My first art show outside of Greensboro was, by nearly all means, a success. I was a little intimidated by the group of very talented -- and some well-established -- artists that were taking part in the Historic West End Arts Fest. However, I was well received and warmly greeted by many, many people strolling through the beautiful setting at Grace Court in Winston-Salem.

The weather was nearly perfect, albeit a little cold in the morning. My idea to create additional display space worked very well. As has almost always been the case, Kimberly's designer touch for setting up my booth was just what I needed.

I sold three paintings, which fell short of my expectations. Nevertheless, I met lots of very enthusiastic people. I enjoyed the varying comments and questions. I appreciated the attention from so many children. And I made a few contacts that I hope will blossom into other opportunities.

For now, though, I am exhausted. Next up is Art in the Arboretum on Sun., Oct. 6.

Getting my ducks in a row

The Historic West End Arts Fest is just days away and I have so much to do. I have been working early mornings and late nights to get everything complete and ready. With oils, you have to plan ahead so everything will be dry in time.
Also, I will have my largest collection of artwork to date on display. I've had to re-think my display and come up with a method that will (hopefully) work well. Honestly, I'm not sure I'll have enough room, so I may have to leave a few at home.
The photo above shows the 10 Literary Birds I finished this past weekend. I just have to add hooks. Along with these, I have several new barns, grain elevators (of course) and birds. Depending on whether I have room, I will work on a painting during the show.
Here is a link to the Arts Fest web site. Maybe I'll see you there.

http://www.artsfestws.com/

All of the above works of art have sold.

Yellow Top

   Here's a painting I have just finished. It's a 10"X10" piece I call "Yellow Top." I'm keeping as busy as I can while working a full-time job. I have a large boat painting I'm about 65 percent through. I also have a 12"X12" bird painting I'm about half way through and a barn painting I have just started. Most of my new paintings will be smaller compared with my other works. The price range will be $35 to $85.
   Most of this is in preparation for the Historic West End Arts Festival in Winston-Salem on Sept. 14. But just three weeks after that I'll be doing Art in the Arboretum in Greensboro. That will be the first Sunday in October.
   I'll be posting photos of other paintings as I finish them. Thanks for looking!

Raising my Profile

 

   The last three weeks have been a blur of activity. First, Kimberly and I jointly participated in Fun Fourth in downtown Greensboro. The rain held off for most of the day and we had a steady stream of customers and onlookers. Kimberly's flowers were a huge hit. It was a real treat to watch people's faces as they first saw the colorful metal garden art.
   My paintings were well-received and I met many wonderful people throughout the day. I sold five pieces of art, including four of my Literary Birds.
   Two weeks later, Kimberly and I were back at City Market in downtown. It was the second gathering for the monthly event, and how it has grown. It went from 34 vendors to around 90. Once again, Kimberly's flowers sold well and I sold another Literary Bird. We were less fortunate with the rain as we were soaked by a 20-minute downpour. Still, we considered the night a success.
   Another bit of good news, I applied for and was accepted in the the Historic West End Arts Festival in Winston-Salem. I'm quite proud of this achievement, as it is a juried application process. To see the works of past particiapants made me feel very pleased I was deemed good enough to be a part of the 2013 lineup. This event will be on Sept. 14 in Winston-Salem.
   If you're interested in finding out more about this event, ask me, or go to the Historic West End Arts Fest Facebook page. Or, you can Google the event and see samples of artwork for this year's group of exhibitors.
   One last thing, Kimberly and I may be getting a booth at Design Archives in downtown Greensboro. I'll have more on that as we firm up that situation.
   Thanks for looking!

This painting has sold.

Flower Power

 

   I'm taking a step away from the usual posting involving a painting to tell you about the next event I'll be at with my wife. We'll be in downtown Greensboro taking part in the Fun Fourth festivities. Kimberly and I will have a double space to showcase her crafts and my paintings.
   Among the coolest things Kimberly makes are these flowers made from recycled metal items. Each of the flowers in the photo were made from old cookie tins, cabinet knobs and miscellaneous other items. The 'stems' are made from wood. Needless to say they will brighten up even the most bountiful garden.
   The weather is calling from periods of rain, so even though these flowers don't need watering, they may wind up pretty wet.
   We won't know where our booth will be until the day of the event, so we can't help you there. Most of the crafts will be in the area of the Cultural Arts Center and the Historical Museum.
   Come on down and say 'hi.'

"Why Do You Paint Grain Elevators?"

 

   The Parisian Promenade was a terrific success. The threat of rain helped keep the temperatures at a comfortable level, and the breeze was soft, which meant my paintings didn't get blown around.
   I was accompanied by Kimberly, whose decorating expertise helped create a booth display that was inviting and attractive. As was the case last year, my setup was on a slope, but Kimberly's suggestion that I spread out my paintings to take advantage of an area no one was using was spot on.
   My artwork was very well received. I sold seven pieces of art. All day long I received compliments and I heard comments about how much my paintings touched them, or moved them. "They're so simple and refreshing," was a regular comment I heard. It makes me feel so good to know that the art I make touches people in a way similar to the way it touches me.
   I was also touched by the number of co-workers and friends who stopped by to visit. I truely appreciate their support and kind words.
   Part of what makes the Parisian Promenade special is that all of the participating artists are supposed to be demonstrating their art. I started  -- and nearly completed -- a small painting of a grain elevator. Another part of what makes this event so special is the interaction with children. Kids are drawn  -- no pun intended -- to artists who are working on art. I was approached by quite a few children who were interested in seeing what I was painting. They were quick with questions about why I like to paint, how long it takes to do a painting, how long it takes them to dry, why would you paint a grain elevator? The last question was tough to answer. Truth is, I love those old grain elevator buildings. Many of the wooden cribbed versions are no longer in use -- the empty buildings still standing in wide-open spaces like tombstones. Most grain elevators now are steel built, but there are a few of the wooden ones in use.
   Next up for me and art shows will hopefully be the West End Art Festival in Winston-Salem. I'll be applying for that show and hope to get in. It would be my first show outside of Greensboro.
   Before that, though, Kimberly and I will be one of the crafts exhibitors at Fun Fourth on the Fourth of July in downtown Greensboro.

This painting has sold.

Parisian Promenade!

 

It looks like we've finally shaken free of Winter's grip. Here's two ways to celebrate the warmer weather: The Arts and Crafts Festival at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market; and the Parisian Promenade at Bicentennial Garden.

   Kimberly and I will be at both events. The Arts and Crafts Festival is May 31 and June 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Parisian Promenade is June 2 from noon to 5 p.m.

   The arts and crafts show will mostly be Kimberly's deal. She will have a variety of mason jar manipulations. They are quite beautiful and shabby chic. I think she will sell them like hotcakes. She will have some decorative boxes, garden art and a number of other cool, clever and whimsical works of art and craftiness. I will be there with my Literary Birds and Boats, and a few small paintings.

   On that Sunday, I'll be at the Bicentennial Garden in Greensboro with many of my paintings, small and large. I'll also be doing an oil painting demonstration, just like they do at the markets in Paris. Here's a few paintings I've been working on for the past month.

   Please stop by either -- or both -- events and check out where our creative minds have been taking us.