Art of Horse Racing

The Greyhound Project

2012-01-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

The new year has begun with this unusual project. Four fiberglass greyhound forms have sashayed into my studio with a convincing swagger. Michael says they push their way out the door as it unlocks first thing in the morning to dash out and play vigorously in the snow. Not very responsive to his voice commands, eventually they return to warm themselves and fall into an elegant pose.

An unceremonious arrival...

the unveiling...

This is a fundraiser for greyhound rescue sponsored by a very responsible owner. Designs for the forms require a good deal of research and as I learn more about these noble hounds, I'm falling in love with them. If I were so inclined to adopt, it would be one of these endearing pooches. Alas, I'm not in a position for dog ownership, but if you are...consider the amazing greyhound.

Here's the template provided by cowpainters.com, designers and fabricators of a myriad selection of fiberglass forms for private and community art projects

I'll be sharing my designs and progress with the project. If you're interested, subscribe to receive updates delivered to your e-mail inbox (in the upper right column).

Woof,
Sharon

Painting New Subjects

2012-01-05T16:14:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012!

I was one of those students who fell asleep during history class. Fast forward many, many years and I now find myself fascinated with the rich history permeating my new home of Saratoga Springs, New York. Not just about horse racing, many of the town's legendary characters were involved in gambling establishments apart from the track. Everything here has a story including the diverse neighborhoods and impressive "summer homes". Fortunately, there is no shortage of historians who've done all the work for us providing documentation about these historic mansions beginning with the year they were built, by whom and the successive ownership up to the present. So many contain a juicy and notorious history.

Fuller House, oil on canvas, 16"x20"

Unbelievably, many of these beautiful homes fell into disrepair and were slated for the wrecking ball. When the current owners rescued the Fuller House, it had no air conditioning or heat - a true summer home. The spidery tree shadows falling on the building created the eerie yet intriguing inspiration for this painting.

Carriage House, oil on canvas, 11"x14"

You should see the main house! I love the tall pines casting their shadows on this lovely back building with an interesting round window containing a star. I was informed by a local realtor that the current owners are wintering in Palm Beach. Sigh.

I won't be painting houses for long as new projects have developed and then there's the muse and that incessant calling...

I wish you all a 2012 that's more profitable, joyful, loving and filled with new opportunity.

Love, Sharon

About Babush

2011-12-14T17:46:00.001-05:00

Michael found Babush under a bush, thus her namesake.

Alone, terrified and screaming (more on that soon) she was a tiny thing that fit in the palm of my hand. That is, after Michael refused to retrieve her declaring that she was spitting and hissing while trying to hide amongst the leaves. Impatiently, I fished for her in the underbrush and there emerged a miniature nightmarish wild cat.

A cute and adorable kitten, she remained physically endearing into adulthood. However, her personality developed into something similar to a spoiled celebrity. Pushy, demanding, cranky and often crossing the line into psychosis, she developed an unnerving habit of chasing her tail while letting loose a horrific scream. This would be followed by inconsolable growling and various means of blood-letting for anyone trying to provide comfort.

I'm not sure if this was a method of commanding attention or letting off steam from a period of irascible brooding. She would often silently slip behind me as I was busy painting. I have no idea how long she sat watching me, but sooner or later that ghastly scream would pierce the zen and nearly send me through the canvas. To observe Babush is to first hear the ferocious growl followed by the tail slowly moving toward her face. From the corner of her eye she spots the tormenting appendage and then savagely chases and attacks it. I often feel scabs of her own making.

This behavior has prompted unending trips to the vet. A clean bill of health is always the final diagnosis along with offers of kitty-cat prozac and sympathetic statements such as "that's because she's a tortie", as if that should explain everything. Have you ever read the internet joke about administering a pill to a cat?

My friends shake their heads sadly murmuring "that is no pet." As the years pass and she ages the symptoms diminish...somewhat. We've spent ten years tolerating each other. If our pets offer the mirroring principle, I've had lots of introspection into my own unexplainable angst. Yup, she's a nutcase but she's my nutcase and I adore her passionately.

Hoping you have a pet to love,
Sharon

Portrait of Babush, oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Captivating Marshes

2011-12-03T18:38:00.001-05:00

(NOTE: my apologies for the short previous post that you received. I had just begun to put down my thoughts and *BING* the blog published. Don't know if it's Google's new dashboard or my keyboard.)

I've become fascinated by the local marshes and bogs here in upstate New York. The wintry sky colors, the elegant leaning of the tree trunks, the still, reflective waters and the overall calmness. Some of these bodies of water are created by beavers and you can actually spot their well-constructed dams built with intertwining branches and downed logs. Amazing engineering for a critter that's considered a rodent.

These little oils on canvas are the result of hiking along wooded trails that lead to these enchanting landscapes. Because the subject is new to me, I have no idea what to title them. Pink Sunset? Yellow Repose? If you have any ideas, please send me suggestions or leave a comment. They're both 11"x14" and are available for purchase.

With appreciation,
Sharon

Gift-Giving Alternatives

2011-11-27T19:09:00.001-05:00

Bummed out by the cookie-cutter gifts at the big box stores this past weekend? It's so ho-hum (yawn). However, if you'd like to purchase some distinct and unique artwork from me for holiday gift-giving season...here's the deal:

PET PORTRAITS

First of all, it's not too late to order a customized pet portrait. All I need is a decent photo to work from and, if you're local to Saratoga Springs, New York, I'll come and photograph your pet myself. If Muffie has passed on, that's okay, just send me as many photos as possible and I"ll work from those. Contact me for size and price details. Yes, you can afford it. Such an thoughtful, special and amazing gift that will last a lifetime. Thrill the pet lover in your life (you'll probably make them cry with joy)!

LAY AWAY

I take installment payments. Always have, always will. I understand you. It's like layaway at the big box stores without the hefty hidden fees. See something you like or have an idea for a custom painting? Contact me and we'll work out the details together. I want to make it easy for you.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Some people are especially difficult to shop for. If you're uncertain about what someone would particularly like from my collection of original oils, Giclee Fine Art Reproductions, or gift items...consider a gift certificate. The recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness as they get the EXACT gift they'll adore.

If you can think of another way I can help you with your holiday shopping, please don't hesitate to contact me. I appreciate your suggestions and I'm here to provide the best service that I possibly can.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sharon

November in the North

2011-11-21T19:20:00.001-05:00

So much gratitude is in order to those of you who have wished me positive thoughts and good wishes via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and any other internet platform I've overlooked. I sincerely thank you for your good thoughts directed my way. It's spiritual...thoughts become things and such...I so appreciate and love you all.

You've also asked how I'm doing in the cold weather after moving up to the north land from Florida. Don't forget that I'm a native New Englander and I'm doing...okay. Yes, it's an adjustment. However, a brisk walk in the night air that filled my lungs with the pungent scent of late fall produced an unexpected nostalgia for playing Ringolevio in the streets of my childhood memories. Today my earlobes chilled on a hike through the local swamps as I observed the sun setting low in the sky way too early. Football and Thanksgiving...it couldn't be more appropriate here in stark November.

Dare I tell you that I can't wait until the big snow? When my dearest declared that snow was white and what was the big deal - ha!

New Studio on Beekman Street

2011-11-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

If you're as impatient as I am, you understand the wait is excruciating. The day eventually arrives in it's own sweet time and action pervades my good sense. On an recent episode of NOVA the genius of Einstein revealed that time slows for those of us to choose to be in motion. Huh?

Landscaping has been frost-bitten but you get the gist of the loveliness of the street. Each merchant chooses and nurtures the plantings themselves.

My signage is on order. This is my track sign from last summer and it'll have to do for now.

This is the view looking in back toward what will be the man cave of print production and gift item creation.

Looking out to the street. Lighting is a work in progress. I love the cool daylight fluorescent lights for painting but we'll need some tracks to light up the artwork.

Officially, we'll be open on Tuesday, November 15th. Taking advantage of a good dinner crowd, we plan to be open until 8:00pm in the evenings as is the rest of the street. Experimenting with schedules for a couple of weeks will determine a permanent open time.

The address is: 70-B Beekman St. in Saratoga Springs, New York. If you can, please stop in - I'd enjoy meeting you and showing off my paintings.
Gratefully, Sharon

Breeders' Cup 2011

2011-11-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a few of my personal Breeders' Cup connections as experienced via my long summer at the Saratoga meet:

Think names aren't important? Sometimes they're everything. Stopshoppingmaria became an instant fan favorite at Saratoga even before she broke her maiden which she accomplished easily in her second start by over nine lengths. She became the talk of the two-year-old fillies. Not a bad second place finish in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf either.

Some of the owners of Turbulent Descent (there are several and some are first timers) came into my booth to see my artwork but I wasn't there (argh)! Michael did his best to coax them into returning to meet me. Their excitement of being at Saratoga with such a nice filly was understandable, but a few did come back. When we were in California many years ago, Michael galloped a couple of horses for Turbulent Descent's trainer Mike Puype - most notably, Old Trieste. The two of them had a few minutes to chat when Mike P. also visited my booth. The next day Turbulent Descent blasted the field in the Test Stakes. The gang had to be so disappointed with the trouble she experienced in the BC Filly and Mare Sprint, finishing fifth.

Early one morning I was photographing reference at the Oklahoma training track. A very amiable boyish-looking man walked up to me and introduce himself - George Bolton. Okay, I'm embarrassed that I didn't know who he was at first but quickly assessed his connection to Stonestreet Stable. We discussed The Factor and he invited me into the paddock that afternoon to photograph a filly he was extremely high on - My Miss Aurelia who was running in the Adirondack Stakes. In the paddock, George was too busy to talk to me as he was engaged in crowd control and ambassadorship, but I did manage to invite him to my booth. Unfortunately, he never made it. But his filly won the Adirondack and she also won the BC Juvenile Fillies convincingly.

My Miss Aurelia prior to winning the Adirondack Stakes.

Last year I had the honor of creating the commission of Big Drama as a gift for his owner, Harold Queen. Winner of last year's Sprint Eclipse Award and last year's BC Sprint, this year he didn't repeat and finished seventh. I still enjoy my personal connection and loyalty to this professional racehorse. Just love him.

BC Classic winner Drosselmeyer looked small and thin to me as he was brought to the paddock for the Sword Dancer Stakes.

Drosselmeyer

This gal, however, looked magnificent...

Havre de Grace on her way to her victory in the Woodward Stakes.

So there you go. From the artist's perpective.

Love to all the horses who ran their best, Sharon

Life Drawing Class

2011-11-02T20:31:00.000-04:00

Big perk: life drawing class with a nude model sponsored by the Saratoga Arts Center. Time-honored method of honing drawing skills that's been practiced for a few hundred years or more by the great masters. Volume, line, form, negative space, direction, etc. not to mention depicting personality and mood are the challenges for wannabe draftsmen (and women).

I'm a bit rusty. It's been several years since I've had the opportunity to participate in life drawing class, but I promise you, I'll get better.
Love, Sharon

Not bad Mom, but you may want to consider composition so that next time
you don't cut off the head and feet.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-30T15:35:00.000-04:00

Change is revitalizing. I'm feelin' it. My alter ego peeks from around hiding places with a shy smile, not sure if a reunion is appropriate yet. We've got time to get reacquainted so I'll not rush it. After all, I thought she was lost to me forever.

Michael and I married on Halloween. It was always a time for great celebration. Within the sanctity of long, long relationships that have weathered the world, last night was an opportunity to honor the crazy, off-beat humor that is our foundation.

Costumes ran the gamut...a treat to see who or what would arrive next.

Our wonderful friends and hosts with the most, Old Man Steve and Snow Mandy.

Brains, more brains...

Love, Sharon

The Sound of Change

2011-10-26T21:05:00.000-04:00

SWOOSH!

That's the sound of change infiltrating the unwary, the unprepared. Like it or not, change is a natural law and comforting in a lip-biting sort of way. One sure thing to know in life is that nothing remains static and change in all forms is inevitable.

I welcome change. I enjoy being immersed in a constant state of flux. Is it a characteristic of the artistic temperament or just my own restless personality?

I've moved out of Ocala, Florida. As much as I adored hanging my hat there, my suitcase now sits on a shelf in Saratoga Springs, New York. Although my Florida-bred cats may take issue, I'm thrilled for this drastic change. As a native New Englander, I'm embracing the change of seasons in myriad ways.

There is a long list of reasons for this decision. But that was then and this is now. Let's get on with the work, the play, the events, the new friends, my goals and the looming opportunities. I'll share with you what I learn along the way.

I know you're wondering...yes, I've purchased a warm down coat and the accompanying warm accessories.

Love, Sharon

I Got a Fever

2011-06-30T19:00:00.005-04:00

I'm honored to be chosen by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) to design and paint the 10th Anniversary Horse Fever prototype presented by the Marion Cultural Alliance. Because I was asked not to share the latest design with you before the big reveal, I will tell you that his name is "World Champ". He illustrates the thoroughbred industry here in Ocala, Florida aka The Horse Capital of the World. But I've said too much...

