All in a Day's Work of Art

Where is Miss Spring???

2011-02-23T16:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm really, really sick of gray skies and dirty snow piles. Although most of all the dirty snow piles are gone, there are still some gargantuan ugly remnants laying around. Where are the robins? I heard a rumor about one, but I haven't seen any yet. My hyacinths are poking little green spears through the ground. Good sign. The squirrels are playing tag up and down the tree trunks, but I want REAL Spring. 74 degrees and light breeze. T-shirts and capris. No salt stains on my truck. And Sandals. I want to wear sandals. Okay. I feel better. Not good, but better. I''ll feel good when Spring is here for real.

I've been gearing up on my handmade books and journals. I have an interview on Etsy slated for March 4, which will be showcasing my books. That's cool. And I've been doing small paintings, cuz small paintings have small price tags, and small price tags sell faster. I've got 2 shows lined up for May, and every Wednesday at the Toms River Farmers' Market for display of artwork and demos.

Life continues to throw personal challenges our way. My bro-in-law is facing the hardest struggle in his life, and there's no happy ending, but somehow we'll get by and we have to learn to accept the fact that it's God's will be done, not ours, and His plan is not always the easy road. Hang tough, Kev, we love you.

New Endeavors

2011-01-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

I've been busy playing with a new outlet....handmade books! I've posted a few photos, and you can let me know what you think. This is an answer to not being able to go to the studio and paint; this flu/bug/cold has been kicking my butt, and I needed a creative release to be able to do in the house. So....bookmaking!

Thoughts for the Season

2010-12-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

Wishing all my readers a very Merry Christmas! May you all strive to commit random acts of kindness, smile at strangers, and flood the Universe with thoughts of peace, love and good will. Let's all fill the world with joy, tolerance and gentle grace, so that we can reap the benefits of good Karma and perpetuate the Christmas Spirit throughout the year.

Let us remember the reason for the bright lights, gifts and sharing of friendship, for without Him in our lives, it would be a sad, dark, and lonely place.

I hope you receive everything that you need and desire this Christmas, and pay it forward as best you are able. We are all one big tribe, and family is not restricted to ancestry and blood lines, but incorporates all the people who make up your days and form your life and share your memories. No matter what observances you may follow, this is the time to put differences aside and embrace the qualities that make us human and loving and empathetic creatures. May the light of peace and love shine in your lives and make us all a little better in the coming New Year.

One Last Post for 2010

2010-12-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Just wishing those readers that celebrate Christmas a very Merry and Blessed Christmas, and may the Light continue to shine on you in whatever you endeavor to begin in 2011. For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, may the joy and warmth of your holiday envelope you and your family, and to everyone, may there be peace in your lives.

2010 was certainly a roller coaster ride, and offered some life changing decisions. I lost my employment after 8 years with the store. Lexi started Kindergarten and Katie started nursing school while working full time at night. I was able to step in and take over the responsibilities of getting Lexi to school and collecting her off the bus at noontime. What a blessing to be able to be home at exactly the time I was needed. In addition, 2010 offered me several opportunities to exhibit my art, and realize the dream of possibly making this art thing happen. I am so grateful for all of the positive things came happened this year, and I realize it very easily could've gone very wrong very quickly, so I wake up every day and say, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

To all my friends, family and friends I haven't met yet: Thank YOU for being a part of my life, and showing me what life is all about. Love and Hugs to you all, may 2011 bring you everything you need and deserve.

Finishing Up

2010-12-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

Well, the double horse portrait commission is all done, ready to be delivered. It's such a good feeling to finish a commission and really be happy with it. I have posted photos of it on Red Bubble, Fine Art America and Facebook, so you should be able to see it through the Red Bubble link at the top of this page. So, to quote Jason and Grant, "On to the next!"

Christmas is approaching very rapidly, the tree is up and decorated, and cookie baking has commenced. Of course, I don't know why I buy cookie tins to keep the cookies in; they don't last long enough to keep!

The next commission is the winner of my Facebook Photo Contest. I got so many cool photos in, I may have to award several people, but the first winner is Devon, for her cool abstracty reflections photo. Can't wait to start it.

Just wanted to check in, and report my progress. Hope you are making time to do whatever makes you happy at this holiday season. Enjoy!!

Commissions for Christmas

2010-11-30T19:22:00.000-05:00

Well, life has decided to throw me a bone....rec'd 2 more commissions for Christmas. Woo-Hoo! They are not really difficult, and they are being done in acrylics, so things should move along quite nicely.
Had to go to the art store to pick up canvases. Such a hardship, going to the art store. I bought things I didn't really need. Wanted, but didn't need. I'll use them. But no playing till the paying jobs are done.

I finished a small acrylic painting, titled "Joan of Arc" which can be seen on either Facebook or Fine Art America. Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2059488&id=1094598178
Fine Art America Link: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jean-lebaron.html

Time to get in the studio. Hope to post some more pics soon; show you all what I've been doing.

Christmas Time Warp

2010-11-12T09:20:00.000-05:00

D'jever notice how, this time of year, time as we know it seems to go into hyper speed? Really, think about it. Not only do we have the natural shortening of daylight hours, but time itself goes into a warp loop where each day until December 24 has less usable hours in it. I don't understand how this happens. All I know is, there aren't enough hours left to do everything I planned to do at the beginning of the season.

Like cookies. Last year I thought I'd make some sugar cutout cookies, and decorate them with beautiful colors of icing and sparkly sugar. Nope. Didn't happen. I managed to open a box of heat and serves with little Santas already in the cookie dough.

And wrapping presents. I'm an artist. I should be able to get creative and coordinate my papers with ribbons and bows, and clever little tie on tags that are designed by me. Nope, didn't happen. Although I did eventually get all the presents wrapped, most were missing their bows, because Big Dog sat on the bag of stick-on bows and squished them. I hate flat bows. So I didn't use them.

