Cathedral

I am working on painting a series of local churches. I got Sacred Heart and St. Paul's finished for the Christmas Jubilee, but wasn't able to finish the Cathedral. I finished it today, finally. It's mounted to a 24x24" ornate antique ceiling tile, so it's a pretty large piece. I hope to do more this size, if there's an interest. I love it! Unless I sell it beforehand, look for it in Ashland Gallery in midtown Mobile.

Cousins

These two little matching 8x10 oil portraits were painted for two sisters. These are their children, who are cousins and best friends. "Two peas in a pod", as one of the mothers said! The reference photo was snapped on an IPhone and captured a sweet moment.

Christmas Jubilee Artwalk

Here is one of my display walls in the Christmas Jubilee ArtWalk area (in the foyer of the Holiday Market). It's a great venue and I have already sold the Sacred Heart Chapel (above - middle photo), St. Paul's Chapel (directly above) and the speckled trout next to my left hand in the top photo. I am so excited that everyone seems to love my work. I am very pleased with the response to my churches - I have plans to make more - I am halfway done with the Cathedral but just couldn't get it done in time!!! Never enough time to get everthing done...

A Beautiful Children's Portrait

Well, I've finally finished this beautiful portrait and I think you'll have to agree, it was worth the wait. Check out the lace detailing on the close-up views. The mother couldn't be happier and can't wait to get it framed and hang it in her home.

Mobile Art Association - Fall Juried Show

MAA - 2009 Fall Juried Show

This year's Mobile Art Association's Fall Show was hung at the "Skinny Gallery" of the Mobile Arts Council on Downtown Dauphin Street. The Show Opening & Awards coincided with this month's LODA Artwalk this past Friday night. There were many fabulous pieces on display - paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic, photography, ceramic arts, pencil drawings and mixed media works. There were many awards given out and wonderful food and drinks in a festive atmosphere. Below, are me and my mother (also in the show for her watercolor painting) with my mixed media piece "Redfish 1":

Here I am with my photograph titled "Rust in Shade". I like it because it is abstract, but also a photograph.
In addition to the Skinny Gallery, there were many other galleries that were open for LODA Artwalk. Two, in particular, that we visited on Friday night: The Robertson Gallery (upscale, large abstract works) and The Cathedral Square Gallery (various local artwork and photography of all kinds, live music, and a catered food spread). After a walk over to Wintzell's for some terrific gumbo, the night was complete.

Tillman's Corner Tienda

As I drive around during the day, I often see things that I think would make great photographs. I guess I need to keep a camera with me at all times, although sometimes I've had to stand on the side of a busy road, walk down abandoned railroad tracks or park the car in odd places and photograph images from the driver's seat. This image was taken at the "Tienda Mex" in Tillman's Corner. The colors were so intense, I just had to try and capture it.

I haven't posted in a while. I have been working and working on a beautiful large portrait of two children. I spent the whole day yesterday painting antique lace on one part of the little boy's shirt. Time consuming but so worth it!!! I'll post when I'm finished.

Sailfish Commission

My friend commissioned this painting for her husband for Christmas (this past year). She gave me the photographs of his actual sailfish as it was being reeled in Costa Rica during her husband's fishing trip. I was at her house this past week and photographed it hanging in his office. We picked the frame out together and I put it together and finished the back. Doesn't it look great? It was a wonderful gift and she said she was finally able to get him something that he couldn't guess!



Here is a closeup:

Ashland Gallery - Mobile, AL

I brought several pieces to Ashland Gallery last week. Jane and Sue have both been so helpful with my artwork. I brought 4 fish (two redfish and two speckled trout), an Oyster Trio on wood, a couple of 12x12 tin pieces (oyster and artichoke) and several of the small 6x6 florals on antique tin tiles. I ran by the gallery today to drop off a redfish that a client commissioned and to get my photo taken with the artwork hanging in the gallery. Come to find out, most of the large pieces have already sold or are out on approval! I had my 7 year old, Andrew, take this photo of me (hence the slightly odd angle and hand covering the flash!). The ladies at Ashland Gallery did a great job with the display -- they had to hang a painting where the other fish used to be. They told me to "get painting"! :) Only two more weeks until school starts and I will be back working full time. Run by Ashland Gallery, if you get a chance, and take a look!

