Artists Collecting Art

As an artist, I am always feasting my eyes on other artist's work either online, galleries, or museums so that I may satisfy my desire to be surrounded by beauty. Over the past 7 years or so, I have been collecting art for inspiration, enjoyment, and fond memories of plein air outings. But underneath all those reasons there lay a small, but silent reason for my collection and it is this;  For many artists, there is a huge discrepancy for collecting other's work. 

Are you surprised by this irony? I am.  

Just think...if you are an artist and you are trying to sell your work, yet, you are not enjoying it yourself, then how could you expect others to do the same? In an article Art Collecting: Should Artists Buy Art? in FineArtViews, writer Brian Sherwin clearly expresses this concern. He writes:

"Let us be honest with ourselves concerning consumer attitudes toward buying art. The averatge consumer is content with the Vincent van Gogh poster in his or her living room - OR the mass-produced Thomas Kinkade print displayed prominently in the hall. The average consumer does not see the value of original art - or how owning original art will enrich his or her life. If YOU want to change the way consumers think about owning original art...you need to be part of the solution. You need to take original art seriously (not just you own art). YOU need to by original art from others."

His article pinched a nerve with me.

So today I want to share with you my growing collection with special mention on how I acquired each piece and my thoughts as it relates to my personal collecting habits. In full disclosure, some are from trading my own artwork which has it benefits as an artist, however I am trading "inventory" that I could otherwise sell, some are purchased or gifted.

Mike Kolwalski 8x6" oil  purchase

Mike and I met and participated in the Pacific Northwest Plein Air event back in 2011. A bunch of us decided to paint a nocturne of this little bar in the little downtown area of Hood River. I loved his painting so much that I just had to purchase it. The glow of the neon light reflecting on the people's shirts is what caught my eye.

Sergio Lopez 16x12" oil  trade

This piece reminds me of my weekends at the beach in Southern California. He painted it for Carmel Plein Air in 2012 and was posting his adventures on Facebook. I commented that I loved it and so he offered to trade one of mine that he liked as well.

MIchael Orwick, 12x16" oil  trade

This is a painting of my daughter who modeled for us on a plein air outing a few summers ago. This piece reminds me of that fun summer day of painting under a historic apple orchard on Sauvie Island.

Diane Ahrendt, blown glass tumblers, purchase

I met Diane some years ago while participating in Portland Open Studios and found her to be dynamic and very talented glass blower. We often talked about color and it's endless varieties. We use these tumblers daily and love the wild '70's swirling flame-like edges.

Thomas Jefferson Kitts, 10x8" pastel gifted

This was a dare that Thomas couldn't resist at a local casual paint out. As I began this painting, he poked at me and and so I dared him to make it better. He took the bait as I watched him work out my dusty medium. Afterwards, he just shrugged and left it on my easel as proof he could create in pastel with panache. Touche' Thomas. 

Donna Trent, 9x12" pastel  trade

This was a Northwest Pastel Society painting exchange trade. I was thrilled to receive it for it's color and loose marks.

Blythe Eastman, 7x4x5" clay  purchase

I saw a group of clay bunnies and other adorable animal sculptures at one of my galleries while I was delivering new work for sale. I spotted this one and had to have it. A purchase that brings me warm feelings every time I look at it as it props up some creative books on my studio shelf.

Anton Pavelenko, 8x10" oil  trade

Anton is a good friend, fellow plein air competitor, and I love his work. We often expressed trading and so this is what I picked out of the bunch. (sorry the photo has a lot of glare on it)

Celeste Bergin, 8x8" oil  trade

Traded at a group paint out at a local nature park. About 15 or so artists came out to enjoy the fall color in this marsh located about a mile from my house. I love Celeste's loose brushwork that is so indicative of her "style".

Again another painting exchange gift from the Northwest Pastel Society. I was thrilled to receive it for it's color and loose marks.

Diana Sandford, 10x10" pastel   gifted

And so there you have it. I will continue to collect more art as I stumble upon it either by gallery stops, paint-outs, purchase, or trade. All have given me so much joy and fulfillment.  If you collect art, then I congratulate you! If you don't, then perhaps you may consider this a gentle prompt to get you started in the benefit of enriching your life. 

Be well, 

Brenda

Recap at Los Gatos Plein Air

"Coffee Break" 10x8" Pastel (Sold)

I remember being told as a young child to "Do what you love and the rest will fall into place". These were not so comforting words to tell an impatient child, but they did stick with me and now they run through my veins.  I love plein air painting, but even more, I love participating in timed events with the added comeraderie of fellow friends painting alongside one another with all the laughs and issues of working out of doors.  Here are a few shots of my work and a few other shots of me in the field.  The one above was my best piece, only after a rough start with oils.  I took the oils to see how I performed in a stressful situation to help me decide whether to bring them to my trip to the Plein Air Easton! event this coming July. It became very apparent when I brought out the pastels that the work just flowed.  Much like seeing an old friend who never changes after a long span of time.

"Los Gatos She Shops" 10x8" Pastel (Sold)

Me painting "She Shops" with the baking sun on my back.

