Paintings by Pat DeVane Burns

Last two Christmas commissions

2011-12-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Covington 11x14 acrylic

Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, these last two commissions can be revealed. It is a heart-warming feeling to know that I can be in someone's home through my art on such a special occasion.

Zoie 11x14 acrylic

Oz

2011-11-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

"Oz" 11x14 acrylic on canvas

Here's another commission that I can show before Christmas... a precious Brussels Griffon, my first painting of this breed of dog. What soulful eyes he has!

Fall into Christmas

2011-11-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

I get real quiet here on the blog during the Fall....not from inactivity, but from so much activity! This is my busiest time of year with commissions, many of which cannot be shown because they are Christmas surprises.
I hope you all are enjoying the wonderful weather and gorgeous colors of Fall. Here is one of the pet portraits that I can show because it was a client's present to herself...."Three Amigos"

"Three Amigos" 14x11 acrylic on canvas

Plein Air Poker

2011-10-05T13:42:00.000-04:00

This fall the Generations Gallery is presenting a painting competition with a bit of a twst. .....PLEIN AIR POKER. Just show up, ante up, and enjoy the day painting, Winner takes all and will be decided by participant and guest vote.

Please see the attached flyer for more details. For more info you can call me at 478 972-2404.

Hope to see you on the 15th.

Preston King

Smoke Jumper 126

2011-09-29T20:15:00.001-04:00

24" x 24" acrylic on deep canvas

Don's wife, Ginny, commissioned me to create this dynamic scene of him in action during a training session. As an instructor, Don teaches new recruits how to fight fires while keeping safety forefront in their minds. I've watched them train and am amazed at how they can work so hard carrying the weight of so much equipment! They must be totally dedicated to go through such rigorous training.

I was so pleased to be present at the Fire Academy when Ginny surprised Don with his painting today. Now they are good-naturedly arguing over where it will go.... as they both have offices within the Fire Academy. Hey, you guys....I can always paint another one!

Worth a repost!

2011-09-23T13:41:00.000-04:00

Group Think

by Carolyn Henderson

Okay, okay, none of us are islands and all that and we all work together as a team and many hands make the job lighter and we learn at the master’s feet and ad infinitum, but if you are an artist driving and pushing yourself to be at the top of your form, you might find group situations a bit confining, and rather than wonder what’s wrong with you, I suggest you turn the situation around and recognize that, for highly individualized persons like artists, the group is not always the best place to grow. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/34977/group-think

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This excerpt appears courtesy of FineArtViews Art Marketing Newsletter by FASO,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

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Peter's Peppers

2011-08-27T10:09:00.001-04:00

8" x 8" acrylic on 1.5" deep wrapped canvas w/painted edges

SOLD

I love my art group! We continue to meet almost every week and it's the very best way to stretch and grow for me! I painted this one on Thursday. Here's how the day went....9:30 meet & greet at the depot gallery in Barnesville, set up painting station, lay-in sketch, cup of coffee, paint, critique each others' progress, walk to 'Slices' pizza and meet up with three other friends for lunch, talk, laugh, plan our new year-long art adventure(more later), hurry back to the depot, paint some more, call for critique, finish painting, gel time & place for next get-together and start breaking down around 3:00. Peter was busy framing his paintings for our Fall Line Painters show coming up while Eleanor, Bambi & I were painting. He was telling a funny tale about some jalapeno peppers at a tailgate party, so I named these peppers after him. They aren't as hot as his story!

"Close Connections" Opening SOON!

2011-08-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

Monroe County Arts Alliance has a very impressive art show coming up! Thirty-five local and regional artists with over 100 artworks vie for $700 in cash prizes plus honorary ribbons in a display that showcases the area’s best. “Close Connections” set out to encourage artists who had a connection with Monroe County to participate. All counties that touch our borders are included, as well as artists who are connected by family, work or organizations.

As coordinator for the show, I am excited about the response from the art community. We put out the call for artists and they responded! We hope the community will come out to support these artists and the devoted efforts of so many MCAA volunteers that desire to keep the fine arts alive.

The opening reception is Thursday, Sept 1, 5-7 PM at the gallery at 54 N.Jackson St.

Judge, Karen Strelecki, will speak at the awards/reception evening at 6:00 PM, explaining what she looks for in a show piece and how she has come to her decisions regarding the winning entries. Not all judges are willing to give this critique and it is valuable information for artists entering the show arena as well as the general viewing public, who sometimes wonder why a particular piece has won an award.

“Close Connections” will hang from Sept 1 to Oct 21 and will be viewable during regular gallery hours of 11-4 Weds –Fri. Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will get to see the show, as MCAA hosts their September meeting. The gallery will also be open during Monroe County’s annual ‘Taste of Monroe’ for the community’s viewing pleasure.
Awards
$300 Best of Show
$100 First Place 2-D
$100 First Place 3-D
$100 First Place Mixed-media
$100 First Place Photography
Peoples Choice Ribbon - Please come vote before 6PM at the reception!
Honorable Mention ribbons at the judge's discretion.

Participating artists (over 100 artworks!):

Debbie Anderson - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/debbie-anderson.html
Betty Arnold
Sharon Bailey
Nancy Barnes - www.metallikos.com
Dr. Steve Barnes
Sue Bond
Ashlin Breland - breland_ashlin@hotmail.com
Donna Brown - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-donna-brown.html
Pat DeVane Burns - patburnsart.com
Hazel Caldwell - hazelcaldwell.com
Markey Duensing
Pat Freeman
Doug Fromm
Cheryl Hildebrand
John R.L.Isaacs XV
Cynthia Jenkins
Gloria Joy
Mary Leslie - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/mary-leslie.html
Gypsy McKinna
Coni Merritt - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merritt-Pottery
Peter Nishanian - joycines@gmail.com
Mary Parks - http://www.artfromtheheartbymary.blogspot.com/
Bambi Rogers- http://facebook.com/bambi.rogers
Bill Rogers -http://www.jacksonprogress/-argus.com/news/2011/jun/21/popular-panes-stained-glass-artist-83-earning/
Gloria Smith
Joy A. Smith - http://www.paintingsbyjoy.com/
Linda Sosebee
Alan Stecker
Eleanor Stecker
Martha Thompson - Martha Adams Thompson on Facebook
Martha Tisdale - http://www.marthahtisdale.com/
Sam Traina - myspace.com/samtraina
MJ Venrick - http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/m-j-venrick.html
Paula Williams
Julie Yamamoto - http://www.windwalkerdreams.com/

I invite you to visit our event page on Facebook.

MCAA is appreciative of local sponsors Jonah’s, Prime Palate and Grits, who all helped with printing promotional material for the show. Enjoy their delicious eats and please tell them "thank you!"

Most of the artwork will be for sale, although ‘not for sale’ pieces are also entered for competition.

Gratefulness

2011-08-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

I'm grateful my dog's foot missed these new sprouts literally by a hair!

Yesterday I got Robert Genn's twice-weekly letter about being grateful from his blog , The Painter's Keys. I heartily thank you, Robert! It promised to be a hectic day of artistic errands instead of painting, which usually puts a wrinkle in my brow for the day. His letter completely changed my attitude and turned what could have been a harried day into one of pleasure. As I finished reading his letter, I looked out the window from my computer and saw new sprouts breaking ground in a row of zipper peas in my garden due to a nice rain we'd had the previous night. Gratefully, I took out my camera and took a picture of them. Would I have "seen" them in my previous state of mind? As I did, a photographer friend from down the street showed up to take pictures of the butterflies on the volunteer zinnias that bless my abundant garden. We gratefully shared a brief time while I unloaded my car in preparations for the 3-hour trip I had to make to retrieve artwork from a gallery today. I knew I would have a full load picking up a fellow artist's six pastels as well as my own ten or so paintings, several 'Spirits in Stone', some wire sculptures, prints and notecards. The gallery is changing it's focus to double its' classroom size and promote the art of the two owners. The economy is affecting everyone! I am grateful that I can still do what I love to do. I wished them well, grateful that all our paperwork matched and everything fit into my car. I made a quick phone call to Preston, whose pastels I had, and luckily he was having lunch with Peter, another of my paint buddies, not too far off my route home. I met up with them and shared a glass of tea and some laughs while Preston retrieved his work from my car. I'm so grateful for art friends... they 'get it'...they understand...they keep me reaching for the next level! Stopped at 'A Novel Experience', the bookstore that held a show for my plein air group, to retrieve a small painting and deliver some promotional material for the fall show I'm coordinating for my local art alliance. I'm grateful to have venues that welcome and promote my artwork!
Home again, after adding a few groceries to the car, to a full answering machine. My husband showed up about the same time. He is an independent cuss like me, so I'm grateful that he 'gets it', too! We check all the mail and phone calls and head back out to meet the couple we have selected to rent our old farm house on five acres. I'm grateful that we took applications until we found what we hope will be a responsible couple who will take good care of the property. We have learned from past mistakes, folks! I took pictures of the house while we were there, grateful that the previous tenant left the house in spotless condition.... and believe me, that is something to be grateful about!
Home again with a glass of wine on the porch while the charcoal fires up. Late supper tonight, but grateful that it includes fresh veggies from our garden... grilled zucchini, zipper peas, okra, tomatoes and baby bell peppers.
No TV tonight. We both have computer work to do to finish up the day around 10:30. Reading a few pages in bed before gratefully dropping off to sleep.

