Gallery Organization… still in progress, but a little closer to being my HAPPY PLACE! I did take a break from cleaning and sorting and organizing to “play” a little. I finished up 7 new small collage pieces for the original art blank cards I have available at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, in Melbourne. A great way to share original art with someone special… or keep it for yourself.
Finally getting the new studio somewhat organized and so happy to get some time to work on a few small pieces.
I sorted so much of my supplies while packing that I can’t find a lot of things. Eeeek, moving is stressful. The new small works will be used for original blank greeting cards.
I really enjoyed painting this piece focusing on the composition of the tattered leaves of the Bird of Paradise. Using lots of bold colors to represent the tropical environment, I replaced almost all the greens with teal, reds and pinks. I also incorporated collage, with my hand-painted patterned papers applied to some of the leaves.
Work is underway for my solo-exhibition. I was originally scheduled for October 2022, but due to delays and obstacles… it will happen next year. I’m happy for the additional time to explore and enjoy the process. I’ll be working in acrylics and mixed media collage, sharing my love for all things southern, even alligators. Stay Tuned!
It’s taken some time, but I’ve learned that creating art intuitively is the very best approach for me. Not to say that it takes less effort or discipline, but the overall process is more enjoyable! Listening to my inner art voice is usually smart. Sometimes it guides me to trust myself… go in a different direction or be brave in my choices. The “process” of art making is why I make art after-all, if it’s not enjoyable, then I’m doing something wrong. These 2 turtles are a good example of starting a new piece intuitively. In the midst of playing with a very bold palette they appeared 😊. They are on their way… lots of collage and paint to come.
Things are gearing back up, I’m happy to say. Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, the artist co-op I’m part of is re-opening next week. I’m back to teaching my painting class (following safe distancing guidelines). I’m finding less time to be in the studio… which is the downside to returning to “normal”. I’ve been so inspired lately with lots of time for reflection and to take a creative deep breath. Since January I’ve started 9 new painting; some with lots of collage and others that are mostly paint. It’s exciting to get to the studio and explore the progress, then choose what I will work on that day.
This mangrove piece is from a photo I took while on a boat ride down the Indian River. I manipulated the colors on my computer till I had an exciting palette then used that image as a reference. I’m hoping to finish this one up within the next couple of visits.
Thanks for taking a look!
Well… it’s day 11 or maybe 9, #social distancing #covid19 #saferathome.
I’ve been really inspired since the beginning of the year. 2020! Time to get some amazing artwork done. Then… a pandemic? It’s a challenging time for sure. Artists need an audience. Most sales are in person and with outdoor festivals cancelled and my gallery temporarily closed to the public, it’s easy to get discouraged. Then inspiration prods and I get down to my studio and get busy! I Love the quote attributed to Picasso; “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” I’m trying to make that my motto everyday.
I LOVE what I’m blessed to do… hope you will enjoy! Be safe, wash your hands, no fear!
I LOVE to escape into creativity! it’s why I named my studio “artescape ” Lol. Escape… Lately… Not a, chance! I’m sitting at my studio this morning, oh so briefly, wondering when in the world I’m going to spend 3, 4 hours… the whole day, making art! Everything (nothing fun) lately has prevented that from occurring. Sometime or another, life is overwhelming, everything sort of stinks… Reflecting back to the 80’s of my young adulthood… it’s like Roseanne Roseannadanna says: “like I always say, it’s always something, if it’s not one thing it’s another “.
I’ve decided to embrace preparing for those glorious opportunities to be free, to be creative! So I’ve been painting papers, again. It’s amazing how much painted paper one needs to create a large mixed media piece, like a cow or a goat or a sea turtle. A lot! So when I don’t have time to fully escape, I enjoy playing around with my art stuff. Paint, rollers, stencils and paper, along with a fairly clean table (sometimes the floor) and I’m happy. It’s wonderful to turn on some music and just start painting with nothing particular in mind.
Like a lot of creative people, I’m messy… so every so often, when I’m spending too much time looking for the one thing I need but can’t find, I stop what I’m doing and organize to some degree. This is another way of preparing for future creative opportunities. I find that “thing” that I saved or a scrap of something I painted a while back, and ooooh, it leads to spotting another bit of something that is so perfectly paired with the first thing and so it goes. I start little piles of gathered items and eventually, they will be used together to create a piece of art, like the 2 square pieces in the photo below. (Works in progress) Just imagining the possibilities… I feel better already. Preparing can be creative and often times more enjoyable than finishing a piece of art. Soon, very soon, you’ll find me at my studio :)
RENEE DECATOR, life stories 