When it's hard to feel thankful

At this time of giving thanks I want to take a moment to thank the art lovers who feed the energy and creativity of artists with your support and kind comments. Whether you have purchased artwork, visited an exhibit or shared your feelings on social media please know that you play an important role in our continued creative effort. Sure, we're artists and we're gonna make art, but knowing our work strikes a chord is truly validating and keeps us going. And as I've said before, the world could use more beauty.

We are in California for Thanksgiving this year where the raging fires are all too real. Smoke permeates the air for hundreds of miles and there is a heaviness in both the air and in our hearts as we experience this devastating tragedy. It feels kind of trivial to focus on gratitude for the good things in my life at such a time, but I think - I hope - that appreciation is what gets us through such difficulties. I haven't quite decided how to help the victims of the fire but in appreciation of the generous support that I experience as an artist, I know that I will.

So, again, thank you for inspiring me! 

As far as my artwork goes, a selection of my paintings will be hanging at Who's Cooking in Croton Falls for one more week. Below are a few of the paintings on exhibit through November 26 (closed on Sundays).

Five Little Onions Sitting on a Bench ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze

At the Opera © 2017 Dorothy Lorenze

Come In. Peace ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze

And just for fun - ho, ho, ho - a vintage Santa figure and his chocolate shadow. 

Santa's Chocolate Shadow ©2017 Dorothy Lorenze

I will also have a few paintings at the annual Mark Twain Library benefit art show in Redding, CT from November 30 - December 9th. It's a short run, but worth a visit. The show is well-curated and well-displayed, the library itself is lovely and the folks involved are some of the most appreciative art patrons around. You might even find a unique work of art for special gift giving!

Meanwhile, the next few days will be focused on meal planning and preparing for guests. As with making art, the work of preparation is important to a successful outcome, but the spirit of what's behind the effort is what brings the work to life. So, whatever your Thanksgiving dinner plans may be, I hope you are also grateful for the goodness in your life and appreciative of all those whose small gestures of kindness feed your soul. Because gratitude is a happiness multiplier!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and special thanks for joining me on my art-filled journey.

Trick or Treat, celebrating challenges

It's that spooky time of year where we enjoy putting on costumes and playing different roles...just a little. It's probably all about the candy, but maybe it's also about adding excitement to the ordinary.

It's all about balance: boring and brilliant, comforting and challenging, familiar and fantasy. We all have our own definition of what constitutes a challenge as well as what qualifies as basic contentment. (I'm thinking about painting here!)

Painting - we hope - brings restorative zen moments, but it also causes frustration and consternation. When we have trouble getting started its the frustration that looms large! Really, the most satisfying paintings will frustrate and restore. Ya gotta eat the vegetables before you can enjoy dessert.

Recently our painting group was discussing what holds us back, the challenges of getting started and how to establish productive routines. Of course it's different for everyone - we all have other commitments: work, family, etc. Fear of frustration and failure is probably the biggest deterent, until we remember that time spent painting can be the wonderful dessert of life.

What's really cool is when painting becomes your vegetables, your sustenance. That's when you know you're hooked. And of course for me, it's often literally... vegetables.

Heirloom and Hubbard ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze, 6x8"

We're coming into the busy holiday season with all its added responsibilities as well as moments of wonder. My advice is to take it all in, relax and enjoy the cookies... but eat your vegetables to keep you going. It may be harder to find the time, but it's always good for you.

If you're an art enthusiast rather than an art maker, this is a great time to exercise your creativity by finding unique gifts at holiday craft shows and art exhibits. Discovering the perfect piece for someone's life and personality is an exciting adventure. Ridgefield Guild of Artists and  Putnam Arts Council both offer holiday gift fantasy worlds in November and December where you can find unique artistic offerings.

Closer to home, my paintings will be at Who's Cooking in Croton Falls through November 26th, including the veggies, Heirloom and Hubbard, above.

The added bonus about stopping by Who's Cooking is being tempted to treat yourself to a great lunch, bring home a gourmet meal for your family or plan a catered holiday event with Russell, whose culinary taste is exquisite. No stress and delicious - the best way to eat your vegetables and enjoy dessert!

Below are some of my paintings on exhibit there. Except the interior with the red chair (second from right) which, I'm thrilled to say, is going to a new home!

There are still lifes, interiors and holiday paintings, as well as some sweet little florals on display.

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Vintage Sleigh Bells (l) and Santa's Chocolate Shadow (that one cracks me up!)

This month I also delivered a painting to the Oil Painters of America's Eastern Regional show in Annapolis, MD. It was my first acceptance into a show by this prestigious organization and I'm thrilled to be included. The exhibit is at the McBride Gallery right on Main St. and the folks there couldn't have been nicer. The show runs through November 28th, so if you happen to be in the area... or need a road trip to a sweet historic town, stop by. I know you will enjoy it!

McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD site of OPA's Eastern Regional Exhibit

I hope you have a Happy Halloween with lots of little, smiling faces delighting in the festivities!

WELCOME to all the new readers of my newsletter! If you'd like to look back on earlier posts you can go here to search for subjects, or just browse.

My warmest thanks to all for joining me on my artistic journey!

New art news

Hey Friends,

Just a quick note to tell you about a few recent and upcoming art events. In northern Westchester, my paintings will be at North Salem's Ruth Keeler Library during September. If there is something you've been wanting to see up-close-and-personal come check it out. The library is on Route 116 along the beautiful Titicus Reservoir. (And if you time it right you can stop by Purdy's Farmer & Fish for a glass of wine on their porch.) The show will be up through September 27.

I also have paintings at the Blanche Ames Mansion National Juried Art Exhibit in North Easton, MA. The reception is September 22, from 7-10pm and all are welcome. This exhibit is held in the mansion of artist, inventor and women's suffragist, Blanche Ames, at her historic home in Borderland State Park. Ames designed the estate herself and it's beautifully furnished as it was when the the family lived there in the 1900s. I'm honored that two of my paintings were juried into this national exhibit which runs from Sept. 18 to October 6.

Closer to home, three paintings are at the Kent Art Association Gallery in the quaint town of Kent, CT. And I'm pleased to say my interior, Come in. Peace, was awarded Best Oil Painting! This show will be up through Columbus Day, October 8th.

Come in. Peace ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze

I've had a little trouble getting my website updated lately so if there is something you are interested in, please email me and I'll get back to you asap. I'm so grateful to my wonderful collectors who warm my heart with their enthusiasm and support. In fact several of recent pieces were purchased while the paint is still wet! These paintings are going to their new homes soon - once they are dry, varnished and framed!

Here's Lookin' at You ©2018 DorothyLorenze

Sprouted Turnip ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze

And finally, I'd like to let you know about a landscape show for another local artist, Maggie Ryan, at the Mahopac Library. If you're interested in landscapes, be sure to check out Maggie's lovely oils and pastels this September during library hours.

Thanks for following me on my art journey!