Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion

I have been invited to submit my work in a special exhibition called "Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion" from August 27 - October 4, 2013.  I started painting a veiled lady with a sorrowful face but wasn't happy with it. I went on vacation and upon return, I scrapped it.

One day, I was looking at old photographs and saw one of my late mother's on her 81st birthday. Something clicked.  I decided to paint her, silver hair and all. The portrait is almost done.  Although the exhibition theme inspired me to paint her, I decided to keep it and submit another piece for the exhibition.  Back to work.

No more errors!

Guess what!  My art website is now up and running, thanks to webbrewers.com!  No more errors (hopefully).  Check it out.

http://paintingsbycynthia.com

To the Hotshots

Dedicated to the 19 members of the elite group of firefighters, Hotshots, who were killed in the Yarnell, Arizona wildfire. This is to remind us how unpredictable and deadly wildfires can be.

 Wildfire by Cynthia Angeles, Oil on Canvas, 21" x 31"

Website Move

I have been having problems with my (free) website host (000webhost.com) for almost two weeks now.  Perhaps, it is time to graduate to paid hosting.  I apologize in advance if you are not able to visit my website for a few days but it will soon be up, many thanks to webbrewers.com.

Nelson Mandela and His Family

This is not a proper venue to voice out my opinions about public figures but I will make an exception for Nelson Mandela.  He is my ideal of a good leader and a good person.  The many times my husband had traveled to Pretoria and Johannesburg on business, he always hoped he'd get a chance to meet the great Madiba.  I, too, during my few visits there, dreamed I would see him by accident.

Now that Mandela is lying close to death in a hospital bed, his family is feuding about his grave site and monies.  The great leader who, after 26 years of imprisonment, took control of the country, tried everything to reconcile the black majority and the Afrikaners who imposed apartheid.

"Evidently grace and dignity are not inherited," an editorial in the Citizen, a local paper, wrote.     

Here it is again - No Apologies: A Slideshow of My Art

The above video is a virtual gallery of my work.  Why the title No Apologies?  My styles and themes are so varied that most people say my art portfolio looks like a group exhibition.  Usually, galleries show artists with a common theme and a consistent style.  I prefer to paint what I feel and sometimes challenge myself to try a genre I haven't done in the past.  The common threads that bind my art are the vivid colors and a "need to convey a mood or tell a story".      

How I clean my paint brushes and palette knives (update)

An artist should know how to treat paint brushes and palette knives with care.  From a class I took with Ed Furuike in Honolulu, I learned how to paint with a palette knife and how to clean it.  I first wipe off the excess paint in a newspaper or an old phonebook page, then clean it with a baby wipe sheet.  Works like magic!

When I'm finished painting with my brushes, I dip them in turpenoid (water for acrylic users) and blot them on newspaper or cheap paper towels.  You can also clean them with baby wipes.  Once I'm done, I clean each brush with Lava soap, rinse it clean, then rub it on Octagon soap to soften the bristles.  I rinse the brushes thoroughly and let them dry upright in an empty container.

It sounds like a lot of work but taking care of your brushes and palette knives will assure a longer life.

Miami condo update

I finally found another condo for our vacation in South Beach.  It was a pleasant flat but the complex was too big and too crowded.  The parking was too far to walk with luggage and all.  Anyway, this may be our last visit there.  We had mostly stormy weather and only 1 1/2 days of sunshine during our 11-day stay. 

WHAT A SCAM!!!

We've just been scammed by a guy who phished a Florida realtor's email. We had already transfered funds to a Barclays account in Surrey, England of a Viktor Stoian before we found out from the real property manager that it was a scam. There were other victims.  So, beware!!!  Now, I've got to find another condo for our upcoming vacation.

Another new painting!

Tempest, Oil on Canvas, 15" x 19"

This canvas was covered with excess light blue paint from another piece for months. Sometime late last year, I started a plain seascape which looked terribly boring so I put it aside. In March this year, I used my palette knife to add more waves to the water and it started to look interesting but not quite done. Then, just a few days ago, I added a couple of rocks and more movement in the water with different shades of greens and blues. There is hardly a dividing line between sky and sea.

