Author: Katherine

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Harumph. Cogs in the Wheel of Economic Development

Good grief. It’s nearly halfway through 2008. One would think that cell service and access to it, reliably, should be a no-brainer…only a complex plate of choice.

Alas, not so. I learned today that my provider for the past year or so will terminate our accounts as of this time next month. Why? Late payments? NO. Apparently, we roam too much. No, that doesn’t mean we travel all the time. We roam where we live. We roam at the Gallery. We roam in Angel Fire, Eagle Nest and in between. We ran in to this problem before, not that long ago. After 20 some odd years as a Verizon customer, they informed us they would no longer provide service in our area. In that case, it’s NOT THE NETWORK. I’m not just annoyed. I’m a few steps beyond that. I dialed the 800 number on the letter. The customer service rep I spoke to said, “Yes, I would be very upset too. But it is just a business decision.” I said, “When is it good business to alienate and terminate hundreds, maybe thousands of customers?” She said, “Well those roaming charges we pay with some company called ‘Plateau Cellular’ are so high it is unprofitable.” Not wanting to unload on her (not her fault), I decided to blog. GRUUURUURUR. Two steps forward, three steps back. It’s bad for locals, and it’s bad for our visitors who come with bluetooth headsets on the ear, but no signal on the phone.

It’s 2008. Give me a break.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Memorial Weekend and Memories

Here it is Saturday, May 24th. Memorial Weekend is well underway. Based on traffic in my gallery it appears that rising gas prices have not diswayed everyone from traveling…Thank God!

A quiet spell has come to the gallery, and I decided to post. This Memorial Weekend, I’m remembering my Dad. He passed away in March 2007. I was young, 6 and 7 or so, when we were stationed in Okinawa, my Dad doing rotating tours in Viet Nam. Thirty days home, 90 in Nam. The last time he came home would be the last tour there, yellowed from Hepatitis and 96 pounds from Malaria. He did recover..more or less. Many more years of duty passed, and in 1982 (I think) he retired, a CW3 and we came home to New Mexico. We moved 19 times in 21 years. He gave his best. When he retired he went to work for Sandia National Labs, and made three times what he’d made as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 when he retired. He worked there doing more or less the same thing he had done for the Army. He was a Standards Engineer. The guy who proved that if a piece of equipment was supposed to analyze to the enth degree, that it, in fact did. When he was in the Army, there were so few people with his specialty that we traveled all over the world with him.

That’s all I know about what my Dad did. He never talked about it. He never talked about Viet Nam either. He never talked about my Mother, his first wife. He kept everything to himself. My relationship with my Dad was tumultuous…but you know what? I miss him. I miss the goofy way he’d grin when he made another infuriating pun. I miss the way he could regale an audience with fantastic stories…we’ll never know if they were true or not. I miss the enormous model train extravaganza he had built in his basement, with mountains, rivers, towns and businesses that the track wound around. He spent hours and hour and hours and hours building it….after he dug the basement under the house…with a shovel and a bucket. I kid you not!

People tell me I’m alot like him. I used to hate that, because I thought it meant I had all of his bad habits. Now I see that I am alot like him…and I hope to God that the best in him shines through me. I miss you, Dad. Thanks for your lifetime of Service to this Country.

And, thank you, to all of the men and women of the Armed Services, past and present. Thank you to those who sacrificed their youth, and those who gave their lives for the sake of us who still call ourselves Americans. Few of us have counted the cost of freedom the way you have, and I am grateful. My Dad gave the Army the best of his youth. He was in good company then, and I know he’s in good company now.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Beautiful Day of Rest

In the chaos that has been my life recently, now I am quietly enjoying my only day off in the next 8. Tomorrow I begin the big move to the new “Angel Fire ArtSpace Too”. What? Gee, did I not mention this? Of course I didn’t. It was all a big Secret…but the word is out. I’m opening a second gallery, though it’s small, at the Resort. Just a few steps from the Village House, below the Chili Lift. Or, just outside the doors of the Garden Court. Tomorrow I take a truck load of art, jewelry and office supplies to the new space. Tuesday I have an all day Chamber Planning meeting, Wednesday I’ll set the new space up and make it look smashing, Thursday, I work at the main Gallery, Friday, is the GRAND OPENING of the new space. Oh, and Friday night? The May Fourth Friday Reception! Egad! Craziness! The Gallery does look fabulous if I say so myself. Last week more than 25 new pieces went up on the wall. Totally new. Just in time since next weekend is Memorial Weekend, and both Galleries will be open Sunday…and Monday. If I can make it that long! Of course, I will, but this may be the last post till the following Tuesday!

