My 7 Links

Merry Christmas to you, Dear Reader!

I’ve been invited by Hannah Klaus Hunter to participate in the My7Links challenge which is circling the globe even as we speak. Thank you my dear!

It’s a timely invitation.  This will be my last post of 2011, and is an excellent way to take a look over my shoulder as I put the finishing touches on the year.

Selecting a post for each category was surprisingly difficult. I’ve had this challenge in my inbox for about 3 weeks, so I’ve already over thought it, thus breaking one of the rules before even getting started.  I easily picked multiple entries for some categories, and sifted through others desparately looking for anything that would qualify.

Rather than fuss and fidget any further, allow me to share with you my selections:

Most beautiful post: In Dad's Shadow.  I selected this post because it is about my Dad.  Writing it helped me see the thread of his dna in my siblings, my sons and in me.


My most popular:  A Thousand Words. We artists are a helpful lot.

Most controversial: Getting Un-Organized. I purposefully don’t write “controversial” here. I’m a middle child, it’s my job to get along.  Despite the fact that many coaches are proponents of joining the appropriate associations and building that resume, I did use this post to challenge the conventional wisdom.


Most helpful: A Day in the Life It surprised me how many of you connected on this one.

Surprise Success: Passionate Repose   "Success" is sort of a relative term with this blog.  I was pleased at the response to this post, though.

Lack of attention: This heading would cover alot of what goes on here.  However , I picked this one because I really do think it was a good post:  Job Listings.

Most proud of: Create Peace   Like a good Mom, I'm proud of most all of my posts, even the stinkers.  This one was a little more thoughtful than most.

5 Bloggers I invite you to check out:

Karine Swenson.  I love checking in on Karine's life and art out in the high desert.

Liz Crain Ceramics.  Not only does Liz write beautifully, her ceramic pieces are so very cool.

A Bird's Eye View.  I'm no poet.  Soozie weaves words into images in such a way to make me wish I were.

Gwenn Seemel.  A portrait artist from the northwest, Gwenn's posts are helpful, thoughtful and challenging.

Michael Campbell Weekly  Funny, thoughtful and charming. Always beautifully written. He's cute, too.


Hope you had a good 2011.  See you next year!

What's On Your List?

Santa is looking for just the right gift for you this year. Once again I’ve given him a few ideas that I think will fit just right: 

An introduction to my dear friends, Inspiration and Confidence.

A roll of duct tape  in which to wrap up their nasty step-sisters Fear, and Comparison.

A place to get away.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough Song of Spring 30x40 oil on canvas

The right hue, value and intensity each and every time

A really good framer.(Thanks Warren!)

Organizational skills

A ruler that measures the same each and every time.

A kind and loving support group.

My Fam: HH and The Fellas

Patience – with yourself and others.

Confidence. 

Opportunities. 

Time with friends who understand you.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  Tea Time 14x11 pastel

New roads on which to travel.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough County Road 2, 5x7 oil

The perfect  tool for the job.

Spell check with a horn that cuts through cloudy thoughts, and a brake to slow down that last minute rush.

An appreciation for the finer things in life.

A comfortable place to work.

A sense of humor about yourself as well as others.

What would you add to the list this year?

Forecast for Blue

Two days ago we had our first real test of weather.  We'd been warned of an impending "event", but to be honest, that's what weather forecasters always do.  In earnest voices, brows knitted together tightly to let us know just how serious they are, they make their best case for the worst ahead.

So when I heard reports of snow, I ignored them.

I'm from Nebraska. Not that that's a reason, but jeesh, it snows here. Alot. And honestly, in what other business can you be so wrong so often and still get paid?  I've said it before: if you don't like the weather here, wait a minute and it'll change.

Plus, I had a goal. I wanted to be proactive, business-like, johnny-on-the-spot and make a client happy for Christmas. So despite dire warnings of "potential significant amounts" of snow I hopped in my trusty vehicle and drove to my framer's place of business. That he lives in another town an hour away is significant.

