"Holly's Irises"7" x 19"
Watercolor
Two matted pieces and some cards
Art cardsSunday is the receiving and hanging day for the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society "Fresh Start" show at the Sunnyvale Gallery . I will be part of the hanging crew. This will be my second time helping to hang a show. I learned a lot from Karen Wong, our incoming President, who is a master at arranging the art.
Today I have spent a lot of time getting things ready, and I'm almost there. I will have two framed pieces. "Me and Matisse", acrylic on paper, shown earlier on this blog, and "Holly's Irises" shown above. My friend Holly gave me some prize Iris bulbs for my side patio when my husband Gary was very ill in 1997 and they continue to bloom to this day. I created this piece ala Annelein Beukenkamp, a Vermont artist that I admire very much, with lots of loose washes and negative painting. The unusual long and narrow format was dictated by my desire to use a long narrow frame I had purchased some years ago. The tall Irises were in full bloom and I went, "aha, the perfect match." At this moment, the Iris leaves are up about 8 inches on the patio and getting ready to put on their flirty display.
I can also place two matted and bagged pieces in a bin, so I've selected "California Poppies on the Fault Line" and "Franken Vine," which I will show you a closeup in another day. I made some cards (the gallery will offer 10 for sale for each artist). I like to supply cards, though not really a money maker. They help people get to know my art and I always slip a business card into the plastic bag and sign the back of the card personally.
There is a lovely reception planned for Saturday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sunnyvale Art Gallery, 251 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA. You are welcome to come, enjoy some treats, and see the wonderful art. As you know, I am surrounded by some amazing artists. The show runs from March 1 to March 28.
12 comments:
These look awesome! You are a professional artist. I will have to check my schedule to see if I can attend what appears to be a terrific show.
The iris are so beautiful Mary! Your work is just gorgeous. You are an amazing artist too!! Best of luck with the show- have fun.
Best of luck in the show, Mary. All your work looks beautiful.
Sheila, I hope you can make the show -- it' would be especially nice if you made the reception and we got to see each other!
Pam, thanks so much for all the encouragement.
Christiane, thanks for checking in on my show plans. It's pleasing to see the art displayed.
Mary,
the "holy irises" is nice...
it seems you have achieved a diagonal composition with colours in this narrow framed picture...
very brilliant...
Mary, how I wish I weren't clear across the country so that I could attend this show. Your pieces are fantastic and love your Iris and yes, I'm familiar with Annelein's work and you are definetley right up there with this one. Good luck and have a wonderful time at the show.
The iris painting is exquisite. Your negative painting is very professional. I love this. Good luck on your show - wish I could be there.
Looks like you're ready for the show. Holly's Iris is a beautiful painting. Enjoy the reception.
You rock Mary! :) Beautiful Iris and I wish you all the best for the show!
Hi Mary, I like "Me and Matisse", a clever painting! The others are nice also! I can see why you call your blog "Art Adventures". Have a good show!
Appu (do I have your name correct), thanks for checking in on my blog and giving me interesting feedback on the design.
Barbra Joan, I wish you could be here. I know you would enjoy the show.
Barb, I'm delighted when an instructor who teaches how to paint florals gives me positive feedback. Thanks!
Hallie, I'm looking forward to the show.
Megha, thanks, my wonderful sketch artist.
Marie, seems like I am always trying something new. I like to be challenged.
Mary this looks like a lovely collection that you've put together for the show. How exciting. I'll see if I can drop by.
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