Moving On

History Waiting

48x36

oil on canvas

I think I showed you this painting when it was in the works, so here it is finished. It's part of the adoption series that's on-going. Personal history and memories are a large part of that series.

Well, very soon my life at Red Swan will be part of my history and nothing more than a memory. The store is closing April 30 and will be no more. I first started working there in September of 1992 - an amazing 19 years ago. For the most part I can hardly believe it's been that long but there are some days when it seems twice that. I think it's going to be bitter sweet for me. I'm going to miss seeing some of the characters who come to shop there. I'm going to miss seeing my artist friends coming in for their supplies and then staying a while to visit. I'm certainly going to miss the access to the supplies and my employee discount. The other part of me however is looking forward to something new. So, what is that new thing you ask? Kelli and I need a place to teach our art classes when the store closes so we're taking the plunge and opening our own classroom. We're over the moon excited about having our own space. It'll be part classroom, part gallery and part studio space.

I'll do another post soon with some photos, location, move in date and lots more. Stay tuned!

Peace,

Carlynne

First First Friday

We had a good time last night on Broadway in downtown Ocala, for our very first First Friday Art Walk. We had friends, family, students and brand new friends stop in to see us and the people at Bakers and Cooks. We sold some work and signed up a student for the upcoming workshop on March 21.

Our host, Marie, was so gracious, even giving us luscious chocolate cake. (In case you didn't know, Carlynne and I will do anything for chocolate.) Thank you Marie and everyone who stopped in to support us.

I have decided that taking one of the cooking classes or demos would be a wonderful way to relax and have fun. They have well known chefs from around the world visit their fabulous kitchen to teach. I think this would be a wonderful artist date and I believe that Julia Cameron would approve.

Peace, love and creativity,

Kelli

Me and Etta

Mosaic 3

24x24

This one is now finished! I had a good time in the studio today ~ me and Etta James. Nothing like some music to help get in the groove. I'd love to know how in the world she did some of her songs. I love to sing along with whoever is in my CD player but there's some tunes that she does that just amaze me - like, Baby, What You Want Me to Do. If you haven't heard this, listen to it. If I try to sing this I end up in a coughing fit! Some things are just best left up to the pros.

Anyway, back to the painting ~I added some layers to this one. I did some glazing with the acrylic and I also added some layers of tissue paper. I thought this would add some depth. Any comments.... thoughts.... critiques.....

Hope you're having a good evening,

Peace,

Carlynne

Music & Art

I've been meaning to get back to blogging for a while now. So, 2 months and 2 surgeries later, here I am. I'm fine now and as my energy level picks up I'm getting back into the swing. After being out of commission for a while all I really want to do is swing a paintbrush around in the studio. I'm working on some new stuff for our exhibit coming up in Sept '10 (I'll give you more details on that later) and until I have those photos ready to share I'll show you a little of my Nashville trip. Back in early October I flew up to Nashville to visit a friend of mine that I haven't seen in 32 years - I know - amazing! What's even more amazing is that we recognized each other at the airport. Once we got done giggling like a couple of high school kids Sue took me on a tour of the town. This was my first time there and I have to say - I love Nashville!

Ok..... this is what happens when you take photos with a little digital camera that has no viewfinder, you can't see anything on the screen in the daylight so you have no clue if you're actually getting your subject in the frame - just a little FYI.

There were a couple of others statues of Elvis around town but I didn't get shots of those, just about a million of this one - don't ask why.

Can't go to a new town and not souvenir shop, that shirt was for my daughter by the way.

some very cool boots!

A festival of scarecrows, what wonderful, wacky stuff!

The AT&T building AKA "Batman"

I think this is one of the things I loved about Nashville the most. You see some fun stuff riding around the side streets where the music studios are. We also did the art walk held on the first Sat. night of the month. I wish I had pics to show you of the crowds. I was amazed at the turn out for the art galleries. I'd never seen anything like it! Nashville's not only about music, the art world there is wonderful too. We saw many galleries, too many to mention but my favorites were the Tinney Contemporary and Gallery One. Check them out if you're in the area.

There was so much to see. Some day I'll go back for another visit - hopefully it won't be another 32 years before I see my friend again.

Back to painting,

Carlynne