To have Thanksgiving or Drat! My Dog Ate the Painting I just bought!

There are many things to be thankful for. This year it is that I have never heard of "the dog ate my painting" until now. That isn't quite the correct assessment, but the dog did chew this painting. A friend of mine's husband came to my art open house a few weeks ago and found a little plein air I did one spring day at Rocky Mountain National Park about 10 years ago. I had carpooled with an artist friend as we delivered art to a gallery in Estes Park. Why waste a trip to Estes Park when you can paint in the park?? What does it matter that it is frigid cold and snow is fast approaching? This particular friend never lets such trifles stop her. So we hauled our gear out into a field and went to work. So that is the back story on the painting...
Now here is the story of the dog chewing this painting. It has to be shared just because it is a unique story. So, my friend was having an acupuncture appointment in her home, when the acupuncturist remarked that it looked like her dog had gotten into something and was chewing on it; maybe a piece of paper? except it didn't sound like a piece of a paper. She replied nonchalantly would he mind checking on the dog to see what it was? He remarked "it is a painting, I think" She jumped up off the table, needled like a porcupine to find that indeed it was a painting, the one her husband loves so much. She is so upset about this that she took it back to the frame shop where we had been the day before to see if they could fix it. She didn't even want to tell me! Of course they can, but to pay to remove the canvas remount it and repaint was not worth the cost of paying for that conservation. So I told her I would repaint it.

The back, so you can see the damage

The front

I don't know. I think it is a fun story. In fact, yesterday I had the thought to see what I could do to make the original painting work without the conservation costs as the dog chewing the painting adds to the story in such a unique way. I own a book press, so I soaked the board, which is a soft particle board of some kind, and put it in the book press last night. It made a difference to the 3D teeth marks on top. The surface is now flat which softens the puncture holes. This morning when I took it out of the press, I noticed that some of the fiber board was above the line, so to speak, or sticking up above the straightness of the canvas. I just rewet it and pushed the fibers down to be aligned with the canvas edge and stuck it back in the press. I am thinking this painting should be framed as is. But I think it might also be possible to rebuild the corners and match the sky if required.
My new painting is almost done as well, so there will be a choice.

more Art hanging in their new homes

Morning Glory, 36x36

One of my first large paintings has found a new home, and doesn't it look wonderful lit up at night. It's new owner hung it right away and could not wait to share it with my son who happened to be walking my dog by her house at the time. The dog was a bit discombobulated by all the people invading his space and needed a wee bit of distraction. She is one happy neighbor. Since this is the view driving west on our shared street, she even knows who owns which car in the painting! Now that is a true painting bought for the person's relationship to the scene! I just love this photo, too.

This second painting, also 36x36, also went to a very good home. My friend, Victoria, whom I used to work with and we shared a wall at the office, was one of my best helpers. I would bring in my paintings as I worked on them, struggled with them or just needed to see a piece in a different light. We would stand together and critique, or compliment as the case may be. Often other co-workers would join us as if we were in a gallery or art show. Quite fun, really, and I do miss this interaction. And Victoria remembers my struggles with this painting. How many times I changed the color of the over arching shadow vs the pavement in the sun. She also hung the painting up as soon as they got it home and her comment was, how it makes the room seem larger as you walk right into the scene.

Oh, how I love my friends and collectors!

Cherry Blossom Promenade, 36x36

After Effects - art open house

 My art open house last weekend was quite the success. There were a few glitches I would need to address if I were going to do two days again. The Evite did not work so well for that I found out. Still, both days were busy and I think that the two days took pressure off the one evening concept. Last year there was a crush for almost 2 hours and that made it hard to see everyone and the art. Yet, I sold about the same amount of work. I am still recuperating, but feeling my self more each day.
I had asked people whom I knew bought paintings to send me a photo once they had found a spot for them in their home. I did not get a great response to that request but I had a few. This painting, called "Back Alley" was the surprise hit of the evening. Every year brings surprises in that arena. This year, it was my alley series, and this painting in particular. Who knew? I have hardly sold any alley paintings relative to my body of work so I gave up on them years ago and moved on. One of my artist friends said he still believes my alleys are my best work. Hmmm. Something to ponder.
Two alley paintings sold this year as compared to none last year, both to neighbors. Fitting since most all of them are in this neighborhood.

Back Alley in the larger context, 20x30, oil on linen

The painting below warms my heart. Yes, it is a bit small for the space where it is hung, but it was this person's first ever invitation to an art open house and her first ever purchase of an original work of art. I had a number of those this year. What a great feeling that is for me. This painting "til the Cows Come Home" reminded her of home, which is Wyoming. And this painting is of Wyoming. Art is relative...

Here is the house lit up in all its glory. Courtesy of my friend, Jeannie.

As I get more images of work hanging in homes, I will share. Thanks to all who came!

Finishing up - Art Open House

The 'Galley Gallery'

The last of the work to hang the show at my upcoming Art Open House happening today, this Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. It is not as easy as I remember it, hanging art on blank walls. Last Spring we finally took down the old wallpaper in this hallway and painted the walls. For a change, I liked the feel of it devoid of paintings so I left the walls blank until the other day. Now, I am down to my last two or three decisions and final clearing up.

If you are reading this and have not received an invitation, I am so sorry. I did not review my existing email list on evite. Just have had too much on my mind and I have been a bit scattered. Please know you are welcome to come.