Upcoming Oil Stick Demo at Artisan Santa Fe

Great news!  I have been invited by Artisan of Santa Fe to do a free art demonstration of my oil stick painting technique.  The demo will be on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at their Santa Fe store, 2601 Cerrillos Rd.  I hope lots of people come to share in this fun textural approach to creating almost brush-less oil paintings.

"A Day Like Today" was created with the oil sticks that I use, including some from three brands--Sennelier, Winsor-Newton, and Shiva.  I also added some touches of palette knife applied oil to give added dimension and texture.  The chamisas in the foreground almost glow in low light!

Gala Fun

We had a really fun time at the SpiritBird Studio Holiday Gala Event!  Over 90 people came to enjoy the artwork, wine, food, music and fun!  I now have at least 14 new collectors, some with multiple pieces.  Hooray!  Unfortunately, no one remembered to take pictures (!!) so all I have is a couple of pics of the walls as they were ready for the event.

These are two of my helpers, celebrating our progress!

Fun With Fishes

I had fun painting this 8"x8" companion to my other goldfish!  This one is called "Attitude."  He will be available at my Holiday Studio Gala on November 12th and 13th with a special holiday price.

The photo isn't perfect, but you get the idea.

Thanks for sharing my art and for your comments.

Sara

Picture Editing Program Needed

I need help!  I have been working to find a new picture management program, as I am no longer able to use the one I had for so many years.  It was JASC--very simple to resize, crop and adjust color without having to understand how to do layers, etc.  Does anyone know of one that will allow me to add a square black background around my painting image without a lot of trouble?  That is a requirement now for entering artwork in online competitions, especially CaFE.


Here is another preview for my Open Studio Event:

This one is 7"x5" oil on board, entitled "At the Art Show."  I snapped the reference for the painting at an art show in El Paso some years ago.  I was intrigued by the image of a dancer standing in front of a painting of a dancer.  The "painting" on the right is one that I made up to fit this composition.  I had fun!


Thanks for your comments and input.

Best of Wordwide Charcoal, Pastel & Pencil Artists Vol. II

I am so excited!  I have four pastel paintings being published in the Best of Worldwide Charcoal, Pastel & Pencil Artists Volume II.  It will be available for purchase soon and will be viewable online.  I'll post the link for it as soon as I have one.

This iris painting, titled "Lovely Ladies", 36x24, is one that will be in the book.  It is currently in the private collection  of pianist and composer Barry Tognolini.

Open Studio Event Coming Soon!

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting an Open Studio Event at my studio in High Rolls on November 12 and 13, both days from 2 to 6 p.m.  My event will feature new paintings, paintings from my last New York City exhibit, refreshments, live music, drawings for some of my artwork, and an auction.  I hope many will be able to join me for the excitement!  I will have a holiday discount in effect, plus many smaller pieces that would be very affordable for gifts.  I also have an installment plan to soften any cash-flow problem that might exist!

The macaw at the right is only 6"x6"--perfect for any small space in almost any setting.  The structure is gold metal leaf, with oil painting.  He has a "brother" and many cousins (other birds).

Thanks for your input and comments on my artwork!

Head, Heart, and Hands--Shea Hembrey's Biennial

What would you create if you could be 100 different artists?  Artist Shea Hembrey answered this question, spending two years creating artwork as 100 different artists!  This amazing video shows and explains just some of the creations.  What a stimulus for creativity!  Let me know what you think.

Demystifying Composition

Composition is one of those art topics that can stir up a fire-storm in a hurry!  Nearly as many definitions for composition exist as there are artists.  Yet the ability to create strong "compositions" in painting continues to elude many artists.

"Why isn't my painting working?"

"How do I get harmonious color?"

"How do I get strong design into my painting?"

These are just some of the questions that plague artists.  Almost every art magazine has at least one article promising a "quick fix" one of these topics.  Nearly all the explanations about design are about as "clear as mud."

