The Art of Ugly

My boat # 1 is at the ugly stage... all art goes through this stage, well, at least most of my pieces of art. I'm determined to just do a video every Thursday morning to chronicle the progress. If I do too many it will lose the impact...
I am excited the student who will be working with me on this project is arriving for her first visit on Saturday. It will be fun to share the adventure and I am sure to learn a lot from her! Young minds don't know limitations.
Instead  of posting the video though, here's a photo - I started gessoing and base painting boat #2 because time is short for this project.. my fault. I've other things planned as well.
will I ever learn?

have a grand weekend...........

The art of video

I will be chronicling the progress as I paint the 2 boats for the public art project in Milford, - here's is video
 # 1. I am still learning how to do this, edit etc... so much to learn with new technology! Have a happy weekend

this video © 2013 Anne Jenkins http://annejenkinsart.com

The art of public art

I will start chronicling my adventures painting 2 boats - each one 4-feet long - for a public art project in Milford. We (the 4 artists doing this) have submitted our concept designs based on the "River town, art town, hometown" theme, been approved by the committee and now we have the boats and must be finished early April. We will each mentor a high school art student during the process. I will video the whole thing and post as I go... let the fun begin!
The first one I am doing is the "River town" theme honoring the 7 ship building yards way back inn the day when Milford and the Mispillion River were full of ships and ship building
I posted the process on my website when I did the "big" locomotive in Georgia..
Hope you enjoy the ride!

The art of workshops

I attended a 3-day workshop this past week offered by the Delaware Economic Development Office... free workshop, free breakfast and lunch and LOADS of good information, hilarious quotes. I met a great group of business people and my brain is is overdrive.
The access we have in this state to officials is wonderful and I am grateful for it. Funny to say this considering the size, but Delaware is like Nevada... good access to your state officials. DE is small and NV is big, so when I say this folks say how can this be? It's population size, NV is a big state but small population. DE is small state, small population - both lead to the good access. It really makes a difference.
Here's my graduation photo... proves I did it! ... we not only learned a lot but we had a grand amount of fun ... a big THANK YOU to DEDO.

The art of sharing art

I am one of the world's lucky people - I have a supportive family who love me as I am and they don't take me too seriously, friends who do the same and put up with me by choice. And a big advantage, my artist friends are willing to share their knowledge, their skill, their advice and listen patiently when I'm rambling because I haven't a clue what I'm talking about. For instance this new thing I am working on.

I have an interesting idea for an installation piece for one of my shows during this "fellow" year. And I have basically talked it in to shape with fellow artists, their suggestions have opened up new ideas and possibilities to me and shaped it.

I don't actually know if it can be installed in the locations yet - I had hoped to visit one of the places on Monday but some sad soul shot up people at the courthouse and central Wilmington went in to lock down. However, I continue working on the idea. It will be simple but I think quite powerful.  

It revolves around the "underground railroad" the slaves used to escape to the North - a part of it goes through Delaware. It's fits the theme of my shows: women helping women, Africa to USA, South to North, women in need and changing the world. 

I've heard of artists who refuse to share but I don't think I've met any yet. The artists I know are warm and generous, many are totally crazy and interesting, but they share because they want to help. I belong to a couple of art groups on one of the social media sites and I am saddened by how some artists have at last found a place to open their art and their souls to other artists. They have been alone, or surrounded by less than supportive people. How sad for them, but luckily, with this new media they are able to let it all out. The internet might allow some folks too much freedom to say things but having a platform to share their art and their ideas has made a world of difference to many, many people.

It's a lovely thing to see. And it re-enforces how truly fortunate I am.

This is a little doodle I did a couple of days ago in watercolour with three colours. I think I'll call it "Support"

visit my website and my facebook page... see you soon.

The art of museum shows

Such excitement in my life - the date is confirmed for my participation in the Delaware Division of the Arts award winners group show at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, Delaware. The opening reception is Friday, 2 August so mark your calendars - I'll post more details nearer the time. It is prestigious and an honour. I had 2 small pieces in a show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Atlanta a few years ago.. and still experience the thrill.
There seems to be so much on my plate right now, I am pleased about this - I've a had a slow year or so, so the buzz fills me with energy and more ideas! As if I need more on my calendar but 'go for it' is my motto.
My solo show will be in December on the Mezzanine floor of the DDOA building... I am swimming through ideas for this one.
I'm thinking of revamping my website, so check it out in a few days to see how I'm doing! All comments gratefully received... constructive criticision that is  :)
I am very excited to have found a wonderful artist who is willing to work with me 1-on-1 for a 3 day workshop in sculpture. Once we are all sorted I'll let you have the details. But I will be heading up to Maine to do the workshop! Chilly Maine... it will be wonderful. While we were at the Hirshhorn Museum we spent some time in their sculpture garden... awesome work, a couple of samples as a teaser for you:

this one is by a Spanish sculptor, regret I forget his name

This is by Tony Cragg, a contemporary British sculptor from Liverpool. It's title? Subcommittee. Perfect!
Sculpted 1991

The art of the exhibit

     Saturday was a glorious crisp, sunny day after the snow storms and dull grey skies of Friday. We zoomed in to Washington, D.C. revelling in the sparkly countryside and dry empty roads. Everyone stayed home thinking the inclement weather would continue all weekend.
     Parking was a cinch, right outside the Hirshhorn Museum and the cluster of the awesome collection of Smithsonian Museums. The Hirshhorn had a special exhibit by Ai Wei Wei, the dissent contemporary Chinese artist. I was particularly keen to see his Zodiac sculptures... they were in a circle in the outside courtyard inner-circle. They are big and uniform in colour, all situated in the circle according the the Chinese calendar and look dominant. And they are mesmirising, but - although I enjoyed each one individually, the whole didn't do much for me. They were cold and a little sparse emotionally as a group.

