I have written about the challenge and beauty of creating a commissioned art work.  My most recent commission was pure pleasure.

One of my high school classmates asked me to create a guitar painting for the music room in her family’s home.  But this is not your ordinary children’s music room.  Not at all.  This is the husband’s music room.  A room with dark charcoal gray walls, rich wood floors, bookshelves,  cozy chairs, and windows to offer fabulous natural light.  A piano and guitars fill the space.  It’s a room where you want to hang out, to read a book or play music, or even converse over a glass of wine.

As with each creation, I had to do my homework.  I inquired to my friend about her husband.  Where has he lived? What kind of guitars does he play?  What type of music does he play? What tone does he want for the room?  What colors? After receiving the answers, I had a plan:  masculine, clubby, grays with whites, browns and yellow ochre to add contrast; a painting with fabulous rhythm and curiousity – just like great music.

First, I draft a sketch.  This sketch is 3″ x 4″.  The painting will be 30″  x 40″.  Now that I have a plan, I must think about paper for the collage aspect and paint color.

After my sketch is transferred to the canvas (and if you look closely, I  had to make adjustments), the collage begins.  I love the papers I chose for this piece.  They all agree with the color scheme and overall feel of the painting.  Maps from an atlas are incorporated to display the homes this couple has shared.  Precision, patience, and a steady hand with the knife make it work.

Painting, staining, and dry brush techniques, all in rich colors, bring the painting to life. Lines add movement and interaction between the instruments. Decisions were made on what should pop forward to the viewer, and what should recede to the background.  Energized by musical inspiration from a variety of fabulous musicians of the last few decades, my work was completed.  And, I think it will work perfectly in my client’s music room.  I truly hope it offers added enjoyment and some unique curiousity to their special space.

Contemplate

The latest muse in my ladies series, Eve, is finally finished.  She took over two months of my own contemplation of her story,  the painting itself, and the message I want this piece to send.  Frankly, I wonder if Adam found her to be as complex and exhausting!

Eve’s most famous story is found in the Bible’s book of Genesis, where she took and ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil,   thus realizing the evils of the world and giving life to sin.  That’s a pretty heavy consequence for one seemingly small decision.   But haven’t we all made a decision that we didn’t think through completely, that led to a variety of disasters that we didn’t expect?

Let me explain my version of Eve, which I titled “Contemplate”.  Her story of deception is set in the fiery, red reeds in the bottom left-hand corner of the painting. In the water, I collaged a map of our world, and her horrible consequences of evil our world has witnessed.  Zoom in and see what natural and human disasters you may find.  Snake skin tops each running wave, a reminder of evil influences that rock our world, and the devilish serpent that rocked Eve’s.

The sky is emblazoned with LIFE and comics, conflicting life’s intensity and humor.  A clock indicates the pressure of time.  An apple represents the choices we face, containing many thoughts, some completely covered, some still visible and on our mind. It is a reminder that we need to choose well in our decision making.

My mind tends to  run wild while I paint, and I contemplated endless thoughts when I created Eve.  Let’s face it.  We all have a little Eve in each of us. I thought of her bible story, and I thought of my story, including many decisions I have made, both good and bad, and those I completely regret. I am not sure Eve is fully responsible for the sins of our world, such as war, starvation, racism, hatred, violence, poverty and natural disasters, etc.  But I am certain that we are responsible for our own choices.

So, I dedicate my Eve to the young women of our world, who are discovering themselves, their bodies, their interests and identities, their education and futures, who have major decisions to make in a pressure-filled society.  You were created in goodness.  Don’t rush your decisions.  Be wise.  Look forward and consider all of the outcomes.  Some days you will be right, others you will be wrong.  Just be willing to live with what you choose.

If at first you don’t succeed, re-address, re-assess, and then get back to the drawing board.  I set a lofty personal goal for 2013.  My goal was a secret artistic outreach project, to mail 50 small artworks to strangers in need of an uplifting surprise.  I wanted to create something meaningful, and to share unexpected gifts of happiness.  I wouldn’t sign my name, and I didn’t tell anyone – not even my husband. I called my project CReATe Happiness 2013, and I thought I had developed a pretty good plan…but it didn’t go exactly as I had dreamed.  About  mid-year, I thought about giving up on the whole thing and marking it down as a huge failure.  I’m glad I didn’t.

