Cookie Time

Last week I set up a still life for my student, Carolyn. I chose objects that I thought would give her a laugh. As I've been working on some of my landscape pieces I decided to do a little oil sketch of it myself to shake things up. Why should she have all the fun? What I didn't realize was that painting cookies for a couple of hours makes one dream of them at night. Especially if one hasn't had a chocolate chip cookie in a very long time. Lucky for this artist that all of the cookies in the set up are very, very stale. "Cheap Date" is 8"x10" oil on canvas. This is posted for sale on ArtByUs. Please click to purchase.

I want to send a big "thank you" to 4 Tails Design Group. They just finished my new website and it looks great. These ladies are super talented and great to work with. So if you need a new look for your business or a website contact them. Tell them Lori sent you.

You haven't seen the redesign on my website? Well, go check it out. Don't forget to sign up for my quarterly newsletter as well. The first issue just went out today and it includes a free music download so don't miss out.

Stay cool everyone!

Tea Anyone?

Many commitments this week with networking groups and other means of promoting my work are limiting my time in the studio. These times are difficult,because I am an artist dying to be making art in the studio, not running around telling people about how I make art in the studio. However, artists today can no longer sit home and wait to be discovered, they must be out in front of the public like everyone else running a business. During these times it is important for me to take time to sketch. With only 25 free minutes yesterday to make art, I chose to do a sketch of my favorite teapot. I was feeling rushed and hassled but moving the pencil across the paper calmed my mind. Little sketches like these are what help me stay clear and focused for my finished pieces.

Why the current rush to promote? This is actually prime season for me to accept commissions for pet portraits . People tend not to think of hiring me until right before the holidays, when time may be running out or I'm already booked. A finished piece takes about 8 weeks to complete once the work is started. That is not counting the time taken to receive and edit photographs or shipping of the final piece. Also, most animals look best this time of year when their winter coats have been shed as well as a few extra pounds. (I think even humans relate to this.) This holds true especially for the equines. I know Christmas and the holidays seem far away but they are right around the corner for this artist.

Win Some Lose Some

Last week I promised to show you how my recent experimental pieces were progressing. Well, the underpaintings went well but that is where the good news ends. As I continued to work on the piece shown here I found that this much detail, this soon really stifled me and it went downhill from there. I used to paint this way in college, when I was learning how to do book cover art. It always resulted in strong work then. However, now I realize that my work no longer lends itself to this type of technique. This is why you can never ask an artist how long a painting takes and get a straight answer. It is impossible to figure in the hundreds of hours working, experimenting and throwing away pieces to get the few that actually make it to public view. So, enjoy this piece as it is in its infancy and virtual life because this is the last anyone will ever see of it. Georgia O'Keeffe routinely burned all the pieces she considered not to be successful. So if you see a plume of smoke rising from behind my house, don't call the fire department just bring some marshmallows.

What's next on tap? I am going to continue with a few new series of works I have in mind that are more complicated and structured but still use my regular method of painting. I've also ordered new papers to do a series of works on paper featuring the landscape of Supwana Meadows.

Soulful Studios would like to thank the lovely ladies at the New Jersey Boxer Rescue for their caring, effort and understanding. They are truly angels. If you are looking to add a 4-legged family member to your home please check out this site http://www.njboxerrescue.com and consider one of these wonderful pups just lookin' for love.

Amusing Photo and the Humble Pencil

Since it is Friday I wanted to show you something that I found rather amusing. I was looking at my photos from my trip to England and found this one of a building in London. This particular building looks very out of place there but what I found interesting was the man in front of it. His shirt seems to compliment the building. Or is it that the building compliments his shirt? Considering the building was there first I vote for the former. This photo really strikes me as funny and gave me a laugh. Is it just me and my strange sense of humor? Please don't send me emails answering that question, I already know I'm strange.

Monday I will post the progression of my recent works. How's that for something to look forward to?! I'm sorry, that was just pathetic.

