Category: painting

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Painting on a wet, grey chilly afternoon

Well, it’s not Sunday, but close enough and I need to let my painting dry. May take a while since its watercolor on canvas and its’ pouring a cold rain outside. Relaxing though. Actually, just cold enough to make long for the encaustic again. There’s really just something about that hot, brightly colored wax that makes me smile. Yes, I’ll be doing it again, just as soon as i can figure where and how. The hot pigment (sometimes toxic, like the cobalts and cadmiums) waft into the air. Can’t do that in the gallery, where I generally end up painting, since more oft than not its where I am. Not at home studio either…not good enough ventilation to counter the fumes. But it calls me…so I’m sure I’ll figure it out!

So, back to watercolor it is. Besides, I’ve been working on this project for about, hmm, four months or so. It’s a Diptich, but vertical this time. Two 24 x 18 canvases. Hollyhocks. The tall, leggy, big bright blooms lend themselves to a vertical diptich. It’sbeen fun, but so much layering to get those bold colors, it’s taken a long time. Getting there though. Will be done within a week or so I think. YAY! I’ll post photos, but no video this time or it would suck away tons of bandwidth and time! I spose I could speed it up…that might actually be comical!

To be honest, I’m on pins and needles. Today is the 11th of October. I’m headed South soon, to paint in Mexico (have you signed up for the class yet? There is still room….click here.) So why the pins and needles? Because I have asked to be let out of my lease for the Gallery.
I sent my notice on September 30th. I’ve heard nothing. Silence. Limbo. Cross your fingers, and pray for me. I’m determined, but stuck. I’ll let you know what happens as soon as I know. I’m hanging on………… If I move I can save ALOT of $$$. It’s scary and overwhelming. My lease is not up till July, but I don’t think I’ll make it till then if I don’t make some serious changes. Like moving. It’s a visibility thing, but more, it’s a $$$ thing. Economic disaster isn’t trickling down, but rather, pouring, like the torrent of rain outside. But I do have options…IF I can move, but here’s the clincher…I need to do so by October 24. AAAAAAACCCCCCKKKK! Speaking of moving, maybe it’s time to move South permanently. The headlong hurl toward socialism has my stomach churning and my heart burning. NO! NO! NO! The two national parties look pretty much the same to me. Only left and lefter. I know I’m pretty much an anomoly, an advocate for the arts, an artist, a gallery owner and NOT a Democrat (read Socialist).

Thomas Jefferson, if only you were here now. Or would your voice only be drowned out in the cacophony of naysayers and liars that call themselves the media? I’m sick of it. Period. Now I’ve got myself all worked up again. Better go see if that painting is ready for more.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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painting, videos and stuff

Things have slowed to a crawl here in Angel Fire, and dismay with the local newspaper notwithstanding I’ve been in painting bliss. Free speech had nothing to do with it. That they printed a blatant attack on the character of our Mayor, our new CEO of the EDO, and the hard working volunteers that are intent on improving the community, had me furious. That they devised a headline pulled from the tabloids to sensationalize it, was downright mean.

And enough on that. Thank God I had a commissioned order to fill, because it got me painting again, and Thank God that the commission was to paint on Yupo paper, because I had to rinse and wipe it off three times before I did something I was happy with. While I didn’t film the wipe off parts, I did film the final process and the “lifting” technique I used to create the daisies. You can watch the video here. (It is just under 10 minutes.)

And here is finished triptic:

Each one is 6 1/2 x 18. I’ll finish them with a white mat and black frosted metal frame. Painting on Yupo is an incredibly free-ing process to me. The brush and paint just glide across the paper, moving and blending, rich and true color. It does take a long time to dry…especially if it’s raining outside! But it’s worth the wait!

On other matters, my newsletter will be out within the next 24 hours, and I finally got the new website uploaded, complete with that shopping cart I’ve been working on for what seems like forever! At any rate..it’s “Done” (somewhat of a misnomer, since what’s on there will hopefully change on a regular basis! (as items sell!) At least I learned alot in the process. The company I bought the editor from, Ewisoft, was incredible helpful in working with me to figure it all out. I’m on a first name basis with their Tech Support!

It will likely be quiet today as the road (Crestview Drive) is being paved (YAY!!) and there is a detour to get here. We’ve waited a long time for this! I’m hopeful the paved road will be the begining of the “easy to find” improvements we (the tenants) need to help ensure our success! Yay, and thank you, Alex and Jerry!

Back to work…see ya!

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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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
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Break in the Weather, Unlocked the Painter’s Block

Ahh, crisp..is that the word? -12 yesterday morning as I drove to the gallery, the new 12-15″ of pristine white snow as yet untouched, except for the elk track and the piles created by the snow plows. Beautiful scarcely says it…whether it makes up for the yet ongoing freezing winter is yet to be seen. Snow is coming yet again, but in the meantime my “Painter’s Block” is broken. YAY! Yupo paper to the rescue! Coming shortly (as soon as I recieve that video camera I ordered) I’ll show you how to pour and paint on the slick surface of Yupo (Synthetic) paper. It’s a blast, I promise.

In the mean time, I spent the afternoon filling the long nearly empty Jewelry case of Danny Stewart. Of course, i also sent a newsletter about it and made so many typos my face is red! I even typed his name Smith instead of Stewart. Good grief…guess my head was dazzled by all the beautiful new pieces he brought in. Rings, earrings, bracelets (cuff and link) all in that fabulous inlaid work his is known for. If you’re in Angel Fire, or headed this way stop in and take a look….If you’ve seen his case before you’ll know it’s often nearly empty. Come see it before it disappears!

