Dear Art Fans,
I hope this blog post finds you all happy and well. As for me, all I can say is that I feel particularly blessed to have enjoyed some of the most spectacular spring days I've ever seen here along the Texas Gulf Coast. Wildflowers have been abundant, the weather has been sunny and mild with some showers (when we needed them) which has led to extended blooms all over the area. Even the Johnny Jump-ups I planted as seeds this winter bloomed the very first day of spring and they are still going. In fact, one cluster of flowers I partnered with a bell pepper plant that I've had for several years (and is still producing, BTW) is almost the same height as the bell peppers! Life finds a way and I find the entire spectacle uplifting.
I wanted to write about all of this and share photos of art and flowers on April 20th...but then I got a visit from Murphy. You know that guy? The one that made some kind of law about the unexpected and things going wrong? I edited over 80 photos and was ready to share them when - POOF - they disappeared into the cloud. Most of them finally made their way back but now, just over 3 weeks later, I have so much more news to share! So fasten your seat belts. This is going to be a very bright ride with news about past happenings and future and events you will not want to miss.
It's been a very productive time and I have created a lot of new work, so naturally I'll share some of it here. This first piece was created on a beautiful sunny day. I could see wildflowers out of my studio window and was blasting some Morrissey from my Pandora collection while enjoying the irony in the lyrics that make me sing-a-long and laugh so. Drawing quickly as the image came to mind I was surprised by this little lady.
I hope this blog post finds you all happy and well. As for me, all I can say is that I feel particularly blessed to have enjoyed some of the most spectacular spring days I've ever seen here along the Texas Gulf Coast. Wildflowers have been abundant, the weather has been sunny and mild with some showers (when we needed them) which has led to extended blooms all over the area. Even the Johnny Jump-ups I planted as seeds this winter bloomed the very first day of spring and they are still going. In fact, one cluster of flowers I partnered with a bell pepper plant that I've had for several years (and is still producing, BTW) is almost the same height as the bell peppers! Life finds a way and I find the entire spectacle uplifting.
I wanted to write about all of this and share photos of art and flowers on April 20th...but then I got a visit from Murphy. You know that guy? The one that made some kind of law about the unexpected and things going wrong? I edited over 80 photos and was ready to share them when - POOF - they disappeared into the cloud. Most of them finally made their way back but now, just over 3 weeks later, I have so much more news to share! So fasten your seat belts. This is going to be a very bright ride with news about past happenings and future and events you will not want to miss.
It's been a very productive time and I have created a lot of new work, so naturally I'll share some of it here. This first piece was created on a beautiful sunny day. I could see wildflowers out of my studio window and was blasting some Morrissey from my Pandora collection while enjoying the irony in the lyrics that make me sing-a-long and laugh so. Drawing quickly as the image came to mind I was surprised by this little lady.
"A Morrissey Kind of Day"
8"H x 6"W framed
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
75.00 framed
(Available at the Brazosport Art League Art Shop until 7/13/2025 or until sold.)
8"H x 6"W framed
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
75.00 framed
(Available at the Brazosport Art League Art Shop until 7/13/2025 or until sold.)
Just for fun, here's a link to a little taste of The Smiths featuring Morrissey to accompany you on this visual journey...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfCFxA6Jvj8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfCFxA6Jvj8
Ah, but it hasn't all been blissful studio isolated playtime. Meeting with other art peeps has been fun, too! On Saturday, April 5th a group of us Art Shop artists met at The Local in downtown Lake Jackson for a joy filled Art Shop Coffee Shop Talk. We had a great time and learned so much from each other while sharing our adventures and artist tips over breakfast.
L-R: Joyce Patterson, Jill Friedman, Eric Fasking, STUTZ
I had planned to take a trip down to Rockport to check out the fine art center there that weekend, but a couple of the artists really had fantastic things to say about the Galveston Art League, so the next day I paid a visit to our island neighbor instead.
I drove for an hour or so down peaceful back roads dotted with wildflowers before reaching I-45 and the causeway bridge that leads to Galveston. I hadn't been there for several years and was amazed by how the city has grown...in the best way.
Moments after I parked my car downtown and walked across the street I was greeted by vibrant murals. Right away I was delighted that I had made the trip.
