New Year, New Works
 	 
   

   

 
 

 	 
In December, I took a drive up to the Vermillion Cliffs and camped in a
warehouse for a week. It was a week of minimalism, going quiet and
being unplugged -- ironically, to recharge my batteries. There are very
few people around there in the winter, and that's just what I needed. I
also wanted the low winter light, and I got some great little painting
studies and terrific photos of the dramatic light conditions you find
in winter.
Each year in January, I plan my goals for the coming year including
business, personal and artistic growth objectives. In each area of
life, we're actively advancing or receding. I work hard every day to
advance my artistic skills, business, and personal health and
happiness. Finding a healthy balance is the hard part.
Here's a summary of my plans for the coming year.
Business Growth -- I have been invited to three plein air events for
2017 including The Grand Canyon National Park in September, Zion
National Park in November and, a new one for me, Chasing Light at the
Southern Utah Museum of Art in July. This is a beautiful new museum in
Cedar City, Utah.
Next month I have a two-person show at CasaBella Gallery
  in Tucson
with my friend and fellow painter Charles Thomas. Our opening is
Thursday, March 2. Please stop by if you're in the area. We will each
have about eight new works created just for the show. I'm even
including some new still life work.
Charlie graciously took me painting (and mountain biking) around the
Patagonia area last week while I was in Green Valley visiting my
father. There's a LOT of law enforcement in the area. Border Patrol
agents checked us out more than once while painting in the woods there.
"Painters huh? I dunno, sounds pretty shady to me.  You aren't from
around here, are ya?"
On April 6 - 9 I've been invited to a Summit at the Sedona Arts Center.
It isn't a plein air event per se, but rather an 'Celebration of
Landscape Painting' event. My hope is that more of the current plein
air events will adopt this looser, lower pressure type of show. Each
artist is given a set amount of wall space to hang what they want.
Meaning the percentage of plein air vs. studio work shown is completely
up to each artist.
I know there are hard-core plein air artists who disagree with me, but
I think most collectors simply want your best work, however you do
that. I've talked to more than one collector recently who said they
will no longer purchase quick-draw paintings at plein air events as
they feel these works are rushed and incomplete. I agree. Personally, I
want to leave behind the best work I can do. For me this usually
results from a more thoughtful approach in the studio, based on my
outdoor studies and photos. This show will feature a panel discussion
on the subject that promises to be lively.
In May, I will do my only tent show of the year, the Phippen Show in
Prescott, Arizona over Memorial Day weekend. I had a great time there
the last two years. It's one of the few tent shows that is all art, no
crafts. It's a classy event that benefits the Phippen Museum.
Speaking of classy events, I'll be at the Museum of Northern Arizona's
annual Gala Auction in June. This is a major fundraiser for the museum,
and I donate a painting to the silent auction each year, as well as 50%
of the sales price from my live auction piece. It's always a nice
dinner and a well-run event.
I'm proud to be working with three art museums this year, and I always
challenge myself to do my very best work for them, and you.
Artistic Growth - Doing all these shows and events forces growth, as
well as specific study ideas I have for myself when I can find the time
for pure study. 2017 promises to be a busy year, but I'll do whatever
it takes to keep my love alive for this fabulous journey of art.
Personal Growth - Mental and Physical. For Christmas I bought myself a
Bowflex machine to work my back and rear shoulder muscles that are not
strongly engaged during mountain biking. Again, it's all about balance.
I also recommend a couple of books I keep going back to:
Code to Joy by Pratt & Lambrou, and The Power of Full Engagement by
Loehr & Schwartz. Both are excellent for gaining a greater perspective
on life so you can make meaningful changes for the better.
That's more than enough for this month. Until next time...Cheers!

CodyDeLong.com  

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Koya Klips

Play date.  "Why no, I have no idea what happened to the cookies you
left for Santa (burp)".

   

 
 

 	 
CodyDeLong.com