CHIX!

CHIX!

A sincere Thank You goes out to Mary Buchman for commissioning me to capture her spirited group of ladies. These talented ladies sing in a quartet known as CHIX! CHIX! is part of a much larger group known as Sweet Adelines. 
"Sweet Adelines is a highly respected worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop quartet harmony through education, competition, and performance. This independent, nonprofit music education association is one of the world's largest singing organizations for women." (quoted text is taken from their website)

As luck would have it there was a practice session going on at Mary's house the following day. I was invited to hear the ladies sing and get to know them a little. Photos were also allowed. My friend Judy and I attended. Mary's pups greeted us with doggie enthusiasm and deemed us friendly. Thankfully after a couple of sniffs below the knees! We could feel the energy in the room immediately. Mary's dad who was recuperating at the time joined us as well.
Their voices harmonized and the angels sang. I was moved to tears when they sang Hallelujah!

From left to right I learned that Louise is the most flamboyant. She loves color, plays the accordion and wears crazy hats. She claims I captured her necklace and rehearsal shoes perfectly. We are not sure how that happened. I guess we are just kindred spirits at heart. Call it intuitive! She is a riot!
Second, is Barb who raises orchids and also breeds Papillon dogs. Two of the group owns pups from one of her dog's litters! Mary owns two. Barb was amazing and shared some interesting facts about their group and copyright laws on music and her pups. Barb is so full of enviable energy. I wish I could bottle it!
Thirdly, we have Cathy. I was told that Cathy would be most likely to wear my signature peace symbol. Each of my paintings has one somewhere. A twinkle in her eye gave her highly spirited personality away. Our hippie souls connected! She is the shortest in stature, however, the deepest in voice. She owns a green parrot who sometimes harmonizes with the group during practice in her home.
Fourth, we have very sweet Mary. Mary is an avid golfer here in the community where we live. Mary loves to cook. She has a chef's hat hanging in her beautiful new kitchen. She owns two Papillon dogs. Mary is also caring for her elderly dad. I learned that purple is one of her favorite colors.

Armed with all the visuals and some insight into their love of life I was enthusiastic and able to implement my ideas. With a little bit of math for the layout and some research on Papillon dogs and green parrots, I was ready.

This painting has brought me such joy and has added another chapter to the story of my creative journey. 
Thank You, Mary Buchman, for enjoying my work and helping me to share it and make others happy as well!

"TEE OR TEA"

"TEE OR TEA"

The christening party/unveiling of “Tee or Tea” went extremely well. To be perfectly honest, I have been recuperating ever since! I should also mention that our daughter and friend are here visiting. Her friend April has been recently transferred to Florida due to her employment. We have looked at over thirty houses in the last several days. April has signed a purchase and sales agreement and has made an incredible choice.

My heartfelt thanks to Suzanne Cummings and her husband Dick for hosting this magical event. The food was incredible. Cooking, besides decorating, is also one of Suzanne’s many talents. 

About sixty people attended the event. The unveiling took place after everyone had eaten and was settled with a beverage of their choice. Champagne was then served and Suzanne gave a sincere toast. She complemented all the talented people in her life, but said that I touched her heart the most with my art. What greater compliment can an artist receive! She has touched my soul and cemented the fact that I am on the correct path. Making people happy with my art and getting paid for my achievements are quite the accomplishment for any artist.

So as promised, in a prior blog post, I reveal “Tee or Tea” in its entirety. Again, a special thank you to Mary Ann Coyle for getting this old bike rolling. My only regret is that Mary Ann was not here to enjoy the festivities.

I do apologize for the delay. However, life has an amazing way of just being life. Enjoy!

My Winning Painting and Artist Statement!

Pia the Flamboyant Flamingo
My winning painting will be sold as a poster during the
Pine Island Art Association's 43rd Annual Art Show and Sale. Over 100 local artists will be participating in the annual event. There will be over 500 original works of art in pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors and mixed media. All are ready to hang at affordable prices.
The show takes place in in the heart of the
MATLACHA ART COMMUNITY.
Matlacha Community Park, 4577 NW Pine Island Road, Rt. 78,
just west of the Pine Island Bridge.
Dates for the show are: February 14 and 15, 2015,
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All proceeds from the sale of my poster will benefit and further art education within the community.

My Artist Statement:

I best describe myself as a “graphic impressionist”. Rose, a graphic....what? Yes, you read it correctly a “graphic impressionist”! Two totally separate ends of the artistic  spectrum....right?

Let me explain, Lucy: The graphic side stems from my very rigid catholic school, good little girl, eduction. “Color in the lines, and by all means it must look real!” There was a nun at every turn enforcing the rules, practicing knuckle enhancement. In the eighth grade, Sister Attila the Nun, accused me once, of tracing my contest entry drawing. She ripped it up and threw it away. Other students came to my defense, they saw me create my masterpiece, but there was no changing her mind. Crushed and never fully understanding her tyrannical behavior, I forged on. My creative spirit, temporarily bruised and confused.

The impressionist side stems from my formal art school training. “Let loose, take command, feel the art and banish the fear.” As you can only imagine I was captured in a creative conundrum. The nuns and their inflexible rules, like sugarplums, danced joyously in my head. 

For many years I continued to struggle, searching for my style, longing to be both deliberate and fearless with each impending stroke. Life, children and other creative endeavors diverted me in many directions. It was easier to be sidetracked then to conquer my creative insecurities, and sidetracked I was. Now retired, I have the time to explore my first love and creative passion, painting. I am back in the imaginative cradle so to speak and comfortable with my gifts. 

Along with my very supportive husband, we retired to Southwest Florida in 2007. I have recently joined the Pine Island Art Association; one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’m working with incredibly talented people, creating simply for the love of their craft and expression. 

“I am inspired everyday by my tropical surroundings; the aqua blues of the ocean to the colorful birds and gorgeous foliage, that never fail to capture my attention. My love for color is on fire. As oxygen is to my lungs, sustaining life, so does color sustain my soul and fuel my spirit. I benefit from a rare condition called Synesthesia. I see color before form.”

So how then do I merge my conflicting styles? Easy, I’m a Gemini! My colors are similar in either style that I choose to paint, however, I paint in both styles. At my age, I consider these dual personalities a blessing. Why then, can’t I own them both? It was suggested that I paint under a pseudonym. No, I thought, I want to claim it all! Hence, I am a “graphic impressionist” and I just never know who is going to show up. I am more apt to paint a fanciful idea graphically. My impressionist side, however, takes me wherever my spiritual guide, on automatic pilot see fit. Many times I even surprise myself. 

So from my happy heart to yours, ENJOY! Thank you my sweet little nuns! You taught me well!

Vase With Flowers...Impressionistic 

A Peaceful Place...Impressionistic

Just Doodling!

Seaside Retreat

Vacation Villas 

A Lazy Afternoon
Just having fun! Doodles of my mind! Wouldn't you love to visit this imaginary place?
One would think that I grew up in the sixties or something!!!!
And so I did and the 50's too!
May the color of life fill your heart! 
"Be Happy Mon, life's to freakin short!"
Have a great and fun day!