I'm getting started on my raffle painting tonight, and hope to have progress pics available by this weekend.

We just got back from Florida, and I have to say that all of the prep for the raffle and the trip have sucked up my studio time. While I still have to do the same work for the second leg of the trip, I'm hoping I can really crank out some art in that time.

( For those who are interested, here's the trip update! )


( more about the intensive )

We cut out all the tickets and put them in a large Pyrex measuring cup, and had Ashler draw the winner.



And the winner is......
Molena Williams!!!

Congratulations Molena and thanks to everyone who entered and helped to make Ashler's opportunity become a reality. I'll be sure to post photos of our trip and report his adventures during his 4 weeks there.

The raffle for a custom portrait, to raise funds for my son's ballet intensive, closes today at 1:30pm CDT. I'll post the results here at 2pm CDT.

http://studiotau.com/arts_raffle.html

There's still time to enter and get to word out! Thanks for everyone's support - it has meant the world to us.

(Please repost this everywhere you think is appropriate - I can send html files in email if that would be easiest. I appreciate any help you can give us! Webpage built at http://studiotau.com/arts_raffle.html for non-LJ folk.)

Raffle is for a 20"x20" portrait on gallery wrapped canvas featuring a subject of your choosing. (I usually do people, but am open to doing pets as well)

Cost of raffle tickets is $10 per subject. In other words, if you want three subjects in the painting - your ticket is $30. Shipping is on the house. (that alone is a $75 savings!)

(Please make a note in your donation about how many subects you want and how many tickets you are buying. Winner will be announced on July 2nd by email and on my blog at studiotau.livejournal.com. If I cannot raise at least $600, I will refund all tickets)

Our Story

My son has been dancing for 7 years and loves ballet. He hopes to make this his career and dreams of dancing with a company when he graduates from high school.

Summer intensives are a huge part of gaining a depth of training, learning new techniques, and trying on different styles of ballet. Some consider them an essential part of becoming a professional ballet dancer. While many of his peers are going away to intensives, we have not been able to afford them without aid - and as he is on scholarship with his home studio, we cannot accept a position without also receiving a scholarship there as well.

Just a handful of days ago, we were contacted by an up and coming intensive in Florida, because they saw an audition video on YouTube that we made in 2007. They were interested in offering him a spot in their program. We corresponded and were offered a full tuition scholarship!

Unfortunately, with such late notice, we had no time to save up the costs necessary for traveling, room & board and required dance clothing. The program begins on July 6th.

In order to try and raise the funds to make this dream happen for my son, I am holding an raffle for a custom portrait. If you've read this far, I'm very grateful. It would mean the world if you would share this page with anyone you think would be interested.



More examples of my work:

Birds Tale of Summer
5x7 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel


This charming little bird is sitting in the summer grasses, collecting up stories to share. Let him sit with you a while!

Buy it here on Ebay - starting at 99 cents!

I'm participating in Nibblefest again! Every month, on the 20th, all the participants list their work - according to the chosen theme. (this month was Things with Tails)

If you ever wanted something from me, for a song, this is your chance!

On Friday, I was messaged through YouTube because of the audition video we had made for Walnut Hill in 2007. My son was 10 when it was made, and his skill level was vastly different. That said, they wanted to know if he was signed up for any programs, because there was still space in theirs!

So I checked them out on a message board that dissects different SI programs across the country, and while this one is relatively new - there seems to be good buzz about it.

From the program description:

"Featuring: Russian ballet technique directly from the Vaganova Ballet Academy (Kirov) given by teachers who come from the prestigious academy. All ballet teachers have been students of Vaganova, Tarazov, Plaht, among others, with a high quality expertise in Russian, American, European and Latin American ballet companies."

My son had *just* completed two summer workshops at his home studio, and they allowed us to videotape them. (his director is really strict about pictures, we've never been allowed to in 7 years) The timing was impeccable! So I spent the weekend capturing and editing the tape for YouTube.




3 other videos from the summer workshops here

So I've posted the videos and emailed the program with the links. The rest is about biting our nails and scrambling to see if we can come up with the money to get him down there and back.

A friend of mine, archanglrobriel, posted this video on his journal, and I couldn't help but share it. Like him, I just don't have much of an appreciation for contemporary video art.

My opinion would drastically change if more artists made videos like Marco Brambilla! This is innovation - the whole piece itself is like a kinetic painting and is just amazing to watch.

We just got the photos of our ballet company's spring production, Cinderella. My son is an apprentice to the company, and my husband often does supporting roles as well.

Its so exciting to watch my son's ballet career blossom. He loves dancing and looks forward to all of the opportunities still ahead of him - I can hardly wait to see where it takes him.



This time, my husband was the giant and had to make his way around the stage on stilts while the youngest dancers ran all around him! It was the first time he really used stilts, so involved a lot of practice in order to feel comfortable on them. (he towered to a height of 8 feet!)



