Snapped it Up- Artist as Collector

New Mexico based artist Ann Hart Marquis is this week's guest blogger for the Artist as Collector Series.

Gregory Kondos

California River

monotype
©GregoryKondos

I first met Gregory Kondos the year after I rented his summer house in southwest France in 2007. I knew he was a well known California artist, originally from Greece. I had seen his work and loved it, especially his landscapes. His work however, was out of my price range.

Several years later in Santa Fe, NM, I happened upon a sale of monotypes done by well-known artists who had taught classes and contributed work to the College of Santa Fe. 

The state sponsored gallery where the sale was held did not seem to know the importance or value of many pieces that they were selling. I saw a stunning Kondos landscape and snapped it up. 

I look at it every day and I am inspired by its simplicity and gorgeous colors.

Ann Hart Marquis is a New Mexico painter who connects vibrant contemporary paintings with the environment in acrylic and oil on canvas.

Powerful Portraits Remain

New Jersey based artist Francesca Azzara is this week's guest blogger for the Artist as Collector Series.

Francesca Azzara in front of her Elizabeth Harneys
John Allen and Michael Bloomberg
acrylic on canvas

I was exhibiting my own work at the Jersey City Artists Studio Tour this month when I spotted Elizabeth Harney’s powerful portraits.  Her work spoke to me immediately and I decided in an instant that I wanted to own them.  There is a certain aesthetic and sensibility in Elizabeth’s work that I connected to.  

That is not something I usually do.  I often know the work of an artist, or know the artist and the history of their work, before I make a decision.  This was instantaneous. 

Usually, I work in black and white or minimal use of color.  I am interested in form and content versus color and design.  These 2 paintings are part of a series of 10 portraits.  All of the figures are white men in power.  

I had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth at the Tour’s opening party and we talked about her work.  The artist is a very young, soft spoken, wisp of a woman, in contrast to her large powerful portraits.  Elizabeth grew up in a military household in New Jersey.   Her work explores the concept of power and sees it changing.  

She foresees that the white male dominated era of power will soon be archaic and is interested in capturing what currently remains.

   

Francesca Azzara is a painter working in encaustics and mixed media. 

Can You Hear Me Now?

October 1, and picture perfect. Finished up another koi painting while they are still swimming around enjoying this gorgeous weather. With the onset of fall and cooler nights, I officially switched my koi food to the Fall/Spring blend, leaves are beginning to drop in the pond, as well as my portable phone. 

Transition, 2013
acrylic on canvas
24" x 24"
©2013NanciHersh

Yes, it's true. We just recently had the railing on our deck/lanai with wide steps leading to the pond. An unobstructed view was desired. We were concerned that Dini and Maggie (our Lab and Jack Russell) might come bounding out the door when I let them out and keep going down the stairs- right into the pond. A little momentum goes a long way.

Yesterday, I decided to sit and enjoy the pond for a bit while I ate my lunch. Had my dish and fork, my cell phone and the house phone as I was expecting some calls and wouldn't you know it, just a little falter and the house phone flies out of my hands, bounces and rolls a couple of times, and plop. You got it. Down at the bottom.

I keep trying to see if I can spot it and "fish" it out. No luck. So now we are down to one house phone, from the original 3. The other I left out in the rain. Something about water and me, wouldn't you say?

Oh well. I am grateful for another beautiful day, a pond to enjoy with my "girls" and the fact that it was not my smart phone that went for the swim. So... can you hear me now?

don't ask.

What's in a Name

A prince name George.

A Fish Called Wanda.

A Rottweiler named Sheila.

For now: Summer Koi #4
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 10"
©2013NanciHersh

I am working on new koi paintings for my upcoming exhibition in September at the Transformations Gallery in NJ with photographer and friend Cathie Hartigan and I seem to be at a loss for some memorable titles. Titles help me identify and often remember works of art when I get ready for cataloguing and labeling them. Right now they are named and numbered such as Summer Koi #1, Summer Koi #2, etc. Confusing and not too interesting.

