Greyhound Turns into a Jaguar

One of the perks to painting these smaller dogs as opposed to the much bigger horses is being able to make them lie down (pun intended). They only weigh about 45 lbs. and I can handle them myself.

 

But please understand that it's still quite a physical undertaking. Kneel down, climb a step ladder and walk around and around the table countless times a day. And with these acrylic paints, the water must be changed 900 times a day (it seems) to keep all the colors pure. 

I'm pleased with the jaguar "tatoo" running down the front leg.

Here, "Waguar" is beginning to look like a Jacksonville Jaguar mascot of sorts.

My dear friend and designer extraordinaire Julie K. (she's shy) composed this amazing ad for a special issue of Homes & Land in Ocala, Florida using two of my paintings. Julie also designed my beautiful website www.sharoncrute.com.

Happy Leap Day!
Sharon

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

Cover Art for the 2011 Farm Directory

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

What I Did 2008

Challenging year for many artists. Still, we managed. Never missed a meal and somehow paid the bills. It was a terrific year for the creative and ambitious to build up inventories of artwork and reassess goals, restructure business plans, sharpen skills and now focus intentions for 2009.

I'm doing okay!

• Twice featured in Art Business News. With gallery owner Terry Lindsey at Equidae Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY in January. I was then highlighted as an "emerging artist" in the November issue which attracted multiple opportunities from differing sources. The most attractive is a licensing deal with a couple of large, respected companies - contracts pending...
• I applied for and was accepted into the 2008 Developmental Workshop in St. Petersburg.
• Participated in a group equine art exhibit at Gallery Central in Hot Springs, Arkansas. My artwork was featured on the cover of Springs Magazine, a local hip/happening monthly. Gallery also used my artwork for advertising in the Springs Magazine.
• Participated in my first museum exhibits, the first at the Museum of Florida Art in Deland. The second was a group exhibit with several of my Out of Hand Artists salon members at the Elliot Museum in Stuart, Florida.
  
• Speaking of Out of Hand Artists, my salon is stronger than ever and entering it's third year! Most members have benefited from the mutual support and encouragement. Some have demonstrated exciting leaps in their professional careers. Like attracts like.
• Lisa Wilson wrote a great article about my artwork in the Hot Springs Travel Host Magazine.
• Recipient of a Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Artist Enhancement Grant.
  
• Began exhibiting with the Alec P. and Louis H. Courtelis Equine Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
• Exhibited at Great Art and Frame in Tampa at their group equine art show to benefit Bakas Equestrian Center.
• Exhibited at Equidae Gallery in Saratoga Springs, New York.
• I finally installed my nine-canvas project "Diagonal" in the Florida Thoroughbred Charities Equine Art Exhibit 2008. It hung 15' up the wall and was a show stopper at the opening reception. Featured on the front page (and center) of the Star Banner's Sunday Arts & Travel section.

Here's the biggie that I'm most jazzed about:

• My biggest coup and most exciting accomplishment was acquiring an audience with NYRA's (New York Racing Association) marketing department at Saratoga. With Michael's help and persistance, I was able to present an impressive promotional package. The powers that be have expressed a genuine interest in my participation as a backstretch vendor at the next meet. There has even been mention of of a long sleeve t-shirt designed by moi.

And of course I couldn't realize any of this without the support of my friends, family, galleries, investors and collectors. Those of you who have faith in my abilities and ambition (even dreams!) are a blessing in my life.
Thank you.

"The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged." - Ovid

Great Shout Out

As Michael and I were hanging the Florida Thoroughbred Charities Equine Art Exhibit 2008 last week, we were interviewed by Lashonda Stinson Curry, entertainment features writer for the Ocala Star Banner local newspaper. In her reliably excellent journalistic style, she covered our show with insight and articulate observation. A fabulous story resulted that you can read about here. Unfortunately, the online version doesn't illustrate the fantastic photographic spread featured on the "Arts and Travel" front page.

Many thanks to Lashonda, photographer Erica Brough and the Ocala Star Banner!

“Publicity, publicity, publicity is the greatest moral factor and force in our public life” - Joseph Pulitzer

Building Relationships

There are times that I experience frustration that sales here at home in Ocala are somewhat lukewarm. After all, this is the self-proclaimed "Horse Capital of the World". Fact is, while there are many wealthy, gorgeous horse farms here, the well-heeled owners just don't shop in Smalltown.

So I shrug off the pity jacket and focus on the wonderful business relationships I've developed that are of crucial importance. These connections take time to form and are strengthened through trust and reliability. My primo gallery, The Paddock Room Galleries here in Ocala is one essential association. The University of Florida Equine Veterinary Hospital is a new and promising one. Countless individuals also fall under this relationship subject.

The Florida Breeders' and Owners' Association is a significant affiliation for me. They appreciate my good will contributions to the racing industry and in return, generously support me with invaluable publicity by using my artwork like this:

This invitation is sent out to the FTBOA members (over 2,000 nationwide) to attend the annual Membership Cocktail Party on October 5th during the festivities of Ocala Week.

