Peach Coglo

Thinking of Summer and Fall

It's 29 degrees outside and the ground is still covered with snow from the blizzard.  It looks like we might be in for some more snow this weekend.  Nonetheless, I am thinking of summer, fall and two shows I need to populate with some art-a summer show and Hartford Open Studio Weekend-trying to get some art ideas and plans together.  For the first time, I am actually planning and making way ahead of time.  Usually due to child care, Greg's work schedule and life, I don't get started until mid to late summer-not cool, so not cool. 

Having a space of my own and the youngest going to preschool for 2 hours, four days per week helps-tremendously.   The difference is unbelievable.  I get some time to recover from the barrage of words and movement from such a full family life.  Being an introvert, I could always use more time and thinking space, but for now I will be grateful for what I can get, etch out more time where I can, and meet myself where I am.

I read this recently and had to "pin" it.  It's so true and a very nice reminder for when I slide off track or when I am feeling overwhelmed and behind (whatever  or wherever behind is).

So in the spirit of preparation and putting art at the core of my life, I am presently working on some Harry Potter inspired concepts for Open Studio, along with some other ideas.  I am thinking a lot about symbols and myth lately.  We'll see how it turns out.

So what are you creating time for in your life?

So I've Been Painting

Whew! what a whirlwind.  I have been trying to find my rhythm lately or as Amanda wisely put it, "let the rhythm find me".  It's slow going, but I think I see something approaching a rhythm coming at me.

We are in the midst of acclimating to middle school-things are going very well and Doran's teacher is simply awesome.  Eden loves her preschool.  Helena and Elijah seem to be feeling fine about third grade, although there is some question of whether the spelling homework is effective.  Nutcracker Season has definitely started (and with a fundraiser too).

Hmm, so we are having a bit of the fall autism nerves/anxiety-happens every year.  This makes for late nights and some impulsive behaviors.  I think (hope) we are starting to come down from it.  Elijah is enjoying his weekend robot class.  Helena is rehearsing (already) and selling pies, plants, cookie dough and ads.  She definitely enjoys all of that.  This is good thing because mama is not the one.  Also, since it is her gig, I think she should be mostly responsible for it while Greg and I help when needed.

I have been painting - a lot.  I have been painting while Eden is at school and when I can squeeze some time in on the weekends.  Some paintings I like and some look a little craptastic.  I am trying to quiet my mind as I paint.  It helps to have a quiet mind if you want to be creative.  I am imagining some new things to make for the November Open Studio, while trying simultaneously not to freak out (you know the whole quiet mind thing).  There are thoughts of moving this blog to Wordpress, selling on line and breathing life into some creative sparks.  There are a lot of ideas swirling and crashing around in my head, as I try to remember to make dinner, attend meetings, make sure people have clean underwear (including moi) and pay attention to my family.

There are thoughts of Christmas and the need to adjust some of the making to conform to the new ryhthm(?) around here.  I am in the Knitting (and Blogging) Hall o' Shame lately.  You don't even want to know how long I took to finish a thumb for a mitt.  Here's a hint; I am almost done-just shameful.

But in better news, here's a painting I like.

 

What have you been up to lately? Oh and before I take off to catch up with this day, I wanted to let those of you who asked, I am writing up a post about the psychic table.  It involves spirits, intution and green.  It was very intriguing.  Thanks for your interest and questions.

I wish you an awesome Monday and that it gives you a gentle start to the week!

xo,

Ang

 

 

 

September Already?!

Unbelievable where the time has gone. . . .  Summer was good but not exactly what I had planned.  There was much time spent painting in the studio-halleluyer for that!  I'll be sharing what I made I haven't scanned them yet so it's slightly fuzzy pics for now). 

Greg took on painting all of the bedrooms and he installed a new floor for our back porch.  Oh it is so much better.  The floor used to be covered with the grossest outdoor/indoor carpet you have ever seen or tried to walk across.  I should have taken pictures of it.  Now we need to paint the porch to our liking.  Hmm what else?  Doran has been making up rhyming words and poetry.  Eden has been carting around her invisible friend, Ardold (this is the best spelling of the name I can muster).  Helena has been dancing at ballet camp and is gearing up for her ballet classes and The Nutcracker.  I am in disbelief that rehearsals start in three, count 'em, three weeks!  Elijah has been building and programming his robot (it was expensive but so worth it; thanks for pitching in Mom!).  That thing can really get going.  It reminds me of those horror films when toys come alive and chase people in the dark.

So now it's time to adjust to a new studio, school and activity schedule, to put a few tomatoes by, start those Christmas projects and get back to my long-neglected knitting.

It's so good to be back in this space and I will be stopping by to visit you too.

xo,

Ang

Whew

We are back to "normal"-well mostly.  It feels good to be back in this space and starting my summer.  I sure did miss everyone!  Thanks for your understanding and sweet comments.  I hope everyone is settling into summer and getting some relaxation.  We are trying out new recipes, chores for the kiddos (it turns out Elijah likes mopping the floor), and taking advantage of opportunities to create-basic day to day stuff.  I still envision a relaxing summer filled with knitting, Christmas gift-making, reading, and more time in my studio. 

