A Visit to the Mobile Museum of Art

Recently, I went with my mom to the Mobile Museum of Art to view their current exhibitions.  My mom has a watercolor painting included in the "Shared Expressions 2013" exhibit.  This show includes:

 The broad spectrum of creative talent in the Mobile area including:  the Azalea City Quilters Guild, the Watercolor & Graphics Arts Society of Mobile, the Shibui Chapter of the Sumi-é Society of America, Mobile Art Association, Camera South, Coastal Clay Collective and the Azalea City Woodturners.   As such, the exhibit highlights exceptional works in fine quilting, photography, watercolor and graphic and three dimensional arts. 

It was very eye opening to see the variety of creativity that lies here in our Mobile Area.  Here is my mother's piece that is included under the Mobile Art Association.  This exhibit runs through September 1st, so hurry by if you are interested in seeing it.

"Farmer's Market" by Suzanne H. Fox, Watercolor on Paper. 

Another current exhibit that fascinated me was "The Silent Cities of Peru: Archaeological Photography by Fernando La Rosa".  

Fernando La Rosa has been making photographs of the ancient sites of Perú over a period of 35 years, particularly Cerro Sechin, Chavin de Huantar and Machu Picchu. Of these, Sechin is the oldest, having been built and abandoned over 3,000 years ago. Over the years he has been granted unusual access to the sites, allowing him to record events such as sunlight penetrating temple rooms at dawn, aspects of great importance to the original builders.

So, not only were the black and white photographs stunning, but the story behind each (printed on a card next to every piece) was very interesting.  Glimpsing the architecture and culture of an ancient people will blow your mind!  This exhibit runs through October 27th.

There are many other things to see at MOMA - and the best news yet?  Thursdays in August, MOMA offers FREE ADMISSION!  Depending on the date, they offer kids activities, live demos and refreshments each Thursday night.  Also recently unveiled, a new and improved gift shop and gallery area.  It's a great way to appreciate art and beat the heat this month.

Here's the link to their website for more information: http://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/

If you go visit, drop me a line and let me know what you think!  jallen1919@gmail.com.
For information on my artwork, visit my Rabbit Creek Studios website or Facebook Page.

Burlap!

I wanted to share a new medium I've been working on.  At the suggestion of my artist friend Amber, I have tried painting oysters on canvas wrapped in burlap.  I think it's a great idea since burlap reminds me of the the sacks in which you purchase fresh oysters.

I have plenty of burlap around, believe it or not, because I use it for table covers when displaying my artwork for outdoor shows.  I cut it and wrapped it around these 6x6 gallery canvases.  Then I painted three different oysters.  In the photo below, you can see that the canvas on the far left is underpainted in gray.  I then applied a gloss gel medium on top of the burlap to give a better painting surface.  I then painted the oyster in acrylic.  For the middle canvas, the underpainting is a light green.  The gel medium is matte and I painted the oyster in acrylic.  On the far right, I painted on raw burlap, and painted the oyster in oil.  My husband likes the raw burlap because it's the most rustic and raw, but it's harder to paint on.  What do you think?  I am also considering the idea of adding a thick, gloss coating on the top.

6x6" Oysters - Oil or Acrylic on Burlap Covered Canvas, by Jennifer F. Allen, $39 each.

I have hung these three pieces at Five Gold Monkeys in Mobile, AL, so if you are in the area, you can check them out for yourself.  I think they are really unique!  Or, if you'd like me to create a custom color combination, I'd love to hear your ideas.

As always, please "Like" my Rabbit Creek Studios Facebook Page to keep up with me and my artwork, and for deals and specials!!!

More Oysters!!!!

I've been painting several oysters on canvas lately to get ready for a trip over to Florida to replenish work at a gallery there.  If you are ever in Grayton Beach, go check out Lily Pads - lots of art and great interior decor.