If ever you are in Keswick please take a moment to visit the pencil museum. Yes, there is a museum dedicated to our humble servant, the pencil. Click this link http://www.pencils.co.uk/home.asp to read about the history of the pencil and even how to sharpen it properly. Now that is intriguing isn't it?! Seriously though, this is where the pencils that I use for my graphite commissions are made. I've been using these Derwent pencils for 20 years. Yes, I'm that old and bored that I can tell you what kind of drawing pencil I've been using for 2 decades. I will stop here so as not to over stimulate you with exciting information.

Have a great weekend!

Image for 6-6-06 (Please See Previous Entry)

6-6-06 and Bending

***Blogger issues today prevent uploading of image. As soon as able I will add today's picture.***

It's on the news, the big screen and all over the airwaves. Yes, it is the dreaded 6-6-06. This is supposedly the day of doom so close your shutters, lock your doors and go back to bed until tomorrow. Well, I have news for the media, bad crap happens on other days as well and as far as I'm concerned today looks to be pretty good.

I won't go into detail but I've been hit with a string of bad and stressful events all in one ugly dose. Things just couldn't get worse I thought. Example you ask? Well, I stopped running due to an injury to my foot, only to be 2 miles from home when I got a flat on my bike. I limped home with my bike practicing every four-letter word I knew. (I really need to learn how to change those things.) See, I was trying to do good but bad just kept happening. Sadly, most things were less amusing than that. You know it is bad when you step in the only pile of dog poop on an abandoned property and it makes you cry like a baby.

One of the things that I've learned from all of this is represented in this oil sketch for a new painting. We all know what happens to the tree that does not bend. Only death is final and even that has a certain legacy. So, in life if you don't learn to bend or to at least think differently you will certainly break. I must admit I've been darn close recently.

I've had some questions as to the change in my style. The works shown in the last two entries are only under paintings. This means that color will be applied in transparent glazes after all of the values are worked out. My work has taken a more somber tone but will not be all in grey. This is how many of the old masters began their works. However at the moment I may be switching to drawing for a few weeks because the injury to my foot does not allow me to stand in front of the easel for very long. I refuse to stop working so I will find something else to do until it heals. I'm bending not breaking.

I want to thank Jill at Raise Your Dreams Farm for making one of the hardest things I've ever had to do a blessing. I gave my horse, Dandy, to her for use in her therapeutic riding program. At first he struggled with his new job but now he shines and is giving a great gift to so many. Dandy taught me so many things about patience, strength and "bending" and now at 22 he will continue to do it for others. He is in his glory with all the love he receives for his efforts and so am I. Thanks Jill.

Commitment

So many thoughts race through my mind at the moment it is quite difficult to put them into a coherent blog entry. Since I've been back in New Jersey, I have been totally focused and consumed by my painting. I'm rather tired from my trip, yet for the first time in my life, that hasn't compromised my ability to work. Every moment spent away from the easel I'm thinking of it and planning. As I do my morning run I am composing new paintings and figuring out how to best execute them. I've even planned to go to the art supply store on my way to my nephew's graduation party today to buy a much smaller sketch. I will keep on hand at all times to jot down ideas and to do thumbnails. In some sense I almost feel as I've gone mad and yet I also feel that this is how I've dreamed of feeling for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to be the artist that was living to work and now I see that as becoming my reality.

About a year ago I left my corporate job as a flooring designer to pursue my art. It was the greatest leap of faith that I've ever taken. Frankly, the first 6 months were torture. Every morning I woke with the thought that I had made a huge mistake. The devil's advocate in my brain kept telling me I was not disciplined, talented or imaginative enough to make it as an artist. However, as time went by and I had continued support from absolutely everyone, I realized I truly was my own worst enemy, as my mother had told me my entire life. (She doesn't read this so please don't tell her I said she was right.) I made my own mediocre reality. I never fully committed my heart to believing that as an artist I had a place in this world. Sure, I gave up the money and security and played very much the part of the artist but I didn't feel it deeply. Financial risk was easy, emotional risk was insanity. It is clear to me now that I must completely surrender to my art and pour my heart out in it. There is a chance that the work will be absolute crap and laughed out of every gallery. There is also a chance that it will be the greatest thing I've ever done for myself and everyone will be witness to it.