As usual, the forecasters were wrong.  We didn't get significant amounts of snow. ( I suppose "significant" depends on your point of view, doesn't it?  If you're short, wearing heels, or hoping to try out your new Snow King sled the word "significant" takes on a certain meaning. )

What we got was ice.  The few inches of snow that fell in huge flakes covering everything in a gorgeous coat of white melted on impact on the streets, and a short time later froze as the afternoon came to a close. 

Not to worry, I made it home, but it took 2 hours of white-knuckle staring-at-the-car-in-front-of-me-driving to manage what would normally take me one hour of cruising-while-admiring-the-landscape driving.  My steering wheel may still have grip marks.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  9 x 12 pastel

Being Nebraska, the sun rose the next day on a landscape draped in stunning soft white with oh-so-blue shadows.  I've forgotten joints stiff with tension and marvel at how much color there is in white snow.

Forecast for tomorrow:  Blinding brilliance balanced by shocking cool hues in low lying areas.  Warm tones in the foliage.  Buckle up and drive safe.

Another Christmas Letter

We got our first Christmas letter a couple of days ago. It was from J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, Inc.

No kidding.

I had no idea he knew we stayed at his place.

We’ve gotten others since. You may have gotten them too.  They’re from close friends you haven’t seen in years, slathered with photos of people in matching sweaters smiling out at you. Images of favorite cats and dogs watch you closely, ready to lick the eggnog right off your face.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  5pm Early December  8x10 oil

In a few letters we’ve gotten over the years, the animals actually do the speaking.  Who knew they watched their owners so closely? Imagine what they could accomplish if they had opposable thumbs. That’d be something Mr. Marriott would find interesting. Maybe he’d give them a free room.

This is my holiday letter to you. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short.

Thank you.  Thanks for buying art; my art, any art. And for reading my blog, and for liking me on facebook. 

Thanks for listening to me try to figure out what I was doing.  Creating is necessarily a singular activity, which means artists are alone a lot. It’s helpful to bounce ideas off others for a fresh perspective. Thanks for putting up with my bragging, complaining, whining and poking fun. You've been very kind.

©2010 Patricia Scarborough 12x12 pastel Winter Corn Rows, from the Square Mile Series

It’s been a good year.   HH and I have had some fun and put a lot of miles on the car. I’ve participated in exhibits in Lincoln, Norfolk, Grand Island and Kearney. I’ve done some good work, even took Best of Show honors.  I've also painted some stinkers but I’m still here, and I’ll be here next year keeping at it.

Happy Holidays to you, Dear Reader.  How was your year?

Gratitude 2011

I am sitting here in my comfy chair, pondering the events of our annual  Thanksgiving Family Extravaganza.  There are 2 slices of pie left in the fridge just waiting for me to finish this post so that they – and I - can go to pie heaven.

Our  family and guests have been hugged hello, coats tossed on the bed, tables set, food laid out, stories shared, seconds scooped, belts unbuckled, babies tickled, dishes washed, crumbs swept, recipes shared, and goodbyes hugged with promises to keep in touch.  Laughter still hangs in the air, along with the aroma of turkey and stuffing. 

I'm grateful, really grateful.

First on my list is  always my Handsome Husband. He supports me, helps me focus, shares the bright side to my doubts and makes me laugh. A lot. He inspires me by his patient, kind demeanor, and his desire to be a good example for those around him.

There are my sons. They’re on my side as well. No one makes me laugh like they do. And no one makes me more proud. Being their Mom has helped me become a better person.

There is the Campbell Clan. I’m delighted that they’re willing to come long distances to share a meal with us.

The Campbell Clan, Thanksgiving 2011

To live in the middle of this fine country is a blessing indeed, despite what the news declares.  There is health and home, jobs and friends, a full pantry and knowledge that tomorrow will indeed arrive at the appointed time.

What else am I grateful for?

A good haircut

Options

Belly laughs

Really good art supplies

Warm sun on a cool day

My little yellow sailboat

Butterfly bushes

Leftovers

Colored glass insulators

Clean motels

The furnace guy


Cocoons

An early newspaper that lands on my porch

Friends, including you, dear reader.

Feel free to add to the list. What are you grateful for this year?



