Another Abstract 2016

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016. Brrrr! Another sunny frigid day. And, snow is "predicted" for tomorrow. I won't let that stop me from going into the studio. Why? Because! Because I have received a special birthday gift from my son - snow tires - purchased and installed by my son, Marshall Harwood Garrison. Many thanks!

I'm adding to this blog as part of my "Writing Accountability Group" (a Meetup group) challenge for January. I will be reviewing and uploading more pictures of my art work. Hopefully this will be another "nudge" for me to be "proactive" - to be a "doer" for 2016.

Abstract - Ink & Watercolor 

How did I do this? I'll leave it to you to figure out how the black shapes are created/applies. The rest of the painting is done with a brush - using acrylic paints - watered down enough to work as a watercolor painting. I like acrylic paints for "long life". I've lost many paintings to sunlight (painted more than 80 pieces for West Indies Coco Point Lodge). The ones that survived were done with acrylics.

I may have prints made of this work. I like it a lot.

PAINT, Karen, PAINT!

Into the Wilderness

 

Into the Wilderness

"Into the Wilderness" is "long gone" and is somewhere on someone's wall (I hope). I painted this work in my studio - Karen's Studio 125 at Essex Studios in 2009 - not sure of exact date. It was on illustration board 22" w. x 30" h. using acrylic watercolors, India Ink and white gouache.

It's another one of my African-inspired paintings. It's whirling and full of fire energy - one of my "energetic abstracts".  Colors are swirled and intertwined. The white dotted black line forms add intensity to this special work.

If you ever see this painting - let me know. It was framed with a black frame and cream double-matt. I displayed it on my outside studio wall - for sharing - but not for taking. Reward $50 for any information leading to its return.

Jungle Fire

Jungle Fire

Here's a picture from a slide that I made of "Jungle Fire" - another one of my "illuminating from within" paintings. This painting is also "somewhere - out there". I often wonder where my missing paintings are today. I'm not certain if I recorded it's departure. I have kept some records of paintings and it still may be there and I may look through old art files - just for curiosity.

The paper is French Arches - heavy weight, size is 22 1/2" w. x 30" h. Paints are acrylic - usually Liquitex. I choose to use acrylics for paintings that I want to "last".

The forms are loose and light - using a chinese brush and probably a #12 watercolor brush to do this work.

Jungle Fever

Jungle Fever

 

Here is another one of my "done in the basement" paintings. To compensate for the lack of light I infused an internal light - a light illuminating from within the painting itself. It is painted with acrylic paints on French Arches watercolor paper (very heavy weight) - size 30" h x 22 1/2" w.

 

Sometimes when I look at my art I wonder who is it who is doing this? I've entertained the thought of one of my past lives - an entity who finds "opportunity" to work through me to express its on-going energy throughout the universe. As an "aside" I was in one of Dr. Brian Weiss's (Many Lives, Many Masters) workshops where we were regressed along with about five hundred other people in the audience. I found out I had been in Africa - not sure where or when, but I certainly was influenced to choose red, yellow, green and black for this vibrant work.

 

I like it better now that time has passed since it was created. I now see the strong forms and musical brushwork - using a chinese brush dipped in India Ink. Yes! I can now "see the light".



"Cover Up"



"Cover Up"

This acrylic abstract was begun many years ago - probably back in the late 70's. It is painted on English handmade watercolor paper - size 22" h x 30" w. The paper came from Falkiner Fine Papers in London. When it was shipped to Greater Cincinnati Airport, I was required to go to the Customs Office to sign for its delivery.

I used a palette knife and various items to scrape and print shapes into the wet paint. I even have used a tuna can, paper towel tube or 3"x5" card). My first attempt at this painting was "not to my liking" so it remained in my portfolio for years. I would study it and then return it back to the portfolio.

When I signed up to put an ad in Blink, I took this painting out again and started putting green patches of paint to "liven" it up - giving contrast and balance - a composition in color. It's a "happy" painting now and well-suited for display or sale. It is definitely one of my "energetic" paintings.

