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.
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!
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 :)
They didn’t stick around long… Pinky and Sophie both sold at the Melbourne Art Festival last weekend. It was fun to work with the animal theme… especially farm animals. I also loved the bright and cheerful color palette and plan to do a few more pieces to add to the “collection”.
Chickens are a favorite… such personalities, and oh my, thinking donkey :) such sweet faces. Thanks to all for your encouragement and nice comments! Parting with art is not always easy, but seeing other people excited and smiling about my art makes all the effort worthwhile.
Over the past year or so, I’ve done quite a few artworks depicting the night… I do LOVE the moon, moonlight and animals that come out at night. The newest pieces I have started have a much brighter daytime palette. It’s nice to get back to some lovely blues, greens, pinks and yellows. I make art that makes me happy… that’s really important to me. These are playful and fun, and explore the amazing imagination of our Creator! I’m thankful to have the opportunity creatively share my vision of the world we live in. There is magic to be seen… everywhere.
While I’m trying to wait patiently to welcome an actual goat to my family… I decided to paint/collage one — not that I’m planning to get a cow too, but she needed a friend. Next…a flock of chickens. I’m working on some sketches :)
If all goes well… Sophie and Pinky will make their debut at the Melbourne Art Festival (Booth A 185) April 27th and 28th. (18″ x 24″ mixed media on cradled board. )
I’ve been in my studio this week doing a little sorting and exploring and remembering. I used to be so good with names and memory recall… Not so good anymore. I’m leaning on the theory that highly intelligent, creative thinkers brains prioritize memories to best utilize brain function… something like that :) lol, I can’t quite remember.
I’m going to be the Artist in Residence at Viera High School, here in Brevard County next week and have been thinking about my current creative processes. With 24 years as a practicing artist there are a lot of experiences, workshops, materials and creative exploration that have brought me to where I am now. This will be an important message to share with young artists. Experience and exploration is just as important as profiency in specific techniques. I love teaching… sharing information and my personal experiences. My number one goal is to express the excitement of living a life that values the beauty and wonder of everyday.
Wish me luck… my husband says to “be on guard, don’t show any weaknesses or they will devour me”. I say, “these are budding artists, we are all sensitive, emotional, expressive people… we speak the same language”.
Updates to follow!
Remembering
RENEE DECATOR, life stories 