 "Rustic Retreat" 9x12" Oil

On the highway painting "Rustic Retreat"

As I was painting this piece, I was spotted by my old friend (and bridesmaid) Shaheen as she was zipping by in her car in the Almaden area. She whipped around and drove up for a surprise hug. How coincidental. 

"Old Red Barn" 9x12" Oil

There were 6 of us who painted this very scene, each one completely different from the next.

 "Broken Back" 12x16, Pastel

My first pastel of the event and if felt so good to return to my old dusty friends after a rough start with oils.  Confidence returned!

"On the Corner of Main Street" 8x6" Pastel (Sold)

My final piece. Bummed it was so small as I had no other frames available with glass for a pastel.

One of my failed paintings. (look close) from Garrod Stables

The scene as seen from a horse pasture. As the evening approached, the horses are released into this field to run and socialize. Of course, that means there are plenty of horse piles everywhere.  One must be careful where one steps and also where one puts their gear. As I was hustled out of the pasture by the staff, I was very hasty and placed my failed piece on the ground just as a big gust of wind blew hay particles on it and then realized I placed it on a few manures.  It was destined for the trash after that!

The booth set up at the Los Gatos Plein Air 2013

With Ann Blair Brown, Anton Pavlenko, Thomas Kitts, Hai-Ou Hou, (me) Brenda Boylan, Tonya Zenin, and Diane May prior the Gala event. A huge shout out to Ann who took "Artists' Choice" for her piece "Grandpa"

No Permit Required

Sometimes the best views are in unexpected places

Is there a view that you long to paint but it seemingly is in a precarious place, out of reach or just plain dangerous?  We artists all have seen them and long to paint those elusive views never to be caught on canvas or paper. This past week I went out with a painting friend Anton Pavenko to paint the Sellwood District of Portland.  We love to paint urban stuff: grungy, grey with spots of color, busy and sometimes chaotic.  Yeah, that's what I have been really turning more and more towards this past year.  We set out to paint this particular neighborhood that is known for it's antique shops and pedestrian friendly traffic.  As we searched out our first post, this spot seemed part illegal and perhaps a bit dangerous, but hey, why not?  I rationalized that if we were asked to leave this dividing platform, then well, at least we tried... right?  Well funny enough, a squad car did pass us by with no citations, so we checked out just fine. Here is one of two pieces that I created...

"Pause on Sellwood"  8 x 10" Oil

If you have photos of you painting in dangerous or unexpected places, I'd love to share them here next week on this blog.  Please email your pictures to me through this blog and be sure to indicate your name and the location for credit.  Thanks!

Oregon Invitational 2012 recap

The Portland Art Museum's Oregon Invitational was so much fun, but a HOT weekend no doubt! 35+ artists painted in 90 degree weather, but the heat didn't matter because of all the artist fellowship. I arrived early to scout out spots to paint and found this parking lot with wonderful color and compositional patterns.  I quickly laid in the darks and lights first so I wouldn't have to chase them as the shadows really moooove fast.  This shot is taken with side-lighting to show the texture of the painting.

"Pay Here" 8x10" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Even better in a frame!

My second piece of the day, looking north on SW Park. By this time, the crowd was thickening and conversations were plenty.  Many were very curious why there were so many artists painting in the park and so it gave all of us a reason to discuss the Portland Art Museum's current show of the California Impressionists.  Thanks to all the many friends who stopped by to visit with me and to see work being created alla prima. Interestingly, while I was painting this one,  I was being interviewed by OPB for the event and had noticed that I was able to talk and paint without missing a beat. A huge feat for most no doubt. My secret? Juggling. For the past month I have been working with my son in a therapy program for those who struggle with ADHD that was designed to strengthen the left-right brain connection.  We practice "juggling while talking and walking" with two bean bags by counting out numbers and alphabet forward and backwards.  Believe me, it is very difficult. I train with him daily and I think it's rubbing off.

"SW Park" 10x8" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

My final piece of the day and by now it's baking hot. Notice how lose this one is compared to the other two?  Perhaps I should paint tired more often, eh?

"Parked" 6x6  Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Then the next morning, I got all my pieces framed and bundled them up and went back out and painted some more. Before I set up, I ran into fellow artists Mike Rangner and Eric Jacobsen, who are known to share a chuckle.

Some "baffoonery" with friends Mike Rangner and Eric Jacobsen

Goofing off with the guys, I was dared to pose with a stinker stogie. HA!

My little study for a last minute entry.  I think I put about an hour in this one and perhaps it could use some more work, but it was a fun one to paint. I was able to frame it just in time to hang in the show.

"Alla Prima Roses" 8x6" Oil ©Brenda Boylan

Hanging in the baking sun with artists Anton Pavlenko and Micheal Orwick.

Twins Scott Gellatly and Thomas Jefferson Kitts.

The Portland Art Museum's courtyard of plein air.

After all was said and done, I think it was a very successful event and show. Many onlookers commented that they have never seen anything like it before and truely enjoyed seeing the art in the making. I think there is a true hunger here in Portland to see this type of event and do hope that the PAM considers the event annually.