"Language"

"Language"

This painting was created "back awhile". It is an acrylic watercolor on French Arches watercolor paper 30" wide by 22 1/2" high. It was done at the same time I painted "Between the Vines". I was experimenting with bright colors - jungle colors - orange, green and yellow. Orange is one of my favorite colors!

The orginal "theme" for this painting was about language - saying something "drop by drop". The painting could be "read" vertically or horizontally. I finally chose to display this painting horizontally - mainly to get it signed and finished. I'm not sure about why I chose to put geometric boxes around areas of the painting - but somehow it works and provides an interesting repeated pattern. For a title - now - "Language".

This painting has traveled to the West Indies - to Coco Point Lodge, Barbuda and back home to Cincinnati. I painted many paintings for the lodge - had them framed and trasported by air freight and met them at the dock coming out of the bottom of a native sloop! The painting was displayed for awhile until a hurricane hit. I was shown into a warehouse (tin building) to see where my paintings were being stored.

I was able to "rescue" a lot of my paintings. I unframed them - tossed away the stained mats, frames and glass. I packed them up in a homemade portfolio and carried them with me on the plane rides all the way back home. I've been able to save the paintings and have every intention of reproducing those that can be redone - one by one!

Between the Vines - Acrylic Abstract 11/9/2014

 

Between the Vines

If you look carefully you will see human torsos (a few belly buttons, too) interlocking  - "vine-like" .

I've been trying to update my web site www.Karens-Studio.com which is "run by" Word Press. I've decided that using blogger.com will be a better "venue" for sharing my paintings - a place where I will be able to provide further information about each painting - it's inspiration - it's history - it's "provenance".

During the past several weeks I've been choosing to expand my art endeavors by adding a thousand dollar full-page ad to "Blink" a catalog produced by Art Design Consultants that will go out to 10,000 people - interior designers and artists across the country. The target date for distribution of  "Blink" will be January, 2015.

I am also having prints and greeting cards made from original works. Robin Imaging was recommended to me by an artist in the studio next to mine at Essex Studios. It's an old company - that I wish I had known about years ago. I figure I'm learning about it now because I'm finding I want to make good reproductions of my work to display and sell.

Robin Imaging took my framed painting and photographed it through glass to "get back to" the original painting. I was amazed by the result! It has inspired me to select more works for duplication.

The first painting (here) that I'm sharing is on French Arches watercolor heavy weight paper, measurements 30" H x 22 1/2 wide. It's done with acrylic paints, brushes and some sponge work, too. I was working at a drawing board in the basement - where daylight was "not". This painting is one of several "jungle" paintings - paintings that had to produce their own light from within. Coming up with a name is often difficult - so now at last I'm calling it "Between the Vines".



Oct. 9, 2014 Class Progress

We just finished up another ten-week session with The Recovery Center 2-3 p.m. Wednesday class at Karen's Studio 125. The attendance averaged about 10 each week.

A variety of works were produced and some are still in progress. It's interesting to see each person's growth or observing those who are "stymied" by their own personal limitations and possible choices. Those who "go for it" without criticizing themselves too much show more self-acceptance and enjoyment of their own style, their own natural creativity.

Bennett's Watercolor Acrylic Painting - in progress

Afternoon students - attending anytime between 3 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. continue "doing". Paintings are painting - drawings drawn. Finished works are framed often by Willie's Framecare Studios or self-framed. The finished works are sometimes exhibited on the outer hall walls of Karen's Studio 125. Karen's works fill both inside and outside hall walls.

Lynn's Watercolor - in progress

This past weekend we participated in the Oct. 3/4 Essex Studios Art Walks. We "mixed it up" in the studio with vintage items, blacksmith works, photography and our own work. We moved the "buffet" to a square table and put the "drinks" - water, soft drinks & tea/coffee making area on the north wall close to the microwave oven and fridge.

Sophia

Four photographers exhibited a lot of work on the outside hall walls. Connie, Sophia, Priscila and Jerry had an amazing display of their photographic talent. Jerry also displayed paintings and prints.
Some items were sold, too.

Priscila

 I made "a point of" shopping for items from other artists/craftspeople and will do so in the future. I think it's important to buy from our fellow artists.

