Abstract Art Blog

A Year of Making Art, Day 350: BOR-ING

April 4, 2008  Day 350

Sixteen more days to go in this "Year of Making Art."

Today I am depressed and lethargic.  It took me all day to get around to my drawing:

   Drawing #357  14" x 11"

In the morning I prepared two giclee prints on canvas for shipping:

  123456

  Placating Your Friends

It's unclear what else I accomplished.  I helped Adrian with the dressing for his infected leg, and putting on his boot cast.  I cleaned up odds and ends.  I did some laundry.

BOR-ING!

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 349: Shipping Two Prints

April 3, 2008  Day 349

Today was Owen's last day with us, so I made a special brunch and hung around to see him off.  Before that, I had to get two prints off to Pak-Mail for packing and shipping to clients:

  Adam Three

  Talk To me Now 

By the time Owen left, I was exhausted.  Too many houseguests and doctor's visits lately.  Adrian requires a lot more assistance now, and he is also unable to do all the things he used to do for me to help with the business, like running errands.  It looks like the food shopping will be my job now, too, since he's wearing a boot cast and is supposed to take it easy.  I'm sure that he will want to use any extra energy he has to take Roxy out.

I did my drawing late today:

  Drawing #356  11" x 14"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 343: Drawing for Fun

March 28, 2008  Day 343

This morning's drawing is a whimsical piece that I had fun making:

  Drawing #350  11" x 14"

After the contractor finished caulking the edges of the studio, we moved all the furniture back where it belongs.  After that, we put some new flat files together and I filled them with drawings and paintings on paper.  then I moved all the finished paintings and blank canvases back in, and then reorganized all my stuff--paints and other supplies.  It is now 6 p.m. and it is all finally finished.  Hurrah!

Stepson Owen was due today, but has not started out yet from Virginia, so he'll probably get here at dawn or wait a day.

I am ready to crash.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 334: Painting vs. Drawing

March 19, 2008  Day 334

I struggled with today's drawing, but I've gone about as far as I can with it:

  Drawing #341  14" x 11"

I think it is easier to "fix" a painting on canvas than a drawing on paper.  Eventually, the paper you draw on can't take any more, and you can't really cover up your mistakes completely the way you can with paint.  You can't scrape it or wash it off, either.  So what you have to do is turn the drawing into something else, but while utilizing what you already have.  That's a greater challenge, I think, although it could be that I'm simply more used to painting than drawing.

I got another call from an artist looking for advice on marketing her art.  There seems to be much more concensus on how to succeed in the other arts than in visual art.  Not that it's any easier to accomplish a successful career in music, dance, or literature, but the paths seem to be clearer.  If you get an MFA in fine art and become an academic, then I think things might be more straightforward.  You present yourself in terms of what the academic curator wants to see, and try to build a reputation through exhibitions and gallery representation.

That, at least, is what I imagine an academic artist does.  I am not one of them.  For the rest of us, it is not clear how to proceed.  Or perhaps there are so many options, and so little time, that it becomes confusing.

So what is my advice to young artists?  Follow your strengths.  Try several paths.  Go with what seems to be working.  Take opportunities that come along.  Learn from what you see others doing.  Be persistent.

Every city must have at least one artists' organization.  Join it and talk to people.  Join online artists' organizations and talk to people.  I've gotten a lot of good advice over the years from artists I've met through the internet.  By sharing, we don't diminish ourselves.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 333: The Idea of a Pastoral

March 18, 2008  Day 333

In this morning's drawing, I started with the idea of a pastoral in greens and pale blue, but soon had something much more colorful.  At one point it seemed it would not come together and I might have to scrap it, but some strong lines with a chocolate brown saved the day:

  Drawing #340   14" x 11"

After that I worked on cleaning up my website, but the new Dreamweaver I have for the Imac works differently from my old program, and I was frustrated.  An experienced Imac user gave me some advice, however, and I'll try again tomorrow.

New doors are installed in my new wall, and soon that part of the construction will be finished.  Then the rest of the floors have to be finished, and when that's done, I should be able to paint again.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 332: Quicken is Quicker

March 17, 2008  Day 332

I am still without the use of my studio to paint in--the construction work has taken a lot longer than originally planned.  Isn't that always the case?

