It's official

After a day spent filling out forms and faxing letters, I am officially a Spec Ed teacher. A summers worth of hard work has paid off and I look forward to the challenges ahead of me.

Closure, please

My nerves are jumping. Work starts on Monday and I have no idea where I will be. Tuesday, of this week, I took the Special Education exam for teacher certification. Yesterday I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing for an art position at an elementary school. Heck yes. Unfortunately, I have not heard from the principle to set up an interview. For all I know it may never happen. In the mean time, I found out today that I passed the Special education exam. People are holding a position open for me waiting to hear the results. Wow! I hope I have some closure by the weekend - fat chance.

The lonely pine

I painted this because of a memory of my Dad. He died seven years ago and I miss him terribly. My parents were ridiculously supportive of any whim of interest I had. They bought me a horse at the age of 9 because I wanted one. I had been looking in the paper for my horse every week for months and one Sunday morning there she was. At the age of 8 I decided I wanted to learn how to paint. They enrolled me in a Summer class for children. The teacher liked me so much that she allowed me to continue during the school year in her adult classes. She was a lovely woman who taught me the best she could. Her style of painting was similar to Bob Ross, the happy little tree guy. I painted many landscapes and still life's. My dad called this phase of my artistic development "The lonely pines".
Jim, my husband, wanted this painting for his office. I feel a kind of symmetry that Jim would like and want to display this piece at work.

Hear I go again

Earlier last week I received my unofficial score that I had passed (A plus) my art exam. I am now considered employable. Also, last week, while on vacation in San Francisco, an art teaching position became available at a middle school in my school district. Unfortunately the principle wanted to interview and make a decision the very next day. Since I was on vacation, i could not make the interview and could not be considered for the position. Huge bummer.
Tomorrow I start my special education training to begin preparation for the test in August. If I pass the test it is possible that I will have a job in August. We shall see. Right now, I would rather teach this year instead of being a parraprofessional. I need to be studying. Later.

Starting to focus

Well, this Summer is flying and my usual to-do list is twice as long as humanly possible. But, things are starting to come together. The guest bedroom I was to finish painting three months ago is finally done. The plastic came off the new lamp shade and all is clean and beautiful.
The art exam I took several weeks ago was really easy. I would hate to think that all the test that future educators are to take were comparatively that simple. Although, I am going to take the Special Education exam later this Summer. It would be nice if it were that simple.
Next, the painting of Davids bedroom. Cappuccino is the color, it's from Restoration Hardware. Is it wrong to pick a color based on its name?

The fun begins

Tomorrow is my first day of education classes. For the next 10 days I will be in classes everyday excepts Sunday. On June 21st I will take the Art exam, 8 hours worth. I am a little nervous about the Art exam because I feel very confident. Something I never feel before a test. Today I have been looking over the TEKS in art for K-12. It is pretty amazing what is expected from students at such an early age. If I had this kind of education early on it would have made college much more effective.
Art is all encompassing. I can imagine the verbal expectations to be a big challenge. Or maybe I am just reflecting my own weaknesses. Any way, I have a week of classes and study ahead of me. Plus I plan on continuing my daily workout and studio time. Good luck to me.

Head first

Well I did it. I registered to start my teaching certification this evening. My Summer will be spent sitting in classes, on-line course work, studying for the Art exam and learning Photoshop. I also want to finishing painting the rest of the interior of the house, get in shape, loose 10 pounds and make some incredible art. The good news is - I believe I can do it. Well, maybe not the 10 pounds part, but the rest yea. I will be employable by the beginning of July. I will pass the Art exam easily on June 21. I took the practice exam and missed one question. Marxist art theory - really?
I'm jumping in excited, hope I don't get overwhelmed.

Well the pool is up and running after being resurfaced, it is beautiful. The color reminds me of the Mediterranean - Aqua, that's not a color term I have used in years. I have been spending my weekends cleaning and planting and I hope to be swimming soon. Unfortunately, there are still sections of the yard that need TLC. Like most jobs it is more than an easy task. We have digging and re plumbing to do on drains. Digging, I gave away our sledge hammer and picks when we moved from San Antonio. I wanted no more manual labor. I have had more than my share over the last 30 years. My most recent job being - digging a french drain around the back of my old home. The trench was 40 feet long and three feet deep at it's deepest. Funny though I remember working on this project with Jim and listening to Bob Schnieder's Lonely Land. We sang and laughed. Maybe digging isn't too bad.

In the Dump

Yesterday was so productive, landscaping a corner of the yard, studio clean up, grocery shopping and time left to cook a fabulous dinner.
Today, fell asleep watching TV at 10:00am (after a good nights sleep), and I did not clean house. I had to accomplish something, so I went shopping. Shopping is the easiest way to feel productive with very minimal effort. It pulled me out of the dumps. Came home and put the flat of Impatients in the ground.
Lately I have been enjoying looking at older paintings. This piece was a victim of the move to Dallas. I could only bring so much stuff. The rows of figures were a first. Now that I think about it, all the paintings with rows of figures have not survived. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea.