My son was both a page and the aspect of winter, and pulled off an amazing pirouette. It was a beautiful production and I'm so very proud of the both of them.

I recently sold a large 36" x 48" painting and thought I would document my packing process for shipping!

 

Here you can see how we first layered parchment paper over the entire painting. We attached them together with staples using hospital corners, so that nothing was actually affixed to the painting itself. (you can see the note I tied to the stretcher bar, for the new owner) I like parchment paper best because there is no worry about wax or paper residue accidentally sticking to the painting. I just need to find a cheap source for larger sheets!

 

We then layered the front and the back of the painting with a flat sheet of corrugated cardboard. Another layer used blueboard insulation. Its light, cheap, and very sturdy - its also used as modeling base for model railroad builders and ball joint doll makers!

 

We taped those three layers together with regular box tape and then cut up an unbroken box, and used its corners to protect the entire new bundle. Corners can be the most vulnerable part of a painting in transit.

 

We procured a very large mirror box from Pier 1, and placed the whole bundle into it, stuffing large quantities of crumpled newspaper around it. I'm sure we could have used lighter packing material, but this was what we had on hand that day - and it was free! (I painted out the printed info on the box, to minimize any shipping confusion)

We then dropped it off with Fed Ex Ground and sent it on its way. I'm glad to report that it arrived safe and sound. :)

If anyone wants to chime in with their packing tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them!

I'm working on a new painting for my Losing Lydia series, that profiles the 5 stages of grief. This one is in its infancy here and I'm just starting to build up the layers.

I'm hoping to knock out some of these paintings in record time. The last year spent doing smaller works has really helped to refine some of my processes and experiment with new techniques. Im already noticing the difference and all that work is paying off. I didn't realize how much it had impacted me, while I was working last year, but I'm really pleased that I gave myself the time to "futz around".

After a hiatus that was longer than I'd like, I'm getting my artistic 'feet' wet again, both online and in my studio. So while this isn't the beginning of the month, when I like to post these, I'm hoping that better late than never still holds true.

I'm really excited to bring you the work of this amazing artist. As someone who loves symbolism within my own artwork, I am especially moved by the beauty, grace and esoteric nature of Gail Potocki's paintings.



What are your main inspirations in art?
I am inspired by the symbolist painters of the late 19th and early 20th century for their ability to intrique the viewer with their sense of mystery and silence within their work. I am also inspired by the fragility and beauty of nature as well as the unexplainable.

What is your art background? (education, experience, etc)
I studied at the School of Representational Art in Chicago which focuses on the traditional craft of figure drawing and painting.



What is your process for creating your work?
Sometimes I am inspired by something that I have read that effects me emotionally. I then try to translate the feelings and idea symbolically in my work. Other times I start with a image that I am attracted to and build a story around it.

What is the single most important thing you want to communicate with your work?
Most of my work relates to enviromental themes that I think urgently need to be brought in to society's consciousness. I hope to transfer the effect these issues have on me to the viewer.



What are your career goals?
I would be happy if my work would help bring some of these environmental issues to light and inspire people to respect the planet. My other career goal is to not starve!

What one object has been the most instrumental in helping you achieve what you have so far?
I have stuck to my own aesthetic and tried not to be influenced by what is going on in the art world. This has helped me to strengthen my own visual language and kept my work honest.

Tell me three random things about you.

• I love oddities from the 19th century so my apartment looks like something from the Addams Family.
  
• I love animals and am fascinated by birds.
  
• I don't know how to swim.
  

Toy Bird Dreams
6 x 8 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel


This whimsical painting showcases a poor little bird who, like so many of us, would like a little extra time in the mornings. Let this vibrant painting brighten up any nook in your home and bring a smile to your face. :)

Buy it here on Ebay - starting at 99 cents!

After a long hiatus, I've decided to participate in Nibblefest again! Every month, on the 20th, all the participants list their work - according to the chosen theme. (this month was The Secret Life of Toys)

If you ever wanted something from me, for a song, this is your chance!

Broody Hen
6 x 8 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel


Enjoy this dramatic painting of a protective mother hen watching over her young. This bold piece makes a real statement and would be a lovely addition to any home.

Buy it here on Ebay - starting at 99 cents!

I had such a good time with last month's Ebay group auction, called Nibblefest. Every month, on the 20th, everyone lists their work - according to the chosen theme. (this month was chickens)

Like last time around, I have been busy right up until the last minute due to the holidays! I was painting this one furiously yesterday and this morning. If you ever wanted something from me, for a song, this is your chance!

I'm a little bit late on this one, having gotten caught up in the frenzy of the holidays. Homare Ikeda is well worth the wait though!

I saw his work at Art Chicago, and you just cannot see the scale in these photos. They are *so* impressive in person, with the rich colors and expressive movement. Since then, I've fallen in love with his watercolors and linocuts as well. If you ever have the chance to see his work in person, make the trip!


These are the pieces I got to see in person!

What are your main inspirations in art?