And tree decorating. Some people have beautifully appointed trees, one in each room, themed and color-matched, with hundreds of tiny lights, twinkling and welcoming. Well. We have one tree, an artificial tree that we bought, oh, I don't know 15 or 20 years ago. The needles on the tree fall off at a rate equal to or better than a real tree that has not seen any water in 4 weeks. The only consolation is the artificial tree needles do not become embedded in the bottom of your feet. The ornaments on the tree are almost antiques, the newest ones being the glue-and-glitter constructions that my baby made in elementary school. Same baby is now 24 and a mom herself. I can at least look forward to new ornaments this year, because Lexi has started Kindergarten. And the lights? I made sure to get the kind where they guarantee that if one goes out, the rest stay lit. And its true. Why, I'll bet there are at least 14 or 15 lights still working on the one strand. And they still blink, too. Gotta find the time to see about buying a new string of lights. Maybe 2 strings.

And back to the time warp. I meant to buy those lights last year, really I did. But time warped weirdly, and I found myself taking that time to find a Christmas Special on TV, and sitting and watching it with Lexi. Or another day, when I really meant to get all Martha-Stewart with those Christmas cookies, I inexplicably ended up teaching Lexi how to cut paper snowflakes.

And maybe that time warp is a good thing. Who cares how many different kinds of cookies you have? Do you have enough to leave one for Santa? And who cares if your tree is not perfect? Do you have a couple of badly wrapped and overly-taped presents under it? And if your lights are burning out at an alarming rate, that just means you won't be able to see the dust in the corners. And grand-kids don't care about perfection according to Better Homes and Gardens. They just want to spend time with you. They want to anticipate and wonder and hope and shine with love. They know what Christmas is all about. We should all try to act like children.

Wishing you all a very stress-free, simple, good-enough, spend time with those you love prelude to Christmas. And don't forget to give yourself a present, as well. For me, that gift is time scheduled in the studio. Even if it means I have to slice and bake later!

Affordable Art and Holidays

2010-10-23T19:25:00.000-04:00

With the holidays fast approaching and with that, holiday art boutiques, I have been busy creating "affordable art". What is affordable art, you ask? Well, in this neck of the woods, it seems that the magic number for impulse buying is hanging right around the $30 and under bracket. So, in order to attempt to cash in on this trend, (every pun intended) I have been concentrating on small ticket items. It takes less time to physically make smaller art, but it seems that the prep time is the same whether you are painting in inches or feet! So, hopefully, all the time spent on small works will pay off, and I will be able to get back to bigger but not necessarily better pieces.

Speaking of holidays, Halloween is next week, and the stores are already filling aisles with Christmas merchandise. I mean, really. I love Christmas, I really do, but I still can't seem to be able to buy any Christmas items until after Thanksgiving. I tried it once. I ended up buying 3 times as much stuff, because I kept seeing presents for one of the kids, then I'd have to buy presents for the other kids to "make it even". Not a good strategy. The kids loved it, though. Husband, not so much. So I wait till after Thanksgiving, and NEVER on Black Friday, to do my shopping. Unless I shop online on Black Friday. But I spent too many years in retail to go into a store on the day after Thanksgiving. That's just the way I roll.

I started the commissioned painting for my brother and sister-in-law. It's large (24 x 48) and so far, I think it's coming along nicely. Of course I always love the painting on the canvas at this stage; there are so many possibilities and ways to create a masterpiece. As soon as the painting is delivered, I start having second doubts, and seeing small mistakes that I feel the need to fix! But I read somewhere that most artists feel this way, so I don't obsess over it. Too much. On with the next.

The weather is supposed to be absolutely fantastic this week, so I'm looking forward to spending mornings in the studio while Lexi is in Kindergarten. Maybe I'll even post photos of the progress of the commissioned piece. Depends on how much work I can get done on it. Stay tuned, you never know what might turn up!

Relaxed, Rested and Ready to Work

2010-10-13T09:35:00.000-04:00

The summer clothes are put away, and it's back to the reality of 45 degrees in New Jersey. Mexico was glorious, and we got out just in time to avoid Hurricane Paula on the Cozumel/Maya Riviera coast. So, once again, the Fates have smiled on us, and Life is Good!

I only painted 2 paintings while on vacation; the rest of the two weeks was spent eating, sunning, and relaxing. I know, it's a tough job I have!

I will post the 2 paintings here, and on Red Bubble, as soon as I get a chance. I got back and dove right into the routine of hearth and home. Actually, it felt good to be home, I missed the kids a lot!

I will grab the memory card and start loading the pictures as soon as I finish my coffee. I've got 2 hours before Lexi is off the bus from Kindergarten. Better get crackin!

2010-09-24T12:22:00.002-04:00

Well, the paints, brushes, and canvases are packed and ready to go. I am really looking forward to getting down to our "second home" in sunny Mexico. Has it been a whole year already? So many changes this year; losing my job, working on my art full-time, having the joy of seeing my Lexi off to Kindergarten every morning. It's a wonderful life, to steal a phrase. When you look at the good with the bad, I have to say that the positives outweigh the negatives and I am feeling pretty good. Sales on RedBubble.com are increasing, and the word is getting out, which is the first step, right?

I am so psyched about this vacation. Have to remember to pack a sketchbook and pencils; forgot to put them in the suitcase. No phones, no schedules, no worries for 15 whole days. Woo-hoo! I could spend a month there; my dearly beloved gets antsy after about 6 days. Gotta keep him occupied ;)

Looks like Tropical Storm Matthew might detour around the Yucatan Peninsula. Thanks for the change in direction, Matthew. Things can get kinda dicey on the coast in a hurricane!

So all there is now to do is try and get a good night's sleep (never happens)and wake up before the sun to get to the airport. Aaaaaah. I just love vacation. See you all when we get back, and hasta luego, amigos!

Contest, commission, and Angels

2010-09-18T20:33:00.003-04:00

Contest 2 has produced another winner. My business page on Facebook, Jean LeBaron Art, has concluded it's second contest in which a genuine artwork has been awarded to one of my fans. It's always so much fun to see the reaction of the winner, and I love to make people happy, so it's a win-win situation. Now I have to start working on the next installment, maybe I'll come up with something that actually makes me money. Now, that's a novel idea. :)

I am still working on an oil painting that my brother and sister-in-law commissioned. It's rather large; 24x48, and I haven't quite decided on all the details yet, but the main body of work is in place. So far, I'm pleased with how the laying-in is going. Progress is slow, but that is to be expected. I'm a pretty busy grandma these days.

