Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Fun Art and My Artist Statement

I love art. It is not only a joy to create but also a joy to collect. I recently bought some wonderful pieces that I keep in my office surrounding me for inspiration. Let me introduce you...
Here are 3 paintings I just bought from my friend Linda O'Neill.


Yellow Apple


Sprout


Rainstorm


Here is a wonderful painting by Tara Ross that spoke to me as soon as I saw it.


and Carla Sonheim's animal series is wonderful! Here is one of the 6 transfers onto fabric that I purchased. I am not sure what I will sew them onto yet, but I will show you as soon as I do.



Green Dog


Another inspiration to me is the work of my friend, Diana Evans.

Here is a delicious card I just bought from her.


Chocolate Cupcake



Chocolate Cupcake Detail

Another thing I have done this week is to continue to read and work out of my new book that I think all artists should have, I'd Rather be in the Studio, by Alyson Stanfield. One of the best exercises I have done is to write an artist statement. It is a mission statement written for both the artist and the art admirer to clarify what the body of work is about and why it is here.

It may sound like a simple and clear thing to convey on paper, but it can be very difficult to express clearly and concisely.

It is a very powerful exercise to do about anything you are passionate about. Your statement is your vision that you can always read to reconnect to your purpose and focus. Alyson also emphasizes that your statement should be fluid. Allow yourself to comeback and rework it to keep it fresh and relevant to your work.

Here is my Artist Statement:


My pug and dog paintings embody the toothy grins and wagging tails that happily greet us throughout our lives.

I know I have succeeded when my artwork lights up the viewer's eye with a spark of recognition of an old friend. Whether the connection is from childhood or current day, that kind of smile is always contagious.

My passion is working with acrylics on wood. I love how the paint glides across the wood, often revealing a subtle natural grain of the surface below.

Capturing the spirit of each dog for people to deeply connect to and enjoy is the true focus of my efforts.

Please feel free to leave comments. I would love to know your impressions and opinions.

Emmitt says Hi!

10 comments:

Linda O'Neill said...

Thanks again so much, Melissa...hope you enjoy the paintings! The other pieces you purchased are great...I always love Tara's work!

I really like your artist statement...good job. It gives people a sense of why you love what you do.

Lastly...LOVE the photo of Emmitt today! HA!

Unknown said...

Wow! What a post, Melissa. All of that wonderful art, and then I see you have tackled something I dread more than the dentist!!! Artist Statement! It sounds great, and I think it is effective. It definitely makes me want to look at your art.
Emmitt is so photogenic.

ps. I have a great love of Carla's animal series, too!

Unknown said...

Hi Melissa...

thought I would pop by early today to say hello...

what a wonderful post and what a wonderful artist statement....you are so talented and I am so happy that we met on-line...

Thanks for posting that cupcake card...heheheh....you always help promote my art and give me so much inspiration...

HUGSSSSSSSS
Diana....

Tara's Art Camp said...

what a wonderful collection, and I am honored to have a place in your heart.

Love your puggy what a cutie!!!!

That gives me an idea, I should take more pics of my Bailey.

Nevis said...

I love that green dog painting! SO cool!

Carla Sonheim said...

Oh what a cute little pug (Emmitt).... and I admire so much you taking the time to write your statement, and also sharing it.... ARRRRRGH! I'm with Karine there!

Unknown said...

Hi Melissa...

just popping by to say hello...Please give Emmitt a huge hug from Minnie, Cole and I...

HUGSSSSSSSSSSSS
Diana...

cowbelly said...

what a great post! thank you melissa! I love each and every painting/art piece you showed. beautiful.

Paula said...

I love this picture of Emmitt, his eyes say so much!

Weeny&Daisy said...

aww emmitt looks adorable! We loved looking at all the gorgeous pieces of art too, we were slobbering at the thought of the sparkly cup cake!

xx