Last Weekend

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

Time to Say Goodbye

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
 

VoilART! Gallery Website is Live!

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

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

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

Another Mini

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

Like an Old Friend

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

Elin Pendleton Workshop

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

Notes from First "Coffee & Conversation"

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

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

I Survived Oh-Nine!

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...

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

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

Preview Party

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

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

International World Wide Paint Out

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

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

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

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

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

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