Buyer's Guide Part Deux

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  County Rd 2  5x7 oil on linen covered panel  Available at Graham Gallery

Many of you are interested in buying art.  As I recall, last week's post was about that very thing. With an abundance of venues, styles and opinions to guide you, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

In the same way that you would educate yourself before buying a car or a washing machine, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into when buying an art piece for your home. And because I like you, I’m going to help you out.

Knowing some of the language can make the difference between leaving a gallery feeling secure in your investment of time and money, or waking up weeks later feeling doubtful.

Let’s come to terms:

Prints

Too many artists, gallerists, and people in general use this term incorrectly.  And sorry, just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t make it okay.

©2011 Mavis Penney  "Climbing" 3" x 5.5" linocut

The term “print” in the art world refers to a specific kind of creative work; lithograph, etching, wood-cut or mezzotint.  The artist is deeply involved in the actual creation of these works, which involves cutting, scraping, drawing or scratching on a special surface and then running through a press once, or multiple times. A print is numbered and signed by the artist.  The top number indicates the actual number of the print, while the bottom number indicates the number of total prints made. The notation A/P indicates an artist’s proof, which is generally deemed more valuable since it is used by the artist to make changes or to validate the first printing. It is also generally agreed that the smaller number of total prints gives them more value than if, say, 50,000 of them were made since the printing process will degrade the quality of the print microscopically each time it is run through the press.  This is why those prints closer to 1 are possibly more valuable than those prints numbered higher.

Reproductions

This is where it gets sticky.  Many people refer to reproductions as "prints". I’ve noticed that many galleries and artists are among those mis-using the term. Whereas a print is considered an original piece of art, a reproduction is a copy of an original.  It’s a subtle, but major difference. Kind of like the difference between an organic tomato grown locally, and one of these hothouse vegetables grown in a giant warehouse under fluorescent lighting.  Same thing, only very different. 

In that same vein comes the term “giclee” (zhee-clay, pronounced with your pinkies out).  This is simply a French word meaning ink-jet.  Giclee printing, developed in the 1980’s, uses long-lasting inks on high quality paper for fine art reproduction. Many artists are using giclee printing to reproduce their work for those collectors who are interested in a low-cost alternative to buying an original piece. 

Regardless of the way in which it was produced, a reproduction can be run in unlimited numbers, making them considerably less valuable than many buyers realize.

Reproductions of paintings by Patricia Scarborough. Available in greeting cards by the jillions.

 

©2011 Patricia Scarborough  Fresh Water  5x7 oil available at the Museum of Nebraska Art gift shop. Only one of its kind. Worth every penney.

Archival

This is another term whose meaning has lost its way.  Archival means the ability to be archived, or saved in a special place.  When people use the term in discussing the quality of an art piece, they are talking about its  durability, as in how long one can expect it to hang on a wall or sit on a pedestal before age or the environment begin to take its toll and cause changes.  Many works on paper can be affected by the acid content in the pulp used to make the paper, causing yellowing over time. The main thing to consider is this: How long, really, do you want this thing to last?  If you’re shelling out a large chunk of money to pay for an original piece for your living room, you’ll want to know that in 10, 40 or 80 years your purchase will be as beautiful then as it is now.   If however, you are in the market for something to match the curtains in a guest room, ask yourself if the expense of a durable piece of art is necessary, since you’ll probably be changing curtains in the next decade anyway. 

It’s not a huge issue, since the intent is to communicate quality.  The term has become a marketing tactic used by all but the pure at heart. 

Birdbath by Patricia Scarborough  7x9 pen & ink on typing paper .  The yellowing was caused by acid in both the cheap paper and mat. 

Original

Just like it sounds.  You will enjoy texture and quality of color unlike any reproduction no matter how fancy the name.  Originals are quite often more affordable that you think. Plus, you, and only you, get to hang it on your wall.

I’m not saying do not buy a print or a reproduction of a 2-d piece of art you love (whether it's on fine linen or typing paper). Absolutely not. I am saying that you should simply be aware of what you are shelling out your hard earned cash for. If you are covering a hole in the wall in an apartment you’ll be leaving when you graduate, go for a less expensive reproduction by all means. If, however, you are looking for something that will make you smile for the next 40 years and will be fought over by your heirs, consider the quality of the materials and the way it was produced.