I am teaching a class called "Demystifying Composition," presenting an innovative approach to designing successful artwork.  We will explore abstract structure and review drawing and color study, in order to help create stronger paintings.  The sign of a really good artist is when she or he can break the rules and get away with it!  But you need to know the rules in order to break them.

The class will be in my studio July 6, 7, & 8th.  Hours are 9-4 daily, with a break for lunch.  Cost is only $200, with all supplies.  I only have a couple places left in the class, so if you feel the need to release your creativity by freeing yourself to compose, sign up today!  Contact me by phone (575.430.6148) or by email (sarajchambers@yahoo.com).

Correction and Wandering Off

AAAh!  I just realized I put the wrong date for the opening at Sacramento Mountain Weavers Art Gallery!!  The correct date is June 11th.

How easy it is to wander off and not post to the blog for a long time!  Getting a new computer that does not "speak" my photo language has really bitten me!  I still have no real capacity for easily editing my quick photos of my work.  I will attempt to post at least one a day for the next several days, to give some idea of what I've been working on more recently.

I have done a series of birds recently.  This one was among the first, and also the biggest of the lot at 30"x40".  It's done completely in oil stick.  The colors are a little washed out in this image.  Haven't figured out how to edit yet.  I love how the parrots are "talking" to each other!

New Location for Sacramento Mountain Weavers Gallery

The Sacramento Mountain Weavers Gallery has moved from Cloudcroft to Old Town Albuquerque, taking my artwork with them!  This picture shows part of the gallery displaying some of my paintings.

They are located in Old Town Albuquerque at the Poco a Poco Patio, 328 San Felipe St., Albuquerque, NM 87104; 505-933-1666.  Their Grand Opening will be Saturday, June 11th, from 5-8 p.m.  Come by and join the fun!

I will be doing a painting demonstration during the afternoon, about 2-3:30 p.m.  Come by and visit and see me painting.

Beauty Reigns

I have recently come across a slide show entitled "The Banishment of Beauty,"by the fabulous artist Scott Burdick on YouTube and on the blog of "Shellywankenobi".  The latter has all four parts, divided thus to keep them to 15 minutes each.  YouTube also has it in the four parts, but it's simpler access on that blog.

Seen From My Window
6"x8" oil on board

I would really be interested in any comments about the observations that Burdick makes.  I found his discussion stimulating, affirming and challenging.  The presentation is loaded with quotable quotes!  After seeing what seems to fall into his "Beauty" category, I wonder if my art would qualify, as it is much less "traditional" than his and the others he cites (all my heroes)?

My goal in creating art is always to bring beauty first.

This little one just had to be painted last week.  I never grow tired of this scene, "Seen From My Window," 6"x8" oil on board.  (ps--available for purchase ;-)

Back to Myself

Back to Myself, 8"x8" oil on canvas

I haven't done oil stick painting in a while, so I did this small one this week, along with another horse for the upcoming Rive Gauche exhibit.  I've title it "Back to Myself," as I feel that's where I've come.  I DO love the texture and colors!!

(I haven't found a way to avoid the reflections from the palette knife painting on the sky!)

Call for Artists from Rive Gauche Galleries

The Scottsdale gallery that represents my work, Rive Gauche Galleries, has announced a wonderful opportunity for artists!  Rive Gauche Art Galleries will be hosting a Miniature Art Competition and Show this coming March.  Works will be limited to a 6”x6” format, and artists can enter up to 3 paintings.  The format limitation should make it a very interesting display, and attract all sorts of collectors.

Now and Then
24"x24" oil
available at Rive Gauche Galleries

Rive Gauche Galleries are opening the show to all artists, in all media, and the show will take place during the height of the Scottsdale’s high season, when a maximum of collectors are in town. The 200 best artists will be selected within all of the applicants, and the jury will award a certain number of prizes, including several cash prizes.  They are also hoping to get much coverage from some of their sponsor magazines.

For a prospectus call Rive Gauche Art Galleries at 480.947.63732 or e-mail at info@rivegauchegalleries.com.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to gain artistic recognition in the second leading art market in the U.S.!