tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66755099341699253612024-03-13T00:10:37.679-07:00painting every dayOn being an artist and creating
AKA "kate of a thousand paintings"Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552352833125764075noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675509934169925361.post-15609485492827576482014-04-16T10:37:00.001-07:002014-04-16T10:37:24.341-07:00bigger IS better!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many changes since I last reported (in November? how <i>embarrassing!</i>)</div>
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But one discovery made is that in fact, bigger is better. Bigger paintings, bigger paint squeezers, bigger studio! Yes, Same studio building but another artist moved her studio so I was able to expand, nearly doubling my space. </div>
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I'd done my due diligence, looking for outside space. Alas, I was fretting over this decision as I've been in my current location for nearly six years. The folks around me are my family now and frankly, my line of work can be isolating and moving to a more isolated space would not benefit me.</div>
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In fact, that's when trouble happens. Just sayin'.</div>
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Yup, even bigger paintings. This one at 7 feet high had to be transported by truck to the gallery. Is this my future? Is the purchase of a truck or gasp, a van in the cards for 2014? Yikes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNpOxZb75opDSnEA7wD1CkWglz54QfKGgPCsuMeLacXRltyJMw84Q4FRyBkgcGzszICLmlMxajCgQrm7WaEayfgjGwaXhly6vM3SxdGHD7m0nVc99Po1Km3R4xEBgTBeplYi5ZIC5zC4/s1600/IMG_2045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNpOxZb75opDSnEA7wD1CkWglz54QfKGgPCsuMeLacXRltyJMw84Q4FRyBkgcGzszICLmlMxajCgQrm7WaEayfgjGwaXhly6vM3SxdGHD7m0nVc99Po1Km3R4xEBgTBeplYi5ZIC5zC4/s1600/IMG_2045.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Bigger paint tubes? nope, but as the 200 ml tubes are difficult to squeeze the entire contents onto the palette with my hands, a friend helped fashion a paint squeezer from a pasta maker...genius.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjGtsiVvhAeVno9unHanoqjD6d8Yg2kxEUwVsKgcy_NjTNT1S8np5t9W-Flqh2dDtrMlz1G2J4MAfDMLXBtXWdGU3ivn7epiibw5c2YYOsgiL0JqdtzhG18sinZ3fmgd4TG2bpvskwGs/s1600/IMG_2068.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjGtsiVvhAeVno9unHanoqjD6d8Yg2kxEUwVsKgcy_NjTNT1S8np5t9W-Flqh2dDtrMlz1G2J4MAfDMLXBtXWdGU3ivn7epiibw5c2YYOsgiL0JqdtzhG18sinZ3fmgd4TG2bpvskwGs/s1600/IMG_2068.MOV" /></a></div>
This shot is me at the other end of the expanded space...I finally have north light (again) I've moved about four times in this studio space, ultimately ending up with the darkest space before this expansion. I can't tell you how happy I am with my larger digs.<br />
(I think this shot of me jumping for joy pretty much explains how I feel)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6EWqfhSTFGQGgeYmmE1ekjZJdSNUXWm4fhV428iPim3hDdxUflZrp5PmHAJa4EDiw0-FcLML8_Zszd5kBYeMtWdzFQSSNXB8JgIrMBD78Ztz4-TFrPdlzvj-fwuYFMK4hCl6c5YPf2o/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6EWqfhSTFGQGgeYmmE1ekjZJdSNUXWm4fhV428iPim3hDdxUflZrp5PmHAJa4EDiw0-FcLML8_Zszd5kBYeMtWdzFQSSNXB8JgIrMBD78Ztz4-TFrPdlzvj-fwuYFMK4hCl6c5YPf2o/s1600/IMG_2166.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I hope your 2014 has gotten off to an equally big start. I'm so excited about all of the prospects of this year!<br />
Kate<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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"I like cats"<br />
"what's your favorite color?"<br />
"knock knock" (who's there?)<br />
"smell mop"<br />
(smell mop who?)<br />
"what's love?"<br />
<br />
Really?<br />
I love so many things. Wind, the color green, and yellow and blue. smelling flowers, french press coffee, my passport, maps, oil paint, my boys, gardening, a long bicycle ride.<br />
<br />
"I love pie"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Even blogger has changed and I'm growling as to the difficulty in posting a photo from my iPad.<br />
<br />
Positive steps? Yes, indeed.<br />
My art business? Very good.<br />
<br />
But, alas, things also happen along the way, whatever ones destination.<br />
My biggest and worst "happen"? My mother passed away in September. And though this blog is on a public forum and that is very private news, I write and post about my art and what affects my art? My life.<br />
<br />
I won't go into my feelings about my mother here. Everyone has one, some good, some not so good. I am one of the very fortunate and loved daughters as my mother loved me like a mother should. Others, when meeting my mother, wanted her for their own.<br />
<br />
What else? Business continues to grow: a hotel in Singapore wants a giant painting executed....and other promising projects that I'll write about in the coming months.<br />
<br />
I also moved within the studio, creating a larger space. My paintings, up until about 8 months ago, were up about 36x48" but now that has shifted as I introduced a 4'x5' size and they're extremely popular size but are making my space feel smaller and smaller. So I continue to look for more efficient ways to work in my studio as well as having one eye open to the possibility of moving my whole studio ... Scary words, but there you have it.<br />
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<br />
Which I wasn't. But so much goes on at G studio, where I work, I have to share.<br />
<br />
Shahin Gholami, filmaker has just completed his latest indie flick, "Rabbit trap" and is now raising funds through indiegogo- <a href="https://vimeo.com/73826657">click here to go to trailer</a>.<br />
<br />
So many perks like spa products, wine, art, baseball caps and more. Give a little, get a lot!<br />
