Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Your are invited to see 70 pieces of art of Wyoming artists June 30 and July 1 at the Hynds building 1602 Capitol from 10 to 4:30.  The reception is at 5 PM on the 30th.   I am honored to be part of this show with my pastel.  There will be additional pieces for sale in the Artist's Alley.



http://wyomuseum.state.wy.us/cac/pdf/2012GCAEFinalShow.pdf

Autumn Again Pastel 9x12

Click the link to see a preview of all the art.

You may also vote for your favorite six pieces by email to David Newell  david.newell@wyo.gov

Tis the Season for Plein Air

Luscious Iris 9x12

Oh my gosh the gardens at Diane's home near Longmont, Colorado were magnificent.   She and her husband Ken moved here from Connecticut in their retirement and have created a colorful retreat.  The iris and poppies were every where!   Peonies abound and all against the backdrop of the Rockies to the west of their home.  She shared her gardens with seven of us to paint along with Terrie Lombardi, leading a Plein Workshop.  http://www.terrielombardi.com/ Some are dedicated to Plein Air all year round but late Spring is an ideal season to begin seeking the colors and textures in the open air.

Poppies Reign 9x12

These are two of my paintings from the workshop.  I have enough reference photos to do several more... Now for the time to create.

Dragonfly

Quote - unknown author

The dragonfly form and image are a spiritual talisman for me. The iridescence of its wings catch my eye.  It hovers and darts and  makes my heart flutter.  In the 2002 movie with Kevin Costner, Dragonfly, it captured the symbolism of the place between life and death.  In many cultures it is much more than a double winged insect.  Perhaps the scurrying flight across water signifies going beyond what is on the surface and reminds me to look deeper.

Common Bluetail w(ikepedia)

I seem to collect the form, with a piece of jewelry or photos or quotes.  Did you know there are more than 200 species and in Japan, where they are a symbol for courage - strength and happiness, they all have a traditional name.   What does the dragonfly symbolize for you?

Camp Carefree

Solitude Pastel 12x9

Several years ago Sally Mather and I found this little pond near Roundtop, on the Girl Scout property just west of Cheyenne.  The caretaker gave us permission to enter.  I have returned several times with other artist friends as it is close and quiet and inviting.  Once when Don and I went he found a bizillion blue dragon flies.  He roams and takes photos while I paint.  I love dragon flies.... Next blog I will share my dragonfly quote.   I have painted at this location several times.   The Plein Air piece, Solitude, was started here.   Later it was scumbled out and this piece emerged from the reference photo. 

Secluded Pond Pastel 12x9

This painting was the first and I still enjoy it on my wall in the hall gallery I use  to keep my paintings ready for viewing.   I liked the palette of this one and the rough texture of the pastel.  Which one do you prefer? 

Wyoming Artists' Association

Vanda's Pastel 9x12 untitled... from the workshop

Mike Beeman

It was the first time for me to meet the artists from across Wyoming at the annual convention of the members of the Wyoming Artists' Association, held each year the first weekend of May and at the city of the President.  The weekend was packed full with the exhibit of art, workshops, meetings and of course food and entertainment.  The excitement for me was the workshop with Mike Beeman who flings his pastels into dreamy, soft visions.   His visual voice seems effortless, but is really based on his years of training and as he states, taking time to paint EVERY day.  You will want to see  more of Mike's work.  http://mikebeeman.com/ 

Great Harvest Bread Company

Spring Scent  5x7 Pastel 

So what does bread have to do with art you my be asking?  They are a new Art Partner and you can see some of my floral paintings when you stop by to get your baked goods, coffee or soup and sandwich for lunch. The store is at 5249 Yellowstone Road in Cheyenne.  Sharon and Dwight have created a charming store and along with their family of six kids.  Open Monday through Friday from way early until 5 PM.  Check my Locations Link to see other places to see my art.  The Student show at LCCC just closed, however I will have all new pieces at Halley Murray & Smith CPA's this week.