Moving DONE plus Art Show...

It's DONE...all moved in.

My former area of work is no more...

Transformed into a new comfortable space.  The drafting table is where the file cabinets were.  It will stay for him to finish his final billing tomorrow and for me to use for drawing.

NOW...this is my whole entire area for painting, painting, painting...

It's not all done yet, but the organization has started with the most amazing help of B!  Thank GOODNESS I have her because I COULD NOT get it all done.  

Frankly the past couple of weeks have been overwhelmingly exhausting.  Moving carloads of art work/supplies several times a day, loading and unloading, in between being Granny Taxi to little Min and trying to navigate my new work desk to finish that job, I am more than overwhelmed.  In fact, I dropped Min off at school after making a couple of load and unload runs then running quick to pick her up from downtown from her catechesis class to then driving her to her day school at 61st & Yale, knowing it was lunchtime and heading back to the "new" studio, I was asked at her day school by one of the teachers how it was going.  Oops, wrong time to stop and talk to me.  I was vulnerable to falling apart at that moment.  There was the director, and two teachers in the hall and I fell apart.  I just hit a brick wall.  It has been so much that my mental capacity is at that breaking point and my body is breaking down too.  My tummy has been in turmoil to the point that sometimes while cooking dinner I almost want to throw-up with the thought of even eating it.  This nearly 67 year old body is to the point of collapse and I can't let it happen because there is still so much more to go.  Come June/July time frame we will again be having the three year old with us more, but she will be a bit older, that helps.  And the move is basically done, that helps.  Work will be sort of over, that helps.  I think there will be a breather in there somewhere.  

This weekend we are heading to the cabin and will have a mini celebration with our cabin friends on Saturday night, and a bit of drinking will be happening!  The Hubby is really in his head with this final day tomorrow and needs to get away.  We thought about staying to Monday but can't.  Have to be back Sunday night because I think we will have Min so they can discharge with Max on Monday and HEAD HOME!!!  Just in time for Easter.

Oh gosh, every second of our lives right now are changed by the minute.  I can hardly plan anything because of it all.  I, my art group, Tulsa Artist Guild, is having an art opening on Thursday evening.  THAT I have to do as I'm in charge of the caterer and food, and I have art in the show!  Looking forward to it.

If you are in the area and would like to come to our show, here is the info.  Please join us.  There will be very yummy refreshments and lots of beautiful art.  I have three paintings in this show and this the art sells very fast usually.  

Post Opening Exhaustion

Well, IT IS DONE!  

Last nights opening was awesome.  So many people showed up for the show, high school classmates (my bestie from high school!!!), friends, family, work colleagues, art group(s) peers and just people off the street.  It was FANTASTIC!  If you looked close at my face in the first photo it was glistening with sweat.  I was so hot getting all the last minute stuff done.  We had it catered by the Palate but had to pick up the trays and drive them there.  We had wine which I had chilled to serve.  Then I just waited for the art admirers to come and look.  It as such an amazing experience and I am overwhelmed by the support.  Thank you everyone for being there.  

The show will be open for the entire month.  If you didn't make the opening go by any time the museum is open, 10-3 I believe and Thursdays till 8.

Art Opening

 TOMORROW is the day.  I'm really getting excited for this show.  I've been framing and putting wiring on paintings for weeks now, typing labels, pricing paintings, making lists and more lists to get it tweeked just right. We got an email from the director that we could set up a day early too!  I took that opportunity to at least get all the paintings, or most of them down to the museum yesterday instead of today, the original set up day.  I went to the studio thinking I was the only one with the idea of loading up since Linda was going to do it Wednesday, Buttttt, she got there before me...LOL!  Great minds as they say.  Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to get all 24 paintings in my own car, all by myself.  In the end though I took four back and got another large painting and one to replace one I took that had no label.  When I arrived at the museum I was already a sweaty mess because of the humidity but I was pretty proud of myself for being able to get it all done.  Since this surgery I so able to do so much now!  I unloaded and was planning on coming back for The Hubby to help hang the show but the director came in and started helping with her son and before you know it my part of the show was up and ready, except for the exchanges and additions.  In all I have 21 paintings.  Linda ended up going and her husband met her at noon and they got all theirs hung too and she has 21 paintings!  It looks AWESOME!!!  OMG, I'm really so excited.  What a great birthday present to have an art opening show. (FYI, my birthday is Saturday!)  The show runs the entire month of June and hopefully we will sell something.  I have a QRcode to hang that will enable anyone to buy something too.  People keep telling me they are coming to the opening and that is extremely exciting.  This show means so much to me because it is in my hometown.  