It's safe to give you a peek of "the herd" at the warehouse:


Laboriously being liberated from their shipping crates.


"World Champ" suspiciously eyes his transport to the FTBOA.

Here's the original "Champ" prototype, still looking great after ten years. He represents the racing silks of 14 prominent thoroughbred breeding farms here in Marion County. Posing in front of the FTBOA offices, he was also sponsored by the FTBOA who also sponsored the first Horse Fever project and...who also sponsored...me.

The flip side of "Champ", photographed at Double Diamond Farm.


"Above & Beyond" was painted by moi for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America for their annual White Horse Awards. He represents the heroic backside workers at the racetrack. A & B took me to the Breeders' Cup at Lone Star Park in '04.

I also designed and painted "Cultural Champ" who was the foal belonging to the original herd. He represented the major cultural aspects of Marion County and Ocala, but I'll be darned if I can find a photo of him!

"It is, after all, the dab of grit that seeps into an oyster's shell that makes the pearl, not pearl-making seminars with other oysters." - Stephen King

The Big, Really Big Purchase

2011-06-25T16:59:00.000-04:00

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is providing the tents for the artist vendors this summer at Saratoga. The new tents measure 20'x20' instead of the standard 10'x10' size and are also complete with a floor. This is a big bonus as the issue of keeping the rain and mud at bay during storms (some are extended) is a dilemma. I"m excited as I'll now have plenty of exhibit space for my large paintings and giclees. Which reminds me...

I'm gathering all my pieces, especially the large ones, to bring to my new and spacious booth. If you've been considering purchasing one of my large, and I mean big, original paintings or giclee fine art reproductions, now would be a good time to save on expensive shipping if you're in the Florida area or within close proximity to the I-95 corridor. I can personally deliver as I make my way up to Saratoga.
Click on the title under the image for details...

"Collectors are happy people." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Where the hell am I going?

2011-06-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

For certain, I'll be in Saratoga Springs, NY for the entire race meet, July 22nd through Sept. 5th. If I've appeared vague regarding my immediate plans to any of you, accept my apologies. The spiritual gurus instruct about the importance of maintaining secrecy when intending and visualizing. Eliminates the well-meaning from undo influence and frankly, relieves the pressure as paths veer off their original course. No explanations required.

Purging through all those photographs last week became more than good housekeeping. Surprising emotions emerged. I got all existential. The past appeared happier with fun times with more adventure and closer relationships. Clearly, I was following my bliss and living a passionate life. Or was I? From a position of struggling to survive the financial hardships of the recession (and still recovering) is anything looking better than what is, including what was and how I now perceive it?

My Saratoga landlady has offered the apartment to us beyond the end of the race meet. I'm considering. The cool, clean air and pungent earthy scent of autumn may clear this undefinable bleariness. So, my dear readers, I may stay longer at the fair.

"Go for it now. The future is promised to no one." - Wayne W. Dyer

Old Photos of Us (really old)

2011-06-17T10:00:00.001-04:00

I finally did the inevitable: cleaned out the old 35mm photographs that were stacked in the studio closet as tall as I. Purging to the nth degree. I've been intending to do this for...well...several years. Shoe boxes filled with photos I thought I would need for reference forever. There was a time when, as an artist, if I wanted to paint a starting gate I required lots of decent photos of a starting gate. Not so much anymore with the instantaneous internet availability of almost everything. Not to mention digital cameras.

So, I thought I would share with you the ones I deemed worth saving. Maybe even in a couple of these blog posts. After all, 10+ stuffed shoe boxes have been honed down to one medium size carton. They're the best of an arsenal.

Here I am ponying one of Michael's fillies at Bay Meadows in '93.

Michael galloping one of his own horses on the Oklahoma Training Track
at Saratoga in the mid-80's.

Don't you love this? Michael training babies with his Irish friend John at a ranch in Half Moon Bay just south of San Francisco. They made their way down these magnificent cliffs and galloped on the beach. One time I went with him and there was this guy jumping up and down like a crane with his parachute glider. The young horses were wary but curious and they all made their way past without incident. That's Michael in the blue jacket.

Gold panning in Alaska in the early '90's.

I went on an all-girl camping trip in Arizona with a couple of my best girlfriends. On a very remote section of road on the Apache reservation we came upon an area littered on both sides with a vast amount of animal bones. So eerie and I was mesmerized with the scene of destruction. The margarita in the plastic cup added to my morbid fascination.

“In solitude we give passionate attention to our lives, to our memories, to the details around us.” - Virginia Woolf

Even Too Hot for a Gator

2011-06-15T20:13:00.000-04:00

The heat is on. It's time to curtail some outdoor activities when the indigenous wildlife look for refuge. No relief on the river unless you don't mind jumping in the water with the gators. Our summers in Florida are the equivalent of northern folk's winter cabin fever.

If you keep a watchful eye, you can watch these eyes as the alligators stay afloat in the cool waters of the Silver River.

There's always someone who doesn't mind the ninety-eight plus degree sizzle. Good thing hunting is prohibited when you're sporting that big fat meaty tail.

This Little Blue Heron quietly bears its discomfort in the stifling heat. Still pretty despite the agitation.

“If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?” - Stephen Wright

Last Weekend

2011-05-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

This is my last weekend at VoilART! Gallery + Studio. It sounds so final and I'll share some of my feelings with you. At first I felt remorseful. After all, gallery partner Jackie Schindehette and I worked long and hard to promote, market and create a welcoming space. VoilART! is a lovely art gallery.

However, after a recent successful weekend in Lexington, Kentucky I realize that my gypsy heart shines brightest when taking my show on the road. And on that note, I'm looking forward to the opportunities of engaging in more shows, festivals and invitations to display my work throughout the country.

The best news is that Jackie will continue the mission of presenting beautiful artwork at the gallery in downtown Ocala. The name will change as she transitions into her own new business venture, however, the gallery will remain in the same location. I wish her flaming success and encourage you to visit and support her.

I'll be at VoilART! on Friday & Saturday afternoon. Yes, we're both offering a 25% discount on any sales in the gallery until May 31st. But please don't feel pressured...just come on down and sit for a chat. I'd like that. Oh, and we'll probably both be in the gallery on Sunday night...cool goings on downtown that I won't divulge, you'll just have to check it out for yourself. I promise, it's big.

“We're drinking my friend, To the end of a brief episode, Make it one for my baby, And one more for the road” - Johnny Mercer

Hi Ho! It's High Hope!

2011-05-19T08:30:00.001-04:00

This coming Sunday, May 22nd, I'll participate as a vendor at the High Hope Steeplechase in the Kentucky Horse Park. After a year hiatus due to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, the steeplechase returns with legions of fans and great enthusiasm.

This is the most scenic steeplechase I've attended. The Kentucky Horse Park is beyond amazing. Simply horse heaven.

The parade of the Woodford Hounds is a traditional spectacle.
Just don't call them...dogs.

Have you ever tried tailgating at a steeplechase? It's great way to make friends and the aficionados go all out by creating their own themes complete with costume and decor. Think "Out of Africa" or "The Great Gatsby".

I created this painting when I last attended High Hope. Aptly titled "High Hope", it's an oil on canvas, 24" x 30" and I'll be bringing it with me.

So, if you're in Kentucky (instead of Baltimore) make it an afternoon with the family for lots of fun, activities and people watching (you never know who you'll see). And of course, do stop by my booth to say hi and see my latest artwork.

Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too. - Lawrence Bixby

Time to Say Goodbye

2011-05-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

I'm a race tracker at heart. It can't be helped, the entire milieu and the microcosm of the lifestyle gets into your blood like a drug and you're addicted forever. Oh yes it does.

A race tracker who is not at the track is a restless soul to behold. I know this because not only do I contend with my own yearning but I'm married to a fellow devotee. It's hard work on the track at any level, however, an element of freedom exists within the confines of extreme responsibility.

I don't want to romanticize. Heaven knows it's a demanding and grueling job that creates workaholics of us all. That's okay because we love it. The freedom that we relish allows us to leave when the work is done. Set hours would be excruciating even as our workday often continues way past the eighth hour. Who's counting?

So, I hope after all that banter that you can understand my reason for leaving my downtown gallery. It's such a bittersweet decision. May 31st will be my last day at VoilART! Gallery + Studio in downtown Ocala. Travel is in my immediate future and lots of it. Because, you see, as a race tracker I give myself the divine freedom to hit the road when necessary and...now is the time.

My gallery partner Jackie Schindehette will carry on with the gallery and beautiful art will stay right where it is.

Golden Light of Dawn, by Jackie Schindehette, oil on canvas, 20"x24"

My travel plans begin next weekend in Lexington, Kentucky at the High Hope Steeplechase. Returning to the KY Horse Park after a year hiatus due to the World Equestrian Games in 2010, the event is highly anticipated. If you're lucky enough to be in Kentucky or even luckier to live in Kentucky, please visit me at my booth on Sunday, May 22nd.

For you, my dear readers, if you're in Ocala please visit the gallery and take a 25% discount off ANYTHING in the gallery. Consider it a going away gift to you from me.

"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending." ~ Lazurus Long

Ybor City...Party Town

2011-05-08T18:40:00.001-04:00

My paintings are photographed at Eagle Photographics in Tampa. It's a bit of a drive, especially now at $4.00 a gallon, but well-worth their knowledgeable professionalism. We call for an appointment to ensure photographing can be accomplished same-day. In the meantime while we wait, we head off to Ybor City, a neighborhood just east of downtown Tampa rich in Cuban history. Then it's lunch at Carmine's Restaurant for authentic Cuban sandwiches with the real-deal fresh baked bread.

Heaven, I tell ya.

On my bucket list: a Saturday night of bar-hopping on 7th Avenue. (Séptimo Avenjue)

It's sleepy by day, but with all the restaurants, bars and cafes, we know its resurrects at sundown.

It has a New Orleans feel, but I imagine Havana fifty years ago. Hand rolling of cigars is still prevalent in many storefronts. You can watch the ladies skilled with tobacco leaves.

The Columbia Restaurant is the oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in North America. Amazing hand-painted tiles line the building for a city block.

A skilled craftswoman works at preserving the intricate tiles.

"It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future." - William Murtagh

Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival

2011-04-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

This coming weekend I'll be exhibiting my artwork at the Jacksonville Fine Arts Festival in the Avondale neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th.

Oh yes, I checked out the neighborhood a few months back before applying. All I'll say is...ooh la la.

I do well with these venues. I'm looking forward to previewing my latest painting, The Four Elements, who's progress you've been following. You have, haven't you?

I asked my illustrious printer to pull a few oldies but goodies out of the vault and I'll be bringing these along...

Amateur Trials, 30" x 60" Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas. For more info, click here.

Daybreak, 30"x40" Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas. For more info, click here.

"You need to have the ability to gracefully navigate the world." - Malcolm Gladwell

Painting at EPCOT 2011

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000-04:00

(and keep your day job!)

This past weekend I was invited to paint plein air at EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival. As requested by a very generous admirer, I'm posting the results...bravely. Ah, but France was absolutely intoxicating with the heady scent of spring. Did you know that jasmine fragrance is an aphrodisiac?

Here are the three I finished. This was my first attempt...going for the splashing water fountain of course.

Setting up my easel next to a glorious bed of ranunculus was quite savvy of me. Especially when I engaged in their portraits as the ladies-that-garden were attracted to the flowers they did not recognize. Let's ask the artist if she knows what these are...oh!...you're painting them!
.

Here's the red awning again over the entrance to the French restaurant with the fountain in the background.

"La critique est aisée, mais l'art est difficile." - Destouches.

The Four Elements

2011-03-27T06:54:00.000-04:00

I'm callin' it. After working on the buggy things I previously mentioned, I decided to sign it and step away from the easel. Some artist friends suggested that I remove the background horse on the right. Seriously considering that idea for awhile, I decided doing so would force that strong diagonal-leftward-thrust again and shift the focal point. Instead, I repainted that crazy horse head that serves as an anchor for the lunging horse. The expression remains feigned annoyance.

The Four Elements oil on canvas, 48"x58"

"If I see an ending, I can work backwards." - Arthur Miller

Down to the Wire

2011-03-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

I'm very close. At this point I can clearly see some changes necessary. The horse head on the right in back of the lunging horse is all wrong...too big...just weird. It's been annoying me but I wanted to get a good feel for the water before I started fussing with it. Also, the horse being bitten needs wilder eyes, after all, he's savaged and crashed into by the two surrounding horses. The forearm on the biting horse is too long.

I added a bit of blue to the bottom water to get some color variety and pop the oranges. I was very unsure of doing this but the water was too violet. It's a combination of ultramarine and my new Gamblin Chromatic Black that I'm enjoying. The top of the splashing water is highlighted in white with just a whisper of cadmium orange. Perhaps it needs more of a warmer statement but I'm unsure and at this point don't want to make a mess of things.

