I’m participating in a new joint show with a fellow watercolorist Bernice Wood at the Artists Attic in Downtown Lexington. This event has made me consider all of the shows I’ve been involved in over the years, along with the changes I’ve witnessed. Recently my shows have taken place in areas where I’ve just moved and know virtually no one, at least in the adult world.
As I look back at the 80’s and 90’s in Austin TX, I realize how fortunate I was in my youth. At age 24 I joined the Capitol Art Society, a wonderful group who welcomed me, mentored me, and cheered for every success. Our group shows were magical, and took place in stunning venues. We had a coop gallery too. Artwork sold well for all the artists. Ironic for me since my work at the time showed a lack of experience. Before I left Austin in 2007 I enjoyed art shows where lots of hand-colored limited-edition prints of birds sold. Austin was filled with bird lovers. It’s hard to say which was more enjoyable: The engaging bird-related conversations, or the art sales!
After moving to Concord MA in 2007 I met new fellow bird and art lovers. I had a show the first year I lived in the area. It inspired two commissioned pieces and sales of several small hummingbird paintings. Before I left the area in 2013 I’d had several shows. More importantly I taught watercolor and drawing to dozens of students, many of whom became friends and soul mates. I learned new skills – How to paint landscapes and flowers in order to teach my students. This learning/teaching experience made me a better colorist than I’d ever been. During my seven years in MA I definitely witnessed a drop in sales for all artists, and was thankful to be a passionate teacher.
Fast forward to 2013 and our move to Lexington KY where horses, not birds, rule the roost. Oil paintings are much more common and popular than watercolors. I’ve met a group of delightful and talented artists at the Artists Attic. Out of 26 members only two of us are watercolorists. Artists in all media have seen a drop in sales over the past decade. The reasons are numerous:
- The economic downturn
- A flood of competing visuals on social media
- Modern digital cameras allowing easy creation of personal and inexpensive artwork
- Mobile devices and apps which allow easy creative manipulation and sharing of photos
Sadly at the peak of my ability as a teacher and painter, I’m struggling to find students in the area interested in learning watercolor and drawing.
The current exhibit at the Artists’ Attic has given me an opportunity to show my best work. Compliments abound! Like all artists I appreciate the sentiment, but these days such sentiments rarely turn into sales or opportunities.
The one thing moving through the U.S. has shown me: Change is the only constant and I need to adapt in order to survive and thrive.
To that end: Horses, UK, and the beautiful Kentucky countryside will join birds and people in my paintings. A love of learning has always been one of my biggest passions, so bring it on in the Bluegrass State!
I’ve included the drawing I did after his death. As usual art helped me to cope. The drawing was done from a snapshot taken at his surprise 82nd birthday party. Normally there would have been lots of photos from my own camera. Unfortunately I landed in the hospital the night before. When I finally arrived at the party unshowered, exhausted, and bedraggled, he looked up at me with pure joy. As always, even at age 82 and wheelchair-bound, his strength of spirit lifted me up.
I’m so glad that I agreed to the photo because it captured how I felt toward a dad who was/is my hero.
It’s been a bit more than a month since I turned 59. As I consider my own transitions I’m also struck by those of my grandchildren. Sam (5 years 9 months) is in his last week of Kindergarten. We recently attended a show where he performed a Spanish dance with the entire class of Maxwell Elementary. The children were in costume and paired up. Sam looked so grown up! It seems like just seconds since his birth made me a Grandma. He and his 2 1/2 year old brother Gabriel have filled my heart. They are more incredible than I could have imagined, and I have quite an imagination!
She was so excited to see Nick that she planted a big, very visible lipstick kiss on his cheek! It touched my heart so, I knew this was something I had to draw. I wanted to make it special so I drew a heart of flowers around the portrait. Prior to that time I had not been an avid flower painter but this event got me started down a new path. I hope you enjoy the drawing – to me it’s a golden oldy, loaded with sentiment!
At the ripe age of 50, after 27 years in Texas raising our kids, the move to Concord, MA was difficult. No more close friends nearby who knew the song in my heart…. No more cozy places where my children grew up. Wonderful places like Zilker Park, McKinney Falls, the city of Austin, the state capital building, San Antonio Riverwalk and Zoo, the list goes on and on…..
Artful Passages 