 

Two New Paintings

I started the Swamp last year but put it aside for a long time.  I worked on it again on and off this year and just did the finishing touches yesterday.  I think it is done.

 

 The Swamp, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 40" 

I had been thinking of doing a portrait of an old couple for quite a long time.  I saw a couple in their late 70's (I think) on the bus but was too embarrassed to take a photo.  So, I searched the web and found an image I based Afternoon Stroll  on.  I started this in March and just finished it yesterday.

 

 Afternoon Stroll, Oil on Canvas, 20" x 16"

Family Visit and Painting

We had a wonderful visit from my family the week of April 15 - a lot of eating, drinking, and endless chatting.  I thought my husband would get overwhelmed but he was a real trooper - bless his heart!

My painting was put on hold but I made a lot of progress with the three pieces I was working on the week before.  It takes me a while to decide when to stop working on a painting.  A former art teacher said, "One of the most difficult things for an artist is to know when to stop working on a painting."  One piece is near completion - it is a landscape on a 30" x 40" gallery canvas.  I am quite pleased with the colors I've used and I've already signed it (?) but it needs a few more finishing touches.  I will post a photo when it is ready.

Painting in Quietude

It’s been pretty quiet around here this week. Most people are probably out of town to see their families for Easter and Passover. My better half is away on a fishing trip. So, I took advantage of the respite to paint, working on three paintings alternately. While one was drying, I worked on another. My work table is a mess but it is a studio, after all. I only clear up when expecting guests. Bliss!

No Apologies - a slideshow of my art

I just created the above video.  Why No Apologies?  My styles and themes are so varied that people say my art portfolio looks like a group exhibition.  Most galleries show artists with a common theme and a consistent style.  I prefer to paint what I feel and sometimes challenge myself to try a genre I haven't done in the past.  The common threads that bind my art are the vivid colors and a "need to convey a mood or tell a story".      

My dentist's office - Part II

The rest of the paintings in my dentist’s clinic are as follows:

The Old Oak (Oil on Canvas, 17″ x 21″ including frame)

Bambusa (Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 18″, unframed)

 

 

Bambusa II (Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 18″, unframed)

 

My dentist's office

I sat in my dentist’s waiting room yesterday and was surrounded by my own paintings. More than a year ago, I made arrangements for some of my paintings to be hung in his clinic but I still get surprised with each visit.

The Brook is the biggest attention-drawer, according to the office. No wonder, it is a 30″ x 40″ canvas with lovely autumn colors.

Benguerra Coast is the second most popular piece among the lot. It is a 16″ x 20″ oil painting (including frame).

Here's how to follow

To follow this blog (http://artbycangeles.blogspot.com/), click on the blue button on the right (Join this site), and follow through your gmail, twitter, or yahoo account.  Thanks!

I'm back!

I just got back from a 5-week vacation to Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and England.  My husband and I enjoyed the food in various restaurants in Eastwood Mall, Quezon City and at my sister's home, and I loved sampling the local cuisine at the hawker stalls in Lorong Perak, Kuala Lumpur.  Much as I love food and wine, I won't be featuring them in my art anytime soon.  I need to finish the canvasses I started before I left.

Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring

Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring

This is my favorite among Vermeer's paintings.  In my art class in 1996, when Vermeer's works were visiting at the National Art Gallery in Washington, DC, my art teacher asked us to copy it.  Armed with just a small magazine print of the painting, I started working on a 16" x 20" canvas.  Below is what came out:

My version of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring

You will see the difference outright but it was not a bad attempt considering that I had only been painting for two years then.

STOP THE CARNAGE!

Voices of Hope, Oil on Canvas, 21" x 21"

 

I painted "Voices of Hope" to express my solidarity with the protesting women of the Middle East whose voices against the carnage in their homelands are muffled by politics and guns.

