Something Green

Spring is in the Air! "The Nature of Things" celebrates spring in a whimsical way. I like to have fun! The originals reside in the home of an art collector. Prints available in my Etsy Shop.

Spring and SPA just call out to me in this green piece.I have a special on a "Ginger Tea" print in my shop..for just $10!

Unique Women in Business (UWIB) invites you to have some fun on our blog hop...so from here hop on over to .... for "Something Green" by exceptional shops of Unique Women in Business. Want to know where I shop? .....here's a list

Karen Terry-McDuffie http://www.jmjcreations.blogspot.com/

Robin Koehler http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com/

Linda http://www.bellalindadesigns.net

Birgitte Hendricks http://sewdanish.blogspot.com/

Judy Woodley http://www.wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/

Rita Wetzel http://ritascreativenest.com/

Audrey F http://audreygardenlady.blogspot.com/

Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/

Trudy Miller http://www.mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com/

Jenn Brockman http://alexshares.com/

Cory Trusty http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/

Cory Trusty http://delicateadornments.blogspot.com/

Nancy Pace http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com/

The Guardian

 

 "The Guardian" 14 x 11" acrylic by Robin Maria Pedrero

Here's a sneak peek at one of my new pieces that was just installed at the University Club for my exhibition with Abbe Arenson. You might think the subject of the title is the blackbird, you might think it is the white bird, or perhaps the angel that is centered and just above the white bird. I find perspective a wonderful play thing. The exhibit is open now through March 29. For those who don't know, Abbe Arenson found her passion for photography late in life and is busy catching up. She has always been an artist, drawing mainly in pen and ink since a child and is also a published writer. She has exhibited in both solo and group shows at many central Florida venues.To look at Abbe's wildlife, check out her blog; http://abbesworld.wordpress.com/

 The reception on March 13 is from 2 - 4 pm

here's our invite on facebook events

Welcome to my studio!

Welcome to my studio! Once upon a time my studio was in public spaces and now that it is private I find inquiring minds want to know... What does it look like? Can we see? I share peeks here and there with two room views today.  This month I added rearranging and organizing my studio to my goal list. I mulled it over in my head until this week when I woke up at 3 am (felt like 6),and I envisioned moving several pieces clockwise around the room and it clicked! So I worked moving and organizing through to 7 pm. Now I  have a shipping station, a cutting station, prints, supplies, and it all fits better in the space. I'd been setting up and moving things back each time I had to ship, database, teach or create, which was a big inconvenience and time thief. Only two days in and I am loving my "new" space!  I show one of two folding tables, which I slide around the middle of the room to suit my needs. Click on the pics to see close up ..note "dance floor" and other tags in the photos. And of course I have more canvases and art storing in closets ..and on my ever changing walls.

Perspective

 "Grumbacher Girl" pastel by Robin Maria Pedrero

            Yesterday I wore my tone ups as they are cushy to walk in all day, as one of 3 judges for a festival. It gives me a refreshing perspective to wear both the shoes of being the judge and the judged. The process and results are subjective. It was a very interesting festival to judge as the diversity was beyond belief, fabulous items.  How does one compare a painting to a rum cake? Yes, there was hot sauce, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, fine art, flowers, soaps, fine crafts, traditional, folk, contemporary, seasoned exhibitors and newbies. There were no categories in the given award system to compare so each were competing to win. I made a point to introduce myself to over 200 exhibitors and looked at everyone’s wares. These people worked hard and deserved to be recognized and acknowledged.  Some artisans were not even aware there would be judging, while some were a bit anxious, and others went into a full sales pitch. In group judging the team comes together and shares their top selections. Some selections are all in alignment unanimous while others require discussion and more viewing and compromise, just like you see on Bravo, American Idol or any awards show. Sometimes your selection gets outvoted and the artisan has no idea they were even in consideration in the selection process. One artisan was openly distraught asking questions many of us lose sleep over “Just what are the judges looking for? Can you tell me?" Quality, design, style, uniqueness, skill,value, message, and taste are general answers.  I’ve asked those same questions  in regard to entering my own work, in fact at the close of last year I had suffered various rejections, as I’ve shared in previous posts but if you don’t play you can’t win or be seen. When winning, competition is oh so rewarding, financially, with bragging rights, and validation. When not on the winner’s list, especially as sensitive creatives who connect the creations with self, the ego suffers rejection. Throw in a little aggravation over the financial investment and resentment over other details and discontent can snowball. We must be careful not to fall into despair, self-pity, or fear as this can disable us and affect future opportunities. We simply need to give ourselves time and space to heal from a disappointment, brush it off  and step forward. Just a few words from someone who’s  recently been in both shoes.

 A piece of work from my collection ...Could you guess the above piece was both rejected numerous times but also won best of show and other placement awards?