Thank you again, Robert, for making me aware that being grateful is the key to making each day a successful entity unto itself. I can only live one at the time anyway. I look back on the day and can see how each thing I did could have been a hassle. Attitude makes the difference! Sound sappy? So what!

Dog Days of Summer reception

2011-08-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

There was so much to share about this fun show that I created an entire static page for it on the blog. Just click here or on the right hand sidebar on "Dog Days of Summer". Enjoy....I know I sure did!

Rubbing elbows with the Governor

2011-08-04T13:35:00.000-04:00


Me with Georgia Governor Deal

July 26th, I had the pleasure of meeting Governor Deal and his wife at the Capitol in Atlanta. My friend, Judy Neal, went with me and was such a treasure to have along. Judy has worked in and around the Capitol for many years and definitely knows her way around! As Gov. Deal said to me..."She(Judy) is multi-talented!" Gov. Deal hosted a reception for approximately 22 Arts Clayton juried artists who currently have over forty pieces of artwork hanging in his and his staff's offices for a year. He personally selected the artwork and I'm happy to report that he chose all four that I submitted. For the next three years, the Arts Clayton group will submit new work to be selected. Now that we have had a tour of the Capitol and the spaces where the art hangs, I have a better idea of what to submit in the upcoming years. Many thanks to Gov. Deal for carrying on a 25 year tradition of including Georgia art in the Capitol!

Gov. Deal speaking to the Arts Clayton artists, Board of Directors & guests

Dog Days of Summer

2011-07-29T15:47:00.000-04:00

Macon Arts invited me and five other local and regional artists to present some new artwork for their August show "Dog Days of Summer". Never could summer weather be more appropriate than this year! Wow, it's been HOT here. I will be entering eight new works, which I will wait to blog until after the opening reception August 5th 5-8 PM. AC Pup, mascot for the Macon-Bibb County Animal Shelter, will be making a personal appearance. I do hope you will join us that evening. I'm really excited to see what the other artists have done for man's best friend!

Scott Burdick's "Banishment of Beauty"

2011-07-06T10:43:00.000-04:00

I AM IN LOVE .... and I don't think his wife minds!
Where have I been that I have not seen or been directed to this fabulous artist and his fight for truth in art?!
Perhaps it's because I am one of those of the shrinking middle class that has had to scratch tooth and nail just to make it from one day to the next in bewilderment of what is considered valuable in our modern society. In my search for meaning and direction in my own artistic journey, I gratefully (through the blessings of the internet) have found a champion who can put into words what so many artists know and feel.
I beg you to block out one hour of your precious time to view Scott's video and hear his talk concerning "The Banishment of Beauty". It will reach into the very core of you!

"Playing Dress-up" in FAV's Top 15%

2011-06-23T21:04:00.000-04:00

Playing Dress-Up 18x24 acrylic

Why am I so thrilled that this painting got in Fine Art Views Top 15% for May? One reason is because this monthly showcase of artwork is consistently great. It pushes me to do better and better work just to stay on the same page with the artists represented. Another reason is that the judge for May was Kevin Macpherson.
When there are many entries (approximately 695, in this case), the FAV jury chooses the Top 15% to narrow down the field of artworks that the judge needs to view to choose the winners. I may not have placed in the finalist circle this time, but I feel like a winner knowing that one of my art heroes viewed my work in the process!

CALL for ARTISTS !

2011-06-17T11:08:00.000-04:00

Please click on the sidebar "CALL for ARTISTS" for full details.

You may email me if you'd like a full prospectus/application sent to you.

Mona Leasha

2011-06-16T13:03:00.000-04:00


"Mona Leasha".............. 14"x17" acrylic on panel

Monroe County Arts Alliance gave its' artists a challenge... to create original paintings based on Old Masters to be auctioned off during their gala fundraiser "Art a la Carte" on June 25th. Serious or spoofs, these fabulous fakes are sure to be the highlight of the evening. Here's a sneak peek at my offering....I hope I captured that enigmatic smile! Curious about the other paintings? Come to the party to see!

FIRST PLACE !

2011-06-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

"One Down, Two to Go" 16x20 oil

This is one of my favorite paintings, so I was really pleased when it took First Place at Arts Clayton's new show, "Here and Now". Asked about the format, I told the story of this 'slice of life' painting:
I received permission to use a photo reference taken by a four-year-old of the preparations her family goes through for a 4-H lamb show. Whether she meant to crop her dad's head out of the picture or not, she achieved a focus on the activity instead of a face, which I found compelling to paint. You can feel the warm, humid spring in Georgia as her dad wipes the sweat from his brow and says "Whew...one down, two to go", referring to the two unshorn sheep in the pasture.
The judge, Will Fenn, said that he considered it "a stand-out". Will is a visiting professor at Ernest G. Welch School of Design at Georgia State University. He is Arts Clayton's 2010 Juried Photography Judge and currently has a solo show in their second gallery called "Pearls", a collection of photographic images using the tin-type process.

Tin-type photographic images by Will Fenn

We got into a discussion about the time processes of tin-type and traditional representational painting. In this era of instant gratification, he at first gets resistance from his students, who can take 100 reproducible digital shots to one original non-reproducible tin-type, which requires even further processing to complete. I get the same reaction when teaching layers of painting to my students. But as his students settle into the process, they get a certain satisfaction that has many putting in extra hours on their own, he says. As the world moves faster and faster, we both expressed hope that there will be a resurgence in the appreciation of the traditional and historical arts and crafts, even though there may be fewer of us producing them.

"Here & Now" Show

2011-06-09T14:35:00.001-04:00

136 S. Main Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236

Free Admission.

Open T-F 9-5pm. Sat 10-4pm

"HERE AND NOW"

Opening Reception - Friday, June 10th - 5:30-7:30pm

Show Runs June 7 - July 15, 2011

DH Lawrence said, "The living moment is everything." This show looks to explore our exhibiting artist's interpretations of the present.

You are invited to come to the reception or to visit this lovely gallery during the run of this show where I have three paintings, including the recent "Playing Dress-Up". Arts Clayton has a deserved reputation of hanging strong, diverse artwork ...sure to be a visual treat!

Plein air at 'A Novel Experience'

2011-05-17T20:46:00.001-04:00

Eleanor Stecker...one of my paint buddies

Dear Friends,

     The artists whose work graces our walls for May are assembling on the Courthouse Square lawn tomorrow, Wednesday, May 18th in the morning. Brrrrrr! We hope the weather will cooperate so we can watch the creative process happen in downtown Zebulon!

     The Fall Line Painters have a wonderful joie de vivre that carries them to many on-site "Paint Outs" across the state. We welcome them to a mini-paint-out sans the prizes, jurors, and massive crowds (maybe next year). Come and see! They will set up on the lawn and will be in residence for the morning.

     This is also the same day as our Brown Bag Book Group meeting at noon--we are reading "The Kitchen House"--consider stopping by with your lunch and getting in on the discussion. Our group is open to all and welcomes new members--besides this month's title, we are going to choose titles for the next six months.

     The Pimento Fest is this Saturday--it's a small town celebration, laid-back, great fair food, crafts and local talent. Join us 10 - 3. Store specials for the day!
All of us at A Novel Experience

...and now for the results
The Fall Line Plein Air Painters: Peter Potter, Bambi Rogers, Pat Burns & Eleanor Dixon Stecker
Four of us were able to paint that morning, zeroing in on different views of the courthouse on the square... a great day with great friends!

Playing Dress-Up

2011-05-13T19:40:00.000-04:00

"Playing Dress-Up" 18x24 acrylic on canvas

I am happy to give kudos and thanks to Bobby Jackson for allowing me to use his photograph of these precious little girls as reference for this painting. I took a few WIP shots and will include them below after a close up of their delightfully expressive faces.

Those faces!

WIP 1

I started this painting with a canvas toned fairly heavily in M.Graham's transparent anthraquinone red, which is a brighter, more magenta color than the alizarin crimson that I sometimes use. This peeks through all over the painting to help unify it. Then I drew in the main shapes and shadows with thin alizarin and indanthrene blue by Winsor-Newton, also transparent colors. I scumbled in some of the lighter areas to get a feel for the value ranges. I rarely use black... none in this painting.


WIP 2

Here I've added just enough patterning to the dresses to get the feel of the material without getting bogged down in details. While their attire is important to the storyline, I don't want excess detail to distract from their faces and attitude. I painted in the taller girl's hand over the shoulder, then decided to remove it for a cleaner composition. That toned canvas glows through transparent layers in the shadows and skin tones... something that doesn't show up well in photos.


