8X8

I just recently primered two small 8X8" canvases in an attempt to motivate myself to work on some stuff for my etsy shop. Oh woe- it is pitiful at the moment. I haven't felt much like doing the boxes and only want to do what I feel like right now. That would be painting on canvases. So even while I'm engrossed in the big monster 36" x 36" right now, I think doing some small ones in a shorter amount of time will be bring me small satisfactions in the meantime.

things of beauty

It is very important to remember beauty and grace. Especially in times like these.

Visual and Audio: bringing it into HARMONY

While I thank my lucky stars that music and art are in my blood sometimes I wonder where my extra gas tank is. How is someone supposed to have the energy to create new paintings AND practice in a band? Not to mention the "work" that goes into pushing both those things into the publics eye gently and gracefully so you don't get the reaction of "OW! OK ALREADY!". It's a tough road. I'm a whiner.
I'm currently trying to balance the scales once again, working on a new painting and trying to jumpstart the Shapes as we near the end of recording. Mainly what we're doing now is production work, album art, logos, making those things that lazy musicians hate...decisions. Theres a few loose ends to re-record. I am not happy at all with my vocals on "I Don't Wanna Know" so back to the drawing board we go. And Mark Ridlen (Lithium Xmas) is helping us with production stuff, the sprinkles and cherries and bits of Oreo cookies that make stuff good and bad for you.
It all takes time and as much time as we have taken- it takes more. More and more. I think the best thing to do is just to let it happen, whether it be the painting or the record. I think a lot of meditation is going to get me through this. I expect expensive champagne when this baby finally drops into the stores.

Augustian Graphiques

These were my latest freelance assignments. The cute cartoon illustration is from an unknown artist but I found that a blogger had posted a few images from the crazy 8's card game this drawing came from. All very lovely 50's illustrations. Now this is off my plate I can start work on my painting today.

Green

Two coats of green and I'm still not satisfied with the flatness. One more coat shall do it and then the fun begins!
I'm putting into practice a new productivity schedule. I noticed I was wasting lots of time online before and after work and thats when I can actually be getting a lot done. Workouts in the morning and painting, painting and bass practice in the evening. So I'm totally doing an internet rehab program this week. It's like less than 20 minutes a day online. So far it's been nice.

36" X 36"

I got a big canvas sitting in my studio. It's white and intimidating. At 5 o clock this morning I woke up and thought of it, first thing. It is just sitting in my studio haunting it with it's whiteness. After breakfast I'm going to eradicate the pale thing with green. I have so many ideas left over from it's predecessor and I can't wait to get to work on it. This canvas is much larger than the one before so I expect it's going to be a lot like an epic test of will to battle this canvas. It will be a lot like a boxing match, much like the other one was.
It was very rewarding to have so many people come up to me and tell me they enjoyed my work at the opening for the "Insider Art" show. I really don't know what to say when people compliment my work so hopefully a foolish grin and a "thank you so very much" is enough.
I'll be keeping this blog updated with my battle royale.

The Buzz gets Blogged

If there was anyone awake this morning besides my cats I would've liked to reenact this photo. The first email in my inbox was from my friend Jimmy who directed me to local blog Unfair Park, where yours truly had a bit of a mention. High Five! Read all about it...

Unfair Park

Art News! Me in the Museum

Dear friends,
You are all cordially invited to see my newest paintings on view at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The 2008 exhibition entitled “Insider Art” opens July 18 and runs through November 23, 2008.
This is a group exhibition of museum Staff work. The exhibition will be installed on Mezzanine 2 in the hallway just outside of the Library and Imaging office spaces.

I worked really hard on my paintings and would love for you to see them on view in this auspicious setting!

Directions if you're in the atrium (cafe area)...hit the stairwell that runs directly from the atrium and go through the first glass doors on your right, ba-da-bing- you are there! I have two pieces in the show and theres lots of great work on view.

Support the arts! ;-)

Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood
Dallas, Tx 75201..