But I still have my drawing table set up, and worked this morning in browns and yellows to produce this:

  Drawing #339  14" x 11"

In the afternoon Laura came over.  After we took a walk, she showed me how to use Quicken to enter transactions and reconcile my bank statement.  It is definitely easier than doing it the old way.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 330: Mark Dion at Bertram's Garden

March 15, 2008  Day 330

For this morning's drawing I made a black-and-white minimalist sketch:

  Drawing #337  14" x 11"

Recently I received a notice about installation artist Mark Dion's project for Bartram's Garden--America's oldest botanical research garden.  I was offered "promotional materials that would be useful to you and/or your staff of writers interested in this project."  Wow, it must be great to have a staff on board to help you promote your art.

Unfortunately, I have no staff whatsoever and have to make the art, photograph it, write about it, update my website, and do all the marketing/promotional/bookkeeping work myself.  That's the case for most artists today.  The lucky few have a staff.

However, I don't mind putting in a little plug for Mark: you can check out his project at MarkDionsBartramsTravels.com.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 329: No Peace of Mind

March 14, 2008  Day 329

The dinner party (see previous post) went swimmingly, and I was fairly relaxed instead of worrying if everyone was having a good time or getting nervous if there was a lull in the conversation.  The food was great, but that's a given when I make a dinner party.

I didn't sleep well that night, though, because I was worried about shipping another large painting.  The owner of our local Pak-Mail promised to come at 9 a.m. with a trailer to pick up the box (63" x 63" x 5") from me and the print (55" x 55") from my printmaker.  But our little private road is next to impossible to find, and access at my printmaker's offers no place for a trailer to turn around in.  After a few glitches, everything eventually turned out fine, but I can't seem to get through these things without losing a night's sleep first.

With this chaotic beginning to the day, and having to pick up Mike and Rachel after school, I didn't have the peace of mind I needed for today's drawing.  I kept returning to work on it some more, and finally gave up:

Drawing #336  14" x 11"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 328: Packing and Shipping Pains

March 13, 2008  Day 328

Instead of a nap yesterday afternoon (see previous post), I went on a great hike with my neighbor.  The trail we go on is hilly, and it was covered with a mixture of snow, crusted ice, and mud.  In a few weeks it will be total mud and swampy water.

This morning I tried to get a 51" x 51" box inside my Honda Element, and it wouldn't fit.  I remembered getting this size in before, so I don't know what went wrong.  We finally took a seat out and eventually had success.  The worst thing about my art business is the packing and shipping, especially with the larger paintings.

I finally got around to my drawing for the day, and as it took shape, I thought of dunes:

Drawing #335  14" x 11"

Tonight we are having company for dinner, and that always makes me anxious.  But Laura is coming over to help, and that will ease my nerves.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 327: Keyed Up After Meeting

March 12, 2008  Day 327

We had a good bipolar support group meeting last night, except that I was the facilitator and worried that I didn't rein people in soon enough when they tended to take more than their allotted time.  We had a new person come, and I worry about making them feel welcome and wanting to come back.

I am always keyed up after meetings, so I stayed up drinking wine and eating nuts and chocolate--enough to give me indigestion that lasted through breakfast.  I woke up at 5 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep.  Now I am ready for a nap.

In today's drawing I let loose with reds, oranges and yellows, gradually finding a loose shape within this free form:

  Drawing #334  14" x 11"

Then I packed the five paintings I have to ship to a Boston gallery:

  123456  48" x 48"

  MADCAP LIGHT  24" x 24

  GHOST BLOCK  18" x 24"

  WINTER BLOCKS  18" x 24"

  WHIRLPOOL BLOCK  18" x 24"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 326: Coaxing Form and Shape

March 11, 2008  Day 326

Today I went with Adrian on his walk with Roxy through the woods.  We still have ice covering the branches of all our trees, and it was melting in the bright sunlight today.  An amazing sight.

Tonight we have our bipolar support group meeting, which has been canceled the last two times because of bad weather.  We only meet twice a month, so it is difficult for many members when we have to cancel.