At the same time, I’ve been madly working on rebuilding the July Season of Angel Fire Mountain Theatre after the badly timed cancellation by Texas Tech. News on that front will hopefully be coming in the next few days. We are very close to a deal. It won’t look anything like the past 11 Seasons..but it will be First Class.

Coming on the 30th (a week after the 4th Friday) the Gallery will host a reception for the Moreno Valley Arts Council’s “Reflections” show. The juried, themed exhibit features works by artists from around Northern New Mexico, in everything from photographs to works in watercolor. It is all 2-d work. It promises to be fun and way different from the usual fare at the gallery. The Artists Reception will begin at 5:30 and awards will be presented at 7pm. Be sure to check it out. Businesses are invited to get a sneak peak for advance purchases at 5pm.
Proceeds from purchases will be benefit the MVAC and the Artist.

My plate is very full right now…and I’m definitely not hungry!

The weather is lovely right now..crisp, clear and bright blue skies. It’s a great time to come to Angel Fire! See ya soon?

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Is it me? Or is the world spinning faster?

Wow. Can hardly believe it’s been two weeks (or something like that) since my last post. Let’s see if I can recount what’s kept me so busy I couldn’t find time (or energy) to post. Hmm. Last Sunday (one week ago) I was notified by Texas Tech that they would be unable to bring Summer Theatre to Angel Fire. (Gasp) Bigger than that is the fact that Tech will apparently not have a Summer Rep Season at all. I won’t begin to editorialize about the whys. It would likely end up political. No matter, the effect is that Angel Fire Mountain Theatre is left to PUNT. No, SCRAMBLE. er. um.. let’s see. The Good News is that there are options. More than I would have thought. And, Angel Fire, that is to say, the local people, are phoning in, stepping up and lending aid. It makes me smile. I can’t say just yet what is coming, but watch here, or watch http://angelfiretheatre.org/blog.html for more up to the “as we know it” information.

Till then, cross your fingers, say your prayers, send us positive and success. It is an important program to the community as whole..whether or not the individuals have ever bought a ticket. We are committed to the community and its lifeblood, our visitors. We will do all we can to make the Season happen, and I dare say, it will be an astonishing season! Watch! Participate! The Show Must Go On!

In the mean time ( such as it were) there are other BIG THINGS brewing. You’ll have to wait for the announcement about that…heee heee. Think, 1 + 1. = 2? Think Big, and small. Think, no just wait. It’s good. đŸ™‚

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Starting the Conversation

It occurred to me that perhaps it’s unclear on this blog, just exactly how one can post comments to my queries. Here’s how: click the “comments” link at the bottom of my post. That will open a posting box for you. Then you simply type and save/post.

So, I’ve been asking what you’d like to see demonstrated in my next video. Notice, I said video, not DVD. I’ll do a series of short lessons and post them here for you to see….FREE. Some possible topics are: basic watercolor techniques, painting watercolor on Yupo paper, Watercolor on Canvas, Pouring and negative painting. Or we can explore pastel and drawing. The basic drawing technique of my Shape Memory Method (TM) is already posted here, but we can go much further with drawing as well.

Now it’s up to you.