I'm honestly surprised I'm able to sleep because I'm so excited.  Tomorrow will be hugely busy because I also have a teeth cleaning, pedicure appointment, pick up food trays, wine, and to make myself presentable for the show without being a sweaty mess.  

A Lot of Babble

This hip thing is honestly very awesome. On Thursday I told The Hubby I wanted, NEEDED to go out to eat.  Sometimes I just am over trying to create meals and he is quite content to go, thank goodness.  So we went to The Polo Grill in Utica Square.  They've done a huge remodel, expanded and we've not been there since that was done.  Goodness it is very large with outside eating, big bar, etc. We didn't have a reservation and they kind of oohed and ahhed about that but we asked if we could sit in the bar and they said certainly.  Honestly there were TONS of empty tables, especially in the bar.  The Hubby and I were kind of amused watching a lot of "OLD" money walk past in their suits and ties and ladies with their bags and pearls.  Some could barely walk in and one guy had a nice but baggy suit on and the dirtiest worn out tennis shoes I had ever seen.  Made me giggle a bit.  (I love to people watch.)  It was a nice meal, mine was a tad tepid and the haricot verts (I call them green beans) were really pretty and green but so raw I could barely crunch through them.  I know that's the trend but a bit more cook would be better.  During dinner The Hubby suggested we go downtown to watch our jazz vibraphonist son-in-law perform at the jazz club Low Down that is under (stairs) the restaurant Duet.  (This is a long roundabout story...)  Normally, pre-surgery I would not even have thought of doing that because of the possibility of walking and STAIRS, oh no.  I responded, "YES!"  The Hubby was thrilled and so was I.  My first instinct was to say no but I didn't and am very glad I was agreeable to the idea.  So off we went, found parking a block and a half away and surprised Nick.  We stayed through his first set and then headed home before we turned into pumpkins.  I can get out now but the sleep monster will not let me stay up to 10 anymore. LOL!  We got to meet a lot of people, his fans and even one couple that saw him in Kansas City a month ago, came down just to see him.  He does have a nice jazz fan base and it's wonderful to see.  

That day I had gone to the studio and quickly painted this little bluebird and I mean quickly.  Sketched it first then splashed a bit of paint on it and was very happy.

I love painting birds and dogs, cats for some reason challenge me.

The holiday weekend usually doesn't mean a whole lot because if it's at the end of the month and we have to work, in the office, billing.  The plan was to come back like usual on Sunday to work.  We did get away to the cabin early on Friday to enjoy the day and evening.  The next day I had another one of my painting groups at the wigwam this time as it was NOT flooded.  I would have had more people but only 3 were able to show up.  The others, illness and kiddos got in the way.  We had a small nice group though and I felt more like I helped this time.  They asked a lot of questions and I was able to guide one to a fully finished watercolor, her first ever painting.  She was absolutely thrilled with it.  One used oils for the very first time and got a bit frustrated but she just barreled through the painting like she had been doing it for years.  The other did oils just to play with mixing and really enjoyed it.  I tried to lend a lot of tips about mixing paint, videos to watch, help with shadows and light.  It was fun.  The thing I need to learn is NOT to get too absorbed into what I WANT to paint as it is to help them and I felt I was a bit lacking in that but they want to watch me.  Have to fine tune this thing called "teaching."   

Paula's first painting!

I had set up more still life stuff mainly for me to paint.  It seems easier than trying to paint from my IPad as I usually do. Plus setting up stuff in the beautiful wigwam was fun.  

Later in the evening we had dinner at Peggy and Tom's.  Hadn't been to their cabin in quite a while as they've been gone a lot the past few months.  It was a wonderful evening on their porch visiting with our crew.  I made a huge cheese, fruit and cracker platter they loved.  Tom grilled chicken k-bobs, there was a tossed salad and corn on the cob.  It was a nice summer meal.

I do have to remember those who are not with us anymore.  Really, I kind of put that stuff out of my mind mostly but it is slammed back with photos of graves, flowers and memories on Facebook.  I don't want to be sad but remember the wonderful lives they lived here with us on this earth.  

FYI, our girls are on VACATION!  Sadly they won't be here for my birthday next Saturday but I'm throwing myself a small party.  I couldn't decide if I wanted to spend the weekend at the cabin or here in town and opted for town because ALL of our crowd are gone at the cabin, the ones I would party with.  So I invited some of my oldest friends from when we used to go to church, Tonya, Paula and Tracy and their wonderful hubbies over for dinner.  I'm going to pick up Olive Garden lasagna, salad, breadsticks and told them to maybe bring an appetizer or dessert.  One is bringing special cocktails.  She is queen of those!  FUN.  It will be a nice low key time with old friends, what I want to do.  I told The Hubby that morning I would like to go to breakfast and then I have an art meeting, then back home to ready for friend-time.  It will be a great day.  