Naming something or someone gives it an identity and can set a trajectory.  Because of this power, it's not always easy finding the perfect name for your child, a pet, or in this case a painting. Often, I know the perfect title for a piece, be it the painting's or sculpture's composition or the narrative behind it.  

Recently, my son Nate was telling me about a Rottweiler, a large gentle giant he met at a friend's house named Sheila. Nothing butch like King, or Queen or Diva, but Sheila. It makes me smile, having never even met her. 

Then there's the film from the late 80's with Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, a quirky comedy called A Fish Called Wanda.  I sort of remember the story, but I'll never forget the movie's title. 

I have decided to give my paintings, or more specifically the koi in my paintings names- so I can identify and remember them. I will be posting my Summer Koi paintings on this blog and my FB page and I will be taking suggestions for names. 

This is where you come in. I'd like your help... any suggestions for this fish?  
(FYI- Whitey, Gefilte or Pike are not what I am looking for)

Please click on the word comments below and help me give my new paintings their rightful appellation. 

Let the Daze Begin

First full day of Summer- yea!

Picture Perfect days. Gotta love 'em and appreciate them while they are here.  

Summer Koi #1, 2013
10" x 10"
©2013NanciHersh

Today is also the longest day of the year. More time to do... or more time to not do.

So easy to look at the weeds, the to do list, the pulls in all directions, but I plan to keep my list shorter and my naps longer.

You heard it here first.

Happy Summer!

Thoughtful Energy on Her Walls

• Canadian artist, Kati Bujna is this week's guest blogger for our Artist as Collector Series.

  

  Centropolis IV
  acrylic on canvas
  24" x 30"
  ©2012RobStock
  Collection of Kati Bujna

  I met Rob Stock at the Haliburton School of The Arts (HSTA) last September, 2012, where we were classmates.  Drawn to Rob’s easy-going and articulate nature,  I soon came to learn more about and admire Rob through the course of our art classes together. His thoughtful approach to his work left an incredibly rich etching on my soul. 

  During figure drawing class he used bold, thick, angular strokes where mine were softer and more fluid. During painting exercises, his palette held a select few colors while mine had many. Rob’s work takes command of my eyes, mind and heart. He makes me ponder, think, and ask questions. 

  As the viewer, I like that process - a lot.

  I purchased this painting from Rob. It is part of his Centropolis Series. Simply, it makes me feel lightening bolts. I am energized by the thought-provoking concept that Rob depicts through his bold execution of acrylic paint to make his marks.  I am reminded each time I walk past it that we are responsible for our relationship to the planet we live on, to each other, and that there are consequences to our choices.  I like that it makes me think and feel at the same time. 

  The painting's impression engages my mind each time I look at it. With this painting, Rob’s thoughtful energy lives in my home.  

  Based in Ontario, Canada, Kati Bujna is a painter and photographer. The upcoming “Synapses” art exhibition and sale presented by Kati Bujna Fine Art Studio, runs from June 21-23, 2013 at the CEI Main Gallery and will highlight the works of Rob Stock and Kati Bujna’s tree and urban imagery using multi-media. 

  
  

  
  

Searching Beneath the Surface for a New Perspective

Finishing up the last of the pieces for my exhibition at the Siegel JCC ArtSpace in Wilmington.

*to the Stranger that has loved you, 2013
Acrylic, spray paint on canvas
16" x 20"
©2013NanciHersh photo by Dain Simons

The title of the show is "Beneath the Surface" with paintings and works on paper of koi and sculptures of objects made out of wire and paper pulp as containers to hold experiences that wash up in our lives.

Water and fish have appeared and reappeared in my art throughout the years.
Now nets- and their shadows are a part of the exploration.

Suspension (detail) 2012
Acrylic, spray paint, graphite acquarelle, pastel on paper
48" x 96"
©2013NanciHersh photo by Dain Simons

A conversation in the 2013 Omega catalogue titled "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, Debbie Ford on overcoming fear and igniting self- confidence" seemed to capture the metaphor of the shadow for me spot on.

Here is an excerpt.