I want to take the time to thank all my friends, my family and my angels for everything they do for me. Without you, I would be lost and lonely. With you, I am free to be me.

The Art of Making Art

2010-09-16T14:46:00.003-04:00

Okay, so obviously there was only ONE PERSON who actually got the message I was trying to throw out there. And she is an absolute master of marketing, so maybe I'll switch tracks here and talk about the art of making art. Wow, something completely different.

There is an inherent drive inside of me that dictates to me that I must create art. Okay, that's a little strong. I must ATTEMPT to create art, because we all know that not everything always turns out for the best. However, I just don't understand people who say, "Oh, I just didn't feel like it today" like you have a choice in the matter. I can understand being too tired, too sick, too busy with that major annoyance called Life. But really?? You didn't feel like it? If I had my way, I would spend every day in the studio, for 10-12 hours, because I have that much stuff on my Someday list. You know, Someday I'm going to try (insert new medium/technique/subject matter here). There are so many things I want to do concerning art, and I'm getting very afraid that I won't live long enough to do them all. Maybe it's due to the fact that I chose the wife/mother/artist way of life, and there are not enough hours to do everything the way I feel they should be done. Unrealistic? Probably, but that's what I deal with. So how to fix it? I try to schedule my time in the studio when I am least likely to be interrupted. The other times, I'm planning, networking, marketing (there's that Gorilla again) or mentally preparing to paint while I'm folding laundry, making dinner or (ugh) cleaning. So what is the perfect balance? I don't know, I'm still trying to find it. Do I have regrets about the life path I chose?? Not for a minute. I wouldn't change anything at all. I am just where I'm supposed to be, and any challenges are lessons that I need to learn. So what I'm saying is, there is an art to making art, and if it came too easily I suppose there would be no joy in it. When I do get a stretch of time in the studio, I can feel myself slipping into the zone, and I don't have to think about anything but the brush in my hand, and that is a beautiful thing. So, if you are an artist, you have this voice in your head that says "Go, paint, create, and make your world better just for today", and sometimes, in spite of dust bunnies and wet towels on the floor, you go and make art.

Ooops

2010-09-15T13:30:00.002-04:00

Uh, oh, did I scare everybody with the mention of (gasp!) Marketing? The ol' blog got pretty quiet all of a sudden. Well, I sure didn't mean to scare you all off into corners, cowering and whimpering. But it is an important part of what we do, so I thought I'd spend some minutes discussing it. But if you don't want to hear it............then I suppose you are either raking in money hand over fist with your art and you don't need marketing, OR.......the subject scares you. And well it should. Marketing analysts get paid really good money to do what they do, and we could all take something home from that. Think of your favorite commercial. Is it funny, is it to the point, is it annoyingly stuck in your head for days? That's exactly what you have to do with your art branding. Get it stuck in everyone's head, but in a good way, so that when they need a gift, a print, a wedding present, Christmas cards, or a new full sized painting for that spot over the fireplace in their dream home, they think of you!! C'mon, let's hear from you, even if it's just to tell me that you don't want to hear about marketing anymore. :P

A 900-pound Gorilla named Marketing

2010-09-14T11:13:00.004-04:00

The FaceBook Contest #2 is about to be finalized, with the winner announced on Saturday, Sept 18, at 6 pm. There seems to be some confusion as to why I would give an original painting away. Well, let me explain.

In order to create a brand for my art, it has to be known and recognized. Jean LeBaron Art is rarely known outside of NJ, so I decided to create a Facebook page so that my art could be viewed by many people in different areas of the country. And it's working. I even have fans that live overseas. So you see, the method in my madness is not quite so insane as some would believe. Still, others may argue that the artist is still as mad as ever, but really, that is all part of the plan, too. It makes people wonder what in the world I'll be up to next, and that's a good thing. Someone once told me to start a rumor that I can only paint in my studio, in the nude. I never started that rumor, because it hit too close to the truth. :D

Marketing your art is a full-time endeavor, and I can see why many artists hire someone to do all the mailings, inventory, marketing, research, and P.R. Some artists see marketing as the 900-pound gorilla in the room, ignoring him because it takes too much time away from Making Art. Let's face it; it takes almost as much creativity to promote as it does to make the actual artwork. And it makes my brain tired. But no one is going to beat a path to your studio door without you getting your name and work out there, so it becomes a necessary evil. There are a million books, workshops and seminars dedicated to marketing your art. Unless you are the 1/2 of 1 percent who are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time with the right artwork, you are going to have to market yourself if you want to sell your art. And I want to sell my art. So............there you have it.

Artists are creative types, and it always amazes me that artists spend so little time in coming up with creative ideas for marketing, name recognition and promotion. Spend an hour making a list of the different ways you can promote yourself. You'll be surprised at what you may come up with!

Monday, Monday

2010-09-13T09:02:00.006-04:00

The start of a brand new week. All of the possibilities, the plans, the good intentions are looming before me like a giant hot air balloon. I have received the go-ahead for the 24x48 inch commission and I'm anxious to begin laying it out on the canvas; it's going to be a complex piece, so I want to be sure I have all the bugs worked out before I actually begin painting. It's exciting to start a new piece, I always wonder if it will be a struggle or a breeze. We'll see!

The weather for the party on Saturday was picture perfect. I think everyone had a good time. The last guests left somewhere around 11 pm, and I started to clean up but didn't quite get everything done before I fell into bed!! Hubby was pleased and I think everyone had a good time. I know I did!

The responses about the rose painting have been good. I think I'm going to paint the pale rose.

You can see the other choices on my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Jean-LeBaron-Art/110162672364467

The canvas is a circular 46 inch convex edge, and I don't even think Tara (Fredrix) makes them anymore. I've been saving it for over 15 years. I think it's time to use it! I'll post Work-in-Progress photos as the journey begins. I have to start working on the commission first, though. Good business practices and all that.

I sold a giclee over the weekend to my brother and sister-in-law. Thank you guys!! I really appreciate the support. I am blessed with a fantastic family and an awesome circle of friends, and they surround me with a huge blanket of love. I can only hope to keep sending the same love and positive energy right back to them!

