Happy Chef

My parents celebrated their 60th anniversary this summer, and we had a mini-family reunion and dinner at a local restaurant. While taking photos at the dinner I noticed the chef working in the window, and it seemed like the classical "bistro" photo op. I'd been wanting to do a "chef genre" painting and this was my inspiration. I did this painting in 2 or 3 days between hanging the Critters show and the reception trying to meet the October 9 deadline for entry into the Mobile Art Association fall juried exhibition at the Mobile Public Library West Regional Branch. It will hang until November 19th. I like that this was a fast and fresh painting, and I think I was able to capture the atmosphere of the darkened restaurant against the brightly-lit kitchen, and the concentration of the chef. I call this "The Happy Chef", acrylic on canvas, 18 in. x 24 in.

More Critters

I left town on a road trip to Colorado to visit family (3 beautiful grandbabies) the morning after our "All Critters - Great and Small" reception, and could not download photos I took at the reception until I returned a few days ago. So here are a couple of reception photos, as well as photos of my 6 new critter portraits. So far, I've sold one small painting and have inquiries on another. This small exhibit has been a very positive experience.

Fellow artists and best buddies Conroy Hudlow and Kathy Friedline.

My Mom and Dad in front of the menagerie.

Artist buddies Mary Rodning and Satomi Kamei join me and Kathy.

"Audubon Petting Zoo Burro", Acrylic on canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

"Audubon Petting Zoo Goat No. 1", acylic on canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

"Audubon Petting Zoo Goat No. 2", acrylic on canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

"Audubon Petting Zoo Sheep", acrylic on canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

"Baldwin County Cow No. 3 - Robertsdale Rodeo Bull", acrylic on canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

"P.E.I. Cow No. 3 - Belle", acrylic on Canvas, 10 in. x 10 in.

All Critters - Great and Small

My fellow artist and good friend Kathy Friedline and I are currently showing our artwork at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Artists' Place, located at the corner of Hitt and Cody Roads. We will show there for the month of October. The theme of our show is "All Critters - Great and Small". The opening reception was last Sunday afternoon, during which we enjoyed sharing our artwork with friends and family - thanks for all who were able to attend and help us celebrate our artwork with the "critter" theme. This morning there was a pleasant surprise - we had shared information about the show with the local arts editor and there was a very nice article on the front page of the arts section. Here is the link to the article.

http://blog.al.com/entertainment-press-register/2010/10/artists_express_their_affectio.html

Also, here are a couple of photos taken by Kathy at the reception, and some of the artwork from the show. (I may post some more photos of the reception once I am able to download them from my camera.)

A special thanks to the folks at the Redeemer for providing an opportunity for us to show our work as part of their art mission; and for putting together such a nice reception.

Me with my recently completed menagerie.

Gail Bramer, Kathy and me at the reception.

This is the wall plaque with a wonderful summary of the Church of the Redeemer's Art Mission Statement.