In the meantime I’m headed to Los Alamos today. If I had wings I could be there in minutes, the wind is blowing so hard. (Unless of course, it’s blowing the other way!) I’ll be off line for most of the next few days, but will check back in the evenings. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Painting the Violin

Well, I didn’t think it would be this hard. When I was originally approached by Judie Hass, who was working (volunteering) for Music from Angel Fire, and asked to paint a violin (on it..not of it) for their 25th Anniversary Season, I was delighted. I thought “Cool, honored to be asked,” and indeed I am. But I never thought it would take me two months of agonizing and countless designs wadded up and thrown away before I could just settle down and do what comes naturally to me….paint. It’s so bizarre, how our perceptions and deep seated beliefs can so hinder us..or propel us to success. It went the whole range. “Why did I say I’d do this? How do I always get myself into the places? What makes me think I can paint? How am I supposed to paint watercolor on a violin?” Ugh. This morning I ask John if he could see the violin on my head. Or was it on my back, I wondered out loud.

Good grief. Get a grip, Kat. I toyed with the idea of taking the truck to Taos, since the bed is loaded with glass and cardboard from the last 7 months, awaiting the trek to the recycling facility. John said, “you need to paint. you’ll feel better if you do.” The recycling would sit in the bed another week. So be it. So I headed to the studio and dilly dallyed. I opened the window shade. Turned on the music system and noticed the cd tray was empty. “where are those cds?” that took another 20 minutes, finding them. Set out my painting supplies. Can you see how I was procrastinating? Why? Plain and simple..fear of failure and self doubt. Maybe if I avoid it, it will just go away. Not likely. And I know better.

One dip of the watercolor brush into the pigment, into the water, and back…ahhh. Like a splash of cool water on hot day. Swish it around a bit in the puddle in the palette. breathe in. breathe out. And then I was done. At least that how it seems to me. Yes, about 9 hours passed. Who knew? Not me. I’m looking for a suitable expletive. Can’t find one. I LOVE that! I’m not tired, (look at me typing away)…but energized. Oh, why oh why do I fill my days with everything BUT painting?! After all these years you’d think I’d be over this by now. Yes, that, “can I do it?” “what makes me think I’m an artist” still stalks me. But I do know how to overcome it. It boggles my mind that I put it off. ACK! Sound familiar? hmmmm.

Anyway, Violin, painted. Not quite finished…needs a bit of silver (25th Anniversary, remember), and then varnish to seal it. It’s watercolor, after all. I’ll put a picture up later. Or maybe I’ll wait for you to find it at the auction. we’ll see. At any rate, I’m breathing again. Hallelujah!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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More on Drawing

So, did you watch the video? Did you draw the poppy? Did you know you can actually get that reference photo at my website? Simply click here to download the reference photo so you can learn to draw that poppy. Here’s the secret: You can duplicate this method to accurately draw anything you want. You won’t need a reference photo in the end. You will be able to focus on the shape of what ever is in front of you, drawing around the shape with your eyes, creating that shape memory. Then transfer that to your paper, in the very same manner as I demonstrate with the reference photo. Yes, as I said before, it takes practice. You are, in effect, training yourself to see anew. Most of us were taught to draw what we think we see, to draw what is, in fact what we think things look like. As a child to draw a tree, and what will you get? If I ask you to draw a tree, will not most of us draw that same tree that we have pictured in our heads for decades? That is exactly why it will take practice to un-learn what we thought we knew. To discover that everything we need to be able to draw is actually already in us. It is simply a matter of accessing that ability to see and instantly recreate that on a paper or canvas. From there, one can move on to interpretation of what we see which is the trademark of the artist.

Learning to draw may be the path to art….but it will definitely be the path to establishing a connection to your creative self. A tool to help you live a more confident, balanced life. More balance brings more contentment, less stress. Honest. Give it a try…and if you need help please let me know. Live better….learn to draw.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Learn to Draw!

As promised, I pulled the Learn to draw vid from my DVD. Check it out:

This is a two-step learn to draw method using my Shape Memory Method TM developed over the past 45 or so years of my drawing experience. My Grandma used to say I was born with a pencil in my hand. I started drawing…on everything..at the age of 18 months. It works for me, and works for virtually anyone willing to try it. It is a method of teaching you how to draw what you see…not what you think you see. Give it a shot..you might surprise yourself! Admittedly, it takes practice. But like most things, once you get it, you’ve got it!

Let me know how it goes!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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The sun is shining!

