Arrrrr(t) Pt IV

And this is an older piece, but is a direct influence of something I'm tinkering with now.

Arrrrr(t) Pt III

This is one in a series of 4 I did for work to promote American Classics. It's probably hard to tell, but the entire piece is made up of brushstrokes with the words in the phrase "Call me Ismael." (Obviously digital.)

Arrrrr(t) Pt II

And here's an oil that isn't quite 100% finished yet, but allllmost there.

Arrrrr(t) Pt. I

Not doing too good with the blogging lately! I received some nice encouragement about my work today from several people. Reminded me how a few people have asked to see some of my stuff...

And I just spend a few hours painting what might turn out to be an utter failure of a submission for the end of the month.

(I still love it.)

But I digress. This is a painting I did during my "Hmm, let's get back into acrylic" step a little while ago. You can sort of forget how quick it dries. Fingers were used in the making of this piece.

Baby baby baby

There's no doubt that the brand new little niece has been a huge blessing in our family. Aside from the fact that she is the most adorable thing I've laid eyes on, she provides so much positive for us to dwell on. Our little 7 lb slugger is pushing back a lot of the worries and fears. Not to mention being a grandma is my mom's newest favorite pastime. (Screw you, cancer.)

It's surprising to me how long I can hold her, or sit there and stare at her even when she's sleeping. I'm amazed by her. (I also take great pride in the fact that I'm usually able to get her to stop crying! Although, I have yet to change a diaper solo.) She makes me laugh hysterically. I don't know how long it takes for babies to develop to the point where they recognize faces or voices or anything. But I talk to her, and sometimes she looks at me.

She also smiles for me. Most awesome thing ever. (Okay, it's probably gas, but let uncle have this little thing.)

I can't wait till we laugh together...

It's away!

Blizzards be damn'd, the portfolio and application are away!

I should celebrate, haha.

HUB-BUB

As I mentioned before, I kicked my butt and dove back into painting. Some of my ventures have been pretty cool and some not so much. I've been staying up pretty late and dragging myself out of bed to go to work in the morning. On the one hand it's been invigorating while on the other I haven't had nights like these in a long time.

Fun. =)

So my renewed efforts are actually two-fold. I'm an artist. Making art makes me happy. It's something I need to do. You see the logical conclusion (and the inevitable question: Well then, what the "f" has been your problem?").

The second reason is a bit more specific. There is this amazing job opportunity for an Artist-in-Residence position that I want. I actually really want it. There, I said that too. I want this job.

While going through pieces to include in the portfolio to send, I was talking to good friend who encouraged me to do some more paintings. She was of the opinion to forget about the marketability of the work, and just do it: Make something.

And it's been fun. And now I have 2 (maybe 3?) new pieces that I can include in this portfolio that I'll be sending out this week. It's exciting, and almost feels like applying to art school all over again.

I'm thrilled at the thought of working in a gallery for 11 months. To work with the community in a creative aspect. To create and play with creative people. It's like a dream!

Now, I don't know what kind of talent I'm up against. There are scads of amazing artists out there. I've been trying to keep that in perspective. I want to take this wave to its highest crest and see how long I can ride it. If things don't work out with this one for me, I hope that it sets me on a new path.