Start your Monday off with good vibes and happy thoughts, and it will follow you all week. I'm going out to the studio now to pay homage to my Muse and give thanks to God, the Universe and my guardian angel for allowing me to do what I love. Peace and love to all of you, too!

Roses, roses, roses!

2010-09-10T15:48:00.003-04:00

Wednesday was the 32nd anniversary of our first date. I recieved 32 roses, one for each year. Each Sept 8, I get a rose for every year we've been together. Yeah, I know. He is one in a million. :) Anyway, they are absolutely gorgeous, all different hues, and HUGE! I took a few pictures, (after my middle daughter saw them and took pictures first) and I have been saving a very large (46 inch diameter) canvas for years, waiting for the perfect painting for it. Well, I have my reference shots. It would be perfect, it doesn't need to be framed, because it's the Convexo line (tapered edges) and besides, where the hell am I going to find a 46 inch circular frame? But, I digress.

The problem now is which color rose to paint. The coral peach with golden edges? The deep red one that looks like velvet? The lavender one with traces of blue in the shadows? Oh, wait, the cream one with deep yellow towards the center? Or the pale yellow with golden orange streaks? There is a pink one that changed my mind about the color pink; I always thought pink was a wishy-washy color. Well, not on this rose! It sings, it blushes, it pulsates with energy. So, now you see. I have a dilemma about color again. With a 46 inch painting, you gotta be REEEEEALLY careful about which color you choose, considering the rose will be taking up the entire canvas. And that's a lot of color on the wall. So, if you're out there and you have an opinion, I'd really like to hear it, cuz I'm stumped!

Ask not what art can do for you....

2010-09-09T16:47:00.004-04:00

What are you doing to support the arts? I mean, not just creating your own work and marketing it, but what are you doing to promote art in general? Do you belong to a local art group? Do you attend Artist Receptions at galleries? Do you volunteer at a guild, a museum, at your local school? How many people a day do you meet that don't know you're an artist? Do you always carry business cards and at least photos of your work? Are you doing everything in your power to make friends, relatives, co-workers, and even complete strangers realize how precious art is? Take an informal survey among people you know. How many of them own even one piece of original art? A signed print? A sculpture? In times of economic difficulties, art has always been a refuge, a protest, a way to raise public morale, and an indicator of political involvement, either for good or bad.
Make a statement. Make a stand. Make a difference. Make Art!!

Images and Blessings

2010-09-08T12:46:00.003-04:00

The images running around my head are getting desperate to be let out! I think that I will have to spend some time prepping a few canvases so I can start smearing some paint. I still have a few days until Spouse's birthday party, but things are coming along nicely in that department, so maybe (are you listening, Universe??) I can get in there tonight and put to rest the insistent images that prevent me from falling asleep at a decent hour!

I have some frames taking up valuable space in the studio; seems like I should put them to use, so I think I'll stretch some canvases to fit them. Nothing like putting the cart before the horse, huh?

I'm going to be very busy this next year, and not just creating and marketing art. My daughter just started a very intense concentrated study nursing course, and she'll be working full-time at night, to boot. I'll have our granddaughter pretty much all day, with the exception of 2 1/2 hours of Kindergarten, so I'm back to painting in small batches, or at night. But I wouldn't trade places for anything, my lovely little lady is a blessing in my life, and I'm privileged to be able to spend so much time with her. I really love my life, and the varied, unforeseen circumstances that have put me here are an amazing testimony to the premise of God putting you where you need to be, when you need to be there. Life is soooooooo good. :)

Goodbye Summer, Hello Studio

2010-09-06T22:05:00.006-04:00

Summer is officially over, and I'm feeling a little melancholy. It's time for moving indoors, looking inward and creating a new body of work. I'm going to try and integrate both my styles of painting in a new series, not exactly sure where this is going, but it should be interesting. I'd really like to start on this immediately, but this week I'll be concentrating on the upcoming milestone birthday party for my bestest honey. So, in the meantime, I'll have to settle for creating a spectacular birthday celebration for him!

I could cheerfully spend all my time flitting from one art reception to another, attending shows and scoping out galleries. I always get so inspired from seeing all the great art that is being made. I love that all my artist friends are so generous with advice, and the conversations are always lively and funny and interesting. Since creating art in the studio is such a solitary business, I am grateful that we can get together and discuss our creative blocks and breakthroughs, and how to ignore the voices that threaten our commitment to keep on going. I love what I do, most of the time, and I especially love the all wonderful people in my life who, in one way or another, drive me to continue on this crazy, beautiful and scary ride called Life.

New Shows; New Art

2010-08-30T18:55:00.002-04:00

The last couple of months have been crazy busy. I am now unemployed, no day job, and trying to make a go of the art gig. This is much harder than a 9-to-5. I am happily exhausted! Check out the neat slide show at the top of the page. You can now order prints of several of my paintings directly from RedBubble, and they start as low as $2.00. Yes, $2.00!!
Also, if you are involved on Facebook (and who isn't?) you can visit my page there : Jean LeBaron Art : and enter to win an ORIGINAL oil painting titled "Sunflower, Turning". Look for it on the slide show.
I just wrapped up a Solo Show at Idiosyncrazies Gallery in Point Pleasant Beach, I was Miss August, and their first solo exhibitor. What great fun that was. Sharon is a terrific person and her gallery is brimming with unique art and gifts for everyone.
Shows for the month of September include a month long exhibit at the Ocean County Library, Toms River Branch, and a one-day show on September 4 at the Ocean County Historical Society's Annual Antiques Faire, from 9-4. Stop by and say "hey". And support your artists.

back with a vengeance

2010-01-22T19:18:00.004-05:00

and painting the aforementioned series. I'm off on a whole new tangent, a real departure for me and my style of painting. It's exhilarating, and so much harder than I thought. BUT...you'll all have to wait for the unveiling when I debut this series at The Cookie Cab in May. There will be a show there, invitation-only artists, and lots of publicity and hoopla, not to mention the best damned cookies in all of Ocean County, and probably farther, but I don't get out much, so suffice it to say, that the cookies are best I've had, and the selection is crazy. They even make gluten-free, so you have no excuses. Anyway, the time is getting close for the Art Show and Sale on May 15th. Have you gotten your application in? Better hurry, there are only so many spaces available, and its first-come, first-served. Call me for more info @ 732-674-2486.