Flaming Lava reposted

In August 2011, I took a three-hour art class with Ed Furuike in Honolulu (http://www.furuikeart.com/web/) on oil painting with a palette knife.  Ed is a Hawaiian professional artist who really enjoys teaching.  I was delighted to be in his class and marveled at what one could do on a canvas with a palette knife.  I completed “Flaming Lava” below which he mailed to me.  I couldn’t believe I did it with a palette knife.

I chose the model from one of Ed’s magazine photos and bravely started what I had never done before, with his guidance and help.  Then he suggested that I add a white bird to the scene (barely discernible in the upper middle part of the frame).  When there is a volcanic eruption, Hawaiian legend says the lone white bird is Pele which travels alone and is protective of its domain.

Flaming Lava, Oil on Canvas, 14" x 18"

I still don't feel comfortable with palette knife painting but I have finished an abstract piece I called "Tsunami" done mostly with a palette knife (see below) and recently started a seascape with a combination of brush and palette knife.  I will post an image when I finish it.

Tsunami, oil on wood, 13" x 14"

Copying images - theft or compliment?

I google myself rarely but did several days ago and was surprised to find my painting Grief (below) in a few sites.  I had the same experience a couple of years ago and wrote on the blog of the author, asking why my permission was not asked before posting the image.  The image had been taken out.  This time, I posed the same question to the blogger, got a huge apology and my image was taken out.  He studiously looked for my name to give me credit and that was much appreciated.

I have a website and a blog so my paintings are "out there" and can be  used.  I have no watermark to protect it because I don't like watermarks - it ruins the image, I think.  In this day and age of the internet, images can be easily copied and used, copyright notwithstanding.    

"Grief" has been used quite a few times in people's blogs to reflect their feelings about a personal or public tragedy and I am flattered.  I am proud of this piece, as well as my other paintings of "suffering women".  But I would appreciate it very much if those wishing to use any of my images to ask my permission first and not to attribute their postings to me.

 

"Grief" by Cynthia Angeles

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

I wish everyone good health, good cheer, and better circumstances in your endeavors.  I might as well wish myself the same things.  A few thoughts about my art came to mind:

Where is my art going?  Is it going anywhere?  Does it matter?  Of course, it does to any artist.  Will I carry on painting?  Of course, I will.  I just hope that my website will help my art gain exposure and that it will eventually translate into sales so that I can paint some more!

GRIEF

Grief, Oil on Linen, 31" x 25" 

I can best express my feelings about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut through my painting above, Grief. 

Christmas is almost here!

I still get excited about the holidays despite a sad but funny episode in my childhood.  I was about 5 or 6 years old when I hung an old stocking by my bedpost on Christmas Eve, only to find it empty on Christmas Day.  I wondered why Santa passed me by so I asked my mother why.  She then asked me with a straight face:  Did you wash your stocking before hanging it?  Maybe that is why Santa didn't leave you anything.  From then on until I figured out who Santa really was, I made sure my Christmas stocking was clean and fresh.

Thanksgiving gets me started on the holiday mood and I start thinking of getting the wreath out, putting some Christmas decorations together (but not a tree), and fixing up the place.  I also planned on sending Christmas cards but I ran out of time this year so I have sent e-cards instead (sorry!)

Since Thanksgiving week, I have worked on four (yes, four!) canvasses.  Because of holiday preparations and parties, I have put them aside.  Hopefully, I will get to finish them early next year.  I wish everyone one of the following:

    a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
    Happy Hanukkah,
    Happy Kwanzaa, or simply
    Happy Holidays

Computer Woes Saga

I work on my computer all the time to update my websites and my blogs. Having found myself riddled with freezing problems since April this year, I had to rely heavily on my iPad (quite useful but with limited functions) for email and internet. My desktop was a Dell Inspiron 560s which was just 2 years old when the freezing happened. Because my warranty had expired, I had to purchase additional warranty from Dell for them to resolve the problem. I was also persuaded to purchase Norton 360 for protection. After spending close to $300, I worked with the Dell technology staff for days, resetting my desktop to factory settings, etc. but to no avail. In the end, they refunded what I spent and recommended that I take my desktop to a local computer repair expert.

