I have a new studio!  I am still with the same group of wonderful artists in the same pulsating 17^thAvenue venue, but I’ve moved into a recently renovated space.   Look for me “under the silo” during our Spring Show May 18 and 19. Here’s a sneak preview of the new space.  The wall you see is part of a very old silo and is made of stacked douglas fir–a beautiful piece of history.

The Joy of Spring

My students and I are feeling alive and creative with the signs of Spring all around us.  Please enjoy these “Spring-inspired” student works in various stages of progress.  Good work Ans, Dorothy, Melissa, Kelly, Eileen, John and Joan.

Would you like to join the fun and paint with me?

There is room for you this Spring, so be sure to let me know if the time is right for you to join us. Currently we paint on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  If there is sufficient interest, I will organize a Saturday class as well. The cost is $30.  Contact:  cherrobertsart@gmail.com

You will love the opportunity to. . .

PICK UP A BRUSH AND HAVE FUN!

Looking Back on 2012

During the holiday season, I like to take a bit of time to review the past year. Many art-related events stand out as superb experiences. Three of which I will mention here are the “Figurative Affair” exhibit at the R. Blitzer Gallery in January, the Open Studies Tour in October and the figurative show at the Scotts Valley Library in late summer. As an invited participant in these events, I met many wonderful people. I am delighted to report that one of my pieces was purchased by a family from Switzerland, another made it’s way to the state of Washington, another is residing in Fresno and several are nearby in Santa Cruz county.  And, by the way, as a signature member of the International Society of Acrylic Painters, I have a piece (New Beach Chair which is the header image for my web site) in an on-line exhibition.

Painting in my Studio

My students are hard at work, stretching their creative wings each time we meet. Here are examples of works in progress from Kirsten, John and Rebecca. Good work everyone!  If you would like to join in the fun, contact me for class details at:  cherrobertssart@gmail.com

The New Year Ahead

There is much to look forward to in 2013.  I have several ideas churning for new paintings; I’m looking forward to rejoining my students this month in the studio;  a Spring show will be happening at my art complex on 17th Avenue; there is a new studio in my future!  And many more activities that I will share in the weeks ahead.  In the meantime, I encourage you to follow the example of my students:  “Be Bold” and . . . .

Pick Up A Brush and Have Fun!

The much-awaited invitation to join the October Open Studios event sponsored by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County arrived!  I am delighted to be participating in this fun-filled event once again.  Please mark it on your calendar for the first three weekends in October.

 Summer Creativity

I’m working on several new themes–one of them being the “unsettled” feeling many of us experience as our world careens about us.  “I’ve Had Better Days” is featured below (40 x 30 inches).  Hope you are keeping your balance!

I've Had Better Days

Want to Paint with Me?

New painting classes are beginning July.  Let me know if you did not receive my email and would like to join us.  Enjoy your summer and be sure to  . . .

Pick Up A Brush and Have Fun!

Being Bold

Today I am sharing a technique I use to get me out of a situation that sometimes occurs in the course of a painting.  It’s that moment when I just know all is lost and the vision I have is simply not coming together on the canvas.  It’s a discouraging moment, but there is a solution.

Be bold!

Yes, be bold and ask (right out loud if you like), “I wonder what would happen if I tried exaggerating this expression” or “what if I painted the background grey” or “what if this figure was facing this way not that way”.  And then boldly do it!  You get the idea.

Don’t hang on!

Even if I love a certain passage, if the whole isn’t working, then something needs to change.

Stunning Work from my Students

I absolutely must share these photos of the exciting and gorgeous work created by my students in a recent workshop.  We focused on painting a series of pieces using fruits and vegetables found at the farmer’s market for our subject matter.  We had great fun and the results were nothing less than stunning!

Gazing at the Stars

Here is an unusual perspective for you to ponder.  Just wanted to share.

Gazing at the Stars, Cher Roberts, 2012

Share your Boldness

Before I leave you, let me go back to “being bold” for just a moment.  I would love

to hear from you how you solve those daunting impasses in your creative processes.

And, to further demonstrate your boldness . . . .

Pick Up a Brush and have Fun!

