Well, life has decided to throw me a bone....rec'd 2 more commissions for Christmas. Woo-Hoo! They are not really difficult, and they are being done in acrylics, so things should move along quite nicely.
Had to go to the art store to pick up canvases. Such a hardship, going to the art store. I bought things I didn't really need. Wanted, but didn't need. I'll use them. But no playing till the paying jobs are done.
I finished a small acrylic painting, titled "Joan of Arc" which can be seen on either Facebook or Fine Art America. Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059488&id=1094598178
Fine Art America Link: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jean-lebaron.html
Time to get in the studio. Hope to post some more pics soon; show you all what I've been doing.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Christmas Time Warp
D'jever notice how, this time of year, time as we know it seems to go into hyper speed? Really, think about it. Not only do we have the natural shortening of daylight hours, but time itself goes into a warp loop where each day until December 24 has less usable hours in it. I don't understand how this happens. All I know is, there aren't enough hours left to do everything I planned to do at the beginning of the season.
Like cookies. Last year I thought I'd make some sugar cutout cookies, and decorate them with beautiful colors of icing and sparkly sugar. Nope. Didn't happen. I managed to open a box of heat and serves with little Santas already in the cookie dough.
And wrapping presents. I'm an artist. I should be able to get creative and coordinate my papers with ribbons and bows, and clever little tie on tags that are designed by me. Nope, didn't happen. Although I did eventually get all the presents wrapped, most were missing their bows, because Big Dog sat on the bag of stick-on bows and squished them. I hate flat bows. So I didn't use them.
And tree decorating. Some people have beautifully appointed trees, one in each room, themed and color-matched, with hundreds of tiny lights, twinkling and welcoming. Well. We have one tree, an artificial tree that we bought, oh, I don't know 15 or 20 years ago. The needles on the tree fall off at a rate equal to or better than a real tree that has not seen any water in 4 weeks. The only consolation is the artificial tree needles do not become embedded in the bottom of your feet. The ornaments on the tree are almost antiques, the newest ones being the glue-and-glitter constructions that my baby made in elementary school. Same baby is now 24 and a mom herself. I can at least look forward to new ornaments this year, because Lexi has started Kindergarten. And the lights? I made sure to get the kind where they guarantee that if one goes out, the rest stay lit. And its true. Why, I'll bet there are at least 14 or 15 lights still working on the one strand. And they still blink, too. Gotta find the time to see about buying a new string of lights. Maybe 2 strings.
And back to the time warp. I meant to buy those lights last year, really I did. But time warped weirdly, and I found myself taking that time to find a Christmas Special on TV, and sitting and watching it with Lexi. Or another day, when I really meant to get all Martha-Stewart with those Christmas cookies, I inexplicably ended up teaching Lexi how to cut paper snowflakes.
And maybe that time warp is a good thing. Who cares how many different kinds of cookies you have? Do you have enough to leave one for Santa? And who cares if your tree is not perfect? Do you have a couple of badly wrapped and overly-taped presents under it? And if your lights are burning out at an alarming rate, that just means you won't be able to see the dust in the corners. And grand-kids don't care about perfection according to Better Homes and Gardens. They just want to spend time with you. They want to anticipate and wonder and hope and shine with love. They know what Christmas is all about. We should all try to act like children.
Wishing you all a very stress-free, simple, good-enough, spend time with those you love prelude to Christmas. And don't forget to give yourself a present, as well. For me, that gift is time scheduled in the studio. Even if it means I have to slice and bake later!
Like cookies. Last year I thought I'd make some sugar cutout cookies, and decorate them with beautiful colors of icing and sparkly sugar. Nope. Didn't happen. I managed to open a box of heat and serves with little Santas already in the cookie dough.
And wrapping presents. I'm an artist. I should be able to get creative and coordinate my papers with ribbons and bows, and clever little tie on tags that are designed by me. Nope, didn't happen. Although I did eventually get all the presents wrapped, most were missing their bows, because Big Dog sat on the bag of stick-on bows and squished them. I hate flat bows. So I didn't use them.
