On rare occasions, I have created commissioned paintings – meaning somebody specifically asked me to paint a certain subject. It’s not something I do often, or seek out, as it’s far more stressful than simply painting what I feel like creating. When people request a specific painting, I feel a tremendous obligation to get it […]
Like many of you, I’ve found the pandemic has clipped my wings. We used to travel internationally twice a year, gathering experiences, memories and inspiration for my paintings. We also enjoyed lots of cultural opportunities in Hartford – theater, art shows and concerts – when we weren’t relaxing at our shoreline home, where we’d sail, […]
I’m feeling ambivalent lately about a significant milestone, and this post is one way of coping. I lived in downtown Hartford for 40 years and loved it. The convenience and safety of walking to restaurants, museums, theater, ball games, concerts, stores and drinks with friends were wonderful. So was the energy; I loved having my […]
Hartford neighbors have a social media site dedicated to all things positive about downtown, where I’ve lived for decades. Recently someone posted an article pointing out that when people say Hartford isn’t safe, they usually aren’t citing crime statistics. Often they are simply reacting to sensational news stories or, more likely, confusing safety with comfort. […]
Discussing Kentucky Derby parties we planned to attend, an old friend told me about her outfit and, in particular, the bling she intended to add to it. A very creative person, she anticipated the party might be on the traditional side, so her stated goal was to be slightly unacceptable. The phrase instantly grabbed me. […]
When conducting market research interviews, I understand that open-ended questions solicit richer, more detailed information. Answering with your own experience, or rebutting people’s comments, can shut down the conversation. However, I hadn’t thought about how this principle applies to my art life. Most people want to know their concerns and interests have been given consideration. […]
Contrary to popular belief, getting emotional is not a bad thing. Which emotion, and, more importantly, what label you put on it when your brain decides what you are feeling, is what matters. The ability to identify, harness and express those feelings at the appropriate time, in the appropriate amount, to the appropriate person, constitutes […]
Preparing for the opening reception of an art exhibit requires basic project management skills. You have to consider lead times for production (postcard invitations, flyers and ads, the actual paintings), logistics (photographing, framing and schlepping the art) and supplies (labels, picture hooks or putty, brochures, cocktail napkins.) You have to address human resources (help with hors d'oeuvres, bar-tending, […]
Most everybody has their "what I want to be/do/have when I grow up" thing. Some are lucky enough to live it from the start, many come to it much later, and a few poor souls can't or won't dream. I wanted to be an artist, but settled initially for being very connected to the art world […]
Painting workshops are an awful lot like corporate training seminars, which always comes as an unpleasant surprise to me. Yet it seems I have to learn this lesson every couple of years, when a workshop sounds too tempting to pass up. Having attended – and managed – many seminars in my previous life, I wasn't expecting the similarities. It's hard […]
