Reflections After My Open Studio
"I sit in quiet gratitude for the magic that just happened.”
After each Open Studio, I take time to pause and reflect. Over the past 35 years, I’ve hosted many of these events, yet each one feels fresh and meaningful in its own way. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones. Someone mentioned that I have “arrived” as an artist. I smiled, but I don’t see it that way. To me, “arriving” suggests there’s nowhere left to go. I’ll continue to grow and discover more about who I am through creating art.
Lately, I’ve been having such fun painting landscapes. They seem to be taking on a new dimension, blending my understanding of abstraction, color, and the expressive possibilities of Cold Wax. At the same time, my female figure paintings continue to resonate deeply with women. I feel an abundance of inspiration, an urgency, even to create as much as I can, while the ideas flow.
One of the greatest gifts of an Open Studio is seeing my work reflected in your eyes. Being an artist can be solitary; we often create in silence, hoping that our work will speak to someone. This weekend, I was blessed by so many of you who connected with my art and reminded me how fortunate I am to share this creative journey.
I also realized that it may be time to teach. My studio is just the right size for me, but not for a large class. Still, so many artists expressed curiosity about Cold Wax and the process behind my paintings. I know it’s important to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’ll be exploring how best to do that in the months ahead.
In the meantime, you are always welcome to schedule a private studio visit—to view my work, ask questions, or simply share a conversation. I would love to meet you or see you again.
I'M BACK-Open Studio October 25th & 26th 10 AM-4 PM
Ancestry, Coldwax and Oil
Currently showing at Cura Contemporary
I have been in production mode and loving it! Hope to see you at my Open Studio October 25th and 26th from 10 AM to 4 PM at 18385 Castle Hill Dr., Morgan Hill, (408)460-7237. I have many new pieces to show, all sizes and themes. And of course I am still in creating with Cold wax. Texture always enhances color, and you know that color is my first love.
The latest news, I have been chosen as an exhibiting artist at Cura Contemporary, which is quite an honor. The Cura Contemporary is state of the art; a gorgeous setting located in downtown Morgan Hill. It certainly is an arts destination for the greater Bay area. Please make sure you take time to support their efforts and visit their beautiful gallery. Ask them to show my artwork that they keep in inventory. And enjoy a meal at their lovely Vera restaurant located on the first floor.
Paradise Valley, Oil and Cold wax, 48" 48" will be represented at Colibri Gallery for a preview of the Morgan Hill Open Studios during October 21-26th. Colibri Gallery will be featuring all the local artists attending Morgan Hill Open Studios. The Artist's preview reception is October 22nd between 6 and 8 PM.
Blessing Of The Day
Definition: Merriam-Webster
blessing
noun bless·ing
: approval that allows or helps you to do something
: help and approval from God
: something that helps you or brings happiness
Why do I write the "Blessing of the Day"?
For the last three years, Monday through Friday, on Facebook, I have written a "Blessing of the Day".
The evolution of the "Blessing of the Day" starts with a sleepy eyed old crone, waking up to the world, looking for a conversation with the universe. "What does the Universe have to say to me today?"
Depending on the mood I go to the heart or the head. The heart always sets precedent and always makes the last decision. Sometimes the blessing starts with a word or even a complete sentence. This starts a progression to go deeper. I then contemplate on what is said and ask more questions if I don't comprehend or need further understanding. As long as I ask, the inspired beginning always takes me to an answer.
My life is a prayer and I believe that the smallest thing we do can make a difference. The "Blessing of the Day" can be a small beginning to a big day.
Some people respond, but some people prefer to read the blessing unnoticed. Some say to me, "How did you know I needed this?" Frankly, your guess is as good as mine; perhaps devine intervention. :-)
Something I have seen or heard, a book, a movie, a song or a dream usually inspires the "Blessings". My dreams many times have been the impulse of my blessings. I am always listening to what the universe has to tell me. And if I feel it's important enough I will write it down for use later. The "Blessing" is never hurried, but sometimes comes very quickly. Many times they come to me loud and clear in a voice unfamiliar to my own.