Painters have to know when enough is enough. Many of us are so good at overworking a piece, myself included.

“Doubt can only be removed by action.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Cover Art for the 2011 Farm Directory

2011-03-18T19:54:00.000-04:00

It's the third time. I'm so honored to have my artwork chosen for the 2011 Farm Directory published by the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers, Inc. Early morning training at the track as I've experienced it for many years. Foggy. Busy the way it gets when the track re-opens after a break to harrow the surface. Debbe Wojack has once again organized an impressive and well-designed directory.

The title is "Off the Rail". Giclees are available. Check here for info.

"All doors open to a hard push." - Irwin Greenberg

Water Action Begun

2011-03-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

I've started fooling with the water. So far, I'm pleased although it needs more contrast. Taking a photo while a painting's in progress is a great way to critique it. Better than turning it upside down or looking at it through a mirror. Viewing it on the computer monitor is really helpful...all the "ugly" areas that need changing jump out at me. Although you would love to be a fly on the wall when I walk into the studio the next day.

My reaction when I first see it: "ugh!".

The strength of criticism lies in the weakness of the thing criticized. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Horses are Almost Finished!

2011-03-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

The horses are finished, not the entire painting. Tweaking remains for the horses and then onward to create the crashing/splashing turbulent water. I've researched photos of horses running through water via the web and there's some helpful reference. But none of it will apply to the way the horse on the right is jumping out of the water and colliding into the middle horse.

It's a limited palette:
Titanium White
Chromatic Black (as I mentioned a few posts ago)
Cadmium Orange
Voilet (created with a mixture of ultramarine blue and quinocridone magenta)
Raw Sienna

"Live intensely and dangerously. The world may not depend on your efforts, but you do. - Eric Maisel

Getting Some Detail

2011-03-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

Progress is slow. Coating giclees. Applying for grants...a most intensive endeavor. The application process is tedious, but the satisfaction experienced from completion and sending off with a huge blessing of faith is so gratifying. I'm on a roll with the grant process. Very few individual artist grants available. Why is that?

I'm painting in some of the details on the upper part of the horses. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have no idea why I spent so much time sketching in their legs as most of it will be obliterated by the crashing water. I suppose I'll have indication in areas of transparency. Note the chalk line still visable...above is light, below will be shadow. I like the contrast of the background with the light-filled heads.

"Everything is in motion. Everything flows. Everything is vibrating." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

VoilART! Gallery Website is Live!

2011-03-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

We've finally launched our new website for VoilART! Gallery + Studio. It's only one page but it directs you to our individual artist websites and also provides contact info. Tweaking is in order but heck, it's a start. Simplicity is key. Jackie and I will both be providing updates for our gallery events and also posting our individual travels, outside exhibits and other happenings. Many thanks to award-winning designer Jessi Miller of Little Black Mask Marketing for helping us get it started.

There's a link to VoilART Gallery + Studio in the sidebar to the right. You can visit us anytime.

“You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think, plan, develop, launch and tap good people to be responsible. Give them authority and hold them accountable. Trying to do too much yourself creates a bottleneck.” - Donald Rumsfeld

Splashing Equines, Redux and Update

2011-02-21T20:29:00.000-05:00

A dear reader has requested more info regarding my working method. As I mentioned in the previous post, I woulda, coulda shoulda documented the first drawings right on the canvas. You know the ones - an afternoon of work rubbed out in aggravation and re-started with heavy sighs of disgust. Ugh. No place for romance. Alas, very rough first sketches survive...the first brainstorming thumbnails whipped up in a stream of consciousness onto the pages of my journal/sketchbook.

I love these - straight out of the friendly cooperative side of the brain. They're fresh, inspired and so lively. If only to discover a way to continue that free flow into the oil paint...

The early horse on the right was supposed to be throwing down it's head into a buck, but the head would be in the water...thus that troublesome lunging beast appeared in it's place.

I'm comfortable with the composition...finally. My splashy water is fussy and will be put off until the end. I ask myself why I spent so much time drawing out the legs if they'll ultimately be undefined in water. Geesh. If you look closely you'll notice a chalk line a bit higher than halfway across. Below is shadow, above will be bright warm light to mimic a dramatic sunset. A long way to go with lots of work ahead

"The centipede has rhythm and flow in its hundred legs precisely because it does not have to think about it. Consider this the next time you move the instruments of your art." - Robert Genn

Horses Crashing in the Ocean Painting

2011-02-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

I'd like to share the creative process of this painting with you. Medium sized (for me), approximately 48"x58", oil on canvas. You know me - dynamic crashing rough-playing horses in the surf infused with passionate crazy emotion tinged with danger aggression and beautiful wildness.

My inspiration is derived from the wild white horses of Carmargue, France. Every equine photographer worth their salt has journeyed there to capture...capture...capture...their freedom, grace and magnificence.

I only wish I had photographed the first sketches on the canvas so that you could witness the struggle from conception to tangible progression. It was work, a weeks worth. So much to determine...composition, direction, speed and motion.

The diagonal thrust of the horse jumping out of the water on the right was so overwhelming I found myself listing to the left. Combined with the thrown head of the horse in the middle, the composition sent your gaze right out of the canvas...exit left. Returning to the head of the original drawing which is downward and slows the diagonal overpowering pull - only this time with attitude. Pinned ears and fierce gaze.

I'm still so pre-occupied with the momentum of the jumping horse, I've added an opposite diagonal in the background cloud. That should stop it for good, I hope.

A note for my artist peeps: My darks (black) are a mixture of ultramarine blue and burnt umber, a combination I've used for many years. I was concerned about using this composite with the warms I have planned as it may produce a green tinge. Ugh. So, I purchased a tube of Gamblin's Chromatic Black which is a composition of Quinacridone Red and Phthalo Emerald. It's working and speeds the process.

"Believe me! The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Misty Morning Foxhounds Re-Visited

2011-02-13T17:58:00.000-05:00

Elegant, traditional and exquisitely visual. Great fun, what's not to love? These are my peeps and we share a love of animals and...dare I say...fortifying drinks. Yesterday morning, artist friend Bob Stebleton and his wife and my hubby plus moi braved the cold morning temps to bug the very hospitable members of the Misty Morning Foxhounds.

Master of Foxhounds (Mistress?) Alexis Macaulay and her pack of happy hounds.

Foxhunting Florida-style.

This could be a future painting. So attracted to the dappled light in shade.

Long-time readers of my blog will remember Montana the Thoroughbred. Two years later and he's still fit and healthy thanks to his devoted owner Susan.

Jumping for the shear joy of it.

Heading back.

Last night two tigers visited me in my dreams. Double dose of passion and power and how good it feels to reclaim it.

"O tiger's heart wrapped in a woman's hide!" - William Shakespeare

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

2011-01-14T17:31:00.000-05:00

I'm so ridiculously last minute. Well, not really. I've been Facebooking and Twittering and passing out flyers. It's been listed in the newspaper. Twice. How remiss of me to not post this on my very own blog.

Our monthly event at VoilART! Gallery + Studio entitled Coffee & Conversation is featuring a presentation by the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Tomorrow. That would be Saturday, January 15th at 4:00pm. Program Director Kate Robbins will help us learn all about this amazing organization that changes the lives of people with special needs via horseback riding or driving. Oh, the many wonders of horses. We've heard of all the miraculous successes - now you ask questions about how and why.

So, let me invite you to our gallery to have a cup of coffee, munch some snacks, and sit and relax for awhile. We're in downtown Ocala: 108 E. Fort King St. (one block south of the square behind the Bank of America). 4:00 o'clock tomorrow, Saturday.

"In riding a horse we borrow freedom" - Helen Thomson

Austin Carriage Museum

2011-01-10T23:00:00.018-05:00

Saturday I participated in the Equine Art Expo at the Austin Carriage Museum's Festival of the Horse. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day despite the cold weather. Michael accompanied enabling me to run outside to the show ring and experience the equine performances of various breeds.

How we evolve. I'm making a shift toward networking and spreading the word about our downtown Ocala gallery VoilART! as opposed to the pressure I place on myself to always be financially productive. This applies to local shows of course, as the expense involved with travelling out of state requires that at the very least, I am way above a break even point. Those shows are ever so carefully selected to be profitable, however, lest I digress...I had a great show after all. People attending are there to watch horse-related entertainment which qualifies them as my peeps. Built-in fans.

My booth.

Magnificent Friesians driven by Gloria Austin herself.

The Carriage Museum is HUGE. I'd like to return and spend a leisurely day browsing through the extensive collection. I did a quick tour and learned from the knowledgeable docents: fire horses were led under their ready harnesses suspended from above with pulleys. This hastened the harnessing and took less than 30 seconds. The horses were always light in color for better visibility at night. Also, the term sulky, you know - the tiny cart pulled in standardbred races, is derived from those who chose to be alone (sulking) - a one person cart pulled by one horse. I seriously did not know that.

Belgians pulling a Hummer. This was a hit at the recent Art Basel Miami in December.

Love the drill teams in period costumes.

The final demo was Mounted Shooting. Truly bomb-proof horses run at full-speed while their riders maneuver a course and shoot balloons with black powder blanks. Very exciting. Get more info on their website: www.xtremehorseman.com

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

The Bucket List Bekons

2011-01-04T09:15:00.000-05:00

Here in Florida, if you use a silent, electric battery-operated motor on your canoe, the state requires that it be registered. The last sticker date on my canoe is May, 2010. That's how long it's been since I last went canoeing. What a shame. As we age, the bucket list increases.

Although the weather was a bit cool, there were lots of turtles, birds, hungry fish, a few gators but no snakes. This is on the Silver River.

Mistletoe and air plant inspired winter nakedness.

Cypress knees...sculptural little fantasy villages.

Hungry cichlids enjoy crushed up yellow corn tortilla chips.

You know about the monkey decendants on the Silver River, right?
Surprising visitors with this alien species is always great fun.

And now for a few pics of why I love to canoe...some of my favorite critters...

This gator became cranky that we got so close, yet he didn't relinquish the sunny log.

You never know who you'll run into on the river...

“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known." - Winnie the Pooh

My Wish for Everyone 2011

2011-01-01T18:36:00.000-05:00

Can you feel it? It's a 'tude, a revival, inspiring. A collective focus on the positive that's palpable and exciting. So many of us are relieved to begin fresh in 2011 with expectations of a better everything...therefore...the law of attraction MUST make it so.

Here's to new beginnings. May you all be wealthier, healthier, fitter, smarter and more loving.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." - Oprah Winfrey

6 Things I've Learned in 2010

2010-12-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

Instead of the usual yearly list of "What I Did" accomplishments for 2010, I thought I'd make a bit of a shift in my thinking and contemplate "What I've Learned: 2010". For your thoughts and comments as well:

1. Persistence is key if you have ambition without resources. Goals are attainable with a bulldogged mindset and focus, but it does require...time. It takes longer to launch a project requiring capital and the lack of funding means the components must be executed in affordable increments. So, my multi-canvas pieces are created on carefully graphed paper and gradually constructed as my budget allows. That's okay because I know if I stay firmly committed to my ideas, they'll come to fruition eventually. They always do, even if they're stacked up in the sky like commercial aircraft on holding patterns.

2. Less is more. I'm living the simple life through necessity, not choice. The recent recession took away a lot of things from me. Yet in the present moment, I have everything I need. That's empowering. When you finally realize that the latest gadget with unlimited apps will never fulfill your basic longings, life takes on a new clarity. I choose to stay connected to the life force surrounding me, not the things.

3. I know who I am as an artist. I am finally aware of what drives my urge to create. I possess vision that is uniquely mine. Although I'm not 100% sure of the source, I recognize that speed, motion and direction inspires me and I can express passion in my paintings without succumbing to sentimentality. Take that, all you romantics!

4. I'm good enough. Although we as artists constantly strive to achieve excellence which is a healthy goal, we must also balance a respect for our own accomplishments, intellect and abilities. A self-pat on the back is reassuring and makes us a little less crazy. I'm doin' okay. And you're doin' okay.

5. A strong support system is imperative. My husband, friends, family, peers, and neighbors provide encouragement and bolster strength. Yes, I will disappoint. Sometimes the more you do the more is expected. I am making amends to those that deserve it. Integrity compels me to do what is right and good even though...life lessons happen. When I become anxious and impatient, affirming this truth sets me back on the path to acknowledging my divinity. Thank you, thank you God.

6. Goals for 2011? Of course I have a business plan in place that evolves as necessary. I'm learning to relinquish my iron fist control (just a little) as I accept that I work too hard, try too hard, never sleep enough and never play hard enough. Where's my canoe?

"Stand in the middle of a crisis to invite the next stage of evolution to appear." - Michael Bernard Beckwith

It's an Ah-Ha Moment

2010-12-19T18:39:00.019-05:00

You may be wondering why the miniature paintings I've previously posted are of ocean scenes. Well, there's a couple of reasons.

