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Oh my goodness OH MY GOODNESS!
The day is finally here! An opening reception and the culmination of a collaboration that spans across several years and four states. The Storyteller's Apprentice art unveiling and book signing, with nearly all of the collaborators together for the show.
And that's a big deal! Because this entire book was created from three separate locations and then brilliantly edited and published in a fourth. There has not been one moment where author Dana Kumerow, illustrator Brittany Tate, editor Leslie Rindoks (a.k.a. Avery Caswell) and myself have been in the same space at the same time.
The day is finally here! An opening reception and the culmination of a collaboration that spans across several years and four states. The Storyteller's Apprentice art unveiling and book signing, with nearly all of the collaborators together for the show.
And that's a big deal! Because this entire book was created from three separate locations and then brilliantly edited and published in a fourth. There has not been one moment where author Dana Kumerow, illustrator Brittany Tate, editor Leslie Rindoks (a.k.a. Avery Caswell) and myself have been in the same space at the same time.
Since its publication just a few months ago, this little treasure has landed in the hands of delighted readers from New York to California, from Canada to Ireland, the U.K. and Israel. From ages 5 to 85, both male and female readers have thrilled us with their feedback. Authors and artists, musicians and bankers, soccer players and princesses - we couldn't have asked for better.
And today, we are absolutely gobsmacked to say - it is now on Amazon! But we know some of you would rather make sure more of your purchase benefits the author and illustrators, so we're giving away free shipping on our own website for the month of November.
If this day could be any more perfect, I am not sure how. :) Alright, maybe if Magnar the dragon came to life, it would be a teeny bit better.
And today, we are absolutely gobsmacked to say - it is now on Amazon! But we know some of you would rather make sure more of your purchase benefits the author and illustrators, so we're giving away free shipping on our own website for the month of November.
If this day could be any more perfect, I am not sure how. :) Alright, maybe if Magnar the dragon came to life, it would be a teeny bit better.
Thank you, dear reader, for following along with me on this journey, for your support, your hugs, your cheers and your patience...book publishing is a long LONG process. Thank you for being a part of my story, and for letting me be a part of yours.
"The Art of Illustration" opening reception is from 6-8 pm at ArtServe. Online art sales are available here and at ArtServe.
For those of you in south Florida who are considering a leap into publishing your own book, there will be a meet and greet with editor Leslie Rindoks of Better Books (formerly Lorimer Press) on Friday from 7 - 9 pm. Email Jen Walls for details.
For those of you in south Florida who are considering a leap into publishing your own book, there will be a meet and greet with editor Leslie Rindoks of Better Books (formerly Lorimer Press) on Friday from 7 - 9 pm. Email Jen Walls for details.
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"Arella" (sold), "Arella in the Barn" and "The Storyteller's Apprentice" each 17" x 12" (framed dimensions) mixed media on aquabord. Part of The Art of Illustration show at ArtServe, now through November 27. Available here and at ArtServe.
What an exciting week this is! The culmination of years of collaboration with a month-long show and a book signing. But what is really, REALLY making me smile is this brave character, Arella, who has become such a part of my life. Ever since author Dana Kumerow wrote Arella into existence, she has been a kindred spirit.
Arella has a stubborn streak...difficulty listening to people and reading the signs in life. She is tenacious and headstrong and determined - sometimes to her own detriment. Wait - am I talking about Arella or myself? So many of the lessons Arella learns in The Storyteller's Apprentice are lessons I am still learning.
What an exciting week this is! The culmination of years of collaboration with a month-long show and a book signing. But what is really, REALLY making me smile is this brave character, Arella, who has become such a part of my life. Ever since author Dana Kumerow wrote Arella into existence, she has been a kindred spirit.
Arella has a stubborn streak...difficulty listening to people and reading the signs in life. She is tenacious and headstrong and determined - sometimes to her own detriment. Wait - am I talking about Arella or myself? So many of the lessons Arella learns in The Storyteller's Apprentice are lessons I am still learning.
Arella
Arella in the Barn
Arella has trouble accepting her own talents. She wants so much for her gift to be like the one someone else has - something more flashy, more exciting and different. She works hard to develop a gift that isn't hers to have, until finally learning to treasure the talent she had all along.
