Girlfriendology I

The start of my girlfriendology series was inspired by my long time girlfriends.While "we" are not actually depicted in this scene, the energy is pulled from our decades of friendship! One area in life that men differ from women, is that women NEED that close female friendship. The time I get to spend with my  friends is priceless.  Stay tuned for more "girlfriendology" celebrating all my girlfriends in my life.

Below are images as I progressed with this piece. Reproductions of these images are not allowed

Port Of Call!

It's only natural that I have painted this famous New Orleans hot spot. It is the first restaurant the my husband took me to while we were dating. The hamburgers where so large and incredible twenty plus years ago. Over the years, like everything, they have gotten a little small. However, it is still on my "must do" when I go home. Port Of Call's famous drink,Neptunes Monsoon will knock you off you feet!

I chose to show a woman that has too much to drink on the steps of Port of Call. It's early morning as the paper boy is making his deliveries. In the right corner, someone is offering the intoxicate lady more to drink!!

Hot Pink Shoes Find A Good Home!

For an artist, the greatest compliement is someone that has a desire to acquire a piece of your art. As well as when they actually take steps to own one of your pieces. Even greater is when your friends support you. I am very blessed to have many of my friends believe in my artistic vision. As well as many that go the extra step and build their own private collection of my work. I am humbled each time.

Let me take a moment to thank you, Ebru Water's for acquiring my "pink shoes" piece. You truly have an original! I did not have digital prints of this one made. Enjoy your piece, friend!!!

Holy Angels-A Taste of Shreveport!

Sheila Harkey, a good friend of mine, asked for a piece of my work for Holy Angels fundraiser coming up. Sheila is a great friend and big fan of my work. I owe her for assisting in the key turn for the door of the art world for me. I did not hesitate to say yes!

Holy Angels is a residence facility for the mentally handicap. It has been around since the late 1960's. I have someone very close that attended this facility a long time ago. She received wonderful care from the nuns that run the place. So, keeping true to my artist mission, "My Life on Canvas," I wanted to capture a piece of Holy Angels on canvas.

I chose to paint the church. I featured two nuns coming from the church. One is holding a rosary. To paint this small detail, I used a tooth pick. The statue of the angel was also very very important to the tone of piece.

The event took place on October 6, 2012. I was very fun event. Full of the top restaurants in the Shreveport area supplying the best of what they have to offer. I even got to sample a new wine this not
market! Let's not even talk about the great band. Some of the residences put on a show, performing as Micheal Jackson. It was a fun evening.

The best was seeing who won the bid on my piece (minimum bid was $150.00). Tom Harkey, Sheila's brother has acquired the piece. This is not his first piece of mine. I am very grateful that life has crossed my path with the Harkey's! They are real good people!!

To Barter or Not to Barter!

A hot topic among many of my artist friends is should one donate art to a fundraiser. Many are straight up against it! Some set yearly limits on how many they will give and to what organization's to give too.

I definitely don't believe an artist should "give" a piece of art to any and all organizations that come calling. I do believe that one should be true to the causes that are near and dear to them.

More and more organizations are recognizing that is is not fair just to ask for art and give NOTHING in return. Especially, since tax laws have changed. An artist can no longer write off the value of the art they donate.

So, what is the motivation for an artist to donate a piece of art? Personally, there are only three causes that I strictly "donate" too. One is my high school Alma Mater. I am not in a position to write a donation check nor do I live close to give of my time. The Renzi Center gets a piece from me every year.  Renzi has helped me get into the fabulous art world. Not to mention, they do wonderful things for children with their after school program. The last is a breast cancer event! So many have suffered from this terrible disease. I believe a "true" donation should be kept to a limit. After all, an artist has to be able to afford to keep making art!

As far as the other events that obtain a piece of art from me, we barter! If I am given tickets to attend your event in exchange for my art, I am not coming out on the losing end. I get to see who obtains my work, meet them and foster client/artist relationship. Not to mention, partake in a social event that most likely, I would not normally attend. There are even organizations that give tickets and give a percentage of the sale. If more did that, they would get more donations for sure!

Each artist has to decide what is best for them. In the coming year, I will do a few things differently. One, is I must have all request for my art before April of up coming year. That way, I can gage my time. Second, the organization must be willing to put the minimum bid that I require to preserve the integrity of the piece.

Some artists say they give for the "exposure." I have an artist friend that HATES to hear this. She says, exposure is something an animal dies from in the wilderness in the winter. But, the donating does sometimes open up an unexpected door and is great for networking at the events.

-Just my thoughts

This is YOUR Month, Ladies!!

 

Please do your self exams and go see your doctor for that annual exam! I have several friends dealing with breast cancer.  Let's be pro-active!!!! The faceless female boxer was inspired by the ladies that I know giving the good fight!!! The hot pink shoes painting, is done on wood. This piece will be donated to the Sister's Network Shreveport! Sport your PINK this month ladies!!!