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!