Joan
Thank you, Joan, for stopping by! You've made my day. Now I'm the one who is motivated.
Back soon!
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