Here is what I believe is my favorite.  It's on a 10x10" gallery wrapped canvas.  I left the paint loose and thick and I love the color combination.  I think I might paint one similar in a much larger size!  I normally coat the canvas in a thick, glossy resin to finish the look, but I think I really just like this one just as it is.

"Oyster on Gray", 10x10" original acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, by Jennifer F. Allen

If you are interested in this piece of artwork or one like it, please visit my website www. rabbitcreekstudios.net.  I am in the process of updating the art gallery portion with my newest work.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend - please pause and remember those who have fallen to defend our freedoms.

Almost Summer!

While I've been trying to get my two boys through the last two weeks of school, and also finish up some important formal portraiture work, I did have a chance this past Saturday to work on some large oyster paintings.  When doing inventory for the galleries and shops that carry my artwork, I noticed that just about every time I paint an oyster piece, especially the oversized canvases, that they sell quickly.  So, I decided I'd try to paint a few in the next couple of weeks, especially since some of the shops are running low on my inventory.

I love working in this large size and especially with the heavy texture of the exterior of the shells and the metallic paints that bring out the "pearly-ness" of the oysters.

These are 24x30" gallery wrapped heavy duty canvases (meaning that they have the thick sides and are very sturdy) and would look great framed or unframed (the painting goes around the thick sides of the canvas).

"Oyster on Gray" and "Oyster on Blue" - 24x30" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas by Jennifer F. Allen

These are my questions:

Do you like the gray background or blue better?
Do you like the horizontal or vertical orientation?
Should they be coated with the heavy resin gloss as usual or left more natural and "flat" (not shiny)?

I would truly love your feedback.  I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Mother's Day -- I surely did! :)

Rollin' on the River

As some of you know from Facebook, I was able to take advantage of a warm day here in the Deep South and take a boat ride on Rabbit Creek.  I wanted to try out a new camera I got for Christmas.  I got some neat photos, as the river is always changing.

Water wearing away this stump makes it look like a flower pot.

This log looks like a horse!

I like the bare trees.

Even bridges can make an interesting design element.

My husband has a real interest in trees, especially the cypress trees that grow along the water's edge.  He really loves the cypress "knees" that grow from the roots of the tree.  I was able to zoom in on a few clusters of them and got a good shot of one spot in color and the other, I thought looked good in black and white.

My husband, grew up on the river - boating and fishing from an early age.  He asked me to get a shot of this old sign.

As the sun breaks out, all the pines and cypress are silhouetted.  We are blessed to live in a beautiful area of the country and being on the water cures a lot of "what ails ya".

I pray for a Happy and Healthy New Year for you all!  Bring on 2013!!!  May it be filled with love, laughter and, of course, beautiful things - like art!  :)

Painting Boats

I have been in the mood to paint boats lately.  Maybe it's the end of summer.  At any rate, I have three pieces that I've finished and I really like.  The blues are soothing and the paintings make me wish I was "there".

The first two are based off of a photo I've had for a long time.  I've painted something similar before, that sold quickly.  So, I thought I'd revisit these canoes: once larger and another time in a higher "key".  In "Boats on Blue II", notice that there are tiny "pops" of burnt orange in the dark shadows.  It's like the painting isn't finished for me, until I can figure out the "odd man out" color that really sets the work off.  I once took a cooking class in New Orleans where they were talking about using spices in food.  There are flavors that are similar, but for a really phenomenal dish, you need a little bit of an "odd man out" flavor -- a spice that is opposite but complementary at the same time.  This is what I try to accomplish when using color in my work.  I am very happy with the results and will apply a gloss varnish on these for a really nice watery effect.

"Boats on Blue II", 24x24" acrylic on gallery canvas, $350.

"Canoe Trio", 12x12" acrylic on gallery canvas, $95.

Secondly, I have really been wanting to paint some sailboats.  I don't sail, but I have a dear friend and also a neighbor that do.  Something about flying over the water, with no motor noise, has got to be wonderful.  I tried to keep the colors airy and breezy and I think I did well with that.  I still had to pop some tan and darker blue in there to make it interesting.

