It's All About Pastel

Thistles by Jeannette Stutzman and Karen Henneck

You all know my medium of choice is pastel.   This year the theme for the Art Design and Dine is based on the various mediums artists employ.  This month two artists, members of the Pastel Society of Colorado, will show their work created in pastel at the Nagle Warren mansion.   The show is open now and the reception is the second Thursday, November 14th from 5 to 8 PM.  If you miss meeting the artists at the reception the show is open through the 30th.   Jeannette is from Evergreen Colorado and Karen is from Casper.   Don't miss this opportunity to see their pastel paintings. 

Blackhawk Gallery, Saratoga

100 N 1st. Saratoga Wyoming 

Saratoga is known for their hot springs, their trout,  darn friendly residents and the Black Hawk Gallery.  

Patty Lufkin took over the Black Hawk Gallery more than 20 years ago. Along with her manager Gwen Gorton and Kim Sikes  they have created a dynamic galley in Saratoga representing more than 40 artists.  I am very excited to tell you they now represent me. 

I felt it was time to have a gallery. Gwen made me feel so welcome when she took my portfolio and said the team would discuss my work and let me know.  Be sure to make Saratoga a destination soon, before the snow flies and the Gallery has limited hours.  

Original art, jewelry, sculpture, troll beads, books  and more

And the added bonus to you visit to Black Hawk is Laura M's boutique right next door. 

Rawlins Times has a article on Black Hawk.   Gwen plans to rebuild the website this winter when the Gallery has limited hours. 

Tell Gwen howdy from Vanda when you stop by. 

Saratoga

Jery Palen and Vanda in his studio in Saratoga

Saturday's trip to Saratoga was multi-faceted.  Don was the driver and Barbara Wolf, my good friend, came along.  We stopped at Black Hawk Gallery to visit with Gwen and Patty about representing me.  After a quick overview of Saratoga and the hot springs we stopped by to visit Jerry and Ann Plaen.  WOW!!!  The home was designed for the vista of the river with a north facing studio for Jerry and Ann's office nearby.   The foyer serves as a gallery for work in process or special pieces that Jerry will never sell.

The studio was such a treat to view.  If you own a Palen you might see your painting created from the inspiration out his windows.  The plywood behind me is a huge mirror, an artist's tool to view the work in progress and make adjustments.  At least 100 brushes and his oils were tidy in his work space and numerous pieces for his bronze work were in progress.  I loved his memory wall with autographed cartoons from many notables. 

Jerrry's memory wall

Ann & Jerry Palen, Vanda, Barbar Wolf

His Governor's proclamation from the annual art awards was my favorite as the calligrapher was Bruni Naylor, a dear person that is no longer with us.  After the home tour and his manicured gardens we headed out as the weekend was the first viewing of color along the road to Brush Creek, Ryan Park and on to Centennial.  Magnificent Wyoming scenery for Don to capture on his Nikon!  A quick stop at WOW in Laramie to drop paintings and prints and home again.  

Time's Up

 The Signature Show for the Pastel Society of Colorado members is closing this Saturday.  The The Great Frame Up in Longmont hosted the show.  My Pastel Pal, Gail took these photos yesterday when she stopped in Longmont to see the show.   Check out the  Pastel Society of Colorado

My three pieces at the show

Plain Shapes
The Gros Ventre
Summer's End

                                   http://mikebeeman.com/
                                   http://www.gailwatford.com/
                               

Mike Beeman & Gail Watford

                                     

                                     

Traffic Control Boxes

You may be asking what on earth does this nondescript utility box, controlling all manner of traffic signals, have to do with enLiven? Well let me tell you.  The Leadership Cheyenne Class of 2013 has chosen their project to beautify Cheyenne to have original art created, printed on a "skin, and turn the boxes into a work of art.  I am one of the ten artists that will have their art downtown.  The size of the box is perfect for my 10x20 paintings.  I plan to create poppies, Indian Paintbrush and Iris and choose which piece is used for the project. The original piece will be auctioned at the Boo Ball in October. 

                                                      Which flower will you want to see?   

17th Street Art Festival

You can't miss a fantastic collection of artists this Friday and Saturday at 17th Street Art Festival.  Don and I were both juried into this wonderful set of artist from the region.  I will have my pastels, some inspired from Dons Photo imagery.  See you there!

Castilleja framed, 16x20

Castillega pastel , 9x12