A New Series??

2009-09-06T13:30:00.003-04:00

I am contemplating a new series of paintings, smaller in size, vast in subject. I have been obsessed lately with images from space, and have decided to try and capture the majesty and utter grandness in oils and canvas. If I am successful I will post the images here as they are finished. This is another departure for me, as I normally do NOT do anything in a series. So, either I am stretching out toward new horizons, or I'm putting the cart before the horse in announcing a series of something that there's not even one of yet. Oh, well. Time will tell.

What exactly Does a Co-Director Do, Anyway?

2009-08-21T08:57:00.004-04:00

Jean LeBaron, Co-Director
732-674-2486
email: CancunMs@aol.com

Good Morning! I have just been named Co-Director, along with Amy Boyd, of the Toms River Artists' Co-operative, Exit 81, otherwise known as TRACx81. I am thrilled and honored, and I just hope that I can meet all of the expectations and do the job as well as our retired Prez, Yvonne Yaar. She was the Founder, she had the vision, she did all the legwork and molded our organization into what it is today. A big Thank You and a Job Well Done!

We are quickly seeing Summer come to a close, although you wouldn't know it by the weather. Hot and humid, we are truly into the dog days of summer, and soon September will be here, and starting September 1, TRACx81 will have an exhibit at the Ocean County Library in Toms River. The exhibit will run from September 1st through the 29th. Please make an effort to visit the Library in September and check out the great artwork offered by our group of artists.

Art Bistro Article Highlights Jersey Art

2009-08-06T20:32:00.003-04:00

Jersey may be the Garden State, but sitting in gridlock on the turnpike is no walk in the park. Instead it’s a walk through . . . an art gallery. In place of the usual beer ads and movie posters, this summer two billboards went up that feature scenic landscape paintings. “When I was living in NYC, the whole concept of New Jersey was this barren wasteland, and I can understand why,” says Gary Godbee, whose painting of an idyllic farm now graces a billboard outside Trenton. “But New Jersey is a gorgeous state with amazing variation, and that’s what we’re trying to show people.” Godbee, who now lives in Westfield, NJ, and Hoboken artist Tim Daly inaugurated the Palisades Highway Art Gallery.
In the coming months, 10 new billboards will go up around the state featuring other artists’ visions. And while traffic might be the bane of commuters everywhere, it’s actually key to enjoying these billboard paintings. In fact, the artists whose work is on display might be the only people in Jersey praying for gridlock. “A car is not the best place to appreciate art,” says Godbee. "And if you’re whizzing along at 60 it hardly registers. But if you’re stuck in traffic and can really see the art, then maybe you’ll think, ‘OK, this drive is not a total waste of time.’ "
Unlike with most art galleries, Jersey drivers can actually choose which paintings and photographs they want up on the “walls.” Voting is open until Aug. 7 at drivewithasmile.palisades.com, where hundreds of the most scenic Jersey landscapes can be voted on. Most are pretty flattering to the Garden State, so don’t expect the North Jersey urban wastelands to be appearing on the billboards. As for the danger that art-loving speed demons might keep their eyes on the paintings too long and forget to watch the road, Ed Fernandez, the CEO of auto insurance company Palisades – the sponsor of the highway art gallery – says not to worry. “There’s a lot documentation that billboards don’t distract drivers.” -Art Bistro

This is the best news to come out of NJ in a while. What with corruption and destruction all but taking over the newspapers, this article is a breath of fresh air, and a boost to NJ artists everywhere in our state. It's a first in the whole nation, and I expect other states will be taking up the challenge soon. Woo-hoo!

Prospectus and Application for Art Show and Sale!

2009-07-08T20:28:00.003-04:00

It's done! The Call to Artists has now been joined with the Prospectus and Application for the 1st Annual St. Paul Art Show and Sale! Scroll down the page and you'll see both "Call to Artists" and "Application" on the left hand side of the page. Please consider entering this show; for the money, you won't find a better value. I know it's a little early, but just think how quickly time has flown since Christmas, and soon we will be thinking about Labor Day and the holidays right after that, and you know you'd like to recoup some of the money you've spent on materials and supplies. Why not start working on smaller pieces that can sell for less, and stimulate your own economy? Send all inquiries to me at my e-mail address CancunMs@aol.com or leave a comment on this blog, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Open Call

2009-06-29T21:27:00.002-04:00

Here it is, the Open Call to Artists is posted and it only took me 35 minutes! Soon to follow will be the Prospectus and Application. I am becoming a computer whiz despite my misgivings. Time marches on and I will not be left behind in the dust. Well, maybe I'll still be in the dust, but I'll definitely be in the middle of the pack. At least I'm learning as I go.

Summer has finally arrived at the Jersey Shore, and I am eternally grateful that we actually had 3 days of warm sunshine. For a while, I thought we would have rain every day all summer long. Miserable weather, but the blueberries are fabulous this year, and we've already staked out a secret location. Yumm! We went out tonight for 30 minutes, and came home with about a half gallon, and that was after The Granddaughter ate a third of them! So now the hard part will be deciding what to do with them. Husband warned me to decide fast, or she'll eat them all before we make a pie or muffins or whatever. Nothing better than fresh blueberries, and these are absolutely delicious.

Hmmmmmm. This is art blog, after all, so let's talk art. I've been playing with the idea of doing something wacky, abstract, edgy, off the cuff, not my usual style at all. I got a great book on the images taken by the Hubble Telescope, and it really got my creative juices flowing. So I want to experiment with some different materials, and play a little. I'll let you know what transpires.

Mad Rantings

2009-06-18T20:57:00.003-04:00

Okay, new equation: permanent damage in right arm and shoulder + days upon days of rain and roller-coaster barometers = constant pain accompanied by a lethargic, non-creative, anti-productive state-of-mind, multiplied by a self-imposed guilt trip for not creating, and divided by not enough time for work, house, family, and me. Result? I'm not painting. And I'm resenting it, but there is no-one to blame. It's just life. And right now, it's not fun.