This past month has been soooo busy!  Here is a sample of what I have been involved in:

R. Blitzer Gallery

There is a new exhibition at the R. Blitzer Gallery (410 Natural Bridges Dr., Santa Cruz)—“A Figurative Affair”.  The reception was last Friday. Yes, I’m in the exhibition and proud to be in the company of these talented artists–Painters:  Barbara Bartels, Carol Bowie, Linda Christensen, Lois Cole, Barbara Downs, David Fleming, T. A. Greene, Susan Hancey, Stephanie Heit, Carol Jeneid, Sefla Joseph, Marvin Plummer, Andrew Purchin; Sculptors:  Rob Blitzer, Irwin Kaplan, Lila Klapman, Lisa Silas.   It will be up through February 25.  Hope you can come by.

Oswald’s Restaurant in Beautiful Santa Cruz

I also have work, through February, at Oswald’s Restaurant (121 Soquel Avenue at the corner of Soquel and Front St) in downtown Santa Cruz. Nearly 30 pieces are on display.  Oswald’s is a beautiful venue and, in addition to enjoying art, you can have dinner or a glass of wine.

Scotts Valley Recreation

Beginning this week I am teaching a painting class for the Scotts Valley Recreation program and looking forward to meeting new painters.  There is always such a buzz of excitement in the classroom.    If you care to join us, there is another session in March.  Just check the S. V. Recreation catalog for details.  I will be posting some of the classroom fun, so come back and take a look.  In the meantime, please enjoy this delicately depicted piece created by former student Robin.  I love the palette as well as the feeling that the figure possesses a solid personality.

I encourage you to follow your creative bliss and to . . . .

Pick up a Brush and have Fun!

Big Heads

I have been working on a series of paintings–informal portraits of fictional characters who live in my world–a slightly weird but very creative place.  Intrigued, my students have tried their hands at painting informal portraits as well.  We have come to refer to them as the “big heads”.  Here is an example, “Wearing a Rose”.

The Challenge

I am thinking of creating one, 8″ x 8″, “big head” a week for all of 2012.  Just so we’re clear,”Wearing a Rose” is 14″ x 14″.   My imaginary world is quite vast so I know I will not deplete my cast of characters.  I’ll let you know if I decide to follow through.  I may require a pep team at some point.

Local Artisans

Here is a bit of information that you may have missed.  The Scotts Valley Artisans has moved to 230-D Mount Herman Road–still in the Kings Village Shopping Center but now in the former Scotts Valley Library location, next to the Cineplex theater and Bruno’s BBQ.  Over 160 artists, all residents of Santa Cruz county, are displaying handmade gifts, furniture, pottery and fine art.  I hope you will think of them first when you need a special gift.  Supporting local artists is a smart way to support the community.

Until the next time,

Pick Up a Brush and have Fun!

Here it is–a new year—a fresh beginning.  I intend to make 2012 my best painting and business year ever.

2011 was such a busy year and the holiday season was a whirlwind of activities with friends and family.  Look at the fabulous painting project my grandson—he’s two–and I have been working on throughout this season.

With the holidays a pleasant memory, I’m enjoying the quieter process of preparing for the year ahead.   I like planning, looking forward, organizing, tidying, tossing.  Notice I’m not using the “R” (resolution) word.  I’m not focusing on singular goals, but taking a more comprehensive approach.   I know the direction I want to take and I’m making note of those action steps that will guarantee achieving my painting and business goals. Small, individual action-steps are so much easier than big, Paul Bunyan steps. So, being the list maker/planner that I am, I am happy to be preparing for the new year—which I am officially labeling as “My Best Painting and Business Year Ever!”

Where are the Men?

It is frequently brought to my attention by my viewers that my paintings rarely include male figures.  “What’ up with that,” they want to know.  Rest assured I know many remarkable men whom I respect and enjoy.  It’s a simple explanation—I know women better.  Being female, how could it be any other way?  Please take a look at a recent painting in which a male figure takes center stage.  Could there by more male figures in my future? I love this painting and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Would you like to share your preparations for the coming year?  Respond to this post and let me know how you plan to make it the best year ever.  In 2012, I encourage you to . . . .

