If you have not had the opportunity to see the new gallery space at Darke Gallery there is no time like the present to make the time to see it and the wonderful new exhibit Trifecta Perfecta featuring artists Debra Barrera, Anne J. Regan and Geoff Hippenstiel.

Linda Darke Swaynos, wonderful friend and Gallery Owner, has once again outdone herself with the selection of these artists.  I found Geoff’s work to be exceptional!

The visit to the gallery opening made for the beginning of a wonderful “date night” for Tom and me. Find your own reason to go….just don’t miss this terrific exhibit!

A year ago if you would have told me that I would be a part of a gallery I would have, and probably did, laugh.  However, I am proud to announce that as of yesterday, I am officially the newest member of Archway Gallery in Houston. (more…)

The critique group (10+ Artists) that I have the real privileged of belonging to learned this week that we have been selected to exhibit our new “TXT” show in January 2010 at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts.  What is so great about the timing is that it is the beginning of a new show at the museum which brings in a large crowd…..translating into Great Exposure!

Opening reception is January 8th, 6-8pm.

Check out the Pearl website for details of their new show, A Sense of Place, Selections from the Bobbie and John Nau Collection of Texas Art, January 9-March 28, 2010.  Directions can be found at the Pearl website.

We look forward to seeing all our friends at the opening reception!

Twice a year the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H) brings in a nationally/internationally acclaimed artist for our major workshops that are a part of either our Annual Members Exhibit (October) or our International Show (March).  Both are week long extravaganzas that, as you can imagine, take a lot of volunteer effort to pull off successfully. (more…)

On our recent trip to Mobile, Alabama, Tom and I took off to the city to see the revitalization efforts in downtown and hopefully visit some of the local art galleries.  With Tom’s interest in revitalization and mine in the arts, not much extra time on our hands and rain quickly approaching we headed to the Lower Dauphin Street Historic District. (more…)

How great is this?!

Enjoy life ….. Paint ….. Critique …. Exposure …. and who knows where it goes from here.  WOW!!

Being a part of this group  ROCKS!!!

http://10plusartists.blogspot.com

Hot Ticket

The excitement of this brings to mind a mentor of mine….Linda Swaynos, who always delights in teaching others about “shameless self promotion”….. Don’t knock it until you have tried it… Darkegallery We could all learn a few lessons…..

“Shamelessly” promoting my part in this fabulous group of artists!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of being one of the speakers at the Small Business Luncheon sponsored by the Houston Northwest Chamber and The Sun (our local newspaper).

Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts

The event was held at our new Museum, The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts on Cypresswood Drive.

Speakers were Tim Novak, Pearl MFA; Nancy Decker, FACE; Nancy Agafitei, Barbara Bush Library and yours truly, Artist, and Pearl Board Member. (more…)

I have been here before.  Staring a crossroads clearly in the face.  Neither path is wrong, just different.  So, what is it going to be?  I am a strong believer in the saying that “when one door closes another opens”.  But we must choose and then be willing to let go.

So, I choose to focus on my art career – where that leads I am not quite sure.  That in itself is exciting.  At this point in my life it is what brings me the most joy and excitement.  Excitement for creativity yet untapped and excitement of the unknown.  Joy for being in a place where I can be myself and have fun.

A very wise friend of mine once said “They can do it without me.”  Marilyn Hillery – a dear friend who is one of the reasons I paint today. Sometimes the wisest thing a leader can do is let go and let others step up.

So, the community will survive and find new leadership. I will paint.

D'Nile 2nd Place Winner at September 2009 Gallery Show

I guess this is on my mind today because this month we will not meet due to so many conflicts in schedules.  I am new to this whole critique group thing but wow what a difference it has made.

Not too many months ago I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate with a group that was formed quite a long time ago.   First I got invited to attend as a guest and bring several paintings for critique.  I was a little nervous because these are all very accomplished painters and I was not sure how I would “measure up”.

I am never surprised anymore at the wonderful artists that I meet.  It is like a very warm loving family.  I was however, blown away by the work that each of them brought to have critiqued.  Oh no…..it was my turn….heart racing I presented my work.   I told myself, look confident, don’t faint and DON’T CRY – which is what I tend to do when I get over emotional whether happy or sad.

It was a wonderful experience.  They had some very good comments and actually liked my work and had some really great suggestions of names for the paintings.

Not only did I live through the experience but a few days after the meeting I was called to inquire about my interests in becoming a regular member of the group.  I said ‘yes’ very calmly as if it happens everyday.  Hung up the phone and immediately called my daughter, husband, sister, and said “oh my gosh, you will not believe what just happened.”  They all laughed at me and once again reminded me that I am the only one who is continually surprised by the fact that people like and appreciate my paintings.

The whole point of this is that being a part of this group has given me a new found confidence.  My life is VERY busy right now but I am finding time to paint and enjoying it more.  A little confidence goes a long way!

The new website is Live as of early this morning.

I am particularly happy with the way the images of the paintings are displayed.  We still have some photographing to do and some text revisions…but isn’t that always the case.  If you waited for that to be finished I suppose no one would ever have their sites up.

Enjoy!

Oh yes – Tom YOU ROCK!!!!