Last time I had a show I dreamt I had egg on my face the week before in nightmares. Almost put me off doing another one. Well, let me tell you, I had a blast on this one. Yes, a LOT of work around a busy painting schedule, but some really great people helped me put on a show which left me feeling sunny side up. A souffle really. All warmed like melted cheese.
Bob Privitt, an incredible artist himself, and with a wit to warmth, directed hanging the show. He knows his stuff having run Pepperdine's Weissman Gallery in previous years. He made me look good! He also helped me edit along with Karen Brooks, (she knows how to paint dogs far better than me). As an artist we want to hang it all. But sometimes less is more. I learned this big time on this show. The viewing eye needs a rest. I also learned my future path as all these head studies came together as a group. What wowed the crowd and what didn't. Fascinating stuff. Clarity. It is good to show your privates! Head studies, that is...
Then we get to the reception...I was thrilled so many showed up and thrilled I was actually enjoying it!
Flowers arrived, champagne was popped and people actually seemed curious about the art. And I also felt those sitters radiated through the room, a collective energy, painted from life, even if something was wrong about the mouth.
So many thanks to all of you for the support especially to Michelle Dupuy Leavitt, SCIART Gallery Director, who helped conceptualize the show from the get-go, encouraging me all the way, and then some, through some tough personal health times. Everyones' support meant the world to me. And in case you missed it, I am doing an Artist's Talk this Friday at 6pm. And the show runs forever until August 16th. Watch out for my interview on Arts Scene (Ventura) and a plug in 805 Magazine.