I remember when my dad once called me the family "pit bull", meaning I would fiercely and doggedly get things done, whatever it took, however unglamorous it may be. My sister, on the other hand, was a "golden retriever" - getting along with everyone, making people happy, being easy to be with. I wanted so much to be a soft, golden dog. It just seemed better.
Since that time, however, my inner "pit bull" has become something I rather count on. She gets the hard stuff done regardless of how uncomfortable it is (or how many people she ticks off!) and is a source of strength. And my sister is way better at being golden. :)
Arella also begins as a bit of a perfectionist..her hair just so, ribbons straight, everything right as rain. Her adventures ultimately give her no choice but to embrace the messiness of life, including her own wild hair and things around her being less than perfectly neat.
No one in my house would tell you that I've embraced messiness yet! But the older I am, the more my own unmanageable hair becomes just right the way it is. And perhaps there is hope for me to embrace the messes in life because a certain storybook hero of mine points the way.
Arella also begins as a bit of a perfectionist..her hair just so, ribbons straight, everything right as rain. Her adventures ultimately give her no choice but to embrace the messiness of life, including her own wild hair and things around her being less than perfectly neat.
No one in my house would tell you that I've embraced messiness yet! But the older I am, the more my own unmanageable hair becomes just right the way it is. And perhaps there is hope for me to embrace the messes in life because a certain storybook hero of mine points the way.
The Storyteller's Apprentice
"The Art of Illustration", featuring original work from The Storyteller's Apprentice, November 2-27 at ArtServe. Opening reception November 8 from 6-8 pm. This event supports the important work of Kids In Distress. Donations will be accepted. Please visit their website for a wish list of supplies needed.
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"Beaming", "Queen of Pouts", "Belle", "Lana" and "Norbert" - each 22" x 5.5" mixed media on repurposed fence wood. Ready to hang. Inquiries.
November ALREADY? And so it begins...our last month here in south Florida AND the beginning of the holidays. I am going to need an extra pot of coffee.:)
Thanks to the amazing team of hubby and Pongo, I'll be at the 32nd Annual North Palm Beach Arts & Crafts Festival this Saturday for the third consecutive year. There is nothing quite like a hundred talented crafters and artisans packed into a community center to get you thinking about putting up the Christmas tree. EEEK! NOT YET! Pongo needs more practice with the ornaments.
And The Art of Illustration, featuring The Storyteller's Apprentice, is going up at ArtServe today. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you next Thursday evening for the reception. More on that next week.
November ALREADY? And so it begins...our last month here in south Florida AND the beginning of the holidays. I am going to need an extra pot of coffee.:)
Thanks to the amazing team of hubby and Pongo, I'll be at the 32nd Annual North Palm Beach Arts & Crafts Festival this Saturday for the third consecutive year. There is nothing quite like a hundred talented crafters and artisans packed into a community center to get you thinking about putting up the Christmas tree. EEEK! NOT YET! Pongo needs more practice with the ornaments.
And The Art of Illustration, featuring The Storyteller's Apprentice, is going up at ArtServe today. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you next Thursday evening for the reception. More on that next week.
Beaming
Queen of Pouts
Lana
Norbert
Belle
But now, let's pause for a moment before the month runs wild with busyness and enjoy the soothing sounds of baby raccoons....Pongo got into a tussle with one last week, and is trying to convince us they are very, very scary. :)
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The Lighter Side of Doom" - acrylic on cradled birch wood, 12" x 24" x 2". Ready to hang. Available here and at Artfinder.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to...follow the muse. The muse who wanted to play with shape-based abstracts and was inspired by the soft colors of Geoffrey Johnson paintings and also hoped to portray tension and evoke a gut response. And somehow managed to infuse a bit of whimsy into something seemingly doom-laden and heavy. Kind of like a cartoon abstract, if that is even a category.
But lordy my golly I smile at this piece even time I walk past it, and have already begun sketching its sister (or brother or distant aunt twice removed). The muse is running amok and I am loathe to tame her.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to...follow the muse. The muse who wanted to play with shape-based abstracts and was inspired by the soft colors of Geoffrey Johnson paintings and also hoped to portray tension and evoke a gut response. And somehow managed to infuse a bit of whimsy into something seemingly doom-laden and heavy. Kind of like a cartoon abstract, if that is even a category.