WIP 3

Working on the second face now. The mouth on the little girl in shadow needs relaxing a bit and the eyes need detailing. I see some adjustments I need to make in the slant of the shoulders under the shawl... can you see the correction marks I've made with chalk? This will also affect the attitude of the hand slightly. A tricky thing to add is the lettering on the Bible... very important to the painting but it can't be too bright... it needs to look aged. I let it rest for a while so that I can see it with new eyes before making final adjustments.

Indian Springs Paint Out Upcoming!

2011-05-11T06:18:00.000-04:00

Decisions...decisions...what to paint? There are so many interesting images in this state park that it's really hard to decide. Generations Gallery has put up some great prize money to encourage painters to give it their best shot! I really look forward to seeing fellow artists that I haven't seen since this event last year. I sold all three of my efforts off of my easel and had nothing to put in the competition but the smile on my face. Any day like that is certainly worth a repeat! Enlarge the poster for all the details or click on the gallery's link to get even more info.

Upcoming Writers Conference at Indian Springs

2011-05-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

Just want you guys to know about the WRITERS CONFERENCE May 20-21st It is the 4th Annual conference - back by popular demand. WRITERS AND POETS - great chance to meet published authors, learn how to get published, even an editor will talk about polishing your manuscript. It is two days of fun; cottages in The Village are available; and if you can't come both days, we have an "open to the public" OPEN MIC Event Friday evening - under the stars at the antebellum mansion. RSVP, but no admission. Georgia Poetry Society will host and everyone is invited to read their work. Or just listen. Call 770-227-4002 to register for conference or RSVP for Friday evening's event. Meet most of the speakers that evening - Haywood Smith, two time NY Times best seller list, will be there......
Anne Jones is a personal friend of mine and has a new book, "Tides of Fear", that she will be happy to sign for you. It's a can't-put-down murder mystery set on St. Simons Island.

Commission

2011-05-10T12:49:00.000-04:00


Commission 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas

My nieces grew up with this handsome young man and his mother is a good friend of my sister, Pam. She wanted to give him something special for his wedding. What a vibrant couple they make!

Waiting Out the Rain

2011-02-05T19:24:00.000-05:00


Waiting Out the Rain 20"x20" acrylic on canvas

My husband loves to feed the birds! This winter we have accumulated a flock of about 36 Eurasian collared doves.... or ring-neck doves. They are the most beautiful shades of lavender-grey with a blush of pink. This pair was fluffed up and waiting out a cold rain after a hearty breakfast of cracked corn, oats and sunflower seeds. I feel like these doves in the winter, just longing for spring and warmer, sunnier weather.

Email me if you would like to give this pair of doves a warm and cozy home.

A busy Thursday

2011-01-19T17:36:00.000-05:00

The Fall Line Painters and Lamar Arts members have the opportunity to paint together this Thursday, Jan. 20th, at the old train depot gallery in downtown Barnesville, GA. You do not need to be a member of either group to bring your brushes and join in the fellowship. In fact, we have a knitter in our group, as well as porcelain painters. Bring what ever you are presently working on, set up a still life or plein air paint outside or "inside-out" through the large windows. We start around 10:00 in the morning and go well into the afternoon, breaking for lunch.

Tomorrow evening I will be giving a one-hour talk on "Composition" at the Fine Art Society of Middle Georgia in Centerville. I'll be going over a list of '21 Pointers for Better Composition' and hopefully have time to critique a few of the members' paintings. The meeting is held at Centerville City Hall on Church St and the public is invited, starting at 7:00PM and will last until about 9:00. Further information about FASMG can be gathered through Dona at dona_fas@yahoo.com

Art Naturale Show

2011-01-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

(click to enlarge)

This is a beautiful show in a beautiful setting! The reception is this Sunday afternoon and the indoor gardens are a break from all the snow and ice we've had this past week. Please come enjoy!

Snow Birds

2011-01-10T17:57:00.000-05:00

"Snow Birds" 4" x 12" acrylic on canvas

Preston King, one of the Fall Line Painters, issued a challenge today. Stay inside but paint a view out of one of your windows. It is so icy and cold here! The ground is blanketed in what looks like snow, but it is a hard layer of sleet and ice. We have been steadily feeding the birds today. These goldfinches in their rather drab winter plumage covered the table on the deck, so it was easy to see them up close through the french doors. I was tempted to paint the cardinals, but this little constantly moving mass was so intriguing, even though they were less striking.

"Sun Spot" - Challenge 13

2011-01-06T20:11:00.000-05:00

Sun Spot 8" x 10" acrylic

There are web sites out there that offer challenges which I do occasionally. This one was of a small grove of aspens. Since I have never seen aspens in person, I chose to make my trees a generic variety and concentrate my attention on the bright spot of sunshine filtering into the autumn grasses underneath. After finishing this exercise in "realist abstraction", I had the feeling that my best result was about 3/4's of the way into this painting. In other words, I kept going when I should have stopped. That is what these lessons to self are all about... learning.

Tree study

2011-01-05T18:57:00.000-05:00


tree study 6"x 6" acrylic

This little plein air study was a lesson I gave myself. Time limit of 20 minutes and leave out all but the basic shapes and values. It's nothing to write home about, but it did serve it's purpose... I was tense starting it and loose when I finished. It warmed me up to work on the oil portrait that's on my easel in the studio.

Winter Comfort

2011-01-04T09:18:00.000-05:00

Winter Comfort 8" x 8" acrylic

Muffin has found a comfy spot tucked into my favorite afghan on the sofa. Our house has a bank of southeastern facing windows that lets the winter sun shine almost completely through the house. She uses it to her advantage. Isn't that what cats do best... use their environment and their owners to their best advantage? I gotta admit that it's gonna be hard for me to sell this one, as Muffin is my favorite of our six cats and this is "her". She sleeps beside me at night and curls up next to my computer keyboard in the studio. She is now over fourteen years old and still acts like a kitten. Her favorite toys are my white erasers. I can't tell you how many I have rescued from the vacuum cleaner! I've painted her many times and only kept one for myself. H-m-m-m....

Peeping Tom

2011-01-03T08:12:00.000-05:00

"Peeping Tom" 8"x8" acrylic

I see-e-e-e you!

Errant Feather

2011-01-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

"Errant Feather" 8x10 acrylic

The first day of this new year was spent with family, food, the Rose Bowl Parade and football games. I couldn't let the day go by without a little paint, so I did this one in my lap in the evening while yet another football game played in the background. I call it "Errant Feather" because of that one whacky skewed feather in Rose's tail. It was so comical looking that I took a photo of her this past summer while she sported it around for several days before it molted. Now she looks much more dignified...that is, if a chicken can look dignified!

First Reception of the New Year

2011-01-02T07:58:00.000-05:00

Lamar Arts has a fabulous gallery in the historic Old Train Depot in downtown Barnesville, Ga. This is where the first 2011 reception that I'll be involved in will take place this Friday, Jan. 7th, 6-8PM. I was pleasantly surprised that they used one of my paintings on the flier. Lamar Arts is opening a large room for members' works called the Trackside Gallery, where several of my plein air group, the Fall Line Gang, will be showing work along with other association members. Many of the Gang have decided to become members and we will be keeping the gallery open for on-site painting each Thursday starting January 13th. We invite all to come see the shows, browse the gift shop and paint with us. You do not have to be a member to pull out the brushes and join in the fun! However, I would suggest that you email me (sidebar) one day prior to coming on a Thursday to confirm, since this is an all-volunteer kept day.

Last painting of 2010

2011-01-01T17:54:00.000-05:00


Melinda's Dad 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

This commissioned piece was the last painting of 2010.... #68 for the year. That's just the number of finished pieces. It doesn't include the ones that are still facing the wall! I also did 43 wire sculptures, two drafting jobs and a bunch of craftsy things for fun. I have high hopes for 2011... don't we all?! I'd like to tackle more sculpture and improve my figurative work and attempts at plein air painting. My biggest challenge there is knowing what to leave out!

Detail

'Tis the Season...

2010-12-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

From Thanksgiving through New Year's day is crazy busy for all of us! Most of my artwork during this time consists of commissions that cannot be posted, so I've been pretty quiet here on the blog. It's also a introspective time to appreciate family and friends, review the past year and make plans for next year. I want to take this time to say how much I appreciate you and wish you a safe and happy holiday season......

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 2011!

Sue Flavinger's Smith's Secret

2010-12-01T08:53:00.000-05:00

I follow Sue's blog and could not have written this any better, so I share with you her enlightening post... and turn the doorknob into my studio.