We wandered through the whole Ai Wei Wei exhibit, some of it very interesting or entertaining, and as with all exhibits, some we thought "How did that get in here?" But we both commented and were pleased to see how many young people were at the museum!

The Cube of Light was quite spectacular

I'll go in to the other art we saw in the next blog, too much to put in to one! It's a treasure to have these sort of worldclass museums just a drive away, changing exhibits. Living in D.C. would be a cornucopia of stuff to do, quite exhausting!! But so inspirational - art you like, art you're not sure about and art you just plain don't like - is all good, it makes you think! Go explore this wonderful world.

and please, keep up with my meager offerings at my website

and my daily thoughts at facebook

The art of memory

Last week when I wrote about my friend, Nana Berthelot - a wonderful sculptor in Mallorca, in the Balearics... it brought an avalanche of special memories of our time together for a couple of years when we lived there. Lee and I were living on our 30' sailboat, mostly anchored in the bay off Puerto Colom, a delightful small town with a big natural harbour and an atmospheric old town with high rampart walls and large cathedral dominating it's skyline.
Our mode of transport was 2 fold-up bicycles... old and rather rusty but they worked. Nana lived in a finca surrounded by olive groves in the tiny village of Son Prohens a couple of kilometers away. We'd often ride our bikes over with food in our front baskets. We'd prepare the meal while she worked away at chipping stone. When it was ready, we'd set the table under a tree away from her dusty work and we'd all enjoy a long leisurely meal and wine, talking and laughing.
Other times she'd drive by the harbour, hoot at us, we'd row over and hop in the car and go with her to the quarry to order stone. She drove a little Renault 5 and we'd go barreling down in to the dark mouth of the quarry inside a mountain. I was always sure we'd get lost down there but Nana drove with great panache and speed through dark tunnels, stopped at the right place, placed her order and we'd shoot out the mouth of mountain in to the sun without mishap every time. The day after placing her order a flatbed truck would show up at her olive grove and begin dumping the pieces off haphazrdly. She left them where they were and whether they were horiztonal or vertical, on their sides or flat it didn't matter ... the stone told her what do create.

This photo is of 2 pieces in progress - they weathered naturally as she worked on them since they sat out exposed to all the elements. The man's legs behind the tree are a friend of ours who is about 6 foot, so you can get some sense of scale. These were 2 of her smaller pieces.
Nana's real name is Anne, but everyone called her Nana - a beautiful, tranquil woman who makes beautiful things, we are fortunate indeed to know her. I can hear her lilting voice with her fractured English, mixed with Spanish and French as I write this. Such happy, treasured memories.

The art of plenty

I always enjoy getting the art supply catalog from my favourite art supplier, Cheap Joes, I leaf through it wishing I could just buy whatever I like. I buy online but searching through the actual book is more fun for me than surfng the website! I received the 2013 one a few days ago and started my ramble through it. I had gone a few pages thinking "Ooh, wouldn't that be nice..." when it dawned on me... this year I, happily, CAN make up a wish list, and probably buy it all using my award money... art supplies are allowed. I guess the reality hadn't properly sunk in yet... it sure opened a whole new way of looking at the catalog. You can't believe how many pages have been bookmarked with a sticky note.
That led me to thinking about the "further education" option attached to the award. I can use the money for... classes? workshops? but not degree-related study. What media/subject/style shall I go after? I really don't have much interest in taking painting classes, but I have always fancied trying my hand at sculpture.
So, I thought.. why not? Take a couple of sculpture workshops and incorporate sculpture in to my one-woman show I have to have by the end of the year. It would give it a good texture and the 2 and 3 dimension appeal.
For the past couple of days I've been searching the internet, and really, there is surprisingly few workshops on offer, but I am finding some. Even with a grant some of them are a bit steep $-wise, but I've already sent off a couple of queries. This is so exciting. Another new world opens up to me.
Sculpture makes sense. I've always adored it, during my travels I've tried to see the all time greats from the David to the Burgher of Calais... some multiple times. Whenever I see any work by Rodin or Michangelo, Claudel or personal friend - marvellous French/Spanish scupltor in Mallorca, Nana Berthelot, actually, if truth be told, just about any good scuplure, in front of me -  it just takes my breath away.
Getting stranded in a small rural French town during a blizzard led us to a free tour of Matisse's (one of my very favourites) home, now a museum. The lady was so happy to see visitors in this appalling weather, she let us wander at will. We saw paintings, sketches and sculptures we'd never known about. It was in the same town the very large dog at the auberge ate our cars tail lights... but that's another story.....that whole blizzard episode remains one of those unplanned marvels of  travel.
Maybe my new interest in figure sketching... abstract and free form, are the first steps in a new direction... or at least, an added dimension to my art. Ain't life grand?

© Anne Jenkins   A couple of 5 minute scribbles, January 2013 

The art of sketching what you see

I went to the fun sketching group last Wednesday evening at the Mispillion Art League Gallery - we were lucky to have a great model, Christopher Clawson ... he is a dancer and so good at posing and holding the pose. He's relaxed which adds to the fun. Everyone does their own thing - some do bits of him but all pretty much paint in a realistic style. I just can't... I look at the pose and a lightbulb goes off in my head and out comes something more abstract...sometimes charcoal with watercolour, sometimes just chalk... whatever, that's the fun of sketching I am discovering. Sometimes 3+ figures turn up on the page. But that is what I see, I have no interest in attempting to paint realistically... because I can't. I admire the talent and discipline it takes to paint this way but I can't do it myself. Christopher understand this luckily...as a dancer and writer he is an artist himself and his partner, David Rule is a fabulous artist, especially in figurative work, so Christopher is used to artists and how we see things. He liked one of mine so much I gave it to him. Next day I took them dinner to make up for the fact I forgot money to put in the tip jar for the model. Brain like a sieve. Here's my sketch now happily residing in the Towers Bed  Breakfast!