Last year when my gallery partner Jackie Schindehette conceived the idea of creating mini oils for the holiday season, I thought it was a wonderful concept. A client could purchase an original painting for gift-giving (or self-gifting) that was affordable and we could produce and frame multiple pieces.

In theory.

Turns out, Jackie effortlessly painted tiny lovely landscapes, flowers, water scenes and even birds (at least it looked that way to me). On the other side of the studio, I struggled with the teensy format until going bonkers and gladly handing over those microscopic canvases to her.

After much soul-searching, I concluded that the large equine subjects I paint with unrestrained va-voom just didn't translate into a miniscule format.

Shortly after THAT realization (duh) I had a huge epiphany. Looking at all the paintings in my studio and recalling how I felt as I painted them brought me to an enlightened state of awareness: I have an intense desire to paint subjects in motion. Yup - movement, speed, direction, flow and all those mobile adjectives are indeed the source of my artistic inspiration.

Seriously, why does it take some of us so long to figure out the obvious?

"An artist's working life is marked by intensive application and intense discipline." - John F. Kennedy

Last Chance Mini

2010-12-17T15:17:00.007-05:00

There is still time to ship this out quickly...I know there are plenty of you out there who wait until the last minute to do their shopping. I cater to you.

Miniature original oil on canvas, 5"x7", framed $50.00

“Punctuality is the virtue of the bored.” - Evelyn Waugh

Why You Should Collect Art (from a collector's viewpoint - not mine)

2010-12-10T19:22:00.038-05:00

Rarely does a show excite me as did "The Unseen Eye - Photography from the W.M. Hunt Collection" currently on exhibit at the Appleton Museum of Art here in Ocala. Why? The collector, W.M. Hunt has written a transcript accompanying the exhibit that illustrates his passion for collecting in an intensely personal and accessible narrative. I'm not easily impressed but this is a must see show.

My fellow artists would do well to recognize the importance of describing and speaking about their own artwork as well as Mr. Hunt depicts his emotional connection to his collection.

No gallery labels, only numbers which are listed on a photocopied checklist describe the photographs. Purposely ignoring these, I wanted to experience the images without bias to Mapplethorpe, Arbus, Weston and other well-named photographers. Interspersed throughout the images is signage containing the honest, forthright and engaging feelings of Hunt written in the first person. This open invitation into the psyche of an obsessive collector makes the show absolutely extraordinary. We get to be voyeurs.

Here are a few of his quotes:

"I was a very unhappy child, full of melancholy and depression, full of dread and sadness. I was capable of great good humor and generosity, socially skilled, but I was fraught with anxiety and feelings of loss. I can’t get over how collecting offered me insight into so much of this. One of the successes of the collection is its consistency in terms how the images relate to me. When you look at this collection you don’t, in fact, need to know anything about me, but there is a through line that is amazingly consistent. It is my unconscious."

"I have always felt that I have been an enigma in need of sorting out. Collecting did that."

"Collecting photographs is a completely visceral experience, an epiphany. You know you have found a great one when the hair on the back of your hands stands on end, your heart pounds, and you can’t move your feet."

"Collectors are obsessed, ravenous for this one and then the next one. People who do not collect, won’t. They don’t connect with this intense, obsessive force. Too bad. It is huge fun."

"Great art is insistent. It demands a visceral response: unease, awe, relief, and it calls for contemplation. It resonates like a primal chord. The earliest mark making strikes me as a spiritual response to living, a primitive attempt to find or create meaning."

"Insist on engagement. Wrestle with what’s difficult. Pretty is boring. Seek intensity."

"Escape, intensity, pleasure, I like those things so I have to remind myself that my reaction or reading of a photographic image is mine alone. But as I have said, it is only my truth."

These quotes are only a few excerpts barely scratching the surface of Hunt's fearless openness. These are the people we create art for. At least we'd wish for them if we had a choice. The passionate who wear their hearts on their sleeve. I'm buying that painting because I love it and it speaks to me.

“Look, look, look. You have to look. It's the way to educate your eyes. Stare. Pry, listen eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long”. - Walker Evans

Another Mini

2010-11-30T17:20:00.015-05:00

Our exhibit at VoilART Gallery + Studio will showcase miniature original oil paintings beginning tomorrow, December 1st. A great way to start a collection, add to, or help someone start a collection of original artwork. Or, just give as a really, really nice "little" gift.

"Rolling Wave" oil on mounted canvas, 5"x7"

If you're interested, please respond soon. The last mini sold quickly and I've provided a "Buy Now" feature to make it easy for you to purchase, especially if you can't visit the gallery. Reminder: it's only $50. and it's FRAMED! Check out the sidebar to the right:

“I've been doing a lot of abstract painting lately, extremely abstract. No brush, no paint, no canvas, I just think about it.” - Stephen Wright

The Market Has NoTaste

2010-11-22T20:29:00.017-05:00

As an avid fan of marketing guru Seth Godin, I subscribe to his blog and eagerly read each updated post. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing his short but effective essay that spoke volumes...hey, it's what I've been talking about. How apropos:

When it comes to art, to human work that changes people, the mass market is a fool. A dolt. Stupid.

If you wait for the market to tell you that you're great, you'll merely end up wasting time. Or perhaps instead you will persuade yourself to ship the merely good, and settle for the tepid embrace of the uninvolved.

Great work is always shunned at first.

Would we (the market) benefit from more pandering by marketers churning out average stuff that gets a quick glance, or would we all be better off with passionate renegades on a mission to fulfill their vision?

"I am an idealist. I don't know where I'm going but I'm on the way." - Carl Sandburg

BUY ART!

The Mini's

2010-11-20T16:08:00.013-05:00

In my lastest newsletter that I just know you read with unabated enthusiasm, I mentioned that my gallery VoilART! is hosting a holiday exhibit of miniature original oils sized 8"x10" and under. Entitled "Marvelous Minis for Merry Making", these little jewels are an affordable means to start a collection, add to a collection, and of course, become a most thoughtful and creative gift.

As promised, I'm posting as they are painted for those of you who can't visit the gallery here in Ocala.

No more excuses of jam-packed walls that simply cannot squeeze in another square inch...these little lovelies will fit perfectly on any tabletop or spruce up a shelf.

Behold - memories of the cold, cold rocky shore of the Pacific when I lived in the bay area in California. It's approximately 5"x7" and framed to boot. Only $50. For an original. That's also framed.

In case you don't subscribe to my newsletter (and I can't imagine why not), here is a link to view it.

Avoid the ho-hum big box...

BUY ART!

"If you work from memory, you are most likely to put in your real feeling." - Robert Henri

Sense of Place

2010-10-30T15:52:00.022-04:00

I really, really wanted to finish this painting begun last summer in my vendor booth at Saratoga. It's a warm up, stretching my pigment muscles and feeling the milieu of time and space, intending to transfer that aura to my mounting commission work. When your brushstrokes caress the canvas, you're getting it. Ya just gotta feel it, breathe it and taste it to paint it good.

"Barn Scene, Saratoga", oil on canvas, 16"x20"

It captures those soft mornings on the backside when the sun filters through the many big trees. People and horses are more relaxed and visitors are pleased to be able to tour the barn area. Must be the negative ions of nature. I know this because Michael had a stable there in the early to mid 80's. I so resonate with this place and it took me many years of persistence to get back my foothold.

There are beautiful race tracks across the country but there's only one Saratoga. It's a destination. A place to aspire to. A keeper of history with infamous records and facts and many stories both well known and whispered. Saratoga keeps it's head above the troubled waters. Owners dream of running and winning there. Graveyard of favorites, that it is.

"A man doesn't learn to understand anything unless he loves it." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ocala Art Festival

2010-10-22T16:05:00.008-04:00

I'd like to invite you to attend the Ocala Art Festival this weekend. It's located at the McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave in beautiful Ocala, Florida (my home sweet home). Please stop by and visit me in my booth: E33. The weather will be perfect and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the rows of compelling and diverse artwork.

Remember, the holidays loom on the horizon and purchasing a special piece of art is a creative gesture of hip thoughtfulness. Way cool. Avoid the big box stores with the same old repetitious merchandise:

BUY ART

"Each time you purchase a piece of art, you're investing in a piece of history and in another person's life. " - Diane Overmyer (well said, Diane)

Like an Old Friend

2010-10-07T18:20:00.011-04:00

This original oil on canvas is back in my own studio, VoilART! in downtown Ocala. I won't share with you the why's, from where or who because I guard the privacy of my collectors and galleries. Suffice to say it's great to see it again and I give my old work mixed reviews. Myriad technicalities I would have confronted differently though I'm impressed with the level of power portrayed. I remember how I felt while creating this piece. There's always that one horse with an attitude who can be relied on to behave badly at the worse time. It's dangerous and exhilarating, maddening and glorious.

"Blue Blinkers" oil on canvas, 60"x48"

If you find it interesting, click here for more info.

"A good picture, any picture, has to be bristling with razor blades." - Pablo Picasso

How long did that take?

2010-10-02T14:19:00.017-04:00

Someone is looking intently at an artwork, turns to the artist and innocently asks: "How long did it take you to do that?". Ugh.

It makes an artist cringe. Some artists, feeling defensive, reply with a flippant "My whole life!" To an artist, the question insinuates perceived worth. I used to patiently consider the question an ice breaker, a safe way for the viewer to engage in conversation because they are not sure how to approach otherwise. Now I'm suspect.

Time, labor, materials, size. It's frustrating to deal with so much attention to physicality. I don't mind discussing technique. It's the reference to time = $$$ that increasingly annoys. If I say a canvas took me half a day because the painting session was immersed in a zen-like creativity, the reaction is...polite respect. However, numeration involving pained hours and hours (even months) spent on a piece concurs head-nodding monetary merit. Calculating value by the hours expended in a creation of art is not an indication of what it should cost.

"My whole life" really is. Accrued skill takes a lifetime of patience and persistence. It parallels general life experience and evolves into a total package as the artist becomes the art and the art IS the artist.

"The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run." - Henry David Thoreau

Musings About ArtPrize

2010-09-28T15:23:00.018-04:00

Twenty-four hours or so remain in the first round of public voting. The top ten (from over 1,700 artists) are announced this Thursday and the voters will continue to choose winners from that drastically whittled list.

This is the second year for the competition and it has attracted some impressively flashy installations containing all-encompassing shows of light, sound and movement. These extravaganzas seem to be the front runners for attention grabbing (and votes) along with varying pieces of incredible originality. News of the quarter million dollar top prize has spread across the planet and this year's entries are on mega-steroids boasting a cast of collaborators. So, what chance has a 2-D traditional oil on canvas (yawn) even if the format is large and multiple and explores boundaries of speed and spatial relationships?

Not much, even if last year's winner was a gigantic oil painting of open water by Ray Ortner. That was last year...this year's entrants include a 25,000 lb. flying pig, after all.

My experience with ArtPrize has been nothing short of amazing. Being chosen by a private curator to exhibit at the DeVos Place Convention Center was an extreme honor. My piece hangs just inside the front doors and is viewable from the street. It's my personal magnum opus and assures me that I CAN be competitive, especially within genre. Yes, I'm already planning for next year. Oh, and I did get a nice shout out on the local news station's website: see it here.

"Some people don't like competition because it makes them work harder, better." - Drew Carey

Vote Up Code: 41451

2010-09-26T07:30:00.013-04:00

If you're in Grand Rapids, Michigan for ArtPrize:
AND you love horses and painting:
For your consideration, please see my piece at the DeVos Place Convention Center:

"Diagonal"

It's nine separate canvases joined together to create a cohesive image. My inspiration came from an old found black and white photo. I developed the flow of the canvases to echo the direction of the horses coming around the turn. Total size, approximately 13'6" x 13'6". For more info, click here.
My vote up code is:

41451

Thank you!!

On My Way to Saratoga

2010-07-20T18:29:00.010-04:00

So here's my first racing painting after my self-imposed hiatus. Unfinished and waiting for something. Or someone.

unfinished oil on canvas, 36"x48"

I'm inclined to believe that information is directed to a person constantly and from all manner of sources. As I went into the zone with this one, a voice was incessantly nagging "don't finish it." My intention was indeed to finish in time to take to Saratoga. Fresh off the easel. Michael spurred me on as well.

As time drew close, every manner of interruption manifested to thwart my efforts. Weird. Especially because I'm an over achiever. This painting most certainly should be completed.

I'll hang it on my tent wall and paint "your horse here" or "your silks here".

"There's something happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear." - Buffalo Springfield

Tabletop Art

2010-07-06T19:32:00.025-04:00

Here's my answer to the statement: "I don't have any more room on my walls for artwork":

Tabletop art!

These mini canvas giclee fine art reproductions are 5"x7" and suitable for tables, your desk or that tiny wall that just needs "something".

Almost any of my images can be a mini, provided that the size is rectangular in format. Vertical as well as horizontal.