The Secret of Happiness

Lately I've been feeling under-motivated - a form of year-end creation fatigue, no doubt. I've taken to revisiting books that initially inspired me to take the artistic leap, just to see if I could recapture some enthusiasm.
I came across this quote from "Re-Inventing Yourself" by Steve Chandler: "What if everyone in America was doing everything they could to avoid effort - and yet the secret of happiness was, in fact, effort?"
Effort is one of those double edged swords. We can put forth tremendous effort, rolling that rock up the hill, then realize that chance, or fate, or a random change in the weather can send us back to our starting place. Why do it? Why fight when the odds against us don't play fair? We can throw in the towel, close the studio door and find something else we could be good at, something easier than this art thing.
It's a good question. Why do it? We can limit our understanding of effort in terms of cause and effect, that concentrated effort must result in expected success, and wander down a path toward something else, something easier. And what do we find there? "The biggest lie humankind has told itself in the past 50 years," Chandler says, "is that happiness is available without effort."
I ventured into my studio after a week of having the door closed. It was cold because there are two windows and only one heating vent, and with the door closed warm air from the rest of the house can't get in. If we shut ourselves off from the effort of creating we become like this cold studio. The longer the door is closed the emptier the space becomes, until there is nothing left of our desire to create.
It takes effort to leave that door open when the room is so cold. Effort to pull out the canvas and squeeze out the paint.
But ask yourself one question: when am I the happiest?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:44:00.000-05:00


"Sunset Tom" ... a 'Spirit in Stone'

Gobble! Gobble!

Well, the bird is in the oven and I'm fixin' to go to the garden and pick some fresh turnips to go with the sweet potato casserole. Can you tell that I am totally Southern?! I am so thankful for family and friends. I wish you all health and happiness and a few quiet moments to dwell on the simple pleasures. May God bless!

Time well spent

2010-11-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

"Out of Africa" ..... a 'Spirit in Stone'

The last two gorgeous afternoons have been spent under a tent outside Magnolia Gallery at Lake Oconee. I met some great folks who were out enjoying the fine fall weather during the Art Ramble put together by nine galleries within a fifteen mile radius of Greensboro, GA. Friday I did a demo with 'Spirits in Stone', showing folks the process of choosing, preparing and painting on stones.

Crab

Today I made 'rusty doodles', which are sculptures made from one continuous piece of steel tie wire... my construction background coming through. The 'rusty doodles' don't photograph well, as you can see through them, but I've posted two of the smaller ones here just for you to get

Black Widow

the idea. With not being able to cut the wire, they are indeed a puzzle to the brain. Maybe they will prevent me from getting Alzheimer's!

A Need for Art Education

2010-11-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

'Circle of Life' honors

2010-11-17T15:28:00.000-05:00

"Georgia Red" tied for third place honors in Arts Clayton's 'Circle of Life' show in Jonesboro. Check out their Facebook page for all the pictures.

Ramble through 14 miles of art in Greene County

2010-11-15T17:42:00.000-05:00

3rd Annual Holiday Art Ramble of Greene County, Friday and Saturday, 19-20 November from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Five local art businesses have banded together to create the ramble - they’re close together in the convenient 15-mile stretch from Greensboro to Union Point. The galleries are Art of Oconee, Genuine Georgia, Hampton Fine Art Gallery, Magnolia Gallery and The Point of Art Gallery. Every stop offers exciting and different art forms and you can watch artists demonstrate their unique craft. There's door prizes and more, much more...For more info go to www.artramble.com or call (706) 486-6808

I'll be at Magnolia Gallery Friday & Saturday 1-4PM demonstrating my 'Spirits in Stone'... how I chose a stone, the preparation and painting of them. Please come by see me and the other demonstrating artists.

Small Works Show up through November

2010-11-12T16:27:00.000-05:00

MaryJane, Debbie & Ginger

Great photo of some great artists who just happen to be the owners of Art on the Avenue in Macon, GA. They have been so instrumental in getting my work "out there"! The Magnificent Small Works Show will be up throughout this month and there are 30 photos of the reception and some of the art represented on their Facebook page. Be sure to check it out!

The Four Stages of Freelance Success

2010-11-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Four Stages of Freelance Success

This link to a post on Lateral Action's blog is well worth a read by any profession! As an artist, I can name three such artist soloists that I have had the pleasure of meeting and one who I count as a current mentor. The attribute that particularly stands out to me is that all of them are completely comfortable and relaxed in their own skin... totally honest with no pretense. I strive!

Fall at Sprewell Bluff

2010-11-08T19:39:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, four of us women got together to spend the night, talk art and basically just have a good time. We were to meet four more of our plein air group, The Fall Line Gang, the next morning at Sprewell Bluff to paint the fall foliage. Well it turned really cold...our first freeze of the year... with a very brisk wind. So-o-o, we four cheated. We went out Friday afternoon before it froze and took pictures. Saturday morning, over hot coffee and muffins, we chose a scene and put it on the computer screen, then painted our 'plein air' around the dining table. The guys were guys and braved the cold, as did Matthew's wife, Rita, who is a photographer. We didn't envy them one bit! Preston came in mid-afternoon to thaw out and join us for a late lunch of delicious homemade chicken tortilla soup. Smart guy! We missed the others, but we'll catch up with them next time when the weather cooperates better.

Three of us will be in Madison, GA to paint this Thursday, Nov 11th, 11-4:30 if any of you would like to join us. Just email me for details.

Blast from the past!

2010-11-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing two of my past paintings in their home environment... and it really did my heart good! Both 4' x 8' paintings were originally commissioned in 1998 as murals to be put on the outside of cabins that are used for hunters and boy scouts. They are painted in acrylics on signboard and sealed with several coats of polyacrylic to weather the outdoors. Vickie gave me free-rein to treat the subjects, foxes and deer in a Georgia setting, any way I wanted. I remember that she sent a son to pick up the finished paintings in his truck. Within the hour I received a phone call from her husband, Walter... "I don't like them!", he said. "Bring'em back!", I said. "I don't like them.... I love them!", he said. "No way are these going outside! We will find places for them inside somewhere." And they did just that, building the foxes into a stone fireplace wall and placing the deer prominently in a bedroom. Thanks to Walter and Vickie for giving my artwork such a good home!

Welcome to St Simons Island .....the book

2010-11-04T16:49:00.000-04:00

Good news for "Beach Babes".... it was selected to be one of fifteen paintings by Glynn Art Association members to be published in a new book that welcomes visitors to the island. It will be distributed to area motels, gift shops, galleries, restaurants and, of course, The Welcome Center. I love that it portrays my sister, who could live on the beach, and her grand-daughter in water that has a color unique to the Georgia coast where the marsh meets the ocean.

"Circle of Life"

2010-11-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

Arts Clayton in Jonesboro, GA is having a reception for it's "Circle of Life" show this Friday evening, Nov.5th, 5:30-7:30. My offerings for this theme include "Georgia Red", a 30"x40" depiction of a family of foxes; "Day One", an 11"x14" foal on the day of her birth; "Sabbath Morning", a 24"x24" painting of a bromeliad and stick figure in the window that symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. I hope you can join us for the festivities in their lovely gallery or catch the show before it comes down on Dec.18th.
In conjunction will be another show called "Vessels", which I think is an appropriate pairing to the 2-D show.

Women in the arts showcased in Charleston, SC

2010-11-03T09:07:00.000-04:00

Interesting article in the Charleston newspaper about several venues showcasing women in the arts. You can link to each gallery, blog or website from this article. Worth the time. Makes me want to scoot up to Charleston for a look-see!

Depot View

2010-11-02T08:36:00.001-04:00

"Depot View"

12" x 12" plein air oil on canvas

This is the plein air I did on 10/13 in Barnesville, GA with several of The Fall Line Gang. The view is from under the eaves of the railroad depot, which is now the home of Lamar Arts. At first I had way too much detail in the background, but after a group critique, I softened it by wiping off a good bit of paint... much better. This is how to learn!

Monroe County Arts kicks off the Holiday Season

2010-11-01T10:12:00.000-04:00

Monroe County Arts Alliance will kick off its' Holiday Season with a reception this Thursday, Nov. 4th from 5:30 to 7:00. Come enjoy delightful refreshments and see what the talented locals have created for your one-of-a-kind gift giving... even if it's for yourself! There will be all arts and crafts represented in all price ranges. I have eight original paintings, prints, t-shirts, cards and a few little surprises in this market-type show and sale. Extended hours are offered starting Nov 3rd of 10-6 M-F and 12-4 on Saturdays up until Christmas. But don't wait that long... shop early for the best selection!

Thank you, Amanda!

2010-10-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed meeting Amanda and her daughter at the recent Magnolia Gallery event. Here's what she posted on the EBSQ blog:

An Evening with Artist Pat Burns

Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Community, membernews on October 28, 2010

Under ordinary circumstances artists of online communities rarely meet up beyond the computer monitor, but there are always exceptions. When I learned that EBSQ’s Pat Burns would be a mere twenty miles from my home, for a gallery event, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Last Thursday my daughter and I headed out to another small town in the south, for an evening of fine art, wine (for me), and snacks.

The evening event took place at Magnolia Gallery, just outside Greensboro, GA. They specialize in southern art of all mediums and genres, but with a strong emphasis on Nature and Still Life. Pat’s paintings, especially her paintings on stone were a perfect match for this beautiful setting. If you’ve never seen one these paintings on slate outside of a photograph, you really are missing out.

Even my photographs don't do them justice!

As Pat took us on a tour of the gallery she shared with me the process involved when painting on slabs of slate. Two things you cannot tell from a photograph:

The colors on these paintings are incredibly rich and the varnish gives them the slightest glow.
The texture you think you see from the painting is actually straight from the shape and ripples in the stone.

