I Wish I Were Me

Yup, that's me folks speaking about art last night at the Salem County Art League. Bob Reid was kind enough to make this montage of me. I appreciate that he picked photos without me showing more than one chin! Oh it was a real hootenanny alright. I'm not quite sure what I said but at one point my famous Zuni Indian fetish necklace lost a critter. That was a crowd pleaser for certain.

Seriously though, at times I felt like I was two people, one was speaking and the other was hovering listening to the presentation. Please don't send the men in white jackets. What I'm saying is that I heard what I was telling the group and for the most part it was a positive message. So many more things I wish I shared but my talk focused on what motivates an artist. I was told I had a lot of energy and was inspirational . Could that be? Often times alone in my studio I question the value of what I'm doing. There are days I am ready to set fire to my work and think a regular paycheck would be a more prudent move.

Then there are moments where I see a hint of brilliance or someone thanks me for teaching them a new technique or idea . I tell myself just for that it is all worth it. Being an artist requires a great deal of faith. You need to believe that no matter what, this is what you were meant to do. If you depend on praise or big bank accounts for affirmation you will starve in more ways than one. Doubt will cause more pain than empty pockets. Interestingly enough, if you believe, don't waste energy on the negative and put everything into your art, you are more likely to be outwardly rewarded. If you neglect the importance of the inner reward, nothing will save you.

These are wise words my friends.

I like that me.

I strive to be me.

Pet Portraits in Oil

Work in Progress
Dog Portrait
Oil on Canvas

Postcard for Gallery 50

Gallery 50's "Nature and the Landscape" show was a success. I won an award for best oil or acrylic and my good friend Alex Alampi won "Best of Show". As you can see we shared the postcard, so to share the night's awards was a plus. There were some very fine pieces at this show and it was an honor to receive any recognition.

Above is my current work in progress. Those of you who have visited my studio have seen this one develop and it still has a long way to go. This is a very poor photograph so the color is off and the image is cut but it gives you an idea of what I'm doing. I had certain things in mind for this piece and it hasn't gone according to plan. There is no area currently on the painting that is finished and the paint is thin and the strokes are tight. My desire is to loosen up on this as it has gone a bit to the slick side. Generally it is difficult to get loose once you tighten up but I still think I can do it. My plan is to not look at photo reference for a few sessions and go with my gut in terms of stroke and color. To try that now is a bold move but for the sake of the art it must be done.

In terms of doing my job as a pet portrait artist I am on target with this painting. However, when one looks at this piece purely from a fine arts standpoint the piece needs help. Many pet portrait artists are only concerned about how their work stands up to likeness and realism. This is never an issue for me and I feel blessed for that reason. What I challenge myself with all the time is to create commission work that stands alone as a piece of fine art. This portrait of dogs is not there yet but I'm no where near done.

Finishing this piece is paramount to my health. I believe this may be one of the last oils I do. Since I've been working on this piece I've been in a great deal of pain and have been quite ill. My body no longer tolerates the toxins from oils. I've been struggling with this issue for years and believe the problem is more than I can handle now. I'm trying not to be sad or scared about the loss of my precious oils but rather excited about focusing on the possibilities with acrylics and other mediums.

My smaller works are always acrylics for this reason but I've never done pet portraits or larger pieces using them. Recently texture and a more painterly look interest me. I look to the daily painter groups for inspiration. Ideas swirl in my head about changes and new approaches. My next post will share some of those ideas with you so do come back soon to Soulful Studios.

The Sweet New Year of Art

"One"
6x12
acrylic on panel
email to purchase

I'm not sure many of my readers know that I am Jewish. Though I feel that spirituality and religion have little to do with each other, I do enjoy the rituals of my faith. September brings in Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This is not a time for champagne and confetti but rather a time for reflection and renewal. We look at our lives, make amends and positive changes. Optimism is the focus as we wish each other a sweet new year.

This year I take this concept very seriously. Much happened over the summer to shake up my world. Let's just say the turkeys are trying to get me down. The details aren't important but the need for a new direction is clear. At first I was unsettled and frankly disheartened but then something interesting happened. Slowly I felt a building of desire and the excitement of a challenge that I hadn't felt in a long time. It's sink or swim time, guess which one I'm picking?

