As part of my activities last night in the studio, I was microcutting this element and at one point turned it over. It's an interesting look. Something all collagists should consider (i.e., "what does the back side of this element look like"). Especially with such an identifiable image.
After teaching two classes, putting up the labels on the artwork for the Venn exhibit, and golfing yesterday, I spent some quality time in the studio last night. I worked on a couple variations of a sketch, and thought these constituted a good example of how somewhat subtle changes in compositional elements can result in quite a different "feel" for a composition. Here are three variations of the sketch from last night. I'm still not sure which I prefer; although I'm leaning toward the one with both the red curtain and the green "valance". I think it gives more "stability" (balance) to the overall composition, and gives it a theatrical look.
Anyone who follows this blog regularly would have noticed a lull in my posting recently. For the past two weeks, I have been busy with this three things: golf; prep for the school year; and lots of the necessary "business" tasks related to putting together an exhibition. As some of you know, once the artwork is completed (and selected), it all needs to be properly matted, framed and wired... and signed (I try to keep up with this as I complete my pieces, but inevitably have to catch-up in the eleventh hour). In addition to those tasks, titles, years, and prices need to submitted, so the venue can make labels. These tasks are magnified when a collaborative exhibit like this one occurs. But all the work pays off, when you see the show "hung". Here's a sneak peek of the exhibit at Kirkland Arts Center in Clinton, NY (a total of 46 pieces!) after being hung yesterday. Of course, I will probably post photos of the opening reception (which is on Sept. 7th) as well.
This afternoon, I finished this collaborative piece for our upcoming exhibition at The Kirkland Arts Center (Clinton, NY, near Utica, NY), which will feature collaborations between three artists (Tony Thompson, Toeny Morgan, and yours truly). For this one, I created a collage, on which Tony Thompson painted. But then because of some spacing issues, I also added the gold scroll border to the piece, afterward.
I am a regular patron of a wonderful pub in Utica, NY called "The Green Onion". It's a great place to engage in interesting conversations (and drink good beer) partly because they do NOT have a television in the establishment. The patrons are a diverse group of old and young folks, professors, artists, musicians and folks from all walks of life. They feature artwork by many local artists, including one of my collages. Several years ago, I collaged their beer flight holders. Recently, I have collaged one of the check presenters (small clipboards) for them (gratis, of course). Here is a second check presenter that I collaged and gave to them yesterday (in response to which, they gave me a free beer!).
