Year in Review 2015

Already...the annual review. It's funny how you think you haven't accomplished much until you think back over the year.

In sort of a monthly/seasonal order:

• The frigid winter was miserable but it kept me in the studio without the distraction of any pleasant weather or fun things to do. The more I worked the more work came to me. That in itself was a huge epiphany and I was very productive.

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• It's important to me to have a good relationship with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located right here in Saratoga Springs. In the early spring I served as judge for two of their student art shows. The young talent is impressive...and painting horse racing to boot!

• For the second consecutive year I created the cover program art for the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, Kentucky. I didn't make it to the event due to weather concerns. Springtime in the bluegrass can be extremely volatile but wouldn't you know it...the nasty storms cleared in time for the races. Dang.
  

• As the weather finally warmed I stepped out of the studio to plein air paint, participating in the Paint the Battlefield plein air event on the hallowed grounds of the Saratoga National Battlefield.

• In early June I traveled to Cumberland, Maryland as an accepted artist in the Allegany Arts Council's Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition. The weather was miserable but all of us artists had to cope. This was only my second competition and I struggled to learn the hard way. The awards ceremony overlapped with the running of the Belmont Stakes and I sneaked out to a nearby bar in order to witness history as American Pharoah clinched the Triple Crown. It was a surreal and joyous end to my week of frustratingly bad painting and I was euphoric!

• I gave two of my decent paintings to an honorable local organization to assist them in raising funds for their cause. The money raised didn't even cover framing and it wasn't because my paintings were substandard. Being a glutton for punishment I did it again with another organization (this one very well-heeled) in a live auction and suffered through the embarrassment of a pitiful final bid. Will I do it again? Of course! But let any other artist heed my advice and do think clearly about giving away your original artwork to fund raisers. It's a complicated affair and no, your donation is NOT tax deductible.

• Participated in the Friends of Sanford Stud Farm's Open House. Sales were slow but these wonderful people work so hard to preserve an important piece of horse racing history and I was glad to help.

• It was time to prepare for my big yearly exhibit at the Saratoga Race Course. Those of you who follow this blog are familiar with my self-imposed plein air project: Forty Paintings in Forty Days. I managed to create thirty and that was no small feat. It was exhausting, stressful and an exhilarating learning adventure on so many levels. I made some decent paintings along with some turkeys, sold several and made important connections. This was clearly the best and brightest highlight of my year.

• A week after the race meet concluded, I painted plein air in Londonderry, Vermont at a working farm. The event was indirectly organized by the Oil Painters of America.

• The Seneca Lake Plein Air Festival in Geneva, NY was next. This would be my third competition and again, the weather was cold, windy and overcast. I was much better prepared after my intensive summer of painting at Saratoga and I finally sold. Yup, that's me in the photo below.

•  This Christmas season was my best for custom commissions in many years, renewing my faith that the economy is improving and patrons are beginning to collect art once again. 

So there you have it. Lots of plans for 2016 and I'm optimistic. I'm currently reading Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic. I don't think she'll mind if I share a quote with you that's very affirming to creative types:

"You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures." - Elizabeth Gilbert

If that's true, then I've had a very good year.

Happy New Year to everyone in 2016,

Sharon 

Greyhounds Revisited

I've received a commission to paint three more greyhounds. Two have arrived and the third is in the mold. Because they require acrylics, not my favorite medium, I'm surprised that I'm actually looking forward to this project. A revisitation of sorts.

A very large freightliner for a smallish box:

Well, maybe not that small.

My anthropomorphic relationship with these hounds could be based on the designs to be painted. I'm sure not all artists would agree, but I tend to develop a kindred relationship with all my subjects. While I'm concentrating on form and shape and color and all the other academic necessities of painting, something else is going on in the background. The brushstrokes evolve into caresses, invoke empathy that shouldn't exist on a two dimensional surface and we...bond. I have privy access. An intimacy ensues as I fall in love with my subject.

See?

But then like a fickle lover I'm finished with you and off to the next project.
Sharon

Miles of Canvas

I completed a couple of experimental paintings this past week in between my equine commissions (and canine to come). As an artist friend wisely told me not long ago, sometimes it's about painting miles of canvas to achieve your vision. I think of her sage advise whenever the restlessness sets in. Whenever I'm uneasy because the paint isn't doing or looking the way I want it to. My thoughts have returned to wondering if I should take a workshop with an artist who's accomplished in landscape, who's wrestled with values and edges, perhaps someone who can help me find my voice within this cacophony of uncertain thought.

Indian Summer, 11"x14", oil on textured canvas

In the painting above, I wanted to loosen my brushwork. I may have gone too far as I used big brushes on a small textured canvas. One thing I am pleased with is my return to a brighter palette. For a while I limited and toned down my colors. Don't ask me why. We all love happy colors.

Studying other artists continuously - the modern masters, plein air painters, or just keeping track of what my peers are up to - I've observed that unless a landscape painting has an unusual focal point, or any focal point for that matter, it's boring. A pretty picture yes, but where's the intrigue? Even some technically excellent pieces are just that.

In the other piece, I struggled with the waterfall, cooled it, warmed it, brightened, toned it back, added rocks, spray, rivulets, scraped, smudged and generally worked the thing to death. In contrast, the deer took about two minutes to apply with a few simple brushstrokes that I got right the first time. A nod to all those hundreds (if not thousands) of horses I've painted.

