Art As Meditation

A meditative state is when your body and mind are in a deep state of relaxation. It’s not about the absence of thoughts, but more about not getting tangled up in them. If you think about it, you might think that the process of creating art is rather stressful and completely NOT relaxing. I wouldn’t hold it against you if that’s what you thought; but I will tell you that you’ve got it wrong.

I’ve been working on a special commission piece for a client, (heck all my pieces are special; there I said it). At first it was a challenge to think about all the things that needed to go into it. Talk about getting tangled up in my thoughts! The process of creating new artwork begins with a discussion with the client. We discuss things such as: subject or theme, reference photos, specific requirements, budget, timeline, deposit, framing, etc.

After listening attentively while the client shares their ideas, I ask questions and take copious notes, look at their reference photos and thank them for the opportunity. This meeting usually takes no more than an hour or so. Then the fun begins.

Once I’m able to begin working on the piece, I go through a process of drawing quick studies of the subject and thumbnails of the composition/concept. This is where all those tangled thoughts start to really dance and tangle even more. Sometimes they get a little knotted and frayed and need to be weeded out. Too much of a good thing can be bad, and too much of a bad thing can be, well; bad. Then the color testing begins, and I won’t bombard you with that kaleidoscope of fun this time. Suffice it to say that there tends to be a few days of moving things around and making decisions. It’s all good though because something truly amazing happens. As I work through these processes, I find my awareness is heightened, decisions seem easier to make, I can “see” the piece in my head and that tells me how to bring it to light. Doing the actual work of putting brush to canvas fills me with a sense of inner calm and allows the clients’ idea to emerge through the tip of my paint brush.

The process of creating art is truly a meditative state for me. I’m in my studio most days 10-5 and am always surprised when my husband opens the studio door at 5pm to inquire about my day (and what’s for supper?) It’s not that my time has flown by, but rather that I was in each of the moments that make up my day so deeply that time seemed irrelevant. Now if I could only figure out how to apply that to those little lines on my face.

When you’re ready to discover your inner calm, consider taking a class with me. Art can be used to create calming environments too, take a look at the image below. Look how inviting and comfy that sofa looks. Soft blues and violet are soothing colors, swirls give the eye a place to wander in the painting, leading to a sense of peace and relaxation. The room looks cozy, and the poppy painting adds to the feeling of comfort and calm.

On A Cold Winter's Day

Hello, it’s me Eva; Happy New Year from the studio! Ever wonder what I do on cold winter days? You know, the kind of day where you just can’t make yourself go outside in all that white stuff? I hear yah and totally get it. Even if it meant I’d get to go to my art studio and make art; my heart says yes but those freezing fingers and toes say no way. Leave the snow scraping for another day! The studio is warm and dry and conveniently connected to my home. Every winter when we get our first real snowfall, I am so thankful for this wonderful space. I am thankful for all of you too and looking forward to another great year of art, classes, shows and events!

I’ve spent a few days updating my website, adding classes, New Art on my shop page Prints and notecards. I’m excited to share with you that I’ll be offering a new subject this year: Intro to Color Theory! Everyone can benefit from understanding color theory, no matter what your medium or experience. There is also a new Weeknight Painting Group being offered, and some surprises TBA. Register for these new offerings via the Classes page.

Winter in the studio gives me a chance to regroup and organize for the coming warmer months. Like taking care of techie things, which I tend to put off and am finally able to check off the to-do list! Love that feeling. It’s also a time of re-stocking items for shows and festivals that I’ll be participating in.

Oh but what about art making and actual painting you ask? Well, that never ends. There are currently five paintings in the “work in progress” stage on my easel. There’s also a list of painting ideas that I want to create. This list is added to on a regular basis. It is a practice that I highly recommend to all my students and art friends…

Make a list of the projects you want to create. Do it in a sketchbook! This way you can add notes like details, color, and your inspiration. Draw several compositional studies of your idea. This will help you with placement of the components that you want to put in your piece. Do color swatches and test out your palette colors. Sometimes the colors we think we want to use don’t actually work when we start painting with them. Save yourself the frustration and cost of making color mistakes (yes, that was a shameless plug for Intro to Color Theory class)

Cold winter days in the studio are filled with artistic activities. By keeping busy and continuing to create; I know that I’ll have whimsical art that brings you joy. And that my friend brings warmth to my soul. Happy painting!