<br />
In other news, we are in full swing what with<a href="http://www.napavalleyopenstudios.org/"> Napa Valley Open Studios</a> during the last two weekends of September.<br />
<br />
The open Studios tour is such a wonderful opportunity for the public to see inside of an artists studio.<br />
Speaking for myself, I work at the studio every day, but once a year I open up this private work space so that those interested in my art and the art of the people around me can meet me, see my art and get an inside glimpse into what I do and where I do it.<br />
The open studios also provide an opportunity to acquire unique, one of a kind art directly from the artist.<br />
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What could be better than that?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_cRoqfs4Rcvt8zxGqZNr_aeK97IPgHOdVhvFWBzyD0NdLnrt9rO7ljrF-s4UZ2a3P3DFC0zx-AJF2jR9pYgZOMrvetqObcytFkexc1MmnFntgsW5_10PTW6lSiPSLBdf8WjFezPb1nM/s1600/306107_491604317565837_2050541670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_cRoqfs4Rcvt8zxGqZNr_aeK97IPgHOdVhvFWBzyD0NdLnrt9rO7ljrF-s4UZ2a3P3DFC0zx-AJF2jR9pYgZOMrvetqObcytFkexc1MmnFntgsW5_10PTW6lSiPSLBdf8WjFezPb1nM/s320/306107_491604317565837_2050541670_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, all good "problems" as they are the opposite of problem: business is great, my kids are great, my house is great, life is absolutely great.<br />
Of course the image here is not balls in the air but rather, plums. It's a difficult painting to appreciate in this small format on the monitor, as each plum is about 2 feet wide. Very ripe and luscious.<br />
The painting reminds me to stay solid and steady. Even when my schedule is packed. Small things can be let go. Focus on the important, because they feed my heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhuqoDzEE1YUiKv5hDjdwELelwDRyWq8JJqGXbjmsEJ42FGPxudGcW7deZpXniFTNIYi_74eIoIUZOseNr2oY02jvKoJDdcHl819Iu27qPHtx4qOjSqFFO-B5zRkj-dzlB4AVjp7gtYA/s1600/plums+on+gold+leaf+36x48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhuqoDzEE1YUiKv5hDjdwELelwDRyWq8JJqGXbjmsEJ42FGPxudGcW7deZpXniFTNIYi_74eIoIUZOseNr2oY02jvKoJDdcHl819Iu27qPHtx4qOjSqFFO-B5zRkj-dzlB4AVjp7gtYA/s320/plums+on+gold+leaf+36x48.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I finish up a large body of work, over weeks or months of preparation, painting and finishing/ delivering a final painting or series of paintings, I have a definite sense of not only letting go, but excitement for the next thing.<br />
<br />
A friend tried to compare the delivery of a body of art with a childbirth metaphor.<br />
Uh, no.<br />
I've done both and the experiences shouldn't be in the same sentence. Or planet.<br />
<br />
So, no, creating art is not childbirth.<br />
Creating art is something altogether different, but I'm actually not delving into creating with this post but rather that space of transition when art leaves or empties the studio and filling the studio back up with art.<br />
<br />
This morning I had the pleasure of attending a once a year prop sale that a local event company holds in order to clear out unwanted inventory. Items like 9' Oscar statue cutouts, full size tiki huts, yards of batik fabrics and vintage diner seats are for sale. Last year I scored a complete set of bowling pins and ball.<br />
<br />
Needed additions to my life? Of course not. Amusing ephemera? Absolutely.<br />
That is, after all, the point.<br />
<br />
It is these items often that hold my attention.<br />
Last year, after I'd moved into my very little house, the neighbours on the north side of the fence line introduced themselves by way of a very loud party which came to its conclusion with police, streaming and paddy wagons. (That's a van to you younger folk)<br />
<br />
After the questionable party guests were removed, the lasts of the guests found their way to the backyard and into sleeping bags.<br />
<br />
My backyard, long and narrow, served as an exceptional place to try out my newly acquired set of bowling pins and heavily weighted ball. At 7 am.<br />
<br />
Here's what I noticed: the distinct ball rolling on concrete and subsequent cracking sound when said weighted ball meets or strikes the twelve plus ( did I mention the extra pins?) pins is one of the most distinctive sounds on the planet. Unlike any other sound I know, it is isolated in its specialness.<br />
<br />
Incomparable to any other sound. Like an ice cream trucks trilling music or the old fashioned bell on a bicycle, or the ring of a dial phone announcing the incoming call.<br />
<br />
I don't spend much time in bowling alleys as a rule, but I have been known to throw a few strikes. But the best part of this particular early morning sporting activity was that I didn't need to bowl a perfect game to feel and hear the satisfying sound of this unique early morning alarm system.<br />
<br />
And there, as my eyes raised up to the heavens, smile on my face, was the inspiration for my next series. A beautiful specimen of a conifer. What would be the starting point of a new series or body of work.<br />
<br />
Thanks to my neighbours.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUWXNr8nsf0uN8zIXUg4gp5Zi0UccKnzlqRa4c2ZQsGX_oHOTBMQGDMfUQ2TnbFfbTFyIDBBhOzddptHlR5Eubm2kR6V7D3tggzN8Nfi6neV_ZHzbNFdnf7xXMMSJ9twtBhg17kiGRH4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-23+at+7.46.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUWXNr8nsf0uN8zIXUg4gp5Zi0UccKnzlqRa4c2ZQsGX_oHOTBMQGDMfUQ2TnbFfbTFyIDBBhOzddptHlR5Eubm2kR6V7D3tggzN8Nfi6neV_ZHzbNFdnf7xXMMSJ9twtBhg17kiGRH4/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-23+at+7.46.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On a routine visit to a gallery to drop by paintings, I saw this book. <i>The book </i>of art books.<br />
<br />
