A Glimpse into my Painting Season

A Glimpse into My Painting Season...
The  holidays are over and this is my busy painting season!  
I have submissions for competitions  and the Lake Area Artists  group show in April, to prepare for.

There is a slight difference in preparing for these events.  Competition paintings are judged on the elements of art:  composition, line, shape, space, color, value, texture, plus uniqueness of subject with masterful execution.  I spend quite a bit of time preparing and painting these pieces.  They also are the paintings I will take to my critique group to have other artistic eyes view, and comment.  Being 'juried into' a show or exhibition,  validates the skill and creativity of the artist.  But...even though jurors are well known and excellent artists, they are as objective,  within a subjective arena,  as they can be.  I am delighted when my paintings are chosen and understand when they are not.  That's pretty grown up of me, don't you think? 

Here is an example of a recent submission into the National Watercolor Society.  There is a lot of strength in this painting with values, shapes, depth, and visual interest.  I paid special attention to the face of this ship's figurehead, my focal point of the painting.  Wish me luck!

Art shows are fun and exciting for me as I have much more freedom with what I choose to paint!  Viewers tend to appreciate art differently with attention to emotional impact of subject matter, memory, color display, and uniqueness.  It is not uncommon to overhear viewers say to their friend, "I love that one!"  Viewers know what they like and enjoy wandering through large exhibitions, taking their time.
During the past summer I accumulated lots of fun photos references to paint.  I've been pouring over these and choosing which ones to paint for the show & sale.  My selection process?...land or seascapes, and interesting, everyday life subjects.  If I find it  interesting and valuable,  I'll paint my pleasure and delight into each painting.  And therein lies the meaning to my art;  an offer of beauty and good feelings to viewers...my visual gift to all.

Here's a lovely I painted for the April show.  A soothing subject reminiscent of hours of enjoyment in my Spring and Summer garden.  What I would have you know about this one is I painted it during a very long, rainy grey stretch, and I found myself enjoying the sunshine and shadows, hearing my wind chimes, and contemplating which annuals I'd plant this coming season.  I think my joy transfers onto the paper.

I'll keep you all posted if my paintings are accepted into exhibition and also when the Lake Area Artists will be having their Spring Show.  Stay tuned.
Next week I will show you a new painting I started from beginning to end.  This one was particularly interesting, and I'll share why.

Thank you for your continued support and great comments. 
If you know of someone in searching for the perfect artwork for home or office, please consider giving them my website or contact information.  I appreciate your referrals.

www.patricecameronart.com
[email protected]

Patrice