Painting Demonstration

Pink Deco, 10x10 in. oil on canvas

I recently re-created this painting in a 1-hr. demo for the Placerville Arts Association. It was a bit nerve-wracking but turned out better than I expected. For the Studio Trek, I will set up  my palette, a still life, and an in-progress painting of it on my easel. I probably will not do any actual painting while attempting to greet and talk to visitors, because I am not some kind of wizard. Other more wizard-like Trekkies will actually demonstrate their skills. Hope to see some guests from El Dorado County.

Pat Abraham's Works in National Exhibition

Carpe Diem by Pat Abraham

Two of Trekker Pat Abraham's abstact acrylic paintings, Carpe Diem and A Fragment in Time, have been accepted into the 2014 5th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition. The opening reception for World of Watercolor will be held Saturday, February 1, 5-7 p.m. at the Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA. The show was juried by noted watercolorist Dean Mitchell and runs through March 16.

Looking Forward in the New Year

 

     The challenge, as an Artist, is to "say" exactly what you intend as you create new pieces. My desire to accomplish this goal is ever-present each January. I struggle to find something new to express my view of beauty or express a viewpoint I hold dear. At its root, that is the chore of an Artist. 

     Then, there is you, the Adventurous Trekker. Do we create Art that you will want to purchase? Or, do we create Art that sparks a feeling, an idea, an emotion within you? That is the dilemma for many Artists. Myself, I decided years ago to create for my ideal with the hope that each piece gets to the proper audience. For the most part, I feel the pieces have been successful at this symbiosis. 

     I look forward to this next show. I know I will meet new "owners", see friendly collectors and watch this symbiotic proccess at work. 

AST 2014 is Fast Approaching!

On Monday, September 9, the "Trekkies" held their first planning meeting for the 8th annual Art & Chocolate Studio Trek, coming in April, 2014. Updates of the AST website will soon be complete, with examples from two new participants (Dana Barrow and Craig Johnson), one returning artist (Noel Sandino), and new work from the rest who showed in 2013. Please check back here, as well, for more information and posts from other participating Studio Trek artists in the near future. In the meantime, we are busy creating and looking forward to a great event in 2014. 

  

Judy Butler's Passport Prize

Spring is here and with spring comes the delightful Art Studio Trek. Artists have painted, sculpted, carved, buffed, burnished, and cleaned to prepare for this annual event. Visit the studios and meet the artists. Passport prizes are available for visitors who collect 10 stamps from the 15 studios.
The event is free and - it includes all the chocolate your doctor will allow.
Good luck and see you on April 27 and 28.

Collect "Passport Stamps" to Win

Connie McLennan's "Passport" drawing prize

Visitors who collect stamps from at least 10 of the 15 Studio Trek locations are eligible for a drawing to win one of 21 fine art prizes, one donated by each artist. As a new member of the Trek, after some deliberation, I have decided that my "Passport Prize" will be a signed copy of The Rainforest Grew All Around, an award-winning children's book I illustrated, plus a signed, matted print of one of the interior watercolor illustrations and a matching, hand-crafted necklace. Good luck, and see you on the Trek! (April 27th & 28th)

April 27 & 28

It's time to spring into action. Be sure your calendars are marked for the Art Studio Trek. Local artists are busy applying the finishing touches to masterpieces that will be available to the public. This is the 7th year that this dynamic group of local artist have opened their studios. The event grows in popularity every year so for best choice be sure to be early.

It's great fun to get to talk with artists in their work environments. Artists love to talk about the process of creating as well as demonstrating their passion. And best of all (almost) - there are lots of delicious chocolate goodies to sample.

Lynda Pike

Acrylic on canvas

Judy Butler

Fused Glass