How To Seal Alcohol Ink Paintings

Have you discovered the delightful results you can achieve with alcohol inks? Those highly saturated colors and swirling blooms are amazing! The artwork created using these inks deserve to be protected so you can enjoy them for a long time.

If you’ve ever taken an alcohol ink class with Eva, you’ve heard her review and demo the steps to care for and protect your masterpieces. After classes she usually sends out an email reminder with written instructions too (how nice of her).

She thought it might be useful to other people to share those instructions and so here you go; How To Seal & Protect Your Alcohol Ink Paintings…

Be sure to let your alcohol ink piece dry completely before trying to seal it; give it a day or two.

Step One

Krylon Kamar Varnish is a non-yellowing, acid free spray, and vital in protecting your alcohol inks from interfering with any other product. Apply in thin, even coats, making sure to dry well between each layer. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your artwork.

Step Two

Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish matte (or glossy if you prefer). After you’ve got at least 3 layers of the Kamar varnish, then spray several thin, even layers of the UV protection over that, drying between each layer.

Step Three

Krylon Acrylic Crystal Spray- Once you have both the Kamar varnish and UV sprays completed, you can add a non-yellowing clear coat to finish your project.

These are the steps that Eva follows to seal and protect all of her alcohol ink artwork. She also frames them under glass to add another layer of protection. If you are interested in learning more about painting with alcohol inks please consider taking a lesson with Eva. She offers private and small group classes in her Clay, NY studio. Come with your friends and share the fun!

Take A Class

The Best Place to Hang Art?

Howdy and hello from the arctic snowy realm of Clay, NY. Today is a blustery day and cold reminder that winter is still here (even though it never really felt like it actually arrived). Wherever you are, I hope you are warm and safe.

As I sit here in my nice cozy studio trying to figure out what to write for this blog; I remember a comment made to me awhile ago. It was basically, “I love that piece of art! But, I can’t purchase it right now because I don’t have the perfect place to hang it.”

Whaaaat?

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard that comment. It’s a common observation at art shows, festivals, pop-ups and events. Always involves someone just ooh-ing & ahh-ing over a piece of art they just love. There’s usually a bit of excitement as they exclaim how much it’s so perfect and blah, blah, blah they just don’t know where they’d hang it….Many an artist friend of mine and even myself have been left wondering what the perfect place to hang art is for these people. I’m here to let you in on a little secret….

There is NO perfect place to hang art. I’m gonna give you a moment to calm down and think about that.

The secret is to purchase art you love and hang it where you will be able to enjoy it the most! Think about it. Is there a room or place where you spend the most time? Hang art there, because you’ll be able to enjoy it the most when you’re in that space. Art can help us create moods and enhance how we feel. When you’re looking at art that you love, ask yourself why you like it. How does it make you feel? Is it calming and relaxing? Buy it and go hang it in the room you like to chill in! That would be perfect!

Still need to know the perfect spot? Ok, here’s an idea. Look for places to hang art that you might not expect, like a small horizontal piece above a door or a tiny print at the dog’s/cat’s eye level by their water bowl.

Just buy art that you love, from local, living artists (the dead ones don’t need to pay bills). Be unique. Unlike the mass produced stuff you find at big box stores original art allows you to show off your personality and your own uniqueness.

Image above is a watercolor painting I did recently while staying in a cabin for an extended weekend. The bent birch trees where fascinating to me and I just had to paint them. It’s a smallish painting roughly 6 x 9 inches, done on Arches 300GSM paper. Where would you hang a piece this small? If it were up to me, I’d suggest matting it with a 1 1/2-inch mat board in maybe a blue-gray color mat, and popping it into a nice wooden frame. Now you’ve got a painting that’s roughly 10 x 15, which would fit almost anywhere. Hang it where you’d enjoy it the most. Perfect!

Where've I been? Good Question...

Yep, I know, I know; I did it again. Missed a month to post my blog. August came and went in a whirlwind of activity, and it was impossible to get to the keyboard. My apologies, really. I do appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and I know you look forward to them. Thank you for your indulgence. So, what’s kept me away? Plenty………………….

