Oh my word! Where do I begin?!
What a thrill-ride this show opening was. Now, I don't know if the glow will wear off as I get back in my studio or not, but I do know that I am addicted!
For those of you who are just beginning to follow my work, this is my first experience attending an art show opening with the International Guild Of Realism in which a work of mine was accepted. That alone is an amazing story.
The Guild put together such a wonderful package for us. It started Thursday evening with a sneak peek at the show followed by dinner at Bistro A Vin, where participating artists and Guild officials got to know one another. Wes and I sat with Camille Engel, who won "Best Trompe L'Oeil. Her work is fascinating! She and I shared some shop talk while Wes enjoyed hearing and telling animated sports stories with Camille's husband and brother & sister-in-law. He's so good at that!
The next day, the group went on a walking tour of Charleston's historic district. As fascinating as the history was, I found myself more deeply moved by the beautiful architecture. I kept falling behind the group as we walked the cobbled streets. Mesmerized by the charming beauty of the doorways and windows, I took dozens of images. I could see each one as the perfect backdrop for a potential bird painting.
Ok, now I've always been a little weird that way, staring long at things I might want to paint. But I noticed that I was not the only one! Several in our group had to constantly struggle to catch up, to the mild consternation of our tour guide. They hired her because she is reportedly quite famous, yet all we wanted to do was take photos of doors. Fame is a fickle friend.
Back to the comfort of the hotel just long enough to get gussied up for the opening, and my heart was doing flip-flops again. I wasn't sure how to behave, entirely. I had purchased a great walking stick in well-justified anticipation of the long walking tour, so I had something to do with my hands, at least. The weather outside was perfect. PERFECT! So lots of visitors stopped in along with the many collectors whom the gallery had invited. The picture above was actually taken during a short lull. I got to speak with a few admirers as they took in the spectacular work on display.
Funny, isn't it, that I spent far more time conversing about the work of others than about mine. But you know, that's the way it should be. Artists should support each other at a group show. I know that I am only just beginning to get some recognition for my work and that there are so many others whose work is far better rendered. But that's precisely WHY I asked to join this group. I wanted to surround myself with the best of the best so that one day....one very fine day...the "Best Of Show" ribbon might just be next to MY painting!
Do me a favor will you? In the midst of your busy....stop and listen for birdsong.
Jan
p.s. If you would like to be included in my next drawing for a small feather painting you can subscribe now at
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