It’s time to revisit the Vagabond Artist transformation needed to create art on the road. I’m saying goodbye to Washington State and hello to Arizona. It’s a bittersweet transition as I have had an amazing Summer and Fall.
I found a local winery where I showed my art. They are so pleased with my artwork that they asked to keep it up for longer. They will store any that don’t sell and that is a relief to me.
This post will reflect on the time here and plans for the next phase of my creative journey.
July
I had a very dry July as far as art was concerned. It was hot and I was in an Airbnb where I didn’t feel comfortable setting up an easel in their house. I tried outside but just couldn't get into painting. Finally at the end of the month, I was in a better place both physically and mentally. I started this painting that was a continuation of the “Wine, Women, and Song” series. I call this one “Across the Universe.”
August
I had another week of travel and enjoying the role of Vagabond Artist. I worked on a portrait of my sister-in-law while staying in a small studio room in Blanchard, Idaho. This one allowed me to use some of my favorite technique of collage and stencils. Painting her face on a very textured background was challenging, but I like the overall effect. I named this one “Bubbles Up” in honor of one of Jimmy Buffett’s last song before his untimely death. My sister-in-law liked it so much, she ordered this t-shirt for her grand daughter.
I started on a new series that I call “Mother, Maiden, and Crone.” This series will celebrate the amazing stages of women’s lives. I named this one “Metamorphous” to celebrate the transformation of life.
September
What an amazing month! I had my first solo Artist’s Reception and felt like a Prima Donna! Friends came to support me, and I was so thankful for them being there for me. I sold one painting and received two commissions.
I also changed websites and then a month later, started another. I hope I haven’t confused my followers too much! Here are the links to my new websites (in addition to this one):
I also devoted a large amount of time working on the two commissions.
October
I started a new series I called “Dancing in the Streets” and sold the first painting. I called this one “Urban Tango.”
I was excited by the sale and decided to start another in the series. My husband was born in New York City and loves anything that’s embodies New York. He wanted me to paint a scene with the iconic Flatiron Building. I’ve tried to paint this building before and it is a challenge. I used some collage techniques and created this one I called “Flatiron Jitterbug.”
Near the end of October, a dear friend passed away. We extended our stay in Washington to be able to attend the service. About four days before the service, my husband woke up and said: “You should do a portrait of Dennis.” I went into panic mode, but decided this was a healing process for me and a special gift for his wife. I brought it to the service as a surprise to his wife and she was overwhelmed with the thought.
November
November finds me back in Arizona and getting settled in. I had planned to do some art on the road and had this basic underpainting ready for the next painting in my series. I was going to either name this “South Beach Salsa” or “Miami Merengue.” What do you think?
Takeaways
I have been busy and the past five months were as Jimmy Buffett sang: "Some of it's magic, some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way. Stay tuned to see my progress in the new series. I'm striving to capture the magic in life.
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