My Derby Pick

I can't believe the Kentucky Derby is only a few days away. "Big Brown" is my pick but only if it's a dry, fast track. It's those mud-sucking glue-ons I'm concerned with. Now come on, look at that photo. Who does he remind you of?

My webmistress spent the afternoon with me to demonstrate how "easy" it is to finish off my web renovation. For me to do it, mind you. Geesh, it's a lot of work. One of those 2:00am-I-can't-sleep projects.

Slow time in the studio. I've been working on some 8"x10" canvases to generate $$. Generic fluff, not so dynamic, but useful to explore color and content. Envelope pushing. Considered putting them on eBay but, you know, even eBay is slow these days. Just this afternoon I thought it would be wise to consider producing some Saratoga subject paintings that my gallery has been asking for...oh, for about four years now.

Then that thought was interrupted by a call from a friend inviting me to go kayaking tomorrow.

I'll be sure and take photos!

The Springs Magazine Cover

I can't believe I didn't post this shout out from The Springs Magazine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The magazine features all the art related happenings in town and is available everywhere.

My painting "The Last Race" graces the cover. I think the cover design is fabulous. This painting can be found at Gallery Central in Hot Springs. It's tiny by my standards, a 6"x12" oil on canvas. There's also a nifty little story about moi on the inside.

My exhibit is old news now although my artwork is still available at the gallery. Like any racetrack town, after Oaklawn closes for the season, the thoroughbred people pack up and head for the next gig on the circuit. It's a forlorn feeling as the traps and tack are packed, the horses are bandaged, and everyone waits impatiently for the van to arrive. Pulling through the gate at the new track promises a fresh and hopeful anticipation. "We'll do better here" is silently whispered by the die-hard intrepid.

Geesh, some things just never change...regardless of what business you're in.

Oh Yeah, the Dynamic

I finally finished the painting to bring back the dynamic:

"Exploding from the Gate", oil on canvas, 22"x28"

Remember when I started this one? It was after my ordeal with my hip and other waa-waa issues. Over it. So, voila! It already has attracted serious attention from a good client. It's an oil on canvas, 22"x28" in case you're interested but time is of the essence...

Here's how it looked the last time I posted an update.

On to the next project...

Opening Reception at the Elliott Museum

Back down to Stuart, Florida Friday night for the opening reception at the Elliott Museum. Featuring the paintings of six artists from the "Out of Hand Artists" salon, I think it was a strong and diverse collection of artwork.

Two equine artists were selected including my good friend Moe Hahn who paints in the genre of driving, dressage, polo, eventing and hunter/jumping.

It was a decent crowd. My job is to meet guests, explain my paintings and help make the experience enjoyable for the patrons. This particular reception was limited to members of the museum.
LaVaine Wrigley and Marlee Matheson (pictured above with moi) were largely responsible for hanging the exhibit. I was thrilled with the excellent job Marlee did hanging my eighteen panel piece, "Mile and a Sixteenth (and change)".

Everyone was intrigued with the piece. I submitted three large, edgy works that were well received. Approaching onlookers and providing an explanation resulted in interesting dialog.

This way cool explanation of our salon was printed on a panel at the entrance to the gallery. The entire exhibit was beautifully presented and the reception was elegant. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it all possible!

Artwork Delivery

Moi's artwork leaning against the wall at the Elliott Museum.

Five other members of our salon "Out of Hand Artists" have been chosen to exhibit at the Elliott Museum. Yesterday, Michael and I took everyone's work down to their gallery on the east coast in Stuart, Florida. The space is quite large and has lots of natural light.

Michael listening to ideas from the curator.

The opening reception is this Friday evening. Due to conflicting schedules and events, only three of us will be attending. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive from Ocala so we'll be staying over and playing a bit on Saturday. The museum is on Hutchinson Island with ocean views everywhere. Looks to be in an affluent area which should be conducive to sales, we all hope.

Guess we'll need to find a sports bar to watch the Lexington. Oh darn.

Equus IV: The Art of the Horse

The opening reception of my exhibit at the Museum of Florida Art took place last night. Three paintings of mine are included in an exhibit entitled: Equus IV: The Art of the Horse.

I'd post some photos but we were greeted with a sign that forbade such activity. Back to the packed parking lot to put the digital away. Of course, said contraband flashed throughout the galleries. I almost asked those sneaks to e-mail me some pics for the blog as the artwork was impressively strong and the shoulder to shoulder attendance remarkable. Who knew a show of horse art could draw such a crowd? And at a well-respected museum? Made my week, I'll tell ya.

I was also pleased and, well, relieved to be in such good company. I knew only one other artist and it appeared that the quality works were produced by genuine equine artists, not other disciplines who (ugh) decide to paint a horse. You can spot those from a country mile away...

Does that sound elitist? Snotty? I always advise artists to be careful who they exhibit with. Poor, amateur work flanking your artwork will pull it down to that level, regardless of how beautiful it is.

Marketing

Michael is feeling under the weather today. I took advantage of access to the computer and office (yee-ha!) and embarked on some marketing efforts. I printed out labels for my postcard invitations to my exhibit at the Elliott Museum. I also composed a short newsletter for my e-mail list announcing my opening reception this Thursday at the Museum of Florida Art and other goings on.

If you'd like to join my e-mail list, click here. I promise to never give or sell your e-mail to anyone ever (I get about 150 spam e-mails myself per day- maddening, I tell ya). You can expect a short newsletter update on my current events and exhibits delivered to your inbox about every other month. If you'd like a physical, tangible postcard every now and then, e-mail me and I'll add your address to the list: sharon@sharoncrute.com

Derby Musings

Nick Zito makes no excuses for War Pass. Now that's integrity. Maybe he's not quite the super horse we were hoping for but he's certainly a horse that demands everything his way.

Denis of Cork ducked the heavies in an attempt to maintain his pristine record and ended up rating on a speed bias track. Not so good.

Colonel John passed a valiant Bob Black Jack in the final strides of the Santa Anita Derby. Am I the only one who doesn't take the prep races in California seriously? Hey, didn't the purse used to be a million?

Florida-bred Ginger Punch faded badly in the Apple Blossom. So now you know who I was rootin' for. Nope, I refuse to open an account with TVG. I've got a magnet on my fridge that says: "I used to have money, now I have horses."

Yes, with a modicum of hesitation, I did take last Thursday off. My excuses are always front and center, so I just made myself do it. It's been awhile since we canoed on the Oklawaha. Great day, but strangeness pervaded as the gators and other critters were uncharacteristically shy. Traffic was non-existent and it IS almost gator breeding season when they tend to haughtily stand their ground (or waters). Michael recorded an owl very near on our digital camera. This is cool:

Back in the Studio

It was an anxious moment. After being out of the studio for 3+ weeks, I felt some trepidation as the inevitable arrived. Hey, I like playing in my garden and putzing around with various projects. To ease myself back to the paintbox, I first touched up some pieces destined to my upcoming exhibit at the Elliott Museum. Oil paint is aromatic like roses to me. Hmmm. I am back where I belong and readily took to the easel.

This is the painting I was frantic to finish before my hip went out. It's a generic gate subject but worthwhile to renew my feel for the dynamic.

It's not too big and should be finished this week. Oh but remember...I've truly vowed to take a day to replenish the creative juices. Geesh, and I just got back to work!