Catching up with a smile

Getting updated for all of the blogs is first on the agenda. Most of my work now is digital, but not ready for prime time yet. The goal is to initiate a piece via Corel Painter and then print it on archival paper. Once printed it will be the basis for additions using mixed media technique. During slower times, it is time for experimentation!
The image above is all about humor and hangs in our second bathroom/art gallery. The theme of the bathroom is all about art. Color scheme is based on the primary colors of red, yellow and blue, with lots of white because of the fixtures, vanity and wood trim.

Things to come

ArtGallery Old Naples just finished up a group show. I was among 7 artists who shared the walls of this charming gallery owned by artist and pastel painter, Karen Stone.
In February I will be back at this same gallery with some new work tailored for small spaces.

It appears that in January I will have a presence in another spot, details of which will be posted and e-mailed to subscribers.
The winter months are "season" in this part of Florida. Although some cultural events have been feeling the pinch of uncertain economic times, escape from day to day worries can help lift one's spirit. I hope these new opportunities will do the same for patrons and potential patrons.

Significant news

I am being represented by a new gallery in St. Charles, Illinois.  I am quite excited about this because this gallery is going to represent two of my old buddies from the American Academy as well.  

Showing with friends is always nice.

The gallery's name is :

bridges 

A gallery of Fine Art

The above is the envitation should you be in Illinois!

I will miss being there for this event, but there is another Gala scheduled early in 2008.  Although I have no desire to see old man Winter, I do plan on attending as my friend Ron Barsano is going to be there from Taos, NM.  

Press coverage

The Naples Daily News Showcase section today had an article about my work along with a large full color image of one of my paintings.

Here is the link to the online version of the article:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/apr/13/critics_picks/

The featured painting is Dancing Oak an 18 x 24 inch oil painting on archival board.

Solo Show

I have a one person exhibition at the Marco Island Executive Airport which hangs February 28th. This show will run through June 30, 2007. I have themed it on natural Florida. All paintings are done in one of three primary ecosystems: coastal, wetland or upland and feature both plein air and studio work. The piece above is titled: February (at Naples Shore)

Swampshadow is the show's theme piece.

In April, I have another solo exhibition at the Naples campus of International College. More details on this show will be posted along with a few of the featured paintings before mid March.

Plein Air Workshop

The first workshop I have held to combine plein air painting and unspoiled native Florida habitat started a week ago on Monday.
Our first session was in the Naples Preserve a often passed lovely spot. The City of Naples maintains this piece of old Florida upland.
More to follow.
Check out the Preserves' webpage http://cs.naplesgov.com/parks/naples_preserve/index.asp
I will be exploring a way to incorporate this workshop into the Preserves activities in the future.

Workshops

Teaching other artists in workshops is a wonderful experience.

Several local artists approached me to ask for a workshop after seeing my work. I have been happy to oblige them.

The workshop in progress is called: Plein Air Painting Experience with Trudy Bentley Rech

The theme of the workshop is painting in the 3 major ecosystems of this part of Florida. I plan on making this workshop available to others in the future. As both an artist and Certified Florida Master Naturalist, I find great satisfaction exposing others to the REAL Florida via painting.
An update with links to a brochure will be coming in the very near future.