"My Pretties" Poppy Makeover

I have been pulling together all of the potential pieces for the University Club exhibit and while doing so examining some pieces I made for another purpose. In my eyes some pieces needed more development or to go in a different direction. I have taken "My Pretties" shown here below and developed it more.

This painting as is just wasn't enough for me. So the first step I took was to glaze yellow ochre over the entire piece. Always a nerve wracking act, to change an entire piece. After you begin with a brave brush you just have to go for it. So when I woke up today the whole piece was glazed. Next I began to add more life.

Placing birds, branches and leaves, then a another bird and a butterfly...continuing till you see the work in the top piece. I've been working in the studio about 9 hours and have to stop to go to openings tonight. When I return I will study the work, and study it again in the morning.

Collaboration for Celebrations Gallery

Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson and I are in yet another collaboration, however this time we are going to create the works of art using each of our own styles on the same pieces. Previously, if you are new to following, Elizabeth and I have worked on several projects and exhibitions together, "Chalk, Paper, Scissors", and a duo exhibit at the Seminole State College. We have a BOOK that shares both of our works. We team up and talk shop often. So our gallery in Connecticut, Celebrations Gallery, placed a call for artists to collaborate and of course we were ready to jump in!  We both are usually on high speed, living full lives and dedicated to our art and careers, plus our hair is red and we both love the movie "Waitress"!

 

Above is the wood panel at the stage where I will now pass it on to Elizabeth. In my process the first layer of paint had to dry, then I applied the resist. (Yellow area)

 

Then I paint some more and remove the resist.

 

I usually use canvas for this method. The paint does not flow as well on the wood, and the drying intervals are longer. I like the how the grain shows through.  I  hold back from filling in the piece too much so there's enough creative liberty for my collaborator. I am excited to see where she goes. We are both a little anxious about working on one another's work. Here's what she has in store for me on her easel.

Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson work in progress

These are cake recipes. We once did cupcakes together..now we will Take on the Whole Cake!

 

 

Focus

I meditate on "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Mat. 6:21

How each day is focused.....For me each day is filled with Family, Friends, Art, Career, Me, and Max.  

 "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things" Robert Brault

I hope your day is sweet!

Today I'd like to give away a little gift. A gift, as I have so many wonderful people who respond to my work and posts and  I so enjoy having you in my life. If you are reading this on facebook and would like to be included you will need to respond on the actual blog post itself
(Facebook does not allow give aways).

Post a comment here to be included in a random drawing for a set of my new notecards. Good Luck!

 

Heathrow Women's Club

It was such a pleasure to be the speaker for the Heathrow Women's Club for their monthly February meeting. I shared my story beginning with my name and heritage, and art experiences from kindergarten, leading up to how I came to be the artist I am today. I let them in on my secrets...you know how I listen to music and dance with paint. I asked for audience participation in showing them the process of removing the resist from the canvases. It was such a thrill to see them get excited about the revealed botanical images after they peeled off the resist. We just had a great time yet I also talked seriously as I explained the importance of protection by wearing gloves while working with art supplies.

These women are a hard working group they support several worthy charities in their fundraising. Their commitment in the community really makes a difference.  I'd like to thank Sarabecca Rosier for inviting me to be the presenter.These photos are courtesy of member Becki Miller.

Be My Valentine

Valentine's is one of my favorite holidays. I love hearts. And Love is in the air. As a child growing up in cold Connecticut the sweet holiday was a real welcomed treat. I adore romance, fairy tales and folklore. I specialize in bringing love stories to life on canvas. I have taken some of the Love Stories and made them into note cards. Packages of 10 for $25 Fine Art Note Cards  And  you can find the    LOVE Stories prints in my etsy shop If you'd like a specific card or selection just ask and I will make a special listing just for you.And the making of Valentines... always a favorite craft. I have some ACEO prints as sweet little Valentines, to share or use in crafting your own.

 

“Love is the only gold.” Alfred Lord Tennyson

Here's a Won't you be my Valentine? **wink** SPECIAL

At check out use this code for my etsy shop VDAYSPECIAL10  and receive 10% off anything in my shop

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Deborah Eileen Burrow

As my world of access to artists is more vast via social network media I am so pleased to make personal connections to artists whose work attracts me. And often our works evoke a mutual attraction, as in the case of the wonderful artist Deborah Eileen Burrow.

 

I am pleased to have the opportunity to exhibit in England in June 2011, alongside Deborah Eileen Burrow at her Summer Art Show at the Edmund Gallery, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. I've interviewed her and am pleased to share this with you.

Where did you learn to paint?
I have learnt to paint from a variety of sources. It started at school. My father painted and a friend of my mother was a professional artist. Both gave me some gems of information. I always sketched and painted and through lots of experimentation I have found my way. The generous advice and support of my fellow artists, art galleries, professional articles, evening classes and life drawing sessions have all brought me on in the last few years. I was doing commissions in the 1990s which really helped as I had to concentrate harder!

