Where do I even begin????

Much time has passed since I last posted. During this time, I have opened a gallery, closed a gallery and am in the process of reopening another gallery. We outgrew the other one and had a few professional issues with out business partner, so we moved on. So it goes.

The summer has been extremely busy. I had artwork exhibited in Vienna, New York, Sweden. Another exhibition in Florence beginning in Sep. and then in Oct. one in Paris. I really haven't had much time to paint, but was able to get into my studio today and get some paint on a canvas for a commission I have been putting off.

I did some major spring cleaning knowing that I will be spending much of my spare time in my studio and the new gallery. But I did manage some time for sailing, beach time and golf. I am looking forward to see what comes out of my studio now that I am in the mental frame of mind to start working again.

Alice Neel

Just watched a biography on Alice Neel the other night. I had forgotten how much I loved her work. Talk about balancing a career as an artist and motherhood, don't we all struggle with this?

Winds of Change!

I am participating in a group art exhibition in Malmo, Sweden beginning June 6 and have been invited to participate in an upcoming show in Florence, Italy on Sept. 4. I am truly looking forward to getting back into my studio and doing some serious work. It has been forever. There are some major changes taking place in my life right now, but soon I will be able to talk about them. These changes will eventually allow me to have more time to paint in my studio and once again be free to play.

Another crazy month!!!

Lots of things going on. The gallery has been taking off and I have been working many hours. With our success, a part of me is thinking, OMG what have I gotten into. When I get home in the evening, I am exhausted, even on my off days. I am spending the day in the studio today trying to get some long overdue painting done. I am doing an outdoor festival this Sat. and nothing to bring. So I am doing small small scale encaustic pieces that will hopefully be a hit.

Hubby leaves tomorrow for his annual golf trip to NC and as much as I wanted to escape and go with him, I will be unable to go. I am hoping to take trip stateside sometime in July. I have to go to Miami then, as it is my 30 high school reunion. Not like I need reminding how old I am getting, but it will nice to catchup with those I haven't seen in many many years.

OK, off to paint.

Mantra 8-Day at Play

More busy days, but I did manage to give an encaustic workshop yesterday and actually completed a fun piece. I miss just being free with the paint and playing. It is another of my Mantra series, #8. The workshop was a lot of fun. I must confess though that I was a bit nervous as I have never taught a workshop before, but I had 10 people who were eager to learn a new process and the all did some great work.

Time Flies

Has it really been 3 weeks since my last post?

Had a fabulous time in Panama. Didn't get a chance to work on any art, but came home with lots of new paintings in my head. Our hotel in Panama City, the Marriott, was right across the street from a local brothel. It was quite interesting to watch all the taxis pulling up and leaving each evening. I decided the subject would make a great painting idea. So I am working out the details. I even tried to get photos of the young ladies of the night, but was told I would chase away all the customers. But it is ok, I can create the ambiance from my own imagination without it being clouded by what was really there.



Since being back home, I have again been super busy with the gallery, the guild and website work and getting any real painting done has been difficult. I have started a couple pieces, but are in no condition to have any photos shot yet. At least on a slow day in the gallery I am able to setup my easel and paint.

Off and running, customers at gallery.

Making a clean break

Wed. I am leaving for Panama for a long over due time away from home, work and gallery stuff. I will be bringing some watercolors with me to hopefully get some work done. But let me tell you, I am so looking forward to 4 days of lounging at the beach and relaxing. These past few months have really taken a toll on me and can't wait to get into a routine where I can schedule things I need to do instead of running around like crazy whenever I have a free moment.

Gallery photos

To view images of our new gallery please follow this link Melloy Fine Art Gallery

Random thoughts

OK, I am officially exhausted. Months of hard work on the gallery, two back to back openings (the gallery and the EEAG annual juried show), and nonstop running around trying to catch up.

Is my plate full? You bet! All my activities have really cut into my painting time. I have not touched a brush in my studio for 4 months. I am suffering from the extreme depression that goes along with that. I find that when my creativity is stifled, everything else just pales in existence. I go into limbo and just cease to exist as an artist, which crushes my soul.

Now with the gallery open and the hard work of putting the guild show together is behind me, I must somehow find a balance between all of these things and get back to what I am. An artist, a painter, a creative mind.

When my life is in chaos, everything around me is chaotic. Now is time for organization, balance and meditation and peace.

Trying to post more often

With the new gallery open, I haven't been as diligent about posting lately. Nor have I managed to get any artwork done. It is quite sad, although exciting. I hear my studio calling me, but getting in there to work has been impossible. Now I have the our Guild juried to show to focus on, which opens Jan. 23. This means I have to really get busy designing the catalog and getting everything into place.

Also, our gallery grand opening will be on Sat. Jan. 17. 6-10 pm.

Maybe by the end of the month I will get back to my hearts true love, painting!!!

Happy New Year to everyone!