"Sails on the Bay", 12x24" acrylic on gallery canvas, $200.

Enjoy the last few weeks of warm weather!  Can you believe that Labor Day is next weekend????

Slumber Party!!!

I first read about Theresa McPherson and her "Lights of Empowerment" ministry in the newspaper.  I felt called to share my artistic talent with these girls.

http://blog.al.com/pr-community-news/2011/01/empowering_teen_girls_new_mobile_nonprofit_reaches_out.html

Theresa and I made several calls back and forth and tried to get something set up for her summer camps.  We could never work out the details and the idea to help began to fade...

Then, last week, I saw Theresa on the evening news.  They were interviewing her in response to a local high school prom video that hit You Tube in which girls were not dancing very nicely, to say the least.  I told my husband that I sure hated that I missed that opportunity to help her and her ministry.  So, guess who calls me the VERY NEXT DAY?  Theresa!  She was having her monthly "BFF" sleepover and had thought of me to come and do some art with the girls.  How weird is that????  Anyway, I told her I was DEFINITELY interested!

I  then enlisted the help of my favorite 10 year old girl artist, Morgan McGehee and her mom Laura.  We decided that the girls could paint a cupcake or a ice cream cone, similar to the ones Morgan paints and sells to raise money for a well in Africa.   (To see Morgan's work, go here:   http://www.facebook.com/TheHopeProjectMobile).  We gathered supplies and met at Lights of Empowerment behind a local church on Cottage Hill Road last Friday evening.

The girls were just starting to arrive -- in their pj's and with cute sleeping bags and pillows.  They played board games while waiting for all the girls to get there.  Theresa said she expected about 20.  What a fun night she had planned!  Theresa started with a devotional and scripture reading, all designed to encourage the girls that they are all special and beautiful.  The girls then had several activities they rotated in groups to: our painting room, face painting, making bead necklaces, a "spa"/personal hygiene area, Wii games, etc.  All the while, fun music is playing and girls are busy having fun and doing all the activities.  Then, refreshments - nachos, pizza, drinks, cupcakes!  As we were finishing up the art room, they had started a limbo game - cue the music "Hot, Hot, Hot..."!  :)  Wow, what a fun time!!  Miss Theresa sure knows how to throw a fabulous sleepover!  Alas, us art teachers had not brought our pajamas or sleeping bags, so we had to pack up to go home.  As we took this last photo as we left, I had a feeling the party had just begun...

To learn more about Lights of Empowerment, please visit www.lightsofempowerment.com and consider donating your time or talent to this great organization.

For the LOVE of Oysters

I received the cutest email a while back:

"Hi Jennifer,

I stumbled upon your website in the most unusual way recently.  I’ve been surfing the web in search for a gift for my sisters upcoming birthday.  We share a love of oysters. –it’s actually an obsession really.  We have spent a summer of gluttony slurping dozens and dozens AND dozens…a ridiculous amount. I live seaside in NJ, my sis is in NYC and summertime she spends half her weekends here with me at the shore. 

I have been reading oyster blogs and reviews of oyster books, found some cool oyster knives and shucking gloves that would be very useful especially shucking after the wine has been flowing J  Anyway, I somehow landed on your blog.  I really like your work and the light airy way you’ve written about your inspirations.  I had a nice reminiscence of my own summer fishing, crabbing, boating and sunsets on the dock. –Autumn has arrived here in the northeast and soon we will be hibernating.

Two pieces of your work I would like to have for myself. “oyster on blue” 4x6 and “oyster trio” 6x12 both oil on canvas.  I hope they are still available."

This just makes me smile!  I packaged up the requested artwork and sent it up to New Jersey.

Here are the pieces she unwrapped:

After following following up with her to make sure she received the artwork and that she was pleased with it I got the following response:

"I LOVE LOVE LOVE my oyster paintings! They make me happy every time I see them!

Thank you for checking back.

Happy New Year! I hope it’s the best one yet!"