More photos of students work can be seen on my Karen's Studio 125 Facebook group. Hope some of you will join my group on FB.

Tom's Beautiful Forged Works

 

Cards from Albert Andrews, Alien Pets, Luggage Tag, Coin Purse, Ribbon Scarf

Artists' Meeting - Ideas!

I've been renting my studio at Essex Studios for more than ten years (maybe twelve). Karen's Studio 125 (my studio) is a large room with a wall of windows covered with roll blinds, sheets and a few canvases to block out the bright light of the afternoon sun.

Within the walls of Essex Studios are many other artists - some "working" artists - those who make a living at selling their product - art. Others, like myself, (if they are totally honest) are not making a living at selling art or teaching classes - the result of which becomes a no-tax issue - because the activity within the walls of my studio (and others' studios) is considered a HOBBY! Heavens forbid!

I've considered myself a serious artist, but now that description doesn't really apply to me. I'm an artist who enjoys art-related activities - painting, drawing and teaching adult beginners to do art. And, I also enjoy meeting and working with "fellow-artists" - have done so in the past and am doing-so now.

The latest art project is to boost the interest and attendance at our Essex Studios Art Walks. There are various reasons attendance has dropped for recent shows - weather, competition with other art venues throughout the Greater Cincinnati community and a general "malaise" - a weariness from doing the same thing over and over (redundancy) - being bored with it all.

We've met several times together - recently. There is an executive committee of 5 or 6. I've volunteered to serve on the Executive Committee. We are to meet and decide the direction that Essex Studios will go - doing 4 or 5 shows a year within a budget of a couple thousand dollars provided by our landlord and income from guest artists who show their work in the hallways of the building.

Trying to find consistency - a specific calendar date - throughout the year is daunting. When we have a two-day show - the Saturday lands on Kentucky Derby Day, Yom Kippur, the Fourth of July (2015), etc. It seems we will eventually choose 4 shows - Oct., Nov., Dec. and April or May. Then for "fun" we may have a small "spontaneous" (party/show/happening) in the main entry-way of the building.

What used to be "so much fun" was the bright lights of the American Sign Museum that filled the entry hall. It was a sparkling carnival of blinking and twirling signs - a room of Neon! When the American Sign Museum grew beyond and away to it's new home, Essex Studios now became the lobby for a new church - a large church - Missio Deo.

Finding ways to transform the lobby area for a Friday art event - limited to that area plus the possibility of 5 or 6 artists opening their studios that evening will be our task for a Friday next year (2015). Three of us have volunteered to do this "Pop-Up" event. Thinking it best to keep it a "secret" for now - we'll do whatever we can to keep Essex Studios a place where people come to see and buy art from artists - working artists and even "hobby" artists. Mark your calendars for Oct. 3rd & 4th for Essex Studios Art Walk - Friday and Saturday- 6 to 10 p.m.

A Day at Karen's Studio

Wednesdays are class days at Karen's Studio 125 in the Essex Studios complex on Essex Place, Walnut Hill, Ohio. I have been meeting up with some of my Meetup friends for a leisurely lunch at Essencha Tea House or Coffee Please before heading to the studio.

Today I had some time to "putter" before students started arriving. Outside the studio there book stand that was left by a former craft person who shared my studio space for awhile. I use the stand as a "give-away stuff" table. I've been setting stuff outside the studio for several years now. I've rid myself of books, magazines, CD's, clothing, knick-knacks, food, seeds, picture frames, furniture and any other item that I think someone might take. In turn, other artists put out their "free" items, too.

I'm always amazed when I return the next week and find that most everything is gone. This week the hand-knitted golf sweater was carefully laid on the top shelf. I had displayed it on a hanger with a note on the paper part of the hanger - giving the size info. It's a sweater that someone back in the 70's may have worn. I don't play golf, but the owners of the building (whose offices are down the hall) are golf enthusiasts - so much so that they make the green jackets for the Masters play-offs. (Another story to be shared later).

I'm getting grid of a lot of cookbooks - don't need them. Bought "way too many" from an estate auction (Everything But the House) - about 200 cookbooks - a couple years ago. Each week I'm checking the shelves at home to see what I can take to the studio for "give-aways". (I'm getting there!)