The above painting is a good example of this paradigm shift. Texture was always something I adored in art but my work had little. Obvious ways of adding texture never worked for me. Boredom was setting in and this was dangerous. Instead of continuing with the obvious route I took a chance and added texture on top of my under-painting and then washed tone on top of that. This could have destroyed the entire work. Instead it filled me with wonder and allowed the colors painted on top to find their own place to sit. It was as if "One" had a life of its own making decisions without me. Creation became mysterious once again. A new year began.

"One" has been entered into Gallery 50's current show that opens this Friday night. In Soulful Studios' world it has already won a prize. Let's see if the judges agree.

When Soulful Studios Was Full

Soulful Studios currently looks empty and embarrassingly messy so I posted these photos to remind myself of what my workspace can look like when things are in order. Now I'm neat with a stocked inventory in a virtual world. Being busy is wonderful but sometimes when the walls are bare, (most of these paintings found homes), and the "to-do list" lengthens pressure can build. Pressure can be good for an artist in terms of productivity; it can be deadly if one doesn't keep it in check. I'm searching for balance at the moment. Luckily my current projects are very interesting and quite a few stretch my creativity to new levels. This is an exciting time.

The pet portrait in oil of three dogs is coming along nicely. I will post progress images next time. Monday I will start sketches an eagle for a client that is looking for something unique. The paintings surface will be an antique muskrat skin stretching board. I generally don't paint on objects like that but this gentleman was insistent that he wanted my work on his board and would wait as long as he had to for the painting. I found it to be a rather amusing idea so I went for it. Frequently I there is a bald eagle that soars over my studio. The images I gathered are very good so this could spawn other regular paintings in the future.

I've been very busy with Gallery 50 lately. They have their annual competition featuring wetlands, so I'm also working on a sketch for that as well. This piece is interesting because it has very limited color with more of a conceptual feel, which is very different for me. "Hiding in the Shadows", the painting on the previous post, took 2nd place at Gallery 50's miniature show and I also sold one of the last few "Bunny Brave" paintings there as well.

Finally, I was honored with an interview by EBSQ. I've been a member since the beginning of my blog and they were kind enough to include me in their Blogger of the Week section that you will see here later today.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I'll post the dog commission in progress and a few other goodies very soon. Back to the canvases...

July Already?

"May I Come In?"
5x7
acrylic on panel
email to purchase

"Hiding in the Shadows"

5x7

acrylic on panel

email to purchase

"Griffin"

graphite on paper

private commission


Am I really that busy that it is July already and I was not aware? Above are some of the projects I've been working on. "Griffin" was a recent Soulful Studios pet portrait commission I finished yesterday. The two paintings are entered into Gallery 50's miniature show that is opening this Friday night. Maybe I'll get lucky and win a prize? Typically I stay away from sweet paintings but somehow no matter what I did, both pieces came out looking like work for children's books. In general, children are big fans of my work so perhaps I really will do the book my husband has been putting together. Who knows, maybe that degree in illustration will actually get used someday?

Beyond these pieces and the endless effort on the large painting of the three dogs, I've been nesting. During the day I give it my all in the studio but in the evening I spend hours working in my garden. Right now I've only been involved in flowers but come August I will start my first vegetable garden. My father would be proud. Before I had cancer, all I wanted to do was travel. Then I was too sick to go anywhere and enjoy it. Now, I'm feeling fine but don't want to leave home. My surroundings are gorgeous and I'm rather disturbed by our world at the moment.

This obsession to make my home beautiful and a sacred place happened to me once before. After the planes hit in NYC, I drove the next morning to the craft store and bought yarn. I hadn't crocheted in 15 years but instantly I had to make an afghan. Then I baked and painted like a mad woman and refused to watch television or listen to the radio. Since the BP accident, I've baked quiches, scones, various cookies and created new recipes out of my head. The television and radio have been silenced. Beyond that, I've added foliage and flowers to every inch of our two acres, as it was bare when I moved in two years ago. My friend Denise graciously gave me 30 irises and they now line my fences. Paint, plant, repeat.

Many may see this as a healthy outlet. Personally, I know this is just a cover for the insanity that I keep in check. If anything else happens I may be forced to buy chickens for fresh eggs and put up a fence.

Wish me luck at the show. Until next time, you'll know where I'll be hiding.