Pat encourages people to feel the paintings, to run their fingers over the surface. Only then do you realize what you are really seeing. My daughter and I were enthralled and soon other visitors began to flock around Pat to listen to her talk about the stones.

We were lucky enough to also have a look at beginnings of her next painting on shale. Can you believe that stone was not cut to the shape you see? Pat makes no changes to the original stone. Inspiration hits her when she “sees” something in the folds and textures. Wow!
Thank you, Pat for making our evening a delight. My daughter enjoyed listening to your talk as much as I, and for once she was allowed to touch a piece of art. I hope we are able to meet up again in the future!
You can view more of Pat’s art on her website, patburnsart.com and in her EBSQ Portfolio.

Thanks, Amanda!

Old World Bread Pots

2010-10-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

"Old World Bread Pots"

34" x 44" acrylic on canvas

In submitting some examples of larger work for the possibility of being part of an 'XLG Show' next year, I unearthed a 35mm picture of this painting that I did several years ago (before I was keeping half-decent records). It has such an abstract quality about it, but it's based on the very ancient art of baking bread in earthen pots in a fire pit. Cool, huh?... or should I say HOT!

It hangs fittingly above a large fireplace at a client's fabulous cabin.

Dingalings!

2010-10-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

"Dingalings"

24" x 48" acrylic on gessoed masonite

These lovable, laughable Jack Russell terriers were fun to photograph and fun to paint in this whimsical portrait that now resides in a client's sunroom with bright, bold colors.

The Magnificent Small Works Show

2010-10-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

This month is fast getting away from me... I should have posted this way sooner! As soon as September comes, it always seems a mad dash to Christmas. Tonight will be a fabulous reception as only Art on the Avenue can pull off! I do hope that you can join us for some wine and munchies while we enjoy great little gift-size art and great big fun-size fellowship.

Congrats to recent winners!

2010-10-25T09:12:00.000-04:00

Michelle Womble just happened to come back to my booth at Arts on Riverdale to see who won as my niece drew her name from the fishbowl! She chose to receive "Buckskin & Baby".

Gwen Roese put her name in the fishbowl and chose to receive "Muff"... one of my personal favorites.

Ann Ricketts won a print from the Darien show and chose to receive "Marsh Cat", who resembles her daughter's kitty.

Onie Sanders, who bought my painting "Apple Orchard in Spring" from Art on the Avenue's spring solo show, also won a print which she has yet to choose.

Congratulations to all the winners of these 8" x 10" prints from the drawings I've held at recent events! Thanks to all who participated and I hope you enjoy your artwork.

Arts on Riverdale in Macon this Saturday!

2010-10-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

Lovers of jazz, outdoor concerts and the arts have one event to satisfy all three this weekend. The Jazz Association of Macon closes down a block of Riverdale Drive, between Ridge Ave. and Overlook Ave., for Arts on Riverdale. Live music, an artists’ market, free fun and creative activities for the kids, and a great weather forecast promise to make it a great day this Saturday, October 23. The music begins at noon and continues until 6 p.m. Admission is free but if you purchase or renew your membership to the Jazz Association, you get access to the VIP lounge where you can enjoy complimentary food & beverages. For more info call 478.475.4202. See you there!

Look for my booth #8 near the jazz stage. I'll be having a sale on 8x8 and 8x10 prints for $20 each (normally $35) and closing out cowboy motif t-shirts for only $6 each (normally $12). I'll have framed and unframed original paintings and a few 'Spirits in Stone' as well.

Magnolia Gallery Art Event

2010-10-19T17:11:00.001-04:00

I'd like to invite everyone to Lake Oconee Village to enjoy a collaborative event that seven shops within Parkside Commons is hosting this Thursday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Come meet featured artist, Mary Leslie, especially if you love horses or dogs! I'll be there along with other artists represented by Lynn Blair's Magnolia Gallery of fine art.

Lake Oconee Village is located on Hwy 44 between Greensboro and Eatonton, GA near the entrance to the fabulous Reynolds Plantation. Enter the shopping center between the Publix center and Spotlight Theatre building, turn right just past the theatre and then take the first left and left again. It's a charming little village of upscale shops that you are sure to enjoy. Come have a glass of wine and participate in drawings and door prize fun!

New Plein Air Group

2010-10-17T18:44:00.000-04:00

"RR Gingko"

12" x 12" oil on canvas

plein air in Madison, GA 10/13/10

The Fall Line Gang... that's what we are calling ourselves. Newly formed, this group is the brainchild of Matthew Songer and the name refers to the region where we all live. The Fall Line is where the Piedmont Plateau falls off and the Atlantic Ocean used to be millenia ago. This group is like a breath of fresh air to me! It is stretching me beyond my comfort zone and into new territory. In the near future I will introduce you to each member and hopefully we will add more plein air lovers as we go. So far we have watercolor, oil, acrylic and pastels represented. We critique each other's work and learn from each other as we paint. We enjoy the camaraderie that is so special to a group of artists. I will post when and where we are gathering and open an invitation for you to paint with us if you are in the area.

Tomorrow, Monday Oct 18th, we will meet at 9:00a.m. at the Old Depot in Barnesville, GA and will be painting in and around the station. Contact me by email (sidebar) if you think you can make it.

The Secret Message in Art

2010-09-24T08:40:00.000-04:00

I wanted to pass along this insight from a blog that I follow by Sue Favinger Smith called "Ancient Artist: developing an art career after 50"

The Secret Message in Art

There is a secret message in art. It stems from the artist’s personal world view reacting to an external set of influences. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times blatant. This is a good thing – thinking about messages, because if art doesn’t contain a clue to the artist’s world view then it is nothing more than a facsimile.

Think about the apple. Most art educations strive to teach the artist how to effectively paint a believable apple. Some will take the artist further, emphasizing the need to paint with beauty or style. Many artists stop here. But an apple without the context of the artist’s point of view lacks one crucial element. The power to communicate.

Imagine an apple painted by Renè Magritte compared to one painted by Cezanne. Or flowers painted by O’Keeffe, compared to Van Gogh - or Mapplethorpe. Because each artist communicated a personal world view, we have an immediate mental image. We understand something that can't be put into words.

This is context.

Experienced artists have learned the skill set required to not only create beautiful images but to instill this sense of context. They know not everyone will agree with them, or like the art they produce. Times change, tastes change, but one thing never changes.

A facsimile has no meaning at all, with a shelf life that’s down around zero.

'MY HOMETOWN" Show & Sale

2010-09-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

Please join me and a great group of local artists and photographers that artist/friend, Peter Potter, has invited to participate in a 'FUN' Show & Sale with the theme of "My Hometown". Here's the location: 60 Main Street, Concord, GA 30206. The show will be open Sept 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 from 1:00-5:00.

Peter has labored to renovate the Old Post Office building in Concord, Georgia and is revealing it for the first event this Saturday, Sept 18th, 1:00-3:00 during a reception for the show. We'd love to see you there!

Good news from Meeker, Colorado!

2010-09-13T12:19:00.000-04:00

"Movin' Mutton", a 12" x 24" oil, placed second in the art competition at the Meeker Classic Annual International Art Contest this past week. I just got word today that it sold yesterday during the silent auction and is on it's way to a new home in Alaska. A HUGE thank you to all the folks at the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials for including art in this fabulous event!

Indian Springs Paint Out

2010-09-13T10:46:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday was an awesome day of painting, fellowship, entertainment, food and festivities at a Plein Air Georgia event hosted by Generations Gallery in Indian Springs, GA. It took place on the same weekend as an Indian Festival, complete with costumed dancing, flute and drum playing, story-telling, native foods and games representing many tribes. We had the whole park, festival and many permanent gardens and historic structures to choose from as subjects for painting. I chose the Indian festival, as I've been trying to train my eye to grasp figures and faces quicker. I painted three 8"x10" oils and sold two off the easel and gave the third away to the precious little Indian child that posed for me. Alas, I then had none to show and compete at our afternoon get-together and silent auction, but I was happy with the experience. Peter Potter won First Place and Bambi Rogers won Second Place... and it was indeed a hard choice to make! A dozen painters and over that many paintings. I forgot my camera, but Preston King has pictures posted here on Facebook....enjoy!

All enjoyed "Celebrating Life"

2010-09-09T18:27:00.000-04:00

Yours truly with Dr. Ken Harper at the reception Tuesday evening. Ken and his wife have given two of my larger 'Spirits in Stone' a very good home. Here's a link to see all of the pictures from Art on the Avenue's reception.... thanks to MaryJane, Ginger and Debbie. We all had a great evening of art and fellowship!

"Celebrating Life"

2010-09-03T17:39:00.000-04:00

Art on the Avenue has a very diverse group of participating artists, which always makes for an interesting show. Come enjoy an evening of art Tuesday, Sept. 7th, 6-9PM with live music provided by Jim Hughes. Beverages and light refreshments, as always.... a great way to welcome the beginning of Fall. I'll have a grouping of 'Spirits in Stone', a few paintings and a bin of prints to add to the mix. Hope to see you there!