Fish Commission

A client had been looking for some artwork for her son's room - above two twin beds. She saw one of my redfish pieces at the Lyon's Share Gallery in Fairhope and had an idea for a commission. She brought the fish fabric she had used in the bedroom to the gallery and gave the approximate size needed. After a few phone calls back and forth, I set out to find the perfect mount for her fish (she had chosen two off the fabric sample). After several trips to the antique dealer and much digging, I found some beautiful shutters in the perfect size. Problem was, they were kelley green. The client had said she wanted something natural. I proceeded to spend many hours and supplies on trying to strip the shutters myself, to no avail. I finally had them professionally stripped and it really shows off the beautiful antique pine. I just delivered them last week and they looked fabulous in her son's room. She even emailed me a photo to show me how they looked all hung up over the beds. This was a really fun project and getting to meet her two precious boys that will enjoy the fish was priceless!

Mother's Day Art

My mother-in-law is having several rooms in her house re-decorated. The lady helping her asked that I create 3 small canvases for her breakfast area. We decided on a pomegranate, artichoke and mango. Mrs. Allen loved them when I gave them to her as a mother's day present. They just got hung up and I wanted to show how nice they look in her kitchen. These are 8x8 thick gallery wrapped canvases, so they don't need a frame.

I also painted an extra set on regular canvases that are supposed to go to a local interior design shop - as soon as I find some good-looking frames for them. You know, with all my spare time...

Portrait Photo

I am getting ready to start a lovely portrait of a brother and sister. The mother found this beautiful antique lace and had the children's outfits made. Kudos to Kristin Smith for getting that "perfect shot" for the portrait reference photo. What you don't see, is me pretending to sneeze and falling onto the ground behind Kristin while she quickly snaps photos! :)

Of course, I will post the 24x36 oil portrait when it's finished. I can't wait to get started.

A New Gallery

I am pleased to announce that my work is now being carried at The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL (between Destin and Seaside, Sea Grove and Watercolor). I am very excited about this new venue and the owner, Susan Tolbert, is a joy to work with. Visit their website at http://www.studiogallery30a.com/. She will be carrying my small works on tin (floral, oysters, okra), redfish and speckled trout on antique shutters, a large red snapper in an antique window frame and, of course, blue crabs (a best seller). Check it out, if you are in the area. I am looking forward to taking a "business trip" over there, as well! :)

Eddie's Rockfish

After re-connecting with my college roommate (Univ of Florida - Delta Delta Delta) via Facebook, she commissioned me to paint a "Rockfish" (Striped Bass) for her son's room. They live in North Carolina, so this is a fish not usually caught around Mobile Bay. After researching it in my field guides and on the internet, I was able to capture the form and color in the 10x20 painting. She said it looked great in Eddie's room.

Bayhouse Portrait

I just finished up this portrait of a client's mother-in-law's bayhouse. The painting is a suprise for her birthday. I was given some photos of the house and also photos of all the grandchildren sitting on the steps. I combined them for a gift that will be surely treasured. Doesn't it make you want to go there and sit under the shady oaks?

Shared Expressions Exhibit

My photograph, "Abba's Woods" was accepted into the "Shared Expressions" Juried Exhibition at the Mobile Museum of Art. This exhibition demonstrates the wealth of talent and diversity of interests among the artists of the Mobile Bay region. Invitations were sent to 10 arts organizations to select from their members work which best exemplifies the creativity and accomplishments of their respective media.

I took this photograph in Marion Junction, AL on a friend's property out in the country. They have lakes, fields, horses and this section of woods, where they go to pray. It was such a peaceful surrounding. The fact that a tree grew in the shape of a cross in such a Godly place, was amazing to me.