 

Wahconah Falls, 11"x14" oil on canvas

So thank you to my artist friend Sue Johnson for assuring me about all those miles of canvas I'm determined to crank out. You're so right. Just this morning Michael and I did an inventory on what to scrap heap in order to reuse the stretchers. Now that's an accomplishment from the days of wrenching a bad painting out of his reluctant arms.

It's a bittersweet symphony,
Sharon

Fiery Passions

Ever drive down the highway and see those poor souls in the breakdown lane with their vehicle on fire? Like me, do you wonder: "...how awful, how does something like that happen?" Well, now I know.

It was a surreal site to behold...

Michael and I were on our way to pick up some frames before leaving for the Finger Lakes Plein Air Competition last Tuesday. The van was almost fully packed except for a few extras -a  cooler full of food and beverages and a large commissioned painting I was to meet a client for delivery. After a suspect odor began wafting through the vents (Michael remarked that it smelled like "fur burning") we veered off at the next exit to investigate. Smoke was already pouring out from under the hood. Skipping over the next few minutes of desperate details, we both got out safely but the van was fully engulfed in flames by the time the fire department arrived.

The fire men stated that we'll probably never be able to determine the exact cause due to the intense heat and destruction. That fur burning smell is suspect however...those cute little mice with racing stripes who possess a compulsive need to chew could have worked their mischief on wires that were not meant to be crossed.

Not much left but a metal frame. Even the hood disintegrated from the heat. Besides our only vehicle, I lost six original paintings, paint, easels, canvases, tools, clothes, camping equipment, etc. As the week progressed we'd recall what else was torched.

My poor shocked sweetie saying goodbye as the van is pulled onto the tow truck

It was traumatic but we're so blessed and grateful to have escaped unscathed. It's just stuff that will be replaced, even the paintings. Perhaps I'll create better ones from the ashes. A dear friend generously loaned us their mini van and we were able to travel to Canandaigua, albeit a day late. I know you want to know about my first plein air competition experience and I'm happy to share on the next post.

Fire in the hole!
Sharon

Gift-Giving Alternatives

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

Breeders' Cup 2011

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

Ad Faux Pas

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

Dynamic Canine Paintings

As I've mentioned previously, I received more doggie commissions this recent holiday season that ever before. Go figure. I hope I don't have to change my brand to dynamic canine artist.

Are you aware of some of the canine paintings executed by notable artists of other specific genres? A few examples:

Perhaps a precious pet of can-can companion...

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, "Touc, Seated on a Table", c. 1879-1881

Or, the pet of a secret lover...

John Singer Sargent, "Pointy"

And one of my favorite canine AND equine British artists:

Sir Edwin Landseer, "A Toy Terrier Looking Out of a Kennel", c. 1837

Forgive me, but I often think George Stubbs should have concentrated his talents on dog paintings instead of the horse. This one, exquisite...

George Stubbs, "King Charles Spaniel"

Sharon Crute, "Chihuahuas", oil on canvas, 16"x20", c. 2009

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

Painting In Progress

I've never met Elin Pendleton but I've been a fan of her paintings for years. It seems she burst onto the "scene" as a equine artist but lately has transitioned into landscapes with horses - beautifully. I found her blog (to the right in my blogroll) by accident. It inspires me.

A few years back I was asked to jury an exhibit of equine art sponsored by the Black Stallion Literacy Project. Elin entered a tiny gem of a horse headed to the paddock at the race track. I recall lots of vibrant grays and energetic brush work. I voted her piece "best of show". The other jurors agreed.

Elin sells these nifty flash cards of eight that represent various times of day. I couldn't resist. The cards illustrate not only the time of day but are also packed with information and suggestions for color, value, and ideas to capture the corresponding light.

I don't paint landscapes nor do I enjoy them. A client has a certain "request" and has granted me plenty of creative freedom. This beginning piece is the farm of my good friend Julie K. here in Ocala. You'll recall that I painted a rare plein air sketch a few weeks back at her place while horse sitting.

Beginning oil on canvas, 30"x40'

I'm using the flash card "late morning, early afternoon" as reference (it's late morning). The flash cards really simplify getting the "feel" of the atmosphere and light. It suggests adding a cool yellow into the sky which makes it greenish. When I read that I thought, yuk, but it really works in a subtle, cohesive way. This painting is progressing quickly.

"Occasionally, I like to select a mentor, a master, and let him guide me through a revision of one of my paintings... I try to move into his terrain, bringing my own ammunition... I do not believe... that this belittles my own personality." - Rico Lebrun

Doggie's Done

The corgi's are finished and yes, I repainted the ears on the right side dog to the correct actual size. Well, mostly. Maybe a schootch smaller.

Corgi's, oil on canvas, 16"x20"

I made the background a grayed-down violet to pop the many tones of ochre in their coats. Uploading to Google loses something in translation - it doesn't accurately represent the brushwork. The piece is looking somewhat graphic although that could be my lame photography skills. Anyway...

Getting an impression of the personalities of the dogs I never met, I realized a type of intuitive feeling that begins to evolve as the painting progresses. I can say that the dog on the left is friendly, laid back and affectionate. The pooch on the right is the watchdog, nervous and hesitant yet willing. He's intense.

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear". - Dave Barry

Season of the Dog

I'm generally protective of my client's privacy, but this commission is for a friend who granted me permission to post. I've received several commissions for dog portraits this year. Actually, more than ever. Doggies rule in 2008 .

The dog on the right has huge ears. I've painted them smaller, however, that may be his endearing quality.

The start of two beloved corgis, 16x20 oil .

“I would rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world” -- Samuel Johnson