HOT SUMMER

2010-08-13T09:37:00.001-04:00

Has your summer been as hot as mine? Not only in terms of heat but in terms of tasks to get done? It seems that each time I carve out a little time to get some art done, another "something" must be done....and now!
Late winter to early summer was very full of art and I am very grateful for that. The spring solo show was fabulous and the summer show in Darien is still up through September (with pretty good sales for these crazy economic times). But I have had to cancel my booth at Blue Ridge Mountains 11th Annual Wildlife & Nature Art Festival Sept 18 - 19, 2010 in Blue Ridge, GA. I really hated that, but I simply did not have the inventory to do it justice.... and I was really stressing each and every day that got closer to the date. I had actually carved out two weeks of studio time when both of our rent houses decided to turn over. One was left pretty clean but the other has taken me (and ServPro) this week just to see the light at the end of the tunnel! We've decided to really get it spic-n-span and try to sell it. Anybody want an older farm house on five acres? You can grow your own food?! Speaking of food.... my studio floor is completely covered in a layer of pears waiting to be canned because the kitchen table is groaning with apples, tomatoes and peppers. Canning will be night duty, for now I'm off to the farm house to scrub a tub!

Magnolia Art Gallery

2010-08-07T17:08:00.001-04:00

I am very honored to now be represented here in Georgia in the Lake Oconee region by Magnolia Art Gallery. Lynn Blair has her finger on the pulse of her clientele, their wants and needs, and is the epitome of southern charm. I feel blessed to be in the company of some of this region's top artists! At present she is introducing some of my wildlife paintings and 'Spirits in Stone'.
I'll be announcing some fall "can't miss" events from this gallery soon.
Call Lynn at 706-454-5050 or stop by Tues-Sat, 10-5 and see some amazing artwork. Be sure to tell her that I sent you!

Movin' Mutton

2010-07-20T20:38:00.001-04:00

"Movin' Mutton"

12" x 24" oil on gessoed masonite

I'm back to the easel today after over 2 weeks of summer break. I spent some time with my oldest grand-daughter and did some canning/freezing of produce out of the garden. This painting was loose and juicy and fun! A photographer friend, Kathy Simmons, allowed me to use some shots of this border collie competing in a herding dog event. He looks like he is looking at his trainer awaiting instructions on where to put these sheep. We were the lucky owners of a chocolate border collie named Sadie, who was "sheepless"....so she tried to herd our cats!
This painting will be in the Meeker Classic Sheepdog art auction in September in Colorado.

Dinah & Charley

2010-07-04T08:40:00.000-04:00

"Dinah & Charley"

8" x 8" x 1.5" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

This is a sweet little painting that I did as a gift for my artist friend, Linda Brightwell Tucker, who has been a great help to me. She is a member of McIntosh Art Association in Darien, where my show is presently hanging. Linda has the member's Spotlight Show called 'Potpourri' in another room within the gallery that will hang through the end of this month. We used to paint together weekly for almost two years before she moved to Darien, which is sadly four hours from my house now. She has been extremely generous with her time and effort in helping move my artwork around in the Darien gallery and the Glynn Art Gallery on St. Simons Island. Thank you, Linda!

Last Cast of the Day

2010-07-03T08:40:00.001-04:00

"Last Cast of the Day"

20" x 28" acrylic on gessoed masonite

There was so much about this reference picture of Cheri Robbins' that appealed to me... the colors, the diagonal action, the unposed vigor of the man fishing and talking. I cropped it down from a larger picture to zero in on these aspects and felt like I knew him by the time the painting was finished. Thanks, Cheri, for sending in the reference and contributing to the show!

Golden Girls

2010-07-02T22:26:00.002-04:00

"Golden Girls"

18.5" x 23.5" oil on birch veneer

I'm afraid the photo of this one just does not do it justice. The underlying paint is gold and silver metallic acrylic with a bit of white, then the oil sketch was done on top of that. The painting is reflective according to the light source, hence the difficulty in photographing it.

The reference photo was a sepia tone. I wanted to keep the flavor of the time period intact, but make it something special. My thought was that this was a golden era that our fast, high-tech world has left behind. That's what gave me the idea of the gold background. I was very pleased with the results.

This painting is another of the ones created for the Darien show from member photos... this one coming from Judy Dodd, who is also an artist.

Beach Ride

2010-07-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

"Beach Ride"

8" x 8" x 1.5" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

The photo reference of this boy was sent in from Cheri Robbins, an artist and a member of the McIntosh Art Association. I'm sure it was taken at nearby Jekyll Island State Park because I recognized the shoreline and background near the pier from several other photos. This painting, along with 40 others, are in a summer-long show and sale at Darien's Old Jail Art Center & Museum through September.

Marsh Cat

2010-06-30T19:06:00.000-04:00

"Marsh Cat"

8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite

This is Cassie, a cat owned by Rebecca, who also has a website titled 'Marsh Cat Art'. She is also the person who submitted the reference for yesterday's "Cat in the Hat". Like me, Rebecca is definitely a cat person as well as an artist.

Cat in the Hat

2010-06-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

"Cat in the Hat"

16" x 20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Rebecca submitted photos of her nieces playing with a very tolerant kitty. Both little girls attended the reception but 'Spots' stayed at home! I'm happy to report that both front teeth on the older little girl are now coming in nicely.

Jesse James

2010-06-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

"Jesse James"

8" x 10" acrylic on gessoed masonite

Now that the reception for "Conversations in Paint" is over, I can show you the paintings that were revealed that night. These paintings were created using references that members of McIntosh Art Association sent me. They had no idea which references I used until this past Friday evening. I'll post one a day for the next week.

The owner of this darling puppy was very happy about my portrayal of him. I joked with her that she had sent me seven pictures of her puppy and only one of her husband, so I figured I had better select the puppy!

Upcoming Guest Artist Solo Show

2010-06-18T17:28:00.000-04:00

It's only a week away...where does the time go?! I'd like to invite you to my upcoming show. Many of you vacation in the area and this show will be up ALL summer, so hopefully you'll be able to see it and all the other wonderful artwork in the gallery.

“Conversations in Paint”
the paintings of

Pat DeVane Burns

Reception:
Friday, June 25, 2010 5:00-7:00
McIntosh Old Jail Art Center & Museum
404 North Way, Darien, Georgia

Show will be displayed July/Aug/Sept

Thank you to McIntosh Art Association for asking me to be their guest artist this summer!

Bunny Pose

2010-06-15T19:07:00.000-04:00

"Bunny Pose"

8" x 8" x 1.5" acrylic on Gallery wrapped canvas

Muffin, my most photogenic cat, seems to love having her picture made. This is her "I'm cute!" pose and it always reminds me of our rabbit, Rosie, with those front legs together that way. I finished this one while painting today with Betty Treadwell, in her newly remodeled studio (envy!) We shared all things art and a delicious homemade chicken salad lunch with yummy cherry cobbler. What a treat!

Then I took it to Art on the Avenue Gallery along with "Chair Boss" from the previous post and two other cat paintings. The heat index here almost melted me just getting in and out of the car, but inside the gallery it was most enjoyable...cool temps with cool art!

Chair Boss

2010-06-12T15:25:00.000-04:00

"Chair Boss"

8" x 8" x 1.5" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

I painted one that I can show you, as it is for Art on the Avenue instead of my show in Darien. Debbie requested some cats, so I wanted to do a few new ones in this format.

This is our HUGE cat, Morris, saying "I own this chair!". He really is a sweetheart, but he could be intimidating to someone who didn't know that.

Arts Clayton's "Into the Wild"

2010-06-09T18:10:00.000-04:00

"Call of the Camel" by Kay Ridge took First Place from the judge and Patron's Choice by viewer ballot at Arts Clayton's "Into the Wild" show. It has a LOT more color and subtleties in person than this photo taken in the gallery can possibly show. Please go to their Facebook Page to see other photos, including one of my stone "Elephant Walk", which took Second Place. The show will be up through July and definitely is worth seeing. Be sure to check out the three large murals on the side of the building if you go...they are awesome!

The Garden

2010-06-06T16:12:00.000-04:00

This time of year it's hard to know if I'm a painting gardener or a gardening painter. I love both! I try to get out into the garden in the morning when the temperature is bearable and paint in the afternoon when it's too hot and humid here in Georgia. The lettuces, radishes and snow peas are already eaten and bush beans, fordhooks and okra are sprouting in their place. The tomatoes will soon be out of the tops of their cages...this year I put wire canopy-type bridges between several to give them more support. We got our first handfull of cherry tomatoes today although our granddaughter has picked a few earlier ones from the bush. We are still harvesting cabbages, kale and spring onions. A few cowhorn peppers are almost ready... too hot for me but my son likes them. I have the first wave of yellow squash, zucchini and cucumbers blooming with more sprouting. We also have several hills of canteloupe and seedless watermelons already in bloom. New additions to the garden this year are stevia, an herb whose leaves can be used to sweeten iced tea, and sunchokes, the tuberous part of a member of the sunflower family that can be cooked like potatoes or sliced raw like water chestnuts. Sweet potatoes are filling in their patch and the bell peppers have finally started bushing up. It seems they always start out slow but produce up until Christmas some years.
It's been a terrific spring for our fruit trees, too. Pears, apples, plums, figs, and peaches all have ample young fruit. We even found a wild paw-paw growing and are anxious to see how it does.
So much for the garden report. It will have to do since I can't show you what I'm painting right now .. it's a secret for my upcoming show.