Lessons from Oxford

"Ignored"
acrylic on board
6x9
sold

"Don't Forget Me"

acrylic on board

6x9

email to purchase

"Last Light"

acrylic on board

5x7

sold

"Under Cover"

acrylic on board

6x9

email to purchase

Don't be shocked but I'm going to start with a crass statement. If you don't learn from every experience your are just plain stupid. Learning can result in joy and pain, sometimes it is both. My trip to the Oxfrod Fine Arts Fair was mostly joy but there was a bit of the other.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm the most extroverted introvert you will ever meet. Though it was my work that was on display, often it feels as though it's a show of my heart and that is difficult for me. This is the core of the lesson I've learned and I now understand why.

Comparison is deadly in the arts and yet we all do it. Everyone wants to know how they measure up. Depending on your ego you either feel superior or like a dirty lump. Opening night of Oxford I checked out the others artists that were of my genre. The talent there was grand. These people could paint. For some reason I felt awkward and I couldn't peg the reason.

Throughout the weekend I watched people as they passed my art. More times than not, they stopped and touched their chest or nodded. Sometimes they stopped to tell me that my work spoke to them. Children brought their parents to my paintings to show them their favorites.

Color, brushwork and framing were mentioned as positives. However, most of the time people spoke of "soulfulness" and "softness". Someone even said it was "emotional".

There was my answer. What makes my work unique is that I keep it personal. Some other artists paint in a decorative manner and know what formula sells. Each one of my paintings hold a piece of my heart; there is no method. I share with you an emotion, a fear or a joy that is mine but I know to be universal. So when others walk by my paintings, I truly am on display.

I am not the only artist to do this but we are rare. The right people recognize it. Others are pushed away. It is a difficult way to live and to make a living but I know no other way. If nothing else I am painfully honest. Sometimes I think this makes me weak to be so vulnerable and other times I think it is my strength. These sensitivities make me easy prey for those lacking such. However, Lyndon B. Johnson said, "Any jackass can kick down a barn but it takes a good carpenter to build one."

I want to thank all of you who have admired or purchased my work. Thank you for appreciating me and Soulful Studios, whether it is for my pet portraits or my paintings done in oil or acrylic. Because of you I know I am not alone. I must say I'm surprised as there are many of you.

To the minority, let me just say, there's nothing wrong with the structure of my barn.

Life in Bloom and Arts in Bloom

"Last Light"
graphite sketch in moleskine


"Under Cover"
graphite sketch in moleskine

"Ignored"

graphite sketch in moleskine

If you haven't looked outside you should. Life is in full bloom. Flowering trees, singing birds and busy rabbits are everywhere. I particularly love to fill the Finch feeder and listen to their high pitched squeals alerting each other that "soup's on". Today I have kept the radio off just so I could enjoy bird conversations.

Salem County's second annual "Arts in Bloom" studio tour is almost here. I'm quickly finishing two small paintings and then it will be back to commissions for a while. Above are sketches for some recent small paintings. All are images that were created by observation while taking my daily walk down my street. You'd like to see the finished paintings you say? Sure, just stop by on May 22nd or 23rd and those three paintings as well as a few new others will be on display in my studio, a.k.a. Soulful Studios. You can click the link above for more info. The following weekend my work will be on display in Oxford, Maryland. May is certainly full of life and adventure.

Pansies and Pollen

My last blog post featured a winter scene. Then, last year's pansies planted in the fall were shriveled and lifeless; today they are in full bloom and lush. That is how long it has been since I've visited my friends in cyberspace. I hope all is well and that everyone is beginning to feel the creative power of spring. If I were to be honest, I'm feeling the power of pollen more than of creativity at the moment.

For two weeks I've been walking around with tissues at the ready and my head in the clouds (not in a good way). With stamina lacking, I've used this time to finish a large painting and plan a few small ones. Times like these force me to focus on improving my work because energy must be used wisely. Maturity brings me to trim the fat and forgo anything that doesn't get right to the point. I'm seeing everything in work and life in that light. This outlook is exciting because it will bring forth boldness and confidence.