There were four students from the Recovery Center - all focused upon their individual art projects. Some needed inspiration - so I guided them to the books that I have in the studio art library. I've collected many art books (for years) and they serve their purpose very well. Pam found a Christmas stocking design. Mary was working on a leaf design - watercolor. Weltha had a canvas on which she used a roller (brayer) to paint a sunset scene. Robin brought in a cigar box and sorted through the collage basket (overflowing with stuff). He needed a good paper cutter - which I did have - one that sliced with a razor blade - accurately. He used Modge-Podge and covered the box with bird pictures.

Other students arrive and sometimes overlap into the 2-3 p.m. time slot. Kathryn finished up a watercolor scene and Teri added the background color to her floral watercolor. Robin stayed on and worked on his cigar box. Gary arrived and brought in his next project, but needed something dark to use as a "gesso" - I had some Payne's Grey acrylic paint for him to use on his canvas. Lynn came in to work on a new watercolor.

Gary and I worked with an old computer and a WiFi antenna - trying to see if we could pull up some tutorials on You-Tube. It may be possible, but we finally quit that project for now. The rest of the time was spent discussing the "State of Everything". We stayed later than usual - 7:15 p.m. Robin continued to sort through collage basket and discarded a lot of junk. He also reconsidered giving away a lot of his paint stash - going to use it in his own class at the Recovery Center. I did a quick drawing of buildings - ink and pastel - figuring I wanted to create something, too.

October Update

Doing art each day is something I'm adding to my "Daily Do It" list. I write down a check-off list each morning in a small, square notebook and "tick off" each item as it is finished. Sometimes I give myself a "big star" (I draw a star). Sometimes I even add "sparkle lines" to emphasize that I'm really proud of my accomplishments.

I've had an art project attached to the drawing board for many months. I'm doing a painting of "The Symphony Hotel which is located on 14th & Elm Street in Over the Rhine area in Cincinnati. I had made good progress on it until I realized I had put windows in the "wrong place" on the drawing. I used White Out to block out my mistake - I already had painted in the lines with black India ink. So, it sat for months without my touching it again. I finally "got back on track" by putting myself "on the timer" for 15 minutes at a time. The door to the hotel is sketched in ink and now I'm putting lines on buildings for bricks.

Today I'll add more lines and move toward finishing the ink line drawing. Then comes the "fun part" oof painting. I use acrylic paints (light fast) watered down so that they are transparent, but permanent.
The final step of painting usuall goes quickly. Then I will take a picture of the final work and share it on Facebook and make Vistaprint postcards and greeting cards to share and sell. Maybe this will be this year's Christmas card - maybe not. That's another decision for "Pro/ConList.com". Onward!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

It's been my goal to eventually "cover" the rent at Karen's Studio #125. The rent currently is $530 a month with heat, light included. My other expenses include insurance, transportation, advertising (Vistaprint postcards and business cards) supplies and groceries (snacks/tea, etc.). The students pay $5 per hour. If I have 10 students for an hour, this means I have $50. I have added more hours to help bring the total up to $100 for one afternoon of work 2-6:45 p.m. I've opted to allow some of the "old timers" to come in for free, because they contribute through donating their time to help out with the Essex Studios Art Walks, bring in refreshments and help to teach the "newbies" what they know - they are my "assistant" teachers.

All of my students are making progress! I've been uploading pictures of their work on Facebook and on my Meetup "Art, Music, Theater" site. Starting out with stick figures, ink scribbles and lessons from John Gnagy's Drawing Course (eBay purchase), the students move to watercolor postcards or trading cards, perspective drawings and then to painting on canvas. They come into the studio - pick up their own folder with their work in it and move to a place in the studio where they can set up their work area. The supplies are available on the table or supply table and shelves. I continue to provide most of the materials. Some work at a table easel, standing easel or portable drawing board.

Some of us go over to the "snack area" for soup, instant coffee, tea or chilled water from the water cooler. The fridge offers some snacks, too and is there for keeping food chilled.  A microwave oven is available, too.


