Beginnings

When I look over my resume, especially when I'm feeling invisible, I'm impressed with my career accomplishments. Working all over the country, I've enjoyed lots of publicity from very early on and have been involved in multiple varied and interesting projects.

Recently, it's occurred to me that not even my close friends are aware of my background. Michael has decided to create a brochure that showcases the highlights of some of these achievements.

In 1988 I was hired as a contract artist by the scenic arts department of Sea World of San Diego. The new Shamu Stadium was nearing completion and a 600' mural around the top perimeter of the seating area was proposed. I, along with several other artists were assigned the task of making it happen...quickly (why these projects are always last minute is beyond me).

The days were long and the work intense. Predictably, several artists quit. I recall the paint quality not being all that great either. The design evolved as we progressed, changing and tweaking to fit the space. The head designer wanted to create a native northwestern Pacific feel, and I think we did.

 This is a small segment, the entire mural wrapped around for 600 feet.

The sculptors in the scenic arts department made the totem poles out of fiberglass. The top border of dugout canoes and orcas was over 8 foot high.

We created a wash to resemble wood and then painted these very cool totems. The fun part.

When the stadium was completed the main designer, impressed with my ability and work ethic (obtained from the race track of course), sent three artists plus myself to Sea World in San Antonio, Texas to complete murals in Cap 'n Kids Land. The entire facility would have it's grand opening within seven days and there was so much to do! Construction crews burned huge lights (like you see on the highway) to work 24-hours and we painted from sunrise to sunset.

This 20' mural was a Huckleberry Finn theme and there were lots of adjustments for the existing space and light. Construction operated all around us, or, I should say we painted around the construction.

You can see the drainage pipe and flags at the bottom. I believe when we finished it was landscaped.

When we competed the murals on the afternoon before opening day, I asked the project boss if I could go into downtown San Antonio to see the tourist sights: the Alamo and the River Walk. None of the other artists would go with me...they were too whipped and opted to nap in their rooms.

The department must have been pleased with my work as the head designer wrote a glowing letter of recommendation for me.

I still have it,
Sharon

Yet Another Blanket Finish

I've completed my fifth "Blanket Finish" greyhound for my excellent client (nine in all). It's becoming repetitive and challenging to invent different designs within the concept. I only have a few colors to work with. Before the smug amongst you state that you could never stoop to do this kind of commercial work...you're probably right. There's stooping, twisting, bending, picking up and laying down, ladder climbing and lots and lots of deep knee bends and squats. My art studio becomes a workout room.

When the hound stands at attention in my living room it sure looks pretty, certain as to why it's been requested over and over. I don't mind this at all. It's part of my role as a self-sustaining artist, all the while spurring creativity within the confines of a predetermined format and idea. I get paid for this and the artwork makes someone very happy. And that, my dears, is priceless.

There's one more to go, but my client has asked me to hang tight. So what to do in the interim? A program cover for an upcoming steeplechase!

Here comes Rusty, again,
Sharon

Realizing Intent

There's no use complaining about the weather. Almost the entire country is affected by the extreme cold and up here in the northeast...snow...lots of it. I simply cannot paint outdoors as some artists are able - my hands and right shoulder are beginning to exhibit the signs of a lifetime of repetitive motion. I'm okay with this as I consider this cabin-bound time important for study and practice.

And study I have. My dear artist friend Robert Stebleton suggested books by David Curtis of the U.K. which further led to books by Curtis' teacher, Trevor Chamberlain. I resonate with the simple, common-sense instruction by Chamberlain and will say his teaching and paintings have had a huge influence on the shifts I choose to make in my work. I'm finally experiencing some clarity after considerable floundering.

As Michael nails it: "...spot staring and wandering aimlessly." That perfectly sums up my state of mind for the past year.

Chamberlain suggests: "It's worth having a supply of boards that you have prepared yourself, and which you don't feel are too precious, to experiment and practise on, and for doing quick colour sketches of things that interest you." Fortuitously, I recently received a pile of old masonite panels that will serve his advice quite well.

Here are a couple of the better experiments:

Not quite as loose as I'd like, but my color and light is improving.

 I am pleased with the spontaneous, fluid brushwork of the Geese:

Alas, this week I'm back painting another greyhound and it looks like another will follow. Certainly helps keep the heat on in this winter of extremes. So very grateful!

Introspection and unmerciful examination are the rule of the season.

In long underwear,
Sharon

Eagles

The theme is "eagles". I wrote in a previous post about artists like myself who fall madly in love with their current subjects. And I did. It was bound to occur, being drawn to the same power and grace possessed of a thoroughbred. How do these two descriptive words find their way into the same sentence? And why am I so easily seduced by power (strength) and grace (beauty)?