The photo above shows the large painting I just finished and a commission I've been working on occasionally. In the background, dear Brady watches the birds from his post. Originally that rocking chair was mine. If you live with animals you know how your favorite spot can be lost to other warm bodies. I used to sit there daily. Now I'm lucky if I can push him away long enough to relax. That dog makes me chuckle daily with his bossy behavior. Everyone should have a Brady take over their studio. I recommend it highly.

Once again Soulful Studios will be a part of "Arts In Bloom" spring studio and gallery tour in Salem County. May 22nd and 23rd from 10-6 Saturday and 12-6 Sunday I will have my studio doors open to the public showing many new works never shown and some of your old favorites too. Works in progress will also be on display. The following weekend I will be packing up and going to Oxford, Maryland for their 26th Annual Fine Arts Fair where I've been invited to display my art. I'm very excited about that as well and must thank Alex Alampi for sharing the information about this show with me. If you would like to see his amazing work please visit Gallery 50 in Bridgeton before May 3rd for his solo exhibit or stop by his studio during Arts In Bloom.

That's all for now folks. Back to my tissues and paint brushes...

Singing a Different Song

"Vultures Wait"
6x12
acrylic on panel
email to purchase

I'm embarrassed to admit how much time I spend listening to the birds. If I had a "regular job" I'd most certainly be fired for what appears to be long periods of inactivity. There is no doubt in my mind that other artists know this is time well spent but I wonder about the rest of the population. When the birds sing I am able to sit still and not think so much. During this meditative period I often see paintings in my head or awaken to some new technique I should try. The trick is to apply what I learn in these moments and not just forget about them when I snap back to reality.

If you listen closely you can hear that the birds are starting to sing a different song. I know they are focused on hints of spring. There is excitement and freshness in the air. Bad weather may still visit but it isn't staying long. As I hear these new tunes I too find myself letting go of winter's grip. The paintings in my head change and so does my approach. Plans for painting outside and purchasing new tubes of green to play with are creeping in. Sure, another snow scene or two may still be in the works but they probably won't display the coldness that previous pieces did. They can't. March may have some winter music left but it is a lame duck and can't compete with April's strong mellifluous melodies. Just listen to the birds, they know.

Winter

"Starlings' Wave"
6x12
acrylic on panel
sold

Winter is a time to gather oneself together and store some energy that will be needed for spring. However, I find winter somewhat draining. Being that I get cold thinking about the season, much of my strength is used just keeping warm.

What I like about this time of year is how my mind slows down and I'm able to just sit and be in my own space. With a cup of hot kukicha tea in my hands, I stare out the window and watch the woodpecker take her fill from the suet. The golden finches sneak by almost unnoticed in their January garb. Only the starlings disrupt the peace but even they can be amusing.

This year I've been honored with an acceptance into the annual Oxford Fine Arts Fair, May 28-30. My time is now divided between my large dog portrait on the easel now and creating smaller works for the show. I'm very excited to participate in such a beautiful venue. I have to thank my friend Alex Alampi for encouraging me to apply. He truly helps me broaden my horizons.

So here I sit in Soulful Studios trying to balance calm with anticipation and renewal with work. Success to me is the ability to do just that. Perhaps the birds will tell me what I need to know. Where's that tea?

Pet Portrait - Buddy Bear

"Buddy Bear"
11x14
graphite on archival paper
private commission


It has been mentioned to me many times that people will not think twice about purchasing a portrait of their dog and yet they might not do the same for the people in their life. From my experience, I can say this is true. My belief is that our pets provide us with a sense of well-being on a regular basis in a way that people cannot. Petting your dog or walking him in the fresh air is more therapeutic than anything. If you've ever woken from a bad dream and couldn't shake the badness only to have your favorite pooch jump up and lick you demanding a little playtime, you know what I'm talking about. If you've ever tried to push yourself for a little exercise and your dog looked excitedly at his leash, you have been talked into the outing. If you've ever sat on the couch think the day was sad and cold and your warm kitty plopped himself on your lap and purred, you know how joyful it is. Really, there is no way to put the feeling into words. That's why I paint them and don't write about them.

Above is Buddy Bear, my most recent dog portrait. He is a retired Canine Partners for Life service dog. His owner can't imagine ever being without him and wanted to immortalize him. Buddy Bear is quite the character and still has his sense of humor in his old age. We all should have the experience of a dog like this in our lifetime.