And tree decorating. Some people have beautifully appointed trees, one in each room, themed and color-matched, with hundreds of tiny lights, twinkling and welcoming. Well. We have one tree, an artificial tree that we bought, oh, I don't know 15 or 20 years ago. The needles on the tree fall off at a rate equal to or better than a real tree that has not seen any water in 4 weeks. The only consolation is the artificial tree needles do not become embedded in the bottom of your feet. The ornaments on the tree are almost antiques, the newest ones being the glue-and-glitter constructions that my baby made in elementary school. Same baby is now 24 and a mom herself. I can at least look forward to new ornaments this year, because Lexi has started Kindergarten. And the lights? I made sure to get the kind where they guarantee that if one goes out, the rest stay lit. And its true. Why, I'll bet there are at least 14 or 15 lights still working on the one strand. And they still blink, too. Gotta find the time to see about buying a new string of lights. Maybe 2 strings.
And back to the time warp. I meant to buy those lights last year, really I did. But time warped weirdly, and I found myself taking that time to find a Christmas Special on TV, and sitting and watching it with Lexi. Or another day, when I really meant to get all Martha-Stewart with those Christmas cookies, I inexplicably ended up teaching Lexi how to cut paper snowflakes.
And maybe that time warp is a good thing. Who cares how many different kinds of cookies you have? Do you have enough to leave one for Santa? And who cares if your tree is not perfect? Do you have a couple of badly wrapped and overly-taped presents under it? And if your lights are burning out at an alarming rate, that just means you won't be able to see the dust in the corners. And grand-kids don't care about perfection according to Better Homes and Gardens. They just want to spend time with you. They want to anticipate and wonder and hope and shine with love. They know what Christmas is all about. We should all try to act like children.
Wishing you all a very stress-free, simple, good-enough, spend time with those you love prelude to Christmas. And don't forget to give yourself a present, as well. For me, that gift is time scheduled in the studio. Even if it means I have to slice and bake later!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Affordable Art and Holidays
With the holidays fast approaching and with that, holiday art boutiques, I have been busy creating "affordable art". What is affordable art, you ask? Well, in this neck of the woods, it seems that the magic number for impulse buying is hanging right around the $30 and under bracket. So, in order to attempt to cash in on this trend, (every pun intended) I have been concentrating on small ticket items. It takes less time to physically make smaller art, but it seems that the prep time is the same whether you are painting in inches or feet! So, hopefully, all the time spent on small works will pay off, and I will be able to get back to bigger but not necessarily better pieces.
Speaking of holidays, Halloween is next week, and the stores are already filling aisles with Christmas merchandise. I mean, really. I love Christmas, I really do, but I still can't seem to be able to buy any Christmas items until after Thanksgiving. I tried it once. I ended up buying 3 times as much stuff, because I kept seeing presents for one of the kids, then I'd have to buy presents for the other kids to "make it even". Not a good strategy. The kids loved it, though. Husband, not so much. So I wait till after Thanksgiving, and NEVER on Black Friday, to do my shopping. Unless I shop online on Black Friday. But I spent too many years in retail to go into a store on the day after Thanksgiving. That's just the way I roll.
I started the commissioned painting for my brother and sister-in-law. It's large (24 x 48) and so far, I think it's coming along nicely. Of course I always love the painting on the canvas at this stage; there are so many possibilities and ways to create a masterpiece. As soon as the painting is delivered, I start having second doubts, and seeing small mistakes that I feel the need to fix! But I read somewhere that most artists feel this way, so I don't obsess over it. Too much. On with the next.
The weather is supposed to be absolutely fantastic this week, so I'm looking forward to spending mornings in the studio while Lexi is in Kindergarten. Maybe I'll even post photos of the progress of the commissioned piece. Depends on how much work I can get done on it. Stay tuned, you never know what might turn up!
Speaking of holidays, Halloween is next week, and the stores are already filling aisles with Christmas merchandise. I mean, really. I love Christmas, I really do, but I still can't seem to be able to buy any Christmas items until after Thanksgiving. I tried it once. I ended up buying 3 times as much stuff, because I kept seeing presents for one of the kids, then I'd have to buy presents for the other kids to "make it even". Not a good strategy. The kids loved it, though. Husband, not so much. So I wait till after Thanksgiving, and NEVER on Black Friday, to do my shopping. Unless I shop online on Black Friday. But I spent too many years in retail to go into a store on the day after Thanksgiving. That's just the way I roll.