And so I did. In July 2012, I took my desktop to Arlington Virginia Computer Repair. Alex was quite helpful and personable. My desktop went through their diagnostic process. It was determined that my desktop had a failed hard drive. This included a brand new hard drive, Windows, drivers, updates and basic software (including free anti-virus) installation, tune-up and testing. The intermittent freezing did not stop, however, even after the installation of a new video card, a cooling fan, and BIOS update. One day, the monitor just went blank so I bought a new monitor, hoping that it was causing the problem. Well, the new monitor also froze, and after a few seconds, went blank.
      
I then decided to get a new desktop and use my recently bought monitor. When I got everything set up, I started restoring my files which didn't work well. I tried to access Mozilla and Facebook but couldn't so I contacted HP support, worried and furious because of what I had gone through. Luckily, the technician, after running some tests, asked what modem I was using. She determined that it was my old modem (a Westell Versalink 327W) which was causing the problem. She contacted Verizon for me. After a few tests, the tech rep decided to send me a new modem (free of charge!). Once I got the new modem set up, my computer started working and I haven't had any problems for 3 full days now (fingers crossed!).

Now, I have to see if I can sell my video card, motherboard, CPU, cooling fan, etc. to recoup some of my expenses.

Thoughts on Veterans' Day

I thought of all the veterans who served the United States in various wars and have been mostly forgotten or ignored by society. Thanks to all of you! I hope we will be able to give back what is (over)due you one way or the other.

Gen. Petraeus may have succumbed to human weakness but it is not for us to judge him. He served his country and its people well and he deserves respect for that.  And for that, we should be grateful.

Blue Mood and Indecision

 

Blue Mood, which had been selected as Nude of the Day for May 4, 2010 and October 7, 2012 at Barebrush Gallery, was again selected as Nude of the Day for November 11, 2012. You can vote for your favorite nude of the month and curator’s choice at the following link:

http://barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/NOTM2012_11.php?calendar_nbr=0

Indecision, which had been juried in as Best-of-the-Rest at Barebrush Gallery for March 29, 2012 and for May 27, 2012, was chosen for November 30, 2012. To vote, here is the link:

http://barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/BOTR2012_11.php?calendar_nbr=2

Having been selected three times by different jurors, both will be “retired” from the calendar competition at Barebrush Gallery.

Hurricane Sandy

The Washington area is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy.  It started raining last night but the weather forecast predicts very strong winds and several inches of rain.  Hopefully, there will be minimal property damage and the power stays on.

I wish I could neutralize a cold, rainy day like this by creating some colorful art on canvas but I have a terrible cold and a sore throat to boot.  I don't feel like doing much except watch the trees sway with the wind.  Oh well.... 

Blue Mood - Vote for Nude of the Month

Blue Mood, which was chosen as Nude of the Day for May 4, 2010 at Barebrush Gallery wa selected as Nude of the Day for Oct 7.  Voting ends soon so please vote for your favorite nude of the month and curator’s choice at the following link:

http://barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/NOTM2012_10.php?calendar_nbr=0

Buy Now!

Good news! My website has a Buy Now option for my artwork through PayPal. Check it out!

Art By Cynthia Angeles

Early Light

Oil on Canvas, 17" H x 21" W

Bokid Collection

I have to share this with you. My niece, Pamela, and her family sell a beautiful collection of hand-woven fabrics and rugs made of natural fibers from the Philippines.  In addition, she creates beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bokid-Collection/276698695772244

The Bokid collection is available at Le Decor Francais, 1006 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021.

http://www.bokidcollection.com
http://www.ledecorfrancais.com

Artist Talk

I recently attended an artist talk in a local gallery.  Three artists spoke about their processes, inspiration, significance of their work, etc.  It was quite interesting to hear what each had to say.  I left asking myself what I would say if asked to give an art talk.

I have given brief speeches during a couple of solo exhibitions before.  The direct questions from the audience helped me explain why I painted a certain piece or what stories lie behind some paintings.  Most of the time, though, it is difficult to articulate why I painted this or that.  Inspiration seldom visits and can be elusive.  Committing something to canvas is hard work.  For me, talking about it is even harder.