Pet portraits at Soulful Studios are still alive and well. I ordered a new canvas for a large oil painting of three dogs. Three others are awaiting their birth. Learning to juggle the fine art business along with commissions has been a challenge and has a real learning curve. That being said, I've received comments and mail from quite a few young and emerging artists who ask for advice or admire my blog. I'd like to thank you for contacting me and want you to know I am very appreciative of your words. If I could share one bit of insight it would be to not try to sell your work until you have a large body of consistent pieces to show at once. Do one thing well and focus on it. If you don't, you might be spending years trying to catch up with the demand if your work is received favorably. Someone told me that during college and I didn't listen. Live and learn. That's ok, I'm NEVER bored.

Blogging Since 2005

"Autumn Sheep"

6x12

acrylic on panel

Sold

Soulful Studios' blog began back in December of 2005. At that time I was single and selling my work on eBay and other little online sites. Pet portrait commissions would come in one by one and I longed for the day my calendar would be booked at least a year in advance. My fine art style was still in its infancy and even framing required a great deal of experimentation. As each New Year approached, I would read the blog to review my progress. This project began as a way to increase my website rankings and to keep an honest record of my work habits. It became much more.

Here it is almost 2010 and much has changed since my first post. Early on I struggled to get anyone to view my blog let alone read it. Now, though my readership is small, it is global, constant and consistent. My readers are supportive and diverse in their backgrounds. I learned you need to be interested in others for them to be interested in you. By being forced to look outside myself I learned from others and grew.

I used to have a lot of time to post and to sketch. Now, with work and future shows mounting I have little time for blogging. Sketching is still part of the process but now I save some of that passion for the final work instead. Sketching helps me with composition and values but I've found saving my energy for the finish is vital for freshness.

Oils were my only painting medium. Due to health issues, I've taught myself to use acrylics. The funny thing is most people cannot tell the difference between the two mediums. I handle them both the same and use the same palette. The sizes of my works have gotten larger at times and their complexity has increased. Note, I still use oils but save them for when they are necessary or I think I can tolerate the aftermath.

Writing is not a natural outlet for me. This has taken practice. Originally, I would plan my posts and write about a certain topic and spend a lot of time editing. Now, I start typing and hope that I have "a point" by the end. I go with the flow more these days and invite the muse instead of demand her presence.

No longer do I use eBay or other sites to sell my work. Patrons now walk right into my studio to purchase art or they can find it in galleries or shows. As I've always believed, the better your painting the easier it is to sell it. Growth is something I push for constantly. I will never be satisfied and will always seek betterment. However, I can honestly say, the selling is getting easier.

My blog turned out to be a place that grounds and centers me. When I read old posts I can see where I was getting off track or when something in my personal life was making art creating difficult. It is not only a mirror of my art career but of my personal life as well.

This blog and my life have grown in obviously similar ways. Not only has my readership evolved, I clearly know who my friends are and have deepened those relationships. Just as my canvases have grown and mediums have changed, my world is no longer small or limited. Now I have a family and greater concerns beyond my own. Learning to be more selective with my energies, like that of sketching, has been my hardest lesson. Truly, that requires more practice. Not only am I more free with my writing but I am learning to be more flexible in the rest of my life. This is really difficult for my perfectionist and controlling sensibilities but I'm sensing it is a better way.

Certainly it makes sense that the evolution of my blog, art and personal life go together. I guess I just never really thought of it quite like that and since I am just writing my thoughts, I've shared it with you. There is no doubt in my mind that you have found these relative truths in your own life.

So, here's to another year in art, life and blogging! I wish all of you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year! Thanks as always for reading.

In case you have the need to read anything else by me (just a little humor there) please visit SalemCountyWoman.com and check out my featured article. Christine of Websketching was kind enough to include me in this online magazine.

Holiday Open House

"Possibilities"

5x7

acrylic on panel

Sold

Soulful Studios

Holiday Open House

December 5th & 6th

Saturday & Sunday 10-4

New originals with select prints and cards for sale.

Light refreshments will be served.

The holidays are right around the corner. Every week will be another reason to cook or bake treats. My holiday open house will be no exception. Though I spend most my time in the studio, this year I think I will push myself to make time for baking because I really do enjoy it.

