2013 First New Piece

                  Backlit Teapot and Grapes 12 X 16 Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastelboard SOLD

Another new piece finished and ready to be framed, but it seems to have me stumped as to which or how to frame it.  My normal go to frame (wide black with a strip of antique gold) just doesn't say wow!  So I'm looking at my options so the piece looks great and it still goes with my collection.  This seems to be an on going issue every several months.  My series of Backlit usually go with the above mentioned black framing but the warmth of this one just doesn't sing when given that option.  I usually am struck by the framing dilemma when my "go to" frame is no longer available, which usually happens when I have just settled on a great new one, reframing or framing a number of a new series that way.

Keeping your collection uniform looks great in your booth at the Art Center Gallery or your tent when showing outdoors, but sometimes it's just not the right frame for the piece.  I don't like to pigeon whole my design or color choices by the "norm" framing options, it stifles my evolving creative juices so to speak.   So if I settle on one this one may make it to Crossroads for tonight's opening, but don't count on it.

Pardon my being absent for a few weeks after a sprained ankle and shoulder problems seem to have gotten in the way with my art.  Attending PT for the should has me thankful that it's my left and not my right.  Realizing my art is so important to me that I'd be lost without it.  I hope your New Year has you thankful about something great in your life and your day is as colorful as my snow covered but sunny day here.

Gloria

Powhatan Inspirations - Osage Oranges Still Life

                                    Osage Oranges Still Life 14 X 11 Colored Pencil on Board SOLD

I created this still life for a local Show of Fine Arts of Powhatan, my local art group.  It was to be exhibited at the local library but alas was not finished until after the show hung.  Fall has a way of getting too busy and life has it's normal way of getting complicated so "things" can't get done.  So I'm now just posting this entry as the work has hung at Crossroads Art Center since it's Nov.  reception.

The reference for the work was taken at Belmead Plantation which used to be Blessed Sacrement Cathlolic School and before that a school for Black youths dating way way back before there were any decent schools for them to attend.  The old Gothic building is in a state of disrepair that the community is trying to save.  Still owned by the Catholic sisters who ran the school, Belmead deserves to be preserved.

The still life was from a tour the Powhatan Historical Society gave and was graciously adorned with flower arrangements from the garden club.  Not sure if this is a shoe shine box or a tool box, it was set out on the front tiled entry portico.  The wall behind shows the peeling paint of the white washed exterior wall that is grey blue with age.  But just as the lumpy osage orange fruit here it has a beauty of it's own.  The pink sedum buds, green hydrangea blossoms and mum daisies dress up the wooden box.

My latest more contemporary still lives were sleek and backlit, but this piece had a time worn softness and beauty I wanted to capture.  Much like the Powhatan County I know and love.  

Colored Pencil Class schedules are ready for sign ups, starting thursdays Jan. 17th - Feb. 21st 2013.  Mornings are beginners classes 9:30 - 12:30 and afternoons are for continuing students 1:00- 4:00.

  

Provence Windowsill a studio work from my 2012 summer trip to France

                         Provence Windowsill 12 X 16 Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastelboard

The typical VA creeper we have in here seems to take on a much nicer appearance in France than in my our back yard.  Not sure if it's the ambiance of Provence or the variety they grow there.   The windowsill here from the beautiful town of  Lourmarin in Provence was a striking image and the photo of my piece appears to be a bit washed out here.  The original has much more depth of color, trust me.  I may have to redo the photo.  But needless to say the piece is finished and will be part of the UNOS Gallery show Nov. 2nd thru Dec. 29th (United Network of Organ Sharing) called A Splash of Provence. The group of 19 artists I traveled with to France this past summer will all be showing some of the work we produced as part of the exhibit.  A portion of the proceeds of each sale go to UNOS.

www.unos.org/

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the private, non-profit organization that manages the U.S. organ transplant system under contract with the federal ...

700 North 4th Street  Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 782-4800

A very worthwhile cause to be sure and we are very proud to be showing there.  Some of the pieces are the very plein aire paintings produced in France and there will be some studio pieces also.  I will have both in my shown works at the gallery.  We have artists of all media showing and I hope it is a great success.

Backlit Cuties Added To Backlit Series

                             Backlit Cuties 6 X 12 Colored Pencil On Ampersand Pastelboard

Just before my final outdoor show this year and the one I co-chair for Bon Air Artists Association, I completed this addition to my series.  The 20th Anniversary of Art Affair Fine Art and Fine Craft Show is a labor of commitment for my local art group in Richmond.  I have chaired this show for 3 years and it truly is a show that not only benefits our local artist community but we give 2 VCU Art Dept. scholarships as a result and Art 180, a Nonprofit organization that provides art-related programs to young people living in challenging circumstances, encouraging personal and community change.  Located on Mary Munford Elementary School grounds on Westmoreland St. and Cary St.,  Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 11-5. 

Sorry for the brief advertisement, but this show is a nearly year round job, and has taken up much of my production time.  Although the show is a great event and we as the BAAA are the only Richmond based art group that produces such a show.  We provide an opportunity for local high school honors students a competitive exhibit opportunity where they can show with many local professional artists as well as those from out of state.

Continuing the series of backlit fruit in this format has been great fun for me and I have at least a few more up my sleeve.  Capturing the juicy water droplets on the surface of the orange skins and tray surface added to the fun.  And with the last outdoor show for this year coming up this weekend, I hope to get more work produced.  My students have enjoyed the series and as they are just now learning my techniques on sanded board I hope to pursue more kitchen art. 

I hope you like it and if your in my area you'll drop by Art Affair this weekend.  Have a colorful day!

Gloria