In a world where it is to easy to be negative and find fault, I hope the "Blessing of the Day", can counteract that energy. The "Blessing" is always brought to you with the understanding we are all in this together. The "Blessing of the day" gives me an opportunity to think about others first thing in the morning.
"Blessings" are very intimate for me and please know that my heart and love for you surrounds it. As you need, I need, we all need to feel included and not alone. We are all looking for guidance. It amazes me how a word of encouragement can change a person's life or be reminded that we are loved and make a difference. I believe in your power and your beauty.
So often we are caught up in a rut with our thoughts. We need to open ourselves to a different paradigm and shift into a positive new way of thinking; trusting that what we hear is what we need to hear.
We all have a higher self that knows better and wisdom is always available if we listen. My wish is these few words a day can shift our way of thinking.
I have always believed what we give away will come back to us and I have always felt very blessed. Imagine, everyone giving a "Blessing of the Day" to others, which would be a beautiful thing. The more you bless the more you are blessed. You have given me much joy reading and accepting the blessings.
I would love to hear from you if "The Blessing of the Day" has made a difference for you. Please leave your comments below.
How Long Does It Take To Paint A Painting?
Give anyone who asks this, the answer that Whistler gave to someone when asked how long it took to do his "Nocturne in Blue and Gold". He said, "It has taken me a lifetime to get to where I can even begin to do this".
—Guest Flora
It always amazes me when someone asks me, “How long does it take to paint a painting?” I had wanted to create this painting shown above for the last two years. I then realized that painting a painting not only means the actual applying of paint but additionally the process of which it takes you to get to the point of application; some say years, some say a lifetime.
I guess the other question could be “When is the painting done?” There is a point when one extra stroke could ruin it and one less stroke would leave it unresolved. I guess I would rather have one less stroke. On observing a woman painting one day, I noticed that she continued painting until she had painted five separate paintings on one canvas, because she refused to stop and get another one. Each painting was beautiful in its own right, but soon became something else. After seeing that display I would often think it would be great to have an observer to tell you when to stop.
My process most of the time is to take photos for inspiration, then I may play with the photo that interests me, either change the color, always the composition, eliminate, exaggerate, combine with other photos, etc. Then the process is in my head. I see the painting painted in my minds eye. In fact, I have been known to paint a painting many times in my head before painting. Sometimes I do small studies of the painting. So much of the painting is done prior to painting the painting the process could go on for months or weeks. I may come back to the idea over and over until it pushes me to paint it. My mind is full, my passion is deep and my energy is at its peak, waiting to erupt at once at the canvas. I need this tension prior to my painting.
Through this process it allows me to spew out the painting in a dramatic speed. I become an action painter, desiring to get out as much as possible on the canvas and as quickly as I can, fearing that my vision may disappear.
Everyone has his or her own style, which is another factor of time involved. Some are contemplative painters, some are action painters or perhaps a combination of the two. Some take years to paint a painting. Some have paintings that are ongoing and never completed, others may do a painting in a couple of hours. They are all approached differently, but in the end we all take our experience to each painting; we bring our education, our many hours of painting and knowledge of a subject, which is impossible to measure. All this combined can be added to the time it takes to paint a painting. So the answer to “How long does it takes to paint a painting?” could be 2 hours, a day, a week, plus 25 years; 25 years of experience.
And my painting isn’t completed until I sign it. Amen
** “Bicycle Memories” 36″ x 36″, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, Price $3240, If you would like to purchase this painting please contact me at jvander51@msn.com or call (408)460-7237 Thank you!
Silicon Valley Open Studio
I will be participating in the Silicon Valley Open Studios this year. This is Silicon Valley's 29th year of participation and my 3rd. It has been a while since I have participated in open studio, but am really looking forward to seeing you in person. You will be able to see my latest work and be able to enter my studio. I will be glad to show you how my ideas are inspired, as well as the materials I use.
Please save the date and come visit me May 16th and or 17th, between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location is 18385 Castle Hill Dr. Morgan Hill, CA. There will be beverages and treats, as well as, a display of my art.
Bring the coupon below and receive 10% off all of my art for sale displayed. Coupon only valid for those dates.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