Michael is busy curating a terrific exhibit of top equine artists from across the country to be installed in the FTBOA gallery. A portion of the sales will benefit the Florida Thoroughbred Charities. My artwork, again, on the invitation:


More info on the exhibit to come.

“Business is not just doing deals; business is having great products, doing great engineering, and providing tremendous service to customers. Finally, business is a cobweb of human relationships.” - H. Ross Perot

Nice write up regarding our exhibit at the Elliott Museum from the Indian River Magazine. Six members of my artists salon, "Out of Hand Artists" were selected to show last month and it was a well designed installation. I couldn't find the exact article but here's one about the museum in the same issue.

The editor, Gregory Enns, e-mailed some questions to me, giving me time to think and respond with something that vaguely sounded intelligent and knowledgeable. Easy in comparison to those one on one interviews that elicit brain blackouts.

Many sincere thanks to the staff at the Elliott Museum and the Indian River Magazine.

Back to the Artwork

Life goes on. After three days of emotional e-mails and phone call from folks I don't even know regarding Eight Belles - I'm back in the studio and yes, I'm still painting thoroughbred horse racing subjects. Because that's who I am and horse racing is what I love.

Another shout out from Hot Springs: In the April/May issue, author Lisa Wilson wrote a great article about my exhibit at Gallery Central during the Oaklawn meet.

Lisa and her hubby, D. Arthur Wilson are well accomplished artists in their own right. Check out their site here. I'm honored that Lisa thought enough of my work to showcase it in the Hot Springs TravelHost Magazine.

Thank you Lisa!!

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.

A Shout Out

My gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas sent me this monthly art and entertainment magazine, "The Springs". It's one of those trendy newsprint publications like you see all over in L.A., Boston and Asheville. I was delighted to see an ad featuring moi at Gallery Central.

My exhibit at Gallery Central coincides with the race meet at Oaklawn Park (remember that horse named Curlin who ran there last year and won the Arkansas Derby?). In "The Springs" magazine, there's also a feature titled "In the Art Galleries", a list of what's happening gallery-wise. The column shows another one of my pieces, "Through the Inside". This is way cool. And here's what the writer says: "...she's able to express the supreme power of nature through her artwork." and "A fresh, inventive approach convincingly conveys the weight and solidity of Crute's paintings." and "Her forceful, descriptive sparkle with skillful brushwork, rich colors and imagery."

Impressive review, I'd say.

"Through the Inside"

Did you know that Hot Springs is rated #4 in the list of top 100 small art towns of the U.S.?

Many thanks to my most excellent dealer, Gallery Central and "The Springs Magazine".

Art Business News

I received my copy of "Art Business News" in the mail today. Imagine my delight to see the photo and short blurb I sent in after returning home from Saratoga Springs last summer. It's in the Picture Gallery department. Even though I resemble a linebacker, hopefully people will look at the artwork instead of moi.

Michael took the photo at my exhibit with the Equidae Gallery. Owner Terry Lindsey does a primo job of designing the space and presenting the artwork. I was honored to be included.

Here's the text:

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY
The Equidae Gallery recently hosted a group exhibit of equine artwork. Pictured from left are gallery owner Terry Lindsey and artist Sharon Crute in front of one of Crute's multipanel oils. The piece depicts an entire horse race from start to finish.

EmptyEasel.com

I received an extremely pleasant e-mail from Dan at EmptyEasel.com this morning notifying me that he had written a review regarding my paintings. Check it out here.

What's so gratifying is that Dan gets it: "Those extra strokes of color flying out from the racehorse’s sides and the jockey’s back are what give her paintings their immediacy and vitality—it’s like the ground is shaking so hard that your eyes can’t focus."

It's an ongoing study of how the eye reacts to a scene of rapid, complex movement. Add to the fray a mix of beating bass sound and you've got a fascinating fusion of how the brain reacts to intensive stimuli and what will be committed to memory. Focus is highly selective depending on the observer. Encountering this amount of frenetic activity within a fleeting moment requires visual editing. Some lines and forms will appear sharply delineated and others will blur. This is why I advise young artists to soften and even lose a line - the eye just doesn't see everything in it's visual field all clean and crisp.

So many thanks to Dan at EmptyEasel.com. The website contains a plethora of information for artists and art lovers. You are even invited to submit your artwork (as I did) and/or an article. There are some wonderfully noteworthy contributors.

A Weekend of Soirees

A few months back Jeanne Winslow of Horse Shows in the Park contacted me about using my artwork for their show program cover. I was honored. Then, she graciously invited us to the Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance at the Ocala Hilton on Saturday night. Over 220 families were on hand to reap the rewards of hard work and diligent horsemanship throughout the year.

A slide show continuously chronicled the events and participants.

An unbelievable array of ribbons, trophies, cups, plates, barn gifts and so forth was awarded to the winners of several categories.

Moi presented a giclee of the image chosen for the cover art to a top winner.

An enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

On Sunday night the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers held their Annual Stallion Showcase and Silent Auction Fund Raiser, also at the Hilton.

A great turnout of bidders.