 Buy a Jaguar XJ, or buy a Ford Pinto; they both have tires and steering. One will get you there, and one will get you there in style while your neighbors stand by wishing they were you.

©2011 Patricia Scarborough Spring on the Far Bank 5 x 7 oil on linen covered board  Available at The Burkholder Project.

Your Holiday Shopping Guide

With the biggest shopping season of the year nearly upon us, I’m going to add my 2 cents worth and encourage you to buy original art for your family and loved ones for your holiday giving.

Here’s why:

It’s classy. 

Anyone can go to X-mart and grab a vase off the shelf. Anyone can dash past the carrots and celery, through the underwear aisle and past the computers and bike tires to snag a bracelet that says,

"I love you just like a thousand other guys love their wives".

Anyone can join jillions of people milling through stores that can be found in any faceless mall in the world and paw through piles of merchandise looking for that one special thing that says,

"You’re just as special as 10-thousand other fellas”. 

It takes a classy person to resist all that and shop for a one-of-a-kind item for a one-of-a-kind person.

Choosy shoppers choose fine art.

Buying fine art puts you in a class of your own.  Why stand in line at a jewelry counter to buy the same rock or watch or pendant fifteen other schmucks are hoping to impress with?  Do you really want your sweetie seeing her jewelry on some other woman? Investigate a local painter or sculptor who will share a creative vision with you that extends far beyond the reaches of the cash register.

Fine art, whether thrown and baked, framed, sculpted or blown will always, always be in style. No matter what Martha Stewart is doing, no matter who HGTV puts in the screen, you will be assured of having taste.  Think about that before you paint everything according to the latest Modern Copycat magazine. Buying art that stirs something deep within, a memory perhaps, or an idea, will help it retain its interest and personal value long after you’ve re-covered the sofa and your easy chair and yanked the curtains off the walls.

"Honey, let's be different and buy one-of-a-kind, original art.  All the cool kids are doing it."

There are lots of great galleries in your area waiting just for you.  Drop by and say hello, and tell them a bit about yourself.  Let them help you in a way that no bored teenager who would rather die than wait on you can.  They'll guide you to a purchase that will have your loved ones feeling truly cherished.

Weekend Review

It appears that finally the gremlins who attached themselves to my blog have moved on to some other poor schmuck's blog.  Good luck, fella.

As promised, photos of my amazing weekend...

That's me, on top.  Dee's floral watercolor, and Harry's lathe turned vessels.

Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island, Ne. provided a lovely opening reception for Harry Adams, Dee Rodgers and I for our exhibit, "Nature's Bounty".  Crowds were exceptional, as you can see.  I'm so very grateful to art lovers, family and friends who came out to share the evening with us.  This exhibit will be up until November 30th.

Elbow to elbow nearly the entire evening

While the Prairie Winds reception was winding down, I dashed down Highway 30 to Kearney to prepare for the Museum of Nebraska Art's 2-day Kaleidoscope of Art event.  I joined over 30 artists sharing their creative endeavors with appreciative crowds at one of Nebraska's crown jewels, the Museum of Nebraska Art.  The former Kearney  post office, this beautiful building is perfect for housing and showing the artwork of Nebraska artists.  I am delighted to have shared space in the large main gallery with Keith Lowry, Jane Marie, Del and Martha Pettigrew, Pat Jones, Karen Krull Robart, Jorn Olsen and others. 

The main gallery, just before the crowds moved in.

Hey Mom, look!  It's me!

Special thanks to Handsome Husband who kept the home fires burning while I was out peddling my wares. It's a group effort here, and I'm grateful to HH for his support. 

What did you do this weekend?

Bad Timing

Well, this is awkward.

I just wrapped up a wonderful week.  Twice I talked with groups about my life as an artist.  It also happened to be the same week  I had 2 major art events scheduled.  The first, an exhibit at Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island, started with an opening reception on Friday evening, and the Kaliedescope of Art at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, Ne opened on Saturday.  Both were terrific fun and I'm so grateful to the many friends that came to share the fun with me.

After all this rubbing elbows and visiting with friends old and new I had hoped to be able to post a batch of pictures. I find that I'm unable to upload anything at all, and I don't have enough brain cells left to string words together that make any sense.