© 2013Anne Jenkins www.AnneJenkinsArt.com

The art of lists

Sorry if I sound like a stuck record, but I've just had the best start to 2013... I made some very impressive lists (hear ye! I bang me drum loudly....)
The official notice came out today from The Delaware Division of the Arts and I'm the in the top list. I usually get irritated if my name is not spelt correctly, but this time I don't care... I'm in awe and it's such an honour to be on this list at all!
http://news.delaware.gov/2013/01/08/seventeen-delaware-artists-receive-fellowship-grants/


Then I made the renown artist, writer, teacher and more good things, Annie Strack's, list of top 10 artists to watch in 2013. Thank you so much Annie Strack ... .
http://anniestrack.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-top-artists-to-watch-in-2013-part-1.html

so... no pressure, just think art. HA! My feet are hitting ground after all these accolades and it's starting to sink in. oh dear, the pressure, the pressure...I'll start to feel it once I've wiped the smile off my face!

thank you and I hope I can do these honours justice.

The art of a brand new year

I have been so up in the air about my wonderful award from the Delaware Div of the Arts, I've pretty much forgotten to do a whole lot of stuff. Including write this blog weekly. But I do wish you a wonderful art-filled year of joy and peace.

I came across this blog/article today and I think it is very interesting - an insight to cultures, how art can affect your thinking, cross-cultural exchanges and how more people need to meet more people from other cultures, religions and race to broaden our outlook. It will build tolerance. The world needs this right now, more than ever it seems. Travel is one way to do this - I encourage everyone to pack a small bag and go... you will grow because of it. Bon voyage!

http://www.mahala.co.za/art/lightning-and-rainbows/

The art of a good week

my cup is brimming with good news this week - now a great article in the News Journal of Wilmington, Delaware - many thanks to the NJ
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201212270345/LIFE/312270009&nclick_check=1

The art of awards

What a great end to the year! I have the singular pleasure and honour of being the receiptant of the 2013 Delaware Division of the Arts Established Fellowship in Folk Art-Visual Arts discipline. I am so excited and happy and astounded at the recognition. The monetary reward is certainly generous... A big THANK YOU to DDOA for supporting individual artists!!

This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
see their website:   http://www.artsdel.org

Just can't stop grinning!  http://AnneJenkinsArt.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

The art of "The Holidays"

I wish....whatever religion, whatever holiday, whatever you celebrate ... may it be joyful and happy.

Copyright 2012 Anne Jenkins
http://annejenkinsart.com

The art of new media

It's exciting to be working more in charcoal and pastels these days - at least playing around with them in sketches. Seems to suit my sketching style...since I have never really done much sketching and I am not detailed or realism in style, but loose and impressionist - charcoal lets me get the hint of things I want to show or highlight. I'm also adding watercolour to the mix - and it's fun to do. Also really getting in to figurative work... always looking at new avenues to head down!

© 2012 Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

© 2012 Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

© 2012 Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

        for more about me and my art : go to     http://annejenkinsart.com

The art of the video

So - this Saturday is the Second Saturday art walk in Rehoboth Beach and I am featured ... and we hope to raise some money for the Amandawe Support Group as a bonus.... here's the wee video I made introducing myself and the idea behind it.... please do join us if you are in the area.

The Art of a Goodwill Bonus

Visit Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery at 49 Baltimore Ave in Rehoboth Beach, DE and Anne Jenkins Art Gallery at 127 NW Front Street in Milford, DE .... buy some art and 10% will go to the Amandawe Support Group in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. We have teamed up to give the ladies in the Group a bonus. They have worked hard for 4 years making fabric landscapes and scrabbling to make a living and help AIDS orphans... so we thought, it's the season of giving. We think we are having a hard time but we have absolutely no problems or hardships compared to these cheerful, hardworking and dignified ladies - so - it's bonus time for them from us! Come and help us help them...
I'll be at Anita's gallery for the MOSAIC 2nd Saturday Art Walk on 8 November from 6-9 p.m. - we'll offer you a taste of bobotie - and no, I'm not telling you what it is...you'll just have to visit to taste it, won't you? -  and a sip of South Africa's very own Pinotage. See you then!
Meet Anita in this wee video I made... she's wonderful

websites:

rehobothart.com                   annejenkinsart.com            TheBagofHope.com

The art of giving thanks

Wishing all my American friends Happy thanksgiving - be thankful for all the good things = friends/family! And art - it enriches us all.   Be well and eat well!

© Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

The art of the pop up show

it's almost here - 5 - a pop up show... 5 artists, 5 women, 5 media, 5 styles, 5 pieces each ... for only 3 days

annejenkinsart.com

The art of the quick sketch

I've gotten in to the habit of sketching lately, in a big way. Never really have done it much. But it all started a while ago with some charcoals I had lying around  ... and boredom, or inability to decide what to do. Now I am finding it fun - and a learning experience. Which, of course, is exactly what well seasoned and trained artists have been advising me for years. I never was a good student. Too bull headed, have to work it out for myself. Sigh.
A while back I did a water colour sketch of the view from my bedroom. Yesterday morning we enjoyed another striking sunrise. All the leaves on the mulberry tree have fallen off and the Milford water tower and one of the church spires has come back in to view after disappearing behind the lush green all summer. So, I just had to do another sketch - slightly different angle, very slight.
I got to wondering why I am suddenly sketching away happily and often. I figured it might all be because my friend, Rosemary Connelly, is an avid water colour journaling type and I've become infected by her enthusasim. I have been admiring her work for over a year now. She is such a natural talent at this - I look forward to seeing her work when she returns from somewhere. It's more exciting than holiday photos because of her intense personal way of painting, loose and bright. I've just had the privilege of seeing her San Francisco journal and felt like I was back there myself. Maybe one day I'll grow up and be able to do as well as her! HA!
I also saw a sketch my old school friend, and now a famous artist in Australia, Carol Lee Beckx, did in a coffee shop. It's just fabulous - check her website and follow links to her blog & facebook page. Her work is just beautiful - I was in awe of it more than 40 years ago and still am!
So - here's my view from my bedroom window, part deux...