Often I wonder about my priorities. I'm very driven by the desire to paint and to grow in my art. This weekend I saw the movie "Amelia" and my mind has been racing ever since. Amelia Earhart was in love with her dream to fly around the world. This passion was the reason for her every action. To be in the history books I do believe you need to be consumed by your vision to exclusion of all else. This can be seen by some as a very selfish way to live. However, others understand and find the commitment worthy of awe. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel.

Sometimes I'm satisfied with a piece as I paint it only later to see its flaws. Other times I work on something and dislike it from the onset and only after I walk away do I appreciate its value. Never do I feel it to be perfect. Always I plan to do better the next time. Obviously I am a perfectionist. It can be a painful way to live if not kept under control but at the same time I don't see myself as having strong ambitions like Amelia.

Of all the things that I do artist is first on my descriptor list. Still, I have other interests and callings that keep me from being consumed by what I do in the studio. Sometimes I feel I'm not dedicated enough and other times I wonder if I need more balance in my life.

The holidays can be a time of stress or joy. It all depends on your priorities and how you handle them. Do you run around and get everything done at the expense of losing the joy of the season or do you take it slow and enjoy the little things like baking some cookies when you have a list of "shoulds"? I think the answer lies in the painting above.

The day I photographed that deer I was busily getting ready for an appointment when I noticed the snow coming down. I wanted to take pictures of the beginning of a snowfall and dropped what I was doing and ran out the door with my camera. Only a half of a mile down the road I saw the deer in my friend's yard. The scene was solemn and still. How sad if I would have missed it. Appointments are important but moments like that are priceless.

So, drop what you are doing on the 5th and 6th and stop by for a little holiday cheer. The studio will be warm and inviting with a lot of beautiful work and tasty treats. Alex Alampi's studio will be open too! He's only one mile away so you can enjoy an afternoon of art and good company without driving too much. Don't worry, that dirty floor of yours you need to clean will still be there waiting for you when you get back.

Getting Out

"Canton View"
5x7
acrylic on panel
$185
click to purchase

Everyone in this neck of the woods has been wondering what happened to the sun. After days of rain and a damp chill that made me want to stay in bed until spring, the sun is out today. Being nearly 70 degrees on this autumn day has brought everyone out of their homes to do yard work or to play. The birds that have been feasting at my feeders lately have taken a break to day and are enjoying this weather elsewhere. Brady, the studio dog, is resting on the studio porch waiting patiently for a squirrel chase. I am sitting here with the doors and windows open in my beautiful studio finishing up some loose ends after my long, enjoyable walk.

Everywhere I look I see paintings. It is almost maddening really. If I had the energy I could paint three paintings a day and not run out of things to paint. Luckily I'm not the only one that feels that way. Alex Alampi also sees the beauty down every one of these little country roads and invited me to paint outside with him. He thought it would be great to get out and challenge ourselves. I couldn't agree more.

Plein air painting is something I haven't done since 2007. I forgot how rigorous of a sport it was. Decisions have to be made instantly; confidence and concentration must be high. Failure is likely if you measure success by a finished product. Success is guaranteed if dusting off the cobwebs is your goal. No matter the outcome, painting outdoors and becoming one with the landscape is an education that shouldn't be missed.

I never had someone to paint with and I cannot begin to tell you what a treat it is. Marriage is tough but finding a suitable creative partner is nearly impossible. Once Alex and I find our place to paint we are like a well oiled machine. Neither of us has yet to walk away with a masterpiece but the value of our experience is immeasurable.

The above painting was started on our last jaunt around Salem County. Alex shared with me one of his favorite places in Canton. I felt like I was walking on holy ground. The wetlands surrounding the road were mesmerizing and peaceful. How lucky am I that I get paid to push paint around in the cool fresh air? We spent a good part of the afternoon working and I came home with this one halfway finished. I wouldn't call my efforts true plein air but beginning the painting outside instead of from a photograph makes a world of difference. In my opinion the work is more honest.

I have two new pet portraits on the drawing board and am desperately trying to finish an oil painting due for Christmas. However, the walls of Soulful Studios may have to be abandoned one more time this week to paint my neighborhood. Winter is coming and getting out will be more difficult. Or will it be?

