Hiatus

It has been a while since I have posted a blog and I thought I would provide a reason for the drought - I'm engaged! Two days after my last post, my boyfriend asked me on his 27th birthday to marry him. Needless to say I've been a bit distracted from the art world. A lot of plans are in motion and I am looking forward to getting married. I honestly never thought the day would come but you know what they say about saying never!

Recently we had the opportunity to get our engagement pictures taken with one of my friends from college, Don Macavoy. Don and I met my first semester as an art education major at Rowan in 2-D Design and we have been friends ever since. It is a great experience to work with someone who you know on many levels. Don and I have worked on artistic projects together, have critiqued each others' work, and of course have cheered each other on through our endeavors.

I have a lot to look forward to this coming year and this has given me a new outlook on my professional art career.  Be sure to check out some of the shots and click on the link to Don's website to see more of his work.

Photo by Don Macavoy

Photo by Don Macavoy

Photo by Don Macavoy

Painting on Non-Traditional Surfaces

When most people think of paintings they think of artwork created on canvas or fine pressed papers. But this is not the case for me. I love to paint on anything! Give me an object, an idea and I'll paint it for you. My friend, Mary Coombs, is a great example of a woman with creativity and imagination. She is the co-owner of A Garden Party, a local all occasion florist company, and has commissioned me to refinish two pieces. I thought it would be great to share the different types of things I have painted for her and maybe you'll get inspired to have a piece of furniture redone for your own home.

For her business, I refinished an antique sewing box that she rents to brides as a card box. The box was originally a dark stain and Mary had the vision of painting it a fresh color with a silhouette of brown dandelions.

Mary also had special plans for a cedar hope chest that was given to her by her grandparents. The chest was originally a dark stain and was sitting in her garage. She wanted the chest to be an accent piece in her bedroom with a painted design to match her beloved curtains (What a great idea!). After dusting it off and giving it a fresh coat of paint, here is the final product.

Contact me for details on how I can help you bring new life to any surface in your home.

Appel Farm Instructor

I'm excited to announce that in March & April 2012 I will be teaching two workshops at Appel Farm Arts & Music Center. I will be teaching workshops for young artists, ages 6 and up. Check out my instructor profile for more information about the workshops.

I have a special connection to Appel Farms from the Visual Art Academy. I helped create "Beauty and the Beast" and a permanent clay sculpture which is installed at Schalick High School. For each project we worked extensively at Appel Farm with talented, visiting artists. I have a lot of great memories from those experiences and I am looking forward to returning to Appel Farm but this time as an instructor.

Everything Happens for a Reason

One of the most important things to remember when entering a juried show is that your piece might not get accepted. Unfortunately, Joanie's Wildflowers did not make the cut for the Perkin's Works on Paper Exhibition (A first time experience for me). So after a little encouragement from my fellow artist friends, I decided to try again! This past weekend I entered Joanie's Wildflowers (and a drawing) in Markeim Arts Center current show. I realize that everything happens for a reason. There are some exceptional artists being featured and I am so honored to be a participant in this show! The opening is this Friday the 14th from 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. with food and live music. If you don't have any plans be sure to stop out!

Last Year's Inspiration

I've been gathering new photographs and ideas for my next painting but there has been an image that I keep going back to. It was so breathtaking when I first saw it almost a year ago and I often think of it for so many reasons: the colors, the shadows, and the memories. I have found that my most successful paintings are of landscapes that I have experienced and truly connected with. This image is an example of just that.

Last year, I was lucky enough to take a vacation to Rileyville, VA where we visited the Luray Caverns. When we arrived in the area we were a little early to check into our cabin so we decided to take a drive on Skyline Drive. It was absolutely amazing! Now that the weather is becoming cooler and the leaves are starting to change I find myself thinking of that trip again and it is inspiring me to create my next painting.

Friday Art Events

Yesterday was an eventful and motivating day! I finished my latest painting, Joanie's Wild Flowers, and entered it into the Works on Paper Exhibition at the Perkin Center for the Arts. I also attended Millville's Third Friday with some art friends to see the new exhibits. I was lucky enough to meet Alex Alampi, a local watercolor artist, at the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts. I also really enjoyed the kinetic and interactive exhibit of Kenny Delio at the Clay College. If you are in the Millville area, you should check it out! After strolling the streets and galleries we had an amazing dinner at Winfield's. Yesterday's exposure to the local arts gave me more inspiration and I'm excited to begin gathering new ideas and photographs for my next painting.

Update: Joanie's Wild Flowers

I've made more progress on Joanie's Wild Flowers. There is still more to complete but I'm working hard to finish it this week and enter it in the Works on Paper 2011 show at Perkins Center for the Arts. Observations and comments are appreciated.