This short week I have lot going on.  Linda and I are setting up for the art opening at the BA Museum.  At first it was going to be a Wednesday set up but got notice from the director that we can start on Tuesday!  I have The Hubby's help on Wednesday and his truck but I plan on taking a huge load down on Tuesday and really reassess what I need and don't need to bring back on Wednesday.  Linda can't do anything until Wednesday.  I want to be able to split the space evenly for the two of us, I don't want to be a wall hog.  It's exciting.  I have to get wine and on the way down on Thursday for the opening I will pick up food trays from our caterer.  I told The Hubby he only has to be there for about 30 minutes, there's a dance thing I think.  Not a problem.  I do want him to appear and support.  

Sunday News

I have news this fine rainy and chilly Sunday.  I saw on my calendar last week a notation about BA Museum on June 1.  Could not remember exactly what it was but thought it was a show.  Linda and I were supposed to have a two person show over two years ago at the Broken Arrow Museum but Covid stopped it from happening.  Then last July or so the director contacted me about a show in September but again I was hesitant because of the pandemic and because I could not even think about it with my hip pain and needing to have the surgery.  So I put it off until this June.  I forgot about it.  Funny thing is I got an email from the director asking me if we were still on for the June show!!!  Ah-ha, there it was the nudge to the memory.  I told Linda about it and she said, "well alrighty then!"  We are on and painting up a storm.  I originally talked to the director about doing a self-portrait theme and am still on that path but I will add florals and landscapes to the mix.  We meet with her in a couple of weeks to get a sense of the space and how many paintings we can actually have.  That may nix a few of my larger self portraits as I really want to showcase the other stuff, and possibly sell some.  No one is going to buy my self-portrait stuff but it's fun to show off.  Plus it was a fantastic challenge for me.

I will post here later the dates exactly and the opening date we will have.  I hope everyone in the vicinity will be able to come out and check out our work.  Linda is of course doing a lot of cowboy stuff as it is Broken Arrow and she paints to the audience alot, I paint for myself.

Art Show Notification

Imagine my surprise yesterday when I received the email with the juried results notification one of the many art competitions I enter . It was from NOAPS (National Oil Painters of America) 2021 Associate Online Exhibit along with 150 other works. I am very honored to be in this show . I was sitting at the table working a jigsaw puzzle when the email came in. I had totally forgotten that the 15th was the day for notifications. I guess being turned down so many times I had just given up hope. Snicklefritz was sitting next to me when I logged into the website and there it was a green circle with a check mark. I squealed! I honestly had forgotten what painting I had even entered and was thrilled to find it was my first landscape to even get into any show. I know I've gotten into Allied Artists in NYC and gotten in twice but this one is different. There are three top groups/shows I've tried to get into and NOAPS was one. The other two are Oil Painters of America and American Impressionist Society. This one is online only so I don't have to ship anything. I think the 26th is another notification for different paintings. Let's see what happens with those show!

"The Long Road Home"

8x10 oil

New York City- 2019-Art Show

Yes, we did it.  We went to New York for a few days and had an absolute grand time.  

I must say it started off good, until we hit the Charlotte airport, or at least nearly there.  Good grief, there were storms around and lightening so we had to circle a bit and when we landed we sat in the plane for nearly an hour and a half because of lightening.  It virtually shut down the airport because they would not let any staff out on the tarmac, understandably.  BUT, that meant our 30 minute window to the next flight was screwed.  I was encouraged because the airport was shut down that meant no flights were allowed to leave.  Finally, FINALLY we were at the gate but had to wait for The Hubby's carry-on bag he insisted he didn't want to check but the still had to because of space.  Then the race was on to try and get to our gate, we had 15 minutes!!!  Actually, by the time we finally got there it had already left.  I was extremely upset but what could we do.  Well, I didn't panic (a first for me) and we got in a 30 minute line to get a flight out to New York.  The lady was so extremely nice and we had a flight a couple of hours later so we decided to eat dinner.  (We ate a lot of airport food 😞 I was concerned about my bag and exactly where it might be but another extremely helpful guy assured me it was on it's way to NYC ahead of me!  

Finally on the flight to NYC and I was excited for our journey.  We arrived and were met by the driver from our hotel we set up.  I found The Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village which was only .2 miles around the corner from the Salmagundi Club for the art reception.  What a gem of a hotel.   The hotel had the look and feel of being there for many years but The Hubby started quizzing the staff and found out it had only been around for 7 years!  Wow, they did a great job of making it look old.  The restaurant inside, Society was good too.  I had eggs Benedict for the first time too.  

