A New Series??

I am contemplating a new series of paintings, smaller in size, vast in subject. I have been obsessed lately with images from space, and have decided to try and capture the majesty and utter grandness in oils and canvas. If I am successful I will post the images here as they are finished. This is another departure for me, as I normally do NOT do anything in a series. So, either I am stretching out toward new horizons, or I'm putting the cart before the horse in announcing a series of something that there's not even one of yet. Oh, well. Time will tell.

What exactly Does a Co-Director Do, Anyway?

Jean LeBaron, Co-Director
732-674-2486
email: CancunMs@aol.com



Good Morning! I have just been named Co-Director, along with Amy Boyd, of the Toms River Artists' Co-operative, Exit 81, otherwise known as TRACx81. I am thrilled and honored, and I just hope that I can meet all of the expectations and do the job as well as our retired Prez, Yvonne Yaar. She was the Founder, she had the vision, she did all the legwork and molded our organization into what it is today. A big Thank You and a Job Well Done!


We are quickly seeing Summer come to a close, although you wouldn't know it by the weather. Hot and humid, we are truly into the dog days of summer, and soon September will be here, and starting September 1, TRACx81 will have an exhibit at the Ocean County Library in Toms River. The exhibit will run from September 1st through the 29th. Please make an effort to visit the Library in September and check out the great artwork offered by our group of artists.

Art Bistro Article Highlights Jersey Art

Jersey may be the Garden State, but sitting in gridlock on the turnpike is no walk in the park. Instead it’s a walk through . . . an art gallery. In place of the usual beer ads and movie posters, this summer two billboards went up that feature scenic landscape paintings. “When I was living in NYC, the whole concept of New Jersey was this barren wasteland, and I can understand why,” says Gary Godbee, whose painting of an idyllic farm now graces a billboard outside Trenton. “But New Jersey is a gorgeous state with amazing variation, and that’s what we’re trying to show people.” Godbee, who now lives in Westfield, NJ, and Hoboken artist Tim Daly inaugurated the Palisades Highway Art Gallery.
In the coming months, 10 new billboards will go up around the state featuring other artists’ visions. And while traffic might be the bane of commuters everywhere, it’s actually key to enjoying these billboard paintings. In fact, the artists whose work is on display might be the only people in Jersey praying for gridlock. “A car is not the best place to appreciate art,” says Godbee. "And if you’re whizzing along at 60 it hardly registers. But if you’re stuck in traffic and can really see the art, then maybe you’ll think, ‘OK, this drive is not a total waste of time.’ "
Unlike with most art galleries, Jersey drivers can actually choose which paintings and photographs they want up on the “walls.” Voting is open until Aug. 7 at drivewithasmile.palisades.com, where hundreds of the most scenic Jersey landscapes can be voted on. Most are pretty flattering to the Garden State, so don’t expect the North Jersey urban wastelands to be appearing on the billboards. As for the danger that art-loving speed demons might keep their eyes on the paintings too long and forget to watch the road, Ed Fernandez, the CEO of auto insurance company Palisades – the sponsor of the highway art gallery – says not to worry. “There’s a lot documentation that billboards don’t distract drivers.” -Art Bistro

This is the best news to come out of NJ in a while. What with corruption and destruction all but taking over the newspapers, this article is a breath of fresh air, and a boost to NJ artists everywhere in our state. It's a first in the whole nation, and I expect other states will be taking up the challenge soon. Woo-hoo!

Prospectus and Application for Art Show and Sale!

It's done! The Call to Artists has now been joined with the Prospectus and Application for the 1st Annual St. Paul Art Show and Sale! Scroll down the page and you'll see both "Call to Artists" and "Application" on the left hand side of the page. Please consider entering this show; for the money, you won't find a better value. I know it's a little early, but just think how quickly time has flown since Christmas, and soon we will be thinking about Labor Day and the holidays right after that, and you know you'd like to recoup some of the money you've spent on materials and supplies. Why not start working on smaller pieces that can sell for less, and stimulate your own economy? Send all inquiries to me at my e-mail address CancunMs@aol.com or leave a comment on this blog, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Open Call

Here it is, the Open Call to Artists is posted and it only took me 35 minutes! Soon to follow will be the Prospectus and Application. I am becoming a computer whiz despite my misgivings. Time marches on and I will not be left behind in the dust. Well, maybe I'll still be in the dust, but I'll definitely be in the middle of the pack. At least I'm learning as I go.