And to make it all just that much better, I recently had a birthday which was a not-too-subtle reminder that this is now a way of life, and not likely to get easier or better in the future. Or ever. So what are my choices? Can't order a day with more hours in it, or change my physicality, or stop being a wife and mom,or quit my job, so the choice comes down to what? Not sleep? Not likely. Okay, maybe sleep less? Fine line here between tired and zombie. And seeing as how I work with sharp bladed instruments all day at work, not a good idea to be dead on my feet all day. Arrggggh. Why does my life have to be so.......normal? Just wanna paint. That's all. But I don't really want to give up everything we've worked so hard for, either. Okay, I admit it, I am a spoiled rotten example of the baby boomer American woman with all of the attributes of a whiny princess on Valium. So, now what? Somebody kick me in the assets, and point me to the Studio door, cause this is Life and and you don't get a Mulligan.

Well, thanks for that little pep talk. I do believe it helped, and I'm feeling oh-so-relieved that my disease is not life-threatening, and is most likely attributable to some form of mental deficiency. :)

My Muse

2009-06-01T21:35:00.005-04:00

The Shore Institute of Contemporary Art (SICA) has a great exhibit on now through July. For more info, go to http://www.sica.org/

MAY 29- JULY 2
EXHIBITION
FRESH MEAT / YOUNG BLOOD
This exhibition will again feature the best "new blood" that New Jersey has to offer. Reception: Sunday, 5/31, 3-6 pm.

I spent the entire day playing with my granddaughter. What fun!! She is the light of my life, and I never get tired of being a part of her life. She is bright, funny, imaginative, and theatrical. I think all artists, and most people, would be far better off spending time with a 4-year-old, instead of wasting time working and making money. Not that I make money while I'm working, but you get the idea! She is so free and creative, and it rubs off on me when I'm with her. She is truly my muse and inspiration, and she sees it as playing. How cool is that? Nothing better, I'm telling you!

Studio Messes and Upcoming Events

2009-05-27T20:38:00.004-04:00

Okay, the long holiday weekend is over, and its back to reality. I did manage to continue working on a painting I started some time ago, and I came home from work today to find that the almost 4 year old granddaughter had gotten into my studio and "experimented". Sigh. Now the door is locked if I'm not home, and I have the keys with me. Thank goodness she "painted" on her own stuff and not mine, but in order to keep her safe and me sane, the lock is on. I thought those days were over, LOL!

I have been very lax in scoping out new exhibits, but 'tis the season for outdoor shows and festivals, so there should be no excuses for not going to see all the wonderful talent in our area.

Art in the Park, Bay Head Saturday June 13 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bay Head Business Association Over 45 professional artists selling original paintings, drawings and high quality limited edition prints in an outdoor show in Centennial Park, Bay Head (off of Bridge Avenue behind the municipal parking lot). Musical entertainment, within walking distance to the shops, restaurants and galleries. Three blocks from the beach. Rain date: Sunday, June 14th.Location: Centennial Park, Bridge Avenue, Bay Head Cost: Free to the public Phone: (732) 892-7776Website: http://bayhead.biz/activities/artpark.htm Accessibility: handicap parking, bathrooms, etc

LBI Artist Open Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, June 27 & 28 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences support the growing arts community on LBI, where many accomplished visual artists live and work. On this self-directed tour see the artists and their aspiring artwork in their local studios. View artwork in all media. Pick-up a guide book at the LBIF or online at www.lbiartists.com. Location: 120 Long Beach Blvd., Loveladies Cost: Free and Open to the Public Phone: (609) 494-1241Website: www.lbifoundation.org

Just two of a myriad of local art venues that you can visit and the cost for these two are FREE!

Exhibits and Shows

2009-05-21T22:12:00.004-04:00

The motion for the Art Show was passed last night. Now the hard work begins. I am a little afraid that once more I have bitten off more than I can chew, but I have the support of my wonderful husband and two grown daughters, and I'm sure I can persuade the already very busy and involved people of the Council to chip in and make this work. My dilemma is a moral one at this point. Do I, as the chief organizer of this art show, allow myself to exhibit? I am having mixed feelings about it, part of me feels that I should exclude myself, but the other part of me wants to exhibit. As an artist, I feel that that every opportunity to show and sell should be embraced, and I would certainly pay for my space like everyone else. Does anyone have an opinion on this?? Let me know.

The TRACx81 general meeting was held tonight. Pitifully, only 4 members showed up for the meeting. Our president is stepping down after 2 years for personal reasons, and we need a new leader. We also discussed the necessity of rethinking our future goals and purpose. So a lot of heavy serious discussion was bounced back and forth, but with only four members and one impartial non-member present, not too much was accomplished. I am afraid that if we go in the direction of our original vision, there will be a core group of perhaps 8 people who make all the decisions and do all the work. Pretty much what we have now. So, it looks like we in a state of flux.

now, the good news! Yvonne is having a solo show at the Ocean County Artist's Guild during the month of June. Her show is titled "Playing with Fire" and I can't wait to go! If you don't know Yvonne, she is an amazing glass artist with tremendous insight and creativity. The Artist's Guild is located on the corner of Ocean and Chestnut Streets in Island Heights. Make sure you get to see her work. Awesome stuff.
Playing With Fire - Solo Exhibit - Yvonne Yaar, Glass ArtistSunday, June 7 through Tuesday, June 301:00pm - 4:00pm; opening reception June 7, 1:00pmOcean County Artists' GuildGlass artist Yvonne Yaar creates both wall art/sculpture and glass jewelry. Yvonne feels her art incorporates themes of motherhood, love of nature, humor, politics and addiction. She is also president and founder of the local art co-operative TRACx81.Location: Ocean and Chestnut Avenues, Island HeightsCost: FreePhone: (732) 270-3111Website: www.ocartistsguild.org

As soon as I get a date nailed down for the Artist's Show and Sale at St. Paul's in Beachwood, I will post it and also start accepting applications for artists. Also look for a list of upcoming art events for the summer, all posted here as I receive them.