Pick up a Brush and Have Fun!

You’re painting away and feeling that you can do no wrong.  Your color choices are remarkable, the subject engaging, the brushstrokes perfection—you step back to take a look and yikes!  It’s not quite what you imagined.  What went wrong?

A number of things may be coming into play.  You’re overly tired; your inner art critic is being too harsh; your painting took it’s own direction; it’s really not that good.  Who knows? You are so very focused your judgment may be clouded.

The missing piece is taking a break to evaluate—getting some distance so that when you return you will have a fresh perspective.   This can be as simple as a walk to the mailbox and stopping to admire some plants along the way.  Or, it can involve turning the canvas to the wall for several hours–maybe overnight.  The overnight technique is one of my favorites.  The next morning, with coffee in hand, I can examine and evaluate with a clear head.

Let me know, by responding to this post, how you manage those times when your creativity seems lost.

Remembering Professor Carrillo

I was reading an article about people who have had an influence on others, and I immediately recalled one of my favorite painting instructors, Professor Eduardo Carrillo, faculty member at the University of California, Santa Cruz.  At the time I was studying with him, I appreciated him as a painter–oils, watercolors and, especially, his incredible murals.    It was many years later when I would recall his words of encouragement, his sense of humor and his dedication to his work and the portrayal of his heritage that the magnitude of his influence became clear.  Professor Carrillo left us at too young of an age.  I am honored to have studied with him.  I like that his work and his words continue to guide and influence me as an artist.

A Rose in December

Here it is, a very cold day in December, and I spotted this beautiful blossom on the rose bush in the back yard.

It’s a gorgeous gift and just what I needed as I stumble around the house recovering from a cold and trying to complete some of the business side of being an artist—checking inventory, completing accounting records, making calls, etc.  Who said it was all glamour!

I can’t wait to get back to the studio to . . . . .

Pick Up a Brush and have Fun!

Open Studios is becoming a distant memory even though it was only a few weeks ago.  It was exhilarating to have so many visitors to the studio and to chat with all those appreciators of art.  The event is a huge undertaking for the art community, but for me, it would be wonderful if it could take place more than once a year.

Here is a photo of Julie and Fred who are the new owners of  “Sisters”.  This particular piece was a favorite of many.  I have heard from Julie how much she enjoys seeing it in their home.  I am delighted that this special piece is with a special family.

And here is Ellen, the new owner of “Figure in Red Chair”, another favorite painting of my guests.  Ellen’s enthusiasm for this piece warmed my heart and reconfirmed for me how wonderful it is to be able to share my art with others.

The Unwanted Canvas Revisited

In an earlier post, I reported to you about the “unwanted canvas” that I had taken home to my studio as a special challenge.  I promised I would let you know what happened to that canvas.  Here it is, clean, beautiful and named “Living with Flowers”.  I’ll share it again later when I’ve had it professionally photographed.  Let me know what you think of it by responding to this post.

Remember to take care of that creative person within and . . . . . .

Pick up a Brush and have Fun!

As you know from an earlier post, I am new to this neighborhood.  I decided to introduce myself to a neighbor and I am so glad I did.  She is a gardener, a designer, a horticulturist.  She is a passionate artist and plants of all kinds are her medium.  How wonderful!  The results of her labors are available for all to see.  There are no galleries, no openings.  And it’s not just about beauty; she utilizes all of the latest information regarding the use of drought tolerant, native plants, lots of mulch and controlled watering.

Why This Topic?

Why have I shared my thoughts on my conversation with my neighbor?  Because I am one of those people who delights in the fact that creative people are all around us.  Actually, I am one who is positive that the magic resides in everyone.  In my painting classes, I have witnessed the most remarkable work from the most tentative students.  Sometimes it just needs encouragement or permission.

Here is one of my students thoroughly enjoying the experience of creating.  Robin, a new painter, was able to capture such emotion in the subject of this painting.  Good work!

Wild Abandonment

I look forward to your joining one of my acrylic painting classes.  You will be given a permission slip—not to roam the halls on your own—but to create with wild abandonment!   Won’t that be fun?

Pick Up a Brush and have Fun!