How did you get here

Sometimes you make a decision and see the impact immediately and sometimes it's gradual, you have to look back to see how it evolved. Like... how did that happen?!

Early in my oil painting days, I decided to keep trying new things - to learn more and expand experiences to further my art career. It wasn't about trying new media or techniques because I already knew that painting realism in oils was my thing. It was more about taking chances. Because it felt like saying "I wish I could do something like that" was just a cop out.

And I decided some experiences were actually possible and it was me that was holding me back. So I took workshops in interesting places - the south of France... a prison in Philadelphia - joined national arts organizations and looked for new opportunities.

Mainly, I started whistling in the dark when something came along that intrigued and made me anxious at the same time. So when an artist friend said, "you should apply to the residency at Weir Farm," I figured, why not?

Spending a month with only art as a focus sounded both idyllic and nerve-wracking. What if I run out of excuses and still can't create anything worthwhile?! But the most daunting obstacle was that residency artists are asked to have a public talk at the end of their stay. Power point presentation and talking about yourself. How uncomfortable is that, I ask you?!

It was a challenge, but I actually found the process of gathering talking points to be interesting - and useful. When you try to explain what you do and why, you begin to understand it better yourself. Articulating it creates a clearer focus.

These slides from my presentation outline some of the aspects of composition and technique that go into my paintings. We tend to take for granted that people can see what goes into our art making, but there is more behind the scenes and honestly we don't always realize it ourselves!

Many experiences and challenges preceded my time at Weir Farm, including an interest in vintage objects and historic locations. That interest had led me to visit, and ultimately paint at, Seven Hearths, the home of artist George Lawrence Nelson. And the reverential experience of painting in the studio of this American Impressionist painter also influenced my decision to paint interiors of Julian Alden Weir's studio and home.

So...when I was told the National Historic Site wanted all of my Weir Farm interior paintings for their collection, I was more than thrilled. 

And when I'm asked, "how-the-heck did that happen?"... the story starts with deciding to say yes to new opportunities.

This Friday there is a new "Art at the Park Festival" at Weir Farm to celebrate the park service's anniversary and Julian's birthday. Art-lovers and art-makers are invited to participate and more information is available here.

Also, if you're interested in applying to Weir Farm's artist residency, go for it! Start now to get your project description and letters of recommendation in order because the deadline is October 10th. If you have questions about my experience there, please comment and I'll get back to you.

The fall is an important time for art shows and experiences. I hope you take a chance and try something new.

Thanks for following me on my art journey. Here's to taking chances!