Three Years

"Big Sky"
acrylic on panel
6x9
$250

"Conference"
acrylic on panel
5x7
sold



"Above the Bale"
acrylic on panel
5x7
$185


"Scally"
graphite on archival paper
11x14
Soulful Studios Custom Pet Portrait


The "Artists at Work" open studio tour was a success. Many new people found their way to my studio and my work found new homes. Brady the Studio Dog improved his greeting skills and by the end strangers no longer upset him...much. I was much less stressed this time as we weren't putting the door handle on as patrons were walking up the path to see my art. No, we were ready well before opening and I have to admit I was pleased with the display. My oils and acrylics look very consistent and cohesive and the reception to my work was quite positive. More and more I feel that I am going in the right direction. No longer do I wonder if I'm just spinning my wheels. Rarely do I feel I should be doing something else more practical. Every single time that doubt flashes through my mind, an admirer of my work tells me what my art means to them and I know I'm home.

This is a far cry from where I was exactly three years ago. I close my eyes and I can still see the group of doctors standing over me telling me I had Lymphoma. My chest still aches when I cough or laugh but the memory hurts more deeply than the surface pain. Just now do I think I should cut my hair shorter because it is "too long". The wounds are all still so fresh. It seems like yesterday. However, if I take a deep breath and allow myself to relax and enjoy my new world, I can see I've indeed traveled far. In October of 2006 I learned how little control I had over my life. The universe was letting me know it had its own plans. Reading through my old posts of that time I realize how I covered over what i was really feeling and kept the brave face. Maybe there was no time for fear and pain. Maybe that is just how it goes.

Now I'm sitting here cancer free and I know how lucky I am. It doesn't always go that way. For some time I felt a pressure to make my life count for something. Once again I sought control. Finally it hit me a few weeks ago that I had not yet surrendered to the path of just living. Your life counts just as you are no matter what you do. You can make it a more pleasant experience by giving thanks and going with the flow and living in a healthy manner. However, no matter what you do there are no guarantees.

Sure, I believe what I write but the human in me still fights it sometimes. I recognize those times by my stress level or fits of anger. During those times I try to reset myself and SEE what is really around me.

What is around me in 2009? A beautiful house on two acres surround by farmers fields and beautiful sunsets is where I call home. Children that think I'm pretty and smart (at least for now) greet me when I awake. A charming little dog keeps me company as I create in the most beautiful studio a girl could imagine. My art is in demand and painting fast enough is my biggest worry. My family is healthy for the most part and we all enjoy a good ribbing. Most of all, a man, my husband, lets me know every single day that I am the most loved woman there ever was, even the ugly parts of me.

Yeah, I think by just living a lot has happened. In three years I've gone through chemo and radiation, tackled the lingering health problems that come with such treatment, got engaged, sold my home, planned a wedding, got married, built a studio, rebuilt my art business and won an art exhibition. Wow.

It's been a hell of a journey. It often felt like an uphill battle. It was harder for me than I'd like to admit. It was worth it.

What will I write three years from today?

Artists at Work - Tour of 18 Salem County Studios and Galleries

Above are just a few of the things I'm working on in the studio.

October 10th and 11th from 10-6 each day, Soulful Studios as well as 17 other galleries and studios will be open to the public. This focus of this tour is artists in their working environment demonstrating their process. I will be working on my recent dog portrait in graphite as well as a large oil painting. New works I've recently completed will be on display and for sale as well as select prints and cards. As always, light refreshments will be served and plenty of good conversation will be offered.

This is a great way to spend a weekend and there is no charge for admission. There are plenty of places to explore. For example, you won't have to go but one mile from this studio to see the beautiful water colors by Alex Alampi. He has released a new stunning print and will be demonstrating his technique as well.

To everyone that congratulated me on my recent award, I say THANK YOU! I feel the support from you all and I appreciate it very much. I apologize for the lag in posts. It's getting harder and harder to keep up with talking about art when there is so much art to make. That's a good thing.

Though I've been putting less information out on the internet it seems the word about my art is still traveling fast. In the past two weeks I've received numerous calls about commissions and requests for paintings that were already sold. It seems the busier you are the more people want work from you. Then as luck would have it a friend and patron was kind enough to mention my work in her blog that is created for Horse and Rider Magazine. Sandy is an expert on weight loss and healthy living by way of experience and she is very inspirational. She included a painting she purchased from me years ago on her September 15th post. (Thank you Sandy!) This is just a few examples of what has been happening.