Artist Gustav Klimpt has had the most influence on my work since, since...the beginning.<br />
Attracted to his ongoing occupation with opulence, I've always been attracted to his more is more style.<br />
<br />
And then, on a routine visit to the gallery, I spotted the book.<br />
Overwhelmed by the size and weight, I knew it was something special.<br />
<br />
At two hundred bongos, I'd resigned myself to the practical: no. "you may not buy that book." I told myself repeatedly.<br />
After all, I have 4 other Klimpt art books in my book case.<br />
<br />
On a return visit to the gallery, there it was again. I sat down to flip the pages and realized just how spectacular it is.<br />
<br />
Due to it's size: approx 20" tall, 18" wide and 4" deep, it requires a hefty commitment of time and lap space.<br />
<br />
Flipping through the pages, although I was unable to spend the hours I'd preferred to pore over it's pages, I knew at once that I must have it. The book. It had to be mine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once back to my computer, I discovered it's $60 discount thanks to Amazon (thank you amazon)<br />
<br />
ordered. done. arrived.<br />
<br />
bliss.<br />
<br />
It does not disappoint. In fact, dare I say...it has exceeded my expectations.<br />
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'Twas the night before Open Studios<br />
And all through the Nut<br />
Not a creature was stirring<br />
none except for the rat.<br />
<br />
His evidence had been found<br />
Though we'd used a trapper.<br />
He'd left behind dog treats<br />
And a fragrant brie wrapper.<br />
<br />
"Oh, Liz," he'd say<br />
If he could speak.<br />
"I'm smarter than you<br />
And I should now think,<br />
That you would provide me<br />
With things that are nutty,<br />
Food that is juicy<br />
And nothing too cruddy"<br />
<br />
"I'm more than a rat,<br />
I'm vermin, I'm weasel.<br />
I'm plague and I'm icky,<br />
I squeak and I squeezle"<br />
<br />
"And if you can't meet<br />
my demands in your lair,<br />
Your dogs will be first<br />
The one with the black hair."<br />
<br />
"It's Pixie, I'm sure<br />
She's the one that I want.<br />
She's smelly and stupid<br />
And no doubt piquant."<br />
<br />
"Squeeze her into that trap,<br />
I'll nibble her toes<br />
She'll soon stop that yapping<br />
When it's off with her nose!"<br />
<br />
"I do like it here,<br />
it's so fun, so artistic!<br />
So exciting, so thrilling,<br />
and sometimes quite spastic!"<br />
<br />
"But the fun shall soon end<br />
As I am a fiend,<br />
Cause the one that I want,<br />
Is the dog you call 'Been' ".<br />
<br />
"I've seen her cavorting,<br />
scampering and hopping.<br />
Pooping and pissing,<br />
All requiring mopping"<br />
<br />
So if you can stand it<br />
Or I'll take my leave,<br />
Meet my demands and<br />
You'll not have to grieve."<br />
<br />
Chicken, potatoes,<br />
Fois Grais and cheese!<br />
Crackers and sausage,<br />
Make it spicy, oh please!"<br />
<br />
"Salmon and cupcakes,<br />
Bread now and then.<br />
I hear that you're able<br />
to get some from Ken."<br />
<br />
"My set up is good,<br />
This drawer is ok,<br />
I'm here when you're sleeping,<br />
When you're up, I go play."<br />
<br />
"So let me please ask<br />
As the humblest of critters,<br />
If you'd mind if I stayed<br />
Or would you get the skitters?"<br />
<br />
"I could mop, I could clean<br />
I could wash all the dishes<br />
I could be your best friend,<br />
And fulfill all your wishes."<br />
<br />
"We'll be happy, I swear it<br />
With these modifications<br />
Once demands are all met,<br />
With quality libations."<br />
<br />
"So let me please stay<br />
I implore you dear heart.<br />
And you won't hear a sound,<br />
Not a peep, not a fart. "<br />
<br />
signed,<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Rat</span><br />
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One of the many challenges of a painter (I talk about painting mainly on this blog because I'm a painter and this is my blog. ) is to develop their own look, their own style. Their own voice.<br />
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With so much fantastic art available to view both physically as well as on the internet, it is not only overwhelming visually, but can be quite intimidating.<br />
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Painting something better than fantastic? That seems to be the internal goal as well as internal conflict.<br />
How to wow myself as well as others.<br />
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Aside from the goal of selling art, ( Selling art is an entirely different conversation better left to another time.) being true to ones own voice and finding that voice is difficult at best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKMiZlN3Z7ntGQXo-J_2aY0YUHvo-qe97vLVAghUCrgljmrSjQSc7iT38lEPuozEGv9fzboLeR9Hx9Nl_iCAeJiRkO9yvcuj8SaheXBS9ATFBTeF5DCQ3trVLxeJQcaqVGUIXgx45c0w/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKMiZlN3Z7ntGQXo-J_2aY0YUHvo-qe97vLVAghUCrgljmrSjQSc7iT38lEPuozEGv9fzboLeR9Hx9Nl_iCAeJiRkO9yvcuj8SaheXBS9ATFBTeF5DCQ3trVLxeJQcaqVGUIXgx45c0w/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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(salvador dali)</div>
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One subject, many renditions might be considered the goal. As an artist, there are finite "subjects" but the way and style of rendering the subject makes us stand out as individual. Abstraction is one of the best "thumbprints" I can think of when I think of original paintings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw1eN5NC6VnMxDXxYOo7XcTHVQWgQ5J1P9HD-_i3R3iqaCDR8e6DxGnDVn-DnZX-7ONI5Xk5mrhSzKu1EO_A-ydD6G5T_-yeCgAAKp-n9k6ganpMlzvXrx2UpLsiCe1gQQMWx6Nqm1mU/s1600/is.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw1eN5NC6VnMxDXxYOo7XcTHVQWgQ5J1P9HD-_i3R3iqaCDR8e6DxGnDVn-DnZX-7ONI5Xk5mrhSzKu1EO_A-ydD6G5T_-yeCgAAKp-n9k6ganpMlzvXrx2UpLsiCe1gQQMWx6Nqm1mU/s200/is.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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(jasper johns)</div>