Home now and Grace (my black lab) can’t figure out why my laptop is on my lap instead of her…so guess I’ll sign off for now.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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I’m Back!

Wow. I can’t believe what a blur July was! Fabulous, though, if I do say so myself! Thanks to all the hard work by Texas Tech theatre students, my board members and all the volunteers who helped make this season of live theatre a success. As you may have guessed my long absence here was due to the manic days of AFMT and Angel Fire ArtsFest too. No execuse, just fact.

But here I am again, and my wheels are spinning like mad. Its been a long time coming, but now my video project is days away from fruition! The contract signed with a reproduction house, the website under construction and my VISA card cracking under the weight, but with high hopes for wild success! My gratitude to all the help and partnership of Turri Video Productions. The video will retail for $49 and will be available at my gallery (Angel Fire ArtSpace) and online. The official site will be www.howtopaintflorals.com but there will be links to get there from the primary site of www.angelfireartspace.com

In the meantime, I’ve been a painting train. I’ve fallen in love with Fredrix Watercolor Canvas and I just can’t stop! It’s the most fabulous painting surface I’ve encountered and I can’t imaging going back to paper, and framing and glass! I can put layers and layers and layers down and the canvas doesn’t care. It takes it and more. The layering creates that deep bold bright color that I love.

This series, The Choral Series, I just finished. I had the first two (The Chorus and The Trio) at ArtsFest…the final one, The Soloist, (not pictured yet) I finished today. All are watercolor on canvas, finished with an archival clear varnish. Maybe the next video will be how to paint watercolor on canvas! Actually, if there’s class you’d like to see in DVD, post a comment here and tell me what it is!

If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter yet, do so at my gallery site (click the link above). Get notification of upcoming events and news, and even specials that are promoted only in the newsletter! This month, its the 4th Annual Music From Angel Fire Gallery Gala Reception on Thursday (not Friday) August 23. I’ll have tons of new work (Roy Brown is bringing a bunch of new pottery) and we’ll introduce our newest addition to the gallery, Taos artist, Tom Noble.
Make sure to mark your calendars to come!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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It’s official, Spring has sprung. To be sure, the aspen have sprouted their gloriously green leaves, adding light in the midst of the dark green of the pine forest covering the mountains. Another bright, sunny day….four or five in a row now. Not a cloud in the sky (at least till later today!).

I’ve been painting and it’s had the usual effect of calming and focusing me. Which I’m sure is good news for Dell, since the saga that I thought was over, continues. I received the “new identical configuration” I was promised only to discover that it was not identical. Indeed, it came loaded with Vista, not XP Pro, and noticeably missing the software I ordered pre installed on the troublesome machine…and paid for. Yet more calls. Yet more “I’ll check on that and call you back”….yeah right. Not so much. I haven’t even taken the machine out of the box…the packing slip told the whole story. Vista, no Office. Since then I’ve discovered that there is only one program I have that will run under Vista. I can’t even begin to load it because nothing I have (save the quicken 2007 I just upgraded to) will work. I’m supposed to have this machine back to them within 7 days from the day I received the new one (two days ago). I have to upgrade 1/2 a dozen packages before I can even begin restoring data…and who knows how I’ll do that since my Ghost backups won’t be readable unless I upgrade that too….a program I bought in early December…buy it again in June. Sigh. Already up to $400 which would have been much higher had Corel not worked with me and honored the loyal customer I have been (which is great since three of the most expensive packages I have come from Corel…..thank you, Corel). The biggy will be Quickbooks. ouch. Almost $1000 total that I did not intend to spend this year. Not to mention my time. I’ve lost countless hours in rebooting, restoring, reinstalling and on the phone with Dell for so many hours at a time I broke down and bought a headset to save my neck. I’ll have to find some other way to do my email, because my email client won’t run on Vista and they don’t have a new version out yet. I’m beyond the anger and frustration. I just want a reliable machine. I don’t want to see another blue screen…ever (though that’s unlikely).

While I wait for the call that is unlikely to come, I’m going back to painting. I’ll move on while Dell ponders whether or not they are going to get me the copy of Office, and how they are going to help me through the transition that they arbitrarily forced me into. I have enough on my plate as summer approaches and all the activities and events of Angel Fire Mountain Theatre and the Arts Council loom, demanding my attention.

As I finish new works, you won’t see them here till after ArtsFest
This is the first time in several years that I have participated as an exhibitor. It’s alot to manage, between the gallery, and the Mountain Theatre, but I’m gonna go for it, so I’ll keep the work out of the public eye till then. While on the subject, if you haven’t picked up a copy of Enchantment yet, do so. They published a very nice article about the arts and my role in it. Page 16. I’m honored.

Better get to it…Ciao.

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

Wow, what a difference 12 hours can make! Though it was a frigid start (19 at my house) the wonderful New Mexico sunshine is warming the air and melting the snow. I’m back at the gallery and preparing for a class this afternoon…”Pouring Watercolor and Innovative Masking”. Should be fun, albeit a tad messy.

If you are one of the many who says,”I could never learn to paint…I can’t draw a straight line”, then I have news for you! Drawing a straight line has nothing to do with learning to draw. Coming soon, I’ll be releasing my FIRST video! “How to Paint a Poppy that Pops” is a step by step guide to learning to draw and paint that painting that you’ll be proud to frame! I’ll also have an e-book version ready at about the same time (I hope). Sign up to keep up with the blog and you’ll get early notice of the launch date. You can also head to www.angelfireartspace.com
where you can sign up for my email newsletter. It’s free, and is the only place to get first notice of gallery specials.

Time to set up tables and lay out supplies. Happy Painting!

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