I started the commissioned painting for my brother and sister-in-law. It's large (24 x 48) and so far, I think it's coming along nicely. Of course I always love the painting on the canvas at this stage; there are so many possibilities and ways to create a masterpiece. As soon as the painting is delivered, I start having second doubts, and seeing small mistakes that I feel the need to fix! But I read somewhere that most artists feel this way, so I don't obsess over it. Too much. On with the next.
The weather is supposed to be absolutely fantastic this week, so I'm looking forward to spending mornings in the studio while Lexi is in Kindergarten. Maybe I'll even post photos of the progress of the commissioned piece. Depends on how much work I can get done on it. Stay tuned, you never know what might turn up!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Relaxed, Rested and Ready to Work
The summer clothes are put away, and it's back to the reality of 45 degrees in New Jersey. Mexico was glorious, and we got out just in time to avoid Hurricane Paula on the Cozumel/Maya Riviera coast. So, once again, the Fates have smiled on us, and Life is Good!
I only painted 2 paintings while on vacation; the rest of the two weeks was spent eating, sunning, and relaxing. I know, it's a tough job I have!
I will post the 2 paintings here, and on Red Bubble, as soon as I get a chance. I got back and dove right into the routine of hearth and home. Actually, it felt good to be home, I missed the kids a lot!
I will grab the memory card and start loading the pictures as soon as I finish my coffee. I've got 2 hours before Lexi is off the bus from Kindergarten. Better get crackin!
I only painted 2 paintings while on vacation; the rest of the two weeks was spent eating, sunning, and relaxing. I know, it's a tough job I have!
I will post the 2 paintings here, and on Red Bubble, as soon as I get a chance. I got back and dove right into the routine of hearth and home. Actually, it felt good to be home, I missed the kids a lot!
I will grab the memory card and start loading the pictures as soon as I finish my coffee. I've got 2 hours before Lexi is off the bus from Kindergarten. Better get crackin!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Well, the paints, brushes, and canvases are packed and ready to go. I am really looking forward to getting down to our "second home" in sunny Mexico. Has it been a whole year already? So many changes this year; losing my job, working on my art full-time, having the joy of seeing my Lexi off to Kindergarten every morning. It's a wonderful life, to steal a phrase. When you look at the good with the bad, I have to say that the positives outweigh the negatives and I am feeling pretty good. Sales on RedBubble.com are increasing, and the word is getting out, which is the first step, right?
I am so psyched about this vacation. Have to remember to pack a sketchbook and pencils; forgot to put them in the suitcase. No phones, no schedules, no worries for 15 whole days. Woo-hoo! I could spend a month there; my dearly beloved gets antsy after about 6 days. Gotta keep him occupied ;)
Looks like Tropical Storm Matthew might detour around the Yucatan Peninsula. Thanks for the change in direction, Matthew. Things can get kinda dicey on the coast in a hurricane!
So all there is now to do is try and get a good night's sleep (never happens)and wake up before the sun to get to the airport. Aaaaaah. I just love vacation. See you all when we get back, and hasta luego, amigos!
I am so psyched about this vacation. Have to remember to pack a sketchbook and pencils; forgot to put them in the suitcase. No phones, no schedules, no worries for 15 whole days. Woo-hoo! I could spend a month there; my dearly beloved gets antsy after about 6 days. Gotta keep him occupied ;)
Looks like Tropical Storm Matthew might detour around the Yucatan Peninsula. Thanks for the change in direction, Matthew. Things can get kinda dicey on the coast in a hurricane!
So all there is now to do is try and get a good night's sleep (never happens)and wake up before the sun to get to the airport. Aaaaaah. I just love vacation. See you all when we get back, and hasta luego, amigos!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Contest, commission, and Angels
Contest 2 has produced another winner. My business page on Facebook, Jean LeBaron Art, has concluded it's second contest in which a genuine artwork has been awarded to one of my fans. It's always so much fun to see the reaction of the winner, and I love to make people happy, so it's a win-win situation. Now I have to start working on the next installment, maybe I'll come up with something that actually makes me money. Now, that's a novel idea. :)
I am still working on an oil painting that my brother and sister-in-law commissioned. It's rather large; 24x48, and I haven't quite decided on all the details yet, but the main body of work is in place. So far, I'm pleased with how the laying-in is going. Progress is slow, but that is to be expected. I'm a pretty busy grandma these days.
