Healing Arts

The photo above is from the grand opening of the Moses Cone Cancer Center for which I was asked to contribute a painting. The triptych, "Always Watching Over," was placed on the main level, next to an elevator that is used to take patients to the basement or second level for treatments.

I was told by several staff members that the area picked for my painting is one of the most visible areas, and that every patient and employee will see it.

I was also told that my painting is already a favorite of many people on staff at the cancer center, and that seeing it brightens their day.

I was on hand at the event for nearly four hours, talking with visitors. It was a proud moment and I appreciate the visit from Kimberly, Josh, Tate, Grant and Brenda. And from my boss, Doug.

I was able to talk with several other artists and saw some really impressive work, particularly the butterfly sculpture on the roof of the facility. Amazing work.

The Winter of My Content

Here is a new painting I'm calling "Red Birds on White." I guess I could call it "Red Birds in Winter," so maybe this painting will have two names. As much as I like the colors I usually use, I can appreciate how the use of white emphasizes negative space. It has a very modern look to it -- like something you might see in a high-end contemporary apartment.

I've been somewhat busy lately, trying to pull together an inventory of work. I sent an application to be considered for Artsplosure, an annual two-day arts event in downtown Raleigh in late May. I won't know whether I'm accepted until late February. But I have very little time to waste. Since it's a two-day event I want to make certain I have plenty of artwork on hand (including "Red Birds on White/in Winter"), just in case I do really well.

Thanks for stopping by. Please feel free to comment.

This painting has sold.

Late Bloomer

A co-worker of mine approached me in August about doing a painting for her. "Flowers!" she said. "Bold, colorful flowers."

I thought flowers wouldn't be difficult: I've done boats, birds, a port, apples and pears. How hard could it be to paint flowers? I was so naive.

While I did have an art show and a project or two for fundraisers sprinkled in, it took me almost five months to finish this flower painting. I brought it to my co-worker and she loves it. In fact, everyone who saw it said it said I did a great job and that the flowers (I chose hydrangeas) were realistic and all of the colors were vivid and bold.

In the end, I really like it. I'm proud of how it turned out. I battled this painting and stopped working on it several times to keep myself from tossing the canvas onto the street. In the end, a simple suggestion from Kimberly saved this painting: add a vase.

I painted the vase, or pot, and eliminated a few of the low-hanging blooms. Suddenly the painting had an anchor and an object to redirect the eye from the overpowering mound of blooms.

I added texture, highlights and shadows to the vase to give it a rounded look. I was proud to put my name on it.

They call it mello yellow

Here's something a little different: yellow birds. I've enjoyed my birdcage paintings, but I wanted to do one with more striking colors. The red background and black cage creates a nice contrast. The yellow birds seemed like an obvious choice.

My apologies for such a long span between posts. I'm still wrestling with a large painting of flowers I'm doing for a co-worker. I hope to finish it soon. I need to.

Also, I've been doing other paintings for friends and family for the holidays. So, if you're related to me, there's a good chance you're getting a painting of some sort.

This painting has sold.

Got a Website!

Much as I enjoy updating and writing on this blog, I realized a while ago that my blog name is waaaaaaaay too long to just write it out on the back of a business card. And one of the questions I got most at the arboretum art show was "Do you have a website?"

Now I do.

It's not much to look at. In fact, there's little on there that isn't on this blog. One big difference, though, is the photos of the paintings were taken by a professional photographer, so the quality is far better than what is on the blog.

I plan to continue to update my blog. Here's the address for the website if you want to check it out:

www.edwardsart.org

What a Day!

Art in the Arboretum came and went, and I have to say it far exceeded my expectations. Easily worth getting up at 5:30 to be there by 8:00 (in 40-degree weather) to set up my booth, which was sandwiched between a trio of potters and another painter.

Shortly after the event got rolling, I was approached by a group of judges who were each holding clipboards.

"Greensboro Beautiful," the first judge began, "is proud to award you first prize for Best in Show at this year's Art in the Arboretum!"

I couldn't believe it. My first show and I took first prize.

I had a steady flow of people through my booth and received visits from friends and really sweet people from my mother-in-law's office. It was especially nice to see my sister and her husband, who traveled nearly and hour and a half to see the show.

I sold nine works of art. It was unbelievable.

Next up is the Moses Cone Cancer Center event. I'm excited about this one, too.

Free Bird

I've had this idea for a painting rolling around in my head for some time. I finally took some time to do it. I like the way it turned out, but I plan on refining it and maybe making the birdcage a different color than the off white I used. I think I'll call this 'Birdcage on Green.'

The colors are actually much more vibrant than what shows up in this photo. I have terrible lighting where I paint.

If it dries in time, I'll have this painting to show at the Art in the Arboretum on Oct. 2.