Where the murals ended the Galveston art gallery scene began - starting with the aforementioned Galveston Art League. But there were lots of other galleries and shops that I enjoyed. If you haven't been down to Galveston in awhile, make the trip. You will not be disappointed. But, be aware that parking is not the best. If you plan to be there longer than 2 hours, find a metered street and pay for parking so you won't have to worry about hurrying back to your car. There's a lot to see! These photos are just a few of my favorites...I had a lot more, but they are still floating around in cyberspace. Will update when they land. ;-P
Feeling jubilant from my colorful road trip, I settled into the studio and created what I can only describe as the joy of spirit. It's good to be an artist and experience this kind of freedom.
"Respite Dance"
6"H x 8"W framed
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
75.00 framed
(Available at the Brazosport Art League Art Shop until 7/13/2025 or until sold.)
After I framed this piece I set it on a shelf next to another dancer I created recently. Looking at the photo now I am wondering should set my intention to make more happy dancers? What do you think?
6"H x 8"W framed
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
75.00 framed
(Available at the Brazosport Art League Art Shop until 7/13/2025 or until sold.)
After I framed this piece I set it on a shelf next to another dancer I created recently. Looking at the photo now I am wondering should set my intention to make more happy dancers? What do you think?
Being that the weather has been kind this season, I found myself outdoors frequently enjoying springtime with other folks. But, some artists are outdoors painting all the time. There's a local plein air group lead by Cynthia Grandjean that takes to the outdoors in a variety of locations the second Monday of every month and that's where I found myself on April 14th. Wow! What a spectacular view we had from this private location! I hear we're being invited back to this couple's home on the river to paint, draw and photograph nature on another day. If you would like to hang out and create in a completely judgement-free zone, join this group. Contact Cynthia for more info: www.facebook.com/grandjcy
And on the very next day, I joined a group of folks for an Easter brunch. While we were chatting I mentioned how much I love walking and was given the phone number of a woman that heads up a local walking group. When I called the number a few days later I learned that (SURPRISE!) the walker is an artist I have already met. How cool is that? I joined a couple of these walking buddies on 4/22 for a fun walk and chat in and around Surfside Jetty Park. Now I am totally hooked. If you love walking in a variety of different settings and making new friends, join us! Click HERE to learn how to join the Southern Brazoria County Walkers Group and find out where we will be walking next.
Robin R., Robin G., STUTZ
On Friday, 4/25 the Brazosport Art League held the artists' reception for the People's Choice Awards. This event is one of only 2 members shows held in the Main Gallery every year so it was pretty special. I was volunteering as a docent that evening so I did not get many photos, but I did get the winners. Thanks to everyone that turned out to vote! (Click on the images for the names of the winners and more details.)
A few days later on a Monday, I tried out a new station on Pandora that featured hard rock by newer artists. I enjoyed it very much, but the art that came out of that was, well...a little weirder than some of my other stream-of-consciousness drawings. I'll share some of my process from one that's not yet framed and update when it is. Let me know what you think...
"Who Needs Enemies?"
7"H x 4.5"W
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
65.00 unframed
7"H x 4.5"W
Gel Pen, Colored Pencils on paper
65.00 unframed
There are so many fun things, so many adventures I have had just in the month of April and this first couple of weeks of May that I cannot show them all. There have been a couple of plays, a couple more art shows and several outings. I try to focus on things that artists and art lovers might be interested in and since I know many of you enjoy photographing and painting HORSES I will share some beauties in our next photos. A very nice artist friend invited me to her home to check out her (THREE!) studios and meet her animals. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, her company and the animals. She had two gorgeous and gentle German Shepherds (I forgot to take photos of the dogs, darn it) and a stable of magnificent horses that I got to pet and watch romp around. Special thanks to Deb for being such a nice friend and hostess. I look forward to coming out to visit again.
The first Saturday in April and it was time for another Art Shop Coffee Shop Talk...this time at Doppio Coffee & Ice Cream in Clute, TX. It's a nice chill little place that's not crowded at all and only about 4 minutes form the Brazosport Art League. Sherry, Joyce and I had a nice chat and I learned SO MUCH from these ladies. I've known them both for almost a year, but had no idea that they've known each other since they were school age girls. Such great stories! I love them both and feel fortunate to be getting to know them better.
L-R: Sherry Hall Shelton, STUTZ, Joyce Patterson
AND...the very next day!!! I went on another walk with my new walking buddies. Check out the trails behind Brazosport College. Beautifully landscaped with lots of trees! They're a great place for a hike or even set up your kit to draw or paint!
L - R: STUTZ, Robin G., Robin R., Carol, Patty
I got a text one day asking if I would come and model for the Life Drawing group that meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the BAL Studio so, you know me...I could not resist. Check out the amazing variety of drawings these folks created. Drawing is like handwriting, IMO. Several people can be executing the exact same drawing derived from the exact same subject that they are all looking at at the exact same time, and yet each artist brings something completely different to their creation.