In my drawing today, I had to work hard to bring order out of chaos.  Once or twice it seemed to be coming together nicely, and then I ruined that and had to continue to coax it into something with form and shape:

  Drawing #333  14" x 11"

I got a call from a Boston gallery today and they want me to send five paintings right away for a presentation they are making to a client.  I will get on that first thing tomorrow.  Now, I'd better make dinner so I can get to my bipolar meeting.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 324: A Sleepy Sunday

March 9, 2008  Day 324

It is Sunday afternoon and I am sleepy.  This morning there was a light layer of snow over the now-hardened slush of yesterday.  The trees were all covered in ice and branches were hanging low.  Now the sun is out and the ice is glinting as it melts.

My drawing today took a while to come together.  I began drawing with calligraphy pens, and then filled in spaces with brush pens:

  Drawing #331  11" x 14"

After that I got a giclee print on canvas ready to ship to a client.  The original painting of this was 30" x 30" and the print is 44" x 44," which looks much more impressive:

  In The Moment, original 30" x 30" 

Now, should I take the rest of the day off?

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 322: Young at Art

March 6, 2008  Day 322

Today is Blixy's birthday.  We'll celebrate it tomorrow, a Friday, by going to gallery night downtown and then out to dinner.

I just spent an hour and a half with a young artist who wanted to pick my brain about marketing his art, and especially, getting into galleries.  Somehow, I find myself exhausted at the end of our session.  While I was talking to him, I felt an excitement at his prospects--a young artist finding his way in the art world.  He seemed to have so much energy and enthusiasm, both for his art and the enterprise of marketing it.

Most artists in this country do not make a living by selling their art.  They teach or apply their creative skills to commercial careers in industrial or fabric design, advertising, and so forth.  Some have day jobs totally unrelated to their art.  Yet it is every artist's dream to eventually find a way to live by making fine art.

My drawing today is about texture.  I thought of the "ovals" and "push-pulls" we were required to pen years ago in grammar school:

  Drawing #328  11" x 14"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 319: Jazzy Improvisation

March 3, 2008  Day 319

 

Here are a few more photos from my past art exhibitions:

  Gallery for the Arts, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky

Adrian and Lynne, Soho South, West Palm Beach, FL

  Soho South

  Lynne at Tompkins Cortland Community College Exhibit

Last night I was up for a couple of hours worrying.  I took a sleeping pill, but that didn't work right away, so I got up and played solitaire.  One thing I was worried about was the hassle of shipping the new prints I am offering.  They are so large that they won't fit in my Honda Element or in any ordinary van.  But as I played cards, I realized that if I couldn't find a good solution, I could just eliminate that size.

This morning Adrian solved the problem by checking with our packer, Pak-mail.  The owner has a trailer that will hold whatever size I make, and agreed to pick them up when I need her to.  Phew!

I did my drawing early today because Jim and Laura were coming over to help us move all the furniture in the studio so the new wall can be built tomorrow.  The drawing is kind of a hectic, jazzy improvisation:

  Drawing #325  11" x 14"

Right after Jim and Laura arrived, a tractor-trailer driver showed up at the door.  He said he was down at the main road with a delivery of flat files for me.  "We don't go on private roads," he said.  So Jim and I drove down in the Element and I backed up to the truck.  There were two skids, each very heavy, but Jim and the driver managed to get one loaded.  Then they rode on the tailgate as I drove it up to the garage, and they unloaded it.  We did the next one the same way.  I am a terrible backer-upper, but I knew I had to do it, so I did.

The good news is, it's 50 degrees out today and most of the snow and ice has turned to mush.

Why did we pick this lot to build a house and studio on?

After that adventure, we moved tons of shipping boxes into the garage, and then moved all the furniture in the studio--some to the basement, and some to one end of the studio.  Tomorrow our contractor will begin the wall, as well as coating the floor with a protective finish.

 

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 316: Building a Wall

February 29, 208  Day 316

Today's drawing was sketched quickly in black and brown:

  Drawing #322  11" x 14"

I have been clearing out the junk in my studio in order to make room for a new flat file, but we have also decided to have some work done.  When this house and studio were built 2 1/2 years ago, I told our builder not to put a wall between my studio and the "mud room" or entry-way, a decision I've been sorry for ever since.

