http://www.sjharris.com/ en susan@sjharris.com Copyright 2010 2010-09-06T21:40:04+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/photography/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/photography/#When:21:40:04Z I enjoy photographing nature and sunsets as an inspiration for my paintings.  I use photography to sharpen my eye for details, color and texture.  As of today, I am beginning to offer some of my photographs for sale as giclees and prints.  I have set up a gallery starting with my Mushroom Series on my Fine Art America website.  More photo galleries will follow in the not too distant future. Prints and giclees of my photographs and some of my original artwork can now be purchased directly through my Fine Art America website.  For availability and pricing, please take a moment to check out my gallery of photos at:  http://susan-j-harris.artistwebsites.com  Once you reach my home page, just click on the “Galleries” tab and it will take you to my various galleries. Thanks and hope you enjoy! Inspirations 2010-09-06T21:40:04+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/deto/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/deto/#When:20:19:48Z 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. Life 2010-08-07T20:19:48+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/three-rs/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/three-rs/#When:13:07:58Z 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. Behind The Scenes 2010-08-07T13:07:58+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/whew/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/whew/#When:14:34:00Z 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! Behind The Scenes 2010-05-04T14:34:00+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/ne/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/ne/#When:20:21:19Z 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. Behind The Scenes 2010-04-22T20:21:19+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/youre-invited1/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/youre-invited1/#When:14:34:14Z 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! Art Updates 2010-04-13T14:34:14+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/quote-for-the-day/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/quote-for-the-day/#When:19:35:41Z “Painting requires the bravery of solitude. Painting requires disciplined labor. To be a painter is to search the world with a benevolent eye for every subtle beauty that the infinite world offers.”  Charles Philip Brooks Memorable Quotes 2010-04-09T19:35:41+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/aprils-here/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/aprils-here/#When:15:49:11Z April’s here in full force..nature is bursting forth and so is my calender of events! This week started April’s burst of activity…..  If you are in the area, please do stop by one or all of the opening receptions…. April 8 (Thursday) —“Dimensions 2010” Opening Reception, 5 to 7 PM at Associated Artists in Winston Salem, NC….  April 11 (Sunday)—“A Greater Vision for Autism”, the Cosmic Cow Society’s Autism Benefit Exhibit Opening Reception, 2 to 5 PM at Mitchell & Bartlett Orthodontics, 5314-B West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC. April 17 & 18 (Saturday and Sunday)—“For Everything A Season” Joint Exhibit with artist Vivian Robinson,  2 to 5 PM at Southridge Gallery, 308 Southridge Road, Jamestown, NC May 1—Heart of Living Home Gallery’s Spring Home Show…details to follow soon! Note:  At the April 17 & 18 “For Everything A Season” show, I will be unveiling, and showing for the first time, five of my newest paintings ...  “Troika”, “Anticipation”, “Secret Garden”, Tranquility” and “Joy Unleashed”.  As you can see, 2010 started out with lots of inspiration and painting.  I also have a few more smaller paintings currently in progress that should be available soon as well.  As soon as I get photos of the paintings from the photographer, I will start posting them to my site so stay tuned and check back often. Events 2010-04-06T15:49:11+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/two-more/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/two-more/#When:15:13:34Z Finished two more paintings!  Yay!  Now to seal them….since today is nice and sunny with calm winds it will be a good day to carry them outside to apply the sealant.  Then off to the photographer.  I’ve gotten a little behind on posting photos but I should be able to post some of the new paintings soon.  Counting down to the April shows and trying to get everything ready.  It’s been a busy start to a new year…but for the good! Art Updates 2010-03-24T15:13:34+00:00 http://www.sjharris.com/blog/knowing-when/ http://www.sjharris.com/blog/knowing-when/#When:13:20:23Z As Picasso pointed out, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing how to paint. Inspirations 2010-03-19T13:20:23+00:00