In July we traveled to Georgia to celebrate our grandson Leon’s first birthday. He’s such a cutie pie and you will most likely see him in a painting of mine before too long! We spent about a week or so there and although we loved spending time with family the blazing sun and high temperatures were a bit oppressive. After a few days rest back home, we packed up and flew to visit more family in Colorado.

Happy Birthday Leon! (Told yah he was a cutie pie!)

As you may recall, Colorado is one of my most favorite places on the planet. Tons of artistic inspiration!! Hikes are like eating eye candy for me! The western landscape with its reds and golds are absolutely stunning. Yes, I did some painting while there. Did a bunch of studies to use in studio as reference materials and worked up a few more detailed paintings. They’re not quite finished yet though, so you’ll have to stay tuned. Returned home in the middle of August and took a nap (LOL)

August was spent prepping materials for a fresh new batch of my funky bohemian style bowties. The whole process takes about two weeks and since I was sold out during Art Mart last holiday season, I wanted to get going on them. Before I can hand marble each tie, they need to be scrubbed and prepped with a mordant. While they dry, I whip up a couple 5-gallon buckets of goo (that’s what I call it anyways) the goo lets the colors float on the surface. I clean out my 7-foot marbling trough and poor in about 2-inches of goo. Once it settles, the fun can start! I add the colors one at a time, and manipulate, twirl and create designs into the paints. Then I carefully place the tie over top, picking up the design first on one side and then flip it to catch the design onto the reverse side. A quick rinse to remove most of the goo, and then they dry and cure for a minimum of 10 days. This is to ensure good adhesion of the designs. Then I wash them in a mild soap and add fabric softener, another dry on the line, a quick ironing and finally they’re ready! Once I take their pictures both tied and un-tied versions, I post them to my website.

I’m STILL taking pictures of this current batch. Not only did I do 36 new ties, but I also added 12 pocket squares and 12 lapel pins to the mix! Can I just say, they look gorgeous!

August is also the time when I hand paint glass bulb ornaments. These were also wiped-out last holiday season for which I am grateful. I really enjoy painting these and was happy to have the chance to refill my stock. If this is something you are interested in learning how to do, I offer classes both in my studio and at the Art Store.

So, now we’re into September and I’m still working on getting all those tie photos done, sealing ornaments and carding my jewelry. Oh, yeah, I forgot to add I’ve been making new jewelry too! Earrings, necklaces and bracelets, oh my!

September is also the time when my returning students resume their private lessons, and when I schedule new group classes outside my studio. SO, here’s your insider scoop on where you can catch me teaching

1. Alcohol Ink Painting Class on Sat. Sept 17, 2-4:00 at the Art Store, Erie Blvd. Call 315-474-1000 to register ($25 all materials included)

2. Pan Pastel Painting, a four-week seminar for beginner and experienced art enthusiasts, Begins Sat Oct 8th 10:30am-12:30pm, runs Oct 22, 29 and Nov 5th Classes held at the Art Store (See #1 for info) All materials provided, fee is $25 per session

3. Alcohol Ink Ornaments Sat Nov 19 Session 1 from 11am-1pm, Session 2 from 2-4pm all materials provided fee is $25, held at the Art Store

So, thanks for hanging in there with me, I had a lot of catching up to do. I appreciate you very much! Have a wonderful day!! Stay healthy and enjoy the rest of our nice weather before that white stuff starts falling!

Happy 4th of July!!

Creating art that explores our daydreams and the places we go when we need to escape is important to me. It’s one of the reasons I paint the scenes you see on my website. Daydreams offer us a way to escape reality for just a little while and can help us figure stuff out. Heck, I used daydreams extensively as a child and for different reasons do so now as an adult in my artistic practice. When you hang one of my paintings in your space it is my intention to invite you into my daydream, to explore the scenes and characters, to visit and stay awhile. Deciding which piece of art to hang on your walls can be a challenge. From office to apartment or home the art you live with can help you create a specific mood. You are always welcome to visit Eva Hunter Art Studio to see a piece in person. We can even bring it to you to try it out in the space you want (local Syracuse, NY area only).

Download and print this free greeting card just for being one of our favorite subscribers!