It was a fun couple of hours modeling for this group. I want to thank Ron White for inviting me. To learn more about joining the Life Drawing group, call The Center for the Arts & Sciences and ask to leave a message for Harry Sargeant.
Before I move on to our next photos I want to mention an event that occurs on the second Saturday of every month on Surfside Beach: Market in the Park. If you are an artist or local business person, heads up! There are ZERO fees to set up your tent at this event and it is super easy to load and unload so set up is really fast. You do need to reach out to the organizer for permission to set up though. Here's his contact info:
Barron Leger
Tourism Specialist
Village of Surfside Beach, TX
Cell: 979-362-2123
If you're not an artist, but you'd like to support us and other independent folks making a living in creative ways, please stop by this event. It is very family friendly and the location cannot be beat! I set up last weekend (no photos, sorry), sold some art and also had a very nice couple put down a deposit for a commission. I am so grateful to all the folks that stopped by my booth and especially those that bought art. You make it possible for me to keep doing this. THANK YOU! I will definitely be back on Saturday, June 14 weather permitting. The event is 10a. - 2p.
Not only was Market in the Park a very positive experience for all the aforementioned reasons, but I made new friends, too! Surfside Beach is one of my all time favorite places and if you can't make the Market there is plenty of other fun to be had. Check out the town's Calendar of Events HERE.
Barron Leger
Tourism Specialist
Village of Surfside Beach, TX
Cell: 979-362-2123
If you're not an artist, but you'd like to support us and other independent folks making a living in creative ways, please stop by this event. It is very family friendly and the location cannot be beat! I set up last weekend (no photos, sorry), sold some art and also had a very nice couple put down a deposit for a commission. I am so grateful to all the folks that stopped by my booth and especially those that bought art. You make it possible for me to keep doing this. THANK YOU! I will definitely be back on Saturday, June 14 weather permitting. The event is 10a. - 2p.
Not only was Market in the Park a very positive experience for all the aforementioned reasons, but I made new friends, too! Surfside Beach is one of my all time favorite places and if you can't make the Market there is plenty of other fun to be had. Check out the town's Calendar of Events HERE.
Alrighty, now for events in the very near future starting with...TOMORROW EVENING! Please join us in the Brazosport Art League Main Gallery for our very first Art Shop Artists in Action beginning at 6:30p. and ending at 8:30p. We have a great line-up of Art Shop artists creating art LIVE before your very eyes! There will be light refreshments, music and art for purchase, so bring the entire family! Check out our talented line-up:
Cynthia Grandjean - painting miniatures with acrylics
Deb Coniff - painting on silk
Fatima Evans - creating Japanese flower sculptures
Sheryl Fischer - painting on bird feathers
Sherry Hall Shelton - oil painting
You can chat with each of the artists as they create artworks and learn about their passion for their chosen art forms. I will be there acting as hostess and will also have a display of my works for sale. I hope you will join us and tell everyone you know!
Cynthia Grandjean - painting miniatures with acrylics
Deb Coniff - painting on silk
Fatima Evans - creating Japanese flower sculptures
Sheryl Fischer - painting on bird feathers
Sherry Hall Shelton - oil painting
You can chat with each of the artists as they create artworks and learn about their passion for their chosen art forms. I will be there acting as hostess and will also have a display of my works for sale. I hope you will join us and tell everyone you know!
Looking forward to Sunday, September 28th, I would like to invite ALL fine artists to consider participating in the Brazosport Art League's 70th Anniversary Fine Art Family Fun Day. We now have contracts for booth rentals, so contact me directly and I will email one to you: [email protected]
This is an amazing opportunity to grow your exposure to the art buying public. We are expecting a big crowd! There will be a raffle in the Main Gallery, art demos in the Studio, games for the kiddos, food vendors, music and artists under tents outdoors. If the weather turns bad I have reserved space for all artists and food vendors indoors. Booth spaces are first come, first served.
This is an amazing opportunity to grow your exposure to the art buying public. We are expecting a big crowd! There will be a raffle in the Main Gallery, art demos in the Studio, games for the kiddos, food vendors, music and artists under tents outdoors. If the weather turns bad I have reserved space for all artists and food vendors indoors. Booth spaces are first come, first served.
Last, but not least, I leave you with this quote and some beautiful flowers.
"Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’ " ~ Robin Williams
Hugs to one and all!
S.
"Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’ " ~ Robin Williams
Hugs to one and all!
S.
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