So, it is with great humility that I beg your forgiveness and promise you that I'll post photos of my weekend along with witty banter as soon as I can figure out how to overcome this annoying and untimely glitch.

Until then-

Time Out

It appears I am not alone.

In last week’s post, I mentioned the difference between the way Handsome Husband and I organize our days.  He lives by his list, making notes, checking them off with a satisfying flourish, and generally parading through his day like a man who knows where he’s going.

And then there was me, trying to corral my day, finally coming to the conclusion that making concise lists is – for me anyway – like herding cats. It just doesn’t work very well.

Accomplished artists Vickie, Karine and Hannah agreed.  We check, uncheck, recheck, and re-recheck , then double-check the recheck until we’re dizzy.  I have a solution.

 

 The Time Out.

In sports the time out is used to re-group, rest, and re-figure the direction of the team.  The players stand around sloshing water in their mouths and catching their breath while the coaches ponder their next move.  After a short time has elapsed the players get their orders and go back onto the playing field with renewed spirit.  Or something like that.

With kids, the time out lands them in a corner on a hard seat.  Focus and self control are the goals.

If you think you're being ignored, you're right.

And so it is with creative work. Whether it’s a day, a week, or sometimes several months, any kind of creative work needs time to rest, a siesta from the over stimulated eyes and minds of its maker; a breather, an interlude from being re-stitched, under-poked or overworked by artists who are simply too close to their projects to see clearly.

Funny, much art improves by being left alone. Sometimes flaws become more apparent after a time of idle repose so that some tough love can be applied.  Hopefully it’s the loveliness that becomes even more obvious so that finishing touches can be completed without all the un-checking and re-doing.  Regardless, it’s the time out that clears the air. 

After a long time out, © 2011 Patricia Scarborough, Sandhills Shoreline, 14 x 11 pastel 

 

In preparing for two fast-approaching exhibits, I unearthed a painting I had put away in frustration quite some time ago.  After seeing it with fresh eyes it was obvious that all that was needed was a quick stroke of pastel and ‘voila’, it was ready to be photographed and framed. Once.

Others that I had hastily finished and framed, documented, re-framed, re-documented, etc. are now being given their time out in hopes of a clearer perspective.

So I’m adding to my list by adding . . . nothing.  Space.  Time Out. 

Paintings in Time Out. Stacked up ready for delivery to Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island, Ne. for a November exhibit titled Nature's Bounty, with Harry Adams and Dee Rodgers.  Opening reception is Friday, November 4th from 6-8pm.

Then it's  quick dash out the door and down the highway to the Museum of Nebraska Art's Kaleidoscope of Art event on Saturday and Sunday.

Put them on your list.  I'll see you there.  Check.

Keeping it in Balance

In the time honored tradition of Opposites Attract, HH and I have spent quite a lot of time over the years coming to terms with our differences.

This has been especially interesting since my foray into art as a full time endeavor. 

In HH’s profession time, and keeping track of it, is very important. His day is divided between appointments, paperwork, meetings and other duties. Managing the clock efficiently allows for more appointments, more paperwork, more meetings and more duties. Checking these items off the list is proof of a successful day.

Time, to this artist, is a very different animal. It neither starts, nor ends; it just is. More often than not, I don’t actually finish a task. I make headway, I made advances, I may even make progress, but my work is not conducive to being confined to a list.

HH is an impressive list maker. I’m learning.  Where he starts the day with a dozen or so entries on his to-do list, mine often starts with this entry: “make list for day”. 

HH feels a sense of control when he ends his day with his long list check-marked and scratched out. Certain items of mine can be checked off a list, certainly. Prepare panels. Check.  Buy frame. Check.  Put painting in frame. Check.  Add hanging wire. Check. 

My daily goals don’t always translate into a useable list.  For instance, Monday’s list: “Paint”. Tuesday’s list:  “Keep painting”. Wednesday: “Paint again”.  In the interest of saving trees, I can keep that one in my head.

The work of laying paint onto a canvas doesn’t translate into timeframes or check marks. I have finished paintings, signed them, and framed them. Check it off the list.  A short time later I see something that could be tweaked.  Uncheck.   Take out of frame. Is that a re-check, or an un-check?  Fix the painting. Recheck.  Re-frame, re-re-check. Or is that un-check?