Don’t miss the Redfin article we’re featured in: “Make a Big Splash in a Small Space: Tiny Apartment Decor You’ll Love” As a renter there are different types of apartments that you can choose from and put your artistic stamp on. From custom art and handmade ceramics to glass art, you can make a meaningful impact in a small space that you’ll love coming home to each day. So, whether you’re renting a studio in San Diego, CA, or an efficiency apartment in New York, NY, you can find tiny apartment decor that represents you. To help you find artistic inspiration, Redfin reached out to us to share our best advice on picking meaningful decor for your tiny apartment. Find out what we had to say so you can create a space that you love. Make a Big Splash in a Small Space: Tiny Apartment Decor You’ll Love

As the fourth of July holiday looms closer and closer I find it impossible to ignore. Don’t get me wrong I like a celebration as much as the next person. I’m just not feeling it right now. The state of current events in the United States gives me a great deal of anxiety. Whatever your beliefs are, I respect your rights to have them, and I expect the same in return. Isn’t that what united means? (United definition- joined together politically, for a common purpose, or by common feelings.) Somehow, we seem to have lost sight of this, and it frightens me. Yes, I know I don’t usually get political here. Nor do I usually create political commentary art. So, when I do it’s because something pissed me off! Better to create art than yell and scream, or worse.

We all have our challenges in life, and I don’t need to go into the gory details of mine. Suffice it to say that a long time ago it was made pretty clear to me that my voice didn’t matter; that I should be quiet and do what I was told. Children react to the situations they find themselves in and I was no different. My rebellious nature helped me ignite my imagination and I discovered a way to get through childhood. Sure, I was very shy and quiet but, it took my pain and words and channeled them into color, pattern and whimsy.

It is still always difficult to express myself vocally; childhood memories shout, my vocal cords close up, my mouth clamps shut, and my face responds with wide eyed fright. My usual reaction of escaping into a world of daydreams is no longer my go-to-choice. Now the adventures, characters and scenes that once replaced stressful situations give me strength as I use them to fight through the chaos and speak the words in my heart.

Art helped me find my voice, it’s how I’ve healed and grown into the strong, independent woman you know. Finding the joy in life and letting it bloom in color on my canvas is one of my greatest loves (right up there with dark chocolate gelato)! Learning how to take my daydream escapes and turn them into art that communicates my love of life and everything about it is the best thing I ever discovered.

Enough of the Eva back story and semi political commentary; let me tell you about an invitation I received…In June I was contacted by a Content Marketing Specialist at Redfin. (Redfin writes a real estate blog offering tips and information about buying, selling and renting a home. Including topics relating to home improvement, life & style, local insights, finance, etc.) They asked me would I like to collaborate on an article about how to personalize your home or apartment with meaningful art. Of course, I said yes! Please take a moment to check out the article. Not only will you find my words of advice but the advice of a few other artists as well. Here’s the direct link to the Redfin Article

My voice does matter! People ask me to participate in collaborative articles. (Check out this article on Artsy Shark I am featured in also Artsy Shark article

Through the art classes I teach both in my studio and in local spaces my voice is sought out to help other artists improve their skills. You are reading my words in this blog, essentially hearing my voice. When you look at my art you are entering my daydreams and seeing my voice.

So yeh, our voices all matter. Let’s use them to re-unite this big ole world we live on. Happy 4th of July! Be safe and be kind.

Why'd You Paint That?

Have you ever wondered why artist’s paint what they paint? Why does one artist choose one subject over others? Or why does an artist paint in a certain style? After perusing my website for the first time, a visitor commented, “What is behind your concentration on spiders? I have a fear of spiders, so I noticed right away.”

“Good question and thanks for visiting my website. I hope the spiders didn’t scare you away; please visit again”.

I thought the answer would make a good blog post, so here it goes…

The imagination of an artist is both a curse and a gift. It provides a plethora of ideas and inspiration for creating art. Compositional suggestions, random snippets of real and imagined characters and landscapes provides us with the ability to see the world differently from non-artistic folks. I paint what my imagination throws at me, I enjoy the assortment of styles this forces on me. It keeps skills sharp and is more fun. The colorful chaos that swirls in the depths of mine is a constant source of inspiration for creating art. Until it isn’t.

It was during one of those painful moments of artistic block, that the search for something to create turned my eye towards our scary, hairy little friends. Inspiration sort of jumped out at me from within the darkness of a closet. In other words; a big ole spider surprised me. Seeing it jump in response to my shrieking got me to wondering, what’s it like to be the spider that is suddenly surprised by a big ole hairy human? So, while wiping up the spider goo, the ideas started taking shape. (I’m sorry to all you spider lovers. It scared the crap outa me, and c’mon the closet had an assortment of shoes ready to protect me!)