Omega: You've written that you can't have the full experience of the light without knowing the dark. Why do you consider the shadow to be the gatekeeper of true freedom?

Debbie: You can't be fully yourself if you have aspects that are hiding. The shadow holds the truth of all the authentic parts of being human- your vulnerability, your discontent, your jealousy, or an experience from the past that you haven't digested.  The only way to invite them out of the shadow is to bring them into the light. The light is a new perspective in which you see that everything that's happening is happening to help you develop your soul.  Then your're free- free to be who you are most authentically, free to ask for what you need, free to find your joy and bliss, free to share your gifts.

Always in search of a new perspective...

Hope to see you at the opening reception on Thursday, April 11, 5-7 pm.

*the title of this painting is a line from the Derek Wolcott poem Love after Love.

Your Help Please

An opportunity to exhibit my work April 9- May 9, 2013 at the Siegel JCC ArtSpace came my way- very recently. 

Yes- only a month a way.

I need to design my exhibitions card.  pronto.

This is where I need your Help.

The title of the show is Beneath the Surface.

Beneath the Surface II
Acrylic on canvas
30" x 40"
©2013NanciHersh

Kaleidoscope
Acrylic on canvas
42" x 54"
©2013NanciHersh

Autumn Pond
Acrylic, pastel, graphite and collage on paper
29" x 42"
©2013NanciHersh

Which of these images do you think I should choose for the image on the postcard.....?

Click on blue word "comments" below (next to the icon of the envelope) and please cast your vote.

Thanks!

Effort (less)

Koi #6
Acrylic on canvas
14" x 14"
©2012NanciHersh

Effort (less.)  Funny how we can work and work on something, falls into the overworked pile. Then we leave it, let it go.  Rework it and poof, effortlessly it comes together. Of course that is a myth- it's logging in all those miles/hours to get there.  That's what happened with this painting.  Had a different incarnation for months (more than a year) never felt right, but kept it up on a wall for the heck of it.

Then poof. I knew what I wanted to do.  Now Koi #6 is up at the 2012 Annual Regional Art Exhibition at the Center for Creative Arts with an Honorable Mention.  Opening reception is tomorrow night, October 18, 6-8 pm.

Come say hi.

Seeing Red

New Year. New Post. And for guest blogger, painter Denise Bellon West - in the coming days, New Home and Studio.


Here's Denise's selection for this week's Artist as Collector Series.  As you can see, the painting is off the wall and ready to be crated for the move to its new home.

Phase Blanket
Acrylic on Canvas
©2012David DeVary

I knew I had to have this painting the moment I saw it. I saw the color, it made me gasp, and that was that. The blanket was bright red; the woman was beautiful; she was blond (being one, I’m maybe a little partial to blonds); the stripes and angles energized the painting for me. But mainly, it was that RED!!! Or maybe the stripes!! No, it was the beautiful blond woman, with her coy look!! No, the red!! 

In fact, it was all those things.  It was painted just for me. 

It was priced VERY high, for me, (heck, my first car – a Toyota Celica - cost less than this, brand new!), but I knew I had at least that much in my checking account. I didn’t care. I should have haggled on the price, at least a little (I will never hear the end of it from my daughter and my husband, who were with me at the time and thought I’d lost my mind!). But all I could think of was that I wanted to see this painting every day. It would excite my eyes every time I saw it.

         That was several years ago, and it still does. 
         Thank you, David DeVary for the spark this painting adds to my life.  

Good luck in your new home Denise!

What work of art adds spark in your life? 

Objects of Desire

As the mother of boys who loves sports, it's all about the sneakers.  They know what they want and they "must" have them.

Black & Yellow Zigs, 201
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

These are Nate's.  He is like a puppy with BIG PAWS that he will grow into.  He bought these with his birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa, promised to take care of them. Of course, I still find them laying all over the garage floor.  Fortunately, Dini has not used them (yet) as a chew toy.

Here's a pair of Scott's tried and true winter boots that were not so lucky. He has had for 20+ years.

Unfotunately, they did not escape Dini's radar this year.  Scott was not too happy.

