"In The Red" - Lynnwood Library Show

Garden Gnome, Contemplating His Latest Work
© Barbara A. Freeman

Small Work, Acrylic on Gessobord, 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

I just got word that my painting, Garden Gnome, Contemplating His Latest Work has been chosen to be in the annual themed show, In The Red - Juried Art Exhibit at the Lynnwood Library Gallery.  Forty-three artists will be in this exhibit. I noticed a few familiar names on the exhibit list that are art friends of mine.  Congratulations to Eden Hopkins,  Naoko Morisawa and Susan Jones! I'm looking forward to this fun show and am happy to be included!

The show runs from September 26 – November 17 at the Lynnwood Library Gallery, 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA.   Three winners, chosen by the Lynnwood Arts Commission for prize baskets, will be announced at the reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, October 1 at 11am - 12pm at the library.  I'll be attending and hope you can make it too!

Just a quick update to let you know I have been creating new work!  I have three new miniatures that I will be posting soon.  They are in the varnishing stages now and once dry, will be scanned.  It's been a very busy summer.  I have taken some time away from my studio to do some "research exploring" by hiking some of the beautiful trails around here, gathering reference photos.  There are so many exciting places to discover and I need to take advantage before the weather changes.  It's also a great way to clear your head and make room for new ideas and allow images to come forth.  To me, taking a hike among the forests and rivers is a way to connect with the spirit. As always, I thank you for taking the time to read about my work and hope you will retun. 

LiveARTS Bothell Reception Photos and New Work in Progress (WIP)

Here are a few photos of the Artists' Reception and Preview Party from last weekend at LiveARTS Bothell.   There was quite a crowd in the lobby. 

Wayne snapped this shot of me getting my award for First Place in Miniature for my work, Mister Pelican.  When I came back on Sunday after the show to pick up my work, I found out that it had sold!

Above, artists Eden Hopkins and Susan Jones in deep conversation. 

 

This fun photo was being taken at the same time by both Wayne Freeman and Ron Stocke, so we are all directing our eyes at two different cameras!  Starting left, Ursula Stocke, Josey Wise, Barbara Freeman, Janie Olsen and Eden Hopkins.  It was fun meeting up with everyone, all in the same place at the same time.  These talented artists all had work in the show.

What I'm Working on Now...
 
is another graphite and mixed media on film.  It has a female figure in the foreground with one of my fantasy trees behind her.  I have enclosed the image in a circle and will be adding color on the back side of the film, the border of the circle, her body color and the sphere.

I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do with the central sphere she is holding.  I have a lot of ideas but I'll wait to see what she wants to do with it.  This drawing has taken a lot longer than I thought it would.  The tree is always the easiest part, the figure, not so easy for me.   Right now I am making some corrections to the arm and hand.  I may add something to the four corners, I haven't decided yet.  I like the vision so far.  I do have a competition in mind to enter it into if it's finished in time.  It may be a long shot as you never know if your work will fit the theme or if the juror will like it.  However, when I head about this show, I was inspired to create this new work with that goal in mind. To me the inspiration and creation of the work are what's important!  Until next time, thanks for taking the time to read about my work.  Enjoy your summer!

2nd Place Miniatures! - Edmonds Arts Festival - Fathers' Day Weekend

Traveling the Slow Road © Barbara A. Freeman

Fine Art Miniature, Acrylic on Masonite, 2 7/8" x 3 3/4"

Second Place Miniatures - Edmonds Arts Festival

Sunday evening Wayne and I went to the Reception for the artists and volunteers of the Edmonds Arts Festival at the Frances Anderson Center . The show was still in the "raw", the work not yet hung in it's final position nor with information labels and awards ribbons. Therefore, it was hard to see who the artist was and what works got awards.

I saw someone looking at the tag on my miniature, Traveling the Slow Road and when I told her it was mine, she congratulated me and told me it had taken Second Place!! When the show opens with the Preview pARTy on Wednesday, the 15th, all will be labeled and polished.

Pastel artist, Cheryl Hufnagel and Acrylic painter, Janie Olsen

While there, I met up with several artists friends. My friend Janie Olsen has two paintings and four miniatures in the show. She was happy to find out that her work titled Jingle Bells, took Third Place in Miniature! Pastel artist and friend, Cheryl Hufnagel has two paintings and three miniatures in the show. It's always great to run into Cheryl and see her latest work.

Yours truly with Cheryl and Janie.

Being an artist who loves to draw, I was also excited to see several very nice graphite pieces in the Drawing Category. I was blown away by a really wonderful piece featuring rocks and shells. It was filled with texture and a beautiful range of values. When I looked to see who it's creator was, I found it was my friend Susan Jones' work! Sorry, I didn't get any photos of Susan.

Awards and kudos to artists, sponsors and volunteers.

I am looking forward to returning to the show when the festival is in full swing this weekend. Mark your calendars and take Dad to the Edmonds Arts Festival , this Fathers' Day weekend, June 17th through the 19th - Friday, 11am to 9 pm, Saturday, 10am to 8pm, and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Also, this year’s annual Preview pARTy will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at the Frances Anderson Center beginning at 6:00 pm. Look for my work at the Juried Art Show, inside the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds,WA

Needless to say, I was very happy that my miniature received an award, especially after I received notice last week that the silverpoint and acrylic work in progress that I had just blogged about, Trio, was rejected from the competition I entered it in! Just goes to show, you never know what gets in and what gets turned away. As most jurors will tell you, it's a hard job! In the meantime, I'm working on another mixed media piece on film and will post it here when it's finished. As always, thanks for taking the time to read about my work. Do try to visit some of the great Art Events in your area wherever you live, and support your local artist!

Two Shows Opening This Week!

Opening today, September 27th: My graphite and mixed media work, The Vernal Arrival of the Green Darner, makes it's debut in the color-themed, juried art exhibit, "It’s Not Easy Being Green". The exhibit is sponsored by the Lynnwood Arts Commission and takes place at the Lynnwood Library Gallery. Only thirty eight artists were chosen to have their work in this exhibit. Two of my artist friends, Janie Olsen and Susan Jones also have work in this exibit! The show runs from September 27th thru November 18th at the Lynnwood Library Gallery, 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood. The Artists' Reception is on Saturday, October 2nd from 11am - 12pm. Three works will be chosen for awards by the juror. It is sure to be an interesting group of work, with many different interpretations on the theme of being green. The reception is lots of fun, so do come if you can!

Another show happening this weekend is the 32nd Annual Juried Arts Show at 2010 Arts of the Terrace, in Mountlake Terrace. I have four miniatures and my larger metalpoint drawing juried in this exhibit. The work can be seen in this blog post. The exhibit takes place at the Mountlake Terrace Library Complex, 23300 58th Avenue W., Mountlake Terrace. The Awards Reception for Sponsors, Artists and Guests, is this Friday evening, October 1st, from 6:30 to 9 pm. There will be entertainment by Edmonds Woodway High School Chamber Group. The exhibit will continue throughout the weekend with Artist Demos and Workshops all Free! Saturday, October 2nd, from 11am to 9 pm and Sunday, October 3rd, from 11am to 5 pm. Come enjoy paintings, prints, calligraphy, drawings, miniatures, photography and 3-dimensional work. Both shows are free and open to the public. Artwork work is for sale in both shows. Support your local artist!!