Recording my thoughts and sketching answers to all the questions that my mind was conjuring up helped develop the theme beginning to take shape. Or was it just nightmare fodder? Maybe a little bit. Researching spider images kept me awake for many a night. Fortunately the sleepless nights helped fill the sketchbook and added more fuel to the series of paintings that were now caught up in the chaos stream.

Painting spiders to express shock and surprise required help from a creepy model; so I used a porcelain doll. Using duct tape to position her in a variety of poses added to the creep factor. (I didn’t add the tape in any of the finished pieces. To see that, you’d have to look through the sketchbook) These paintings were also influenced by my research into other artist’s (Francis Bacon and Max Beckmann for example) Prior to any creepy, spider artwork my paintings had been fairly bucolic in nature. Thus the need for research. This is common practice in my work as an artist.

After completing my first spider themed painting, it was time to give it a title. This can sometimes be a difficult task; sometimes the mind has nothing to offer. Other times it offers a gift. Deciding to title the first piece, “Meeting Miss Muffet” led to the series being titled along the altered lines of the Little Miss Muffet nursery rhyme.

And so my friends that’s why I painted spiders. The series as it currently stands is as follows:

“Meeting Miss Muffet”

“Along Came A Spider”

“And Sat Down Beside Her”

“Eating Their Curds Away”

“And Frightened Us All Away”

Yes, I know the series is missing “Sat On Her Tuffet” I’m working on it; stay tuned!

Studio Happenings

Hello again! It’s been a busy summer of art making, exhibits, teaching and sharing my love of artistic exploration with you all! My students have explored new ways to use alcohol inks, had lessons in watercolor, pastel painting, acrylic painting technique and plein air painting. (Check out student Shari F. Lemons acrylic painting below) In between teaching, I’ve delved into the world of live Facebook videos! Not gonna lie, that was a little intimidating for me! (and as you’ll read also included many teachable and laughable moments)

Lemons

Honorable Mention!

Painting Size Guide

In one of my first FB live videos my camera/phone popped right off the try-pod! It was pretty funny and taught me to make sure that lil sucker is in there correctly! Oh, and cleaning the camera lens, yup, that’s a thing you should do BEFORE you go live. sigh. You can’t make this stuff up. If you’d like a good chuckle go ahead and check em out on Facebook. You’ll find them in my group, links will take you there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/evahunterartstudio Eva Hunter Art Studio FB Group

Now that classes are well underway I want to let you know where to find them. In addition to private/small group lessons in my studio located in Clay, NY you can find me teaching in and around Central NY.

Here’s my class schedule for the next few months:
Nov. 20, 10:30-12:30 or 2:00-4:00 Alcohol Ink Holiday Ornaments at the Art Store $25 All materials provided! Sign up at the Art Store 935 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse, NY or call them at 315-474-1000

Dec 11, 1:00-3:00 Alcohol Ink Holiday Ornaments at Karl’s Custom Framing, 243 S. Peterboro St, Canastota, NY Call Danielle at Karl’s 315-877-8904 to register.

Keep an eye out for more classes at The Everson & The Art Store and Karl’s Custom Framing in the new year! Pastel classes, acrylic pouring and alcohol inks are on the list!

SHOP LOCAL KEEP YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS IN BUSINESS

The Holiday shopping season is here! Find Eva Hunter Art & Merchandise at these locations and events:

Art Mart Opens Nov 5, 11:00am located in the former Urban Outfitters 221 Walton Street, Syracuse, NY

CNY Art Guild Holiday Art & Craft Fair Nov 13, 10:00-4:00 at the Cicero American Legion, 5575 Legionnaire Dr, Cicero, NY

Night Market Nov 27, 3:00-10:00PM at Sky Armory, 351 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY

BCA Gift Fair Dec 4, 11:00-4:00 at Brewerton Center for the Arts of CNY, 9660 Brewerton Rd, Brewerton, NY

New Jewelry

New Bowties

New Art

New Art

New Accessories

In October during the CNY Art Guild Art Show & Sale at Aspen House in Radisson I was awarded an Honorable Mention for my painting, Turquoise Browed Mot-Mot. See photo above with Bev L. and my disheveled self (I was totally surprised and a mess but wanted picture anyways) This was the first time I ever received an Honorable Mention for my art. It feels great and I am so humbled by the recognition!