Summer has finally arrived at the Jersey Shore, and I am eternally grateful that we actually had 3 days of warm sunshine. For a while, I thought we would have rain every day all summer long. Miserable weather, but the blueberries are fabulous this year, and we've already staked out a secret location. Yumm! We went out tonight for 30 minutes, and came home with about a half gallon, and that was after The Granddaughter ate a third of them! So now the hard part will be deciding what to do with them. Husband warned me to decide fast, or she'll eat them all before we make a pie or muffins or whatever. Nothing better than fresh blueberries, and these are absolutely delicious.

Hmmmmmm. This is art blog, after all, so let's talk art. I've been playing with the idea of doing something wacky, abstract, edgy, off the cuff, not my usual style at all. I got a great book on the images taken by the Hubble Telescope, and it really got my creative juices flowing. So I want to experiment with some different materials, and play a little. I'll let you know what transpires.

Mad Rantings

Okay, new equation: permanent damage in right arm and shoulder + days upon days of rain and roller-coaster barometers = constant pain accompanied by a lethargic, non-creative, anti-productive state-of-mind, multiplied by a self-imposed guilt trip for not creating, and divided by not enough time for work, house, family, and me. Result? I'm not painting. And I'm resenting it, but there is no-one to blame. It's just life. And right now, it's not fun.

And to make it all just that much better, I recently had a birthday which was a not-too-subtle reminder that this is now a way of life, and not likely to get easier or better in the future. Or ever. So what are my choices? Can't order a day with more hours in it, or change my physicality, or stop being a wife and mom,or quit my job, so the choice comes down to what? Not sleep? Not likely. Okay, maybe sleep less? Fine line here between tired and zombie. And seeing as how I work with sharp bladed instruments all day at work, not a good idea to be dead on my feet all day. Arrggggh. Why does my life have to be so.......normal? Just wanna paint. That's all. But I don't really want to give up everything we've worked so hard for, either. Okay, I admit it, I am a spoiled rotten example of the baby boomer American woman with all of the attributes of a whiny princess on Valium. So, now what? Somebody kick me in the assets, and point me to the Studio door, cause this is Life and and you don't get a Mulligan.

Well, thanks for that little pep talk. I do believe it helped, and I'm feeling oh-so-relieved that my disease is not life-threatening, and is most likely attributable to some form of mental deficiency. :)

My Muse

The Shore Institute of Contemporary Art (SICA) has a great exhibit on now through July. For more info, go to http://www.sica.org/

MAY 29- JULY 2
EXHIBITION
FRESH MEAT / YOUNG BLOOD
This exhibition will again feature the best "new blood" that New Jersey has to offer. Reception: Sunday, 5/31, 3-6 pm.

I spent the entire day playing with my granddaughter. What fun!! She is the light of my life, and I never get tired of being a part of her life. She is bright, funny, imaginative, and theatrical. I think all artists, and most people, would be far better off spending time with a 4-year-old, instead of wasting time working and making money. Not that I make money while I'm working, but you get the idea! She is so free and creative, and it rubs off on me when I'm with her. She is truly my muse and inspiration, and she sees it as playing. How cool is that? Nothing better, I'm telling you!

Studio Messes and Upcoming Events

Okay, the long holiday weekend is over, and its back to reality. I did manage to continue working on a painting I started some time ago, and I came home from work today to find that the almost 4 year old granddaughter had gotten into my studio and "experimented". Sigh. Now the door is locked if I'm not home, and I have the keys with me. Thank goodness she "painted" on her own stuff and not mine, but in order to keep her safe and me sane, the lock is on. I thought those days were over, LOL!