The "Art Library" is an area where students can find instruction books. There is a large selection of vintage Walter Foster books and many books about art and famous artists. Nearby are two couches and comfortable chairs available for a relaxing retreat into the "Art World".

Easy music is supplied from WGUC's Classical Music Station or from my  own "painting music collection". The air conditioner works well. Three overhead fans and two floor fans move the air throughout the studio. Wide, tall windows let in plenty of daylight.

I "interview" each student to help me find out what they want to do or accomplish. Each student seems to find their own "niche" - choosing the media that they like best.  Some like to work in watercolor, others like doing colored pencil work, others work in pastels. There are those who are painting with acrylics and still others are working in oil - "each to their own" - unique and personalized.

Now, all I need are more hours and more students to break even! Onward!

Update from Karen's Studio 125: More students, more fun, more creativity! Earlier this year I started teaching students from The Recovery Center at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at my studio. I think at least 25 people have come and gone - some staying and growing. Others, other obligations and choices take them elsewhere. We're going to be starting the third session of 10 weeks next Wednesday.

It was a "big leap" for me to reach out and take a risk of expanding my teaching to more students. I had been accepting the fact that I had some "regulars" for years, some paying in cash others helping out with shows by bringing food, helping out, etc. - something of a "trade out". So now, I'm realizing some help with the rent, making it easier for me to accept that the "out-go" is more than "in-come".

Other people are coming into the studio just for company and companionship, others for some instruction and encouragement. Gradually, gradually I will finally have enough people to make it a "break-even" enterprise. I only charge $5.00 an hour "pay as you go", a bargain - designed to keep people coming into do their art for months and even years. It all "adds up".

Willie Evans of Framecare Studios comes in every other week to pick up art work to frame. He does an incredible job and is quite talented. He has a "traveling frame shop". He brings in his mats and frames. We show him what we want framed and he makes suggestions. We work together looking at all the various options - choices of double mats, acid-free mats, clear glass, interesting frames. Sometimes I just give him something I need to have framed and have him "choose". His choices are excellent and it saves me "all that decision-making"!

We've had two big Art Walks at Essex Studios (that's where my studio is located) with many other artists in the same building. Not only artists, but businesses, as well. The American Sign Museum was in Essex Studios for several years, but now has grown so large that it now has a new home! That location is now a church for "creative people". The Art Walks (Open House Events) are usually the first weekends - Fri., Sat. in Oct., Dec., Feb., and April. Many "outside artists" participate by "setting up shop" in the hallways. I like buying wonderful jewelry - inexpensive, nice. And, I love the food trucks that offer special food out in the parking lot. Being part of Essex Studios makes the whole "art experience" exciting and fun.

I list my classes on my Meetup.com group "Art, Music, Theater Meetup". Listing there helps me get more students and let my Meetup people know "What's Happening". Will update again, soon. Keep creating!

New Year 2012

It's "about time" that I share an update of Karen's Studio 125 "happenings"! Since my last blog post we've had a couple of Essex Studios Art Walks which brought in many more people to see our art. And, the good news is: we're selling our art! Our next Art Walk will be Friday and Saturday, March 2nd/3rd 6-11 pm. I sold two paintings "Findlay Market" and "Gateway Quarter". My students also sold some of their work, too. 

My Wednesday classes now include students from The Recovery Center. They are definitely creative artists! We have a wonderful time together - sharing and laughing. I really enjoyed receiving a special birthday card from the ladies plus a stack of greeting cards that were designed and made by Recover Center artists. 
Then, more students are signing up for classes - making a day of 16-20 students. I will be expanding class times into Thursday and then setting up other class times, too.

I upload students' work and mine also to Facebook under Karen's Studio 125 and under my own name, too. Students are working in watercolor, oil pastels, acrylics, colored pencils, chalk. and making collages.

My current challenge will be doing more "Over the Rhine" paintings for The Symphony Hotel. I'm thinking, first, to take paintings from my personal collection to show at The Symphony Hotel as I gradually do more paintings.

