Framed

It usually takes about an hour to frame each piece.  First the pieces need one last look, a signature, a name and trimmed to fit the frame.   I usually use standard frame sizes for the economy.  I want to sell my art so framing expense needs to be reasonable.  The frames you see in the picture are from an online art website.  My friend Gail and I watch for the sales and buy in large lots to get the "free" shipping.  The glass is also purchased in bulk.  I use non-glare.  There are conservations between using regular glass, non-glare and museum glass.  When you see a piece framed in each of the styles you can decide which you prefer.   There must be a riser between the glass and the pastel image.  Since none of these pieces are matted the riser is thin and set on the edge of the frame. 

Notice the piece on the top right still needs glass.  I need to check my inventory as the 16x20 size is depleted.  The piece is called Rejoice and will be on display at the Cheyenne Artists Guild Easter show in April.

These pieces were painted over the last few months.  The studio is now ready for new inspiration.

Framing

The evolution of a painting begins with the inspiration.  After it is painted it needs to marinate and eventually it is time to scumble it out and begin again or frame.  The shelf in my studio is getting pretty full. Later today I will will give all these paintings one last review, and if ready, sign, take a picture of the image and give them to my framer.  I am lucky as I married my framer.  He has learned the elements of framing.  I choose the frame and he cleans the glass and adds the riser that protects the pastel from the glass.  He makes certain the non-glare glass is placed correctly and insets the points, adds the d-rings, picture wire and wa-la, another piece of art ready for showing.  

The link is an article from Deborah Secor on framing pastel art. http://www.deborahsecor.com/pastel_talk.html

Komen Wyoming Art For the Cure

Can you believe the 10th anniversary for the premier art event in Cheyenne is coming up?   

http://www.komenwyoming.org/get-involved/art-for-the-cure/

I donated Tis a Rose last year.  This year I have already chosen the piece.  It has yet to be named.  Maybe you can give me a suggestion.  Mary Aslin (last blog) suggests her naming comes from the emotion the painting inspired. 

These flowers seem to be waiting sedately on the cabinet near the morning light, ready to catch the eye, ready for the first cup of tea... Mark your calendar for April 20 at Little America for a look at all the art.

Mary Aslin

Garden Pot 5x7 Pastel

I painted yesterday, the first time in a few weeks.  I sold a little piece, which was encouraging, and was accepted for the second year in the Western Spirit show with two pieces.  I am still searching for inspiration so I Googled "pastel artists" and discovered a pastel artist from California that INSPIRED me.    The only problem, I spent an hour on her site, reading the blogs, marveling at the images, discovering her journey and had to force myself go back to work.  I liked the little study so well that I started a 9x12 version.  Not yet done so hope to share next time.


Check out Mary at http://maryaslin.com
and tell her Vanda said hi.  

Inspiration

Ah, the muse is fleeting.  As I have started my avocation of  creating art in a meaningful way I continue to struggle with finding the inspiration for the next piece.  A recent find The Artist's Quest for Inspiration by Peggy Hadden came at just the right time.  I have some time as the year winds down to read and reflect.  It is full of tips, quotes and exercises to nurture creativity. One of the quotes;  "Inspiration demands the active cooperation of the intellect joined with enthusiasm and it is under such conditions that marvelous conceptions, with all that is excellent and divine, come into being." Girogio Vasari  


Another source of creativity for me is the interaction of other artists.  I own several pieces by Kathryn Jacobson so her recent show at the CRMC, Through the Eyes of a Chaplin, was perfect timing to recharge.  Her artist's reception was well attended and seeing the arts community was invigorating.  Be sure to check out her show in the next few months.  http://artsalliancecheyenne.com/events/art-is-healing-%E2%80%9Cthrough-the-eyes-of-a-chaplain%E2%80%9D/
 
When all else fails I paint poppies.  That form and the bright colors always cheer me.  They are typically small and are called Field Poppies. 

The Other Artist

While I may work on a painting for hours and hours, with one click another form of art can be created. Don is just beginning to see the world through the lens of his new Nikon.  Of course that one click has many more clicks that don't turn out and the images are typically not in the backyard as are the flowers  that I love to paint.  The Chihuly bridge of glass is located in Tacoma, WA and is awe inspiring.  These two images were taken of the ceiling of the bridge.  
 http://www.chihuly.com/special-projects-chihuly-bridge-of-glass.aspx

We recently cruised along the Adriatic and  Don's photos keep the memories fresh.  Every port was unique.  The white town of Mykonos, a Greek island, was a particular high point.