Festival of the Arts 2012

This picture is called the Buds.  It is the second of two pictures that have gained entrance into the Festival of the Arts 2012.  I had two rejects for the Competition.  The other one than won and entry was Eye of the Iris.

These two paintings are the rejects.  Who knows how the entries are chosen.  Since as an artist I pay to enter I think it only fair that I get some feedback on this.  Things such as crappy lighting or looks like you messed up the lighting.  I would actually appreciate this as I still have know idea of what makes a good painting.  My mentor seems to always like my work as does her husband.  Others who have seen my work also seem to like it.  But I just don't know.  I like my work but then again it doesn't seem to sell and I am not in any galleries.  I have chosen not to get into Art Prize so that is an attempt to just paint for painting sake.  I think I am still messed up in the brain when it comes to the art world.  I think I am a slow learner.  Again I work with Watercolors on Canvas as well as the Watercolor Pencil.  I have been doing this for the last 4 1/2  years.  

Festival of the Arts 2012

This is one of the paintings I entered into the Festival of the Arts this year.  I call it the Eye of the Iris.  It is a water color painting on canvas.  The fine lines continue to be done with watercolor pencils but I am beginning to use more and more of only the watercolor and brush technique.  It just feels more 3 denominational to me.  The festival of the Art's takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan  in the first full weekend of June every year.  This year the Art will be able to be viewed at the old Grand Rapids Press building.  I was able to enter 4 paintings we will see if any are excepted for the competition.

Lane Cooper

This is a watercolor painting of one of my good friends.  He has been a very positive influence on me.  He also has been the victim of a closed head injury and suffers from headaches.  He is an artist  and works with recycled material.  He creates sculptures.  He also had work in the Mary FreeBed show as well as was in Art Prize with me in 2010.  He makes me laugh and is good for my soul.

Dancer

This little dancer is a very determined young lady.  I knew her father from Discovery Alternative High School.   Her father recently passed away and I recognized her at the funeral.  Both her and her father loved to dance.  I hope she will continue her dancing as I feel it will bring her closer to the memory of her father.  May God bless her and keep her close

Spring Buds

Well last week it looked like spring. The tree's were budding and flowers were popping. I was able to take some time to get a few photo's for painting later. It is now very cold so I hope we don't loose all the flowers. Well this is a 16" by 20" watercolor painting on canvas. I do enjoy the flowers. I did this painting without the pencil and used watercolor paints in a tub. Enjoy.

Young dancer

This is a 16" by 20" watercolor pencil painting on canvas. I am doing a little experimenting with back grounds at this point trying to get more movement in the painting. Don't know it its working but I think it makes the picture more abstract with reality based figure. I would appreciate any feedback you have for me.

Thank you for viewing.

I know it's been a while but I have been very busy with the warm weather. Now that it is turning cold again I will try to be more consistent.

Proud Native American

This little guy was so proud of himself at the Pow-wow. His bright colors were amazing. This is a 16" by 20" watercolor painting on canvas. The picture was taken about 2 years ago. I am experimenting with the back grounds. Hope you like it.

After much thought I have decided not to enter the Legacy Prize contest this year. I will not enter Art Prize as a result of this. It is just too much for me and I am taking a year off.

I will be in the Mary Free bed show this year and look forward to it.