It's not my original idea. My studio partner Jackie sells the heck out of these with images of her Florida landscapes.

Only $25.00. E-mail me if you'd like to add one to your collection. Yes, you DO have room.

Saratoga update: The heavens are conspiring to make my dream a reality. An anonymous donor sent a check off to NYRA for my vendor fee. Another wonderful donor is sponsoring my housing and a couple of angels have provided expense money. I'm SOOO blessed. The $10,000 target I initiated is at $6,500. and I'm confident that I'll realize the balance or pretty darn close through sales, unexpected income, etc. I'm overwhelmed and very, very grateful.

ArtPrize update: The DeVos Place Convention Center has chosen my entered piece "Diagonal" to exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the ArtPrize competition from Sept. 22nd to Oct. 10th. I'm in great company and honored to be a part of this incredible event.

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.” - unknown

Hello Muses

2010-06-21T19:02:00.019-04:00

I can't express how incredible it feels to be back painting thoroughbreds. My face hurts. I haven't smiled this much in eons. I might actually be pleasant to be around.

I'm also back working full bore in the studio.

While my sabbatical from horse racing spawned some interesting paintings - all the jumpers, foxhunters, appaloosas, pintos, yearlings and splashing water horses all resembled thoroughbreds. Replete with long legs, graceful slender necks and the fine features of an inquisitive face.

I could pull the tortured "you have no idea what an artist goes through" spiel, but I think you do. There's inherent danger in turning away from a passion that's firmly rooted in DNA.

In fact, I was quite miserable but I'm much better now.

"So cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to shortchange the Muse. It cannot be done. You can't fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal." - William S. Burroughs

Shark Tank!

2010-06-13T16:42:00.015-04:00

I’m throwing myself into the shark tank!

I have been invited by NYRA to exhibit in the artist’s “village” close by the paddock at Saratoga for the entire meet. This is a dream opportunity for me. If you’ve spent time in Saratoga, you know how expensive it is, therefore, I’m seeking some sort of creative financing to assist with my initial expenses. ROI could be in the form of 1. a painting(s) valued for at least the amount of funding but probably much above or 2. interest on a loan or 3. investment and percentage either long or short term in my growing business. My estimated cost is $10,000 covering vendor fee, housing, stocking my inventory of gift items, travel, etc., however any amount is helpful. Along with excellent references and an impressive resume, I consider myself a great ambassador for horse racing. Visit my website to see the professional caliber of my artwork: www.sharoncrute.com.

If you are interested, please contact me at sharon@sharoncrute.com or 352-671-7469

"There are no rules about investment. Sharks can be good. Artist's dung can be good. Oil on canvas can be good." - Charles Saatchi

Reception at FTBOA

2010-06-11T14:37:00.011-04:00

She'll Heir winning the Cinderella Stakes at Hollywood

If you're in town for the OBS Two-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age sale next week, I'd like to invite you to attend an opening reception for the Equine Art Exhibit at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders's and Owners' Association. Upstairs in their light and airy gallery, you'll find an diverse selection of artwork along with some fascination racing memorabilia. There are some surprises, I can promise you. Monday afternoon, June 14th from 2-4pm. All welcome.

"Honestly, I expected to get a cold reception because of my subject matter. But when editors took a look at the story I had to tell, and saw that this was not a parochial story at all, they really warmed to it." - Laura Hillenbrand

Memorial Memories

2010-05-31T06:52:00.017-04:00

Like most, I get misty thinking about my personal connection to this somber holiday.

My grandfather (dad's dad) Samuel John Crute, was killed in action in North Umberland, England during WWI. None of us know much about him as my dad was only three years old. A small framed photo of the toddler was recovered from the pocket of his uniform which I believe my brother, Samuel Reid Crute still has today.

My favorite uncle (ma's brother) Albert M. Salisbury was a veteran off WWII and the Korean War.

Albert M. Salisbury

It wasn't until after his passing a couple of years ago that his wife, my Aunt Ruth, informed me that he had been one of the first American liberators on the scene at Auschwitz. He never spoke of it and refused to discuss it - even with her. Imagine my pensive contemplation for never having a clue and the life impressions of what he likely witnessed.

Both of my brothers served in the military: the aforementioned Samuel Reid Crute and Richard Allen Crute.

“True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world” - François de la Rochefoucauld

Fair Hill Races

2010-05-28T12:20:00.016-04:00

Finally! We're back on the road.

All my years spent as a race tracker created a gypsy alter ego. Although I no longer wear skull bandanas around my head, I still savor the freedom of the open road, even if only for a short time. Some of my greatest inspiration manifests from the sense of place I experience as the landscape whizzes by.

Tomorrow (Sat. May 29th) I'll be participating as an exhibitor at the Fair Hill Races in Fair Hill, Maryland. If you're attending, be sure to stop by my booth so I can show off my artwork to you. First time to the steeplechase? Tradition, history and philanthropy permeate the milieu as well as excitement, fun events and lots of parties.

Fair Hill also offers pari-mutual wagering. Did that get your attention?

Photos by Maggie Furbay & Walt Mateja.

“Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.” - Lawrence Bixby

Check out my @constantcontact newsletter

2010-05-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

Check out my @constantcontact newsletter

For Your Consideration...

2010-05-09T19:44:00.009-04:00

Ever see a copy of Variety before the Academy Awards? Lots of wooing and courting going on in those full page ads.

In a couple of weeks I'll be full-bore schmoozing as I vie for the attention of vendors at ArtPrize. Ever heard of this? It's an amazing art project that takes place within a three-square mile radius in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. From September 22nd to October 10th, artists from the entire planet take over the city. The organizers of the event step out of the picture after venues and artists have registered. "Venues" are exhibit spaces offered by both private and public entities. It's then up to the venues and artists to become smitten with each other.

I entered "Diagonal". That's the big nine-canvas piece that currently sits languishing in pieces in my painting rack. Even my downtown studio ceilings are not tall enough to accommodate. I've had the opportunity to exhibit it twice and I must say, it's impressive. So far, my magnus opus.

Okay, I know that painting is passe with the art history/museum curator/trade mag/auction house or otherwise snooty art intelligentsia (you know, those who don't create art but supposedly are the know-all, end-all insiders with dubious opinions). But an amazing painting by Ran Ortner took the whole enchilada last year and that provided enough conviction to enter.

Which leads me to the good stuff: the winners are chosen by public vote. People's choice. And the people still like paintings.

"True, I've been a long time making up my mind, but now I'm giving you a definite answer. I won't say yes, and I won't say no - but I'm giving you a definite maybe." - Samuel Goldwyn

PRB - Post Recession Blues

2010-05-05T18:54:00.011-04:00

Every artist feels restless angst about their artwork at certain points in their career.

During the bad economy, my productive approach morphed from innovative creating to...well, what the heck will sell. Although my business is optimistically increasing now, I seem to be affected by a bit of boredom and uninspired malaise. No doubt a result of losing sight of why we become artists in the first place.

But there's hope! As I floundered in the "what will sell" mode, I also found myself experimenting into new genres. A New England native with salt water in my veins - ocean paintings seem only natural...

Ocean painting sketch, oil on canvas, 11"x14"

It's the foam that's important. The foam will play the leading role in a near-future painting.

"Blue, green, grey, white, or black; smooth, ruffled, or mountainous; that ocean is not silent." - H. P. Lovecraft

Elin Pendleton Workshop

2010-04-29T11:49:00.015-04:00

Elin Pendleton live!!! right here at VoilART!, my gallery + studio in downtown Ocala. Only a couple of spaces remain if you're interested in attending her week-long workshop.

I've been an admirer of Elin's paintings for many years. Now I'll finally get to meet her. Loose, energetic brushwork, beautiful color and great horses of course.

Elin teaches a color system to accurately convey every time of day, even foggy, nighttime and backlit subjects like the gorgeous painting pictured above. It's all simplified. Struggling with color? Not after Elin gets finished with you! BONUS: participants will also exhibit their paintings created in the workshop at VoilART! during the downtown First Friday Art Walk, May 7th from 6pm - 8pm.

The details:
Elin Pendleton Color Boot Camp Workshop
May 3 - 7, from 8:30am - 4:00pm
at VoilART! Gallery + Studio
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, Florida 34479
(located one block south of the central square directly behind Bank of America)
$450. for five intensive days of painting and learning from this renown artist.

And yes, we have parking!

Contact me soon: sharon@sharoncrute.com or my studio partner Jackie Schindehette.

"I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~ Eartha Kitt

Wild Weather at Cedar Key

2010-04-25T17:58:00.021-04:00

Made it to the Cedar Key Art Festival this afternoon, however the weather threatened to shut it down. That's spring time in Florida. However it's always fun to spot my artist peeps working their stuff and enjoy a brief visit. ALL the artwork was top shelf and impressive.

My good friend Linda Ballentine Brown's booth was a colorful visual feast. This cowgirl presented a mix of the ranch life she lives and the islands close to her. I was so impressed with her creativity. Very fun.

I haven't seen Diane Cahal in quite some time. We met years ago during the Ocala "Horse Fever" project (Linda too!). Her photography is captivatingly clever. I just love this piece of an artist's figure manikin mounting a horse manikin and hanging on for dear life - then galloping off in a dreamscape. Incredible. Below is a detail.

Unfortunately the weather turned nasty. The festival wrapped it up early and we were treated to marble-sized hail. Never made it to the bar for Coronas out on the deck.

"Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm. " - Marcus Garvey

What I Learned Today

2010-04-22T14:44:00.015-04:00

Teachers with ideas and vision: Priceless.

Teachers at the Eighth Street Elementary here in Ocala implemented a week long Art Fair along with the usual Science Fair. Local musicians and artists were recruited to help make it a go and that included moi. I was assigned five consecutive sessions with first and second graders (anyone got a Valium?). Turned out to be a fantastic way to test drive the silly riddles and horse drawings to the actual target readers of my long overdue book.

After the first session I briefly chatted with a teacher about the financial cuts to art and music in public schools. You've read the research. This particular teacher stated how the arts effectively draw children out of their shells. I don't recall that aspect in the studies I've read. Sure enough, as session two gets comfortable on the floor I spot a withdraw, sullen and seemingly disinterested child sitting at group's edge. He wouldn't look in my direction at all. As I show off my goofy drawings and invite participation, this child slowly becomes involved and by the end of the session is actually enthusiastic! Right before my eyes...

All I can say is...wow. Think art and music aren't important in a cash strapped school system? I ask you to reconsider.

Here are some photos I promised of last weeks painting demo at Ocala Art Group. Thanks to artist Sally Smyth who is first Vice President and show coordinator for sending them to me.

“The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.” - Marian Wright Edelman:

Evinston Paint Out

2010-04-19T20:18:00.019-04:00

Okay, you all know I'm not cut out for plein air painting but that doesn't mean I'm not intensely curious about my fellow artists who practice the genre. Today I ventured to the highly anticipated Evinston Paint Out just a bit northeast of McIntosh and approximately 20 miles north of Ocala.

Three of my artist buds are participating: VoilART! partner Jackie Schindehette, Nancy Moskovitz and program/poster artist Linda Blondheim, all who have blogs listed at right. Directed to Fair Oaks Farm by Nancy, this spectacular property avails itself to artists and visitors alike during the paint out. Greeted by Linda and Henry (Studio Dog), we secured a golf cart (generously provided by the property owner) and embarked on a self-guided farm tour.

This is old Florida at it's pristine finest.

Hazy skies filtered down through these fairy-tale oaks.

This oak is so enormous that the lower limbs bend to the ground. What history do you think these trees have witnessed? Civil War? Indian Wars? Cortez and his army? Michael is awed.

Mary Jane Volkmann paints a lovely scene at the water's edge. We met at Epcot a few weeks ago.

The Evinston Paint Out continues through this week until Saturday, April 24th, ending with a reception at the President’s House at University of Florida for the Patron’s Gala at 6:30 pm.

"I don't believe in making pencil sketches and then painting your landscape in your studio. You must be right under the sky." - William Merritt Chase

Tally Ho & Dreams of Kansas

2010-04-12T20:33:00.025-04:00

A couple of years ago I invited Florida landscape painter Linda Blondheim to a hunt meet of Misty Morning Foxhounds out of Gainesville. We both took hundreds of photos and had a grand time. Horses, hounds, nature and friendly folks who take time to enjoy life - what's not to love? And did I mention the rest breaks for mimosas?

Creating these smaller pieces provides opportunity to experiment with various color theories. One of my favorites is split complementaries. In this painting, the dominate color - a warm shade of orange in the ground the subjects are standing on crosses the color wheel to it's opposite - blue. The split is actually the colors on each side of the blue complement - here being blue-violet and blue-green. The blue-violet dominates the shadows and the blue-green occurs as a strong under painting in the background trees. It's not as complex as it sounds. A decent color wheel illustrates clearly.

