I Finished!

At 2:00 a.m., I just finished a MASTERPIECE! Yaaay!

The Artist Reception- Looking Back

Last night, I attended an artist reception at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, held in honor of four African-American artist- me, Al Branch, George Fairley and Tamara Hinton. It was a new experience for me, but special.I met each artist for the first time, with the exception of Al Branch, who was on vacation. I learned a little about each one: George Fairley is a pastor, and of the same church denomination as I- Church of God in Christ. Tamara (name rhymes with camera) was a very outgoing young lady, who seemed very comfortable conversing with others. I could use a few tips from her! Al does very detailed art work and has time for vacations. Each artist had very nice work on display, including at least one portrait or figurative painting/drawing (my favorite art subject!).I met Anita Price, the president of the Arts Council- seems like a nice lady. We took a  photo together (see above).One thing I learned is that an artist reception is a social event- you must be prepared to socialize. It's not like Facebook, where you can reply with a quick initialized response, such as LOL! No, you have to laugh, for real. And you can't just click "like." You have to use a full sentence to say what you like and why you like it. Personally, I was a little tense. But the nice people I met made talking a little easier. Of course, there were those awkward moments, when I decided to be bold and step out to "meet new people." Well, some of those "new people" seemed to look at me, as if to say, "Who are you? And what do you want?!" Embarrassing is all I can say.

But, overall, the artist reception was lovely and I look forward to attending another one- in MY honor, of course!

An Artist Reception- Looking Forward

I am looking forward to my first honorary artist reception, to be held tomorrow. I and three other African-American artists will be featured at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center in downtown Hattiesburg, MS. I think it's going to be a treat! The other featured artists at the reception will be Tamara Hinton, Al Branch and George Fairley.
When I took my paintings to the gallery where our work will be displayed, I caught a "glance" of the other artist's work. However, I made it a point not to really look at them. Why? Because, like everyone else who will be attending, I want something to look forward to. Looking at their works before the reception would be equivalent to looking at a movie and then inviting my friends over to look at it with me, again. They would be excited- I wouldn't.
Therefore, tomorrow, I LOOK FORWARD. And I imagine that the other featured artists do, as well.

Being Mama’s (Artist) Child

Today, I visited my 75 year old mother, out of town. I took along an invitation that was created by the local Arts Council, announcing an upcoming Art Exhibit. I will be one of the exhibiting artists. A picture of two of my paintings are on the front of the invitation and my name is on the back, along with three other artists. I wanted Mama  to see the card, so she could be proud of me. However, when I handed her the invitation, she took and looked at it, with a question on her face (I had to explain what it was about). She, then quietly laid the card down, looked at my brother and proceeded with their conversation about a TV program!!!
Does that mean Mama doesn't care? No, I doubt it. You see, I've known her for almost 40 years, now. This is the woman who threw my art kit away when I was a child, in an effort to "clean up." She also interrupted many of my piano practices, to remind me to "come clean up!"
You see, Mama, is just a part of a population of many who are just "not into art." But, in my heart, I believe she values ME. She was the one who OK'd my study of art in college, after I came to the conclusion that I was chasing the wrong dream (yeah, MARKETING is NOT my dream.) She still has many of the hand-made gifts I've given her over the years; and, since she hasn't "cleaned up" and thrown them out, I think it's safe to say she treasures them.
Last year, Mama confided with me that, when I was a child, she assumed that I was a little "slow." But, since I have grown up, she understands that I was just "different" from my 10 siblings, because of my gifting as an ARTIST. And, she also added that she now thinks I show a lot of wisdom- beyond others. Thanks, Mom!
I realize, that unlike the parents of doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc., my mother may never exclaim to her peers, "My daughter is an Artist!" (And she probably won't show up at my exhibit) That's o.k. I can live with it. I'm just happy being Mama's child... Now, let me get off this computer and GO CLEAN UP!!!

First Kiss

As Valentine Day approaches, I am reminded of a painting I once made, called "First Kiss." I started with a blank canvas and then tinted it with a wash of brown (sienna) paint. After I tinted the canvas, I thought I saw what appeared to be faint figures of people on my canvas. Since I didn't know what to paint, I decided, why not paint what I think I see. I began to paint and "pull out" two figures from my painting, finally deciding that they appeared to be about to share a kiss. Strangely, my figures looked a little young (and somewhat reminded me of myself and my first boyfriend- who I never kissed by the way!), so I decided to name the painting "First Kiss."

A first kiss is one of those moments in life we may never forget, and the most meaningful ones, I guess, are sometimes those which happen, unplanned- like my painting.

A Hand to Hold, A Hand to Mold

A great way to celebrate your love is to create a hand sculpture with the one you love. My husband and I used a Precious Impressions Memory Keepsake Kit to produce this beautiful keepsake. It makes a great testimony of our love, that can last much longer than roses or chocolates.
Another great idea would be to create a mold of your child's hand or feet. And guys, here's a great proposal idea- create a mold of your hand in the "giving" position. When the mold is ready, set it up and place a ring in the palm of the hand. Present the hand to your special someone.
Or ladies, you could make a mold of your hand, while holding something shaped like a heart. When the mold is ready, use a permanent marker or paint pen to write a message of love on the heart, to your significant other.
If you can think of other creative ways to use the molding kit, feel free to leave a comment.
Note: The Mold Kit comes with easy to follow instructions.

A Wooden Heart Gift

Last year, I purchased a heart shaped piece of wood from a local craft store and wood burned a "love message" in it. I gave it to my husband as an anniversary gift. For some of you creatives out there, this may be a good idea for a Valentines Day gift!

For other great Valentine gift ideas, see  my "Gift Ideas for Him on Valentines Day" article.

A Will to Draw

I have decided to practice and improve my drawing skills. I decided to try and draw Will Smith. It was tough, but I enjoyed the process. Didn't quite get the eyes right, but that's o.k. I now know where my weakness is and that's what I will work on.