I have been very lax in scoping out new exhibits, but 'tis the season for outdoor shows and festivals, so there should be no excuses for not going to see all the wonderful talent in our area.

Art in the Park, Bay Head Saturday June 13 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bay Head Business Association Over 45 professional artists selling original paintings, drawings and high quality limited edition prints in an outdoor show in Centennial Park, Bay Head (off of Bridge Avenue behind the municipal parking lot). Musical entertainment, within walking distance to the shops, restaurants and galleries. Three blocks from the beach. Rain date: Sunday, June 14th.Location: Centennial Park, Bridge Avenue, Bay Head Cost: Free to the public Phone: (732) 892-7776Website: http://bayhead.biz/activities/artpark.htm Accessibility: handicap parking, bathrooms, etc

LBI Artist Open Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, June 27 & 28 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences support the growing arts community on LBI, where many accomplished visual artists live and work. On this self-directed tour see the artists and their aspiring artwork in their local studios. View artwork in all media. Pick-up a guide book at the LBIF or online at www.lbiartists.com. Location: 120 Long Beach Blvd., Loveladies Cost: Free and Open to the Public Phone: (609) 494-1241Website: www.lbifoundation.org

Just two of a myriad of local art venues that you can visit and the cost for these two are FREE!

Exhibits and Shows

The motion for the Art Show was passed last night. Now the hard work begins. I am a little afraid that once more I have bitten off more than I can chew, but I have the support of my wonderful husband and two grown daughters, and I'm sure I can persuade the already very busy and involved people of the Council to chip in and make this work. My dilemma is a moral one at this point. Do I, as the chief organizer of this art show, allow myself to exhibit? I am having mixed feelings about it, part of me feels that I should exclude myself, but the other part of me wants to exhibit. As an artist, I feel that that every opportunity to show and sell should be embraced, and I would certainly pay for my space like everyone else. Does anyone have an opinion on this?? Let me know.

The TRACx81 general meeting was held tonight. Pitifully, only 4 members showed up for the meeting. Our president is stepping down after 2 years for personal reasons, and we need a new leader. We also discussed the necessity of rethinking our future goals and purpose. So a lot of heavy serious discussion was bounced back and forth, but with only four members and one impartial non-member present, not too much was accomplished. I am afraid that if we go in the direction of our original vision, there will be a core group of perhaps 8 people who make all the decisions and do all the work. Pretty much what we have now. So, it looks like we in a state of flux.

now, the good news! Yvonne is having a solo show at the Ocean County Artist's Guild during the month of June. Her show is titled "Playing with Fire" and I can't wait to go! If you don't know Yvonne, she is an amazing glass artist with tremendous insight and creativity. The Artist's Guild is located on the corner of Ocean and Chestnut Streets in Island Heights. Make sure you get to see her work. Awesome stuff.
Playing With Fire - Solo Exhibit - Yvonne Yaar, Glass ArtistSunday, June 7 through Tuesday, June 301:00pm - 4:00pm; opening reception June 7, 1:00pmOcean County Artists' GuildGlass artist Yvonne Yaar creates both wall art/sculpture and glass jewelry. Yvonne feels her art incorporates themes of motherhood, love of nature, humor, politics and addiction. She is also president and founder of the local art co-operative TRACx81.Location: Ocean and Chestnut Avenues, Island HeightsCost: FreePhone: (732) 270-3111Website: www.ocartistsguild.org

As soon as I get a date nailed down for the Artist's Show and Sale at St. Paul's in Beachwood, I will post it and also start accepting applications for artists. Also look for a list of upcoming art events for the summer, all posted here as I receive them.

Proposals and Dry Spells

Tonight I will hand in my proposal for a Fine Art Show to be held next Spring. I'm pretty confident it will be accepted; it's a win-win situation for them: I do the work, they get the benefit. This is the second time I've organized a show like this, the last one being in the early eighties, so it's been a while since I actually did one. I wonder if there was a reason I didn't organize a show for over 20 years? Lucky for me I have MMF (menopausal memory failure) so I am going into this endeavor absolutely free of any bad past experiences. And I'm sure there are some.