Proposals and Dry Spells

2009-05-20T07:08:00.003-04:00

Tonight I will hand in my proposal for a Fine Art Show to be held next Spring. I'm pretty confident it will be accepted; it's a win-win situation for them: I do the work, they get the benefit. This is the second time I've organized a show like this, the last one being in the early eighties, so it's been a while since I actually did one. I wonder if there was a reason I didn't organize a show for over 20 years? Lucky for me I have MMF (menopausal memory failure) so I am going into this endeavor absolutely free of any bad past experiences. And I'm sure there are some.

I have entered a no-create zone. Something like the twilight zone, without Rod Serling. Last night I was all ready to go into the studio and start throwing paint on canvas, but life threw another curve ball, this one being in the form of a 3-year-old granddaughter who needed outside playtime and then a bath. I don't know about you, but my ability to say "no" to a 3-year-old ended when my own kids grew up. Now the grandkid says pleeeeeeeeeease and I follow blindly, unwilling and unable to refuse her requests. Maybe it has something to do with time flying by, going faster and faster the older I get. I give up. So anyway, the gist of it is, still no new work in the studio, although even I have to admit, it's been quite a long dry spell. So my goal for this week is to create one small study. Not even going to say a real painting. Because I can feel myself sliding into a complacent state of mind, and that spells doom for me. I have to be in a state of agitation, of chaos, of just-this-side-of-panic to produce in volume. Because easy and relaxed kills my Muse. Nothing inspires me more than to be under pressure, and even self-induced pressure can work. The hardest stroke of the brush is the first one, and I have 2 or 3 paintings that are begging to be finished, as well. One is a very loose portrait of my daughter and granddaughter at the beach. Remember how I said I don't do portraits? Well, this is not a portrait, per se, sort of an impressionistic rendering. But it's not finished. So maybe instead of starting a new one, I should work on that. The hard part is done on that one, already blocked in and everything. Okay, I've talked myself into it. After work, after proposal giving, I'm going to go take another look at the beach portrait and maybe even mix some paint. Pray for me, that nothing else gets in line in front of the studio tonight!

Success! and Thanks!

2009-05-16T18:42:00.003-04:00

Well, the much-touted, highly anticipated Toms River Art and Music Fest is over. Well, the Art part, anyway. Music goes until 9 p.m. tonight. It turned out to be a fabulous day. Bright sunny with a breeze (gusty at times) but overall, it was great. Kudos to Rich Kushinsky, who garnered a prize and woo-hoos to every participant who had faith that it would not rain.

Many heartfelt thanks to my buddy Mike Brennan, who showed up bright and early to help unload, set up, babysat while I had to go to work, and then helped break down everything and load up. Without you, Mike, I wouldn't have been able to participate. So, thankyouthankyouthankyou and let's set up another night for dinner.

Many many thanks to Yvonne Yaar for her undying dedication and tireless work to make this event happen. You're the best, Eve, and I love ya! I still need that coffee date.

Also need to thank all the behind-the-scenes people for their parts, but this is sounding like the Academy Awards, so let it suffice to say, The First Annual Toms River Art and Music Fest was an awesome day! If you missed it, you can always catch us next year.

The Final Countdown

2009-05-14T21:42:00.003-04:00

Okay, artists and art fans. It is now 38 hours 15 minutes to DTR Art and Music Fest, 12 noon, Saturday, May 16, 2009. Everyone is scrambling to get the last minute details attended to. The latest weather report says cloudy, warm, not too windy, possible rain toward evening. Keep your fingers crossed! From what I've seen and heard, this should prove to be an awesome show. Lots of very talented artists, and don't forget 2 rockin bands for your listening pleasure. Kick off "Summer at the Shore" with a visit to Huddy Park, Toms River, corner of Main St and Washington St at the River. While you're downtown, don't forget to stop by Erickson's and scope out the huge clearance sale on all art supplies and drafting supplies. See you Saturday!
www.downtowntomsriver.com

Jimi, Inventories, and Challenges

2009-05-13T22:23:00.009-04:00

I just finished printing my art inventory for the show on Saturday, and realized I never took photos of "Jimi Hendrix". I painted a very nontraditional portrait, sort of "other-worldly". It was a challenge from my dearly beloved. We had been sitting in the studio, and a Hendrix song came on the radio, and he said, "Why don't you paint a picture of Hendrix?" Now, you have to understand, I don't do portraits. Ever. So of course I couldn't get this idea out of my head. I tried to paint him all serene and happy, kinda stoked on life, so to speak. It just wasn't working. So I started talking to the painting, saying, "What do you want me to do, Jimi?" (This was not an isolated moment of insanity; I talk to inanimate objects all the time.) I was totally frustrated with the painting, so I changed the face to a scowl and sullen stare, and voila! Now it had some emotion. I put him in a psychedelic swirly cloud and the whole painting changed. I don't think I'll do a series of dead rock and roll musicians, though. But as a challenge, it got me thinking outside my usual box, and if you don't stretch, you don't grow, right? So here's the painting of James Marshall Hendricks, from the other side.

"Jimi Hendrix", Oil on Canvas, 30H x 24W, (c)Jean LeBaron

Listings, Impulse Buys and Allergies

2009-05-12T20:18:00.003-04:00

The new issue of Art Calender arrived in the mail today. They have a great feature called "the listings" which lists national and international Call to Artists. It occurred to me that this would make a great link to this blog, so I added it to the links list. It is quite extensive, so take a few minutes and check it out. Could be that your next opportunity is just waiting for you to submit an application!

I bought some 300 pound watercolor paper today. I am not sure why. I don't paint in watercolor. But I could always gesso it and paint in oils. It was an impulse buy and I usually end up having to find a place to store those types of purchases, but you never know. I might be inspired to actually use it one of these days.

I seem to be in a creative slump. Could be the fact that I am in the throes of allergy misery. The insidious yellow-green pine pollen has invaded my body, producing massive amounts of mucous. Yuccch. I am self-medicating with all of the over-the-counter remedies I can find. Still yuccch. So by the time I get home I just want to vegetate. Not good for producing art. I am hoping that I can schedule some serious studio time this weekend. (Sunday and Monday) I must get cranky when I don't paint, cuz Hubby not-so-subtly suggested that I start painting something SOON. :) After 30 years, he knows me better than anyone, and sometimes better than I know myself.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T18:07:00.003-04:00

Won't be around tomorrow, so thought I'd better post this tonight. Hope all the moms have a stupendous day tomorrow, full of sappy cards, sticky hugs and lots of love. Our morning will be spent in church, then it's pick up the mom- and dad-in-law for a jaunt up the turnpike to Newark Airport. They are going to Norway for a visit to family and general vacation stuff. Then it's back down the turnpike to visit my mom and dad. Hubby asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day, and do you know....I couldn't think of a thing. Either I'm very content, or Senility has set in.