"Elephant Walk" wins Second Place

2010-06-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

I attended Arts Clayton's "Into the Wild" show reception in Jonesboro, Georgia last night. What a variety of media! I will post pictures of the event and the other winners as soon as Arts Clayton has them available.

Meanwhile, I have completed three new paintings for my show in Darien for the McIntosh Art Association, but I can't show them to you until after the reception on June 25th.

Back to the easel!

Moses

2010-06-02T18:09:00.001-04:00

"Moses"

11" x 17" 'Spirit in Stone'

acrylic on unknown type of stone

This stone is so textured and reflective that I will show you a detail below. It has "flows" of quarts-like reflective surfaces...not mica, as they are very hard. I left as much of the natural stone as possible. My son claimed this one.

My very first newsletter

2010-05-31T16:32:00.001-04:00

I sent out my very first newsletter today and felt so good about it! Why?...you ask. Because everyone who received it has personally signed up for it. You see, emailing blurbs about myself is the hardest part of marketing for me. Lots of artists feel the same way. We truly have a hard time with this issue. Many weeks ago I sent out my last 'blanket email' with the suggestion that those who wanted one monthly update could sign up for a newsletter on my website. Fine Art Studio Online, who hosts my website, has a newsletter service where folks can subscribe or unsubscribe without having to come through me personally. I also gave the option to those who wanted more frequent news and the latest artwork to sign up on this blog.

If you want a copy of this first newsletter but are not presently on the subscriber list, just email me through the blog or the website and I'll be happy to forward you a copy.

Many, many thanks!

Great Paint Out!

2010-05-30T10:41:00.002-04:00

"Mossy Oak"

11" x 14" acrylic on canvas

Yesterday was everything I was hoping for in a paint out and more! It was delightful. The Village at Indian Springs is a picturesque cluster of cottages, gardens, shops, deli, museum and studio/gallery that is adjacent to Indian Springs State Park, the oldest park in Georgia, steeped in history. The weather was perfect. The group of twelve painters was a rich mix of talents and mediums, thanks to Plein Air Georgia. We painted in loose clusters where we could visit, encourage and critique each other. We were hosted wonderfully by Generations Gallery from check-in to the reception at Pinky's, where artists and guests enjoyed refreshments while viewing the artwork, visiting and casting ballots for the favorite art produced that day. Artists each had two ballots and guests had one each. I was honored that "Mossy Oak" received Best in Show ribbon and a check. Valerie Chitvanni's "Indian Springs Rocks" received First Place and Bambi Rogers' "Break of Dawn" received Second Place. Several of us have vowed to get together on a more frequent basis for group painting and critiques at this location and Generations Gallery has agreed to be our "base". I'm looking forward to it because it is the way I learn the best. Thanks to all who really made my day!

Valerie & Bambi

(more pictures)

The Motley Crew....great fellowship!

"Into the Wild"

2010-05-28T17:16:00.001-04:00

I am very happy to announce that I have been juried in as an exhibiting artist at Arts Clayton Gallery in Jonesboro, Georgia!

The first group show I'll be participating in is "Into the Wild", in which exhibiting artists offer their different viewpoints on wildlife, wilderness and wildness in all mediums. A grouping of my 'Spirits in Stone' will be shown as well as a painting or two. The response for this theme was so great that the gallery could not hang all that was submitted. I can't wait to see it! Arts Clayton has a beautiful gallery space and I invite you to attend the reception Thursday, June 3rd, 5:30-7:30, when you can vote for the Patrons' Award. The show will hang from June 1 through July 30 and all artwork is for sale.

Plein Air Georgia Paint Out

2010-05-25T07:14:00.000-04:00

(click on image to enlarge)

I'm really looking forward to this event Saturday! I've painted with Phyllis Franklin and this group before at Callaway Gardens and came away from the day with the painting below of a bronze sculpture of herons placed in the edge of the lake at the Discovery Center there. I'm thrilled that they are doing something this close to my home at Indian Springs. It's sponsored by friends of mine, Andi Kulp and Kathy Socha, at Generations Gallery with help from Preston King, who taught a great pastel workshop that I took and participated with me in the Madison paint out. It will be a great day of painting and fellowship!

"Herons at Callaway" 16"x20" acrylic

(please excuse the lousy photo)

Let the painting begin!

2010-05-24T20:17:00.000-04:00

Darien, GA is known for it's fishing fleet and Old South charm

Would love to show you my kick-start into the next production "clump", but it is a surprise for my upcoming show at The Old Jail Art Center starting with the reception on June 25th in Darien, Georgia. Some of the members of the McIntosh Art Association responded to my call for reference pictures that I will use to paint from. They have no idea which ones I've chosen or how I have used them for reference. They won't know until opening night. Therefore, it looks like my blogging may be a little sparse for the next few weeks. If you'll recall, I did this last year in September at my local art association and it was a big hit. Here's a link that explains the process in a little more detail and shows samples to those who may not have been around for the last 'interactive show'.

Behind the scenes

2010-05-17T20:38:00.000-04:00

Like a lot of artists that I know, I tend to work in "clumps". I have been in heavy production over the last six months up until two weeks ago. The upcoming July/August/September guest artist solo show is already set up and that schedule is made. I've taken the last two weeks to do some research on galleries and art activities that are within a 2 hour radius of home, done some reading of the known art marketing gurus and thinking about where I'm going. Doing all the business end stuff, too... updating bio, printing some portfolios, doing website updates, etc...lots and lots of etc. I've made appointments with two more galleries nearby and entered a couple of national contests that are really stretching me. I still see another few days of getting my "map" ready before another production run is in order.
There are lots of exciting avenues to follow. I like to have enough flexibility to remain spontaneous, yet I need enough structure and pressure to keep me moving sanely forward.
A calendar just doesn't cut it for me. I have adopted a CPM (Critical Path Method) from years of working with my husband's construction company. It really works well for us visual folks. I draw out a time line with spaced out commitments and then place "clumps" of activity along the line. It enables me to see where and how things have to overlap. Too much overlapping and I get stressed out and my inner artist starts to revolt. This visual aid helps me see at a glance if I can say 'yes' to an opportunity without jeopardizing commitments I've already made. It also enables me to say 'no' with less guilt to time bandits that crop up. This next six month period looks very interesting and the groundwork is being laid for a terrific beginning to 2011.
In order to "refill the well", I also have been working in the garden, raising some chicks and mulling. I do mulling really well... I have to watch that one!

EBSQ Spotlight today

2010-05-13T07:55:00.000-04:00

Of all the portraits and figurative works to choose from, I find it interesting (and gratifying) that fellow artists from EBSQ chose to feature "One Down, Two to Go" in today's spotlight. As with most of my paintings, there's a story behind why the foreground figure's head goes beyond the canvas. His face is not visible, yet it is still very much a portrait in that those who know him immediately recognize him by his body language, environment and activity. The 'slice of life' activity is the subject of the painting and his body language indeed tells the tale. His four-year-old daughter took the photo that I used as a reference and the painting is very true to what she captured as a moment in their daily lives. After all, our activities as people extend us all beyond the page, don't you think?

I had the opportunity to get my first public reaction to this painting in my recent solo show. Some "got it" and some didn't... but it was not neutral. That bit of mystery and handling of the face, or lack thereof, caused conversation and inquiry and perhaps a questioning within of how we see the world around us. I can live with that! Here's the spotlight:

EBSQ Spotlight on Portraits & Figurative Art: Pat DeVane Burns

by blumoo on May 13, 2010

This month’s featured gallery is Portraits & Figurative Art. Portraits are the artistic representation of an individual or individuals with the face as the focus. The term “figurative art” most frequently refers to the representational depiction of a human or animal figure. Often they are deeply personal – either to the artist, because of the emotions being expressed by the subject or because of the emotions these works illicit from us. They delight, disturb and connect us. During the month of May, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create some of these evocative pieces of art.

Pat DeVane Burns

"One Down, Two To Go" - Pat DeVane Burns

"What is so intriguing to me about forms and faces, be it person or animal, is that each one is an individual… alike in so many ways, but different. It is my challenge as the artist to see what is unique about the body language, the nuance of expression, the coloration, the personality and to translate what might be considered intangible into a tangible painting of that individual". – Pat DeVane Burns

Like what you see here? We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!

And the winner is...

2010-05-08T18:20:00.000-04:00

..... Italia Johnson! Congratulations to Italia for winning a print of my painting "When are we going?" today.