But lordy my golly I smile at this piece even time I walk past it, and have already begun sketching its sister (or brother or distant aunt twice removed). The muse is running amok and I am loathe to tame her.
As life would have it, I came across this article about a new book by Anne Lamott just as this piece was finished. The book, Almost Everything - Notes on Hope grabbed my attention, along with this opening line from the article and her prelude: "In general, it doesn’t feel like the light is making a lot of progress."
And that is kind of how the world feels this morning after a horrific shooting in a Pittsburgh synagog and bombs delivered through the mail last week. Yet there is a glimmer...in the voices raised to comfort families of the fallen, in those speaking out against bigotry, hatred and violence. There is a glimmer of light in people reaching out to each other.
Lamott says: "...we see that our beauty is being destroyed, crushed by greed and cruel stupidity. And we also see love and tender hearts carry the day. Fear, against all odds, leads to community, to bravery and right action, and these give us hope."
To love and tender hearts, dear reader. They are our hope and our heroes - the glimmer in the dark. On this Monday, let's look toward the light and bring it home.
And that is kind of how the world feels this morning after a horrific shooting in a Pittsburgh synagog and bombs delivered through the mail last week. Yet there is a glimmer...in the voices raised to comfort families of the fallen, in those speaking out against bigotry, hatred and violence. There is a glimmer of light in people reaching out to each other.
Lamott says: "...we see that our beauty is being destroyed, crushed by greed and cruel stupidity. And we also see love and tender hearts carry the day. Fear, against all odds, leads to community, to bravery and right action, and these give us hope."
To love and tender hearts, dear reader. They are our hope and our heroes - the glimmer in the dark. On this Monday, let's look toward the light and bring it home.
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"Sheepish" - acrylic on canvas, 24" x 20". Available here and at Artfinder.
This is the last of the donated canvases...richly textured and perfect for this primitive beastie. Again using my favorite fluorescent paints over black gesso and allowing the shapes to emerge how they wish. It will be a tough go to work on fresh, white substrates again. I may have to paint over some of my own paintings to avoid that a bit longer.
Following the paint is kind of like the art of wu-wei, or trying not to try. Why? Because when we try too hard, we get caught up in perfectionism and actually get in the way of being creative.
This is the last of the donated canvases...richly textured and perfect for this primitive beastie. Again using my favorite fluorescent paints over black gesso and allowing the shapes to emerge how they wish. It will be a tough go to work on fresh, white substrates again. I may have to paint over some of my own paintings to avoid that a bit longer.
Following the paint is kind of like the art of wu-wei, or trying not to try. Why? Because when we try too hard, we get caught up in perfectionism and actually get in the way of being creative.
You artists and writers out there know the feeling, when you are trying so hard to create this thing in your mind that it actually gets harder to achieve the more you work on it. So the goal is to find a kind of flow instead, where it doesn't feel like trying at all. It is harder than we think!
An online article about a new book, Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity describes wu-wei as this:
"Wu-wei literally translates as “no trying” or “no doing,” but it’s not at all about dull inaction. In fact, it refers to the dynamic, effortless, and unselfconscious state of mind of a person who is optimally active and effective. People in wu-wei feel as if they are doing nothing, while at the same time they might be creating a brilliant work of art, smoothly negotiating a complex social situation, or even bringing the entire world into harmonious order."
Oh. A way to bringing the entire world into order! Hmmm.
I haven't read the book (yet) but the article is quite fascinating. And it made me add another sign to my studio. In addition to "Leap Before You Look", I've added "How to Be Exceptional: The First Step is to Stop Trying." Whoa.
So get out there today and stop trying, whatever it is you want to achieve. Maybe just sidle up to it like it's a shy pony and look at it out of the corner of your eye. I'll be in the studio trying not to try. :)
An online article about a new book, Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity describes wu-wei as this:
"Wu-wei literally translates as “no trying” or “no doing,” but it’s not at all about dull inaction. In fact, it refers to the dynamic, effortless, and unselfconscious state of mind of a person who is optimally active and effective. People in wu-wei feel as if they are doing nothing, while at the same time they might be creating a brilliant work of art, smoothly negotiating a complex social situation, or even bringing the entire world into harmonious order."