Original Art makes great gifts! Please keep me in mind when planning your holiday gift giving. If you’ve ever wondered how painting sizes compare to one another check out the handy Painting Size Guide image above. I can create custom art in any size (even bigger than the samples given) My prices are reasonable and fair. Contact me with any questions and a complimentary consultation.

Update to my ehunterartist Instagram account; I changed it to evahunterart . Please follow me at Instagram

Hey What's Been Going On?!

Gallery Wall inside Eva Hunter Art Studio

Recently a friend asked me what I’ve been up to lately in my studio. It’s been awhile since my last blog, so I thought it’d make a good subject to share with you.
First and foremost is the big news of the day; I’m a new Grandma (or rather Nonna)!! Baby Leon was born on July 6th and he is cute as can be. If you follow me on Facebook you will have seen his video debut this morning! If you don’t follow me on Facebook here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/evahunterartstudio
Now let’s go back a bit in time. Waaaaay back in Jan of 2021 we decided to renovate our two car garage into my art studio. Our family room, which I had been using was to become space for my daughter. Not being very handy or knowledgeable in the home renovation game my husband and I hired a contractor. Our game plan was as follows:

1. Pack up/box everything in studio. Hold in studio until work is complete. This will be agonizing!

2. Clean out crap in garage. No really, throw it all away! Ok, we can save that…put it in a box. Fill the dumpster from the contractor (this was a HUGE blessing!)

3. Shop around for a shed. Look at too many, get overwhelmed, go back to the first one we saw and buy it. It’s now Feb so we start praying the ground stays frozen and it doesn’t snow. Our shed will be delivered in a week or so. Oh and we have to have a stone pad installed and leveled off before the shed is delivered. Our shed guy, “knows a guy”. He says trust him, he won’t wreck our lawn, he delivers sheds in all kinds of weather.

4. Hire “the guy” to install a stone pad for the shed. Works out well, no snow for awhile in Syracuse, made it easy. He’ll be back to remove our fence post on shed delivery day so the truck can get into our backyard. Oh and he had to pull out our grapevine and a rose bush to make room for the truck. That’s ok, I don’t like wine or roses (said NO ONE EVER!)

5. Shed delivery day dawns on a thawing Syracuse ie: the lawn is muddy. Guy says trust him. Watch as the hydraulic truck makes ruts in our lawn and the ramp sticks with our shed halfway down the ramp. Really, I wish I was making this stuff up. Shed is finally laid to rest nicely on our stone pad. Truck frees itself from our lawn. Fence post is replaced. Shed guy is proud of himself, claims we have the best looking shed in the neighborhood and goes happily on his way. As his backside is seen disappearing from our sight, I give my stressed out husband a big glass of wine and we make plans to call our landscape guy in the spring.

6. Move all the stuff we just have to keep from the garage into the new shed. Being careful not to twist an ankle in the ruts left by the truck. This process will take a lot longer than expected, the ground fluctuates between mushy and icee. My husband is a saint and moves it all by himself. I am a saint and stay out of his way.

7. Decide we want/need to replace our home furnace and upgrade it to an HVAC system. Also discover that the new studio space will need a mini split to heat and cool it. Uh huh. So, new home HVAC system is installed. During the install for the MiniSplit we’re told we need to run a new 220 line into our home, and that we need to call our energy provider, blah blah blah. Um, nope. We just happen to have a 220 line that we’re not using. Hah! So, use that Mr. HVAC man.

8. Contractors arrive and begin what will be a two and a half week process of installing insulation to all the walls, overhead door, and ceiling, hanging new drywall, mudding, installing additional outlets, new lighting (my studio is very well lit now!), topping off the pony wall with a finished ledge, molding, install gallery hang system, paint the walls, ceiling, clean, seal and paint the floors. If you’re ever in need of a local handyman I got a guy you can call! Just ask me and I’ll share his contact info with you.