4x6 water colour © 2012 Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

Please do check out my website - I have posted all the completed paintings in The Vukuzakhe Project. Let me know what you think!
and you can follow me on facebook - I'd appreciate you hitting the "like" button and sharing the fun!

The Art of a Studio Tour

I've been involved with or in a number of studio tours and this one in Washington, D.C. is one of the most fun I've done... and written about. The neighbourhood is funky and the artists exciting, original & friendly - it makes for a wonderful day out... especially on a Sunday when traffic is calmer. Do go if you can.
here's the article in American Roads - enjoy!
http://www.americanroads.net/Art_Trails.htm

The Art of Lost Time

       A dear friend of mine is going through the painful process of watching her mother descend in to the dark depths of Alzheimers. They have never had an easy relationship, which doesn't help things. I lost a wonderful, bon vivant friend just over a year ago to this most dreadful of conditions. He was too young and too talented to go in this fashion, but I am truly grateful he went quickly. I am a strong believer in quality of life - not quantity. I am also a strong believer in euthanasia. If we can help our pets die without pain and in peace, why can't we do the same for ourselves and our loved ones?
      Anyway, I don't want to climb aboard one of my hobby horses today. My friend is constantly in my thoughts as she tackles this terrible task with much fortitude and strength, and a small dose of humour to keep her going.
      I got to thinking about painting pain and release from pain, and how difficult it is to paint. I started playing with an idea in my mind - and this is the first of one painting. It is small - 4x6 - and it will be incorporated in to a bigger painting. I am calling it "Lost Memories" and dedicate it to my friend, and all who are struggling with aging and dementia.

Lost Memories - acyrlic and pastels © 2012 Anne Jenkins

Check out my website and facebook page

The Art of Time Management

This morning I woke to the daunting task of rehanging the entire gallery - The Vukuzakhe Project gets the whole front room. Tons of lists fly through my head. I have a gazillion - at least - things to do. So what did I do first?
Lee brought me my morning cup of tea, I sat in bed and looked at my view over the river walk. I've been meaning to do a little watercolour sketch of it for the past year. I got out of bed, got my travel kit and sat there sipping tea and painting.
Lee walked through.. stared for a while, and said .. "you're ... PAINTING?"
'Yes,' says me 'I've been meaning to do this for the past year."
"But you went on last night about how much you have to do today?"
"Yes, I do have an awful lot on my mind," I agreed happily. "But sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the roses."
so - here're my roses ... not sure if they helped me or not because absolutely nothing went right today... it is now nearly 5:00 p.m. and the gallery is still a mess. I'm WAY behind with everything. But I like a wee roses and their smell. It needed to be done.

The view from my bed of the river walk

© 2012 Anne Jenkins all rights reserved 

Visit my website and facebook page - I'd be happy if you "liked" the gallery page and follow it in the future... hope to see you at the gallery. It will all be in order shortly. I have no doubt.

The art of new themes

paint still wet but here is "refelcting Chnage" © 2012 all rights reserved Anne Jenkins

I've been engrossed in The Vukuzakhe project for so long now, it was almost a relief to paint in a new direction ... and I named it "reflecting Change... I feel a new series coming on in this theme... in fact, I'm quite excited about a new direction and change of theme. As "they" say - a change is as good as a holiday. :)

The art of the launch

I made a snap decision - I will present The Vukuzakhe Project's first paintings at an opening reception on Friday, September 21 at the gallery, 127 NW Front Street, Milford, Delaware 19963 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. -- no matter how many I have finished. It needs to launch and get the wheels rollin' along. So I made a little "save the date" video invitation: please consider yourself invited....
Invitation to Save the Date for opening reception

You can read more about The Vukuzakhe Project at my website annejenkinsart.com
or TheBagofHope.com

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

The Art of Stepping Away

I took a whole month off - I had reached a stalemate of ideas/inspiration/hope/joy. I thought long and hard about why and realized The Vukuzakhe Project is exciting,challenging and I poured my heart in to it but it is also emotionally draining. I wiped myself out trying to do 6 of these big pieces at once. I decided if I was to continue doing them well I need to step away for a while. I left #5 & 6 sitting on their easels and haven't touched them for a few weeks.
The first couple of weeks I did no painting at all. Then I started doing fun stuff. Picked up my charcoals for the first time in, well, years. I love doing figurative work in charcoals. Then I slapped some bright paint around to create some cheerful sunflowers. I'll continue doing this until the time comes to look at the easels waiting patiently.
When will I start on Vukuzakhe again? I have no idea -  it will tell me when the time is right.
So - I'm back! here's a cheerful sunflower to celebrate the glory of summer - see y'all soon!

Copyright © 2012 Anne Jenkins, Milford, Delaware USA  website: http://annejenkinsart.com

The Art of a Break

Crosby, Stills & Nash way down there - we could see them and certainly could hear them!