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In days of yor, (<i>always</i> trying to work that into a sentence) there was something called a 'Salon'.</div>
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Using the time of the impressionists as an example, artists would join together at one location, with one subject, say a figure (human model) and each artist would paint or sketch the figure his or her own way, in their own style. One subject, many "voices"</div>
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From personal experience, of artists finding their own voice, I sometimes wonder if there was much conflict from this practice. When do two artists voices come too close to "sounding" or looking the same?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXClle7UapPK9cDlwJmpWnA5lmmHQGDHT4KFFRjghgL18wwozjt24zydc4OnToY8ZxcG0xX_zjC8HzERoklksLmlybmRTRqbnCA_xo9h2oZg9eG_hEI_kc8sm99c6UV69HiOcswKoRlWA/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXClle7UapPK9cDlwJmpWnA5lmmHQGDHT4KFFRjghgL18wwozjt24zydc4OnToY8ZxcG0xX_zjC8HzERoklksLmlybmRTRqbnCA_xo9h2oZg9eG_hEI_kc8sm99c6UV69HiOcswKoRlWA/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" /></a></div>
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(modigliani)</div>
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We are all inspired by images we see, books, photographs, visits to museums, access to the world through our computers. Images are "borrowed" all of the time, sometimes copied in the name of inspiration, but its the artists choice wether the final result is considered inspired by or seen as a copy of some other work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefw0PwPqdltO0caWuWYRMQvFf-0Z0zKDX4KH5YVHx8UHD2Fm0U2L907S1aUAqabMeJNrxjM7HZVaUJdIHgWC2K_D34NR2XoPePrTs2yadB4elOs3WikbA7o5wZjpmggsxznrUcyIg_tc/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefw0PwPqdltO0caWuWYRMQvFf-0Z0zKDX4KH5YVHx8UHD2Fm0U2L907S1aUAqabMeJNrxjM7HZVaUJdIHgWC2K_D34NR2XoPePrTs2yadB4elOs3WikbA7o5wZjpmggsxznrUcyIg_tc/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
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(marc chagall)</div>
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In my own art, I spend a huge amount of time in my head and on paper working out ideas and compositions. I'm constantly inspired by the agricultural surroundings of the valley, so I never lack for subject. Through the practice of art, literally, in the studio working things out for myself, playing with color combinations, the way medium work with each other, experimenting with technique, painting at different times of day to see the effect of light, how paint responds on various surfaces. These are only a few examples of how a painter finds their own voice. </div>
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Then applies that voice to the subject.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmAnoEF4t9qqwNHT1nWMHFvwh5HxY7tDrZfcQkef0Xa2O7WHnzoRUztUZrXjQJ-9tI9Y-siIYBTa9vopzNVPCM3sHi94OWwNO5Q1ZJZg288vAbyPEPXPMCeWjGdg9g5Awea3_-OG4sTc/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmAnoEF4t9qqwNHT1nWMHFvwh5HxY7tDrZfcQkef0Xa2O7WHnzoRUztUZrXjQJ-9tI9Y-siIYBTa9vopzNVPCM3sHi94OWwNO5Q1ZJZg288vAbyPEPXPMCeWjGdg9g5Awea3_-OG4sTc/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
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(gustav klimpt)</div>
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<i>How</i> I depict the subject is my "voice"</div>
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Find yours.</div>
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I have often used the excuse of "I'm not a photographer, I am a painter" for the poor quality of my jpegs of my paintings and yet, simple solutions were not so far off, given I'd slow down long enough to listen and think a few things through.<br />
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First I'll show an example of a three paneled, twelve foot long painting, depicting cypress with gold leaf overlay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_i9D1iq4VR3ieDhyYfqPaefRnmn-PdVs4fC2xjDSlUVKJC4iMlyWxs3HAgyuKVhB6uFjvhFxp_gGR7VSiA55y3mTktVPIDW8Tc_fwP_dG3YxcJtsFB8WYHMUSydApQ8ZET1lzglcu38/s1600/PB270001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_i9D1iq4VR3ieDhyYfqPaefRnmn-PdVs4fC2xjDSlUVKJC4iMlyWxs3HAgyuKVhB6uFjvhFxp_gGR7VSiA55y3mTktVPIDW8Tc_fwP_dG3YxcJtsFB8WYHMUSydApQ8ZET1lzglcu38/s320/PB270001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This would be an example of my modus operandi, or me being too lazy to take the time to a) focus the camera, b) figure out some proper lighting and c) being in a rush plus lacking space or a designated spot at the studio. (sorry, that's three things all smushed into "c".)<br />
Fact of the matter is, most working art studios are limited on space and one does what one can.<br />
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Yes, I know that dropping this image into photoshop is an option and I use it frequently, but if time and care are taken at the front end of photography, the tinkering is cut down, dare I say sometimes eliminated if the correct methods are utilized up front. Plus, it goes against my instincts to take a photo and then doctor it so much digitally, that I must ask myself, is this really what I 'm seeing when I look at my painting?<br />
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Moving right along:<br />