So, please come and visit this weekend and check out my new work, have some munchies and chat with me. I look forward to seeing you all. Until next time...

Gallery 50 Success

September 4, 2009

Gallery 50

"Family" by Lori Levin

Awards: Best of Show and People's Choice

Judges: Glenn Rudderow and Judy Price

Unsettled in Supawna

"Godspeed"

acrylic on panel

6x12

Sold

The "Nature & the Landscape" juried exhibition at Gallery 50 is coming up and I just completed this piece to be one of my entries. This is a scene from Supawna Meadows in Pennsville where I used to live. I've been under pressure to get thing done for commissions and shows and I had a feeling of being unsettled. I think the painting shows this. The painting of the geese in my previous blog will be used for the reception cards for the show. I'm very honored.

I see a growth in my work that I can only attribute to the beautiful light in my studio and the support from my husband. He has great suggestions and knows how to talk me down from the ledge when I've had it with a painting. Nobody has ever been able to do that consistently for me. I'm thankful.

I now have two new graphite dog portraits to work on as well as four oil commissions. Soulful Studios is very much busy with pet portraits and fine art paintings. There seems to be only time for making art now and not much time for talking about it.

My art was used for the reception card! How exciting is that?! Will I be seeing you there?

"Family 1"

acrylic on panel

6x9

Sold

"Family 2"

Acrylic on panel

6x12

Sold

"Family 3"

acrylic on panel

6x12

Email to purchase.

This Friday, August 14th from 6-9 PM, First Impressions Art Studio and Gallery will be hosting another artists' reception. I will have 5 new pieces there on display and it should be a good time. Please come out and see these pieces in person as I don't think the web does them justice.

I loved working on these geese paintings. While I did them I researched geese and their behaviors and habits. Who needs television when there is such drama in the animal kingdom! I know a lot about dogs and horses but now I think I can tell a duck from a goose! Just kidding, I was never that bad. However, I learn a lot from my work and it keeps it all very exciting.

I have so much more to say but right now I must get to my next dog portrait and a couple of custom commissions. Somewhere in there I must squeeze in time for my entry into the next Gallery 50 juried exhibition. I am running out of time so I musn't daudle! Come back soon and check out my progress.

Working the Dog Too Hard

As you can see, the new employee of Soulful Studios, is very stressed at his job. I fear that the animal welfare people may just come and take him away from me for working the dog too hard. He just seems to collapse from exhaustion and puts his belly up in the air in a display of surrender. Perhaps it is the subject of my paintings that deplete his energy.

This is Brady. He is a 2 year old Shorkie (mix of Shih-Tzu and Yorkie) that SOS Dog Rescue saved from certain death. His owners brought him to the vet's office after he was hit by a car because he was not leashed. He was quite neglected and his owners were not about to pay the $4500 to repair his torn bladder or his fractured little pelvis. They would have left him to die. Barbara from SOS quickly put him into the program and made sure he got top care. Then he went to a lovely foster home awaiting his forever family.

During one of my painting breaks I was researching dog breeds that would not irritate my asthma (thank you again cancer). I was not looking to adopt yet but when I saw his face and read about his wonderful nature I knew he was supposed to be with me. We adopted him a week ago Sunday and were instantly in love with this sweet pup.

Brady is inquisitive and extremely active. He needs a few pounds and a chance for his beautiful silver hair to grow in but that doesn't make him any less handsome. He is very smart but also a little devilish because he tries to see how much he can get away with by using his cute little face as a weapon.

I am so thankful to SOS for saving this dog. He is a perfect companion and just what I needed. His adoption fee was small and didn't even cover his vet bill. I am currently working up an idea for a fundraiser to help this rescue pay for his surgeries so that they can continue to help other little doggies. You can help too by either donating directly to their site (go to the bottom of the page and donate through PayPal...it's tax deductable) or purchasing things on the web through iGive. I feel very strongly about rescuing little lives that were brought into this world by human desires only to be brushed aside when that desire diminishes.

Next post you will see the studies of the geese (they are on the easel in the above photo) and get an update on the next show at First Impressions Gallery on August 14th. Also, I'm going out to photograph another pet portrait so please come back and don't miss a thing.