After the Show

"Life is like a box of chocolates,

you never know what you are going to get."

..........Forrest Gump

The art business and shows are the same way. I had a very nice show at Thornebrook as I told you yesterday. I came home happy with sales and the weekend as a whole.

Then I got a call yesterday afternoon with an inquiry "do you still have the LARGE painting of the river with hyacinths?" Yes, I do.

"Something Timeless" (30"x36") was scheduled to go to Thornebrook Gallery in Thornebrook Village. Instead it is going home with Brian and Vivian who have several of my paintings in their extensive art collection. Viv came to the show looking for a painting with "just one bird in it, not a whole flock". She picked out and bought a small painting but also fell in love with this bigger one and knew right where she wanted to hang it.

Remember..."the show is not over until the fat lady sings".

Thornebrook Village Art Festival

This past weekend was a beautiful weekend for an art festival and lots of other things here in north Florida. As a result, not as many people as usual attended the festival. But, the ones that did come out were ready to buy. I sent Geclee Reproductions as well as original oil paintings home with collectors.

Lyn White and her committee did a great job once again. This is a comfortable show that is very family friendly. Not too big with too many artists - if there are too many artists to chose from collectors get overwhelmed and do not buy anything. Lynn had a good mixture of every medium, not heavy in any category.

Saw long time artist friends and collectors and made new friends. It was a good way to start my show season.

October Auction Painting

"Wood"s Farm-Evinston, Fl." Oil on board 10"x10"

Bids start at 99 Cents

October 1 - 31

I had a great time at Freddie Woods farm in Evinston, Florida creating this painting. I set up to paint under a canopy of giant old oak trees. A breeze blew across the field from Orange Lake and all was right with the world.

Half way through this painting I moved a bit and brushed my ankle against a stinging nettle causing much pain. If you have been in Florida long I know you have met "The Nettle". Ok, that is part of the joy of painting en plein air (on location). So, back to work.

Ants and mosquitos came next...out came the Skin So Soft. The sun had moved by then and I was in direct illumination....yep, sun screen to the rescue. But, one has to keep working.

The last straw was the herd of cows ambling my way. It seems I had set up right in their well worn path to the next field. Cows are not the most intelligent animals ... one almost walked over my easel before she discovered a barrier in her way. Thank goodness she veered off at the last minute. For a city gal, being surrounded by a herd of huge bovine is a little uncomfortable...I sat in my car until they passed.

I experienced some of life's unexpected pleasures and came home relatively unhurt and with a painting I was happy with. All in all it was a good day!

VoilART! Gallery Anniversary

VoilART! Gallery is celebrating!!! The gallery has been open for one whole year. It has been a struggle but we made it. Sharon Crute and I have worked hard so I think I will toot our respective horns:

1. Coffee and Conversation - monthly presentations on various topics such as "Great Walks with Lucy Tobias" and painting demonstration by nationally acclaimed Morgan Samuel Price.

2. Ocala's First Friday Art Walk - Sharon's husband Michael coordinates the artists and keeps everyone straight

3. Springs Celebration - supported the event with a presentation by documentary photographer Ricard Rossetto

4. Hosted a painting workshop by California artist Elin Pendleton

5. Stage shows that pertain to a particular theme such as our Holiday "Merry Little Minis" Exhibit & Sales of miniature paintings

These are just a few of the gallery high lights from this past year. We have great plans for the coming year. Fabulous photographer Kent Weakly, Leslie Hammond from Artistic Eye and "Decorating for the Holidays" by a decorator from Koontz Furniture and Home Decor are just a few giving presentations at Coffee and Conversation. Oil painting classes, drawing salon and critique groups are also being considered.

This is all in addition to our own busy show schedules. So, check back here from time to time to learn about our next adventure.

Saluting the Arts

Ocala is fortunate to have an organization that acts as an umbrella for all the arts in Marion County. Marion Cultural Alliance offers grant money to local non-profit arts organizations which helps greatly in their survival. Yesterday, these grants were presented at a sold-out luncheon at the Ocala Hilton.

My heart lies with two dimensional art but I embrace all of the arts. It was invigorating to be among so many creative people - painters, actors, dancers, singers, musicians, directors, and the list goes on. This upcoming season is jam packed with so many cultural events it will be hard to pick which ones to attend.

Not only do I live in a "post card" but also a haven for the arts.

Painting Auction

"Reflections" Oil on Canvas 8"x10"

Some of you have told me that it is difficult to keep up with the fast pace of my weekly "Post Cards from Paradise" auction of miniatures. Others have requested larger paintings in the auction. So, I have created a "Collectors Choice" auction for larger paintings and extended the auction period to one month.

As many of you may know I enjoy kayaking the spring fed rivers in Florida. The painting shown here titled "Reflections" is the first to be offered in the "Collectors Choice" auction. It was inspired by a photograph I took while paddling the Wekiva River in Apopka. This particular venue is on the Little Wekiva, an off-shoot of the main water way. If you have not been on this river I highly recommend you give it a try. Don't have your own boat? Just rent one at Wekiva Springs State Park.

"Reflections" was shown as a preview to those who have subscribed to my email notices with information about exhibits, events, new reproductions and paintings. As a result, the starting bid of 99 Cents has climbed to $40.00 as the highest bid offered to this date.

Collectors Choice - One Month Auction

Bid Deadline - 5 pm EST, Thursday, September 30

Shipping and Packaging are FREE

Everyone has had fun with the weekly auction, I sincerely hope this longer auction with a larger painting will be equally fun.

Marion County Springs Festival

As part of Marion County's 9th Annual Springs Festival with events throughout September, I have invited Documentary Photographer Richard Rossetto to speak at September's "Coffee and Conversation" at VoilART! Gallery. Richard has been exploring and capturing images of the springs for 20 years. He is leading the Florida Springs Project, a photographic project about Florida's natural resource that chronicles his passionate journey to discover the magical and mysterious wonders of the ancient flow.

Everyone is invited to this FREE presentation Wednesday, September 15, 2 - 4 pm at VoilART! Gallery, 108 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida.

Florida has more freshwater springs than anywhere on earth. Come hear about the amazing 19 billion gallons a day of cool, pure crystal-clear water flow from the subterranean depths.