No Canvas: No Work

I'm out of canvas. But it's ok because I'm also sick with a sinus infection and thats just NOT conducive to creativity. So next weekend I go get canvas and get back to work. It's very important to keep the momentum going because it is very easy to just keep putting it off and putting it off and before you know it-it's been months and you have no new work to show. And then you'll see all these call for entries and submissions and opportunities and you will just have to go "wah! boo! Im a lazy bum!" and miss out. So, momentum and keeping up with it! That's what we're doing for the rest of the hot Texas summer. Blog again soon when I have some art-y news to spread!

sounds like

My band The Shapes
the shapes on myspace
a song for a hot summer day...

This is the end

I have finally finished it. I have been working since April on this thing, monk style. Like... Shaolin monk style. On the floor, hunched over in a manner that is probably the worst thing to do to your back besides breakdancing. The studio has been awash in paisley psych and Persian music while I've been crawling around on the floor with my paintbrushes.
It's been a journey with this one. We're nearing the end of June and it's finally done and the best part is this one gave birth to the ideas for the next one...which means this has been not only a labor of love but a fruitful labor. Indeed.
When I get details on when it will hang at the Dallas Museum of Art I'll post. For now I'm basking in the glow of being a new proud mama (and basking in a comfy chair after I post this!).

Link You Lots!

I started going through my links and I realized most of those linked never linked me back. Sad face! ;-( So my new policy is a lot like a hug, a hug both parties benefit from..you feel loved, they feel loved..everyones snuggly. Thats how my links are now. Some will be just links I love though, no strings attached. Still. Links are nice.
;-)

Almost Unveiled

This has been a work in progress since April. Damn. This weekend I think it will be done. I only see a few things that need revising and perfecting. In good time too...it needs to be delivered for the showing by the 23rd. WHEW! How I have busted ass on this painting, sitting on the floor like a monk with a bad back listening to Persian music and taking stretch breaks here and there. It's been quite a journey with you ol' friend! Almost time to get a fresh canvas and start the sequel.

Friday!

Yes, still alive in the hive and still messing with Illustrator. ;-) I plan on working on my painting mucho, this weekend. I can't wait to post the final result.

Fun Design is Fun

I finally got off my proverbial butt and started messing around with Illustrator. Despite it being totally foreign to me I'm having tons of fun and so pleased with the crispness of the look and design. I think I have a new vice!

doo dles

todays offerings

Studio Day

Today is clean the studio day. It's become a jumbled mess of paints and boxes of supplies and who knows what. Since I work in cramped quarters, sharing my studio with two computers and a whole lot of laundry, I have been sitting monk style on the floor working on my painting. Needless to say after about 45 minutes my back is aching, I need a break and some stretches and it's just not conducive to being productive. Time to change the method!
The painting is coming along well, I have got a lot of work done on it this weekend. I have also created a lot of work with each new thing I add to it. Taking small snapshots of it as it progresses has been fun, I like looking at the little details. It gives me ideas for new compositions.
It's just after 6am and I wonder why in the hell I'm up so early?

New Listing Peeps!

Just listed a new tiny painting on etsy. I like the 8" x 8" format and the deep edge. I think I will do more of these, if anything it will be fun to hang them all on a wall in a grid or something fun.
I also just posted one of my older paintings from 2005. That was a fun, painstaking series which involved sitting on hot concrete while ants crawled on me and my painting. Good times!

Work In Progress

This is a detail from a work in progress. I like being able to look at my work while I'm away from it to keep the creative stew simmering in my head. Definitely one of the stranger palettes I've delved into.

This was no Colony Collapse

I just fell off the blog wagon but now I'm back!
A brand new painting is well underway and I will be showing it soon at a prestigious spot....the Dallas Museum of Art! I'm really getting into some new color palettes and territory with this new piece. I'm excited!
I have been working on this piece for almost two months and it's driving me insane and yet I'm addicted to working on it. So many new ideas have come forth from this one.
I guess I should catch the blog readers out there up on what's been going on with me. Not a lot but oh so much. You know what I mean.
I have had a vacation, just finished up two events, got some press, had some drama (remind me to tell you about my crazy neighbor and the bugspray someday), sold two paintings, discovered some cool new places around town and generally have just been doing my thing.
I'm really looking forward to this small lull where I can just paint and refocus my energies and perspective. I'll be updating and hopefully soon will be sharing some new photos.