Speaking of art, I've been toying with new-to-me ideas and inspiration-thinking about color a lot.  Here's my latest:

Have a great day!

 

 

Doran's Art Show

Please excuse me while I gush a bit about my boy.  A few weeks ago Doran received a letter from our town inviting him to an art reception where his work would be featured.  It turns out Doran's art teacher, Ms. H, entered his painting into a town-wide contest.  This contest is held only every two years.  Doran received a blue ribbon and his work will become part of our town's permanent collection.  I am truly amazed by Doran's talent, passion (he gets intense about his painting) and skill and so happy for him!  Doran has worked spectacularly hard and his teachers have worked along side him, pushing and encouraging him. 

We attended the reception at Town Hall.  We saw Doran's painting and the other beautiful works that will also be a part of the town's collection.  It was wonderful to watch all of the children get up and receive their certificates.  It was such an honor.  I could tell Doran was very proud!  Seeing that just made my year-to see his pride.  So often our kiddos who live with autism don't have the opportunity to feel competent about even the most basic of things.  I know I am biased, but I am over the moon that one of Doran's loves and strength lies in his art. 

He even went up to get his certificate by himself.  He responded with an adamant "No!" when I asked if he wanted me to help him to the podium.  It was such a joy to watch him race up to receive his certificate and then study it carefully on his way back to where we were standing.

I call this Doran's "Cool-B-Smooth James Dean" pose, but I think the poor kid was just exhausted.

I was also so touched by Doran's teachers.  They work so hard and are incredibly dedicated.  I don't think I could do it.  After being at school all day, Doran's principal Dr. D., his teachers Ms. G and Ms. T, and his art teacher Ms. H. came to the reception.  I will be forever grateful to them for the love and respect they have for my son.

Doran receiving his certificate.  The artwork in the room is from the ArtQuest program.

Thanks for your patience with my gushing!

Totally lopsided-sorry-it's the best I could do while dodging the crowd, but you get the idea.  I just love his background colors.  The town did a wonderful job framing it too.  Congratulations Doran!

The Commission

Thank you all so very much for your beautiful compliments on my sketchbook last week.  You all make me stand a little straighter and feel a little braver.  Thank you.

I completed this commission about a week ago.  Commissions always tend to stress me out a bit as I am sure they do for most artists.  The patron wanted me to interpret a special place in Vermont for her.  She used to rent a carriage house there quite often.  In doing so, she became close to the mistress of the premises-an unlikely friendship, but a strong and beautiful one.  Her dog passed away while she was there one season and is buried on the property.   She never returned to the carriage house after that loss.  Of course this place holds many dear memories.  So taking this information, some photographs and directions to use a Monet-inspired palette, I made several studies trying out all kinds of ideas and compositions.  Finally I made this painting.

I always see the mistakes, but she was very happy and touched and for that I am humbled and grateful.

What challenges are you taking on lately?

The painting is too large to fit on any home scanner, so please excuse the fuzziness.  Can you spot the two dogs?

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.  And again thank you all for your incredible support and kindness.

Sketchbook~May 25, 2012

Presently, I am trying to capture the essence or impression of my subjects.  It's not the easiest thing to be sketchy, at least for me.  I think relaxing more while I paint would improve things. 

I wish you all much joy and contentment in whatever you are practicing.  Everyone had such lovely and beautiful practices; thanks for sharing what you are working on with others.  It is always inspiring.

This weekend we are hoping to mostly stay near to the roost.  Helena will participate in a Memorial Day parade and we'll be lighting a candle to remember those who have sacrificed so much.  What are you up to this weekend?

Well, I am off to deliver my second commission, yay!  I'm feeling a bit nervous about presenting it to her, hope she likes it.

 

Have a lovely weekend.  I'll be back at this space on Tuesday, hope to see you then.

Simple sketch of two ladies-working on impressions. . . .

Sketchbook~May 18, 2012

A peek at my sketchbook.  .  . I need to start drawing and painting more so I'll be sharing my sketchbook pages in whatever state they are in at the moment, finished or unfinished.  It's unfinished this week.  I am hoping this will get more drawing more.  Practice, practice, practice.  What are you practicing lately?

Have a fantabulous weekend friends.

 

 

 

 

Studio Process

It was Amanda over at Soulemama who said she tries to remember that one person's mess is another person's progress.  I would add that one person's mess is another person's process .  The other day I was able to work in my studio and noticed I had a lot of process going on; it's a good thing though.  Hopefully with more time doing the work, I'll have some things to show you soon.

Have a great Tuesday my friends!

Views from my Studio: Some Sponges and Brushes

I have been enjoying the light in my studio (when it hasn't been raining lately).  For a closet-sized space, it's prett darn good.   The process of making my studio mine is just that - a process, but one I am grateful for and enjoying.  From time to time I hope you'll indulge some 'visits' to my studio with me.