Now to add some art work to this blog:

More Bricks

Starting another day of brick painting. Today, I finished "French Row Houses" with the little pink ribbon emblem and my signature, too. Then, I worked on and completed a brick that features 4 scenes - "Dawn, Day, Dusk, Night". If I can locate the Super Glue I'll add a sparkle to the star or use the "BeDazzler" gadget I got at Gatlinburg, TN a few years ago.

The next brick is triangular in shape. I'm using Sharpie lines to define the shapes and filling in the blocks with primary and secondary colors. I may do shades and tints of the colors for variety. Hoping to start the cafe one, too.

It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass when I'm absorbed in a painting project. I'll take some pictures and see if I can upload them, too.

Brick Designs

A couple months ago, I listed an announcement for "Brick Painting" on my Meetup.com Brunch Club group and my Art, Music, Theater group. For several years my students and I have painted bricks for www.breastcancerbricks.org for their annual Brick Cancer Brick Auction. We have completed nearly a dozen bricks. More are "in progress".

Today, I received a challenge on Me/You Daily Health Challenge to write about a problem for five minutes and come up with two solutions. So, this is my task for this blog.

I have several more bricks primed with Gesso that I want to complete. Choosing a unique design "to me", something that reflects my style is a challenge! I have completed "Froggy" - painted pond green (s) upon the outside of the brick, painted a blue center area, added a glued in frog from Bonsai arrangement (long gone) and clear colored flat glass blue bubbles also glued to the blue "pool" center. Froggy is clever and will possibly attract some good bids.

Another brick is called "Firey" (can't find word in dictionary). Painted all over in red/yellow and interspersed with black Sharpie lines.And, I'm now completing the "French Row Houses" - just a few tiny areas to finish. It has my "signature" pinkish street - using one point perspective, too.

Yesterday, while waiting for Riverfest fireworks, I sketched some other brick possibilities including a French cafe scene, a modern stained-glass design (multiple shapes of color), a brick of piano keys - pink ribbon notes, a brick wrapped in a pink ribbon "winding around it", pine cones glued to another brick - winter scene and another one that I've started - day to night - moving around all 4 sides of the brick.

The challenge is to choose from these or to design others. At the moment I'm up "against a brick wall" which has already been done in previous years! To meet the Me/You challenge, I've completed five minutes of puzzlement. Now, I'm choosing to do the stained glass block look for one brick and finish the day to night one, too. Enough for now! Onward!

Studio Happenings!

Karen's Studio #125 is "humming" with activity now that more students are coming to class. And, it's exciting to include Willie Evans' Framecare Studios as part of the "hum"! Willie comes into the studio every other Wed. evening with his frame samples and expertise. Several of us have been getting our art and photography framed. Willie is incredible and his prices are really reasonable! Now, if I can find more wall space!

My regular students who have been with me for years continue to come in and do their work: Lynn - watercolor, Candice - pastels, Susan - colored pencil and pencil drawings. Sophia and Mollie are adult beginners working through the challenges of perspective. Mollie is framing her covered bridge done from an old art instruction book by John Gnagy. Sophia is framing a square, brightly colored acrylic painting. Michelle and son Ty are working in various media. Ty's colored pencil drawing which he posted as his Facebook profile is incredible! Michelle's watercolors are wonderful, too! Cat is back from New York and has her supplies laid out and has begun working in watercolor again. Welcome Cat! And, I hope Chris starts this week, too.

Last Wed., four young adults started class, too. Their father is a Tattoo artist. He wants his children to learn the basics. He learned a lot about art from his Grandmother who told him to draw his hand, his face and now he is a professional artist. For our first lesson I asked the young people to "free-wheel it" - draw whatever they wanted for the first page of their sketch book. I then introduced them to "materials' - drawing materials - charcoals, erasers, stomps, pencils, Conte crayons, etc. For fun, I gave them copies of a fence, round moon faces and stick people which come from an antique book I have about learning how to draw.

Next week we'll progress to "lines". I have a stack of graphic arts books that may be helpful, too, for ideas and for showing how various lines are used in drawings.

I think I'll be getting even more students. I "advertise" on my Meetup.com site which helps a lot. I'm going to have students doing the breast cancer bricks again this year. The bricks are painted and donated to a silent auction in October.

