Time in a bottle...

I wish I could bottle up the last two weeks and uncork it when things are not humming along in quite such a fabulous fashion. In addition to hearing last week that I would be featured in the Competition Spotlight in The Artist's Magazine next June, I learned that I'd won the Medal of Honor in Watercolor at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 112th Annual Open Exhibition. The show is at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park until October 15, for anyone who might be in NYC during that time. Each of the galleries has different hours, so rather than list them here, I'll link you to the National Arts Club website. The galleries are sometimes closed for official functions, so it's wise to call ahead (212-475-3424) to make sure you'll be able to see the exhibit.

Then just today, I received notice that I've been awarded my signature in Watercolor West, the west coast society for transparent watercolor. The annual show (their 40th) will open on October 11 at the City of Brea Art Gallery and run until December 19, with an opening reception on October 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Regular gallery hours are 12 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and 12 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. This show is always a wonderful representation of the full range of transparent watercolor, both in subject matter and technique. Please stop by to see it if you are in the L.A. area.

Today was also my last day at the co-op gallery. I packed everything up tonight and closed that door behind me. I'm excited about being free to explore and experiment on new works without worrying about a monthly exhibit deadline.

When the handwriting on the wall...

starts to glow in the dark, you know you'd better pay attention. A number of marketing projects that I've tried in the last couple of months were beset with difficulties. The co-op gallery I've been in for the last two years recently adopted some policy changes that make it a poor fit for me. And I've been so preoccupied with gallery matters that I haven't been producing enough work for the show circuit, which had been an important part of my artistic life.

So this week, I made the decision to leave the gallery at the end of September and focus on show quality painting. I had two acceptances this past week that boosted my confidence and I have ideas spilling out of my head for new paintings.

The first show I heard from was the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club 112th Annual Exhibition. This painting was selected:

"Out of Service: Old Plow"
20" x 15"
watercolor

Second, I heard from The Artist's Magazine that two of the pieces I submitted to the 2008 Annual Competition were selected as finalists in the Landscape division. "Old Plow" was one, and the other was:

"Moonlit Cactus"
16" x 16"
watercolor

I couldn't be more jazzed. To top it all off, my website is starting to generate interest from collectors. It's a good time to be alive!! And now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to work on a painting for a group show that we're hanging this weekend at the gallery