I was greedy and thought I would get the whole space.  But since you have to walk through the mud room from the garage or outside door to get into the house, there is no way I can close it off to other purposes.  The mud and dust and ice all get traipsed into my studio.  When Adrian doesn't close the door to the garage properly (often), I feel the chill.

Having a wall will also give me a better work area and exhibition space.  But it is going to completely disrupt everything for a couple of weeks.  And right now I am busy getting rid of as much as possible so that we can start moving furniture.  We are going to have the floor of the studio finished at the same time, since it is just the original concrete and exudes dust.

I had thought I would begin painting this week because I just finished gessoing 10 new canvases, but now that will have to wait until this project is complete.

Meanwhile, my printmaker Stan Bowman just got a new Colorspan printer that will take canvas or paper up to 60" wide, so I am offering larger sized prints on my website.  The first one, a 60" x 48" print of Night Songs, is ready to be shipped on Monday:

  Giclee Print of Night Songs 60" x 48"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 314: Expert Help is Always Appreciated

February 27, 2008  Day 314

In my drawing this morning, I used a template for drawing circles, and then a ruler for adding straight lines, to come up with this design:

  Drawing #320  11" x 14"

Jim and Laura came over later to help me:  Jim framed a drawing and a print I recently sold:

  Art Blog Drawing #290

   Print of Abstract Drawing #3

Laura began to set up Quicken on my computer to keep track of finances.  She had been a CFO and Executive Vice President of Helzberg Diamonds before she retired, so she should be a terrific help in getting my records straightened out.

After that, all four of us went to a matinee of There Will Be Blood, and then dinner out.  Wow, going out in the middle of the week!  The movie was very well done, and a terrific vehicle for Daniel Day Lewis.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 312: The Importance of Negative Space

February 25, 2008  Day 312

I was made acutely aware of negative space in my drawing today.  Space that looks "empty" because it is not filled with line or color has an important function in a composition.  The oval opening in today's drawing is an obvious example of this, but in every drawing or painting, the negative spaces have an important visual impact. 

  Drawing #318  9" x 12"

I started gessoing canvases this morning, but soon I'll have to go pick up Mike and Rachel at school, so I will finish tomorrow.

Yesterday I added the availability of frames to my acrylic paintings on paper (on my website), since most people prefer to order art that is ready to hang--at least they do when they purchase from the internet:

  Dreams At Dawn, 24" x 18"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 309: Giving Up My Workaholic Ways

February 22, 2008  Day 309

We had a full day yesterday playing ping-pong and going for a walk with Blixy and the kids.  Then in the evening Laura and Jim took us out to dinner.  It was a good break.

I was also waiting yesterday for a tractor-trailer truck to arrive to pick up a large painting in a box 63" x 63" x 5".  As usual, our road was too icy and the truck could not get up it.  The poor driver parked on the main road, then walked all the way to my studio and carried the box down to the truck!  We have to get a better snow-removal system in our neighborhood.

This morning's drawing is in blues and blacks:

  Drawing #315  12" x 9"

I am not working on Canvas #34 again until I can think of something to do with it.  In the meantime I'm out of canvases, so I have to make some more.

   Canvas #34  48" x 48"

This afternoon I met a friend for lunch and then took a great walk with Laura.  It's wonderful giving up my workaholic ways!

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 306: Tackling the Problem Canvas Yet Again

February 19, 2008  Day 306

I finally received my new drawing pads from Jerry's Artarama.  I used the 9 x 12 size for this one:

  Drawing #312  12" x 9"

Then I tackled Canvas #34 yet again, changing the yellow to lime green, and the alizarin crimson to a red/orange:

  Canvas #34  48" x 48"

Last night we had our art marketing group meeting, and it was helpful to hear everyone's plans and hopes for this year.  Several people mentioned re-envisioning their work and how they present it to their clients.  One artist mentioned finding a narrower focus rather than working all over the board.  Still another found a way to bring his work in various media and styles under one umbrella by focusing on a  particular subject matter. 