For more information on the exhibit,

http://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/index.php?sector=3&view=3

Artwalk Featured Artist - Lyon's Share Gallery

First Friday Artwalk-Lyon's Share Gallery

My youngest collector! This young man is 8 years old, loves to fish and purchased his favorite redfish with his Christmas money! After we all went crazy about how cute he was, my husband snapped this photo with the camera on his phone.
My mom and my surrogate mom, Sabe Fink (my best friend's mother that I've known since I was four years old) chatting in the gallery:

My husband Marc and my uncle Danny in front of the "Featured Artist" wall.

My newest peices - a huge tarpon on a antique shutter (French Mediterranean 1890's). Also a piece that incorporates many of the subjects I often paint, but in one long artwork. It's called "Bay Bounty" and has oysters, speck, redfish and a bluecrab (also on an antique shutter).

Here's another new piece. It's the first time I've done a flounder. It was so much fun to paint! He is mounted in an antique window frame. The glass has been removed and I replaced it with vintage, reclaimed tin roofing. On the old door panel hanging below the flounder, is a speckled trout. I had three speckled trout pieces (on various mounts) and they all sold.
Here's me, in front of the wall of artwork. That represents a lot of painting hours!
Thanks so much to Mike and Kelley Lyon's (gallery owners) and Patrick M. (gallery manager) for all their hard work in set-up, refreshments, sales and just being a jovial bunch! A great time was had by all.

Mobile Art Association Spring Juried Show

Mother and Daughter

Both Win Awards at MAA Spring Juried Exhibition

MOBILE, AL – April 30, 2009 –Suzanne Hodgin Fox and Jennifer Fox Allen, mother and daughter, both received awards at the Mobile Art Association’s 2009 Spring Juried Exhibition. The opening reception and awards ceremony was held at the West Regional Branch of the Mobile Public Library.

Suzanne Fox was presented the Morris Gallery Merit Award for her watercolor titled “Pirate’s Cove”. Jennifer Allen was presented the Calagaz Photo and Digital Imaging Certificate for the Best Photographic Artwork for her piece titled “Outdoor Sink Reflections”. Presenting the awards was the newly installed President of the Mobile Art Association, Ernest Kirkland. Kirkland also won the Oleta Delaplaine Memorial Member’s Choice Award, presented to the artist whose work was selected by a MAA member vote at the exhibit reception, for his oil painting, “Jedidiah”.

Me and my mom, with Mr. Kirkland in the middle.

Standing in front of my photograph. I was awarded a $100 gift certificate to Calagaz Photo!

Mom and me in front of her watercolor painting. She won a $100 cash award.

There was a lot of good artwork from a variety of local artists and the reception was very nice. If you are interested in joining the MAA, let me know. There are many opportunities for shows and to learn from fellow artists.

Festival of Flowers

Thanks to all that inquired about my booth at Festival of Flowers. Here, you can see the display as the sun FINALLY came out on Saturday after 3 days in the rain and mud. Saturday and Sunday were beautiful and people really enjoyed looking at all the great vendor booths as well as the Festival itself. Thanks to all my sweet friends that helped out during the week. I had a great time, made some good contacts and had some sales as well.

ESAC - Children's Field Trip

Eastern Shore Art Center

School Field Trip Projects

Nancy Raia is Director of ABC (Arts Bridging Creativity) at the Eastern Shore Art Center. The ABC program takes arts into local schools, incorporating art into many areas of learning and giving children exposure to the arts that many schools would not have without ABC’s efforts. Member artists and interested volunteers help with field trips to the Art Center, which give students hands-on experience and exposure to professional artists at work. To read more about Nancy Raia, click http://www.esartcenter.com/NancyRaia.htm. She is amazing!

A recent 4th grade gifted class visited ESAC on a field trip. As they viewed the "EcoART" exhibit, they were asked to choose their favorite piece from the gallery. The children then created their own collage, to represent a favorite work. Here are several that chose one of my mixed media paintings. Isn't that awesome? They created a wonderful piece of artwork in their own style!

Elberta Photographs

I like to "dabble" in photography. I wish I had more time to learn about it. Here are some interesting shots I got on a recent trip to my grandmother's house in Elberta. Her name is Olive Keller (maiden name Krantz). She and my grandfather both descended from German immigrants (farmers and fisherman) that settled in Baldwin County.

"Harvester"

"Fence Post"

"Elberta Earth"


"Cotton Field"

ArtWalk Fun!