Yesterday was the last day of my solo show at Art on the Avenue in Macon and I had packed up the artwork in my daughter's van. Once home, I was busy unloading when my photography neighbor, Donna Brown, called. "Join me at an open air arts and crafts market at Wesleyan College tomorrow... it's free, they provide the tables and it's only from 9AM 'til 1PM." Why not? That way I can postpone unpacking all the little stuff until tomorrow. It was a beautiful day and I met lots of wonderful people just enjoying being outdoors. I even reconnected with a client that I did a commission for close to eight years ago! I set up a fishbowl to give away a print and let my granddaughter, Evie, pull out the winning entry. I'm not sure I would have gone had I not already had everything prepared, tagged and ready... and what a nice experience to share my art that I would have missed. I learned something by seizing the opportunity.

Paint America Top 100 feature

2010-05-05T10:18:00.001-04:00

I invite you to go to Paint America's blog where I am one of the featured artists this week. Such an honor!

Breakfast Club - WIP

2010-05-05T09:44:00.000-04:00

I had a blast at the Paint Out in Madison, Georgia this past Saturday...talking to the many locals and tourists that frequent the downtown square and chumming with other artists. My sister met me there and we turned it into a mini-vacation I've been back since Sunday noon, but this is the first chance I've had to post. Life is busy with family and art...I'm lovin' it!

This 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas was what I painted plein air on Saturday. Because of time and reference constraints, I left out one of the three figures I wanted to put in this group of men. As I was setting up on this very overcast day, a group of ten or so men exited the corner restaurant. They are a group of locals who meet on Saturday mornings for breakfast. Most had dispersed by the time I could get to them to ask if they would linger a few moments for me to sketch them, but I got four to remain. I also snapped a picture and the seated gentleman offered his name, as his wife is involved with the Cultural Center that co-sponsors the Paint Out... my good fortune. Anyway, I had to turn the painting in for the afternoon auction as you see it here, so I'm not surprised it did not sell, as I can see fundamental compositional errors that I can now tackle back in the studio. I want to add the third man to complete the composition and create a "conversation". I'd also like to refine the figures and correct some proportion errors. I'm pretty happy with the overall brushwork and the feeling ... it rings true to the place and time, so I'll probably leave that pretty much as is.

Plein Air Paint Out

2010-04-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

Last year was such fun that I made sure to schedule this one in again! This small town is buzzing with activities this weekend and the weather promises to be beautiful. Join us if you can!

Solo Selections

2010-04-29T10:51:00.001-04:00

Now that the reception for "Conversations in Paint" has so successfully passed, Art on the Avenue would like to release this link to Solo Selections , where you can scroll through all of the artwork offered at the show.

I hope you enjoy!

Reception Rainbow

2010-04-28T12:40:00.001-04:00

Wow... I am still processing last night's reception to "Conversations in Paint" that Art on the Avenue held for me! The outpouring support from everyone was truly a humbling experience. I tried to speak to each person, but I know there were some that I simply could not get to during the busiest part of the evening. Please know that I appreciate your being there so much to share my love of art.

There are too many people to thank here, and I want to thank you individually anyway, so I'll just post a few photos taken last night for all to enjoy. Please also check out Art on the Avenue's Facebook page in the next day or so, as I'm sure they will post some, too.

I had to share this one, taken during the reception by photography friend, Donna Brown, just outside the gallery door. Note that the sign where the rainbow starts says "PURE". That just about sums it up!

Ken and Pat Ewing, fellow artists and now collectors, drove all the way to middle Georgia from Virginia just to surprise me ... and they did! My heart-felt thanks for your support.

My most distant fan, Miguel Tello, shown here with his parents Penny and Mike, is from Argentina. I was glad to catch him while he was here visiting and so pleased that they took the time out of a busy schedule to share the evening with me. Thanks, guys!

Gratitude to Pam, for bringing her mother, Patsy Fried, a dear client who has commissioned me in the past to portray their pet lion, Fritz, in a "Spirit in Stone". What a pleasure to see you both.

Martha Thompson, long time friend and painting buddy, with Virgil Cooper, who greatly honored me by giving my painting series of four seasons in birds a new home. Hope you enjoy them for many years to come, Virgil!

Walter and Vicki Ellison(on the left), who own two 4' x 8' paintings of mine, were welcomed guests. He has promised to bring me a huge slab of stone he found on his property several years ago to try to find a "spirit" in.... bring it on, Walter!

Well, about now it started getting so busy that the camera became an after-thought. Here's hoping that Ginger, Mary Jane and Debbie can help fill in the gaps with their pictures.

What a rewarding night for my art spirit... thanks to all!

Bluegrass Soy Sauce

2010-04-26T22:07:00.001-04:00

"Bluegrass Soy Sauce"

24" x 30" oil on canvas

This is the last painting I've finished for the show tomorrow night. I hope no one tests it to see if it's dry! I posted several "work in progress" shots of this painting way back in Jan/Feb. Once I set it aside to dry for the next layer, it seems other paintings kept jumping in front of it to be completed. I'm pleased with the final results, though. It is subtle and vibrant all at the same time. Once it's had a chance to cure and the glaze goes on, the finishes of the paint will match and it will look even better.

There's an interesting story behind this painting. Matt Jamie, the man in the painting, is the owner of Bourbon Barrel Foods. Garden & Gun Magazine sent me an email that had this incredible picture of Matt testing his Bluegrass Soy Sauce that he ages in bourbon barrels. I got in touch with Matt and asked his permission to paint from that photograph, taken by Chris Witzke, which he so generously allowed me to do.

Do visit his web site and check out this small, personal company that puts a unique twist on creating flavorful seasonings and sauces.

"All American" is a winner!

2010-04-25T20:40:00.002-04:00

I just got the good news that "All American" won Second Place in the Georgia in Bloom Art Fest in Madison, Georgia last night. I had made plans to attend the reception with my son, but after watching the weather forecast and seeing those red and yellow blotches coming across the radar, my husband said that he'd rather we were not on the road...it's a one-hour trip one way from my house. I have never heard thunder quite like last night's. It sounded like multiple cannons going off with deep rumblings over long stretches of time. I'm glad our house was not in the direct path.

I am praying that the weather is good for my reception Tuesday night at Art on the Avenue! I only have one painting left on the easel drying. There's a floor easel waiting to receive it at the gallery. Are you like me and always have one important piece just making under the wire for a show?

Poached Salmon

2010-04-23T15:31:00.001-04:00

"Poached Salmon"

10" x 22" acrylic on blue shalimar

...a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is the latest in a series of new 'Spirits in Stone' that will be presented in "Conversations in Paint" at Art on the Avenue from April 27th - May 7th. Mary Jane is busy as I write this, doing her magic...hanging the show.

Tomorrow we do a little TV spot on local station WMAZ to help get the news out.

The van was well-packed and it was amazing that I managed to get it all in without packing one of our cats in with the artwork.. They are so curious that it's quite aggravating... having to close the door to the van between each trip in and out of the studio. Piggy, in particular, is a rather large cat and loves to dig into any box or squeeze behind any painting. I'm glad that all I have left to do is label and sleeve some prints. Whew!

You are invited!

2010-04-20T21:45:00.001-04:00

The past few months have been very focused! I have come to believe that solo shows are like paintings... you never really finish; you just stop in interesting places. I hope that the folks that make the effort to come see close to eighty (yes, 80!) creations will feel my passion for this thing called art.

Close to 40 pieces have never been seen by the public. Most have been created within the last 18 months. A few are favorite works that have graced my walls and are being offered for sale for the first time to make room for the next chapter of my artistic life. A few others are works that are special pieces in collections that I've borrowed simply for your viewing enjoyment. I have so many more images rattling around inside my heart and head that need to take form on canvas, panel, sculpture or stone. My thanks to all who encourage me and who put up with me when I have my blinders on...you are special people!

Getting ready

2010-04-15T13:08:00.000-04:00

I promise you that I have not disappeared! This past weekend, all the framing equipment was set in the barn/shop and hubby and I are busy framing artwork for my solo show. All the work has to be delivered by next Friday so that MJ can do what she is so masterful at doing... hanging a cohesive show for the enjoyment of all who come. Macon Magazine has published a very nice little article on the show, written by Johanna Anderson. Debbie has posted some pieces on the Art on the Avenue Facebook page that I haven't even seen yet. Macon Arts has it listed on their calendar and I'm scheduled to appear on WMAZ's morning feature live TV spot Sat April 24th. There's still an unfinished oil on the easel and plenty of stones waiting to come to life. I promise to fill you all in within a few days, but for now... it's back to the framing!!!

After the Bath

2010-04-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

"After the Bath"

2" x 4" acrylic on red/gray striated slate

... a 'Spirit in Stone'

This is a sweet little stone with such a shallow relief that you almost have to use your fingernails to follow it. I left the body and the upper left corner the natural color of the stone. Some small pieces like this I have turned into broaches, but given the subject matter of this one, I think I'll just offer it bare. Maybe someone will put her in a shadow box or let her be a paper weight.


The Fall Line Plein Air Painters: Peter Potter, Bambi Rogers, Pat Burns & Eleanor Dixon Stecker