So, now my artwork is being enjoyed by an "Oyster Lover" in New Jersey.  I just think it's amazing that the internet allows us to share artwork and ideas so easily from all over the country and the world.  Have a blessed day! :)

Anniversary Surprise

I got an email recently from a man who wanted to surprise his wife for their anniversary.  He had an idea to get an oil portrait of the place where he proposed to her - Samford Hall at Auburn University.  He also wanted included, small figures of himself and his wife in the portrait, re-enacting the proposal.  What a creative husband!  He even provided details of what they were wearing, who was standing on what side and the time of night (for the clock face).  This is a photo of the painting at one of it's final stages.

"Samford Hall Proposal at Night", 16x20" Oil on Canvas

I think he gets a lot of husband "points" for this one.  And, get this, he's a Bama fan!!!   :)

Open Art Studio at Christmas on the Hill

Please join us for the "Christmas on the Hill" celebration this Sunday, December 4th from 1-5pm. Along with all the other merchants in the Springhill area, my art studio will be open with coffee and cookies and good cheer! New artwork and Christmas specials, with original gifts in every price range. I spent most of the day decorating the studio and getting everything neatened up. Thanks to my suite-mate, Abby Stimpson, from Very Vintage Jewelry, for getting all of our "snowflake" themed decor! Here's some shots of my studio with my new work:

I will be having some special guests artists in my studio on Sunday, as well.  First, Morgan McGehee, age 10 and founder of The Hope Project - creating paintings to raise money to build a well in Africa.  Here is some of her work that I hung up today.  I have my eye on the blue cupcakes!!!  And, with any purchase or donation to The Hope Project, receive a coupon for 20% any artwork or non-portrait commission from Rabbit Creek Studios.  Come take advantage of this rare promotion!  To learn more about Morgan and her artwork, visit www.Facebook.com/TheHopeProjectMobile.

My second guest is my mother, Suzanne Fox.  She is a potter and also paints watercolor on paper.  Here is one of her beautiful pitchers.  I have a few of her popular "berry bowls" - a small pottery colander, perfect for rinsing and displaying berries.  They will go fast and would make a great gift for anyone on your list!

Kick off the Christmas Season on "The Hill" with Santa, Carriage Rides, 99.9FM broadcasting live!  See you there and please spread the word!  Christmas Blessings to you all!!!

Christmas Jubilee

I have a display at this year's Christmas Jubilee Art Walk, as I have in several years past.  This year, the difference is that I have shared half of my display area with my friend and fellow artist, Morgan McGehee.  Morgan has had (God given) artistic talent from an early age.  When she heard about the fact that over 5,000 children perish EVERY DAY from lack of clean water, she decided to use her artistic talent to do something about it.  She started the Hope Project to raise money for a well in Africa.  What's incredible, though, is that she is only 10 years old!  I worked with her parents to get ready for this, her first art "show".  Here is her display after I set it up on Wednesday of this week:

Doesn't it look great?  Most of these works employ a several step process.  Morgan applies a textured medium to the canvas to give the subject depth.  Then, she paints her design.  If needed, fabric and beads are applied (like the "sprinkles" on the cupcakes).  Lastly, with her parents help, a thick, glossy resin is applied over the whole canvas.

When I checked in with the Art Walk chair late this afternoon, after only ONE day of the three day market, ALL but TWO paintings had sold!!!  Of course, Morgan is thrilled.  Since she doesn't have any more paintings to sell at the moment, she will ask those that want to offer support for her Hope Project to do one or more of the following:

* Commission an original painting - choose your design and colors
* Place an order for notecards or prints
* Donate art supplies or money to The Hope Project
* Join her Facebook Page and Share with others
* Pray for her ministry
Visit her Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheHopeProjectMobile for more information on purchasing or donating.