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 305: Planning

February 18, 2008  Day 305

I still haven't received my art supply order from Jerry's Artarama, so I made another 9" x 6" drawing today, using brown, red, orange and black calligraphy pens:

Drawing #311  9" x 6"

Tonight we have our art marketing meeting, and the topic is:  Marketing Plans for 2008.  I always start with an ambitious plan, but there is never enough time (or money) to do it all.  Spending time at the beginning of the year thinking about such things is a useful exercise, though.  Having a plan is better than leaping at every opportunity that comes up, or spreading oneself too thin to be effective.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 302: No Peaceful Space

February 15, 2008  Day 302

I had trouble falling asleep last night and could not find a peaceful space in my head today.  One thing that didn't help was my new Imac freezing up on me.  That was scary, but after fooling with it, I realized the problem was with the mouse.  It turned out that it just needed new batteries, but I had thought that couldn't possibly be the problem since I hadn't had it that long.  So I wasted a call to Apple tech help.

With lots of interruptions, my drawing finally got done:

Drawing #308  14" x 11"

Then I tried to figure out what to do with Canvas #34, but I'm afraid my choice is just making it worse:

  Canvas #34  48" x 48"

I did sell two paintings today, and that's always good for my mood:

Blue City, 36" x 36"

  Dancing In The Fire, 40"  x 30"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

 

A Year of Making Art, Day 288: Dealing with the Business End of Art

February 1, 2008 Day 288

Eric arrived last night from Baltimore, so we were up late snacking and catching up. During the night we had a storm of sleet, snow and rain, which left everything pretty messy this morning.

I used calligraphy pens from yellow to chocolate brown in this morning's drawing:

Drawing #294 11" x 14"

Then I did some work on Canvas #33, first mixing seven cups of colors ranging from yellow to dark brown. I filled in two of the browns, carefully painting with a small-tipped brush.

Canvas #33 44" x 44"

Eric has a business in the Baltimore area, and he showed me the Quickbooks program he uses for of his business bookkeeping. Sister Laura and Blixy have been telling me I need to get a better system for my art business, and I think this might be a good one. I tend to let that stuff go until I absolutely have to deal with it.

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 285: Post-Holiday Consumer Exhaustion?

January 29, 2008 Day 285

In this morning's drawing I started out with a simple sketch in dark brown, which I liked. However, it seemed too simple, so I kept going, adding more lines and colors, and finally filling in some spaces with a dark brown brush pen:

Drawing #291 14" x 11"

After that I finished the background on Canvas #34 and took the next steps on Canvas #33 and #35:

Canvas #34 48" x 48"

Canvas #33 44" x 44"

Canvas #35 48" x 48"

January has been a slow month for my art business, and I'm wondering if the stock market crash and housing crash are the causes? Or if it is just post-holiday consumer exhaustion? In addition to some prints, however, I did sell two originals:

Yin Yang Block, 18" x 24"

Sleight of Mind Three 60" x 56"

(Note: There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 242: Cancels & Returns

December 17, 2007  Day 242

In this morning's drawing, I used black, brown and gray calligraphy pens in addition to a fine point black pen:

   Drawing #247  9" x 12"

A couple weeks ago, when I was in between cataract operations, a rep from Stamps.com called to sign me up for a free trial offer.  I put them off a couple of times, but on the last phone call the persuasive sales rep got me to sign on for a free trial.  Well, this was dumb of me because I didn't even know what the service would cost after that.  My art business is not large enough to make it worthwhile to use such a service, which I eventually found out costs $15 a month.  Most of my shipping is done through DHL or FedEx, not the post office.

The problem occurred when I tried to cancel my service today.  When I tried to do it online, I was told I'd have to call.  When I called, I was put on hold and not given any idea how long it would take.  When I finally got a rep on the line, and went over all the details, I was told I would have to speak to another department and had to hold on again.  Then, after going through the third degree, I was finally given a cancellation confirmation.

Stamps.com was very friendly when they wanted me to sign up, but not very customer-oriented when I wanted to cancel.  That memory will keep me from considering them in the future.

When I have a client who needs to return a painting or print for any reason, I try to make them feel comfortable and to be as helpful as possible.  In all but one case, the client has purchased something else.  I'm sure if I had made the return difficult for them, they would not have bought from me again. 

