Luna Azul Studio

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then Art is in the mind of the creator. Every time I think about creating something whether it is on canvas, a collage, weaving or sculpting, I have that moment, right before I begin where I question myself. Will this be a work of art? Not an easy answer. I guess it depends on your definition.

I prefer this one:  Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression.

Now given that definition, I can begin my work of art. I will be deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to my senses and emotions! When I work, it has to be creating something that appeals to me. Hopefully others will like it too, but the idea of that happening does not enter in to my creative expression or I would never get anything done. I can’t possibly know what others will like, I do know what I like.

Each of us has our own idea of what Art is. Each piece is beautiful unto itself. Don’t let anything hold you back. Be deliberate, arrange the elements so they appeal to you. Create to please yourself and the Art will come!

Just for fun, I was looking at some of the art of Thanksgiving. This day has been depicted in art and pop culture for many years. Here are some of those depictions over the centuries… a nostalgic look at America’s Thanksgiving.

‘The First Thanksgiving,’ artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)

Artist Robert Walter Weir, ‘The Embarkation of the Pilgrims from Delfthaven in Holland’ (1844)

‘Thanksgiving,’ artist Doris Lee, c. 1935

Artist Charles Dana Gibson’s “Thanksgiving Nov. 1903″ was on the cover of Life magazine… I am not sure what the baby on the platter means!

Life magazine cover 1903, artist Charles Dana Gibson

This Thanksgiving watercolor was by artist Alice Barber Stephens. It appeared in the US periodical “Harper’s Weekly” on November 28, 1896.

‘Over-indulgence–A Spoiled Thanksgiving,’

This , likely one of the most famous Norman Rockwell WWII paintings, “Freedom of Want,” was one of four paintings in a series, the “Four Freedoms,” that Rockwell created during World War II. It may not have been meant to commemorate Thanksgiving, but the painting embodies the spirit of family and Thanksgiving.

All of the artist and families at Luna Azul Studios wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Create your memories in art!

I’m moving right along with my painted lady work.  I am beginning to fill in with flowers from our garden, the red zinnias were in our front yard flower beds, they were spectacular. The small yellow, orange and white zinnias were also in our front flower bed.  Working on keeping the composition balanced and the Painted Lady in the spot light. Got to get back to painting, more later.

Painted Lady

One of the things I love about creativity is the diversity of its expression. Sharen and I both have been lucky, we have been creative people all our lives and it has taken so many forms. From painting to sewing, we have imagined and then created some really neat things. Not long ago, I was reading a book Sharen had given me and with in its pages, one of the characters raised angora rabbits for their fur. The author painted (in words) such an interesting picture of spinning and weaving that it inspired me to get a loom and try my hand at it. I started with a great book, Learning to Weave by Deborah Chandler. My first piece was a sampler, where I was able to try different techniques and learn the workings of the loom. My second piece was a scarf for my daughter. The pictures are of that project in progress.

My goal is to do art weaving, wall hangings and rugs. I love the whole process and hope to continue creating with yarn.

Painted Lady, the beginning

A couple of weeks ago I was out in my side garden, a beautiful Painted Lady Butterfly landed on a zinnia next to me. It was the most wonderful thing, the butterfly let me get within a couple of inches of it.  It was awesome, the Lady allowed me to observe her for two or three minutes. I was able to see the shine on its back, all the intricate designs on its wings.  I was once again reminded of the magnificent creative power of our Creator. I am now inspired to begin my next work. I am hoping, even with all my flowers, because I do love flowers, I will be able to keep the focus on the Painted Lady! I’ll keep you posted.

We set up at the Grapevine Art Project Show and had a great time. It was a very nice venue and our booth was fantastic! We met lots of interesting people and many talented artists. Summer II won one of the two “People’s Choice” Awards, Yea!!!  We got lots of great feed back on Twin Mix II and both Karen and my artwork.  Looking forward to doing other shows in the near future.

GAP Show

WE WILL BE EXIBITING IN THIS SHOW!

VISIT DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE DURING THE GRAPEVINE ART PROJECT ANNUAL SHOW & SALE
OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2009
LANCASTER THEATRE

Friday, October 2nd:
Art Show – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Artist Reception – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3rd:
Art Show & Sale – 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Our first annual show for Grapevine Art Project members
with over $1,000 in prizes awarded to winning artists.  Cash
drawing of $100 for attendees who participate in the People’s
Choice art competition.  Raffle for gift certificates and framed limited
edition art piece for attendees who buy tickets to support the Grapevine
Art Project.  This event is free to the public and will also provide information
on membership in the Grapevine Art Project.

Fort Worth Art Show

October 3, 2009 3pm-10pm (show is one night only)

The Art Show will be curated by Kerrie Conover (Fort Worth artist/photographer) as part of Fort Worth South’s Arts Goggle on October 3, 2009.

The exhibition will feature seventeen artists:

Ray Albarez (painting), Candy Austin (Earthenware), Sharen Chatterton & Karen Rester (collaborative painting/mixed media), Michelle Connolly (photography), Kerrie Conover (installation) Alissa Garret (photography), Jessica Greene (drawing), Pete Hernandez (painting/mixed media), Kelly Hucklebridge, M.Ed. (encaustic painting), Zeena Khalaf (photography), Dr. Chantel Langlinais (photography), Lindsey Lee (photography), Joyce Martin (installation/sculpture), Lorrie McClanahan (mixed media painting), Simone Riford (sculpture), Robert Rozell (photography)

Music by:
Jason Manriquez (of the Fate Lions) and DJ Eskb’n

DMS Architects, Inc., is located at 300 College Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76104

Sunflowers in our backyard

We live in a suburban community, but I still really enjoy nature and the beauty that surrounds us. Most of my nature loving is in our flower garden, I love working in it, watching things grow, watching all of our many flowers bloom and observing the comings and goings of the butterflies and bees flitting about, doing their thing.  I am constantly taking pictures to paint. Which is one of my other most favorite things to do.  Painting and gardening are both calming, and invigorating to me.  My paintings reflect my love of nature, I try to capture the beauty created by a undeniably talented God.  Each piece has to have that smile factor. When I look at it, it has to make me smile, glad to be alive to enjoy all the beauty around us.  My garden is also a reflection of my love of nature and our environment. We try very hard to be chemical free and as organic as possible in our garden, its just better for it and produces a more vibrant garden. Our garden also has to have that smile factor, it never fails to make me happy, whether I am working in it or just enjoying the fruits of our labor.  Gardening and painting, two very simple things, all they require is my time and effort.  However for myself, the return on my investment, is to create a greater appreciation for this planet and a persistent desire to preserve its beauty for generations to come.

Painting of sunflowers in our backyard

Doing Art

Just thought I would share some of my favorite quotes about art:

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be. -Abraham Maslow

Art is Man’s nature.  Nature is god’s art.  ~James Bailey

Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul – and you answer.  ~Star Richés

A painting is what you make of it, besides which, ‘Moon, Weeping’ has a better ring to it than ‘Paintbrush, Dripping.’  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Art is not a thing; it is a way.  ~Elbert Hubbard

One of the best things about paintings is their silence – which prompts reflection and random reverie.  ~Mark Stevens

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.  ~André Gide

This represent a little food for thought. Be creative, open up your heart and let it flow!