October is Filipino American Heritage Month

I am participating in the Brown Strokes on White Canvas (BSWC) exhibit at the Philippine National Multicultural Center from Oct 1 - 31, 2012.

7500 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20744 

Tel: 301-567-2280

Opening Reception: Sunday, Oct 7, 2012, 4pm - 7pm.
Please join us at the reception or see the exhibit at your convenience. 

No More Art Festivals For Me!

I have participated in three art festivals so far.  Each time, I had my own booth or table.  Although I have sold in those occasions, it was a lot of hard work.  The preparation had to be well-planned since I don't drive and had to rely on my husband or friends to drop me and my "wares" off.  I tried to pack the minimum paintings (and easels) so I didn't have to struggle carrying them from point A to point B and back.

The setting up could be fun and challenging as well.  Some experienced vendors bring their own folding tables and chairs to take best advantage of their space.

One other thing: people would easily buy jewelry or pottery but paintings (or even prints) are a hard sell.  The most difficult part for me was sitting alone, fighting to keep the bugs off me (they love me!), waiting for prospective customers to approach and buy.

Sure, it is always nice to people-watch but you can only do so much of that.  It gets boring after a while.  I think I will give the art festival a miss next year.  

I can't draw like a child!

I just finished writing a short book for children. Although the main character is a little boy, it is based on snapshots of my childhood in the Philippines. It needs to be illustrated but no matter how much I try, I can't seem to draw like a child.  The drawings I produced were not appealing at all.  Hmmmm.

Art in Bookhill Bistro, Georgetown DC

A friend and fellow artist, Elba Molina, and I hung our paintings at Bookhill Bistro in upper Georgetown (1639 Wisconsin Avenue NW) yesterday afternoon.  Mori, the owner, was kind enough to give us a free rein to hang our art on his nice walls.  To DC residents, please drop by (the bistro is open every day except Mondays) to sample the good food and wine he offers and to see our art.  The patio is lovely, especially at this time of year.

http://www.bookhillbistrodc.com/

17th Street Art Festival - Washington, DC

The 2012 17th Street Art Festival will be held on Saturday, September 22nd, from 12 - 6 pm on 17th Street, between P Street and Riggs Place NW.  I will have a booth there so please come, browse, and people-watch.  It should be fun (weather permitting)!  I plan to show some of my art and my sister's one-of-a-kind jewelry.  Mark your calendars!

OPTION TO BUY!!

I was advised by an art consultant to put up a "Buy Now" button in my website to give readers the option to buy a painting, print, or note cards.  Since I do want to sell my paintings, I am considering adding a "shop" to my website.  Will let you know when it is set up.  In the meantime, please check out my website and let me know if you have any suggestions:

http://paintingsbycynthia.com

IT'S BEEN A WHILE!

I've been blogging exclusively in my own art website (paintingsbycynthia.com) but, I guess, my reach is wider in blogger.com, so I'll do both.

I have not been painting much these days because of various reasons.  I've been busy with personal commitments and also wanted to reduce my inventory of paintings before creating some more.  The last two canvasses I painted were Tsunami (my latest attempt to do an abstract piece) and Voices of Hope (a tribute to the women in the Middle East).

I usually paint what I feel.  Although I want to sell my art, it matters not whether what I have created is "saleable" or not.  What really matters is that I have committed to canvas or paper what has inspired me in the first place.
 

How I clean my paint brushes and palette knives

An artist should know how to treat paint brushes and palette knives with care.  From the class of Ed Furuike in Honolulu, I learned how to paint with a palette knife and how to clean it. I first wipe off the excess paint in a newspaper or an old phonebook page, then clean it with a baby wipe sheet.  Works like magic!

When I'm finished painting with my brushes, I dip them in turpenoid and blot them on newspaper or paper towels.  Then, I clean each brush with Lava soap and rinse it clean, then rub it on Octagon soap to soften the bristles.  Rinse thoroughly and let the brushes dry upright in an empty container.  Taking care of your brushes and palette knives will assure a longer life.

