Wednesday, December 31, 2008

"A Date With Art"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

This is one of those paintings I've wanted to do for a long time but didn't think I could pull off that carved seating without getting too tight in my brush strokes. Painting is for the patient, that's for sure. In these museum settings, sometimes it's all about the artwork or the figure and sometimes it's about the space. I think this is a little bit of all three.

From the sculpture gallery in the American Art wing, in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Please click here for a larger view.


Just a few thoughts to share on this last day of the year ~ I'm one of those people that plans out at least six months ahead. Not so rigid it can't be changed, but I often think in terms of what I am ready for, what needs to be different, what I need to shed. A year ago, I was wanting to try to teach a workshop or two ~ and did ~ but I realize it's something I've got to take more time to plan and get it right, before I officially go down that road. Perhaps in the second half of the new year. A year ago, I was sure I wouldn't commit to any solo shows ~ and I didn't ~ I joined in on group shows and a dual show, which was just right. It allowed me to explore different subject matters and grow a little more in terms of skill, with less pressure on my time.

Speaking of a date with art, I've got a couple of solid plans to tell you about ~

~ I will be presenting a solo show, taking place at the Morris & Whiteside Gallery in Hilton Head Island, opening March 13th. I'm concentrating on scenes from two southern cities, Washington DC and Charleston, South Carolina - including museum patrons, cityscapes, night scenes, interiors and beachscapes. If you want ... need a nice break from winter, please make plans to come to the opening ~ it's a lovely setting and it would be my pleasure to meet you.

~ I will be in a dual show, taking place at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Washington, opening May 9th, with Fred Calleri. Talk about a lovely setting, you can't beat Seattle/Kirkland that time of year. Please pencil me in for the opening night, I'd be happy to meet you.

~ I will be participating in the various group shows at the 16 Patton Gallery, in Asheville, North Carolina, like this past year - I absolutely loved the different themes and hope to continue that in the new year. You can always get information on those shows on their website or on mine. That little city is a pleasure to visit any time of the year.

One change to note is that I have left the Cohen-Rese Gallery in San Francisco and the Twinhouse Gallery in Atlanta. Cohen-Rese, after years of a good relationship, chose not to pay me for a painting sold after I announced to them I was leaving the gallery. That's what some art gallery owners do to artists. I hope people take a cue from that experience.

I wish all of you a Happy New Year and thank you for your continued interest in my work, and all your comments and emails. That, above all, drives me every day.




17 comments:

Unknown said...

You've resolved the carved seat beautifully Karin, with some wonderful flowing brushstrokes.
Good luck with your plans for the future.

Art By Erika said...

Congratulations on this piece and more congrats on your 2009! It sounds like a winner! Someday I know I'll finally be able to attend a show of yours since you get around so well :) This piece is a classic!

Marian Fortunati said...

Hi Karin...
I just got your book. Love it, thanks for publishing it... now I can drool over it at my leisure.
It's so strange to hear you talk about fears of not being able to pull something off. Your work is so loose and light and happy. I love it.
Best to you in the new year and CONGRATS on all of your upcoming exhibitions.

Jacki Newell said...

Karin,
Wow, you really did a great job on that bench. It doesn't look tight or overdone at all. It's perfect. Good job!! My husband and I are moving from Nebraska to Greenville, SC in February and I'm so excited to hear that I will have opportunities to see your work in some of the cities you will be showing in.

Edward Burton said...

Wonderful painting, Karin. I really like the composition and you did a beautiful job with the bench. Happy New Year to you!

Edward Burton said...

Also, congratulations on receiving the Best Art Blog Project of 2008 Virtual Challenge Cup Award for your Different Strokes from Different Folks blog. I am proud to be one of the many artists that contribute to your wonderful blog.

James Parker said...

Absolutely super, Karin! I think this is my favorite of your works. Every aspect of what I admire in a painting you have excelled at...values, color, detail, composition and subject matter. Even the positioning of the couple on the bench, with him turned inward and arm outstretched, and her turned away somewhat, leaves the viewer a delightful little enigma to consider. Ya knocked my socks off with this one.
Sounds like you have a busy and exciting year ahead. My best wishes for your continued success.
James Parker

adebanji said...

It looks so cool! The cold feel of the statues and the overall colour and composition!

Wishing you the best in the New Year!

Cooper Dragonette said...

I love the use of white throughout this one Karin to carry your eye back and forth.
All the best to you in the New Year!
Paint on!
Cooper

Jo Ann Elig said...

Beautiful painting. I like the warmth it generates. Congratulations on your plans for 2009 and your well deserved honors.

Dianne Mize said...

Beautifully done, Karin. I especially like the tentative gesture of the man's arm.

Margaret Mayer said...

Very beautiful Karin. I like the way my eye dances all over this painting.

Marilyn said...

Absolutely Beautiful! Congratulations on all your accomplishments in '08 and may they continue in the new year. You are an inspiration to so many of us.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Years to you as well. Gratz on the shows and also on teh wonderful writeup in American Artist!

I am totally drooling over you georgetown painting. Please let me know if it's available!

David Lobenberg said...

Love the way you painted the wrought iron bench!

Carolyn Finnell said...

Your work is wonderful! I'll sign up for any workshop you want to do.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I hope someday to meet you at one of your shows. You are an inspiration, Karin.