Oh. A way to bringing the entire world into order! Hmmm.
I haven't read the book (yet) but the article is quite fascinating. And it made me add another sign to my studio. In addition to "Leap Before You Look", I've added "How to Be Exceptional: The First Step is to Stop Trying." Whoa.
So get out there today and stop trying, whatever it is you want to achieve. Maybe just sidle up to it like it's a shy pony and look at it out of the corner of your eye. I'll be in the studio trying not to try. :)
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"Speak. Say." acrylic on canvas, 24" x 20". Available here and at Artfinder.
Another of the glorious donated canvases! This one became a skew of Modigliani - part of a challenge for an art critique group I belong to here in Florida. Generally something skewed is a bit amusing or wonky or peculiar. Well sure, Modigliani didn't paint with fluorescents, but otherwise only the colors and the addition of words and textures are very different. The more I worked with this lovely one, the more serious she became.
In this world, the message to SPEAK and SAY what's on your mind or in your heart is important. We speak up against bullying or else we become a bystander. We speak out against violence and intimidation lest we become oppressed. And we speak for those who cannot, because they need champions. Our words matter.
Another of the glorious donated canvases! This one became a skew of Modigliani - part of a challenge for an art critique group I belong to here in Florida. Generally something skewed is a bit amusing or wonky or peculiar. Well sure, Modigliani didn't paint with fluorescents, but otherwise only the colors and the addition of words and textures are very different. The more I worked with this lovely one, the more serious she became.
In this world, the message to SPEAK and SAY what's on your mind or in your heart is important. We speak up against bullying or else we become a bystander. We speak out against violence and intimidation lest we become oppressed. And we speak for those who cannot, because they need champions. Our words matter.
I've had a lot of time to rest, read and watch t.v. lately, and I've been delighted by a series titled "Call the Midwife", which takes place in 1950s and 1960's England. What I didn't expect was this nugget of wisdom in the opening narrative of one episode - "women write their history in the words that pass between them." Whoa. I had to think about that one for a day or two. In modern times, we launch how many words per day into the universe? Between our voices and our social media, we fling a lot of words. So I paid attention to the words passing between women. A lot of it was uplifting, encouraging, motivational and tender. Especially when the women knew each other well. Some of the words were exquisite - little treasures to remember and cherish for those times when we need reminders of our goodness and abilities.
But some of it was not good at all. Some of the words passing between women were mean-spirited, gossipy or judgmental, and rarely face-to-face. The words that pass between other women can uplift or wound us even if we aren't a part of the conversation, for words travel. Once released, they take on a life of their own.
So back to this painting. What began as skewing a master became instead words of wisdom from the paint. The words that pass between us, what we SPEAK and what we SAY, write a history. I hadn't thought of it that way before. Let's write a history together that lifts us one and all.
But some of it was not good at all. Some of the words passing between women were mean-spirited, gossipy or judgmental, and rarely face-to-face. The words that pass between other women can uplift or wound us even if we aren't a part of the conversation, for words travel. Once released, they take on a life of their own.
So back to this painting. What began as skewing a master became instead words of wisdom from the paint. The words that pass between us, what we SPEAK and what we SAY, write a history. I hadn't thought of it that way before. Let's write a history together that lifts us one and all.
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"No Guff!" Mixed media on canvas, 24" x 18". Available here and at Artfinder.
That's IT! No more GUFF! Not inside, not outside. Time to kick all that nonsense to the curb and leave it for the trash man. This sure-footed gal doesn't hesitate to put her foot in your back, send you packing and push you out. (no no no - not you, dear reader! Just the general "you").
Another thickly layered paint over on a donated canvas. Not a pose you might find in a life drawing class, but one that was fun to play with. Right now there is a stack of scribbled post-its stuck to her foot. A reminder to push away the nonsense and hold dear what really matters. I think she will do a fine job in banishing those things from Jen-world. I promise she will do the same for you. :)
That's IT! No more GUFF! Not inside, not outside. Time to kick all that nonsense to the curb and leave it for the trash man. This sure-footed gal doesn't hesitate to put her foot in your back, send you packing and push you out. (no no no - not you, dear reader! Just the general "you").