Every evening the staff left cookies on a glass plate by the bed, yummy cookies.  Plus everyone was extremely helpful.  The bartender we struck up a nice report with was Freddy.  What sweet kid.  

Rested from our travels we spent the day Saturday walking and I mean WALKING!  I probably walk/ran a half a mile in the Charlotte airport the day before then we did it again on Saturday, not run though.  

After awhile my feet were tired of the shoes I brought and I usually bring different ones to wear.  It helps my feet to change out the shoes but I didn't bring extras!  So first thing I had to do was find a store to buy some tennis shoes.  Oh gosh, saved my feet for sure.   

I was proud of myself though walking and walking and walking with a LOT of sit down breaks and The Hubby was wonderful about it all.  He was incredibly supportive about it all, just wanted me to be able to enjoy and DO IT!  

Oh I forgot all about this.  The Hubby first wanted to check out the Chelsea Flea Market he has heard about for years.  He has a friend that sets up there sometimes, but not this time.  I really wasn't too impressed and I must say, walking through it all there was a weird smell sometimes from the stuff, like musty to urine.  Whew!  But it was what he wanted to do and the whole trip was for me.

We walked to Madison Park and Washington Park (thank goodness for lots of benches.)  So many people and lots of dogs. 

One of the many respites along the way.

The Flatiron Building and area which The Hubby loves.

I took this photo of an older gentleman sitting I think in Washington Square Park.  I think it will be a great painting!

Then Sunday morning it was up, breakfast and wait till 1pm for the Allied Artists of American reception at The Salmagundi Club.  I had other walking shoes (a bit dressier) and we walked the .2 miles to the show.  It was just around the corner basically.  

I have to tell you, I one of those kind of people that stay in the hotel, don't venture out very far at all.  My stomach, my nerves, my FEAR does not allow me to do the stuff we did this past weekend.  I felt like an entirely different person, able to handle what was thrown at me.  And I think usually The Hubby and his expectations of stuff and my fear of HIM getting us lost is part of it too, but this time, it was all a breeze.  NO FEAR, a teeny bit of anxiety but really it was awesome!  

THERE it is on the wall at the Salmagundi Art Club, hanging on their walls!  What an exciting feeling.  

This building is over 200 years old guys, incredible and extremely creeky.  There was fantastic art everywhere and this was a once in a lifetime thing for me.  

I didn't win anything but I'm okay with that, I wasn't expecting too but it was an honor to be in the show, truly.  I couldn't be upset with anything.

Allied Artists of America

Yesterday morning I received such exciting goods news. I didn't tell anyone I entered this national art show and for the past few days I kept checking and checking knowing the announcement would not be made until Tuesday sometime.  I checked and checked off and on all morning long.  Linda, my art studio partner was in the studio doing some work and I was finishing a little dog painting but checked and checked, then...I opened the website once more, typed in my password, and...green, I saw a tiny green circle.  I'm used to seeing a red circle with a black X but this time it was a green circle with a check mark!!!!!   WHAT!  I screamed, "LINDA." I know I scared her but the green mean INVITED!  I had juried into a show that has been around for 105 years!  OMG!!!  I cried, I'm telling you I cried.  I've entered in a few national shows but only the red circle showed up.  THIS IS A BIG DEAL guys.  I juried into one of the oldest and biggest shows in the country.  You have to know too that these entries aren't cheap.  Sometimes they're $25 to $75 dollars a image or for 3 images and I've done several for a few years.  

My painting, "Morning Glories" juried into the Allied Artists of America show that takes place in September in NEW YORK CITY, at the Salmagundi Club!!!!! Allied Artists of America has been around since 1914, very prestigious and I am very honored to be a part of the show, my first national show.

 My first thought was, "Oh no, I'm not going to NYC!" But you know, it's tempting.  One fear conquered at a time please.  Just don't think I can manage it anyway because I may have to be in LA for the newest granddaughter's birth at the same time.  But guys, it's the The Salmagundi Club and that is extremely prestigious in the art world, I may have to...

Oh, I'm so excited and over the moon.

End Zone Tree

Project:  This spring there will be an art show at the Broken Arrow Museum and the theme for the show is:  "What About Broken Arrow." Well, since I am from BA I think I might have a leg up on ideas.  I quickly went to my book shelves to look in a book I have about the first 100 years of BA and as I looked I found the story and picture of the End Zone Tree. 