What is it about trees that intrigue you so much you must paint them?

What I am finding is that the environment I grew up in (deep UK countryside) is finally making an appearance in my paintings. At first I struggled with trees, but with lots of practise I found a way, and finally my landscapes came alive. I attended life drawing sessions which helped. If you can paint the human figure you can definitely paint trees – there are lots of similarities. I have continued with my treescapes because I love their shapes and differences. No two trees are the same. I love the silver birch the most – the way they stand out in any season and any landscape. I love oranges, golds and reds hence the strong autumnal themes in my paintings.

What size paintings do you prefer to paint?

I love to work small and large. I particularly enjoy painting on very deep edge canvases and continue the painting around the sides to give some super 3D effects when viewed from an angle. I had a favourite of 12x12” for a long time, but now I like working on larger canvases, and not just squares. This is mostly to do with increased confidence in my style.

How many different creative outlets do you have? (music?)

I love music with a real passion, just like art making. Over the years they have competed for space in my life, but finally over the last 3 years I have found a good balance. I sing in a funk/soul band and teach music. I have about 15 students who I teach 1-1. I wrote, recorded, and released 5 CDs between 2001 and 2007. It was a great time, but it was taking up a lot of time, and I was finding my health was suffering. I have Psoriatic Arthritis which now limits my live performance time. I always wanted to be a professional artist, so in 2008 I made the decision to focus on it – and a less physically demanding life.

I love crafts too – pyrography and collage. Pyrography for me is illustration work, and I love working with wood.

What are your artistic aspirations for the next five years?

To be happy with what I am doing, and keeping the balance in my life. I would like to find a couple more galleries to represent me, and have the opportunity to be more widely recognised and commissioned for paintings or pyrography.

My personal goal is to work much bigger. I would like to make some real statement pieces with acrylic and mixed media on canvas. Or maybe a mural!

I would also like to take part in more high profile charity events like I did this year. I painted a deckchair canvas for a local hospice fundraiser and my work was featured alongside some top local artists and several famous people including Sean Bean, Bill Oddie and Bernard Hill.

Find Deborah here:

website: www.deboraheileenburrow.co.uk

blog: www.deboraheileenburrow.wordpress.com

twitter: www.twitter.com/BurntOrangeGirl

shop: www.deboraheburrow.etsy.com

Oh and why BurntOrangeGirl?
"Burnt Orange is a colour I use a lot.  I also do lots of pyrography hence the Burnt.  I love Orange and my hair is a coppery colour.  And I'm a girl!  "

It's already February!

 

Yes February is here. I still don't have my goals posted. I have basic goals in my mind but I still need to develop them. I am moving forward with my present calendar of events. I use Google calender via my laptop and on my droid, plus I have a large yearly planner calendar so I can get a bird's eye view of months at a time. Here's my month; I've got 1st Thursday's to attend tonight, in support of RV's Berlin Orlando exhibit (the one I decided not to be a part of) next I have an invitational breakfast for artist instructors at the HardRock Cafe, a class in marbling Saturday,then I am the speaker at the Heathrow Womens Club, we have an opening reception and exhibit in the evening at Gallery 17.92 February 18, I judge the Lake Eola Festival on Feb 19th, and install the exhibit Nature's Muse at the University Club to open Feb 24, with a reception March 13. I have a few art business meetings with my cohorts and art openings scattered in there too. I have a commission to finish with some lovely poppies, and work to create for "Amalgamation" to send PR out for our show in May. I have pieces to make and deliver to gift shops and galleries. I also plan to get a Valentine mailing out to my collectors as I adore them! All 12 of the pieces I did for a  licensing company were rejected, I thought he wanted simplification in what I was doing, I was wrong, he liked the more detailed work. I have orders to fill from sales from my etsy shop. Supplies to buy.......and more.

Even so with all of this I wanted to finish a painting to participate in the Scan Design exhibit and I met the deadline on the last day and delivered the painting to come home and find an email saying they extended the deadline. Too funny! I painted the above piece thinking the title "What Dreams May Come" that feeling of being in luxury and comfort, taking dreams to a place outside like the beach. That title that was from a movie  so I came up with‎"Sueños de Amor"  for me meaning a place where you love to dream, or..dream of love.

I've also changed my schedule a bit and getting an hour of wii fit in before I get to work. Moving forward with a full art plate and a smaller food plate. Gathering yet a more balanced perspective as I reflect and pray for those in Cairo and continue to give aid to fight human trafficking even here in the US, in places like Texas.

 

Goals Simplified;  Good Health. Good Business. Good Art. Make a Difference in the World.

 

‎"Sueños de Amor" 3' x 4' acrylic, charcoal and ink Robin Maria Pedrero