Friday night's Art Walk was so much fun! We started out at the Eastern Shore Art Center. ESAC had a piano player, great food and some wonderful "EcoART". There was a giant "found object" shrimp sculpture that was my favorite. Here is mom and me posing by one of my artwork displays. I had several patrons come up and tell me how much they loved these little florals.

Then, we walked down to Lyon's Share Gallery on DeLaMare Street. There were so many fun people there and Jesse's Restaurant was serving mini key lime pie bites and these wonderful tomato quiche appetizers. Here is me, with Trin Ollinger (my best friend since I was 4 years old) and Kristin Smith (my good friend and portrait photographer). We are posing in front of the wall of small art for Valentine's Day. Holly Irwin, Anita Westerburg and Amanda Hendrich (among many others) had some amazing small artwork at affordable prices.

Here I am chatting with the crowd. I had many people say they especially loved the honey bear and also the gerber daisy bouquet on the antique shutter.

Afterward, Trin's mother, Sabe, an up and coming potter, hosted us all for dinner at her house. We had a great time and I can't wait until next month!

Two Exhibitions This Friday! Press Releases

I have just submitted two press releases for the group shows I am involved in with that both open this Friday. I'd love to see you over in Fairhope for the openings. It should prove to be a good time - let's hope the weather warms up a bit, though!

EcoART

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s … Art?

FAIRHOPE, AL February 6, 2009 – The group exhibition EcoART will open at the Eastern Shore Art Center, at February’s First Friday Art Walk to be held in downtown Fairhope from 5-8pm. This exhibit features a unique collection of recycled and found object art.

“Going Green” means something different to everyone. Here, a new wave of recycled art and design has emerged. This exhibition of innovative and often surprising products was created from recycled and reused building materials, turning waste into eco-friendly art.

Jennifer Allen, a local mixed-media artist known best for local fish, crab and oyster subject matter, has been invited to participate. These works, created from hand-cut tin and painted in oil, are mounted to rustic antique tin ceiling tiles and vintage shutters.

In keeping with the recycled theme, the other ESAC galleries will display: Styrogami, sculpture using polystyrene coffee cups and I “Can” Do it, art pieces crafted from recycled aluminum cans.

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk is open to the public, with many galleries, specialty shops and restaurants participating. All are invited to enjoy an artsy and fun-filled night with an evening of openings, guest artists and live entertainment throughout beautiful downtown Fairhope.

First Friday Art Walk information can be found at www.esartcenter.com.

Lyons Share Gallery - Valentine's Group Show

Art is “Hot Stuff” for Valentine’s Day

FAIRHOPE, AL February 6, 2009 – Lyon’s Share Gallery has issued a call to their exhibiting artists to create small, Valentine’s inspired artwork for February’s First Friday Art Walk to be held in downtown Fairhope from 6-8pm.

Jennifer Allen, a local mixed-media artist known best for local fish, crab and oyster subject matter, has responded to the challenge with humor and creativity. She has created a “Love & Terms of Endearment” series, in keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme. These works, created from hand-cut tin and painted in oil, are mounted to rustic antique tin ceiling tiles and vintage shutters. Some of the works are an obvious nod to traditional romantic themes such as floral elements and chocolates. Others require creative thinking to decipher the endearment term: “honey”, “hot stuff” and “cupcake”, to name a few. Come test your knowledge and wit with these fun and original pieces.

In addition to new works from Jennifer and all of the Lyon’s Share Gallery artists, enjoy catering from Jesse’s restaurant for an artsy and fun-filled evening.

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk is free and open to the public, with many galleries, specialty shops and restaurants participating. All are invited to celebrate a “love” for the Arts and Valentine’s Day in downtown Fairhope with their “honey”.

For more information on Lyon’s Share Gallery, please visit www.lyonssharegallery.net. First Friday Art Walk information can be found at www.esartcenter.com.
To view Jennifer’s artwork online, please visit www.southernoilportraits.com.


OF NOTE: My last press release, "Three Generations of Artists" got picked up by the Living Arts Section of Sunday's Press-Register. Pretty neat!