Well- it's been a week since I posted last: at that juncture I was heading out into the rain, wind, etc. etc. to participate in the 2nd Annual Out & About Norfolk Plein Air paint out. My first plein air adventure, and it sure did put a different spin on moving out of my comfort zone. I learned a lot- for instance, I learned that a dear friend of mine was wrong when he said "there is no bad weather, just bad clothing"... But seriously, 65 brave souls set about the task, and when we all gathered Saturday night, there was some fine work to be seen. Kudos to Karen Kinser for her organizational skills, welcome packets, ability as a communicator, and the great spread on Saturday night at the Monticello Arcade. Thanks also is due the sponsors who did their part for art by "adopting an artist" and making generous prizes available (Over 6ooo. + other goodies in awards!) As an aside, I benefited from one of those; one of my pieces was selected for a purchase award.
Karen has hung the pieces at the Studios in Monticello in downtown Norfolk for the coming week, so if you happen to be in the Tidewater area before the 25th, try to check it out. And, make a note to yourselves to check the ethers come October for notice of the 3rd Annual "About and About" next year.
This week's variation on moving out of my comfort zone continued in the same spirit as last's, except I'm painting inside, in the entrance of Cape Henry Collegiate School. Now, you all have heard the "north light, north light" chant, and this week, in addition to be blessed by floor to ceiling windows facing just that direction, I also have skylights, and clerestory windows to illuminate my work area. Doesn't get any better than this- the studio of my dreams couldn't have better light. I'm working on a portrait commission of two Border Collies while I'm there, and the subjects seem to tickle the students as they come and go. It's what I'd hoped for before the rain let loose last week- letting people interface with art before it was framed and on a wall in a museum or gallery, looking all the world as if it had appeared by some sort of miracle. I wanted them to see the actual work, and not just think that painting was something that happened in exotic places and required some sort of magic.
I won't have finished the portrait by the time I pack out tomorrow, but that's OK too- I can finish up in my own light over the coming week or so, and maybe, just maybe, someone who saw me will think about starting their own.
