Workshop/Studio--September 2010If I disappear for a while, I can probably be found in the chaos of my workshop. I'm doing that last ten percent of work on several paintings because I will be exhibiting new works at MacCallum More Museum & Gardens beginning October 1. The exhibit will include works by sculptor Terry O'Hose; meet-the-artists reception will be Saturday October 9, 7 to 9 p.m.
Some pieces are out being matted and framed; some pieces need varnish (that's done on the back porch of the workshop); some pieces will be framed by me when the frames arrive on Tuesday (that's done on the guest house floor).
Also, workers will arrive Monday to paint our tin roof and power wash our house, guest house, and workshop. I'll need to be careful walking in and out of doors.
I was invited to exhibit paintings at the Arnold Library in South Hill VA; older works have hung there since September 1.
On October 2--after the Library exhibit is dismantled and the MacCallum More exhibit is hung--I might have a straight shot of Jack Daniels or Maker's Mark.I no longer dream of being organized; the last-minute method somehow works for me.
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Hallie, I LOVE these photos! Your studio is organized chaos. I have no doubt you have everything well in hand.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of you standing in front of your exhibit is stellar. Even though it was taken after all day working, you look relaxed and at peace.
Congratulations on both of these shows. I sure wish I could see them in person.
Thank you, Pam. There actually is a path to both easels. That bag of golf clubs in the background keeps calling to me--the weather is perfect for hitting a few balls. (I might benefit from hanging a calendar around my neck.)
ReplyDeleteI'm off to the workshop until around midnight.
Congratulations on both shows. My studio looks just like yours. I haven't bothered to organize anything there since my show in May. You look unusually relaxed for someone with two shows on the go.
ReplyDeleteI seem to work better under pressure. I totally understand disappearing for awhile !!!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes and lots of success !
Thanks Margaret. I can't imagine your studio looking like this. I probably look relaxed because I'd been up and down the ladder about 20 times. I was also wearing my summer uniform of un-ironed linen shirt and really old slacks. I consider pockets essential; when designers decided to eliminate them, I stopped buying slacks.
ReplyDeleteSue, thanks. I think I'm like the contractors who almost finish the job; then move to the next one. I hate the tidying up--no fun and it's easy to screw up what's been done. One of these days I'll make it to Roanoke and check out the Taubman and your gallery.
what a great post--I agree with PAMO--your photo with your work is a very good one--you look just right. My photos with my work always look silly to me..I see I need to get a white linen shirt. Yeah! The library is really beautiful--and your work looks great in there. I like your studio. Let's go golfing! (I haven't played since about 1999--but I won't talk in your backswing).
ReplyDeleteYour studio is like one of my "Over the Under-Schmeerings" pieces. There's all that chaos from which you are able to create something new and unique. I'll bet that no matter what you need, you know where it's at in those piles...
ReplyDeleteYour work looks great. I especially like the shot of you with it. It helped put the size of the pieces in perspective. Let me know when you take that shot - maybe I'll have a dose of Crown Royal with you. Cheers!
-Don
-Don
Hi Celeste. You can actually talk to me during the backswing. Our driving range is alongside the highway. When I'm practicing, cars blow their horns or people might yell my name--small towns are fun; friendliness comes first.
ReplyDeleteDon, I don't know my piles anymore; I just found a book after five years of searching. Odd that you call the shot a dose. To me bourbon or whiskey tastes like medicine--I have the shot in one hand, Coca Cola in the other (and I don't breathe between the two). I usually do this once a year--on New Year's Eve--and someone always mentions "Thelma and Louise." Coke is my favorite drink; adding whiskey to it ruins the taste so I don't mix.
Hi Hallie, I'd go for the Maker's Mark...hold the coke! I like the photos of you, your work and your studio. A studio is supposed to look like organized chaos...isn't it? Congratulations on the shows!
ReplyDeleteCreative chaos if ever i saw it! And out it comes that orderly array of work on public display - in a library no less, and they don't come any more organised than that. The exhibition is looking great and so are you, Hallie - quite the part.
ReplyDeleteAnd i absolutely agree about that pocket thing (I'm still puzzled why evolution hasn't provided humans with a roo pouch).
Being able to get a sense of size really helps understand the impact of an art piece - love the photo with your artwork behind you (what amazing work). Studio chaos is part of the process, isn't it?! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the shows.
Robin
Hi Peggy. I might go for that shot today. When I picked up the mail from the box, bleach sprayed from the roof onto my head (luckily, my hair is rather colorless) and I'm working with a new printer (haven't read all the directions yet).
ReplyDeleteHarry. What a great idea--humans with pockets! I'd always have a place for my hands. (I rather enjoyed hammering nails into the wall of that quiet library.)
Hi Robin. Thank you, I had not thought of importance of sense of size until Don mentioned it. Good point. Studio chaos has actually spilled up into my bedroom (my space is my space--or it's A Room of My Own).
Congratulations on your shows! I wish I could attend and see your work in person. Love your studio!
ReplyDeleteKathy, Ha! When I posted this, I thought, "I'm glad Kathy's busy and won't see this." I remembered that you always have about 40 paintings framed, wrapped, and ready to go months before your shows.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
Hah!! My ideal studio! My wife wouldn't stand for it though. lol. It's fun seeing the art you have posted on your easel in the studio. It must feel wonderful to have your art on display in the library - it's great how they are all laid out. I love the pinching hand!
ReplyDeleteHi Dan. My husband's not allowed in my workshop and, hopefully, he won't see this post. I have to do major clearing and cleaning after I hang the October show. Right now I have a clear path to each easel and to the bath room.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't think there is anything wrong with your studio. Tidy studios often mean the artist isn't working on art, but more concerned about appearances. Let the paint fly!
ReplyDeleteBTW "You look absolutely marvelous darling" I wish my hair would all turn grey and look as fantastic as yours :O)
Eva--the paint occasionally flies; usually all over me! I am more comfortable with "stuff" lying around. As a kid I liked hanging out in my dad's workshop, playing with tools and looking at his auction finds. My brother and I inherited the "collector's gene."
ReplyDeleteMy husband has always told me that I don't need a larger workspace because I'd only fill it up with more stuff. Seeing this picture makes me think that maybe he's on to something! I've given up on trying for organized too. It just takes too much darned thinking all the time! :D
ReplyDeleteYour husband is probably right--I know that my workshop will probably always be filled. I have to admit that some of the stuff in the photo was brought in from the adjoining porch (cleared the porch for the painters).
ReplyDeleteHowever, I read an article several years ago that the size of your artwork is influenced by the size of your workspace. To paint larger than sketchbook you're going to need a bigger space and high ceilings. (A good point when you're discussing space needs with the Mr.)