Visiting Open Studios/New Haven CT

I went to Open Studios at Erector Square in New Haven yesterday and really enjoyed seeing different artists' works.  The building is huge with many art studios through out the complex. Did not photograph enough, too busy talking with artists and looking at good art.  Open Studios will run Sunday Sept. 26, 2010 and other weekends are Oct. 2-3, Oct. 9-10 and for detailed maps and further information go to  www.artspacenh.org  or call 203- 772-2709.  As a side note, parking was not a problem for me at Erector Square as it is usually in downtown New Haven.

The second photograph above is Corina Alvarezdelugo's work, with Ishita Bandyo's work in the background.  (I apologize to Ishita, the close up of Ishita's paintings came out blurred due to my camera shake.)
 
Please go to Ishita's website to see her paintings:  www.ishitabandyo.com//  to see a sample of her beautiful mixed media paintings and read about her.   And to see and learn more about Corina's artwork go to:  www.corinadotdash.com/

This was a fun day and I made some new friends.  Here are a few of these new artists I met, saw their work and enjoyed meeting them, including: Fethi Meghelli at www.fethimeghelli.com/ , and Maria Lara- Whelpley at www.marialara.net.  Thanks again, to all the artists for all their hard work, conversation and great artwork.  Please visit, the Oct. weekend will be in another section of New Haven so go to   ARTSPACE website or if in New Haven area pick up a New Haven Advocate paper that is the map and official guide.

Door of Textures

9" x 12" oil on panel

Yes, I pushed the textures in this old door of peeling paint.  It appears to have been painted at least two or three times; the visible under-layers reminded me of warm, intense red-rust spots.  The building this door is attached to is in New London, near the Thames River.  I have never seen this door being opened in all the times I've passed the spot, but I think there is a business behind it.  A part of me wishes I knew something of the building's history - but I'm content to let it have it's mystery.

Land of Textures

9" x 12" oil on panel

I am inspired by the shapes, textures, and colors of old buildings, boats, wooden objects, plastered walls, etc.  Old surfaces are rich in patinated color, and thickness of texture.  The inspiration for this painting was an old door;  I kept simplifying the shapes and details in front of me until I discovered a landscape, or perhaps a seascape, emerge in the painting.

Not My Blog-Joanne Mattera

I have been working hard the last two days cutting and preparing panels for paintings.  And in between this physical labor and sweaty heat I have been reading different art blogs.  One in particular that I enjoy reading and find helpful is Joanne Mattera's Art Blog.   Joanne is an encaustic artist who lives in New England and exhibits across the country.  As a full time successful artist, she writes about art shows, fairs and other art venues she visits, plus post photographs of other artists' work  from the exhibits.  Often on her blog are articles she has written about  how to advance one's art career which I find helpful.  She does not mince words and speaks her mind with humor which I like.  So see for yourself and visit her at:   http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/