Notwithstanding the political and symbolic connotations, these magnificent birds with a seven foot wing span drew me into a milieu I'm very familiar with. They are the thoroughbreds of ornithology.

Unlike the graphic "Blankets" series, realistic images present a different set of challenges when applied to the contours of the of the fiberglass sculpture. Painting on these forms is...a lot of work.

The majority of an eagle's diet is fish. One side of the greyhound depicts the birds fishing while the other side places them in a woodland environment.

 An eagle's nest can weigh over a ton!

Medicine bird,
Sharon

High Art It's Not

It's not high art. But it does keep the heat on. And I am learning to handle acrylics and miraculously, even get a bit skillful with them. Also, the number of deep knee bends required is getting my legs fit. Painting these fiberglass statues entails lots of physical movement - up and down, standing on a step-stool, kneeling, bending, put the hound on the floor, stand it up on the table again, lay it on it's side...it's no wonder I'm pooped at the end of the day! Plus, they weigh around 35-40lbs.

I've already painted a few with a similar theme. This one has stronger design and I'm as satisfied as I can be with this graphic, un-painterly style. It's...pretty. Feedback from the prior "Blankets" confirms it: people in the greyhound biz love them.

It's a good project for these long, cold, dark days of winter.

The particular destination for this puppy is a track that has an extra number: 9. It's akin to an also eligible and it's purple, providing another color to work with. Because it's on the AE, I used it sparingly. If you don't know horse racing, you have no idea what the heck I'm talking about. Let's just say that if one dog scratches another dog that drew number nine gets to race. To be honest, I'm not all that clear about the rule myself even after looking it up.

Temporarily, he guards the front door.

Painting with plastic and liking it,
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

2012 - Much to be thankful for.

As I look back at my work year I realize how well my career recovery is underway from the travails of the recession. Here goes...

It's been a year since opening the studio on Beekman St. The Arts District has also suffered mightily but signs of improvement abound. Michael was able to stir interest in another First Friday Art Walk which will be repeated in the spring (the Art Walk he singly organized in Ocala still continues and is smashingly successful). I'm so grateful to have street presence and have the support of friends who believe in me and my artwork. The studio makes it possible to participate in various art events throughout the year. Yes, I work very hard to market myself and cannot rely solely on walk-in traffic, but the studio has proven itself necessary over and over. It's about street cred.

A great gig came my way last January with the commission to paint six greyhound fiberglass forms. My new client used the artwork to raise money for greyhound rescue. And what a fortuitous meeting! He saw my fiberglass horses in Ocala and took the trouble to find me here in Saratoga. What a fascinating, generous and easy to work with client who made my struggles with acrylic paint a bearable challenge. Angels come in all disguises.

Getting my children's book finished and published was a milestone. 101 Whinnying Riddles for Horse Crazy Kids is listed on Amazon.com and has sold very well. My book partner who wrote the riddles, Dale Sue Wade is brilliant and supportive. I made lots of mistakes but learned well about self-publishing. I'm even open to repeating the venture. In color next time.

I was invited to show at the spring exhibition at the American Academy of Equine Art in Lexington, KY. Always an affirming endeavor.

Creating and nurturing business relationships is more vital than ever. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame hosted a book signing for me during the race meet. It's important to form alliances with those who share similar focus, passions and who also work hard to promote these principles.

Yup, there were some low points in the year to mention briefly but not dwell. The cancellation of the Inaugural Saratoga Steeplechase Festival for which I was the poster artist was a big disappointment and also hit me in the pocketbook. The state take over of NYRA stole some of the magic from the race meet and left many of us drained and uncertain of the future. However, the recent meeting of the new board of directors produced direction for positive change, especially during the upcoming 150th Anniversary to be widely celebrated. And I'm grateful to still be an artist vendor at the world's most fabulous race track. We remain hopeful.

The lack of interest in equine art here in Saratoga after the race meet has been a blessing. It has compelled me to spread my painterly wings and do some flying. While it's often frustrating, it's also a great challenge to experiment and grow. The interest in my "new" subjects has been reassuring.

I have amazing clients and am thankful for all who supported me throughout the year. You all know who you are and I'm so grateful for you interest in my artwork and career. Next week, Michael and I will sit down and make plans for 2013 with renewed enthusiasm. In the meantime, I wish you all a

Merry Christmas and Peace and Prosperity in the New Year!

With lots of love,
Sharon

Please! Don't Go!

Experiencing a couple of unsubscribes last week has me wondering. Perhaps I've not painted a race horse in awhile, but this is a great gig for me and has me leaping out of my oil-equine-big canvas-wild eyed box. I know some of my friends are getting a kick out of my documented struggles as I gunk up acrylic paint while ruining good brushes and misting water on anyone who passes too close.