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The second example is the same three paneled painting, the photo taken in the same area of the studio, utilizing some very simple solutions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwENxTxxb7VUHUmucqhMsJvI91Esqb41jM2h_DZ1ZrHgCnMElmWd1u1CAXFA6tqMdRrcfqTttG9e4cbJ3qlNsvzbQWA0EKs54lXZ190CJoyfFg-3kMsPRzbGqn5JDQaK1TJ86n-Kpk6E/s1600/cypress+72x48+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwENxTxxb7VUHUmucqhMsJvI91Esqb41jM2h_DZ1ZrHgCnMElmWd1u1CAXFA6tqMdRrcfqTttG9e4cbJ3qlNsvzbQWA0EKs54lXZ190CJoyfFg-3kMsPRzbGqn5JDQaK1TJ86n-Kpk6E/s320/cypress+72x48+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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of course I am aware that this is not a professional studio shot, of which I don't have the time or pocketbook. Most working artists don't, so the most important thing was to use the best gadgets, help and advice to improve what I could, and spend as little money as possible. </div>
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The hot spot of light, in the top middle or so of the painting is indicative of the nature of the gold leaf. Unfortunate as it is, what brings luster to the painting is also extremely difficult to photograph. I've had the metal leaf paintings photographed by professionals, and alas, there doesn't seem to be a magic bullet to correct this problem. So, I write it off as another beautiful problem with taking images of the metal.</div>
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So, circling back round to the photo session this week, to attempt to produce a usable image, with out having to spend or haul large paintings around to photo studios, I present exhibit A:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQGq9x-mwPfSS-WbzHi_EXlluqZSmK_BuRqkJNypneLkWnXhBriZt2GEu-lp62Bm3wj178ILT3SImYWwacQRzz41w1Mt_wKUbKi_hgBZLFFM5eYPKYTcG90JmJmOlmjNQef1P_rlJdoU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-29+at+9.20.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQGq9x-mwPfSS-WbzHi_EXlluqZSmK_BuRqkJNypneLkWnXhBriZt2GEu-lp62Bm3wj178ILT3SImYWwacQRzz41w1Mt_wKUbKi_hgBZLFFM5eYPKYTcG90JmJmOlmjNQef1P_rlJdoU/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-11-29+at+9.20.10+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought two of these, super simple to use lights. they've got a switch on the back that lets me switch from bright to super bright and when pointed toward the ceiling, the light bounces off and does a lovely job illuminating the area in which the subject resides, without being pointed directly at said subject. I also hung an additional white panel directly behind the painting as well as made sure that the image was shot during day light hours to utilize any naturally occurring light available.</div>
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Of course, it would just be plain wrong not to mention that the improved photo was taken by a friend with a " real" camera attached to an actual tripod, but since my photography skills are laughable, I'm not going to start writing anything about aperture or shutter speed (is that the same thing?)to name two. </div>
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I will stick with what I know:</div>
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I bought two bright lights and took a better picture.</div>
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Yay for me.</div>
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(and good thing I have friends with nice cameras and talent)</div>
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J.R.R. Tolkein wrote: "that shimmer of suggestion that never becomes clear sight, but always hints at something deeper, further on."<br />
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His suggestion of creating something more that what we see intrigues me. I take the message as an impressionistic artist might: <i>my</i> vision. The image I strive for in my painted canvas is not one of realism. Reality is the reason I have a camera, or I look to others photography for that image.<br />
It's the non reality I want.<br />
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It's more fun there anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSNvPYZXJaeIOJ5jnBaWJaKelNTDi7g_jbn6YLa7W7ZFOKOpHL3DAuoEQ-pYTpvVG6Z7Kq1RoV-u-BjTnhvlsmJv72PEDkmxvCK_CN4_Lqfzl8XyV0npIPreZe9TnMd6Butz54mY8Zc4/s1600/452+rainy+day+napa+36x39.25.jpg+oil+on+canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSNvPYZXJaeIOJ5jnBaWJaKelNTDi7g_jbn6YLa7W7ZFOKOpHL3DAuoEQ-pYTpvVG6Z7Kq1RoV-u-BjTnhvlsmJv72PEDkmxvCK_CN4_Lqfzl8XyV0npIPreZe9TnMd6Butz54mY8Zc4/s320/452+rainy+day+napa+36x39.25.jpg+oil+on+canvas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KtrjrnCWLLdMmzzIeCWS3UTQRuY1sB2091xBU77YkxYts1CVHzXkwrDmYoBqnJND0Dpo-mu0TBYV_TzKIMziKXqnQGcpoffg3WjOh3GrxACeGgKRZU1LiGND0m_0SMw3nKtum3rKxAo/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KtrjrnCWLLdMmzzIeCWS3UTQRuY1sB2091xBU77YkxYts1CVHzXkwrDmYoBqnJND0Dpo-mu0TBYV_TzKIMziKXqnQGcpoffg3WjOh3GrxACeGgKRZU1LiGND0m_0SMw3nKtum3rKxAo/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYphnriRR4w4ovqJoUh2DfQPl4lg-T1E4G0hjD8pxJqMfrZMhJWeaf9yiOgtjGYHaaMIiJLwDV-JuByEdt2auUCfZrT_PUBTLD79KbZ1-FwSRIMZihb3c4aEZV3VtR2ZHzcC_cdRGMT4/s1600/810+Ashley's+vineyard+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYphnriRR4w4ovqJoUh2DfQPl4lg-T1E4G0hjD8pxJqMfrZMhJWeaf9yiOgtjGYHaaMIiJLwDV-JuByEdt2auUCfZrT_PUBTLD79KbZ1-FwSRIMZihb3c4aEZV3VtR2ZHzcC_cdRGMT4/s320/810+Ashley's+vineyard+-+Version+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought I'd start a new regular item on my blog. I've not updated my regular website, katesalenfriend.com for quite some time, essentially because it's not set up for maintenance by me. Since it's complicated, I've taken to starting this blog. Well, four or five years go by and blam!, I haven't posted much new art and I'm mostly posting a whole lot of blabber.<br />
<br />
So, here goes. This'll be a regular feature, since I do, uh, paint every day. So, you can assume that I am also producing finished work as well. <br />