So ... I took a break. I didn't paint for a while, I spent a lot of time thinking instead. Usually that can be dangerous but this time I needed it. I had lively discussions with fellow artists and I learned a lot from them. Lee & I treated ourselves - we went to a great concert - Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Wolftrap near DC... it's a National Park, I didn't know that and it's a great facility. We had a superb time, rain and all! Yes, their voices are thinner and not as powerful although the few big notes that counted they hit, but still, everyone rocked. We enjoyed our picnic before the concert, got drenched and soaked through during the concert and had a peaceful drive home. It doesn't get much better than that...
We did the usual BBQ for the 4th - I believe it is considered unpatriotic not to! Lee had his usual fun with me as he warbled, "We won! we won!" and I yodeled back "Nope, we were glad to get rid of you troublesome lot!" - it's the same every year. A lovely fun bun fight.
I was happy to hear from the Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery in Rehoboth Beach - they'd sold a small painting of mine. Yeah! it all helps. I have a show coming up next week with 8 other top notch artists - big works - at Abbott's Grill here in Milford. I hope it goes well.
I am returning to the Vukuzakhe Project next week - it's a "heavy" subject and I found it drained me - hence the break. I feel more refreshed and will finish it soon. Then continue on to find corporate buyers...  wish me luck.
I hope my mind is getting settled again and so - onwards!

The Art of Solace

Despondency doesn't make for a good week. Creativity takes a back seat when gloom and doom settle. Optimists have a hard time with despondency, so naturally I struggle with it. I had a couple of nightmares during which apparently I cry out with a sort of whinny and alarmed the cats no end. Lee tries to soothe me without waking me up. It's all rather boring, things happen.
But, there were high points these past few days - most important and joyful was the latest arrival in our small family. Harrison Nigel was born on Friday complete with all 10 toes. And our family welcomed him with great love and happiness. I'd kinda hoped for a girl since the last girl born in our family was 62 years ago. Guess the world didn't want to cope with another me!! It matters not, he is here, healthy and much loved. We're all delighted to have in in our wacky family - we might be wacky, but we love well.
I cooked South African food for new and interesting friends ... food from home is often a cure all. And some was good. But not all of it turned out well. My melktert was too runny and not spicy enough, but that's hardly a train smash. Wine flowed pretty freely during the lively conversation, so none of us would have even noticed a few whoopsies in the food.
The first outdoor movie of the summer had us carrying our chairs over to the amphitheatre by the riverwalk. And it was a quiet delight - also my introduction to the Muppets. Yep, who knew there was anyone in the world who hadn't seen an entire episode, or a movie, of the Muppets? I could claim that until Wednesday. Next week is music, it's a fun series and it's just nice to sit outside and be entertained.
Still my blue funk meant I didn't paint at all this week. Every time I went in to my studio a dull cloud descended on me and my heart sank. I would stare at the canvases in their various stages of completion and think, "Why bother?" or "What on earth am I do do with this now?" and nothing would happen. Luckily I sorta know how it will all end. Whenever I have a down time, which isn't often thank goodness, the next week I am like a creative whirlwind. So I am just riding this out waiting patiently for the light heart to return. It will.
At the farmers market this morning I saw squash blossoms and bought them right away. They will bring a smile to my face when baked, stuffed with ricotta and garlic. The simplicity of the dish always blows me away - like all the simple things in life, they are the best.

The art of talk

Well, such excitement - I am so honored! I was interviewed by Paul Weagraff, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, on the radio! It is a 20-minute interview and it just went so quickly! He was so professional and made me relaxed in no time. I felt like I was just having a chat with a friend. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and have a listen :
http://www.artsdel.org/podcasts/120609_de_state_of_arts.mp3

I took a couple of paintings along - as a visual person, it was a good aid

and then - please,  tell me what you think. Feedback is a great way to learn - I don't know what folks think unless you tell me. To repay you listening to my interview, I won't write a whole lot today!
Thank you for listening and taking the time! My facebook page is often updated - check it out and "follow" my page. I'd appreciate it!
have a grand weekend!

The Art of Fresh Eyes & Soothing Water

Time flies whether you're having fun or not it seems. I cannot - cannot - believe it is June already. Six months of the year gone and I'm sitting here wondering 'what the hell happened?' I have a bunch of projects going, and I don't seem to be progressing with them at the clip I'd like. In other words, I am dithering around and not getting any where with anything. At least that's how it feels to me.
But when I rationalize it I do seem to be getting somewhere ... the goal is there, the distance to them is ever increasing since I appear to be taking a zigzag approach to everything. Maybe I am trying to do too much for others and not concentrating enough on me. I vowed this year it would all be about MOI. I was going to be a veritable Miss Piggy. Self-centred, self- absorbed and nothing else/no one else matters. Ain't gonna happen. I guess it's not in my genes. But helping others can be fulfilling in itself. SO ... I'll just be partially all about MOI. Perhaps.
On Friday I posted a photo of my studio on my facebook page just to prove I was actually working on 5 paintings at one time. Not much has changed since then, life got in the way. The 5 are still works in progress, and I'm not worried about it. But I must finish 2 this week. There's a deadline and deadlines always seem to fire me up and I meet them. Each painting has a different theme, or subject, and sometimes I just have to sit and look at them and wait for them to tell me what to do.
I've been doing this to one painting because another artist I admire a lot thought - after I'd asked for her help and opinion - I should do something additional. It was an honest critical comment worthy of consideration. But it didn't quite gel in my gut. It worried me that I didn't really agree with her when it came down to it because I really do admire and trust her judgement. And I was also kinda intrigued with the suggestion. Then today out of the blue 2 artists stopped in en route back home to NE Pennsylvania. I'd never met them before and we had a wonderful time talking art and methods and stuff. They looked at the painting, I mentioned what I was thinking of doing but was hesitant about it. They - and I love it when artists do this - stepped back, looked at it hard and critically. They thought on it and then they both said. "No, this is your style. This works. Leave it as it is." It was all I needed to hear to confirm my own decision. Fresh eyes can really be a wonderful help.
Don't forget to also check up on my website to see what's happening with me and my art.

