New Painting

My very newest painting, August 27th, (18 x14") was completed on a cloudy afternoon at Prickett's Creek. It was a great day. While out working, I was very happy to run into my old painting professor at Fairmont State - unexpected, but really made my day. Plus, of my more recent works, that day's painting is my favorite. The last few works I decided not to post here or on my website because, after I stared at them for several days, the conclusion was (I'll be honest) - they stunk. They weren't by any means the worst pieces ever, but nothing to write home about. Something about the palette was just not working, among other things. So I am moving on and hoping for good weather in September! Fall is my absolute favorite season and I am very excited that it's just around the corner. The light is changing and you can feel it approaching - love it!

Annual Juried Art Exhibit

A quick announcement - The Randolph County Community Arts Center is hosting the Annual Juried Art Exhibit for the 73rd Annual Mountain State Forest Festival. They are accepting hand delivered entries on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The juror is Adam Hodges of Charleston, WV. He is director of the WV Division of Culture and History’s Museums Section.

For more info or contacts see - http://www.randolpharts.org/forestfestentryannouncement.html

Photos on location

Here are some photos taken last weekend out at the Cheat River in Randolph County, WV. I completed a 24 x 20" piece that you may be able to see coming along in the pictures. Once I have a good photo of that work - August 15, at Cheat River - I will post it. Things have been really busy lately, I had to cram a painting day into a painting delivery day (work for the upcoming Gala - more on that later) PLUS stretcher work for ultimate multi-tasking! Anyway, still not an incredible amount of painting going on. I am super excited for all of the house stuff to be over with so I can get back into a painting routine, but it is still a bit far off.

Too long

It's been too long since I've posted - I've been very busy lately with non-art-related things, like house hunting. I hadn't realized it would be this challenging and time-consuming. I haven't completed a painting in a while, but have a big painting weekend planned in Elkins! New paintings to come...

New Painting

This painting, July 5 - Prickett's Creek, is another 24 x 20" work. I struggled a bit with it, but it turned out better than I first thought. It's on display at Gallery 62 West in Grafton, WV, along with the rest of the work for my solo show (I know, I know, still wet - yikes!). The reception was this Saturday and went very well, good turnout and good questions at the talk. Thanks to everyone at Gallery 62! The work will be exhibited until the end of July.

Emerging Artists Reception

Prickett's Creek - February 7th , oil on canvas. 16x14"

Last Thursday night, I was fortunate enough to have been awarded Best of Show at the Emerging Artists of West Virginia exhibit for Prickett's Creek - February 7th. I am completely thrilled - it's a purchase award, so the winning piece has become part of the West Virginia State Museum's collection. I'm still in a slight state of disbelief! So one more big Thank you! to juror Allison Smith and everyone at the Cultural Center.

The reception was really nice, I enjoyed the slide jam - all the artists did a fantastic job presenting. I admire their public speaking skills, I wish I had them! Congratulations again to all the selected artists and prize winners, especially second place winner Derek Overfield (http://www.derekoverfield.com/)!

Also, Saturday July 11th is definitely the date for my reception at Gallery 62 West - from 6-9 pm!

"Emerging Artists" Reception and other things

This Wednesday, July 1st is the reception for the juried Emerging Artists exhibit that I am so lucky to have been included in. There will be a slide jam and awards ceremony starting at 6:00 pm at the Cultural Center, which is located at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston,WV 25305-0300. I doubt I will be able to make it there by 6, (wasn't able to take off of work, so now I will be driving down afterwards) but should be there by at least 7, assuming the 2 1/2 hour drive goes smoothly!

I am looking forward to hanging my solo show (Paths:Landscapes in Oil) at Gallery 62 West tonight - so a full day for me - work, then installation. I am going to put out a tentative reception date, Saturday July, 11th. I will keep everyone updated - it could change.

Also, a reminder that Monday, July 6th is the last day to have submissions to the Culture Center for the West Virginia Juried Exhibition!