Initially, I had to decide where to begin.  I started by calling my three sisters, who live in three different parts of the United States, and asking them for names of friends or acquaintances who were feeling down or suffering for any reason – stress, illness or loss.  The stories my sisters provided were moving.  By March, I had created and mailed 9 collaged paintings.  With each painting, I sent an unsigned note to each recipient explaining CReATe Happiness 2013, and asking them to provide CReATe Happiness with the name and address of a friend who might need some uplifting.  Sharing their friend’s story was optional.  Envelopes and stamps were included.

I thought my idea was outstanding, and I eagerly anticipated responses.  After weeks of waiting, I received only four responses from those initial nine recipients, asking me to share my artwork with their own friends.  It was really a beautiful thing.  I was incredibly inspired. But in the back of my mind,  I was concerned.  Will people open a strange package received in their mail? Will these requests scare people?  Will they think my heartfelt project is some cheesy chain letter scam?  I tried to think positively.

Each artwork was carefully created for the recipient based on the story I had received.  I painted about faith for a mother who had lost her 16 year-old son in an ATV accident.  I created about hope for a full-time professional wife who has been patiently caring for her ill husband for decades.  I collaged about strength for a couple who lost both of their adult children in one month, and are now raising their grandchild.  I painted love for a working mother who is single-handedly raising an autistic daughter.  I created about belief for a couple who had lost their teenage daughter to suicide.  I crafteded an angel for a mother who was a full-time care-giver to her mother while raising her three young children. I collaged a wildflower for a woman who lost her home and everything it contained in a Colorado forest fire. The few letters I received were beautifully emotional and tear-jerking. I was overwhelmed with the stories that strangers entrusted to me.  They will never know my name or where their small canvas came from.  It doesn’t matter.

Over the first half of 2013, I had only received ten responses to my mailings.  I was disappointed and felt like a failure.   It was tough, but instead of giving up, I re-addressed my true goal, which was to create and send happiness.  So, I secretly mailed paintings to people who have inspired me in my life:  my high school field hockey coach who was retiring after many years of dedicated coaching, a friend who was launching a photography business, my husband’s administrative assistant in Las Vegas who was always thoughtful and dependable, my neighbor in Alaska, who guided me as I was starting my family (while she had five kids of her own), a Georgia mother whose husband is deployed for the year.  I mailed paintings to friends who ask me about my life and wait to hear the answer, to family members who struggle, and to lovely ladies who unconditionally befriended me when I was a military newcomer to their towns.  It was a great challenge to create something special for each individual, and I was artistically blocked many days, but it was completely worthwhile in the long run.

I admit it, I am ashamed that I failed my goal for fifty paintings.  And I can list plenty of excuses as to why I didn’t meet my goal.  But I won’t.  I am going to give myself a break, because this was the most uplifting failure I have ever experienced.  In my shortcomings, I touched lives.  I took time to contemplate others and not myself.  I grew as a person and an artist. In hearing other’s stories, I understood that my life is truly blessed. In the end, I mailed happiness to 18 strangers and 23 others.  I remain hopeful that recipients will respond, so I will reach my goal of 50 paintings in 2014.  Either way, I am certain that I will continue to send out happiness paintings from time to time. Doing so brings joy to my soul and to my life as an artist.

“Mother of Exiles” and universal symbol of freedom, democracy, and friendship… Most call her the Statue of Liberty and she is the latest muse in my series of ladies.  There is more to know about this enormous beacon in the Hudson River.  In 1886, French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi completed this copper statue as gift from France to the United States, symbolizing international friendship. She also celebrates the Centennial of the Declaration of Independence.  She stands on broken shackles to represent the end of oppression and tyranny throughout the world.  The seven rays on her crown represent the seven continents and hope worldwide. While the French built and shipped her to New York, America had to raise money and build her pedestal.  After learning about my subject, I planned my portrait of this fine lady with goals to add interest, but know when to stop without going overboard.