Peace and quiet

Ever peaceful

We saw lots of herons and wildlife

On Sunday Lee and I hired a wee flat bottomed boat and poddled very slowly - grass grew quicker than the electric motor could drive the skiff - - along the Mispillion River. It was blissful - silent, bright, ever changing scenery and the joy of being back on the water was a tranquil balm to the soul. We went too far really and were out 6 hours so now we have sunburned knees and sore butts. But it was soul refreshing and fun. And made us think of living on the water again. It just takes a the sound of a slap of water on a hull to bring it all back. Wonderful.

The art of down time

Been having a wee bit of down time the past week - I have been very tired and so has Lee. We escaped to DC and NYC for a marvellous day each, sauntered about Oxford & St Michaels, Maryland and the Chesapeake Maritime Museum. Weather has been perfect. We enjoyed great meals and relaxed. We've not listened to the news for a week. Bliss... So I will just wish you a happy Memorial Day long weekend if you're in the States and, if you're not... happy weekend anyway.

Home made oyster stew with oyster mushrooms...what a treat!

I have half-finished pieces that excite me and will go at with enthusiasm next week and post news on my art and world then... hambe gahle!

The Art of the Catalyst

The names for the 2012 hurricane season have been announced. This is now an annual event that gives me the willies. Since Katrina I can’t help it. And as luck or fate would have it I am preparing for a show on big events over the past few years. I have 2 of the pieces already but decided to do a new piece. It’s always good to break away from the series I’m working on and do something different. A refresher for the brain.

This is a close up detail of part of the painting to show the texture

Naturally the first event to flash before me was the dreadful Katrina. She often lurks below the surface of my mind. The subject also came to me quickly. Houses after the deluge with blue tarp and the searchers sign on the outside of each house noting how many bodies, animals, etc were inside marked clearly.

I was pondering on what to use to aid the texture and had decided on a hard plastic sink protection tray (really!). As I got the canvas ready, I stood in front of my messy paint table and I happened to glance down to see some of the packing paper the excellent art supply shop, Cheap Joe’s - see website:  http://www.cheapjoes.com  - uses to send me supplies. A light bulb went off - bingo… it is perfect. It is covered with small triangular cut out sections to make it porous and pliable, totally suitable for the irony of the name of the piece, “Safe as Houses.”

I am about finished with the piece but still have to ponder on it which doesn't really help my state of mind at the moment, which is fragile. Business is difficult, finances are difficult. UGH! And now they are talking of an early start to the hurricane season. It’s like a stupid bloody bogey man I can’t get rid of.

Close up of the collapsed house, I'mstill working on it

But, as my lovely Scots mother would have said, “Mustn’t grumble, just get on with life. You have it easy compared to others.” And aint’ that the truth? I am lucky to have a marvellous family and a big group of faithful friends who put up with me warts and all. I am inspired by so many folks.

For instance, this week I talked with two exceptional people. Amy Stokes of Infinite Family is a recent discovery of mine. I was honoured and excited when she agreed to talk with me. I hope we will now have regular contact. She does wonderful work for the children of Africa and she was so encouraging to me. Her website is: http://www.infinitefamily.org

The other is my supportive and funny friend, Robin Opperman. He heads up Umcebo Design in my hometown of Durban, South Africa. See his website: http://www.umcebodesign.co.za  He works with many different groups - from AIDS support groups to refugee groups - and produces some of the world’s most imaginative fine crafts. He does it all with humour, patience and no bragging. He is truly a joy to know, to share ideas and learn from - we try and skype every so often to egg each other on. The day I accidentally met him 6 or so years ago was truly a godsend.

With people like this in my life, not to mention Robin’s fat spoilt cat Fergie and my own two furry joys to entertain me, why dwell on an old horror of a hurricane. This painting “Safe as Houses” is becoming something of a catalyst - I can feel myself letting Katrina go to the back of my mind as I work more on it. I hope that is the case.
You can follow more on my art at http://annejenkinsart.com and follow my facebook page at http://facebook.com/annejenkinsartgallery

The art of life and farewells

In February I mentioned a family member was not doing well. His funeral was held Wednesday. It was a sad, joyous, weepy farewell. He would have approved of the vast amounts of wine and food consumed. He really would have enjoyed the big bunch of balloons his grandkids released as they shouted “Goodbye Oupa.” I wish I could have been there but I sent him bon voyage thoughts from many miles away. A memorable character who loved his family fiercely and gave us all happy memories and lots of good belly laughs. Hamba gahle!

Filling in colour with oil pastels 

I am all about whales and sharks at the moment. I’m doing painting # 5 in The Vukuzakhe Project called “Mkhomazi” which is the Zulu name for the river near the Amandawe region - it means “The place of the whale cow” because whales give birth in the shallows. Nearby is the world famous Aliwal Shoal, listed amoung the top 10 dive sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau. You can dive amoung the ragged tooth shark - or as the locals say “the raggies” - without too much anxiety because the raggies are vegetarian. However, you need to keep an eye out for the odd visiting tiger shark, great white and the like, and then things can get quite exciting. It is a completely different mindset painting an underwater scene. I hope to convey the tranquility and dreamy state of their domain.

It got me mulling over conservation and respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. And particularly how bloody awful we humans are proving to be as stewarts of this great earth. The mass destruction of rain forests, drilling for oil in pristine wilderness, killing off whole species willy nilly seems to the norm. Don’t even get me started on slaughtering magnificent animals like the rhino for their horn for Asian medicine - which doesn’t even heal the things they think it does - it is disgusting and sickening. Hunting is another soap box for me - going out and killing any beautiful creature for sport is just beyond me.

So I will go back to painting and try not to dwell on the negative… think positive and hope Ma Nature doesn’t get too too mad at us.

