Archive for November, 2010
Salon Style, Part One: Eight Ideas for Hanging a Collection
No, this is not a post about my latest haircut (most common reaction: did you mean to do that? answer: no.)
Actually this is a topic I’ve been meaning to get into for a while, and December Small Works Season seems a good time for it. Over and over again at art shows, people say, “I love that but my walls are full.” If you are trying to fit in that latest art show treasure, but can’t think where you could possibly hang it, this post might be for you. Read more
No commentsTinman Gallery Best of 2010
The holidays are upon us, and that means Holiday Art Shows! Between general contracting and odd jobs around the new studio, I’ve managed to squeeze in a bit of time at the old studio to make new work for the Tinman’s Annual “Best Of” small works show. Moondrop Study, left, is my latest in a group of totally new pastels for the exhibit. Now, with temperatures in the single digits, blowing snow and icy roads, the biggest challenge ahead is actually getting the paintings TO the gallery. But I’ve got a few days, and things should get much better by the time the show opens December 3rd. With all the amazing artists showing at the Tinman, it should be a great one!
The scoop:
Tinman Gallery‘s Best of 2010
December 3 2010 – January 1st 2011
Opening reception Friday, December 3, 5 – 9 p.m.
811 W. Garland Avenue
Spokane, 99205
509.325.1500
To see the rest of my new work for the show, read more…
No commentsThe All-New Studio Sale
Looking for something new? Check out my Studio Sale page. I decided to change it up a bit—instead of older, matted work I will be selling all-new, framed, ready-to-hang miniature pastels. The pastels are all 6″ x 6″, framed in a silver plein-air frame just like Peachberries 3 (left). The frame’s outer dimensions are 11″x 11″. The glazing is done with nearly-invisible anti-reflective glass. These pieces are great alone or in groups of two or three. I offer a small discount on multiple pieces—contact me if you are interested.
Sorry—Peachberries 3 is sold, but there are several other pieces available and I will paint more soon.
No commentsStudio DRAMA!
As some of you may know, I moved into a new studio (pictured, left) at the beginning of this year. And by new, I mean new to me, because the building has been in place since around the turn of the last century. The subterranean room is charming, with rock walls and hefty beams supporting ancient open joists. Despite the basement location, the feeling is warm and welcoming. However, like all older buildings and basement spaces, it has its share of problems: in this case, noise from upstairs and dust from the open rafters. None of it seemed too awful at first, but over time these issues have become increasingly disruptive. A while ago I reached the conclusion I would have to find something else.
A few months ago, “something else” was found in the form of another turn of the century building. This one, rather than having spaces for rent, was for sale. My family decided to collectively purchase the building with part to be used as my studio, part to be used for a shop for my husband and my dad, and two newer wings to be rented out as studio space. The only immediate problem I could see was that once again, my space would have no windows.
All was going swimmingly. A few months and just a few more city inspections to get through, and we could close and move in. Eight of nine departments checked off their approval. We waited. And waited. And then… Enter the Transportation Department. The west wing of the building, they said—the wing we would be renting out, the wing built prior to 1958—was built on the city right-of-way. In the street, actually. Not that anyone could tell, since what passed for a street in this instance is an expanse of small lakes and large potholes occasionally punctuated with street-level dirt and gravel. Nonetheless, the upshot was this: the wing would have to come off.
The bad news, as if I need spell it out, was that this would be a giant expensive pain in the ass. There is some good news, though. The renovation would mostly be covered by the difference in price for the newly-smaller building (not good news for the sellers, who have my deepest sympathy) And, since the formerly-exterior-then-interior wall of my studio would again be an exterior wall, at long last, I would have my windows!
Over the next few months I will document the transformation of the studio back to some semblance of its charming 1911 self, including some cool demolition video! Read more for “before” photos of the new studio…