I write this rather personal entry for you to read so that you understand what it takes to be an artist. It isn't just about making pleasing images. Also, as part of my new outlook, I may be making fewer entries at times when my focus is greatest. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog(see the Squeet button to the right) so that you don't have to bother checking for updates.

This piece that I started before I left for England will take me many weeks to complete and will be explained more in future entries. I am starting a new series of works that will be using a different process than previous paintings. I will be painting in grey scales in the beginning for better structure, now that it has become more complex. Once all of the values are worked out and carry the eye throughout the work I will add glazes of color and areas of thick paint. In some cases I might even take the piece towards the realm of abstraction. For the first time in my artistic career it is about the process and not the finished product. I feel this will make my work not just good but great. I've been good at many things in my life, just never great. That is a result of weak commitment. That was then and this is now.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Back To Reality

Lovely day here in New Jersey, I must admit. I think we do have more than our share of sunshine. Yet, even though rain and drizzle were frequent on my trip to England, the visit was no less bright. I have to laugh to myself when I think of how many jokes were made about the weather there. Everyone liked to chide about it. Attitude makes for a good day not the weather.

These photos were taken at the end of my stay in Sheffield. As you can see, I got my pint at a local pub as well as a view of a castle. Whilst photographing the peacocks (check out the white one) I found out not only are people the same all around the world but so are weeds. Nettles. I think they finally stopped stinging today. Ha!

Seriously, anywhere you go in this world you can find beautiful things to see and wonderful people to meet. Sure there are differences but the similarities are greater.

I want to thank the lovely congregation at the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds for a very special Shabbat. Thank you Mr. Lewis and Rabbi Morris for your hospitality. It felt like home. Todah!

The Lakes

This will be my final post from England. I must admit my heart is already breaking and it is only Saturday. My flight back isn't until Monday morning, I must stop torturing myself.

These photos were taken on Wednesday and Thursday in Grasmere at The Lakes. Rain held off until after we had the opportunity to walk up to where the waterfall was. Yes, there were more green hills and sheep. I am always amazed by the stone walls everywhere. So much stone and so many walls. I get tired just thinking about the work that was put into them. Sadly, you will not see the photo of me walking up to the waterfall. You could see the intense concentration on my face. I'm really afraid of heights but being here has helped with that some. Where's the photo you ask? The computer ate it unfortunately. Seriously, there was a bit of a malfunction and we lost the series of photos taken in Ambleside and during our little hike.

Anyway, I always have a certain level of frustration with photography. These photos, as lovely as they are, do not really show the grand sense of space and distance that truly exists when you visit places like this. With every photo that I took I would mutter "just not the same" under my breath. The camera lens flattens everything out. I have decided not to show some of the best photos from this trip and use them for paintings only. Perhaps the emotion will come across better in my art.

The lovely building is where we stayed. The hotel's name is Lancrigg and I thank the staff there for a wonderfully memorable stay. Please check out their website at http://www.lancrigg.co.uk/. It is a welcoming place with scrumptious vegetarian food. Our room was The Silver Howe. It is pictured on the site (the computer at that photo as well darn it.) Even if you are not a 'veggie' you would be astounded by the sumptuous meals and the relaxed and romantic atmosphere. It is definitely a place one gets the warm fuzzies. I will be back.

So, I'm off now to enjoy my last couple of days here. As much as I do not want to go home I am anxious to start on my new series of works inspired by this trip. I will try not to get too upset because I know I will be back.