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Once posted, this category will land over there on the right column under the "My Art" header. Hope you'll come and visit!<br />
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I enjoy visiting another artists work space, whether here at the studio where there are 4 others or out and about in Napa, Sonoma or San Francisco.<br />
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When we have shows here at the studio, many visitors either peer into my mysterious cauldrons of varnish, poke at the many paint brushes or ask questions about my tools, some dull and obvious, others slightly more exotic.<br />
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The end justifies the means.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGyZEJ903MNkRIzgS8U1KoxQjKP1pcCsf0XMo8Mf05t_Tbze_nFbsJZSinnYCuVRqOft2haz9aDmSMCLECZCYOMbXjvPgdi9Z63j0YJmsrDlwqic8iLJdcxEiNOYANLrdUGmttN4Naww/s1600/photo+1+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGyZEJ903MNkRIzgS8U1KoxQjKP1pcCsf0XMo8Mf05t_Tbze_nFbsJZSinnYCuVRqOft2haz9aDmSMCLECZCYOMbXjvPgdi9Z63j0YJmsrDlwqic8iLJdcxEiNOYANLrdUGmttN4Naww/s320/photo+1+copy.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I'm a scissor freak. I use scissors of course, but the freak part comes because I need to always have a pair available when I want them, where I want them. So, I have many scissors...everywhere. And, when I see a particularly good deal on them, I buy in multiples, about half a gross at a time. Cause that's what scissor freaks do. Duh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqgUuBF0ukNSwBo57TJAivBap5RbBIpqQhBx6A2OLDh1fpZWtaVydrOmtsfhyphenhyphenGwPWcxw69GMus_YlwlWSSCOBU-HnVsNy1EyLJQf-I6hhoW0lwWimLrNUjH7NiQBnAoJXmuP5gyMyJuw/s1600/photo+2+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqgUuBF0ukNSwBo57TJAivBap5RbBIpqQhBx6A2OLDh1fpZWtaVydrOmtsfhyphenhyphenGwPWcxw69GMus_YlwlWSSCOBU-HnVsNy1EyLJQf-I6hhoW0lwWimLrNUjH7NiQBnAoJXmuP5gyMyJuw/s320/photo+2+copy+2.JPG" /></a></div>My rolling cart. <br />
I'm an advocate of the big purse/small purse rule. The bigger it is, the more you put in it and carry around. Not necessarily stuff you need.<br />
Rolling carts are the same. Do I need to have at hand every darn little thing in my studio supply arsenal? Of course not. But the daily supplies? Hell, yes. So I choose a compact albeit simple rolling cart. Enough shelves for efficiency and options, sides to drive in a screw or two to hang an odd tool and adequate height as to not have to lean over to mix paint, or just work. I'm not a tall person by any means, but I've had tables that I've leaned over and they've quickly been shown the door.<br />
The second item in the photo, although in the foreground and not given the credit it so deserves, is my chef's mat. Life at the studio changed for me once my chefs mat was in place. These pricey buggers can get up in the hundred dollar range, but of course I found mine at a home decor discount store and scored this 2x3' number for forty. I spend much of my work time in the studio on my feet and this is a life (feet/back) saver.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWzAqcfNQEDsOCz3-_Dn75Rr6fh3wv5KbeEbn4zn5z38m7nq_BtRzm7NfMQWqiOCxjQDgeoM2jIfOa_l3zMJQbgqZR5qBbJqcUF0y3nHac8-GykCFwC-ChQYSmIc2MAz0ogBgKzKK74I/s1600/photo+4+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWzAqcfNQEDsOCz3-_Dn75Rr6fh3wv5KbeEbn4zn5z38m7nq_BtRzm7NfMQWqiOCxjQDgeoM2jIfOa_l3zMJQbgqZR5qBbJqcUF0y3nHac8-GykCFwC-ChQYSmIc2MAz0ogBgKzKK74I/s320/photo+4+copy+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Paint tube storage/organizer thingy. Oh, how I love good organization.Gone are the days of rooting through a drawer for a particular paint color or trying to figure out if a particular color needs to be replenished. This little shelving number was free, ehem, found on the sidewalk and is truly one of the best tools in my studio. I put a dot of paint on the white cap of the paint tube so that at a glance I know what colors I am running low on. I blend my own colors from a basic palette that I don't often stray, so to me it's imperative that I always have these basics on hand. It makes me happy. And what's better than a happy artist? Nothing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl96Cv-LcsbfNksnZNMBBLmyTtPAIusJxDTtHFBoRV13pemCZdRVxlNEeJmvnXZIJBP7aHdGgfmQ1jxW1cF3OeONFZ11DbyciFSvae1l02ruSM2w-t9ln49NPaFSZcPqsAQLfgQXifEX8/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl96Cv-LcsbfNksnZNMBBLmyTtPAIusJxDTtHFBoRV13pemCZdRVxlNEeJmvnXZIJBP7aHdGgfmQ1jxW1cF3OeONFZ11DbyciFSvae1l02ruSM2w-t9ln49NPaFSZcPqsAQLfgQXifEX8/s320/photo+3-1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And whilst we're on the subject of paint tubes, this little gem is how I squeeze out 200ml's of paint at a time. I create a fair amount of art that is large format and for large format work, large quantities of paint are needed, not little dime size squirts on the palette, but rather large heaps, akin to a fair sized potato. Since my hands take a beating using many tools and I've subjected myself to hand surgery, I look for and use tools that will assist me in the avoidance of strain. An this little squeezie-outie does just that. <br />