We are all just thrilled with the incredible response to her artwork and her project!  If you are at Christmas Jubilee this weekend, stop by her display to see if there are any paintings left, to read more about her mission and get a business card.  She also has beautiful necklaces displayed for sale that benefit Sonrise Baby Home in Uganda. If you missed her at Christmas Jubilee, she will have a display table at my studio during Christmas on the Hill, Sunday, December 4th from 1-5pm.  Come support this wonderful cause!  Any purchase from The Hope Project during the Christmas on the Hill Open House, will receive 20% off any purchase from Rabbit Creek Studios.  See you there!!!

Sacred Heart Chapel Commission

I got a call from the "always entertaining" Mike Lyons over at Lyons Share Gallery in Fairhope, AL.  He had a customer that wanted to commission a mixed media painting of Sacred Heart Chapel, located right on Mobile Bay off Scenic Hwy 98 right outside of Fairhope.  But, the customer couldn't decide if she wanted the chapel painting mounted on an antique tin ceiling tile or antique wood.  So, I gave her a call and told her I'd make both and send them over to the gallery where she could then choose her favorite.  She was delighted with the idea and I am more than happy to do whatever it takes to make my art patrons completely satisfied with their artwork.

Here is the chapel on wood:

12x20" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to Antique Wood salvaged from Atmore, AL farmhouse 1907.

Here it is on tin:

12x12" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to antique tin ceiling tile, over 100 years old.

Anyone want to take a guess on which one she chooses?  I have my guess already....

Laissez les bons temps rouler

A friend of mine was the recent president of a local Mardi Gras organization.  After all the festivities were over, she wanted to present gifts to all the officers that helped make their year so successful.  She showed me some snapshots of all the ladies, dressed in various bright costumes, holding flags, and coming out to get on their floats. 

For their gifts, she wanted some small abstract paintings that conveyed "the busyness" and revelry of that day.  So, instead of stretched canvas, I chose some gallery wrapped 4x4 hardboard panels to give it a modern feel.  After several attempts (abstracts are NOT always easy), I finally captured the look and feel of what she wanted.  I really love these and my friend does too!  And, these ladies will have a nice piece of artwork to help them remember a fabulous day.  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Casual Family Portrait

I just finished up a wonderful casual family portrait this week.  This is a client's three adult daughters and her two dogs sitting in her own back yard.  It's especially sweet since the Bassett, "Scarlet", has since passed away.  The reference photo we used was a snapshot taken recently but we also supplemented with other photographs of the girls.  This is a huge portrait - approximately 4x6 feet - and was accurately measured to fit perfectly over a mantle in her living room.  It's a gallery wrapped canvas, and the painting continues over and onto the sides.

When the portrait was finished to the client's exact specifications, I transported it down to Ashland Gallery where they will do a "floater" frame in which the canvas recesses into a box-type frame, with the sides still showing.  A very nice choice!

Speaking of Ashland Gallery, they will be having a great portrait workshop coming up October 20-21 given by Karen Stastny, an artist and teacher from New Orleans.  The fee is only $250, so if you have ever had an inkling to try portrait painting, this might be your opportunity.  For more information, just call Ashland Gallery at 479-3548.

"Come Get the Skinny" - Silent Auction, Loud Party

Last night I attended the Mobile Arts Council's Fall Fundraiser, "Come Get the Skinny" - Silent Auction, Loud Party.  It was very well attended and there was so many great pieces of art to bid on - a testament to the local artist's support of the Mobile Arts Council.  A big crowd, live music, fun decor and The Smoking Gringos taco truck all contributed to the "Loud Party" atmosphere.  The bidding was hot on a lot of pieces - I had my eye on artwork by Kate Seawell, Jennifer Grehan, Amber Lane, Anita Westerberg, Kathy Whitinger and Amer'ica Jones.  There was even some artwork by Jo Bonner - I didn't know our Congressman was a painter!  Also, spotted: Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory.

Here are some "party pics":

Me with my "Mud Bug" mixed media piece.

My mom's friend and fellow artist Joanne Brandt took this photo of us.

Inside in the "Skinny Gallery".

AMAZING food from the "Smoking Gringos" truck!  I am going to have to find out their daily routes so I can get some more!

