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.