I have entered a no-create zone. Something like the twilight zone, without Rod Serling. Last night I was all ready to go into the studio and start throwing paint on canvas, but life threw another curve ball, this one being in the form of a 3-year-old granddaughter who needed outside playtime and then a bath. I don't know about you, but my ability to say "no" to a 3-year-old ended when my own kids grew up. Now the grandkid says pleeeeeeeeeease and I follow blindly, unwilling and unable to refuse her requests. Maybe it has something to do with time flying by, going faster and faster the older I get. I give up. So anyway, the gist of it is, still no new work in the studio, although even I have to admit, it's been quite a long dry spell. So my goal for this week is to create one small study. Not even going to say a real painting. Because I can feel myself sliding into a complacent state of mind, and that spells doom for me. I have to be in a state of agitation, of chaos, of just-this-side-of-panic to produce in volume. Because easy and relaxed kills my Muse. Nothing inspires me more than to be under pressure, and even self-induced pressure can work. The hardest stroke of the brush is the first one, and I have 2 or 3 paintings that are begging to be finished, as well. One is a very loose portrait of my daughter and granddaughter at the beach. Remember how I said I don't do portraits? Well, this is not a portrait, per se, sort of an impressionistic rendering. But it's not finished. So maybe instead of starting a new one, I should work on that. The hard part is done on that one, already blocked in and everything. Okay, I've talked myself into it. After work, after proposal giving, I'm going to go take another look at the beach portrait and maybe even mix some paint. Pray for me, that nothing else gets in line in front of the studio tonight!

Success! and Thanks!

Well, the much-touted, highly anticipated Toms River Art and Music Fest is over. Well, the Art part, anyway. Music goes until 9 p.m. tonight. It turned out to be a fabulous day. Bright sunny with a breeze (gusty at times) but overall, it was great. Kudos to Rich Kushinsky, who garnered a prize and woo-hoos to every participant who had faith that it would not rain.

Many heartfelt thanks to my buddy Mike Brennan, who showed up bright and early to help unload, set up, babysat while I had to go to work, and then helped break down everything and load up. Without you, Mike, I wouldn't have been able to participate. So, thankyouthankyouthankyou and let's set up another night for dinner.

Many many thanks to Yvonne Yaar for her undying dedication and tireless work to make this event happen. You're the best, Eve, and I love ya! I still need that coffee date.

Also need to thank all the behind-the-scenes people for their parts, but this is sounding like the Academy Awards, so let it suffice to say, The First Annual Toms River Art and Music Fest was an awesome day! If you missed it, you can always catch us next year.

The Final Countdown

Okay, artists and art fans. It is now 38 hours 15 minutes to DTR Art and Music Fest, 12 noon, Saturday, May 16, 2009. Everyone is scrambling to get the last minute details attended to. The latest weather report says cloudy, warm, not too windy, possible rain toward evening. Keep your fingers crossed! From what I've seen and heard, this should prove to be an awesome show. Lots of very talented artists, and don't forget 2 rockin bands for your listening pleasure. Kick off "Summer at the Shore" with a visit to Huddy Park, Toms River, corner of Main St and Washington St at the River. While you're downtown, don't forget to stop by Erickson's and scope out the huge clearance sale on all art supplies and drafting supplies. See you Saturday!
www.downtowntomsriver.com