I want to take the time to thank all my friends, my family and my angels for everything they do for me. Without you, I would be lost and lonely. With you, I am free to be me.
I am still working on an oil painting that my brother and sister-in-law commissioned. It's rather large; 24x48, and I haven't quite decided on all the details yet, but the main body of work is in place. So far, I'm pleased with how the laying-in is going. Progress is slow, but that is to be expected. I'm a pretty busy grandma these days.
I want to take the time to thank all my friends, my family and my angels for everything they do for me. Without you, I would be lost and lonely. With you, I am free to be me.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Art of Making Art
Okay, so obviously there was only ONE PERSON who actually got the message I was trying to throw out there. And she is an absolute master of marketing, so maybe I'll switch tracks here and talk about the art of making art. Wow, something completely different.
There is an inherent drive inside of me that dictates to me that I must create art. Okay, that's a little strong. I must ATTEMPT to create art, because we all know that not everything always turns out for the best. However, I just don't understand people who say, "Oh, I just didn't feel like it today" like you have a choice in the matter. I can understand being too tired, too sick, too busy with that major annoyance called Life. But really?? You didn't feel like it? If I had my way, I would spend every day in the studio, for 10-12 hours, because I have that much stuff on my Someday list. You know, Someday I'm going to try (insert new medium/technique/subject matter here). There are so many things I want to do concerning art, and I'm getting very afraid that I won't live long enough to do them all. Maybe it's due to the fact that I chose the wife/mother/artist way of life, and there are not enough hours to do everything the way I feel they should be done. Unrealistic? Probably, but that's what I deal with. So how to fix it? I try to schedule my time in the studio when I am least likely to be interrupted. The other times, I'm planning, networking, marketing (there's that Gorilla again) or mentally preparing to paint while I'm folding laundry, making dinner or (ugh) cleaning. So what is the perfect balance? I don't know, I'm still trying to find it. Do I have regrets about the life path I chose?? Not for a minute. I wouldn't change anything at all. I am just where I'm supposed to be, and any challenges are lessons that I need to learn. So what I'm saying is, there is an art to making art, and if it came too easily I suppose there would be no joy in it. When I do get a stretch of time in the studio, I can feel myself slipping into the zone, and I don't have to think about anything but the brush in my hand, and that is a beautiful thing. So, if you are an artist, you have this voice in your head that says "Go, paint, create, and make your world better just for today", and sometimes, in spite of dust bunnies and wet towels on the floor, you go and make art.
There is an inherent drive inside of me that dictates to me that I must create art. Okay, that's a little strong. I must ATTEMPT to create art, because we all know that not everything always turns out for the best. However, I just don't understand people who say, "Oh, I just didn't feel like it today" like you have a choice in the matter. I can understand being too tired, too sick, too busy with that major annoyance called Life. But really?? You didn't feel like it? If I had my way, I would spend every day in the studio, for 10-12 hours, because I have that much stuff on my Someday list. You know, Someday I'm going to try (insert new medium/technique/subject matter here). There are so many things I want to do concerning art, and I'm getting very afraid that I won't live long enough to do them all. Maybe it's due to the fact that I chose the wife/mother/artist way of life, and there are not enough hours to do everything the way I feel they should be done. Unrealistic? Probably, but that's what I deal with. So how to fix it? I try to schedule my time in the studio when I am least likely to be interrupted. The other times, I'm planning, networking, marketing (there's that Gorilla again) or mentally preparing to paint while I'm folding laundry, making dinner or (ugh) cleaning. So what is the perfect balance? I don't know, I'm still trying to find it. Do I have regrets about the life path I chose?? Not for a minute. I wouldn't change anything at all. I am just where I'm supposed to be, and any challenges are lessons that I need to learn. So what I'm saying is, there is an art to making art, and if it came too easily I suppose there would be no joy in it. When I do get a stretch of time in the studio, I can feel myself slipping into the zone, and I don't have to think about anything but the brush in my hand, and that is a beautiful thing. So, if you are an artist, you have this voice in your head that says "Go, paint, create, and make your world better just for today", and sometimes, in spite of dust bunnies and wet towels on the floor, you go and make art.
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