The art of the week

I got some nice publicity this week with a big feature piece in the Milford Beacon... thank you to Christine Miller the arts reporter! Here's a link if your haven't seen it...
http://www.milfordbeacon.com/features/x1726851030/Artist-paints-scenes-of-home-from-Delaware-to-Africa

I finally decided painting # 4 in The Vukuzakhe Project is finished - "It's hard on GoGo" has been a long time is the making but I think the final edition is very atmospheric and the colours work well. GoGo means Grandmother and in this collaboration with Jabu's fabric landscape, she is barely coping with raising children left behind but her family are with her in spirit which gives her strength.

For some reason these are not photographing very clearly and look more washed out than they are in real life. Probably the light I've been photographing them in but they'll have to do for now. I am starting painting # 5 - the landscape is on the panel and I am working out how to paint it. In fact I'm thinking of doing 5 & 6 at the same time.

I am grateful and honoured to be selected to participate in the newest and most fabulous gallery in Rohoboth Beach - Anita Peghini-Räber Gallery opened with just a load of fun and antics last Saturday. The standard of art is very high and I met the other artists at the opening - they were all very nice and I enjoyed chatting with them. The gallery is at 49 Baltimore Ave and here's the link to their website http://rehobothart.com  - be sure to stop by when you're in the area and say hi to the lovely bubbly Anita and Denise.

The weather is so good right now all I really feel like doing is playing hookey and heading off on a road trip somewhere.... regret a look at my bank balance prevents this delightful course of action. Sigh

The Art of Spring

About this time of year everyone finds a new zest for life. Ma Nature puts on a glorious display, birds and critters set out doing the mating dance with the males doing some energetic strutting of their stuff and I feel I should go for long walks and just breathe in this fresh air. The dogwoods across the street from our apartment are a joy to behold  against their backdrop is the happily pink Victorian house now The Towers B&B.

Our morning coffee ritual watching the birds and bunnies in our side yard is more fun these days too. For a couple of weeks the holly tree was swirling with Cedar Waxwings as they raided the bright red berries - they did a good job, there's no berries left and the birds have gone on to other pastures. The fig tree beside the holly tree is glowing with little buds of sap green. The big old pecan tree isn't showing much yet, she's taking her time although I thought I detected a few newer bumps about to burst on her skeleton branches this morning.

And birds are braving the very interested felines watching over their feeder at the window - I thought they'd stay away but apparently the are made of stronger stuff and are not intimidated. You can see the still rather bare looking fig tree in the middle next to the boxwood bushes below the holly tree. We couldn't ask for a more wonderful view to enjoy in all the seasons.

My pansies in the entrance boxes have lasted happily since November and are partnering with the daffodils just peeking out. Soon I'll get out more colour and plant them at our entrance. My geraniums so loved spending the winter in the gallery I will leave them here. I'm taking cuttings to start new ones for the house entrance.

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It's Easter weekend - time for a Greek style lamb with rosemary and garlic and fine wine. A time to rejoice in spring and all the critters who make it so much fun and so beautiful. What's not to like about all this glorious renewal?

The art of Travel

Ceiling mural in a section of the NYC Public Library

I enjoyed a special day in New York City with a friend last week - we weren't as organized as we thought, so we dithered about, visited a Cuban Art Center and saw some cool art, had a very good Indian meal in a hole in the wall place for $20 for both of us, a glass of wine in a nice gay bar with a humourous door man and visited the NY public library.
I had no idea the library was so ornate and grand. There were 2 photography exhibits on ... one quite disturbing and one pretty boring. But the building was the star.

We also spent a very interesting couple of hours with a dynamic, lively and curious bunch of ladies who are textile artists. It's inspirational to be around these ladies. We're country folk now, so big city gals are a kick every once in a whole. I needed it.

Unfortunately my second trip to NYC a week later didn't pan out so well. Lee and I were booked to take the Kent County bus up on Wednesday. We set off just before 6:30 a.m. for Dover to board the bus when Pearl, our trusty old Toyota - who NEVER ever breaks down - decided today was the day to tear up all her belts. As we were driving along Highway 1 no less. So, long story short, we got a ride in a tow truck back to Milford instead of the bus to NYC. And dropped a large number of $$ at a garage before heading home. No NYC fun lunch with an old friend. We were so disappointed.

But that's travel.One week it's all good, next it isn't. Sorta like life.

The Art of Thought

So, I've played hookey the past couple of weeks and not posted too much - so sad, too bad! It's just been one of those times - we all have them and whatever they are, they come and go. Deep, eh?

Ihawu - The Shield Painting # 3

I was excited to finish the 3rd painting in The Vukuzakhe Project - it's called Ihawu which means The Shield. It shows 5 women cradling the fabric landscape of two little girls playing. the whole group represents the Amandawe Support Group. Three of the figures represent the Zulu ladies in traditional headdress with 2 smaller figures representing my sister Ruth, Maurean (the tireless UVA volunteer) and me - they're larger because they carry the biggest share of work and love in the group. My sister, Maurean and I are just the small cogs but we all form the whole. I really like this one. It's bright and sweet, with a powerful message - support and love is colour blind.

Within Ouselves III - not complete

I also worked on the third painting in the new series "Within Ourselves" - this one fought me. I realized after thinking about it for a long time over a few days... I have a pattern of painting. I can paint 2 paintings in a series then I need to take a break from it and turn to something else, or another series. Must be that short attention span thing again. Anyway if I go straight from painting #2 to Painting #3 it fights me. Now I have finally - DUH! after all these years? How slow can one be? - worked this out I can change things around. Paint 2 and then do something else, come back paint 2 more... etc etc. So, the Within Ourselves painting #3 was progressing badly, in fact last night I thought it looked like I was painting the Teletubbies... that's when I went home and poured a glass of wine.