Another thickly layered paint over on a donated canvas. Not a pose you might find in a life drawing class, but one that was fun to play with. Right now there is a stack of scribbled post-its stuck to her foot. A reminder to push away the nonsense and hold dear what really matters. I think she will do a fine job in banishing those things from Jen-world. I promise she will do the same for you. :)
Speaking of taking no guff, photographer Carl Stoveland didn't let Pongo give him a bit of attitude during a photo shoot at our house last week! The winning photo will be turned into a digital painting of Ron and Pongo to hang in our new home in Portland.
Stoveland will also be working on a new headshot for me. You artists and writers know how HARD it is to get a decent headshot for publications and websites. We don't like to be photographed in the first place, and then we criticize the pic like a painting. Sheesh!
Stoveland will also be working on a new headshot for me. You artists and writers know how HARD it is to get a decent headshot for publications and websites. We don't like to be photographed in the first place, and then we criticize the pic like a painting. Sheesh!
Imagine my surprise in finding a video titled "No Guff" to nicely bookend this post. :) I just love the spunky, cheery strength of this young lady. And it's a great way to kick the Monday bullies in the backside.
Now off you go to have a stellar week. No Guff!
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"Mahola" - mixed media on art board, 16" x 12" . Available here and at Artfinder.
Mahola is "one who enjoys dancing", and this little sprite will wear her tutu anywhere she can. I am a new fan of tutus. They go with anything, and help people remember who you are. :)
For this piece, layers of acrylic paint and texture, topped with a layer of luminescent oil paint and carved through with chopsticks. We've chatted about the "p-word" (patience) here before, dear reader...oils force patience. A long drying time - which makes me walk by the painting every day, examining what works and what doesn't. This sweetling was weeks in the making, an unusually long time for me.
The year is rolling past us at a furious pace. It is now 12 weeks since my surgery. I'm not healed, not better, but still determined to use this experience to forge a new, better path somehow. And the universe conspires with me to make that happen! A sign (literally!) of things to come and our future move to the west coast - our house is on the market. For those of you who've sold homes in the past, you know what this means! Constant cleaning and tidying, many walks with Pongo to let people spend time bonding with our house. My fitbit is happy for all the showings, even if Pongo isn't. These people are interrupting his naps. :)
For those of you interested in upcoming events, there are some goodies in November!!!
- The Gold Coast Watercolor Society fall show at the Coral Springs Museum of Art is open to members and non-members in south Florida who work in water media (acrylic and watercolor). Sign up! I would love to be the one handing you a ribbon based on the expert judging of Dean Mitchell.
- If you missed my demo at Florida Watercolor society ("Once Upon an Artist: Telling Tales and Selling Art"), you'll have two more chances to learn to swashbuckle like a pirate: The Gold Coast Watercolor Society monthly meeting in November, or the Weston Art Guild monthly meeting in November.
- And, to top off the year, "The Art of Illustration" at ArtServe in November, featuring the original work from The Storyteller's Apprentice and a guest appearance by author Dana Kumerow on November 8th!
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"Seated Man" - acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20". Ready to frame. Available here and at Artfinder.
It's been a while since I worked on canvas. But a super artist here in Florida (the incredible Tammy Seymour) just handed me a pile of canvases, each painted rejects from yet another artist. So, since paint overs are my new favorite way to work, I have a plethora of pre-texturized beauties to begin with this week.
This piece had an unusual inspiration...a photo from a catalog, of all things, in which the model (a man) was hanging over a chair in such a way that conveyed (to me), sadness, weariness, maybe an end-of-the-day-I-am-done kind of feeling? I decided to tackle it in a slightly abstracted way.
It's been a while since I worked on canvas. But a super artist here in Florida (the incredible Tammy Seymour) just handed me a pile of canvases, each painted rejects from yet another artist. So, since paint overs are my new favorite way to work, I have a plethora of pre-texturized beauties to begin with this week.