Wet Wool and Green Hills

Life has truly become an amazing journey for me recently. I could almost say "Lord, take me now," because I feel it just can't get any better than this but deep in my heart I know it will. I've been so blessed as to have been able to see such a beautiful place as this and to have been so welcomed by all that I have met here.

Not much time to comment on these photos as there is still a drop of wine in my glass and chocolate to be eaten. However, I won't leave you without a brief description. Everywhere I go there are either pastures of sheep or fields of potatoes growing. I can tell you that the wet wool on living sheep smells just as bad as one of my wet woollen sweaters. Kenton laughs when I get so excited to photograph the little lambs. Hey, I am an animal artist. Seriously, each time I turn my head there is another picturesque green vista with rolling hills. The photos of sheep and crags (with Kenton's back) were taken today at Higgar Tor. Kenton, much like myself, hates his photo taken. When I go back to the States I will have to remember him from images of his back. The photo of the cottage with the attack cat and the pics of the cemetery with Little John's grave were taken in Hathersage. This little village stole my heart. Can't you just see me there with my easel painting away?

I just want to thank Kenton's parents for a lovely afternoon and for being so kind. I was so nervous to meet them and they made me feel at ease immediately. Lunch was delicious and fun. Thank you.

Tomorrow we are off bright and early to The Lakes! More later...

Yes We Have Photos of England!

Here is a quick glimpse of the beginnings of my trip across the pond. The nature scenes give you an idea of what is just about outside the front door of where I am staying. As you can see everything is a beautiful green and there are plenty of lovely rolling hills. Even the cows were friendly.

The three cats are Charlie, Spike and Hobbes. Charlie is the one sitting in the window, Spike is the black one curled up and Hobbes is the stoic guy sitting outside. They are so friendly and keep watch of everything I do. Gracie should enjoy the scent of these kitties on all of my things.

I've also included a few photos of London. For the most part they are self explanatory. I just had to include the shot of the kids with the street performer. I had to laugh to myself because I swear I saw this dude in Key West when I played tourist there! People and things are different and the same all over the world I guess.

I think it is quite clear that I am already having a wonderful time and I still have a week to go! Oh yes, the man in the photo with me is Kenton. He is a great host and I'll quit there so as not to embarrass him. Hmm, looks as I've misplaced my passport.

More updates to come!

Picture Perfect

Totally enjoying my second day here in England. Today I have gone for a 2 hour stroll around the area that I am staying and took approximately 60 photos for future paintings. They are lovely images of rolling hills, horses and old farms with a few cows thrown in for good measure. Oh and I cannot forget my 3 furry housemates, Spike, Charlie and Hobbes(sp?). I planned on showing them to you today with a few witty captions but...there is always a but. Despite my best efforts to install the software on this computer (sorry Kenton) and download the images, I could not get anything to work. So you will just have to trust me that the scenery is inspiring, the lighting and color unique to this area and the comments intended were brilliant.

My walk today helped me sort out some ideas and processes for the new series of works I have in mind. Last night my visit to a local gallery lit a fire in me to get started. Things are starting to come together. I used to work with limited vision of what the result would be and recently things have become much more clear. This new ability to see a body of work as a whole before I start it is so exciting to me. I believe this will lend itself to a maturity and cohesiveness that my work has not shown before.

My dear Kenton and I will be going to London this evening for the better part of the weekend. We will use his camera to take some good tourist type photos to share with you. So please come back Monday for another update on my trip. Oh...who's Kenton you ask? You'll just have to stay tuned for more info!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thoughts of the Future

This will be my last post before my trip across the pond. I'll be visiting someone quite special and let's not forget seeing some of England. Whilst there I will visit a few gallery possibilities, take some photo reference and do sketches for a new series of landscape paintings I'm currently working on. Not only do I see my work changing a great deal but my entire life as well. There is much on my mind these days but I must admit I've never felt more at peace.