I do my best thinking over a cup of rooibos in the morning as I watch the light change over the river or in the evening when I'm having a glass of wine and relaxing. Things sparkle clearly in my brain then and I wonder why I couldn't see it before. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
I have lots going on in March - 2 trips up to New York City and much more... but I will try to be more consistant with writing my blog. See you soon!

The Art of Caring

I’ve wanted to do more abstract work for a while, funnily enough health irritations (flu and now a gimpy back) have made it happen. I can’t work on the Vukuzakhe Project - canvas too big - with my back in this state, so I got out smaller canvas’ - 18x24 - and at the end of last week I started on a subject bubbling in back of my mind.
Now I have 2 “Within Ourselves” abstracts done. I used canvas, acrylic, burlap and oil pastels - decided to use a limited palette - more of a challenge and can be more dramatic. I joked on my face book page my gimpy back has delved in to some deeply Freudian areas, it’s showing in my art. And there is something in that statement - for a couple of reasons..

Within Ourselves

First, I have a family member fading fast, hard as it is we hope for quick and painless. At the same time good news from the younger generation, we will welcome a new member to the crazy clan. Another family member is slowly taking on more of the caregiver role. It got me to thinking on how life starts with you being cared for, you grow up, are free for a while and then you care for the next generation.
But with age comes another kind of caring - caring for your partner as they fade. Some fade from their body in to another place called Alzheimer’s, some fade battling disease. It doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman doing the caring, it is never easy but it  is done with love.
Second reason, I am pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. I’m getting fed up with right wing religious conservatives trying to ram their beliefs on abortion and marriage into repressive laws. For people who yell “government is too big, we need smaller government and less interference” they seem to miss the irony of their tunnel vision of right/wrong being imposed on everyone else. I wish they would shut up and go away. Sadly they won’t.

Within Ourselves II

I’m just stating facts as I see them. Abortion and marriage are strictly personal and no one else’s business. It’s just important to love someone enough to care under all circumstances.
I feel there’s too much false emphasis on eternal youth and money in today’s society. It’s a simple path of life - you are young, then you grow old. Money will not save you. Deal with it.
And if you are lucky, you are loved enough and you love enough to care. Warts and all. Nothing is more important.
That is what I’m trying to show in these paintings - the circle of love and caring, no matter who you love.

The art of the turn around

Flat is the only way to describe how I’ve felt the past 10 days - cottonwool head, achy joints, snotty nose and the deep rooted blahs dominated. I am so thoroughly sick of it all. I am normally one of the world’s big optimists …my ex used this description of me: give Anne a barrel of horse manure and she’ll dig around in it saying “there’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!” And I’ve always felt it’s far better to be optimistic than permanently gloomy about things. So, it’s no surprise not feeling well is not one of my strengths, if you can call it that.
This morning as I sipped my tea in bed and watched the light change over the river walk, with Geordie giving me a running commentary on bird and squirrel activity outside the window, I pondered what to do to get myself back in top spirit. Do something different was the decision.
The creative process takes a dive when you’re down, so to keep things going I’ve been doing the boring prep work for the Vukuzakhe Project - bonding the plexiglass dowels to the wooden cradled panels, gessoing - and more gessoing. So much so I’ve been looking at the gesso with a jaundiced eye. No gesso today I determined. No something ‘prep’ oriented.
I walked in the studio back door and immediately started hauling out one of the panels, taking off the protective cover and placing fabric landscapes on it to start thinking what to paint. Wait! Isn’t that what I said I would not do?
Then I fired up my laptop and checked out things. Got a wonderful boost with a nice article on the arts in Kent County by Pam George in a very cool magazine, Delaware Today,
http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/March-2012/Arts-and-Entertainment-in-Kent-County-Delaware/
And a mention in a couple more in the series…
http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/March-2012/Kent-County-Guide/ 
This cheered me up no end!

And now I’ve decided I will paint something today - but it won’t be the Project art. Maybe what I need is a little “and now for something completely different.” Okay, I know, short attention span and all that, but it can do your psyche good to do an about turn on occasion. So - voila - here is the start - it will be an abstract -I stuck a piece of burlap in to the paint to add to the texture. The poor cut piece of burlap was looking lost and forlorn since I didn‘t use it for the Vukuzakhe Project, so I slapped it this one.
I just had a visit from a new friend, who cheered me up 100% more. I’ll be skyping with another friend soon, ditto cheer up. And tonight we go to the theatre - our local Second Street players are putting on ‘One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest‘. I personally think a comedy would be cheerier for gloomy February, but what do I know. But it doesn’t matter - I’m happy now!!!
A good day can wipe out 10 days of glumpf easily.

no blog week

the new postcard to send out in advance...

 My apologies for not writing my weekly blog... stuff got in the way. Ucky scratchy throats, cottonwool heads, snotty noses and achy joints are to blame. I went down with it middle of last week - not too too badly - for which I am most grateful. But then Lee got hit Friday. He got it much worse than me and looks awful still. He must have been REALLy feeling low - he missed the Superbowl party and stayed home in bed! So I went with another date ...his wife wasn't interested in the game.... remember the old song, "Love the one you're with ...?"  heh heh. So anyway - that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. I will write another cheery blog later this week.
But just a heads up - I will give a presentation on The Vukuzakhe Art Project, and The Bag of Hope, to the Jaycees Dover chapter on Monday, February 13. The group meets  at 6:00pm at Fraizer's on the Waterfront at 9 E. Loockerman St. in Dover. I will have a couple of the completed pieces to display and discuss at the meeting. The Jaycees are The U.S. Junior Chamber Emerging Young Professionals group. Call Rachel Dunning (302) 670-7666 for more information on the Jaycees.
See you next week, and thanks for listening