Here I am on Sunday morning. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is rising. You have to dash under the portal of the building because the accumulated snow from the last storm is sliding off and there’s steady drip of water pouring down as well. The sides of the highway and running like a river and my hopes for Spring have returned! I got happy when the sun came out yesterday, and got busy with the next video. Here it is:

It’s been a long time since I was at the gallery on a Sunday. Figured it was time to see if there is anything going on on this gorgeous day that might bring people out. We’ll see. Haven’t seen anyone yet, so spent some time figuring out “My Perfect Day” and writing it out. It was way easier than I thought. I don’t know why it took me so long after Frank Kern first told us what a powerful tool it is. I’m not going to share it with you just yet. I’ll wait till I see it out in my life then share it to demonstrate it’s real power.

For those of you who have read the current issue of Land and Home, yes, that really is my house, and yes, I really did build it. Don’t be too impressed, it was one of those “no viable alternative” situations. I will confess that’s when I’m strongest. Tell me I can’t, then watch me do it. I believe it is within all of us to rise to the challenge, to live beyond the confines of what constrains us. I’ve been doing that for as long as I can remember and don’t see it as anything but ordinary. You can see the article (photos and all) online at http://www.sangrechronicle.com/LandAndHome_Spring08/homefeature.html

Check it out and then post here and tell me what you think! I keep saying that…and I really mean it! I want to hear from you! It can be very quiet and lonely in these mountains. Especially this time of year when I generally sit in the gallery by myself for 8 hours a day! Now you know why I have limited hours in the shoulder season!

Oh, and in case you haven’t done so yet, sign up for my email newsletter with the button on the right. I the current issue there is info about the upcoming season of Angel Fire Mountain Theatre and Angel Fire ArtsFest. Click the links to read about them directly.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Not Quite Really Spring

Just as I was prepared to take the snow image off of this blog, I woke up this morning and lifted the blinds only to see snow flying yet again…and accumulating, though as the day wears on and the temp slowly rises, it’s muddy slush now. Whew, that was a mouthful! Sorry. Guess I find myself in a reflective mood, writing is almost as soothing painting. I’ll get to that shortly too. In the mean time, for those of you who are my students…or will be, I’m wondering something. My DVD, “How to Paint a Poppy That POPS” is selling, albeit not as quickly as I hoped. I’m hoping that you’ll post some comments here so that I can figure out what you would like me to do next. Is the DVD too specific for you? Would a more general painting or drawing lesson be better? I have all kinds of ideas, and I’ll likely make some new videos that are short lessons in both…and post them here so you can watch them FREE. Before I figure how to do that (make the camera watch me paint) I’d really like to know what you’d like to learn? Some options are: Learning to draw what you see…not what you think you see; How to let the paint lead you on Yupo paper; Painting a floral in two minutes or less on Yupo paper; Painting watercolor on Canvas; Fun painting with stuff from your kitchen. I could keep going… but I’d like to hear from you.

On other matters, I got the schedule for Angel Fire Mountain Theatre from TTU last night. It is now up at www.angelfiretheatre.org/Season_XII.html

It looks like a great line up. We’re also moving full steam ahead with the 27th Annual Angel Fire ArtsFest. The show is full and we have artists coming from literally all over the country! This small but rich show just keeps getting better every year. Check out www.morenovalleyarts.org/ArtsFest.html for more information about that. Artists: mark your calendars for January 15th and head to that page to download the application for next year. We don’t mail them anymore…too expensive. Shoot me an email from the site above to be added to the email list for notification.

In the meantime I’m still up to my ears in homework and assignments for the now infamous Maven Bootcamp I attended in Orlando. I can hardly believe it’s been nearly two months. Maybe that’s because I barely get one assignment done before the next one comes down the pike! Talk about intense! At least it keeps me distracted during the long quiet days at the gallery this time of year.

Oh, yeah….video! Need to get that done too! That’s fun for sure! I think I’ll shoot Jacqui’s work next. It’s nice and bright, with a bit of mystical whimsy. It’ll look good on camera, I think.

In the meantime…..post your comments! I want to hear from you. Like that old movie..don’t even recall the name of it…..”input needed!”

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM