Odie & Miles Thompson

I have recently started a pet portrait, a commission for a friend and repeat collector, and I am thoroughly enjoying the process of creating the pup's image in paint. It's funny how it is never the same. Each image is different, and each time the process can vary from enjoyable to frustrating, back to fun,...

With my art, I never know how it will go. What is it about the artist's muse that causes this variation? Sometimes, things just seem to come out smoothly, everything falls into place easily,... other times, it's a fight for every brushstroke!

It is my love for the whole creative process that keeps me going during those rough times, and reminds me that painting is work. I enjoy it so much that it often feels like play, but it is work.  Sometimes I might not feel like painting yet I do it anyway, because of my work ethic. Painting is what I do. Plus, if I'm in a struggling period, then I know that the more I keep working, the sooner I will move out of it and move into a nicer mode!

I am sorry I do not have a picture of Odie* yet. Soon I think,...



*Odie is the name of the dog whose image I am painting.

By the way- here's an FYI for local music lovers...
This Thursday, Mermaid Inn in Chestnut Hill, Miles Thompson Band is playing! I hope to be able to go. I highly recommend going if you can!

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

Lyrics | David Bowie lyrics - Changes lyrics

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes,
 Turn and face the strain,
Ch-ch-changes..."
     -David Bowie

Changes.
It's the stuff that life is made of.

One reason I have been semi-absent from thus blog is that I've gotten busier than normal. I landed a full time job! That's a good thing because the income it will generate is sorely needed in my household.

Of course there is a down side. Having to put so many hours into a job will mean that I will have less time to paint.

I hope that I will be able to handle keeping up with everything,... we shall see.

Will just have to keep on keepin' on...

Rose of Sharon Video/Alyson's Workshop

Yesterday, I attended Alyson Stanfield's Social Media Immersion Workshop which focused on how to make social media work for artists in our self-promotion efforts. What a blast I had! It was fun (that was one of her requirements!)  And I didn't whine (That is her #1 rule!...a great one, I might add) ...still remember the first seminar I attended given by her back in 2006 I think? in Wilmington Delaware. She started out the day with some rules and No Whining! was # 1.

"Rose of Sharon" 9x6" Acrylic Painting c. 2011 Jeanne Guerin-Daley

Since that day I noticed that she has updated the slide image, but the point was the same. We are professional artists who want to show the world what we do. We want to earn a living at our craft. We are business people. Whining helps no one! Besides, who needs that kind of negativity? Not me.

Anyway, I learned lots about Facebook and twitter and blogging,... came home with homework! ... knowledge of things I could do to improve my business plan regarding social Media. So what do I do tonight instead? I delve into You Tube a bit! (I never did like walking a straight line...)
I will eventually get my homework done, but meanwhile, let's play a little!

Will you be so kind as to take a peek at a little video I made, then tell me if you liked it? It's very short.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JeannePaints?feature=mhsn
Thanks!

PS-If you'd like to get Alyson's [highly recommended] free newsletter,-always packed with cool stuff-  click here!

Facebook, Twitter, Blog,... So Much to Learn!

I am learning lots of great information about social media in Alyson Stanfield's seminar right now.
These days, the way we communicate is so different! Stay tuned for more later...!

Social Media Immersion Workshop-this SAT!

I am sooooo excited!

 I will be attending a wonderful workshop especially for artists who want to learn more about social networking in relation to their art business.

"Magenta Shade" 7x5" Acrylic (C) 2011 Jeanne Guerin-Daley

Given in center city Philadelphia, THIS SATURDAY, Alyson B Stanfield's Social Media Immersion workshop will happen at 1515 Market Street right by City Hall.
If you want to jump in, click here for more details

Artist Reception at Z Gallery Nov 1stFri. 5-9pm

"Sunrise Journey" 8x10" Interactive Acrylic (C) Jeanne Guerin-Daley

Artist Reception at Z Gallery Nov 1st Fri. 5-9pm!


1st Friday every month always means lots of art events in this area:
Olde City area of Philly has Art openings at the galleries there.
First Friday Main Line is a similar grouping of events in the adjacent towns of Ardmore, Haverford and Bryn Mawr.
The area of Wayne, PA has something similar.

And then there's West Chester, PA!
Z Gallery, at 109 W Gay Street in the town of West Chester, will be exhibiting artwork from some of the members of the Delaware Valley Art League. I am a Board member for that organization and will be showing three small pieces. One is a pastel, and two are Interactive acrylic paintings.
Although I often paint representational images, I frequently delve into the abstract and semi-abstract world of painting imagery as well.

Reception is from 5 till 9pm, Nov 4th  I hope to be there.

http://www.delawarevalleyartleague.com/index.html