I’ve learned to set a timer to help me keep track of my time.  Ding! Time for lunch.  Ding!  Go to the dentist.  Ding!  Write your blog. (What?  It’s Sunday already?)

Of course, my day starts off with a plan, just like his.  I plan to work on a painting.  From there things follow a different path - if there is a path at all. Mostly the plan goes like this: I will work on the painting on my easel.  I will work on it until I am satisfied, or so miserable I quit.  Or, I will take advantage of unexpected beautiful sunny weather and paint outside. Or take advantage of unexpected cloudy weather and photograph artwork.  Or, if it’s raining and the painting on my easel is not going well, I will frame, or inventory…or…

He has a fairly tight rein on his calendar; I have a first class pilot’s license in flying by the seat of my pants. 

He sets his calendar, I set a timer.

He puts on aftershave, I wipe off paint.

He puts on a tie, I tie on an apron.

He takes a break from paperwork to stare into space. I take a break from staring into space to catch up on paperwork.

He gets a regular paycheck. I get irregular paychecks.  I think. It’s been awhile.

Somehow, despite our differences, we belong to the same mutual admiration society.

I admire his ability to determine what needs to be done.  He appreciates my ability to be flexible.

I admire his ability to focus, he is learning to let go of details. 

I’m so very glad he can do math.  So is he. He leaves the final decision on clothes matching to me.

I have learned that being an artist isn’t just about color and paint.  HH has been very gracious in helping me understand and use calendars and lists to keep my schedule straight and my studio time productive.

He has learned that being successful isn’t just about checking off the task list.  He now takes time to stop and watch trees turn color and butterflies hatch.  (Just between you and me, I think he’s got that on a list somewhere.)

He’s less schedule oriented, I’m less open-ended.  He’s willing to take the road less travelled, and I’ve learned to mind the clock.

One of these days he’ll get me to use a Franklin Planner, and maybe I’ll get him to leave his at home.

We'll both add that to our lists.

Vaughan Chapter Two

Being a plein air painter in Nebraska is a little like playing dodge ball.  It can be miserable, but when you realize you’ve made it to the end in one piece, it is oh so sweet.  So it was with our V…Vaughan workshop at David City last week. 

V... Vaughan completes her demo as the sun goes down on our first day in David City. 

Under V…’s expert tutelage our task was to experience the beautiful Nebraska landscape first hand, focusing on the earliest and latest parts of the day.  Our hosts from Bone CreekMuseum of Agrarian Art (a tiny gem of an art museum) had located several wonderful spots from which we would work and I was excited to scout out new territory.

For six weeks, six weeks, the weather in Nebraska had been particularly beautiful.  Our skies were intensely blue, the temperature was, balmy and winds unusually calm.  It looked like the perfect time to paint outdoors.

First light on the second morning. The day started beautifully.

But this is Nebraska - where the weather changes before the weatherman can finish his sentence and it’s not unheard of to watch the thermometer drop 40 degrees in a few short hours.

A few moments later the temps drop, the clouds roll in. We perservere.

Despite the constant threat of inclement weather  V… was intent on giving us our money’s worth.  She was unfazed by whirling winds, cooling temps and light going flatter than an old  grape soda. V…’s brush found rich tones of purple, olive and indigo to describe rolling hills and autumn trees and she shared with us how to translate what we were seeing into paint.  Her ability to coax a painting to completion quickly and confidently was inspiring.

We gather to review the days' work.

My goal in for any workshop is to take home one or two bits of information that I can apply to my own style and working methods.  V… managed to shoehorn 5 or 6 major "aha’s" between my ears. That's quite an accomplishment. I'm looking forward to including these gems into my studio work - just as soon as I get the grass, gravel, foxtails and mud picked out of my equipment.

Huge thanks to V…, to the folks at Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, and to all the workshop participants who made the weekend so special.  V…’s recent exhibit, Passing America: The Great Plains, will be on exhibit at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln, Ne., through December 11, 2011.

On the last afternoon, the sun shone brightly and we were visited by a herd of beautiful British Whites from the Bohaty farm, cattle whose only desire was to pose for our group.