Jimi, Inventories, and Challenges

I just finished printing my art inventory for the show on Saturday, and realized I never took photos of "Jimi Hendrix". I painted a very nontraditional portrait, sort of "other-worldly". It was a challenge from my dearly beloved. We had been sitting in the studio, and a Hendrix song came on the radio, and he said, "Why don't you paint a picture of Hendrix?" Now, you have to understand, I don't do portraits. Ever. So of course I couldn't get this idea out of my head. I tried to paint him all serene and happy, kinda stoked on life, so to speak. It just wasn't working. So I started talking to the painting, saying, "What do you want me to do, Jimi?" (This was not an isolated moment of insanity; I talk to inanimate objects all the time.) I was totally frustrated with the painting, so I changed the face to a scowl and sullen stare, and voila! Now it had some emotion. I put him in a psychedelic swirly cloud and the whole painting changed. I don't think I'll do a series of dead rock and roll musicians, though. But as a challenge, it got me thinking outside my usual box, and if you don't stretch, you don't grow, right? So here's the painting of James Marshall Hendricks, from the other side.

"Jimi Hendrix", Oil on Canvas, 30H x 24W, (c)Jean LeBaron

Listings, Impulse Buys and Allergies

The new issue of Art Calender arrived in the mail today. They have a great feature called "the listings" which lists national and international Call to Artists. It occurred to me that this would make a great link to this blog, so I added it to the links list. It is quite extensive, so take a few minutes and check it out. Could be that your next opportunity is just waiting for you to submit an application!

I bought some 300 pound watercolor paper today. I am not sure why. I don't paint in watercolor. But I could always gesso it and paint in oils. It was an impulse buy and I usually end up having to find a place to store those types of purchases, but you never know. I might be inspired to actually use it one of these days.

I seem to be in a creative slump. Could be the fact that I am in the throes of allergy misery. The insidious yellow-green pine pollen has invaded my body, producing massive amounts of mucous. Yuccch. I am self-medicating with all of the over-the-counter remedies I can find. Still yuccch. So by the time I get home I just want to vegetate. Not good for producing art. I am hoping that I can schedule some serious studio time this weekend. (Sunday and Monday) I must get cranky when I don't paint, cuz Hubby not-so-subtly suggested that I start painting something SOON. :) After 30 years, he knows me better than anyone, and sometimes better than I know myself.

Happy Mother's Day!

Won't be around tomorrow, so thought I'd better post this tonight. Hope all the moms have a stupendous day tomorrow, full of sappy cards, sticky hugs and lots of love. Our morning will be spent in church, then it's pick up the mom- and dad-in-law for a jaunt up the turnpike to Newark Airport. They are going to Norway for a visit to family and general vacation stuff. Then it's back down the turnpike to visit my mom and dad. Hubby asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day, and do you know....I couldn't think of a thing. Either I'm very content, or Senility has set in.

Since this is an Art Blog, I must mention that I got the new Utrecht catalog in the mail today. I suppose I'm going to have to start ordering supplies online like the rest of the world, but really. How do you choose a brush out of a catalog? You can't hold it, feel the balance, check the bristles or anything. I'm going to have to think about this long and hard. Luckily for me I probably have 2 1/2 lifetimes of supplies in the studio, but still. (Pause for melodramatic and melancholy sigh.)

Hope you all can stop by the Toms River Art and Music Fest next Saturday. There's going to be a whole bunch of talent there. Would hate for you to miss it. Stay well, be happy and keep your art flowing.

Blowout Clearance Sale @ Erickson's

It's like that old joke..."I have good news and bad news..."; except that it's not funny. Erickson's Custom Framing and Art Supplies in downtown Toms River has finally succumbed to the plight of most independant art supply stores. The big box stores and the "cheaper on the Internet" mentalities have killed the last remaining true fine art supplier in Ocean County. Erickson's sadly announced that they are having a 50% off clearance sale on all the art and drafting supplies in the store. They will, in the future, concentrate on custom framing, with more emphasis on showing local artists' work in the gallery section. As an artist, and employee of Erickson's, I am totally bummed that this hard decision had to be made. BUT, for you folks that like to save a buck or two, and I know you're out there cuz I hear it every day, everything is 50% off the listed price. Everything. One half off. Yes, the paper is 50% off. Paint. Brushes. Canvas. Pencils. Markers. Portfolios. Everything. So get your butts in to Erickson's before all the good stuff's gone. And when you come in, please don't ask me where you're going to get your art supplies now, cuz I don't know, either. :(