Dame du monde libre

The artwork itself is a mixed media piece, creating a collaged quilt of symbolism within the garment wrapping the statue.  This paper collage was originally created with bright papers, french words, maps, international images, and then glazed to resemble an aged or antique feel.  Her figure is treated ruggedly. We are reminded of her copper beginning, which is now tarnished patina.   Paint was applied using only a palette knife, giving her texture and age, displaying her strength through withstanding elements.  Her torch illuminates against the dark background, symbolic to those who first saw her lighting their way to Ellis Island and the idea of new beginnings.  Liberty is spelled out in French, while “the power of choice” represents it’s powerful definition.

I am extremely happy with this finished piece.  I took a few risks with the glazing and palette knife, and they (thankfully) worked in my favor. And, by the way, Lady Liberty didn’t just remain in the Hudson River.  An American friend in Switzerland tells me that there is a small Statue of Liberty in Colmar, France. Would you believe another one sits in the Susquehanna River, just north of Harrisburg PA?  We all know there is one in Paris, and you can’t forget about her presence on the Las Vegas Strip.   My sister-in-law from Cairo even shared that the Statue of Liberty was initially a gift offered to Egypt (but they declined).  Who knew??  Obviously, my recent muse symbolizes a great ideal that our world is still painfully trying to obtain…maybe someday.

Every once in a while, art lovers will challenge my artistic ability with a request for a commissioned painting.  I never shy away from this creative opportunity. While initially excited and honored, however, I do experience a moment (several moments, really) of complete PANIC.  Then I get over it, and get to work.

It is an honor to be asked to create an art piece, and typically the requested painting will have special significance to the client.  The only reason panic enters the scenerio is the realization that the clients need to have their desires completely fulfilled, blended merrily with my painting style.  From the beginning, communication needs to be established.  This is not always easy.  But recently, I had dreamy clients…

Earlier this year, a lovely military couple asked me to create a painting honoring the squadron that the husband had recently commanded in the United States Air Force.  Gifts to squadrons are common for commanders to give at the end of their command. I have known this couple for years (they came to my second art show in Tucson in 1997!).  I knew that they had complete faith in my ability.  I was thrilled, but I was still scared.

This particular squadron is the heart and soul of support for successful flights of the fabulous A-10 Thunderbolt II, otherwise known as the Warthog.  I understand the significance of this squadron, because my husband has flown the tank-killing Warthog for almost 20 years.  So how to begin?

First, with my personal photographs and some contemplation of why this aircraft is exemplary (in my personal opinion, the 30 mm Gatling Gun and fierce Flying Tiger art, of course!).  Second, sketch and plan.  Make sure the squadron patch is dominant (upper left-hand corner), and that each flight of hard-working men and women is represented (the seven badges across the bottom), creating a uniform celebration of the 23RD OSS. Finally, get over the fear and get the brush on the canvas.  AND, keep updating the client with my progress.

I was happy to have artistic freedom on this painting.  I kept the clients in the creation loop weekly and enjoyed feedback, which led to success.  When did my fears subside?  Gradually with each brushstroke, but not until they unwrapped the painting in Georgia several weeks ago, and they shared their love and appreciation for my hard work and pretty much kick-ass painting (yes, I can say that NOW!).

Commissions are a beautiful challenge for any artist.  Artists love them, but WILL lose sleep over them (just ask my husband), but only because we are passionate about our work.  However, with communication and artistic freedom from the client, there will be great success, and with that, I am always excited to deliver the final masterpiece.

Artists are constantly looking for subject matter.  How many times have we seen the same thing painted, over and over again?!  A music series sounded light and refreshing, yet out of my comfort zone.  I enjoy music, and I have great appreciation for musicians because I have never played an instrument.  I envy musicians, and I envied my kids for their ability to pick up guitar, piano and violin, seemingly with ease.   I painted Jam for my son.  His accoustic and electric guitars are interwined, overlapping and tied together with his favorite color combination:  black and RED.  His guitar instructor taught him mainly Beatles music. I love the movement and energy in this piece. To me, it screams, “Rock N Roll!”