"Anticipation" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

The inspiration for the next piece came from a conversation with a mid-western collector. My imagination kicked into gear as he described the summer storms rolling across the plains in his native Kansas. He recounted bright eerie light washing over the landscape as the dark storm clouds gathered in the distance. Not unlike Florida.

Do you like my lightning?

"Nervous Yearlings" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Yesterday I gave a painting demo at the Appleton Museum of Art for the Ocala Art Group. I hope I inspired them with my oddball perception to passionately embrace their subject matter and inject it with stories of their vivid experiences.

“Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Painting at EPCOT

2010-03-29T18:32:00.026-04:00

International Flower and Garden Festival

Fitting that I would be assigned the United Kingdom with my English/Irish ancestry. Smashing!

I loved every minute. The architecture inspired me. Interacting with the guests as I painted was pure pleasure. Most of us artists never miss an opportunity to yak up our inspiration and technique to anyone who'll listen. Children provided special delight with their inquisitive questions and comments. Kids today? Smart far beyond years. I was so impressed with their intense study of my works in progress and resultant thoughtful remarks.

My foray into plein air painting caught the eye of one Mom who requested that daughter be a quick study included into this street scene. A special gift for Dad. I answered yes of course, and painting was sold.

Same for painting below except it was Mom's friend and accompanying daughter.

The results were new friends visiting from New Jersey. Thank you for making my day so extraordinary!

I'm honored to have been invited to this prestigious event. The generosity of everyone involved was amazing. The EPCOT staff was absolutely incredible and wonderful to work with. I think I behaved myself and hope to be invited back next year...

"Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language." - Walt Disney

Painting at Epcot

2010-03-22T15:08:00.005-04:00

Studio painter I am.

So it was with great curiosity that I considered an invitation from Florida landscape painter extraordinaire Linda Blondheim. She organizes a group of painters to ply their craft at Walt Disney World's International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. After assuring me there's plenty of architecture for subject, I decided what the heck. You see, I don't care to paint landscapes; i.e. trees, bushes, grass, etc. There's all that green and miles of branches and gazillions of leaves, blades of grass and on and on and on. How to edit all that bramble? I'll gladly leave it to the specialists. Therefore, you'll find me in jolly ol' United Kingdom painting castles. Perhaps I can improvise a knight in shining armour aboard a mighty steed. March 26th - 28th.

In other news: here's my latest painting:

"Water Training" oil on panel, 20" x 16"

It's tight, a bit stiff, but I'm quite happy with the lighting and water effects. More info on the piece here: Water Training

"It seemed to me that it was possible to translate light, forms, and character using nothing but color, without recourse to values." - Pierre Bonnard

After the Extreme Cold

2010-03-08T17:51:00.020-05:00

Fast and wide, the Oklawaha River put on an extraordinary show today. Our very wet "dry season" combined with an unprecedented cold winter created conditions of rarity and delight.

The water was incredibly high and the current swift.

And oh, the alligators! The critters were out in numbers as the air finally warmed above the water temperature.

Most were timid, however, as if the extreme cold had left them feeling vulnerable. Even the usually congenial turtles who adore striking a pose would have nothing of our stalking canoe. Snakes were not to be seen and I searched for them in earnest. Most likely still sleeping away the deep chill.

Only the big guns allowed approach and even they slid into the watery depths as we neared. Nervous was the atmosphere.

Next month will mark the beginning of breeding season and caution will be the operative word. The gators will become territorial and hold their ground making even a seasoned reptile lover such as myself hesitate. But today I was queen of the river!

“I have an underwater camera just in case I crash my car into a river, and at the last minute I see a photo opportunity of a fish that I have never seen.” - Mitch Hedberg

P.S. As we returned to Gore's Landing, a big fish suddenly propelled itself high out of the water towards me - barely missing the canoe. For a micro-second, in mid-air, our eyes met with astonishment and our mouths went agape. It was the heart-pounding moment of the afternoon.

Un-reliance

2010-02-24T20:45:00.018-05:00

We artists can sometimes get lazy. Relying too much on photographic reference, our paintings can conjure a feeling of artifice. They stiffen and fall flat. Feel contrived. Overly orchestrated.

To avoid the bland, I turn to drawing from scratch. I love to draw and wonder why I don't sketch more often. Other artist's drawings intrigue me. Drawing can illustrate line, direction, speed, chains of bodies in space, ovoids, nuance, milieu, tenor - okay, so I'm sounding like my art history professor and you get the point.

In an attempt to express the dynamic:

I considered foreshortening the front leg. In a large canvas this could be effective, on this small panel I decided it would look awkward.

"Lively Wave" oil on panel, 14"x11"

Fun exercise. It ended up with a slightly Asian feel. Like it? Make me an offer...

“When you do dance, I wish you a wave o' the sea, that you might ever do nothing but that” - William Shakespeare

OBS Pics

2010-02-16T15:07:00.019-05:00

Another cold and windy day here in Ocala, Florida. Here's a few pics from yesterday's OBS Day at the Races and this morning out at the Select Two-Year-Old Sale.

See? See the crowd when we're not over saturated with racing? Okay, so we only have live racing one day a year and due to the economy, some prime sponsors had to rescind leaving us with a mere four races. But the entire county (it seemed) savored every hoofbeat.

It was great to see all the horse people I so dearly miss. In talking with the curious while ever-promoting my downtown studio/gallery, it was quite sad to admit I'm not painting horse racing scenes. And this is a horse racing blog. Boo-hoo. Gotta make a living, kids and diversification is the key to survival. Take a moment to read this article featured in our local Ocala Style Magazine: We're in for Lean Times. Says lots with honesty and some viable optimism.

"I'll be back." – The Terminator

Splish Splash

2010-02-05T16:18:00.010-05:00

Ever go riding into water? Be prepared to get wet.

Most horses love water and are excellent swimmers. They stomp, play, blow bubbles and find great joy in splashing themselves and everyone else in their vicinity. Some will attempt to drop and roll with rider still aboard.

"Splashing" oil on canvas, 18" x 30"

Now I'm hooked on painting water even if it is just a big puddle. Working on this piece brought back memories of my childhood: summer trail rides ending in the pond, bareback, fistful of mane, blissful, madly in love with my mighty pony. Even this group of formal equestrians acknowledge the bliss of horse + water.

“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” - Deepak Chopra

Notes from First "Coffee & Conversation"

2010-01-27T19:33:00.018-05:00

The inaugural "Coffee & Conversation" was an assured hit. We hosted a friendly group of curious adventure seekers who turned out to listen to Lucy Beebe Tobias talk about her book "50 Great Walks in Florida". Coffee aroma wafted throughout the gallery as we all viewed a continuous slide show and chatted with Lucy about all manner of exploring Florida.

The ambiance was laid back and relaxed, just as we wanted it to be. After all, it's about savoring a good walk, not hiking.

I learned about geocaching. Nine hundred something in Ocala alone. GPS required. Intriguing.

Clearly enjoying the discussion, Lucy entertained us with stories, anecdotes, history and told great snake and alligator tales. You know she had MY attention.

“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Coffee & Conversation

2010-01-22T11:10:00.014-05:00

Still need to shed those extra holiday pounds? You know, walking is the best exercise.

Saturday, January 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00pm, Lucy Beebe Tobias will give a presentation at Voilart! Gallery + Studio. It's free, just make a reservation to hold your seat. She'll discuss five walks she considers apropos to art lovers from her fabulous book: "50 Great Walks in Florida."

Lucy's talk will be the first in a new monthly event: "Coffee & Conversation" that partner Jackie Schindehette and I are hosting to feature artists, writers, poets, musicians and any other talent we think you'll find interesting. Six months of fascinating people are already booked, so do stay tuned.

Coffee & Conversation
featuring Lucy Beebe Tobias: "50 Great Walks in Florida"
Saturday, January 23rd, 4:00-6:00 pm
Voilart! Gallery + Studio
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, Florida 34471

January Musings

2010-01-19T19:51:00.014-05:00

Hey, all I'm gonna say is: it'll take a lot of babies at $5000. a pop to cover $16,000,000.

That would be "The Green Monkey" of course. Looks good, doesn't he? My good friend, professional photographer extraordinaire Joe DiOrio shot this portrait just last weekend as well as a bunch of primo photos for a local Ocala farm. Check them out here. Love all the grays - reminds me of something cavalry.

Back to The Green Monkey: we won't be seeing those astronomical figures again anytime soon. I wandered over to the OBS Winter Mixed Sale this morning and picked up a hard copy of the Jan. 16th Bloodhorse. Very positive and affirmative article about "What's Working in Racing" especially after two years of doom and gloom. Refreshing insight. And all I listened to at OBS from my friends and acquaintances was doom and...right. I propose a shift in attitude. I've said all along that the biz will recover with a vengeance and emerge like a phoenix. The market corrections are at hand.

Here's a latest painting. How do you inject "dynamism" into the gentile world of hunter/jumper?

"Smooth Sailing" oil on canvas, 30" x 18"

And it's actually quite dynamic. Must feel like you've been vaulted onto the third floor balcony when sailing over those seven foot jumps.

“Dick Cheney and I do not want this nation to be in a recession. We want anybody who can find work to be able to find work.” - George W. Bush

*NOTE: for those of you who comment on this blog, I've had to re-instate word verification for awhile. The spam robots are attacking me daily.

I Survived Oh-Nine!

2010-01-07T09:54:00.016-05:00

My previous m.o. was to look back over the year to applaud myself for accomplishments and follow that boasting with a list of goals for the upcoming year. Not necessary to rehash the extreme challenges of '09 for most of us so I will just announce that...I persevered and I'm still a self-supporting full-time painter. Thankfully. Gratefully. Everyone is aware of the economic impact on the arts and individual artists in particular who create what is considered luxury goods for buyers with disposable income. As an equine artist, I endured a double whammy as a result of the recession. I never do anything in a small way.

Amazingly, many people are not aware of the enormity of the horse industry and what far-reaching effect it's downturn imposes on those not only directly involved with horses but also the hundreds of thousands of connected manufacturers, businesses, vendors, and suppliers of equine products and those who provide related services. It's huge. Vast, in fact.

Rather than making the expensive trek to Saratoga last summer, I invested in Voilart! Studio and Gallery in a storefront in downtown Ocala. It provides street cred and access to a very interested public. A smart decision and venture with lots of potential. I'm excited. My partner Jackie Schindehette and I have ambitious plans: guest lecturers, book readings, demos, workshops, classes, etc. It's my shining accomplishment. Yay for me!

Goals for the coming year? No pressure this year but rather an embrace of a collective sense of optimism. I will honor myself as a artist who can endure, shift gears as necessary and always, always show up on time with primo goods. I'm addicted to the relentless chase for excellence. Horse racing is permanently embedded in my DNA and I affirm the best realignments and ongoing adjustments within the industry.

I pay attention.

"Babush"

"After 5000 years of recorded human history, you wonder, What part of 2,000,000 sunrises doesn't a pessimist understand?" - Robert Brault

As Christmas Nears...

2009-12-23T20:04:00.018-05:00

It's almost a wrap. This Christmas season, quieter than usual, is the first in my new studio/gallery, Voilart! Except for the panicked husbands and boyfriends who will breathlessly burst in on the eve, I'm ready for eggnog. And my favorite pirate, Captain Morgan.

Our "Marvelous Minis for Merry Making" exhibit went well and will continue through Dec. 31st. It's an opportunity to start a collection or add to without straining the budget. Several were purchased as holiday gifts.

I admit it - I struggled with the technical aspects of painting so tiny. After applying a ground on ten 5"x7" canvas panels, three were completed before I passed the rest over to Jackie's easel. Okay, so I can't depict a field of twelve runners with grandstand in the background on a 5"x7". However, landscape subjects just seemed to lend themselves to the microscopic format. Thank you Jackie for carrying the show. I did have some 8"x10" 's and 11"x14" 's which I was informed qualify as "minis".

Remaining "mini" in a nice frame.

Notice the recent absence of racing subjects? I should say: "What's missing from this horse racing blog?"

Here's a start on a perennial favorite: foxhunting. One observer stated: "THAT'S how you draw out a painting? With squiggles? Notice the "squiggles" on the horse to the right. Hey, it's all in the noggin' beforehand.

When all else is...tentative...there's Dave:

A blessed Christmas to you all. I wish you peace, joy, wisdom and divine guidance in what I affirm is a rapidly improving year of 2010. Hold close those you love and cherish.

"Nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas" - N Synch.

Marvelous Minis for Merry Making

2009-11-29T09:00:00.015-05:00

Has a ring to it, eh?

My gallery partner Jackie Schindehette and I are hosting an exhibit of miniature paintings on December 11th from 5:00-7:00pm at our studio/gallery Voilart! in downtown Ocala. With the economy attempting to recover yet still appearing a bit disheveled, our tiny paintings give patrons an opportunity to purchase an original oil at affordable prices. So quit blowing all your hard-earned bucks on electronics that are obsolete as soon as you leave the store, take months to figure out and have to be replaced next year. BUY ART!