My main inspirations come from my desire to explore and play. I think the idea of play is very important.

What is your art background? (education, experience, etc)

I received a MFA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. I began my art education at the San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. I had received a scholarship to study at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Main while I was in MFA program at the University of Colorado.



What is your process for creating your work?

I have been making minimum of 9 drawings every morning. It has been a wonderful way to start the day.

What is the single most important thing you want to communicate with your work?

I would like to communicate a sense of wonder. I think making art is to connect myself to the world around me. Once I put a mark on canvas or paper the world evolves and I have to keep responding to the voices I hear until my energy runs out.



What are your career goals?

I think the career is byproduct of what you do. As long as I am able to make art, I am grateful.

What one object has been the most instrumental in helping you achieve
what you have so far?

Water. Water is essential to my work physically and mentally.

Tell me three random things about you.

• I love to be in nature.
  
• I listen music as painting.
  
• I am not who I am but who I am becoming.
  

Songbird Christmas Tree
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel

This sweet little winter tree is nestled with festive songbirds, ready to sing you into your holidays!

Buy it here on Ebay - starting at 99 cents!

This is my first time participating in an Ebay group auction, called Nibblefest. Every month, on the 20th, everyone lists their work - according to the chosen theme. (this month was christmas trees)

I *just* got home from New York yesterday, so I whipped this together in a jiffy this morning, and listed it this evening. If you ever wanted something from me, for a song, this is your chance! Be aware that this listing ends on Thanksgiving, so get your bids in early. :)

If you would like to me to paint a portrait for you, in the style seen here and here, please contact me!

Portraits are 8x10 inches with one headshot and cost $55 plus shipping. Each painting will take a week for me to complete and ship (not including actual delivery times), so place your order before my holiday commissions fill up!

Morgan with the Poison Gaze
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel

Oh if looks could kill! This is a portrait of a woman with a quiet fortitude and the determination to do what must be done.

This rich painting is layered with many glazes of acrylic to give it an intensity to match Morgan's gaze.

Available on Etsy

So I finally finished my moleskin for the The Exquisite Corpse exchange. I'll need to get it in the mail in the next few days, while I await for the onslaught of other moleskins that are headed my way!


The front and back cover. Feathers just don't scan well! It really looks lovely in person.


This was the first spread I finished, and I love how the layers worked together.


She was a TON of fun to do, and my family really loves her boldness.


This is the only bird I did that isn't made up. I thought the crossbill was such an unusual bird, though, that it would fit in well with my other fantasy fowl.


This is my signature page. I cut out enough eggs (that sit in the pocket at the back of the book) for everyone to write their info on! I think its a fun play on the pocket use.


Here's the template on each of the pages for the other artists to use. They have complete liberty to work outside of the lines - its just important to know how the head will line up with the body and the body with the legs, so that when its cut you can flip the pages and it will all fit together well. :)

My other moleskin, the moon book is nearing completion, and I will have it in my hands soon! I'm so so so excited. These swaps have been amazing fun!

Shadow of my Former Self
7.5 x 5.5 inches
Collage on book board

This is a unique piece on an old book hardcover. It has fraying ends, like the raucous calls of an aging woman's memory.

Available on Etsy

Susan Hodgin was another wonderful Art Chicago find! I found her work so approachable and I admit to having a facination with circles. I just find them deeply spiritual - so Susan's work is an obvious match for me.



What are your main inspirations in art?
My main inspiration comes from nature. The layering and complexity and interdependence of every ecosystem fascinates me, and I try to use that "system" when building up my paintings. As for inspiration within the art world, I am drawn mostly to the Abstract Expressionists. The freedom and expressiveness and openness in their work is very refreshing.

What is your art background? (education, experience, etc)
I received my BFA from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2000. I started out studying creative writing, fiction, but realized my short stories were mostly describing place, and have very little plot, character and narrative. After 4 years studying writing, I switched to painting.



What is your process for creating your work?
My process is less about outlining a picture and then filling it in, then about building, eliminating, adding, and perfecting layers upon layers of paint. I use the forgiveness of oil paint to paint over and into it until I get the end that I want. There are no "mistakes" in the way I paint, only more layers.

What is the single most important thing you want to communicate with your work?
I hope that people are able to feel something when they look at my work. That they can spend time with it, and feel something from it. I don't care what they feel. That depends on what they bring to the piece. I just hope they feel something.



What are your career goals?
Right now, I am a full-time painter. I am able to make a decent living at this thing that I love to do most in the world. But beyond that, I would like to grow to be more international, and be able to focus more on larger paintings.

What one object has been the most instrumental in helping you achieve what you have so far?
My live/work studio in downtown Indianapolis (The Wheeler Arts Community) and its fabulous rent. Without this opportunity to live and work cheaply as I first started out, I never could have gotten where I am.



Tell me three random things about you.

1. I am a healthy eater.
   
2. I like to camp.
   
3. I am always cold.