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 228: Juried Shows

December 3, 2007  Day 228

This morning I turned my drawing paper vertical in order to get out of a "design" mode I've been in lately.  I think this one has a little more life:

   Drawing #233  9" x 12"

In the afternoon I brought two paintings to be entered in a juried show at the State of the Art Gallery:

  Green Box, 44" x 44"

  Fault Line, 48" x 48"

I used to enter nation-wide juried shows all the time, but I don't think it's worth it any more.  When one is starting out, it's a good way to build a resume, but not at this point in my career.  By the time you pay the entry fee, and then the cost of shipping your art, it can get very expensive.  But the juried show at the State of the Art Gallery is local, so that I simply have to drop the work off.  I also know I will most likely have it accepted there. 

My next cataract operation is the day after tomorrow.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 222: Double Check and Follow Through

November 27, 2007  Day 222

It is the day before my cataract operation.  I have to put two kinds of prescription drops in my eye twice a day.  After doing one, I noticed the bottle said, "Shake well before using."  And then I wasn't sure which bottle I had already used. 

I made two mistakes recently which upset a client, and which could have been prevented if I'd been more careful.  I did not double-check the shipping address I entered in the computer for FedEx, and the print was delivered to a neighbor because of it.  I also didn't follow through with my packer to make sure the package went out on the date it was supposed to.

Double-checking and follow-through are two of my weakest areas, but it is worth making the extra effort in order to keep clients happy.  So this will be a lesson for me.  I put so much effort into getting a client, that the little extra it takes to keep them happy is well worth it.

I have ordered new drawing pads in sizes I like to draw on:  9" x 12" and 11" x 14".  But they haven't arrived yet, so today I will again go to the 6" x 9" size.  With one eye full of drops and the other one hazy, I don't want a big challenge today.

   Drawing #227  9" x 6"

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 202: The Alternative to Selling Art Through Galleries

November 7, 2007  Day 202

I enjoyed a drink with three other writers last night while we talked about self-publishing.  Drinking on an empty stomach made me a bit tipsy, though, and I felt afterwards that I had headed into a hypomanic over-enthusiasm that might put the others off.

In today's drawing I used black, blue and purple calligraphy pens, adding lines with a fine point black pen, and filling in spaces with brush pens.

   Drawing #207  12" x 9"

Tonight I am on a panel at the State of the Art Gallery, where the topic is "Getting in the Door: Issues of Presenting Artwork for Acceptance by Galleries, Museums and Alternatives."  I am presenting the alternative--selling art through the internet.  Having a professional website has also helped me to find galleries, so it's not as if you have to choose one over the other, although some galleries would prefer artists not sell their work that way.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 201: Print-on-Demand

November 6, 2007  Day 201

We had a good artists' meeting last night, and got to see Andy's new photography studio (see Cascadilla Photography).  Everyone discussed their art trail experiences, as well as updates on exhibitions and other opportunities.

I still have my little gynecological problem, but couldn't get into a doctor's office, so I waited 4 1/2 hours this morning at the walk-in clinic.  I read Under the Tuscan Sun while I was waiting, so the time passed pleasantly.  Also, when I finally saw the doctor, it turned out that my problem is a minor one, so all in all, it was worth the wait.

Why do I always assume a fatal disease when anything goes wrong?!

I just finished my drawing, which feels like it might have a tad too much color:

  Drawing #206  12" x 9"

Now I have to get ready to go out for a drink with the other writers who will appear on a panel with me Thursday night to talk about self-publishing.  I have published books both ways--with traditional publishers, and on my own with print-on-demand (see  The Bipolar Dementia Art Chronicles).  Each kind of publishing has its advantages and disatvantages.  That's what we'll talk about.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 199: The Tasks of Running an Art Business

November 4, 2007  Day 199

Today I've been framing drawings, preparing prints for shipping, and other art-business tasks.  But I did have time to make a black and gray drawing:

  Drawing #204  9" x 12"

The three drawings I had to frame were recently sold:

  Abstract Drawing 8, 12" x 9"

  Abstract Drawing 9, 12" x 9"

  Abstract Drawing 10, 12" x 9"

The day went by and it's dark already, the result of a change in the clocks for daylight savings time.  I feel that I accomplished little, but once again, I need to give myself a break.  I'll quit now to make supper.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)   

A Year of Making Art, Day 193: Frustration with Drawing Tools

October 29, 2007  Day 193

This morning I finished a drawing I had started yesterday using Zig memory system pens, but I really don't like them.  I much prefer Zig's calligraphy markers, and luckily I found a place online that offers them in many different shades.  When they arrive, I think I will use them exclusively, with the brush pens for filling in spaces, and ditch the others. 