New Art Website

I have transferred most of my posts to my new WordPress website (http://paintingsbycynthia.com).  Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Dune Shadows Update

I mentioned Dune Shadows in my post of 12/27/11.  It is now hanging on the wall of our friend's home in Oswestry, UK.  It looked very much at home there, I must say, and complemented the rest of her decor. 

MY NEW ART WEBSITE

Just to let you know that my art website http://paintingsbycynthia.com is up and running.  Matt Howell of Webbrewers.com converted my Office Live Small Business Website into a WordPress site and I'm really pleased with it.  Do check it out! 

More Apologies!

I am sorry it is taking time to get my art website (www.paintingsbycynthia.com) published.  It is being reconstructed by webbrewers.com.  I have seen it, worked on it, and it really looks cool!  I will let you know as soon as it is ready.  Thanks again for your patience. 

Do I Want to Exhibit?

Of course, every artist wants to exhibit his/her artwork.  But I am no longer that keen about getting to exhibit in galleries.  A male artist I met didn't seem to care much about it so I asked how he sells his paintings and he said nonchalantly, "Just word of mouth."  True, not many artists actually sell during an exhibition but I was touched by his attitude.  He was more animated talking about what paints he uses than where or if he sells his work.  A true artist, I thought.

MY APOLOGIES!

My website http://paintingsbycynthia.com is under construction so it won't be available for several days.  I moved it out of Microsoft Office Live Small Business (MS OLSB) because they are converting to Office 365 in May 2012, and will start charging $6 a month.

I will let you know as soon as my website is done.

WELCOME 2012!!!

Happy New Year everyone! My painting "The Winding Road" placed first in Best-of-the-Rest for December 2011 at Barebrush Gallery; "Trapped" took third place in December's Favorite Nude of the Month!  Not a bad way to start the New Year!

Dune Shadows

Dune Shadows

A former house guest who lives in the UK has expressed interest in purchasing this painting.  It is a minimalist piece, featuring the undulating curves of the dunes in the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, almost touching the endless sky.  Looking at it takes me back to that moment years ago when I was standing on one of the dunes, feeling lost and small among the grandeur of nature.

I don't know where to start!

Autumn Magic II

Autumn Magic II took 1st place, People's Choice, for Best-of-the-Rest, November 2011 at Barebrush Gallery.

The Winding Road

Another painting, The Winding Road, was curated for December 1, Best-of-the-Rest, December 2011.  Here is what Barebrush founder Ilene Skeen said about it:

"There are many portraits in December, but the Best-of-the-Rest begins the month with an appropriate “big picture” of the human condition. The Winding Road is an oil painting by Cynthia Angeles of Washington, DC. Although the road appears straight in the image, the trees are overwhelming and the human tiny. The future, implied by possible twists and turns beyond the horizon, is unknown. Undaunted, people keep going. That’s what we do, and sometimes we have a great time doing it. There may be regrets, but also no turning back and few do-overs. Ms. Skeen added, “To me, this painting represents the indomitable human spirit, and in particular, the spirit of Barebrush Artists.”

And, finally, my nude painting below, Trapped, was chosen as Nude of the Day for December 25, 2011 (nothing to do with Christmas).

Trapped

My studio, my gallery

I have fixed up my studio to showcase most of my paintings on the walls.  The space is limited but I managed to tidy it up such that it looks less cluttered now.  I can now easily invite anyone interested in seeing my art to come in and look around without falling over canvases and boxes.  

BAREBRUSH GALLERY BEST OF THE REST

Barebrush Gallery has a new exhibit – Best of the Rest (non-nude art). My artwork above, Autumn Magic II, was chosen for Nov 3. There is voting (again) for People’s Choice and if you feel like it, please click on the link below, make your choice and click on vote. Thanks!
http://www.barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/BOTR2011_11.php?calendar_nbr=2

A Matter of Choice

At the 17th Street Festival, a gentleman looked at my work and asked why I had such a range of styles.  I told him I enjoyed trying different things.  He seemed displeased and left.  Days after, I thought about that brief encounter and deemed it unfair.  He hadn't seen my portfolio.  I had only several pieces on the table which was a tiny fraction of my body of work.