DTR Drama

Okay, it's time to vent a little. In my experience, artists as a group are friendly, outgoing, eager to share their time and expertise, and supportive of each other. That being said, there always is the rare exception to the rule, and the inflated ego of one such exception has reared its ugly head. I received a phone call today from a friend of mine, who happened to be the recipient of a very negative communication from one such inflated ego with a large chip on his shoulder. She was understandably upset and confused, and just needed to be assured that she had done nothing wrong. WELL. Of course she had done nothing wrong. IMHO, this self-absorbed crybaby deserves nothing less than to be tossed out on his ear. I still don't get it. After a considerable time on this earth dealing with many different personalities, I would think that people could make an effort to try and get along with each other, at least in a business/casual relationship that doesn't involve more than polite conversation. Puh-lease. It's not that hard.

Okay, I'm finished. Just had to get that out.

On a brighter note, it looks like it's going to be a gorgeous Mother's Day. Woo-hoooo! And, I received a beautiful bouquet of lilies from daughter K and granddaughter A today, that are just begging to be painted. As soon as they open up a little more. So, all in all, life is good. I've learned that you sometimes have to search for the bright spots, but they're out there if you look hard enough. So keep your eyes open for the good things, and let the junk roll into the gutter. After venting a little, of course.

Free entry into competition

For those of you who could use a little extra cash, here is a link to a juried art competition with prizes totalling $12,000. It is free to enter, and takes about 4-5 minutes or less, depending on your computer skills. What have you got to lose?


Utrecht Art Supplies is proud to announce our 60th Anniversary Art Competition, in appreciation for the patronage of Artists over the past six decades. All Artists are invited to submit works created in Oil, Acrylic,Watercolor or Mixed Media*.Winning entries will be judged on quality, creativity and originality. Editors of American Artist, Utrecht Resident Artist and Artists from the Ridgewood Art Institute will serve as jurors.
*The mixed media category is open to two-dimensional, unique, original works of art created with more than one drawing or painting materials. Sorry, we are not able to accept works of art that include three-dimensional, computer-generated, or photographic images.

http://www.utrechtart.com/contest/


Hope you enjoyed the 2 hours of sun we had this afternoon. I was at work. I did sneak outside for about 5 minutes, it was glorious. Now it looks like we're going to have rain again till Sunday.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

I could use a little Mexico in my life today...we've had rain for 5 days now. My brain is getting soggy. I am sitting here thinking about neon-aqua water and palm trees in 80 shades of green. Mmmmmmmmmm. Add in a mango-colored sunset sky, and I can almost smell the lime in my margarita. ah, well.

The Art and Music Fest in Toms River is shaping up, and hopefully we'll have all this rain out of the way for May 16. Last night we did a dry run setup of the display (in the living room, cuz, well, it was raining) and it seems as though everything is good to go. I just have to decide what paintings to display.

I am planning several paintings in my head at the moment; you know, the preliminary stage before you actually put something down on paper, pre-thumbnails, pre-value sketch, pre-everything. But they are not going away, so I know that these will end up as oil on canvas in the near future. So I suppose you will hearing more about them, and possibly even seeing pictures. I think I'll go gesso a canvas, and see what happens.

this just in.......


The Artist's Magazine Annual Art Competition Deadline Extended to May 8
Because of an extraordinarily high volume of traffic on our site last week, some artists experienced difficulties in submitting digital entries to our 2009 annual contest. We're sorry! We are therefore extending the deadline a week. The deadline for entries to The Artist's Magazine's 26th Annual Art Competition is now May 8th, 2009.Click here to enter.
If you would like to forward this newsletter to a friend, click here.

Watch this Space.....

for future information on "call for Artists", upcoming shows, and news and views on the Ocean County Art Scene. Don't forget, May 16, from 12-5, Art and Music Fest at Huddy Park, downtown Toms River, New Jersey. Stop by and support your local artists.