This little sketch was done this weekend while sitting in the park thinking about what may be in store for me in the future. (The paper is quite dirtied from hitting the ground multiple times from Gracie jumping up on my lap. Nothing like a 60 lb pit bull sitting on you for concentration.) I grabbed the photo reference from a lovely lady on WetCanvas because it really moved me. Sometimes the best moments are spent in solitude looking out and taking it all in. Being open is a difficult thing to do in this busy world but to not take the time can have devastating effects. I'm the poster child for it.

I will try to post some photos of my trip while I'm there. So keep coming back to see some details of my trip as it happens!

A new feature is the ability to receive this blog through your email. This way you do not have to look to see if I made an update. It will tell you automatically. Look to the right on your screen and check out the Squeet button. Put in your email address and follow the directions to get instant updates of my blog.

Thanks everyone at WetCanvas for welcoming me back so sweetly to the WDE's. I've missed you guys and all your beautiful work.

Loose Ends - Finished Dog Portrait and Such

Just five days left before I go for a little trip across the big pond. I'm wrapping up as many loose ends as possible. Trying to do a little work on my new website that should be launched very shortly. Coming up with plans for future works. Most importantly, if it is approved, my most recent commission is finished.

You can see that my task was to not only capture the good nature of Summer the Golden Retriever but to show her as she was in her younger days. The photo provided shows her as she is now with her well earned grey hairs. Thankfully there are no photos of me with my grey hair showing. Only my hairdresser gets to see those. I digress. Also, I had to open her eyes a bit because with age she has had some vision issues. Luckily, I was able to have Lasik surgery. Oops, I went off course again. Forgive me it is Friday. Hopefully, Summer's owners feel this captures her at her best and they approve. If not, that is ok as well and I will adjust anything as per their request. I always guarantee my work.

More info on my trip in my next entry. Have a great weekend everyone! OOOOH and Happy Cinco de Mayo! Have a margarita on me!

A Look Into My Sketchbook

Yup, just a little sketch of garlic. Did you expect something really sizzling? Sorry to disappoint you. Sometimes in order to focus on visual relationships I must pick rather mundane subjects. Drawing accurately is made more difficult by being enamored with a subject. That's what happens when one gets too close to anything I guess. Perspective is always a matter of proper distance. However, I must say these two little nuggets do look sweet together.

I put this sketch here to show you that even while I am busy with commissions, I continue to train my eye with drawing exercises. People often ask why art costs so much but they never think of all the extra work that goes into it. If I don't constantly work on my ability to "see" my art becomes awkward and stale. I cannot only work on pieces that generate income, I must also practice and explore just for the sake of doing so.

The commissioned portrait of "Summer" will be finished in a few more sessions and I will share it with you then. Back to my brushes!

Birds of a Feather

Sorry for the really trite title for this entry. I just couldn't resist. The cat is out of the bag, or should I say the birds? This is a portrait of two very loved birds named Tiki and Ketta. It was commissioned as a surprise gift for the retiring president of residential styling of Mannington Mills Inc. The graphite drawing is 14"high by 11" wide on 100% cotton rag paper.

This portrait was one of the reasons my blog entries have been minimal recently. I was never asked to draw birds before and I was excited to try something new. However, I soon learned that it required a bit of research and experimentation before working on the finished piece. I had to develop a new visual vocabulary for feathers. Fur I am familiar with...feathers not so much. It was a truly enjoyable process and judging from the reaction of the recipient, quite a successful result.

A little shout out goes to my friend 'B' for letting me know right away how the picture was received. I live for these moments. Thanks my friend! I needed that.

Dog Portrait Continued

Most of my work recently has been commission related. Soon I will be able to share with you one that I recently completed. It was a surprise gift so I've had to keep it under my hat. See, I can keep a secret!

