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!