Or, maybe I've not been clear regarding the greyhound project. The subject of greyhound racing can elicit assorted opinion as I've discovered...some of them rather passionate. So, let me explain.

I have a client who has commissioned me to paint several fiberglass life-size greyhounds. These art pieces are being auctioned off across the country to benefit various greyhound rescue groups. Be happy for me as the project has mushroomed into opportunities that neither my client nor myself foresaw. For instance, remember Waguar, the greyhound painted with the team colors of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars?

That number 32 was personally autographed by Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville's star running back. My client, who is an avid sports fan, not only experienced the fun of meeting the renown player but also went out to breakfast with him. Very happy client = very happy Sharon.

As a former race tracker I could be droning on and on about I'll Have Another's trainer and his drug issues or the threatened strike of NYRA's maintenance union right before the Belmont blah blah blah. But I'll spare you all that noise as I quietly create my own controversy...

It's a fund-raiser for greyhound rescue,
Sharon

Finished Chief Greyhound

This is an artist blog, after all. I've been remiss with my artwork updates amid the chaos of my website troubles.

Here's one of the last two greyhounds that I completed and delivered. In a previous post I shared some of the process of creating "Chief". Lots of research, kids, goes into fulfilling the requests of my client. However, I'm learning new things that make me go "huh" in an inquisitive way.

After finishing up this particular greyhound, I'm also understanding (finally!) how to handle acrylic paint. I have great admiration for artists who produce beautiful paintings with this plastic fast-drying goo that I've cursed during many a painting session. How do they do it? Check out my good friend Robert Stebleton who applies it with ease and agility. That's how they do it.

Four Indian Chiefs representing the Sioux (Oglala and Lakota), Nez Pearce and Cherokee, and seven clans of the Cherokee are represented. Also, lots of totems and traditional patterns.

Chief Joseph and Chief Sitting Bull were derived from historical black and white photos readily available on the web.

View from above looking down on the greyhound's head. The Eagle and Blue Sky are two Cherokee clans.

Potato Vine and Bear sometimes represent similar clans.

There is no word equivalent for goodbye in the Sioux language because it would break the bond of connectedness. Therefore, I'll meet you all again in the blogosphere.
Sharon

Blanket Finish is Finished

Even though the dogs are much smaller that the horses, painting the forms remains a physical undertaking. Because the dogs are waist high the view from above must be constantly checked from where it will be observed most. Up and down the step ladder, on my knees and 'round and 'round the table I go.

Lo and behold...another delivery!

Here's the design submitted to the client. Only eight greyhounds can run in a race (think twenty horses in the Kentucky Derby). The green and white striped #7 is often referred to as "the candy stripe".

The finished "Blanket Finish". He's pretty and colorful as the blankets cascade over his form...referring back to my first Horse Fever design "Champ" depicting the jockey silks of fourteen prominent Marion County (Ocala) thoroughbred breeders.

Onward to greyhound three. This one illustrates deep sea fishing in a more painterly style.

Dogfish?
Sharkingly,
Sharon

Jacksonville Jaguar-Greyhound

Here's the finished "Waguar", my first of the greyhound painting project. The design is quite graphic with lots of steady-handed hard lines that took me much longer than expected.

 Logos galore...

Next greyhound: "Blanket Finish." The numbered cloths the hounds wear in a race are called blankets. The design will depict blankets cascading over the form. I cut out a paper template resembling a flattened blanket and used it to draw my outlines so the sizes would be consistent. Lines quickly got complex as they weaved in and out of each other and to keep from getting too confused, I indicated where the numbers will be.

Back to the dog house,

Sharon

Waguar

I'm running very, very behind in this documentary. Spending an inordinate amount of time researching on the laptop, I've gleaned lots of interesting facts about a wide variety of subjects. This is the part of creating specific artwork that people don't normally see - the time-consuming preparation. And this is even before the sketching begins. Also, my wireless internet connection is not working in the evening when I usually do all of my computer work. Sigh. Still working on it.

"Waguar" is my first greyhound to paint. Designed for a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, I've researched the team, the colors, the star players and the logos both present and historical.

However, before the drawing begins...grime, dust and fingerprints are scrubbed away.

A coat of gesso is then applied.

Finally, the drawing begins. I'll make several changes as the design evolves and takes on a life of it's own. Notice the reference material on the tabletop that will continue to grow into an unmanageable mess!

 Fast-forward to blocking in the main design.

 
NOTE: My apologies for having to implement comment moderation thanks to these stupid spammers who somehow figure a way past Blogger's own spam detection. Spamming is such an ineffective way to sell goods or services that no one wants to begin with.

Grrrrr,
Sharon