He takes VERY GOOD care of his things as you will see in a future post.  Luckily, he likes Dini

(at least for the time being.)  Nanci, the wife in me feels badly that Dini got them.  Nanci, the artist, sees this as a compelling subject for my Walks thru Life: Shoe Portraits Series.

Have you ever lost a favorite pair of kicks to a pooch? 

I know my friend Shelly has (achem, right Lor?!) Sorry, sore subject.  

Pay Attention

In the begining of each yoga class we are asked to form an intention, a word, a phrase a feeling that may come up for us.  It could be patience (always a good one) trust, laugh, find joy.... etc. whatever resonate with you at the time.

Avocado Green with Brown Boots, 2011
Acrylic on Canvas,
10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

One of my yoga teachers, Susan Smith shared hers with us recently - Pay Attention.  I liked it when she said it. Simple Direct, like Be Present.  Pay Attention invites us to open our eyes and notice the world around us. Like in the daily paintings I am doing of shoes the past month and a half. I must pay attention to the relationshapes of color, line and form on these small canvases.  I find that this return to some art basic or foundation is like returning to breath in yoga. The essential.

And when you pay attention to breath or to color or form, that attention allows the stories within these objects the time, the space and the grace to reveal themselves. 

Waking up to White

Woke up to white this morning and still coming down.

There is nothing plain- or simple about white.  Try choosing a white mat, or selecting a paint chip for a room color. Warm, cool, tints of pink, yellow, shades of blue... they are all in there.   Look at Monet.  Years ago, I saw some of Monet's winter paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago. White has never been the same.

Claude Monet, 1895
Sandviken Village in the Snow
73 x 92 cm
Art Institute of Chicago

White has been on my mind,  and on the canvas. My daily paintings this past week have included paintings of white Ugg boots and old sheepskin slippers with white trim.

Warm in White I
#13
Acrylic on cavas, 10" x 10"
©2011NanciHersh

Warm in White II
#14
10" x 10", acrylic on canvas
©2011NanciHersh

Accountability with a single step

Blue Slippers & Pendant
Daily Painting #12
Acrylic on canvas, 10" round
©2011NanciHersh

This holiday season I gave my husband a Photo Calendar with quotes. Fitingly, January's quote reads... 


"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"  Perfect since my daily paintings these days are of shoes...


So for my 2011 journey I have my list of goals, intentions and so on.


But none of it will mean anything UNLESS I stick to these 3 things:


1. Schedule my week/ days


2. Stay on task (!!!)


3. Work/paint/make stuff EVERYDAY


There I put it out there.


Day 1, so far so good!  I did my daily paintings, now according to my daily schedule, I am off to swim (think health, fitness, sanity)


Later I will post my special gift from Santa!!!

Ho Ho and How

Red, 12/22/10
Acrylic on Canvas, 10"x10"
©2010NanciHersh

An Original Uglee by
Dorothy (Laurette's Mom- her
last name escapes me)

Have a Happy Holiday However you Do it!

Finding- and Painting Your Festive-Daily!

Daily Painting 12/14/10
Acrylic on Canvas, 10" x 10"
©2010NanciHersh

You don't have to look far to Find Your Festive.  Maybe festive is in your closet, or on your feet. 

The point is, inspiration is everywhere. In your back yard, your closet, or as I recently learned, on Artists Helping Artists, a live talk radio show hosted by Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry.  These two artists host a weekly live talk radio show. Their show is an informative conversation with helpful insight into everything from creativity to organization to marketing.   

One interesting show I listened to was an interview with the artist Carol Marine who committed over 4 years ago, to do a small painting every day.  Wow.  Now that is inspiring. 

For about 3-4 months last year I was doing a tea bag drawing every day and I loved watching the drawings evolve. While that series is on hold, I still have tea bags hanging everywhere and they often make their way into my work.

Altered Utensils, 2009
Wire, pulp, encaustic, collage
©2010NanciHersh

Committing to a daily practice, whether it be in the studio, or on or off the yoga mat is at the top of my list.

What are you committing to as we begin to welcome in 2011?