I also realized that most galleries expect a single theme and style from each artist.  Much as I would like to get the attention of galleries, I would be bored doing just faces or trees or stripes.  I'd like to challenge myself and do something different every once in a while.  Nothing shocking, mind you.  I guess, it all boils down to one's personal choice.

17th Street Festival - A blast!

Saturday was cloudy but it didn't rain! It took a bit long for the tents to be set up but the festival went well. It was very well organized, many thanks to the committee members and volunteers.
Sitting around was not much fun, especially with the mosquitoes out in force, but people-watching on 17th Street was a blast. A few friends came to visit and help, and I met some interesting personalities. Maybe I'll join again next year!  

17th Street Festival Update

Well, another friend who is participating in the same art show at the 17th Street Festival has offered to give me a ride and take me home.  Bless her heart.  We'll just help each other unload our stuff and take them to our assigned spots.  Hope we have good weather on Saturday.

17th Street Festival Art Show, September 24, 2011

I was accepted to participate in the art show of the 2011 17th Street Festival Art Show in Washington, DC on Saturday, September 24, from 2 - 6 pm.  This is my first time to join the festival so I am excited and nervous at the same time.  My husband will be away on a fishing trip so I dared to ask a friend to pick me up (and tons of stuff) and help me set up.  She was very kind to agree but she'll have to leave at 3 pm.  I will be on my own after that.  Then there is the problem of getting me and my stuff home.  I plan to take a cab, of course.  Hopefully, some of the art festival people will help me lug my paintings and stuff to the cab.  Oh dear...  What a big worry!  I hope all goes well.

Two more recent paintings

Early light was based on a magazine photo which inspired me to paint it with the subtle colors of a hazy, cold, morning just starting to get lit up by the sun.

Early Light

Flaming Lava was the piece I did during a knife-painting class in Honolulu with Ed Furuike.  I chose the model from one of Ed's magazine photos and bravely started what I have never done before, with his guidance and help.  Then he suggested that I add a white bird to the scene.  When there is a volcanic eruption, Hawaiian legend says the lone white bird is Pele which travels alone and is protective of its domain.  The photo doesn't do justice to the actual colors and the textures in the painting.  I am really pleased!

Flaming Lava

Recent Paintings

Blue Eyeshadow

The Red Boat

Nature's Tapestry (Sold)

The above paintings are three of my recent pieces, all done in oil on canvas.  To see more, here's a link to my website:  http://paintingsbycynthia.com/

Juried Exhibitions

I apply at juried exhibitions periodically just because I always look for opportunities to exhibit.  Most of the time, however, I get rejected.  I have tried to look at my work objectively to see why.

I am aware that juried shows are subjective but I also need to be honest about my work.  Is my art so bad that it gets nixed by curators almost all of the time? Would I change my style to get in at galleries? Should I do shocking work to catch the attention of jurors and curators?  Will doing any of that make me happy?  The simple answer is no.  I like what I do.  I try to improve by taking art workshops periodically but my style is more or less unaffected.  And as much as I'd like to exhibit and sell, I am just not willing to create art which doesn't come from the heart - my heart.    

Painting with a Palette Knife

I just got back from a 4-day stay in Honolulu which included a 3-hour art class with Ed Furuike on oil painting with a palette knife.  I had so much fun in his class, despite the fact that it was my first time to paint exclusively with a palette knife.  I was doubtful I would finish the painting in time but I managed and had fun doing it.  Ed provided the canvas, all the paints, paper palette, etc. and will mail my finished painting to me when it dries completely.  I really enjoyed the class and meeting his students who welcomed me so warmly.  I look forward to putting what I've learned in 3 hours into practice.  We'll see what happens.

I'M BACK!!!

Well, I got my groove back! Two weekends ago, I took an old self-portrait (12" x 12") which I never could finish and reworked it. It came out quite differently - no longer a self-portrait but a more interesting piece. It is more relaxed and free than my usual style. I can't wait for it to dry so I can take a photo and post it.
Last weekend, I painted over an old still-life (9" x 12") and started another painting based on a photo I took in India a few months ago. I put it aside to dry, took another old painting and covered it with grayish-white paint to get it ready for a landscape. Quite a productive weekend, I must say! 

