Monday, February 15, 2010

Tucson Artists' Open Studios Coming Up

It's only four weeks away until the Tucson Artists' Open Studios event, and the buzz of preparation quietly, yet doggedly, begins. This artist is now completely plugged in: blog, website and Facebook. This is unsettling--in so many ways. In the last week, I've been able to touch up a few paintings, paint the sides of others, set up my print rack and go through some of my favorite prints. Mr. Artyfice was kind enough to stabilize one work table. There's more to do. Yesterday I finished reading Seven Days in the Art World, by Sarah Thornton. I recommend it. For many of you, it won't be shocking, but there are lots of insider goings-on of which we lowly artists are ignorant. Tucson seems to be light years away from it all. But, good art and devoted artists are still here in the Old Pueblo making marks. 

Last August, I posted a painting called Almost Los Alamos (30" x 30," oil on canvas) that really started to bother me. I sought advice from Kathryn and Jana, and went back into it. I think this is much better now. My thanks to them both! It might be that I'm wishing I were in Los Alamos today having a chat with my cousin about Little Boy and Fat Man, and how well Oppenheimer played the dead guy in the community theater melodrama years ago. Right now, it seems like it would be a lot less stressful...

19 comments:

SamArtDog said...
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Melinda said...
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Becky Joy said...

Melinda I have given you the "Sunshine Award" Come by my blog to pick it up.

kathrynlaw said...

I really love how this turned out. And it's so exciting that the Open Studio is coming up so soon! You'll knock 'em dead like always!

BTW, the new avatar photo is great!

Melinda said...

Hi Becky,
Thank you so much for stopping by!

Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Melinda said...

Hey Kathryn! I've missed your posts. Thank you so much for your generous comment. Your keen eye made a huge difference in this painting, no doubt. No doubt, at all.

You've no idea how I struggled with the new avatar photo. Kept trying to remember Alice Neel.

How are you doing?

SamArtDog said...
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Melinda said...
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オテモヤン said...
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cohen labelle said...

Melinda, you are a great master of mark making! I love the bold middle movement of red across the middle ground. I’d really love to see this painting in the flesh one day and all the others!! Magnificent!
Xo Marcia

Melinda said...

You are always welcome in my studio, Marcia. I would be honored with your presence here.

The painting is pretty intense in real life. That red! It's strong over other layers of darker reds. My digital camera freaks out every time I photograph it. I have to color balance it. I get the best photo when it is in front of my red studio wall.

Thank you so much for your kind words. Should you ever decide to travel to Tucson, just make sure it's before the end of May or after September. Hot, hot, hot.

Gary Keimig said...

nice blog, Melinda. You have quite a pallette and style.

Melinda said...

Welcome, Gary! Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you'll visit again soon.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

I love this painting and hope you have an absolutely fantastic tour. Whatever happens -- visits, sales,
I know it will all be wonderful and fun, because you are.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbar

Melinda said...

Thank you so much, Barbara! I'm a little nervous, but I remember how much fun it was to have art enthusiasts visit. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate too.

Spring is on its way!

Pam Holnback said...

What great beautiful, bold colors and shapes.

Melinda said...

Thank you so much, Pam! I really appreciate your stopping by.

This painting does seem to own its space!

Heading over to your blog now...

Linny D. Vine said...

Wishing you a great big bunch of fun and success during your open studio. I love what you've done with this painting and the sky is to die for!!!

Melinda said...

Oh, I so appreciate your good wishes! I'm hoping it will be as nice as last time.

Thank you very much for your comment. You know, the sky looks even better in real life. The digital camera had such a hard time photographing the red and trying to color balance the other elements.