This piece had an unusual inspiration...a photo from a catalog, of all things, in which the model (a man) was hanging over a chair in such a way that conveyed (to me), sadness, weariness, maybe an end-of-the-day-I-am-done kind of feeling? I decided to tackle it in a slightly abstracted way.
Instead of a value sketch, I started with a value painting. Gesso over the old painting, then a loose sketch with ink and a paintbrush. Using more gesso and more ink, creating some darks and lights and a basic idea of where I wanted this thing to go.
There was a lot of push and pull in this one, but in the end I like the little bit of color and a lot of that incredible pose.
When I asked my hubby what he thought this painting was saying, he said "Hey fella - got a sandwich?" I am still chuckling.
There was a lot of push and pull in this one, but in the end I like the little bit of color and a lot of that incredible pose.
When I asked my hubby what he thought this painting was saying, he said "Hey fella - got a sandwich?" I am still chuckling.
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"Can Do, Can Do" mixed media on paper, 22" x 15". Ready to frame. Available here and at Artfinder.
This week I am focused on what I can do. After a couple of months of can't, it is time to embrace what I can. So this one appears in the paint, able handed and upright - she isn't holding anything heavy, but she she still seems strong in her energy. And the trail of gunpowder left by the cap roll trailing through the sky makes me smile. Can do - I can hit a roll of caps with a small hammer.
Maybe this isn't a big deal to you...but this week I made soup. Hubby has a virus and is run down after nearly eleven weeks of being a super caregiver! And it was time for me to pick up the slack (even a little bit) at home.
It's been quite a long while since I made chicken soup. The long, slow simmer of a whole roasted chicken to create the stock. Carefully de-boning the cooked and cooled chicken to find the choice bits for the broth. Frying up onions and celery and sage for flavoring. But this was the easy part. Hunting and gathering at the supermarket felt like a Herculean feat!
This week I am focused on what I can do. After a couple of months of can't, it is time to embrace what I can. So this one appears in the paint, able handed and upright - she isn't holding anything heavy, but she she still seems strong in her energy. And the trail of gunpowder left by the cap roll trailing through the sky makes me smile. Can do - I can hit a roll of caps with a small hammer.
Maybe this isn't a big deal to you...but this week I made soup. Hubby has a virus and is run down after nearly eleven weeks of being a super caregiver! And it was time for me to pick up the slack (even a little bit) at home.
It's been quite a long while since I made chicken soup. The long, slow simmer of a whole roasted chicken to create the stock. Carefully de-boning the cooked and cooled chicken to find the choice bits for the broth. Frying up onions and celery and sage for flavoring. But this was the easy part. Hunting and gathering at the supermarket felt like a Herculean feat!
Who knew pushing a grocery cart (even an empty one) could be so taxing? And the clerk looked askance at me when I asked for each bag to be packed as lightly as possible. My purchases were literally weighed to make sure nothing was too heavy for me to lift.
But here's the good part - making soup is kind of the ultimate act of love, I think. A few Christmases ago, I came down with a wicked flu - high fever, chills, ick. My sister, a guest for the holiday, spent the entire day roasting a chicken and making soup. Hours and hours. And I still remember it as one of the greatest gifts I got that year. A warm bowl of homemade soup was just the thing I needed.
Now I am no soup goddess like my sister (who is known far and wide for her broths!), but I like to think the oodles of love on top of the noodles in this week's soup will be just the thing to tell my sweetie how much I appreciate his patient and gentle care over nearly three months. And maybe, if we're lucky, he will feel better, too.
But here's the good part - making soup is kind of the ultimate act of love, I think. A few Christmases ago, I came down with a wicked flu - high fever, chills, ick. My sister, a guest for the holiday, spent the entire day roasting a chicken and making soup. Hours and hours. And I still remember it as one of the greatest gifts I got that year. A warm bowl of homemade soup was just the thing I needed.
Now I am no soup goddess like my sister (who is known far and wide for her broths!), but I like to think the oodles of love on top of the noodles in this week's soup will be just the thing to tell my sweetie how much I appreciate his patient and gentle care over nearly three months. And maybe, if we're lucky, he will feel better, too.