Since this is an Art Blog, I must mention that I got the new Utrecht catalog in the mail today. I suppose I'm going to have to start ordering supplies online like the rest of the world, but really. How do you choose a brush out of a catalog? You can't hold it, feel the balance, check the bristles or anything. I'm going to have to think about this long and hard. Luckily for me I probably have 2 1/2 lifetimes of supplies in the studio, but still. (Pause for melodramatic and melancholy sigh.)

Hope you all can stop by the Toms River Art and Music Fest next Saturday. There's going to be a whole bunch of talent there. Would hate for you to miss it. Stay well, be happy and keep your art flowing.

Blowout Clearance Sale @ Erickson's

2009-05-08T21:15:00.002-04:00

It's like that old joke..."I have good news and bad news..."; except that it's not funny. Erickson's Custom Framing and Art Supplies in downtown Toms River has finally succumbed to the plight of most independant art supply stores. The big box stores and the "cheaper on the Internet" mentalities have killed the last remaining true fine art supplier in Ocean County. Erickson's sadly announced that they are having a 50% off clearance sale on all the art and drafting supplies in the store. They will, in the future, concentrate on custom framing, with more emphasis on showing local artists' work in the gallery section. As an artist, and employee of Erickson's, I am totally bummed that this hard decision had to be made. BUT, for you folks that like to save a buck or two, and I know you're out there cuz I hear it every day, everything is 50% off the listed price. Everything. One half off. Yes, the paper is 50% off. Paint. Brushes. Canvas. Pencils. Markers. Portfolios. Everything. So get your butts in to Erickson's before all the good stuff's gone. And when you come in, please don't ask me where you're going to get your art supplies now, cuz I don't know, either. :(

DTR Drama

2009-05-07T19:41:00.002-04:00

Okay, it's time to vent a little. In my experience, artists as a group are friendly, outgoing, eager to share their time and expertise, and supportive of each other. That being said, there always is the rare exception to the rule, and the inflated ego of one such exception has reared its ugly head. I received a phone call today from a friend of mine, who happened to be the recipient of a very negative communication from one such inflated ego with a large chip on his shoulder. She was understandably upset and confused, and just needed to be assured that she had done nothing wrong. WELL. Of course she had done nothing wrong. IMHO, this self-absorbed crybaby deserves nothing less than to be tossed out on his ear. I still don't get it. After a considerable time on this earth dealing with many different personalities, I would think that people could make an effort to try and get along with each other, at least in a business/casual relationship that doesn't involve more than polite conversation. Puh-lease. It's not that hard.

Okay, I'm finished. Just had to get that out.

On a brighter note, it looks like it's going to be a gorgeous Mother's Day. Woo-hoooo! And, I received a beautiful bouquet of lilies from daughter K and granddaughter A today, that are just begging to be painted. As soon as they open up a little more. So, all in all, life is good. I've learned that you sometimes have to search for the bright spots, but they're out there if you look hard enough. So keep your eyes open for the good things, and let the junk roll into the gutter. After venting a little, of course.

Free entry into competition

2009-05-06T21:14:00.004-04:00

For those of you who could use a little extra cash, here is a link to a juried art competition with prizes totalling $12,000. It is free to enter, and takes about 4-5 minutes or less, depending on your computer skills. What have you got to lose?

Utrecht Art Supplies is proud to announce our 60th Anniversary Art Competition, in appreciation for the patronage of Artists over the past six decades. All Artists are invited to submit works created in Oil, Acrylic,Watercolor or Mixed Media*.Winning entries will be judged on quality, creativity and originality. Editors of American Artist, Utrecht Resident Artist and Artists from the Ridgewood Art Institute will serve as jurors.
*The mixed media category is open to two-dimensional, unique, original works of art created with more than one drawing or painting materials. Sorry, we are not able to accept works of art that include three-dimensional, computer-generated, or photographic images.

http://www.utrechtart.com/contest/

Hope you enjoyed the 2 hours of sun we had this afternoon. I was at work. I did sneak outside for about 5 minutes, it was glorious. Now it looks like we're going to have rain again till Sunday.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T18:46:00.004-04:00

I could use a little Mexico in my life today...we've had rain for 5 days now. My brain is getting soggy. I am sitting here thinking about neon-aqua water and palm trees in 80 shades of green. Mmmmmmmmmm. Add in a mango-colored sunset sky, and I can almost smell the lime in my margarita. ah, well.

The Art and Music Fest in Toms River is shaping up, and hopefully we'll have all this rain out of the way for May 16. Last night we did a dry run setup of the display (in the living room, cuz, well, it was raining) and it seems as though everything is good to go. I just have to decide what paintings to display.

I am planning several paintings in my head at the moment; you know, the preliminary stage before you actually put something down on paper, pre-thumbnails, pre-value sketch, pre-everything. But they are not going away, so I know that these will end up as oil on canvas in the near future. So I suppose you will hearing more about them, and possibly even seeing pictures. I think I'll go gesso a canvas, and see what happens.

this just in.......

The Artist's Magazine Annual Art Competition Deadline Extended to May 8
Because of an extraordinarily high volume of traffic on our site last week, some artists experienced difficulties in submitting digital entries to our 2009 annual contest. We're sorry! We are therefore extending the deadline a week. The deadline for entries to The Artist's Magazine's 26th Annual Art Competition is now May 8th, 2009.Click here to enter.
If you would like to forward this newsletter to a friend, click here.

Watch this Space.....

2009-05-04T21:53:00.003-04:00

for future information on "call for Artists", upcoming shows, and news and views on the Ocean County Art Scene. Don't forget, May 16, from 12-5, Art and Music Fest at Huddy Park, downtown Toms River, New Jersey. Stop by and support your local artists.