I've really got my technical terminology down. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJTOV9ESHPkI9969Sg3HI13o-suOpTscWf_8gCA3I2OQeuXF36QDOe1Qc8Z5qHMcXBTVDTjcH3n8efIppooPToMlM6SVtvxeR2K5i8srWiOh6J8gCk4MM4kCz5rJXjm4K2_UXQ8FpSTw/s1600/photo+5+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJTOV9ESHPkI9969Sg3HI13o-suOpTscWf_8gCA3I2OQeuXF36QDOe1Qc8Z5qHMcXBTVDTjcH3n8efIppooPToMlM6SVtvxeR2K5i8srWiOh6J8gCk4MM4kCz5rJXjm4K2_UXQ8FpSTw/s320/photo+5+copy+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And lastly, from top to bottom, coated copper wire, 5/8" wood screws and d-rings. The un-sung heroes of art for the wall, they hold it all together in the back of your painting and make it all right with the world, or at least your wall. Yes, fairly boring stuff, but to not finish out a painting with the correct hanging hardware is just stupid. Oh, and lazy. If and artist wants to sell his/her hanging wall art (I'm only addressing paintings as that's what I am, a painter) they should darn well take the extra step and make that art hanging ready. I can't tell you how many artists I know that don't do this and think their painting is finished once that signature goes on. Geez. When someone falls in love with your painting and wants it in their life, do they really want to take it home and hunt down hanging hardware? uh, no. <br />
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Before I launch into a vein popping diatribe about sloth and the artist, I'll leave you fair reader with the aforementioned list of favorite studio tools. Use wisely.<br />
Any favorite tools of your trade?<br />
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I thought I'd compile a list of my top five favorite greens. The five most used and enjoyed by me greens. They live with me everyday.<br />
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1. gardening.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqVo97GOmAZhPXa6G-cNJhAaeo2vydo0yhJG_Ethaarme9svyYNiasu382DgxH_UqW3YGD61Fs-IQIwa9pNmCsBefYmVmrxLytVxLXRwN-7YHWzWkNLY1LgU4qQYTZU8pNnPxSwHIAM/s1600/Photo+on+6-9-12+at+6.17+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqVo97GOmAZhPXa6G-cNJhAaeo2vydo0yhJG_Ethaarme9svyYNiasu382DgxH_UqW3YGD61Fs-IQIwa9pNmCsBefYmVmrxLytVxLXRwN-7YHWzWkNLY1LgU4qQYTZU8pNnPxSwHIAM/s400/Photo+on+6-9-12+at+6.17+PM.jpg" /></a><br />
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this pic is taken in my backyard of planted green beans, working hard at growing. gardening brings me contentment like nothing else.<br />
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2. sap green oil paint. Hands down my favorite hue of green. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcYuZZwVk0Or2EFeqKJQE1whALqSVgshkiUTo9XkAqY1Bw2c-TXz5wIFeDjMfa8N2YkZnPha374Q223uXYZwg0Abzc4NYEWF10o5uB_OStuw5fIl0BhM9mz_Gyfza3JWZVBQcUdQue-8/s1600/thumbnail+order+from+chaos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="244" width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcYuZZwVk0Or2EFeqKJQE1whALqSVgshkiUTo9XkAqY1Bw2c-TXz5wIFeDjMfa8N2YkZnPha374Q223uXYZwg0Abzc4NYEWF10o5uB_OStuw5fIl0BhM9mz_Gyfza3JWZVBQcUdQue-8/s400/thumbnail+order+from+chaos.jpg" /></a><br />
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not that sap green is some superior strain of pigment. No, it's more that it's a familiar friend. I come back to it time and time again as it's familiar and I like that about it. I know how it'll mix with others, I understand when it will be transparent and when I can count on it for cover. It's dependable. It's the potato of the paint world for me. This is a thumbnail image of a painting called "order from chaos" This painting started my long relationship with sap green. <br />
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3. Money. Duh. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5j6N5_XcP_kVkUcsPSIi-iN9yt6YinzKSDTREMq2OhD6Tppq_yVSSFFdk545dG6o9fDQxVzUDfJ5V7qoiHhPEEso1hmqyKC3zEz-0f_b28aI8-qx1q_fXL1YGIWe2UNoqZVqvK-_xFw/s1600/k0353715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="128" width="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5j6N5_XcP_kVkUcsPSIi-iN9yt6YinzKSDTREMq2OhD6Tppq_yVSSFFdk545dG6o9fDQxVzUDfJ5V7qoiHhPEEso1hmqyKC3zEz-0f_b28aI8-qx1q_fXL1YGIWe2UNoqZVqvK-_xFw/s400/k0353715.jpg" /></a><br />
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4. my puccini painting. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6cVpHiTeBLztzayD0RFEfl1g6WLIWwmUM4ufCzBR0af-Pm0fJibglxKuIBoGYac5ujsjecBZRVn7fzMc8Q2Z7w7meZgbLgaykup00Ka5JxH4tmb1ZrcptttYc5wCihmoaYHKqUJWqI0/s1600/puccini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6cVpHiTeBLztzayD0RFEfl1g6WLIWwmUM4ufCzBR0af-Pm0fJibglxKuIBoGYac5ujsjecBZRVn7fzMc8Q2Z7w7meZgbLgaykup00Ka5JxH4tmb1ZrcptttYc5wCihmoaYHKqUJWqI0/s400/puccini.jpg" /></a><br />
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no false modesty here. i love this painting of giacomo puccini. there is so much green in this painting, sap green, that when you get close, his skin is like a big fresco of layers upon layers of color and under it all and through out: green. the painting measures in at five feet high by four wide and hangs over my sofa.<br />
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5. Verdigris. From Wikipedia: The green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze, sometimes called verdigris, usually consists of a mixture of chlorides, sulphides and carbonates (copper carbonate, copper chloride or copper sulphide). Atacamite is another name for the patina compounds. Verdigris can be produced on copper by the application of vinegar (acetic acid). Such a verdigris is water-soluble and will not last on the outside of a building like a "true" patina. It is usually used as pigment.<br />
One example of a patina is a green surface texture created by slow chemical alteration of copper, producing a basic carbonate. It can form on pure copper objects as well as alloys which contain copper, such as bronze or brass.<br />
Often, antique and well used firearms will develop a patina on the steel after the bluing, parkerizing, or other finish has worn. Firearms in this state are generally considered more valuable than ones that have been re-blued or parkerized. The patina protects the firearm from more damaging rust that would occur were the patina to be polished off.<br />
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The Statue of Liberty gets its green color from the natural patina formed on its copper surface.<br />