9. Joyfully move all my studio stuff into the new space! Dance with happiness and kiss that wonderful husband of mine. Follow the carefully measured placement map to arrange my equipment in it’s new location. A few tweaks will be made due to the fact that I have to share floor space with the snowblower for a little while. Sigh. We forgot about that part. Hubby doesn’t want to have to pull the darn snowblower out of the shed every time he has to clean the snow from the driveway. This would involve snowplowing his way through the backyard, over the ruts, through the gate and onto the driveway. What a whiner. You know I’m kidding.

And that my friends is how I came to have the best art studio I could ever wish for. It’s close to home, private, warm and cozy in the winter and cool and comfy in the heat of summer. I spend about 7-8 hours a day in here creating my art. I’ve been able to offer private art lessons, and divide my time between all the things involved with running a business.

The landscape guys have come and gone, the ruts have been filled in and grass refuses to grow there. Why does my husband have the worst time of trying to grow grass? I mean really, he’s so careful to water it, puts straw over it, shoos the birds away, stands guard over it…..not a single blade.

Having this space has helped improve my production as I now have enough space to work on several projects at once. For example currently on my easel is a large oil painting in progress, on my workbench I have three pieces to mat and package, on another table I have my marble vat set up so I can marble some ties this week, I have an acrylic painting in process and one of my students will be here tomorrow for her lesson. This space also has room for a little retail nook which showcases my jewelry, scarves and ties. The longest wall has a gallery hanging system where I hang my art, there are also two more wall with hanging systems showing my art.

Life is good. My art is selling, private lessons are a blast, classes are on the calendar again (I’ll be teaching at The Art Store in August and The Everson in Oct.) If you’re local or visiting Syracuse and would like to stop into my studio give me a call (315-699-3077) I’d love to show you around!

Emerging From Confinement

As I sit here in my studio it dawns on me that it’s been a year since news of the Covid-19 virus spread just as fast as the illness itself, and we were all sequestered in place. Like most of my friends and family I was pretty frightened by the thought of a scary Spring plague running rampant through humanity. My husband and I considered ourselves lucky to have both our daughters living back at home. Home is a safe place and it relieved this momma’s heart to have her family together during this time. Unbeknown to us, it would be a very long time in isolation from the rest of the world. You see; I have asthma and a fairly poor track record of contracting bronchitis. No way do I want to have a battle with Covid. We also learned that there were to be some medical challenges our daughter would face during this time. That’s her story to tell, so no details from me. Needless to say, we weren’t going to mess around with risking exposure.

What does this have to do with my life as an artist? Plenty. With the restrictions and reality of this new way of life I found a new sense of determination in my creative process. Gone were distractions such as visits to the hair salon, grocery shopping, running mindless errands, meetings, etc. (My hair hasn’t been this long since high school.) With the exception of the occasional off day; I’ve always been pretty disciplined in producing my work. Now I had no excuses not to create. I had all the time in the world. No distractions. I was free! I could focus even more intently on projects I’ve always wanted to work on. My studio is in my home so every morning I’d jump out of bed, get ready and paint the day away. And then things changed again.

We needed to make space for the arrival of our first grandchild!! Don’t even get me started on how scary it is to be pregnant during this pandemic! I’m trying to focus on the positive here. Our daughter would move into the family room (AKA my studio) and we would renovate a new space for my studio. Easier said than done.

We hired a contractor, and after two and a half weeks of watching our garage be transformed; I have the best studio ever. We installed a mini split HVAC system, added insulation to the walls and ceiling, hung new drywall, installed amazing LED overhead lighting, installed an art rail hanging system, sealed and painted the floor, fresh paint on walls and ceilings. It took me a week to move my studio supplies and equipment into the new space. Hanging my art without having to pound nails into the walls was wonderful. I now have a much larger space to work in, with room enough for a little retail display. Can I just say, “OMG I love it!”

Each day is a blessing and I am filled with thankfulness for the love and support of my family. They encourage me and frequently pop in to see what’s happening in my studio. I never realized before how much I was distracted by being in the family living space of our home. Too easy to get distracted and pulled away from my work. I get more done in this space over the course of a day than I ever did before. It’s amazing what a little focus can do.

With Spring around the corner and vaccinations more readily available, I’m looking forward to emerging from the confinement of the past year. I long to see my friends in person not just via Zoom. I’m planning several, limited attendance, invitation only New Studio Open House(s) in the Spring. Keep an eye out for your invitation.