Inspiration Outing Pt2: Kathy Beynette

During my visit to Torpedo Factory, I wandered into Studio 7. Ok, "wander" is probably not the most accurate term. I've been to Studio 7 before. I'm drawn to it. The bold color and tongue-in-cheek whimsy that lives there is enough to make it a must every time I visit the factory.



Studio 7 is shared by Kathy Beynette, Tory Cowles and Sheep Jones. Each artist's distinct style works perfectly with those of the other two, creating an atmosphere in the space that is, simultaneously, energetic and harmonious.



As I browsed, I was greeted by Kathy Beynette, who like her work, immediately comes across as charming and confident. After a brief introduction she said, "I was just about to hang a new painting. Let me try it out on you first."
I happily agreed.
She looked over me, awaiting my reaction, as I took in the image and text (a song she wrote and even sang for me).
"Wow, " I said. "That's awesome. Strong."
"I'm gonna get in trouble, aren't I?" she asked, and we both laughed.
"Trouble is not always a bad thing." I answered.

The title of the piece is Mother's Day.
The focal image in the painting depicts a gun-wielding woman and a priest who seems to have run out of luck.

The opening verse reads:
When Tom came home
(he is my son)
and said what father McGee had done
I went out and bought a gun, gun, gun

Kathy is currently researching the proper organization with which to share the proceeds of this painting when it sells. She says it will be either a group that supports victims of child abuse or a group that works to expose the abuse of children by the church and subsequent coverups.

If you visit Torpedo Factory, be sure to stop by Studio 7 and check out Mother's Day in person.


Kathy Beynette with Mother's Day

Inspiration Outing: Pt 1

Yesterday was a gray and gloomy day.
I dedicated the day to soaking in some inspiration and headed to the gallery and boutique-lined streets of Old Town Alexandria.

There is no better way to recharge one's artistic batteries, than by seeing other creative folk at work or visiting an artful space.


The Torpedo Factory offers plenty of both. As the name suggests, this tremendous space was actually a torpedo factory many years ago. Located on the Potomac waterfront, it now houses six galleries, two workshops and eighty-two artist studios.






You guessed it: I would SO love some space there!
On my way home I stopped by the art supply store and treated myself to some supplies for a series of mixed media collage pieces I'm planning.

Adventures in Linocutting

I still have much to learn about linocutting. I tried my hand at another image (this one based on my Guitarrita paintings). While I am not completely unhappy with the block itself I am less than thrilled with the prints I pulled from it.

I was not successful at getting even results on the paper. The print pictured above was the best of the bunch. I don't know if my results have anything to do with the type of ink (water soluble) I'm using. Perhaps parts are beginning to dry quickly, creating the lighter spots. I don't think it has anything to do with the amount of ink (not using enough) because when I added more, the prints lacked definition and just looked...well...a mess.

The experiment continues...

For Ron

I am working on a diptych for Ron's new office at work.

Session 1:

Feet

While organizing the studio and getting rid of some excess papers I came across these old sketch book drawings of feet. I remember the day I drew these very clearly. We lived in Franklin Park NJ. The year was '97 or '98. We were sitting out in front of our condo. It was sunny and there was a slight breeze. I bet it was Spring.
I sketched while Mom read.


Me


Mom

Soccer Mom Fever

We got a van yesterday. We've talked about the practicality of purchasing one for years (transporting paintings, impulsive trips to IKEA, taking a 140 lb St. Bernard to the vet, lots of visitors on the holidays) but always reverted to sportier cars, fearing a van would be some sort of nail in a coffin of impending suburban conformity.

Well, if you can't beat them...join 'em, right?
If we're gonna do this thing we're gonna do it right.
I just ordered these for Honey's (that's her name) back window:

Brushing off the Cobwebs

I am painting once again! Yay!


Starting up Latin Pop Shop has managed to keep me out of the studio for a few weeks, but that was to be expected. LPS is still in its early stages but I think I've reached a point where I can now set a clear(er) schedule that will allow me to split my time evenly (for the most part) between the two.