A patina layer takes many years to develop under natural weathering. A copper roof will patinate faster than a copper facade, due to the longer dwell time of water on the surface. Buildings in coastal / marine locations will weather and develop a patina layer faster than ones in inland areas. For example, a new copper facade in central London will most likely not develop a "typical" green patina until after 50 years.<br />
Facade cladding (copper cladding) with alloys of copper, e.g. brass or bronze, will weather differently than "pure" copper cladding. Even a lasting gold colour is possible with copper-alloy cladding, for example Colston Hall in Bristol, or the Novotel at Paddington Central, London.<br />
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wasn't that interesting?<br />
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So there you have it. There are loads more greens that I'm just as madly in love with, but for the purpose of right now, that's the list.<br />
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oh wait, I almost forgot.<br />
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I have another green love that I can't shake: this damn couch that I must one day have.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhG2OGsUz_XhyaSw9oknWA8I2ZDEqxUrhX4zcjX9AFbFZxSbImlvza4ZKjc02JPvs3rl38xY8bG2hz6OjepnEJRXw1pnicwyy4Rjg9-OQHIEj21c_nFSvRwQd98-CEvN4jXNgk7P5PPc/s1600/DSCN4124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhG2OGsUz_XhyaSw9oknWA8I2ZDEqxUrhX4zcjX9AFbFZxSbImlvza4ZKjc02JPvs3rl38xY8bG2hz6OjepnEJRXw1pnicwyy4Rjg9-OQHIEj21c_nFSvRwQd98-CEvN4jXNgk7P5PPc/s400/DSCN4124.jpg" /></a><br />
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of course it's got dings and rips, the legs need replacing because they're so out of date, but it's just one of those pieces that I can't get out of my mind. It's at Ma(i)sonry in Yountville, coincidentally where I show and sell my art. The image was lifted from <a href="http://www.katiedid.blogspot.com">katydid</a> who was up in Yountville for an event and captured the essence of this chesterfield. (Do chesterfield's have an essence?) don't answer that.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Uh, yeah. I like to eat them too.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jHRoS6RL20X4q7j0tzDlZdoHokIDPKNq3NUuop8JhKM7yiW2I6uwPo8adKbGY4H2daoghOuPpl4JsJdv4POy85S0fL7E3vruHkLaH-k6Qv2L6PNBHqdtxHBMDenrDYX-JjLS3SF2SBA/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="318" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jHRoS6RL20X4q7j0tzDlZdoHokIDPKNq3NUuop8JhKM7yiW2I6uwPo8adKbGY4H2daoghOuPpl4JsJdv4POy85S0fL7E3vruHkLaH-k6Qv2L6PNBHqdtxHBMDenrDYX-JjLS3SF2SBA/s400/photo+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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I've had such great luck with craigslist that I've even had people that've posted something free deliver it to me! Isn't life great?!
So, my latest score are these flat files for the studio. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK891bfwSpudtEvc_2hyx_wxL50ivGOBktsW4ZsPKFUsTb2D_gdW2NlC48limRypNLvs_8QmZWozrQAoVl7drccoyv8uOObTuCHqhvz_YVk-PwexzFZFo0FW79kGMhKQT2tPV-OSmC440/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK891bfwSpudtEvc_2hyx_wxL50ivGOBktsW4ZsPKFUsTb2D_gdW2NlC48limRypNLvs_8QmZWozrQAoVl7drccoyv8uOObTuCHqhvz_YVk-PwexzFZFo0FW79kGMhKQT2tPV-OSmC440/s400/photo.JPG" /></a></div>
Here, locally in Napa so really all the effort was to pay my cash and carry fifteen drawers and the bases up and down the stairs....20 times. So worth it.
For work on paper, oil paintings and sketches this flat file is invaluable to me as I can now store them as they should be- not under my work table in a pile along with wood, trash and an old printer.
My organized self is a happy self.
A fellow blogger that I read on a regular basis, <a href="http://ladolfina.blogspot.com/">La Dolfina</a>posted on a trip to Yountville recently and featured Ma(i)sonry where I show my art. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2sjAM1LwIN4eVGQ5Wo0w7xyhvkILhhBrBdHHpEfwTaCTbwYDXsaDeGUjjFdlPW_ablN6zdK9BF3Qz-gjYEWiffJNZWQBjA-2ZYKeEzeJStoZk8hjT-sxLjFRVlO6YeLaQZi792QWaLc/s1600/maisonry+as+featured+in+Dolfina+Blog%252C+may+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2sjAM1LwIN4eVGQ5Wo0w7xyhvkILhhBrBdHHpEfwTaCTbwYDXsaDeGUjjFdlPW_ablN6zdK9BF3Qz-gjYEWiffJNZWQBjA-2ZYKeEzeJStoZk8hjT-sxLjFRVlO6YeLaQZi792QWaLc/s400/maisonry+as+featured+in+Dolfina+Blog%252C+may+12.JPG" /></a></div>
Thanks so much! Always a small thrill to see my own paintings show up in different places with a new audience!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552352833125764075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675509934169925361.post-37693385641936012882011-11-18T09:47:00.000-08:002011-11-18T09:52:37.979-08:00I thought I knew me. Turns out I didn't.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu90up5ZWN8YLff0gAzDYmhA3bDyozL3UUC4flfVi0nfMjUOdvVJE5l06LktREl8pApsj1NqGmhyphenhyphenbFeIQn6Th_Sos4_8GMsduTXuuumPSXEKun5TqbIbAVWAEu9HoEsVSj-R_cx-mEcs0/s1600/photo_1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu90up5ZWN8YLff0gAzDYmhA3bDyozL3UUC4flfVi0nfMjUOdvVJE5l06LktREl8pApsj1NqGmhyphenhyphenbFeIQn6Th_Sos4_8GMsduTXuuumPSXEKun5TqbIbAVWAEu9HoEsVSj-R_cx-mEcs0/s400/photo_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676395134610514354" /></a><br />On another note...Look what's up! The big, bold, big cypress painting.<br /><br />Officially titled: " l'ordre du chaos" , unofficially : "more order, less chaos"<br />6 feet tall, 10 feet wide. <br /><br />Now installed at I. Wolk gallery in St. Helena, CA<br /><br />Loving it's grandness in the gallery and I'm so happy it's getting "hang time" on the wall in this public space. Art should be seen.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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