Show targeting. Venue matters.

 Art Matters is an art show and fundraiser organized by the San Marino Art League at the Huntington Gardens . Last night I attended it and showed my artwork. It was the first time I was juried in . I wasn't sure what to expect so I was a bit surprised when I found out it was quite the swanky affair. Very good artists and art and lots of collectors.

 Which brings me to the point of this post. It is hard sometimes to gauge what kind of art to present to different shows. Shows have "personalities"so to speak.

Naturally you always want to sell whatever you hang in a show and be proud of what you present no matter what the venue is.  However,  when I don't have all the facts, it is hard for me to decide on subject matter, size, even framing and price.  For example,  I was surprised to discover during Telluride Plein Air that most paintings sold at that event  were not of the mountains or birches but of the actual town.

Art Matters. Cocktails.

Art Matters. Dinner at the Huntington gardens.

Art Matters. Gallery.

So now that I actually entered Art Matters! I have much better idea of what kind of art to enter next time. Below two examples of pieces perfectly suited for this show -and many others- that Michael Obermeyer piece is splendid.  This was a classy affair for a discerning moneyed public slanted to the conservative. It was a  knowledgeable crowd that likes images of recognizable subject matter. The gallery  itself was visually challenging with the lattice and the hanging by volunteers.  So you are better off with bigger sizes and simplicity of design. Detail can be lost  or crowded out.  What I would not recommend  is "paint for a show" but when you have several options, it really helps to know your venue.

Ok, so even if you don't sell anything the first time,  it is invaluable to attend and have fun -after all, you were juried in- and pay attention to what flies off the walls. Crossing my fingers for tomorrows open-to-the-public showing.

Art Matters. Michael Obermeyer piece. Now. That's a "little gem".

Debra Holaday expertly showing her pieces.

Friends and Quotes.

I met a few very good artists at a show in the Municipal  Art Gallery of Los Angeles. The show was "Saving Paradise. The Symbiosis Between Landscape Painting and Environmental Awareness." A mouthful. Organized by the California Art Club and curated by Jean Stern  of the Irvine Museum of Art.

I met again with one artist I admire. Junn Roca. Almost invariably I tell him how much  I admire not only his beautiful work but the fact that he transitioned form a job in animation (painting backgrounds fro Nickelodeon) to a career in fine art. With two kids in tow and a mortgage, Junn, who is also a Filipino immigrant, decided to pursue his dreams of being a full time artist. It wasn't easy. He almost faced foreclosure, not to mention the pressure o two college-bound kids. His wife Frannie wins the award for supportive spouse in my book.

Junn Roca in front of his "Tejon Ranch" piece.

Friends invariably tell me that at least I have good benefits through my job . It is true. I like my job also.

I don't think I have the nerve to do what Junn did. Even with no kids or a mortgage. (Because I have no kids or a mortgage?) . I told Junn I really wouldn't want my tombstone to read "He had good benefits" however. Then again the jury is out on whether I'll get to that tombstone earlier rather than later without the medical insurance. I might not afford the darn thing anyway.

I think artists have an arsenal of quotes they draw from when it comes to facing one's fears and doubts. Invariably , many of them  highlight the paradox of leading a safe life instead of  connecting with the groove of your heart.  I like the funny ones. "Many are ready to suffer for  their art but only a few are ready to learn how to draw."

For good conversation, plenty of fun, quotes and rebellion, my friend Molly Lipsher   is another staple. I always tell her that doing art "keeps her off the streets". She is feisty and incredibly talented with her pastels. I am so happy I get to see her from time to time. Here she is in front of a beautiful piece by David Gallup with the lovely and talented  Debra Holladay .

Molly Lipsher (in orange) and Debra Holladay with the luxuriant hair.

And here a picture of the boisterous Alexey Steele just for fun. 

Alexey Steele.  Startist extraordinaire.

  Talking about quotes, I recently read  The Art Spirit " by the wonderful Robert Henri. That book is nothing but printed encouragement and good advice. "Don't worry about your originality. You couldn't get rid of it even if you wanted to. It will stick to you and show up for better or worse in spite of all you or anyone else can do." Amen.