What

Looking back

Last week while I was putting my portfolio together I came across some paintings that had long been destroyed or painted over. It was interesting to see them again. They aren't as horrible as I thought they were. I am crazy about the rows of small figures. I can remember drawing and painting each one of them. I don't think today I could duplicate them with the fluidity that is found in this painting and others I produced at the same time.

Heads with Thistle

This is the most recent painting that I have finished. I have posted several incarnations previously.
To be an artist who really cares about a paintings content, it confuses me that I have no idea what this piece means.
What I do know is that the imagery is a combination of many profound images from current paintings to those of years ago. The way these images are represented are different from earlier paintings but, true to myself.

Comfort

Tomorrow my good friend Stefani will be coming to town from San Antonio. She will be visiting museums while I work. This weekend we will put my portfolio together and visit galleries. I really need the comfort of an old friend.

This month has been a lot like this picture, beautiful but a little uncomfortable.

I have always measured my success by how much I accomplish, this has been a busy, productive month. Unfortunately, I do not feel very successful. This week I am going to investigate getting my teaching certificate. I have been very resistent to the idea, until this weekend. I know I would be a good teacher. This next year will be difficult teaching and being a student at the same time. But my biggest reluctance is my art. Can I teach and produce? I would have to, my art is what keeps my spirit going.

Trendy Luv

I knew I had to have it. The price only made the deal sweeter. Who couldn't resist this $43.00 lamp. It originally sold at Neiman Marcus for over $400. I happen to like things no one else wants. It's a gift- proud of it. I can't help it if Jim agrees with everyone else who passed it by at Neiman's thinking no thanks. Here it sits in the guest bedroom - waiting for the plastic to come off of its shade. That will happen once the room is painted next week. It makes me smile.

My goals

Next week is Spring break. In an earlier post I made some Spring break goals and I am well on track to meeting them. The most important of these goals was to have a portfolio together to present to Dallas galleries.
Next week I will pull all my work together.
Then I will need to get all my work photographed, labeled and burnt on a CD.
Printing the portfolio will be the last step, I hope the print quality is good enough to present. I have not stepped out on this limb in over 20 years. Good grief. Twenty years ago I had museum curators coming to my studio looking at my work - what happened? Life ?

Stefani

Everybody needs a Stefani in their life. A friend who is supportive, loving and always with the right words. Stefani is also an artist who like myself has been creating for many years. Her work is wonderful and good. Yes, there is a difference. Wonderful attracts you, it pulls you into a piece to have a closer look. Good is what you find once you are lured in. Wonderment can fade - the goodness of a piece keeps you coming back for more, it inspires you, you never tire of it.

Earlier this week Stefani read my blog for the first time. I was honored that she loved it and my work. She did hesitantly suggest one change. When reading my profile she recommended that I put artist first on my list. She said - rightfully so - that I was an artist before I was a wife or mother. I love my husand and children and they do get a lot of my attention but, I do feel the need to focus even more on my art. This is what I have always felt was my purpose for life, long before a husband or children were a thought. Thanks Stefani.

Happiness

My last post was a little sad. Kevin this morning said, yea it has been a tough month, it's February. I think February sounds like the perfect scapegoat. I especially like that thought because March is approaching very quickly. Yes March, there is nothing like sunshine and fresh growth to bring out the best in everyone. My mantra for the rest of the month is lighten up, loosen up and play hard. I believe Jim would not argue with that.

Moving Forward?

A while back I posted this painting in progress. Obviously incomplete and needing some editing. I am slow to see what is needed. I have not been able to decide if it is a lack of conviction or an ability to see the endless posibilities, or both. What I do know is I have no fear in stepping back and starting over. It most always brings results.

This painting sat in the studio for over a week in this state while I reconfigured another painting that is still sitting unresolved. I am boring of this process but it seems necessary.


Here is the final piece. It looks nothing like I invisioned it would. Today I am pleased. Next month you may see it as a landscape.

The Whites are staying bright

Two week ago our curtains were installed and we love them. The light coming through them is beautiful, they were definately worth the investment.
Next we will concentrate on window coverings for the rest of the house, and then a deserved budget break.

Racheybaby, won a perfect 10 this weekend during the VASE Art competition. Her self portrait will be competing on the state level. It is amazing to think that after her first state level competition at 5yrs old (where she won an honorable mention) she would still be consistently going back to state. We are very proud of her.

Next

I have three paintings close to being completed and am looking ahead to what is next. The structure of this painting has been built and is waiting prepping and priming. This is a piece that is smaller than the three previous. The center section will be a collage, that is a throw back paintings I made 10/20 years ago. I am anxious to see how time will have changed how I approach collage. Hopefully I will have finished at least two of the larger paintings this weekend and will post them. They have seen major changes since my previous posts and the changes are more favorable.

Surrounded but feeling alone

The De Young Museum

Stefani, I looked at this painting and immediately thought of you. It has similar qualities of your work. This and the following pieces were painted by Chiura Obata. These pieces were large, they are paint and ink on silk. This artist passed away in 1975, I believe this painting was painted around 1930.