Now all of my attention goes to this portrait of a lovely Golden Retriever named Summer. I have shared the progression of this piece in earlier posts(Original Photos and Beginning Sketch). It is somewhat of a challenge because I need to make her look younger than the photos provided but still retain her current personality.

Here you can see the under-painting. It is quite colorful and loose. From here I will add more realistic color and the detail that I'm known for. The entire painting will become lighter overall. I always start dark and work my way towards lighter values. It is almost impossible to go the other way. This stage of the painting sets the tone for the rest of the work. If I start too tight and lack vibrancyhere, the final painting will be lifeless. Also, the character of the animal must be firmly established at this point. I believe this one is off to a good start.

Ebay Or Not It's Friday!

As I type I can hear the lawn mowers chewing up grass all over town. Spring is here and I am so thankful for it. Weather like this makes me want to work even harder. Each year I wonder how I made it through another winter. I shouldn't complain because this year it was warm but I just can't help myself.

There will not be an eBay auction this week. I am entrenched in commissions as well as starting to gather ideas for work for galleries. In doing so I am overwhelmed with images in my head and wonder if I will ever have enough time in this life to paint all of them?

This painting, "Down Below", is another piece exploring the idea of fear and reality. It is left up to the viewer to decide why the cat is in the tree. I know the answer but that would ruin it for you and I wouldn't want to do that. This 16" x 20" oil painting currently is part of my private collection.

Today's shout out goes to my dentist of all people. Yes, I actually look forward to seeing my dentist. Dr. Wallet and his wife, Dr. Wallet, are not only great dentists but wonderfully caring, interesting people as well. They feel like family and that is just darn nice. If you live in the area check them out http://www.marltondentalcare.com/ I'll have a glass of wine this weekend on them...literally, they gave me the bottle!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ebay Friday - Foal Frolic

Sweet, sweet Friday. If you are celebrating a holiday right now, may it truly be a blessed occasion for you. People all around the world are turning their thoughts to rebirth, freedom and all things new and fresh. It really is a wonderful time of year.

Keeping with the theme of spring and all things new, I have decided to auction this special little piece called "Foal Frolic". It is a 5"high x 7" wide oil painting on canvas that is beautifully framed. This piece has lovely texture and warm tones with a lively spontaneity. A young foal loves to test out his tiny little legs in a manner that is captivating and lightens the heart. I often need to remind myself that play is so important to creativity and growth. It is so easy to get caught up in being a serious adult and to stymie oneself. If this were a crime I would have a long record of offenses. Paintings like this remind me of the importance of lightheartedness.

Ebay auction starts Sunday night. Contact me before then if you would like to purchase "Foal Frolic" before the auction begins.

I would like to take a moment to thank my student and friend, Carolyn, for the wonderful compliment she gave me last evening. She had high words of praise for my efforts in art instruction. I should thank her really. I learn something new every time we meet. The teacher often becomes the student. As I see her work blossom I am reminded of what it takes to grow. Thanks Carolyn.

Beauty Found Where You Least Expect It

Occasionally I email photos I've taken to my friends and customers to be used as desktop wallpaper. This photo is for just such a purpose. (Feel free to email me if you would like a picture for your desktop) It is taken at a historical site less than 2 miles from me. Many times I have driven past it and thought nothing of it. Frankly for the most part it is quite unattractive. However, I find that anything can be seen as beautiful in the right light and circumstance. This is an idea that I often play with and can be seen as a theme in my work. You will see more of this idea in future works so stay tuned.

Currently I am working on two commissions that are taking up much of my time. I cannot share them with you yet because they are surprise gifts. This has made it difficult for me to do much updating on this blog. Please hang in there though because some new and exciting things will be happening shortly. Please note that I will return to eBay auctions this weekend. Back to business as usual.

A special thank you goes out to my friend Nancy at Veltri Designs. Her design ability is truly inspiring. I just love her work with children's themes. She has been so supportive of not only my work but my personal life as well. I really value our friendship and her honesty. Thanks Nance!