I treated the piano differently, however.  I wanted to celebrate the stark contrast of the black and white keys, and reflect the purity of it’s sound with movement.  When you look inside the piano, there is so much more than meets the eye.  Look closely, and you will discover my play with paper.  Do you get it?

My goal for these two paintings was to portray the feeling that each may incite.  On the left, you will find Hot Strings painted in warm colors, respecting the high sounds and warm energy of the violin.  On the right, Cool Blues is treated in cool colors, honoring the soothing jazz that the sax produces.  Instruments are made with such intricate care and attention to detail.  This is to be assumed, but since I studied the violin and saxophone for the collage pieces above,  I have so much more appreciation for the craftsmanship necessary for their creation and eventual performance!

Note:  With the exception of Jam, all paintings in this post are available at Brath and Hughes Fine Art Gallery, Mechanicsburg PA.

My intrigue with mixed media (in my case, paper and paint) began with the Vegas painting featured on the home page of my website.  You can see the subject, yet if you look closely, many hidden treasures are found within the collage.  Lately, I have been working in similar fashion with a series of ladies.  My muses were chosen for their importance to me and/or their symbolism to the world.

The painting above, Peaceful Provocation of the Imagination, was inspired by my daughter, Catherine.  She loves to read and quite often, she is quietly buried in a book.  At times, my husband and I would worry that she was avoiding her family or not adjusting well to her new school.  Truly, she was just being Catherine, the literature lover.  I decided to celebrate her passion for books with a painting.  In it, her hair is wildly floating as words excitedly create images in her mind.  A pile of books anxiously awaits her attention. You will find a small four-legged friend in the background doorway, symbolic of those who were missing her affections.   Catherine may have inspired this painting, but fellow bibliophiles may enjoy their own interpretation.

Don’t be fooled. Divine Magic is not just a painting of the Mary, the mother of Jesus.  I am Catholic, but it is not intended to be a “Catholic-only” painting, even though many would make that assumption.  There are many layers of paper, images and words submersed in the paint.  This painting is the story of the chaos (her dress) in our lives and world, and the fact that no matter our beliefs, someone greater is looking out for us (her large stature).  Our protector is real, however may be only regarded as a symbol or legend in our lifetime.  The face is veiled with words, depicting an opaque spirituality.  Arms are open and welcoming.  A cape resembles cold concrete, but it’s strength envelopes the chaos.  A small earth symbolizes the enormous depth of our universe, the large moon illuminates brightness in the dark. Traditional iconic treatment of golden halos and angels are depicted.  Too much information?  There is more to share, but I will leave it for you to discover. Zoom in. Contemplate it closely. Develop your own interpretation.  And next time you are at an art museum or show, explore the masterpieces a little more closely.  Give them your own story.

Now…to my next muse…

While living in Las Vegas, and teaching at Art Starts Here, I was incredibly fortunate to teach a class of amazing teenagers…all girls, all motivated, all art-loving.  My Monday night teen class was truly one of the highlights of my week.  I could often relate to these young ladies.  They were dedicated to their art work and studio time.  Daily, they were living in awkward-new-teenager land, and trying to figure it out.  None of them knew eachother at the beginning of the school year, when classes began.  They were friends and confidants by the end.  I overheard hilarious conversations.  I listened to their concerns. I heard funny stories about their parents, which helped me justify my parenting of my own new teen. As they would work and talk, I quietly learned an abundance about present-day teen stuff, including social issues, music, social networking, fashion, schooling, unhappiness and surprises.  These were all kids who I would label as “good girls”, striving to be individuals in a world of diversity and pressure. By year’s end, I had respect and an enormous place in my heart for each and every one of them…all for different reasons.   They were an amazing blessing and I was sad to leave them behind when my family moved to Georgia (and selfishly, I didn’t want another art teacher to take my place in their classes…).