Art is valuable, it's classy, very distinctive, tells a story, has pretty colors and makes your home or office a lovelier space. Art enhances your life. You can meditate peacefully on art, contemplating the layers of meaning. Interpret your piece as you like. Let it move you. Show off your original acquisitions to your friends, impress your clients with your knowledgeable art speak. If you're a young person, buying art is hip, cool, and your peers will be intrigued as you break away from iworld. Art is powerful, intimate, tranquil, personal, thought provoking, emotional, sensational. Art says you're cultured, intelligent, educated and affluent - even if you're not so much. Don't speculate about the future, buy what you love now. Allow art to speak to you. If you are fortunate and the artist of your piece becomes famous, you can pass it on to your kids and they'll have bragging rights. An heirloom tradition. Plus, art is just wonderful and beautiful as it is. BUY ART!

"The New Pony" oil on canvas, 8"x10"

If my paintings don't appeal to you, heck, buy Jackie's. She creates Florida landscapes that will caress you with a warm breeze when you're up to your eyeballs in snow. Art creates longing, inspires your imagination, dreams and desires. BUY ART!

"The Private Chat" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Contemplate the conversation occurring in the above piece... BUY ART!

"Collectors are happy people." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ad Faux Pas

2009-11-23T19:25:00.025-05:00

My latest ad appearing alongside the Table of Contents in the fledgling "Hold Your Horses" magazine has strong points and not so strong. Not so: I have a typo that screamed out to the annoying perfectionist in me. And that was after two separate scrutinies with proof readers. I'm still cringing. However, I'm learning to let go and move on.

Ad pictured at left is too small to detect the offending gaff...did you think I would be THAT forthcoming? You'll have to pick up your own copy of this refreshingly honest and frank horse industry talk. Distribution is increasing exponentially by demand with every issue. If you'd like to request copies in your region, e-mail: holdyourhorses.steele@gmail.com. Of course I highly recommend.

Now for the strong point: I'm offering 20% off ANYTHING that is produced in the studio until December 31st, 2009 just for mentioning my ad. This not only includes my originals, but also my Fine Art Giclee Reproductions and gift merchandise. As a reminder, last year I reigned as the Pet Portrait Queen of the Universe! What an impressive gift instead of the usual ho-hum electronics or jewelry.

Oh, did I mention equine portraits? Champions immortalized forever.

Check out my website for more info and a closer look at what I do: www.sharoncrute.com

"Business Art is the step that comes after Art." - Andy Warhol

Reception Pics

2009-11-11T16:22:00.015-05:00

Here's my salon group, "Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) at our reception last Friday night at MCA Brick City Center for the Arts.

Titled "OoHA H.U.G.S Ocala", it's an amazing exhibit of beautiful and powerful artwork created by seven professional artists.

L. to R. Moi, Margaret Watts, Lorna Effler, Nancy Moskovitz, Jacquelyn Schindehette,
Moe Hahn and Mary Verrrandeaux

Local newspaper Ocala Star Banner was in attendance capturing the conversation between artists and art lovers. You can see more photos here.

"The painterly painter uses the viewer's experience to give life to the work. Instead of being a passive receiver of information, the viewer becomes a participant." - Charles Movalli

OoHA HUGS Ocala Reception

2009-11-05T13:54:00.016-05:00

Please join us for a gala opening reception for "OoHA HUGS Ocala."

My artist salon "Out of Hand Artists" (OoHA) is conducting an Art Exhibit and Sale at the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala. A portion of the proceeds will benefit H.U.G.S. Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization that raises funds for the research, prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer and assists individuals and families whose lives have been adversely affected by it.

Out of Hand Artists is comprised of seven professional artists who meet twice monthly to discuss the business aspects of being an artist.

The details:

Gala Opening Reception:

Friday, November 6th, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm. Brick City Center for the Arts 23 SW Broadway Ocala, FL 34471

Call moi for more info: 352-671-7469. All are welcome to attend.

Please join us for food and libations. This is an impressively strong exhibit of fine art and paintings. I promise you'll be amazed.

“An artist has every right - one may even say a duty - to exhibit his productions as prominently as he can” - Jacques Barzun

FAFO

2009-10-26T21:01:00.016-04:00

My first fine art festival.

Oh yes, I've participated in numerous outdoor events of an equine nature. Those would be horse shows, steeplechase and race tracks when they'll have me.

This is the painting I began and shortly put away during last winter's season of horse and art recession. Missing my muse terribly, the festival was a good excuse to to revisit and make amends.

"Vying for Position" oil on canvas, 48"x68"

My studio and gallery partner, Jackie Schindehette and I each won an award. For mine, I have to thank, you guessed it, my muse(s).

Jackie & moi in my booth at the Ocala Fine Arts Festival.

"A couple of guys won Academy Awards for the things that I turned down. Today, after coming to terms with everything, after being in therapy for a long time-there are areas where I will compromise. " - Mickey Rourke

Preview Party

2009-10-21T19:58:00.013-04:00

Consider this your invitation to our Pre-Ocala Fine Arts Festival Preview Party.

All are welcome and of course it's free. Get a sneak peek of our paintings being exhibited at the festival this coming weekend. My partner Jackie Schindehette is the hostess providing vittles as well as libations. Please come.

At our new studio/gallery:

Voilart!
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34479
(one block south of the central square)
Friday, October 23rd, 5-8pm

"I had reservations about making art a business, but I got over it." - Mary Boone

October Newsletter

2009-10-10T15:54:00.013-04:00

I'm painting. And painting. Wanted to get the big canvas finished therefore everything else in my life has been neglected (this blog, husband, deranged cat, housework, etc.). As of this post it's finished but letting it sit for a few days so the flaws will make themselves annoyingly evident. Michael actually made a list of objectionable aspects such as: no forelocks are under the browbands (the better to add the dynamic), eyes have no color, bit at odd angle, suggest stick in jock's hand and the list goes on. He's like a professional witness. Gotta love and appreciate the honest critiques.

Here's a link to my latest newsletter with info on upcoming exhibits:
http://tinyurl.com/yfqurqj.
If you'd like a copy of my newsletter delivered to your inbox, please sign-up in the box at right. I promise to never share info (I hate spam too) or overwhelm with too-frequent mailings (that's a promise!).

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender". - Vince Lombardi

The State of My heART

2009-09-26T13:45:00.001-04:00

Roller coasters are thrilling at the amusement park. Not so much in daily studio life.

It's tough love, babe. Deciding to separate from the muse can leave an artist treading water without land in sight. Placing a lifetime of passion and dedication up on the shelf calls for stern resolve of epic proportion. I did it, I experimented, and now I'm back to mend the relationship if only temporarily. Let's say we're dating.

Advice from friends and associates sounds something like this:
"It was a great ride while it lasted, wasn't it?"
"What a terrible time to be in the horse racing business - for anyone."
"Paint something else until the business fixes itself."

I'm a bit more optimistic about the future of horse racing. It will survive albeit not as we presently recognize it. Owners will continue to buy good horses as well as treat themselves to the luxury of expensive cars, beautiful homes and collect great equine art that elicits personal and emotional resonance. These purchases will occur within a changed climate, like everything else that's newly...changed. The smart artist acknowledges and is ready.

I'm so glad for the expansion.

"Full Cry" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

"Twilight" oil on two canvases, each 11"x14"

"If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come." - Chinese Proverb

Back to the River

2009-09-20T17:52:00.006-04:00

A bad day on the river is better that a good day in___(fill in the blank).

As we electric motored our way up the Oklawaha, we realized that a dredging company was fishing out the submerged logs and other flora to clear the waterway about two miles upstream from us. This made the water thick and murky and the big gators jittery. Saw a couple of biggies, probably 8-footers, but they hauled butt from us with annoyed attitude upon sighting the canoe. So, we had to settle for the wee ones sunning on the log pictured below. These were babies, and I apologize for not getting closer. Mama was nearby, no doubt.

Florida Wildlife authorities have been capturing these feral monkeys over the past year but missed this crewe. These rascals are several generation descendants of the escapees from film and TV productions at Silver Springs in the 50's and 60's. Think Sea Hunt and Tarzan.

This is the alpha male keeping a close eye on us.

Females with infants crossed the river over our heads.

Forgive the shakiness of this photo, but it is a...a...snake. This is a Florida Water Snake, unfortunately often confused with cottonmouths. Their color and markings are similar but the head shape is different. This sleek-headed snake was docile and ignored us.

“Cats and monkeys, monkeys and cats - all human life is there” - Henry James

International World Wide Paint Out

2009-09-12T15:40:00.024-04:00

A hardy bunch of plein air painters descended on Ocala today in observance of the World Wide Paint Out. Gray skies and occasional rain did not deter these focused artists from painting, painting, painting. As a sheltered studio artist, I'm impressed.

Voilart! served as a base for the painters to check in and provide their approximate location, get a cold drink of water and most important - use the bathroom! And that's another challenge for these artists that I am just not aware of. I guess a tree would stand in for facilities when they paint in the woods.

Important equipment like this umbrella to serve rain or shine.

Love this woody that this painter works out of.

Some painters planned ahead such as Carole Drost
who's working on the porch of the Blakley House.

Heat, rain, wind, bugs, rapidly changing light, weirdos, animals - I admire them for their tenacity under all these conditions.

"All pictures painted inside in the studio will never be as good as the things done outside." - Paul Cezanne. Well, there you go.

Gala Ribbon Cutting

2009-09-05T06:46:00.016-04:00

In a light drizzle and under a full moon we conducted our ribbon cutting ceremony last night for Voilart!

Holding the ribbon from left to right: Marion Cultural Alliance Executive Director Nancy Ledding; Marion County Administrator Dr. Lee Niblock; Florida landscape artist (my partner) Jackie Schindehette; moi; and Marion County Commissioner Barbara Fitos.

I love our red archway.

The turnout was fabulous and we were packed with well-wishers all night.

As enjoyable as it was, I'm relieved the various pomp and circumstance is over with, enabling Jackie and I to get back to the serious business of painting. We both have shows and exhibits fast approaching and need to buckle down and get productive.

Next Saturday Voilart! will serve as headquarters for local plein air painters participating in the International Worldwide Paint Out. We'll provide the initial sign-up for artists and also provide approximate locales where they can be found painting for interested observers. For more info check out the Ocala Plein Air Painters website.

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more." - Jonas Salk

It Has Arrived At Last

2009-08-31T20:22:00.013-04:00

Food smells, ringing phones, neighbors meandering about, cats using litter boxes. If there's one thing I've learned throughout my incredulous painting career, it's that collectors are not quite comfortable visiting a home studio. Which brings me to clarify Reason No. 1 for embarking on the creation of Voilart! Studio/Gallery. The downtown retail space lends me some street cred. No more cramped garage - just a sleek gallery of well appointed paintings and an oversize easel standing like an authoritarian fraulein whipping me into submission.

Jackie helped me paint the 16 foot sign. Not too shabby for non-sign painters.

"One Mile and a Sixteenth (and change)" oil on eighteen 12" canvas panels.

When an artist creates a piece that strays from the predictable suspects, proper hanging and presentation is always a challenge. How satisfying to finally arrange the elements as they were originally intended. Although I always encourage creativity with my associates, this is a great homecoming of the artist's brainchild.

"There is a wonderful feeling when you walk into your own exhibition. You see the work as a true extension of yourself. Win or lose, your interests have led you to an accumulation of your personal expression, signed lower right, mounted to best advantage". - Robert Genn

Voilart! Preview Opening

2009-08-23T07:42:00.019-04:00

Our Preview Opening last Thursday was full of surprises and enjoyed a great turnout. Flowers from well-wishers abundantly adorned the studio and Jackie and I worked the meet and greet opportunities.

Dr. Leslie Hammond, moi, and Terry Carey.

I hadn't seen Terry Carey in so long. She is a former gallery owner and now full-time artist. I was honored that Dr. Leslie Hammond paid us a visit. She possesses a most impressive academic resume longer than the length of the studio. Archaeologist, art historian, curator, instructor and owner of Artist Eye Fine Art, a full-service art appraisal and consultation business.

Jackie Schindehette and Susan Cassens in front of Jackie's exquisite landscapes.

Susan Cassens drove all the way up from Ft. Pierce to attend the opening. Susan and Jackie were partnered in a similar studio years ago. Speaking of partners, check out Jackie's website here.
Don't you love the chair rail Harry installed for her paintings?

Bill Steele, moi, and Ellie Steele

So many people have blessed me with their help and support getting this studio/gallery project launched. Bill Steele's generosity is over the top - printing a fabulous promotional blurb about Voilart! in the current issue of his incredible magazine, "Hold Your Horses". The magazine is quickly gaining reputation and attention as it goes national and even international!