QUIT PAINTING? NO WAY!

In March, I picked up my brushes and painted again after a 6-month rest.  But after working on "The Red Boat", I had to put my painting stuff away because of family visits, a beach vacation, and house guests. 

I'm sort of back to my old routine now but I still have to sit down and paint or draw.  My husband says "my fire has died down".  I would hate to think so.  Perhaps, it is just on "low".  There is just no way I would quit painting.  My studio is getting crowded with art work.  I'm just waiting to sell a few pieces to make space for new ones.    

Nude of the Day, June 1, 2011 at Barebrush Gallery

The above drawing, Despair, was curated as Nude of the Day for June 1, 2011 at Barebrush by Mr. James Patrick Reid, artist and art lecturer.  It was previously chosen as Nude of the Day for July 30, 2010. For the first time, Despair was also selected as one of the five curators' choice for June 2011.

From the write-up about the NOTM for June 2011 (http://barebrush.com/mybarebrush/Previews/NOTM.php), I quote:
About Despair, Mr. Reid thought for a while, composing this thoughts and then said:

"The gesture of the figure is powerfully felt in the foreshortened space she occupies relative to the placement of the dark vertical and the shaded plane of the table. Also, there is a great rhythm connecting the clockwise movement of her arms with the ovoid form of the cushion and her breasts and thighs. This works in two and three dimensions simultaneously. The cloth hanging at the top of it forms the necessary contrast to the clockwise rotation of her upper body and the counter-clockwise thrust of her knees....[some hesitation] The more I look at it, the more I could talk about it."

Needless to say, I am deeply honored.  Thank you, Mr. Reid.

Nude of the Day, May 6, 2011 at Barebrush Gallery

My painting, Self-Reflection, was juried in as Nude of the Day for May 6 at Barebrush Gallery.  The guest curator is Margot Luftig of Salmagundi Club.  Voting for Nude of the Month is ongoing and will close soon.  To vote, here is the link:

http://barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/NOTM2011_05.php

PAINTING AGAIN!

A few days ago, I took my paints and brushes out of hiding after taking a break for about six months.  It feels good to paint again.  What I have created is nice and pleasant but lacks something.  I may work on it some more or put it away and start on a new piece.  I am still waiting for my creative bulb to light up.  When inspiration strikes, it is a feeling like no other. 

FACES AND PLACES

I've just returned from a lovely trip to Manila to visit family for three weeks, and a memorable tour of Kathmandu and India (Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi) for almost two weeks, including a 3-day visit with our friend, Aman, in Delhi.  So much culture to appreciate and absorb, not to mention all the shopping I "allowed" myself to do.

The crowded streets were a stage for the daily routine of people, their motor bikes, elephants, camels, cows, dogs, goats, tuk-tuks, bicycles, etc.  It felt like being in the midst of a huge celebration.  But what fascinated me most were the mixture of different faces and colorful costumes around me.  What a treat!

NUDE OF THE DAY, MARCH 19, 2011

The attached painting, Angst, is Nude of the day for March 19, 2011 at Barebrush Gallery.  Guest curator is David Masello, art writer and editor.
This is my 4th painting juried in for their monthly calendar.  You can vote for your favorite nude at the following link:
http://www.barebrush.com/NOTM/Archives/NOTM2011_03.php

Just click opposite the date of your favorite nude and click on "vote".

INSPIRATION

I haven't painted for almost 6 months now (except to spruce up some old paintings in Manila).  My husband says I have lost my "fire" for art.  Not true, I said.  I am just taking a break until "inspiration" talks to me.  It is that fleeting moment when one is inexplicably drawn to create.  I feel it coming!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Today was the last day of the exhibit "My N*de Valentine" at the Rogue Space in Chelsea (526 West 26th Street, 9th Fl, New York, NY 10001).  I hope you had a chance to check it out!