But then my life surprised me and gave me another set of blessings upon my arrival in Georgia. Two lovely, teenaged sisters patiently push their artistic limits one day a month under my guidance.   C and C are level-headed and motivated, another set of “good girls”.  They are dedicated and talented, and they are completely comfortable in their own skin, which is completely reflected in their art work!  I simply cannot describe how much I enjoy our morning of art instruction.  They inspire me. By simply observing their demeanor, I have learned to relax, take risks, be true to myself in my own art, and in my life, for that matter.  Who would think a grown woman would learn about life from the teens she teaches?   Quite frankly, I do.

Our society does not often think of the benefits teachers receive from their students.  Usually, it’s expected and/or demanded to be the other way around. I feel blessed to teach art, but even more blessed from the simple life lessons  and inspiration I receive from my students every time I teach.  The amazing artistic creations that my students always develop in my classes are incredible and awesome.  What I learn from my students, however, is sometimes far more rewarding.

Note: To enjoy more pictures of C and C’s artwork, please visit my Photos of Lessons and Workshops page

We question our actions at times.  Why do I create, paint, draw, teach, etc?  Why not get a desk job in an office, make more money, and … be content?  Naturally, in my years fresh out of school, I wanted to paint for shows, commission, sales.  Nothing is wrong with that.  Money does, indeed, motivate.  But I still had to work full time to pay the bills.  An annual sale and commission or two over the last several years has been nice, but more for my recognition than my pocket book.  As I have grown, I have a new outlook on why I create.  And it’s not all about money.

Last spring, I had my first solo show in years.  I spread the word, invited friends, family, acquaintances galore.  I was happy with my paintings, but even more so, ecstatic to share my talents, and excited to see what kind of responses my work would receive.

My anticipation grew as friends showed interest, promised they would attend.  The evening of the show had a nice turnout.  My work was well recieved.  I sold several paintings.  I really can’t complain. But at the end of the night, I was truly disappointed that many good friends who had promised to attend were no shows.  Why the disappointment?  Because, frankly, I share my work to spread joy, excitement, surprise in the eyes of the viewer.  That makes it all worthwhile.  Supposedly, Van Gogh sold one painting during his lifetime.  I have surpassed that.  However, to see someone experience and enjoy my work, that is satisfying for my creative soul.  Selfishly, I had been depending on these friends to fulfill my need for artistic acceptance.  I should have been finding it within myself.

Last December, I decided that I needed a different goal for my 2013 artwork.  The CReATe Happiness Project 2013 was born.  I determined that I would share my art with friends and strangers, confidentially and on tiny canvases, for the sole purpose of spreading a little joy, to bring a smile, to let someone know that someone is thinking about them.  Art for the sake up uplifting others.  Happiness that I may never see, but great satisfaction I will gain in sharing.

This, my friends, is why I create.

Key to FREEdom

Election years always stir up great debate and patriotism, and we are reminded how great it is to be American.  The ongoing struggles our great country faces often dim in comparison to the severe conflict and devastation in so many other countries around the globe.  I am super proud and super lucky to be an American. I am free to make my own choices regarding my religion, my education, my speech, my clothing, my employment, my meals…and the list goes on.  I think every family should have Old Glory hanging in their home, simply to remind us of our country’s powerful history and presence, and as a symbol of our good fortune.

In the 1950’s, American Artist Jasper Johns created a series of paintings of the American Flag. They were viewed as confusing and controversial, as the flag was an object to be revered and respected, but not painted.  Johns, however, just wanted the viewer to make their own interpretation. I don’t have a problem with that…as a matter of fact, I like that idea very much.  Doesn’t the American flag symbolize something different for each and every American?

Embrace HopE

Cairo, Egypt is the home to several of our family members.  At present, it is a country faced with daily crisis and turmoil.  Several months ago, the American Flag at the American Embassy was torn down and burned. I know my niece and nephew are safe from from the rioting and danger. I know they are enjoying experiences and adventures that most American children never will.  I felt it was the opportune time to send them each their very own Stars and Stripes, to be a reminder of their roots, their rights, their birthplace, their freedom. They may not live in the United States for many years due to their father’s employment, however, in whatever country they find themselves, they will have a symbol of their history and good fortune to be American. Merry Christmas, E and D!  I hope you hang your Stars and Stripes with pride.