Calliope knows the truth

A good friend of mine, a former studio mate, came to visit me on the opening night of my guest appearance down at the Pendleton Studios in downtown Cincinnati. She asked me about one of her favorite paintings and why I hadn't put it up for the show. I told her it wasn't for sale. That it was in my private collection. But I did print out a postcard copy of it that I was giving away for free. She took one, of course.

Romance

I really don't take the best of photos of my work, but the painting she was referring to was a piece I did last summer called Romance. 

I suspect another reason why I don't put it out for display is that the painting itself is simple, probably a bit crude. But the story it tells, at least to me, was something that may appeal to many of us. At least, I know it did or does for my friend who came to visit last week.

It is really a simple story, too, as the title suggest ... Romance. And, yes, it is a part of all our lives at some point or another. Maybe more than once. 

When you find that special someone, he or she can put the stars in the sky. Even the dog, Calliope, knows the music in their hearts can light up the sky. And once the stars are in the sky, they never really go away. Calliope knows that too.

What happens from here, no one really ever knows do they? I suspect the couple will reappear in another painting down the road. I'm thinking that painting will have more of a realistic twist to it. And, I think, Calliope will make a reappearance again too. 

If you get the chance on the July Final Friday (July 26), I will be back at the Pendleton Studios (Studio 221) where Dawn Dwyer has been kind enough to share her space with me. Hopefully, I will be able to be there for a while. 

SECOND SATURDAY -- I will be sharing a small space at the Loveland Art Studios beginning this coming Saturday, July 13. Water colorist and Cincinnati Art Club signature member, Nancy Sullivan, has graciously allowed me a wall in her studio on the first floor the the building. Studios open from 6-10 p.m. this Saturday!

Works in progress ... 

 

Why do I do this to myself? Colored pencil was my first introduction to "color" and while I have had some success in the field, I don't truly consider myself a "color pencil artist." The medium is so darned difficult. It's unforgiving and you better know where you are going before you even attempt to go there. The map best well be set for you to follow.

Marin

That being said, I'm feverishly working on two colored pencil pieces that have to be completed and framed before the September 3 turn-in deadline for entry in the local Cincinnati District 119 annual show.

The portrait, Marin, I believe some of you may have seen in a previous blog and, believe it or not, I have actually made significant progress on it. Unfortunately, I have only had time to spend working on this once a week. On the very positive side, I have had the outstanding wisdom of Ken Buck to guide me through this endeavor. Ken, who actually judged the local CPSA show last year, is one of Cincinnati's truly gifted artists and one of the finest art teachers I've had the pleasure to work with over the years. He knows color and how it works better than anyone.







The second piece I have been working on in just the last week and have made excellent progress. Again, the artwork suffers (at least I hope it does) because of my lack of skill in photographing my work. (Set it on an easel, shoot a picture. Anything more complicated takes up time that I do not have right now.) And now that I look at it on this post, it looks crooked too. It's really not!

Untitled

Now I just have to finish them ... sigh ... 


This year's District Chapter show will be be held at The Barn -- the Cincinnati Women's Art Club in Mariemont. It truly is a special venue, despite the name of the facility. Opening Night reception will be Friday, Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Make plans to see this show. The chapter has some exceptionally gifted artists who produce amazing artwork.