The party spilled out onto the sidewalk and street, with live music.

Also, if you've never been to downtown LODA for artwalk (2nd Friday of each month), October's is supposed to be great!

Local Pottery

I am working to transition my working studio into a shared space for art gallery/retail.  I will offer my original oils on canvas, fine art prints, my mixed media oil artwork and my hand-cut tin pieces (angels, crosses, etc).  I also have a few home decor items I've picked up here and there - candlesticks made from old porch spindles, mirrors made from antique wood moulding, antique dough bowls, lamps made from antique ballusters, antique tin and wood picture frames and anything else that I find that's made from antique wood and tin! 

I will also be offering a few pieces from other local artists.  Today, I'd like you to introduce you to my mother, Suzanne Fox.  She started creating pottery when I was just a little girl (I won't bother to tell you how long ago THAT was!!!) and would take me along to local outdoor art shows.  She now lives in Fairhope and creates beautiful pottery at the Eastern Shore Art Center.  We normally share booths at art exhibitions, since her pottery compliments my artwork perfectly.  I selected several of her pieces to put in my shop.  Here are a few, pictured below.

Blue Crab Trivet, Wheel Thrown with Hand-Painted Design, $20.

Tiny Soap Dish, with Local Honey Soap, $8.

Small Pitcher, Blue over Black Glaze on Tan Clay, $20.

Small cups (tea or sake'?), Blue over Black Glaze, $8 each or $15 for both.

Wood fired vase, Summer 2011 Fairhope Anagama Kiln Firing, $20.



6" Soap Dish, Molded and Stamped Design, Coffee Cream Glaze, $10.


To see the rest, come by and see me.  My studio hours will be 10:00-2:00  Tuesday through Friday.

Impressionistic Portrait

"Lane Children", 30x40 oil on gallery wrapped canvas, Private Commission.

Here is my latest commissioned oil portrait.  This sweet mom wanted me to paint with very thick oil paint in an impressionistic style.  I just love it!!!  It's so much fun to move paint around with a palette knife.  This portrait is truly best appreciated when seen in person as the waves and the clothing is very textured and the oil paint in the water gives it wonderful depth.

I used a snapshot she took of the children at the beach and took it from there.  It's painted on a 30x40 "gallery wrapped" canvas (meaning the sides of the canvas are a couple of inches thick and the painting extends onto the sides).  She said her walls in her den are white and this painting will really pop in her home.  I truly can't wait to see.

If you have a photograph from the summer you think would make a lovely oil portrait, I'd love to take a look.  Sizes range from 8x10 to 30x40 and larger.  I have VERY limited openings for Christmas gifts, so if you think you MIGHT be interested in commissioning something, please let me know NOW.  I'd be happy to meet with you in my studio to discuss your artistic vision. 

All Things Old Are New Again

Ok, you all know how much I love old stuff, especially old wood.  Well, check out these mirrors made from genuine antique window and door moulding!  These are small and can be hung anywhere, but if you need a specific size, I will try to accommodate.


Overall Dimensions 18 x 15.5", Mirror is 5.5 x 8", Beautiful 5 1/4" moulding in white, gray and antique pine, $85.



Overall dimensions are 15.5 x 18", Mirror is 8 x 10", Fabulous 4 1/2" moulding in shades of white, brown and gray with tiny hints of blue and yellow, $85.

I was in Fairhope visiting my mom this weekend and took a few great shots of the views of Mobile Bay around the Fairhope Yacht Club. I was hoping to get some photographs of the regatta they were having there, so I could do some sailboat paintings, but got there too late. Here are some other images I thought I would share.

Mobile Yacht Club Marina - Sailboats are hard to photograph because their masts are so tall and the reflections in the water are also proportional!

"Kayaks on a Rack" - cool colors!

All neatly put up and ready for next time.

These seagulls were so cute all lined up.

You never know what you are going to find washed up on the beach.

A parting shot from Mobile Bay - I love being down by the water!!!