"Selling is essentially transference of feeling". - Zig Ziglar

Another Reminder

2009-08-18T19:20:00.007-04:00

Yes, it's another reminder but we've worked so hard to pull this off:

Reminder:

This coming Thursday, August 20th is the Preview Opening of Voilart! a working artists' studio and gallery. This preview coincides with "3rd Thursday's Girls Night Out" in downtown Ocala. Local businesses offer specials and discounts for the monthly event. Everyone is open late. Please stop by our new digs if you're in town: 108 E. Fort King St. (directly behind the Bank of America). Jackie Schindehette and I will be in the studio from 4:30-8:30pm.

Please be so kind as to forward this post to anyone you think would be interested. We really appreciate your help getting the word out.

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” - Henry David Thoreau

Voilart! Details

2009-08-15T14:34:00.015-04:00

The countdown begins for the Preview Opening of Voilart! this coming Thursday, August 20th.

Previously, I told you about my latest project: I've partnered with Florida landscape painter extraordinaire Jackie Schindehette to open our own studio/gallery in downtown Ocala. Located just one block south of the central square, the official address is 108 E. Fort King Street. With the help of our husbands, the space is just about ready. Paintings are being transported and hung this weekend.

What a surprise to open the morning paper and see this photo of Jackie's husband Harry polishing the front window! Apparently, Star-Banner staff photographer Alan Youngblood wandered in to chat and take pictures. Many thanks to Alan and the Banner!

Details:
Voilart!
108 E. Fort King St.
Ocala, FL 34471

Preview Opening: Thursday, August 20th, 4:30-8:30 pm.
Official Opening: September 1st, 2009

We'll be keeping regular days and hours that we've yet to determine. However, if you would like to visit the studio for a special viewing, please call 352-671-7469 for an appointment.

“Finite to fail, but infinite to venture.” - Emily Dickinson

Chow

2009-08-08T16:00:00.019-04:00

A tragic event brought us together sixteen years ago, creating an indelible bond that would endure miles of travel through dubious exploits. Unbeknownst to the tiny fur ball, a mountain of hope was placed on the silly antics of kittenhood that would, could? disrupt a thick shell of depression. It worked.

He grew into a handful of big strapping cat for a Siamese. Classy with attitude, always present, game for the next adventure and trustworthy in a reliable way, he became a family member as embedded as DNA. Together we ate, slept and worked. In dark times, he possessed the uncanny ability to elicit a smile, regardless of circumstance.

In the end, he acquiesced to our pangs of impending loss with grace and courage. An entire lifetime of consistently providing what one can demand of a cat - the softness, companionship, the comforting sound of a purr, sandpaper licks and always unconditional devotion.

Fondest memories of eyes squinting in the sunshine, as baby blues are prone.

Goodbye for now, my sweet prince.

Chow
April 1st, 1993 - August 6th, 2009

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break.” - William Shakespeare

Opening Reception at Equidae Gallery

2009-08-07T13:43:00.006-04:00

Reminder:

Tonight is the Champagne Opening at Equidae Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY. It begins at 6:00 and is located at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. A great way to wrap up a day at the races. I have three paintings in the group exhibit of carefully chosen equine art. Artist and organizer Terry Lindsey has created an elegant and very classy show. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7th if you can't make it this weekend.

I Promised You Some Big News

2009-07-30T16:14:00.024-04:00

But first:

My paintings have arrived at the beautiful Equidae Gallery at the Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY. Fellow equine artist Terry Lindsey works an elegant miracle in organizing this spectacular presentation of not only her own terrific artwork but also the work of a formidable group of incredible horse artists. The gallery is just lovely and I'm honored to be included. If you're lucky enough to be in Saratoga this summer, DO make a point of stopping by - you'll be glad you did. And don't forget the Champagne Opening Reception on Friday evening, August 7th at 6-8pm.

Check out this fascinating website for horse lovers: The Equinest. It contains all kinds of extremely interesting topics that sets it apart from the rest. And I mean it's intriguing. This week an interview of moi is featured: Horse Artist Interview - Sharon Crute. It was fun answering the engaging questions. Read about my early years on the race track.

Okay, the big news: (drum roll)

I've teamed up with very well-known landscape painter Jackie Schindehette to open a studio/gallery space in a retail storefront in downtown Ocala. The impetus was my majorly disappointing negotiations with NYRA for vendor space at Saratoga that fell flat. But that's old news and this is new.

The timing is right, the price is incredibly right, the location is perfect, my partner is perfect. Together, Jackie and I look forward to painting, talking, schmoozing, painting, selling, marketing, promoting, and did I mention, painting? We'll be active participants in the downtown Ocala revitalization and look forward to a successful venture. It's my "Plan B" and am I ever jazzed! We're planning a preview opening on August 20th to coincide with "Thursday Girls Night Out" and an official opening on Sept. 1st. There is a down side to our exciting news - we'll be next door to Ocala Chocolates and Confectioners. Uh-oh.

Jackie is an important member of our salon, "Out of Hand Artists". In addition to being an awesome Florida landscape painter, she has years of experience at outdoor festivals, shows and is a rare artist who is creative AND a savvy business promoter. I look forward to partnering with her in this venture and learning from her vast knowledge.

Art isn't art until it's sold. Until then it's an obsession and a storage problem. - Anonymous

A Few New Pieces

2009-07-26T16:20:00.021-04:00

I've been neglecting this blog something awful. No excuses. Apologies to my loyal readers.

Lots of events were set in motion when I finally realized that all my planning and marketing to NYRA was for naught. A year of negotiating, meticulous publicity packages and tentative scheduling were lost to a revolving door of upper management turnover. Lest I digress, let me just say initially, I was devastated before panicking into Plan B.

Hindsight is 20-20 and now I'm actually grateful for the whole bloody experience. Racetracks are wearing full cup blinkers while maintaining antiquated marketing strategies as the bad news just keeps rolling along. So, while I won't be personally traveling to Saratoga this summer, I've sent a few of my paintings up to the beautiful Equidae Gallery at the Holiday Inn and Soave Faire who is carrying my giclees - both on Broadway. The tough part is receiving calls from clients who were planning on visiting my booth on the racetrack grounds. Hear that NYRA? Huh?

Okay, I've vented and now promise you great news in a few days. In the meantime I'd like to show you a few oils that I've recently finished. Smaller, affordable original paintings. Click on the image for the details and info:

"Money in the Bank" oil on panel, 14"x11"

"After Breakfast" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

"Weanling Romp" oil on canvas, 11"x14"

"Look for and make your opportunities happen; they are not going to come rushing up to your doorstep. But sometimes they'll be looking you right in the face." - Harley Brown

Daytime Reception

2009-07-12T12:04:00.016-04:00

Three receptions in eighteen hours! Yesterday my artist friend Jackie Schindehette and I headed up to Melrose Bay Gallery to attend the opening exhibit of Florida landscape artist Linda Blondheim. I'm always amazed at how a landscape painter can muddle through and edit all that green flora into a beautiful, cohesive and convincing piece. Linda makes it look easy.

Linda in front of her exquisite paintings of Florida landscapes.

Fellow landscape artist Jackie Schindehette and Linda Blondheim in front of Linda's paintings.

Linda also writes a facinating blog, Landscapes of the South, that you might want to wander over to visit. Besides her impressive paintings, her blog offers history and info of Linda's favorite places to paint plein air. Oh, and the recipes! Linda was a chef in a former life - attending one of her soirees is a culinary treat.

Custom-made birch panels are Linda's latest substrate of choice. Clean and contemporary, uncluttered by frames, the panels beautifully compliment her clear color and beckoning compositions of light.

"Plein air painting is still an interpretation of reality, even though I am seeing the scene first hand. My "truth" is far more interesting to me than the scene in reality." - Linda Blondheim

Night of Receptions

2009-07-11T18:59:00.028-04:00

Did some gallery hopping last night. First stop - Gallery East in Belleview, Florida.

Gallery East:

Good turnout for this co-op in their new location.

l. to r.: best friend Modrea Seiler, featured jeweler Lynda Ryan in front of her lovely creations, and art lovers Drena & Ken.

Marion Cultural Alliance:

Then it was off to the Marion Cultural Alliance in Ocala for their exhibit "Shades of Green".

The gallery was hung beautifully.

l. to r.: moi with attitude, awesome Executive Director of MCA Nancy Ledding, best bud Modrea Seiler, and County Commissioner Barbara Fitos. All strong advocates for the arts.

Wonderful friend and talented artist Kelli Money Huff in front of her textured piece.

Another good artist friend (I love my fellow artists) Carlynne Hershberger with her beautiful mixed media. The "browns" are actually gold leaf that didn't translate in the photo but simply glowed. Kelli Money Huff and Carlynne published a book together entitled "Creative Colored Pencil Workshop".

Designer extraordinaire Paul Ware took an honorable mention for his whimsical stippled drawing. Paul's studio business is Drawn By the Light right here in Ocala.

"Every artist ought to be an exhibitionist." - Egbert Oudendag

Available Originals

2009-06-25T20:28:00.010-04:00

I've had some requests to create a separate link on my website that lists only my available originals. The website is ever expanding and I can understand the frustration of collectors searching for new and available paintings as they muddle through the various galleries. So here it is: http://www.sharoncrute.com/availableoriginals.htm with a link "Available Originals" located at the bottom left of the opening page. The latest completed paintings will be posted ASAP.

Also, I'm sending out a separate e-newsletter for collectors who've requested first access to my still-wet-right-off-the-easel paintings. The first of these VIP e-newsletters should be launched in about a week or two. Paintings will not be posted anywhere prior to this exclusive mailing. Tiptoeing through this fresh effort, I don't want to exclude those who should be included. If I've overlooked, my apologies and shout at me to get it together.

"My career should adapt to me. Fame is like a VIP pass wherever you want to go". - Leonardo DiCaprio

Giclees: a Viable Alternative

2009-06-21T19:35:00.016-04:00

Got a summer cabin or cottage that needs a bit of color? Have you recently remodeled a spare bedroom that needs some wall art? Or does your main living space need an inspiring face lift?

My giclee fine art reproductions are printed on quality canvas with archival UV inks. They're stretched and resemble the real thing except they're an extremely affordable option. Of course, nothing can compare to investing in original paintings, but giclees offer an inexpensive alternative for decorating purposes.

I've moved in the direction of open editions that offer more choices to my clients while maintaining reasonable pricing. Limited edition runs are still available and here I illustrate just a few. The image to the left, "Get His Mind on Running" is sold out at 100 plus 10 artist's proofs. Below are a couple of editions that are still available yet very close to concluding the edition run. If they appeal to you, consider ordering soon: Click on the image for more info.

"Daybreak" 30"x40" giclee fine art reproduction

"Not Whisperers" 36"x48" giclee fine art reproduction

In addition to the UV inhibiting and water-resistant coating, I've finally discovered an impasto medium that pleases the artist in me... offering a giclee with dimension and brushstrokes further creating a quality product.

“These are not my works; these are just prints of the originals. Really, what we're showing here is the record of what happened, what I went through physically [and] emotionally in every aspect, what I went through to get these paintings done, and this is what I have left. I just wanted to share my voice. ” - Abelina Galustian

I'll Paint YOU and Your Little Dog too!

2009-06-11T18:10:00.010-04:00

Well, my last post may have been just a tad vague.

To be a bit more specific, I'm considering re-inventing myself. When word got out that I was stepping back from painting horse racing subjects for awhile I was confronted with exclamations of jaw dropping, eye popping: "what ever will you paint now?" A decent artist who can draw well and understands color should be able to paint anything. Even my closest friends seemed astonished that I would endeavor to paint something non-equine.

Seems I've branded myself into a very tight little niche.

Therefore, I'm opening up the phone lines, the studio, the paint box and this blog to announce this amazing one-of-a-kind painting dynamo who will paint your kids, your yacht, your trophy bass, street machine, prize-winning cucumbers, favorite NBA player, copies of Kinkade nirvana...heck, I'll even paint your house. But don't send your money yet 'cause there's more: I'll even paint your champion Jack Russell! And if you call within the next twenty minutes, I'll throw in a free t-shirt! (while supplies last)

“People like to feel they are buying of their own good judgment as a result of the information given them” - Paul Parker

Deconstructing an Art Career

2009-06-08T19:21:00.011-04:00

Spent a long productive day in the studio back at the big, looming racing canvas. I've dabbled at those runners on and off while I attend to neglected...stuff. Who knew that would take days? And there's always bookkeeping beckoning me like a deranged foreigner with arm outstretched and finger curling. I'm waiting for art supplies that are back ordered. Back ordered? Are we artists spending that much again already?

in progress oil on canvas, 48"x68"

There won't be too many of these big racing canvases for awhile. I'm stepping out into uncharted territory to try new creative endeavors. So long for now, luvs.

Did you hear that noisy clanging and crashing sound? That's just my dreams being shaken up good and tossed out in disordered, tumultuous patterns. Thank you trepidation.

"If you don't like what you're doing, you can always pick up your needle and move to another groove." - Timothy Leary