The tree was planted in the 40's at the end zone of Kirkland Field by one H.K. Ragsdale, my former principal, former football coach for my dad.  Recently they tore down my (our) old high school and the football field for bigger and better (NOT).  Everyone was in a huge uproar and with great sadness it was done.  The tree was still there and H.K.'s son, Jim tried to save it in some way.  He found a tree doctor to look and see what could be done but along with the football field it was done.  So the next option was to save the trunk of the tree and have it carved into our team/school mascot, the might TIGERS!  A fund was started and it was done.  I'm not sure where it will sit yet but it has been preserved.

Now on to my idea for an art piece.  I decided that I would paint the End Zone Tree with the image of a tiger coming out of the tree!  So sketching I began.

Tuesday I started the painting. 

No it is on the green leaves, grass, etc.  I am proud of it so far and can't wait for the trunk to dry so I can begin the rest. 

ANOTHER Art Show!

My voice here has been quite silent lately I know, but I just don't have a lot to chat about.  That's not really true, I have a lot to say but I don't want to offend so I just keep my mouth shut, or at least I try.  

I've been busy painting and just wrapped up a month long show but am gearing up for another month long show, at the same place, different group.  This time around the show is judged and I'm so excited to enter 7 paintings, some of the best I've done.  If I don't get a ribbon I have to not let it discourage me as judging is different with each judge on any different day.  You just never know.  I am excited though to show my stuff!!!!!

Sold!

The Hive opening was a HUGE success and of the four paintings I have on the walls, two sold last night!  A friend who has tried many times to see my art came in and bought these two paintings.  How extremely exciting.  Now I have to replace those with two more today!  Maybe I'll sell more.

A Pitcher of Roses

Red Roses

The Hive

The show set up was today and I am POOPED but so worth it.  What a great venue.  I feel honored to have my art hanging with these other artists!  Thursday night I WILL BE THERE!  Come see me!

Will be back there next month with more paintings, a judged show!

Saturday Doing's

I've had an interesting day today, fun and interesting.  I had to drive to McAlester today to pick up my paintings from the art show and since I did not want to go by myself I asked my 88 year old mother-in-law to go with. 

I love, Love, LOVE my MIL and was thrilled she wanted to go.  She grew up there and the lady that was putting the show together is her niece.  She was impressed with all the art and enjoyed the visiting.  I liked having someone to keep me from getting drowsy and bored for the 1-1/2 hour drive down then back.  The drive back she started talking about religion, death, being buried, religion, religion and more religion, which is fine.  She really questions it a lot and it's difficult for her because I think her father was a deacon or something like that and she has spent a lifetime in the church but she just questions it and is confused.  She also talks a lot about dying and her fear of going to hell.  I told her there is NO WAY you are going to hell.  She is one of the most wonderful people I know and it absolutely scares her to death.  It was a conversation we have had many times before and probably will again.  

After dropping her back home I then traveled to visit Daddy and Sis was there to so we had a nice visit too.  I was able to get his printer hooked up to his laptop and he was thrilled.  Daddy really is doing very well and looks awesome.  It's nice to see that.  

Art Deco

If you get a chance PLEASE go by and look at all the art work hanging. I'm happy to announce this painting, "Femme Fatale" is now hanging for two months at the Art Deco Museum in Tulsa. 

Do some Christmas shopping!

"Femme Fatale"

9x12 oil on canvas

gallary wrap

“THE WORLD OF ART DECO”

December 4th 2015 thru January 31st, 2016

At Tulsa Art Deco Museum

In the Philcade Building - 511 S. Boston

(SE Corner of Intersection)

You are invited to attend the 1st Friday

Opening Reception at the Museum 

December 4th, 2015 at 7 PM 

Stop and Shop for the Holidays !

2nd Place

GUESS WHAT!!!!!

I took 2nd place in oils for this little gem!  I was thrilled as there were tons of paintings in the category.

Art Show

It seems since the workshop I have painting on the brain and that is as it should be.  Actually, this weekend is the art show that I usually enter.  It used to be held at TCC South but they have done away with the area we used to use so we had to find another venue.  We found an empty store at the Promenade Mall for a few days.  I like this show because it is judged and I've won ribbons before!  So I will be there tonight at least around the 6 time and then tomorrow I will be there from about 9-1 working the show.  Come visit.  

These three paintings will be there!

"Cocktail Time"

"Clayton"

"Garden Harvest"

Yesterday at the office while I was watching little Snicklefritz I tried to do the rose like in the workshop but it just wasn't happening.  I decided that an abstract would be best and I LOVE it!

"A Red Rose"

12x16 oil on canvas

AVAILABLE

This one I finished in class for the Deco Show that will be held at the Deco Museum somewhere Downtown Tulsa for the month of December-January! 

"Femme Fatale"

9x12 oil on canvas

(Will be available)