Hoping the weather stays cool. I'm hoping that two more fans will help, too. Ordered two from QVC which look like they will "cover" more of the room. Classes continue on Wednesday afternoons 4 - 6:45 pm $5.00 an hour, $10 for two hours. Eventually I will have enough students to "break even". Sure hope so!

Cincinnati Artists

From My Studio

Cincinnati Artists in Fold

By Karen Kelly

It may come as no surprise to you that Cincinnati has many artists within its fold. Designers, poets, writers, dancers, musicians, painters, sculptors, craftspeople and many other artistic persons are working long hours in order to increase their skills which may or may not be shared with the consuming public.

If the artist seems to be obsessed with the desire to create, he (or she) should be cherished and nurtured.

He (or she) should be encouraged, not destroyed. The artist has the same need for love and recognition as his fellow man, therefore his awareness and sensitivity should note be demeaned.

One word which is felt by creative persons is PAIN. Imagining and idea and trying to find the means by which it can be expressed can be very painful. However, it is through this pain that the creative person produces a work which may or may not bring enjpyment to other people.

It is difficult enough to go through the creative process without feeling the dded pain of unwarranted, untrained criticism.

Many fine artists are lost to us because they can not bear to share their work with the outside world. The daring one, the ones who care enough to try, try in hope of sharing something they feel with other people.

As you reach out to increase your own artistic understanding you will find that you have many of the same creative urges within yourself that you may have thought were reserved for artists only.

It is possible for you to create a new space within your thoughts for artistic sharing. Open your mind and extend your hand in friendship while saying, "Yes, I have creative feelings and I share your creative feelings with you. I am so glad, that you, the artist, are able to share my thoughts through artistic expression."

*Note: I've written the article again, so that it's easier to read!

Column Announcement

This is a picture taken in my 7th floor studio, 1968 (August?). It was one of a series of Karen's Studio. There were a lot of windows with a view East toward the Cincinnati Post Building and Mt. Adams and a Southern view facing a couple of churches and other buildings. This room had my drawing board, some shelves, some chairs a bulletin board and plenty of room to paint. It was my space to create. The rest of the studio had a very large room where I hung my big paintings and shared it with others for Tai Chi and Ballet Classes. I had an art show, too, and sold some of my abstracts.

One painting of the Cincinnati Post Building that I created in watercolor and black ink lines was purchased by my mother, Lois Brown Dale, Director of Clermont Senior Services in Clermont County, Ohio.She gave it to one of her employees and it disappeared! Mama had a lot of my paintings showing throughout her office complex at Clermont Senior Services.

A lot of my paintings have been donated to WCET's Action Auction. I don't know who collects them, but they do sell. I do know that Charlie Vaughn, former director, bought one called Purple.

*Note: The bell-bottom denim jumpsuit was a favorite. I bought it in New York city when I went with my Cincinnati Art Academy buddies. It was a wonderful trip, but I got very sick and needed to come home.

Here is a copy of the painting from a slide of "Purple" Acrylic, 22"x 30". Signature was cut out by the scanner. I just learned how to scan and print out a slide on my HP Photosmart C8180 All-in One.




PURPLE



Teaching the Eye to See

Training the Eye to See

This is a copy of one of my art columns, From My Studio, for Skywalk News (which became Downtowner). I wrote my art column for Skywalk News and for Suburban Press. In 1978, I was in my studio on the top floor of the Artic Fur Building on 7th and Main. Streets (now housing Antonelli Art College - formerly Gebhardt Art School) when the idea to write an art column occured to me. I called Suburban Press and talked with the editor, Emily Wolfe. She asked if I could illustrate the column, too. I had never done any illustration but I was ready to try it. I learned drew my illustration (s) with a crow quill pen and used India ink on illustration board (3"x3").

Being able to scan and insert my art columns will be a FUN project!

Onward!

Chatauqua Art Show, Madison, Indiana 9 25 2010

Deborah and Rebecca

Deborah and Rebecca




Pictures taken with my Blackberry at the Chatauqua Art Show in Madison.