This painting is also large and it blew me away. (The label by this painting could have said, Stefani Job Spears, and I would have believed it.) To paint in black and white has to take a lot discipline. I am trying to learn this kind of restraint. One day soon I should try painting in black and white - I would probably learn a lot.



This is a detail of a painting that Obata painted of his wife walking through a forest. My images of the entire painting needed photo shop because they are too dark. This detail turned out lovely. I need to see more of his work.

Just wanted to see

This painting is is getting close to being complete. I have gotten to this point pretty quickly and am pleased with its level of completedness without it being overly fussy. I must move cautiously. This painting is approximately 4ft. x 6ft., it was made in two pieces for stability. I am posting it because I just wanted to see it and make a record of it before I proceed. Off to the studio.

Time to stop

I have been working on several paintings at once, but this is the one that I have posted several times previously. This is not the greatest photo, it was taken at night with a flash and then manipulated on photoshop to take out the glare. It still has some of the paint qualities that I like but, it is just a little too clean. I am going to remove it from the studio for the week and see if a different view will tell me what it needs.

San Francisco

I don't want reality checks. I like living the fantasy of a perpetual vacation. Living the carefree life of what can we do next, no hurries, just fun. I have come home filled. I want to continue this feeling each and every day and hope it lasts until our next vacation.
Mom thanks for taking care our loves. They are already asking when you are coming back. Randi is, right now, sleeping on your pillow - aren't you glad she waiting until you left. Love you.

30 years and still going

On Monday Jim and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. What a better place to go than San Francisco. There are too many resturants and places to see to fit into three days, but there will be time for a little planning on the plane. We are both needing this break from reality and the kids. Some time to spend together - heaven.

I can't paint fast enough.

For a Monday after a two week holiday, things went very smoothly. The 5:45 alarm wasn't very painful and students were remarkable with good behavior. It was great to see their smiling faces.

During lunch I made an ambitious to do list, but once home the early morning alarm corrupted my schedule in favor of the couch and a blanket. No cleaning, no studio, no cooking, just a couple of Project Runway reruns. There's always tomorrow.

Mis cuts

Only two more days before I go back to work. It has been a great two weeks, I wish it was longer. My hands can use a break from handling power tools and wood. Of course, I did not accomplish what I had expected. My main goals were to build six boxes for paintings, I built four. I blame Christmas week. It was wonderful. I moved at a restorative pace, and it worked.

The box has been built for the above piece. The rough cuts made on the plywood at Lowes's were not square. I did not catch this, so the plywood sections on the finished translated, not square. I figured this out at the very end of building when I was applying the plywood to the frame. I decided to let it be. Looking at the drawing above, it could work.

Progress

There is something liberating and embarrassing about showing work in progress. Some areas have lost there charm and need to be stepped back. Others need a start. I am with you Dawn in that I like my work, sometimes best, in its earliest stages of black and white. I was going to keep one section in black and white. I have never done it before, an experiment.

I also like the juxtaposition of something cleanly painted and another area left raw.

Mrs. blue face is a little too clean. The flowers are still somewhat unresolved. I am happy with its progress. I am enjoying the new color palette. Today I am going to build two new boxes and continue painting.

Cold Feet

I have built and primed the box and then I had cold feet on this one. The purpose of my painting right now is to explore and to have fresh work to present to potential galleries. Do they really want to see patterned nudes?
Yesterday I took Rachel to the Martin Lawrence Gallerie to see the Picasso show. There was a lot of in your face goodness. Most were wonderful. Hey, I am no Picasso, but I can represent nudes tastefully. I'll try.
The figures in the wallpaper, top and bottom, are to be in the negative. I do not know a way to achieve that look electronically, any suggestions?

Painting - finally

About a month ago, looking forward to two weeks of studio time, I resolved to make a drawing everyday. Well that has become 4+ drawings everyday and most of them have promise of moving to the next level. After several days of building my painting surfaces I have finally pulled out the tubes. These beginnning stages of a work are my favorites. They are fun no pressure. I loved this sketch it has taken the essence of my ideas and taken a step.

This is the beginning of the sketch as a painting. I know, it has a way to go, but I love its freshness. I hope not to loose it.

Today I will continue on this painting, start a another, and go to the lumber yard to get more stock for more paintings. Later.

Some of our progress

This year we have spent a lot of time working on the house and here is a little of what has been accomplished. This is our dining room. Our table is ordered and due to arrive next week. The Murano glass chandelier is a Zgallerie find, ($300) our original inspiration was a DWR chandelier ($2900). This discount verision works very well. The flooring is woven bamboo in a natural finish. This flooring is in the entry, dining and connects these areas in halls to bedrooms and my studio. To the right of this image is our living room.

This is our IKEA floor to ceiling bookcase. It was scarry assembling it in place, but the miracle was that it fit. This bookcase cost us around $400, money well spent. We are already purchasing more books to fill it up.

This is new stained concrete surround to our fireplace. It is our favorite of all the pieces we had poured. In the forground you can see the tile we had laid in our living room and bedroom. It is a porcelian tile called Coretin (Jim would know maker etc.), it actually has metal in its glaze. I will have more pics later.