Moi donated a small giclee of "Harrowing". I'm with good friend Moe Hahn who is the 2008 Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers cover artist. She's standing next to the cover artwork - a slick, somewhat abstract driving piece.

Michael was the winning bidder on some books about historical thoroughbred breeding. I bought raffle tickets but didn't stick around for the drawing as I'm burning the proverbial double-ended candle.

Darn it, they were for stuffed meercats.

Farm Credit of North Florida

The folks at Farm Credit of North Florida are the best. Dori Morgan includes me in lots of their events and activities and gives me free rein to market and promote myself. The Ocala office hosted a holiday open house and invited me to put on a little art show. How cool that the invitations included moi.

There's "Harrowing" over the couch and "Live Oak" behind Torie in violet. Don is standing in front of a live, fragrant tree. He wrote an wonderful article about me a while back which was featured in their quarterly magazine. I'll miss you Don when you retire next month and wish you a leisurely and luxurious time off.

You'll never go hungry when you hang out with this group. These folks work hard yet recognize when to have some fun. I exchanged business cards with interesting people, saw some old friends...and ate...all day. That's "Sneakin Off" on the back wall.

Thank you all for a great day!

Artist to the Stars

Received a phone call from my book partner today. She's psyched to get back into production but I explained to her that I own a couple of big fat frogs to eat before Christmas. Seems I'm going to get hit with the old last minute slam as usual but I'm up to the task.

Being the writer extraordinaire, she made a suggestion for an article she'd like to tackle for national dissemination. Titled: "Artist to the Stars", she wants to feature some of my well-know clients who may or may not be celebrities but who are nevertheless well know in their respective endeavors. Although I explained that I respect the privacy of my clients, it was a delicious idea. Why else would the tabloids and TV rags sell ad space if people weren't paying attention? It's an indulgence for even the most astute of us. Sometimes we're just a little...curious...

Perhaps a "human interest" story?

Selling Out

There's marketing and then there's crappy overwrought commercialism. Any mention to this year's Kentucky Derby must (apparently) be referenced in print media as: "Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1)". Wonder how the blue bloods feel about this. And now, any indication to the world-wide, global Breeders' Cup Classic must be referred to as: "Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1)". Where's the tradition, purity, integrity?

Those who know me are aware of my intentions to learn marketing, branding, self-publicity and promotion during this past year or so, in spite of my left-brained preponderance. It just seems cheesy for America's top races and be soooo beholden to corporate sponsors.

Okay, I'm ranting again. Humor me. This afternoon I watched a caterer win the filly and mare sprint (sorry Oprah), Nownownow do it without cobra venom (we can only assume), and the son of the giant killer carry on the tradition. I've been in the studio slapping paint on canvas all week in anticipation of an afternoon of beer and munchies tomorrow. Oh, and speaking of paint, what artist lives and breathes horse racing and is an intrepid ambassador to the sport? What artist has done more to promote horse racing, has lived the life from hotwalker to racing official more than moi? HUH? So, I'm perusing the Breeders' Cup website today and what do I stumble upon...an artist giving a painting away in exchange for publicity! Humongous publicity! Oh yeah, for charity. Is this what I have to do to get noticed by the marketing departments of various race tracks, organizations and/or corporate sponsors? One would think they'd take advantage of such an aficionada, fanatic, devotee, enthusiast, addict, groupie, supporter, admirer and...buff! And a former owner/trainer, damn it!

I'll put my work up to anyone's anytime.
An exciting and glorious day of Breeders' Cup racing to all...

Reception at Fayette Gallery

Road trips. Gotta luv 'em. You'd think I'd be used to them by now and well, I am, it's just that it takes me longer to recover from the grind.

My reception at Fayette Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky last Friday night was lovely. Owners Jenny and Ron went over the top with publicity and the party itself.

I'm pointing out details in my original "Off the Rail" which depicts morning training at Monmouth Park. Everyone has a different guess as to which race track it is. I was sure to impress that Monmouth is hosting the Breeders' Cup races but there were not bites - yet.

Michael is engaged in an intense discussion concerning drugs in horse racing to a local NPR journalist.

Moi and Karyn Pirrello of High Adventure Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. I met Karyn at the Little Everglades Steeplechase in Dade City, Florida a couple of years ago. She purchased one of my little gold leaf paintings. We had a great time getting caught up and she told me about all the horses she's rescued. Bless her.

Moi, Ron and Jenny in front of my painting "Blue Blinkers".

Dishin' It Out

Chef Randal White in front of my tile mural "Sneaking Off".

Unsuspectingly, today I perused yesterday's local newspaper looking for movie listings. I leafed past this photo and then double-backed, recognizing my artwork! That's certified executive chef Randal White receiving make-up in preparation for the taping of a new cable show "Dishin' It Out". Wow! (of course, we're on satellite)

Yes, Chef White is a celebrity in these parts but he holds down a steady gig as head chef at Arthur's of Ocala Hilton. The show is taped at Sag Harbor Kitchens who commissioned the tile mural from me. It looks outstanding installed as the backsplash of a Viking stove and beautiful custom designed cabinetry.

Way, way cool.