While returning from a visit to an art gallery in a nearby town last week with an artist friend, we were pondering which way to turn in order to find our way back to the highway. As she reached for “Maggie”, her faithful GPS, I reflected on the days before GPS and cell phones. Growing up, I had some friends who would panic over the fear of getting lost. Fortunately, that was one fear I never struggled with because I believed it was impossible to get lost. As long as the car was moving and there were roads, I knew one would take me where I needed to go. I viewed it as a detour which although it may take me out of the way and delay the arrival at my destination; it would get me there eventually. To me, it was more of an adventure that provided new scenery and experiences along the way.
Therefore, to me, a detour is nothing more than an opportunity to make new discoveries… to experience and see things you would have otherwise missed.
Although I don’t always succeed, I try to apply that philosophy to life as well. When I encounter unforeseen circumstances in life, I have the choice to view them as a detour or derailment. I prefer to choose detour along with the surprise, joy and lessons it can unexpectedly produce.
After a hectic winter and spring schedule, it has been a season of the three “R’s” – Rest, Re-evaluate and Re-group. I have a tendency at times to get so caught up in the world of art…pushing to keep up with other artists and trying to sell and promote my art that I lose sight of whom I am and where I desire to go. It becomes a “job” instead of a “joy.” While attempting to meet deadlines and produce enough artwork to spread around, I lose my creative edge and originality thus resulting in, in my opinion, sub-standard art. I know I have been quiet for awhile but it has been a necessary quiet – necessary for me to regain my focus and creativity so I can return to my studio with a fresh vision and excitement.
After two weeks of pushing to finish the new paintings and the past four weeks consisting of five art shows, this morning I hit the proverbial brick wall. It is time for some much needed R & R. I am hungry for some alone time in my studio with just me, my canvases and some paint but before that can happen, I need some time for body rejuvenation. Quiet time is good for an artist…it breeds creativity. So, quiet time, here I come!
Received the photos of some of my new paintings from my photographer/artist friend Vivian last week…thanks Viv! ... and finally got them uploaded to my website gallery. Hope you enjoy viewing them and please do let me know what you think. I enjoy hearing individual perspectives on my artwork…it’s always interesting to hear what others see in them and which ones they particularly like.
I have had several people express that they would like to see more color in my art, so I have pursued adding more color to some of my new pieces. I still enjoy painting neutrals as well, but it keeps it interesting to paint with a variety of colors and various techniques….reaches a wider range of collectors and helps prevent boredom!
Note: Please take into consideration that the color interpretation of artwork may vary depending on individual computer settings; therefore, it always helps anytime you can see a piece of artwork in person.
If you are in the area, I would love for you to stop by Southridge Gallery (see directions below) and see some of my newest paintings which haven’t been posted on my site yet. I will also have note cards for sale at this show.
“FOR EVERYTHING A SEASON”
Featuring paintings by artists
Vivian Robinson and Susan Harris
SATURDAY and SUNDAY
APRIL17th and 18th
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Vivian paints figurative art in oil, acrylics, oil pastels and watercolor. Her paintings are in private collections and five of her largest acrylics hang in the new School of Communications at High Point University, High Point, NC
I paint contemporary abstract mixed media in acrylics. My paintings are in private collections throughout the US and Canada and two of my artworks, “Sisters” and “Shades of Sapphire” are being published in “Best of Worldwide Mixed Media Artists”, Volume 1 book by Kennedy Publishing.
The art show will be held at:
SOUTHRIDGE GALLERY
308 Southridge Road
Jamestown, NC
336-454-2499
Refreshments ● Open to the Public ● Free Admission
10% of all proceeds go to benefit the Guilford County Animal Shelter
DIRECTIONS: From Main Street in Jamestown…
—Turn onto Dillon Road in front of the Shell Station
—Go 1.4 miles and turn right on Southridge Road
—Go .3 of a mile to 308 Southridge Rd. (in the curve on left)
—Follow the path around back to the gallery.
Look for signs!
DIRECTIONS: From Business 85…
—Take the Kivett Road Exit toward downtown High Point
—Turn Right at the stoplight at Dillon Road
—Turn Left on Southridge Road
—Go .3 of a mile to 308 Southridge Rd. (in the curve on left)
—Follow the path around back to the gallery.
Look for signs!
DIRECTIONS: From Main Street in Downtown High Point..
—Take Kivett Road toward Business 85 (East)
—Turn Left at the stoplight at Dillon Road
—Turn Left on Southridge Road
—Go .3 of a mile to 308 Southridge Rd. (in the curve on left)
—Follow the path around back to the gallery.
Look for signs!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
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