In any case, the drawing ended up a bit static:

   Drawing #198  12" x 9"

After that, I had to get a 60" x 60" painting ready for shipping, and help Adrian get it into a rented cargo van so we could take it to the packers.  It is going to Zingaro Gallery in Gelndale, Arizona, along with several other paintings and three drawings:

  Looney Tunes, 60" x 60"

  My Little Buttercup 40" x 40"

  Sitting Pose, 30" x 30"

  X Series Three, 12" x 16"

  Abstract Drawing 2, 12" x 9"

  Abstract Drawing 12, 12" x 9"

  Abstract Drawing 53, 9" x 12"

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)      

A Year of Making Art, Day 190: Taking Down a Show

October 26, 2007  Day 190

It is five p.m. on a Friday night, and I was going to shut down the computer without writing my art blog for the day.  Remembered just in time:

Today's drawing had to be done quickly because we had to be in Syracuse at 11 a.m. to pick up the eight paintings I had in a show there for the past three months.  The drawing is in blacks and grays:

  Drawing #195  9" x 12"

As Adrian and I struggled to find a parking spot and then lug the paintings back to our Honda Element, I wondered why we keep doing this.  Most of these regional shows yield few or no sales, so what is the point?

There is something special about seeing the work hung properly in a good space that makes it worthwhile.  The curator here did a great job and my art looked terrific.  They also handed out a lot of my business cards, so maybe a future sale will develop.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 189: End of Leaf Season

October 25, 2007  Day 189

Well, it was worth keeping the studio ready for my client last night.  He bought two large paintings.

This morning I worked at getting the studio ready for painting again, though I won't be able to for a couple of days.  Tomorrow I have to go to Syracuse to pick up paintings from the end of a show there.  Here are a couple:

  Open Paths One 24" x 24"

  Open Paths Two 24" x 24" 

Today's drawing is a study in black--a little weird, but I like it:

  Drawing #194  9" x 12"

Now I'm going for a walk with another artist friend.  It's a cool, but sunny day and the woods should be colorful.  We are at the end of our fall leaf season.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 187: Better Late than Never

October 23, 2007  Day 187

My drawing today is a study in black and gray, which matches the rainy day we are having:

  Drawing #192  9" x 12"

A while ago I ordered matting and frames from FramesByMail.com, but I made mistakes in ordering twice.  Today, after finally receiving the correct order, I put one of them together and framed a drawing:

  Abstract Drawing #7 12" x 9"

I had hoped to have some of these framed drawings available for the Art Trail open weekends, but that will have to wait until next year.

Now I need to get ready to go to my bipolar support group meeting.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

 

A Year of Making Art, Day 186: No Rest for the Weary

October 22, 2007  Day 186

Last night I was not able to crash after all (see previous post) because a man who had been to my studio the week before called me about coming over to pick up a painting he wanted.  Then when he got here, he couldn't make up his mind between the original one and three others, and said he would call me in a day or two with his decision.  Se la vie.

I am still in the process of getting my studio back to working order and finishing up all the art business work that accumulated during the art trail week.  I kept today's drawing expressive and simple with Zig calligraphy pens, and then used a fine point black pen for added interest and emphasis.

  Drawing #191  9" x 12"

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)

A Year of Making Art, Day 185: Last Day of Art Trail

October 21, 2007  Day 185

Phew!  This open studio weekend was exhausting.  I think today was worse than yesterday because I couldn't sleep last night and ended up taking an Ambien around 1:30 a.m.  The last visitors left at 5 p.m. today, and now I am really ready to crash.

In between visitors I worked on this drawing:

  Drawing #190  9" x 12"

Yesterday there seemed to be a number of serious art buyers, but today there were mostly people out for an entertaining Sunday afternoon.  I sold calendars, books and note cards, but there were no serious inquiries about the art itself.

Will I do this again next year?  Probably.

(Note:  There is a gap between the dates I'm writing and posting in order to give me time to get ahead.)