Corrales Annual Winter Craft Show Dec 3rd -5th

33rd Annual Winter Craft Show

The 33rd Annual Winter Craft Show was held at the historic Corrales Old Church on December 3, 4 and 5th, 2021.  This Show is a collaboration between the Corrales Historical Society and the Corrales Society of Artists and features handcrafted works of art.  36 local artists participated.  Displayed artwork included folk art, gourd art, fine jewelry, photography, Pueblo pottery, stoneware, Native American jewelry, fiber art, metal sculpture, woodcut prints, paintings, mixed media folk dolls, and fused glass.  CSA members included Darryle Bass, Gabriel Gonzales, Elizabeth Huffman, Sue Orchant, Sue Ellen Rael, Barbara Rosen, Indea Sanchez, Ken Duckert, Rex Funk, D.L. Horton, Paul Knight, Jenn Noel, Rita Noe, and Mickie Sharp. 

The Old Church is a wonderful venue to show art. The show enjoyed 1500+ visitors over the three days and sales set a record high at nearly $40,000.  The weather was outstanding, and the food provided by the vendors was excellent.  Artists expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the setting, attendance, and sales.  

Winter Craft Show

33rd Annual Winter Craft Show

The 33rd Annual Winter Craft Show was held at the historic Corrales Old Church on December 3, 4, and 5th, 2021.  This Show is a collaboration between the Corrales Historical Society and the Corrales Society of Artists and features handcrafted works of art.  36 local artists participated.  Displayed artwork included folk art, gourd art, fine jewelry, photography, Pueblo pottery, stoneware, Native American jewelry, fiber art, metal sculpture, woodcut prints, paintings, mixed media folk dolls, and fused glass.  CSA members included Darryle Bass, Gabriel Gonzales, Elizabeth Huffman, Sue Orchant, Sue Ellen Rael, Barbara Rosen, Indea Sanchez, Ken Duckert, Rex Funk, D.L. Horton, Paul Knight, Jenn Noel, Rita Noe, and Mickie Sharp. 

The Old Church is a wonderful venue to show art. The show enjoyed 1500+ visitors over the three days and sales set a record high at nearly $40,000.  The weather was outstanding, and the food provided by the vendors was excellent.  Artists expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the setting, attendance, and sales. 

 

 

August 2021 Featured Artist – Barbara Burzillo

Barbara Burzillo

 

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set it free” Michelangelo

 

Describe your primary medium and describe why you’ve chosen it for your artwork.

When I began sculpting I experienced an immediate familiarity, a palpable sensation that I had done it before.   I am not sure if I chose this medium or if it chose me.  I find the tactility, range of techniques and complexity of working in three dimensions stimulating.

Did you teach yourself or do you have a formal education?

Many generous mentors have helped me along my artistic journey.  Navigating the challenges associated with sculpting and bronze casting has kept me in a perpetual state of exploration and education.

What other media have you used?

Though I am primarily a sculptor, I have experimented with many mediums. I also enjoy painting and drawing.

How much time do you devote to your artwork?

I am a fulltime artist.  I am in the studio or shop daily.  As a bronze artist, I spend a significant amount of time in my metal shop in addition to preparing clay models and molds.  I also spend time at the foundry and galleries.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

I have been blessed to share very personal and spiritual moments with strangers because of what my art made them feel.  I am truly thankful for all of those special moments.

What are your sources for ideas and inspiration?

I am influenced by everything around me.  I am currently creating for a September exhibition I call “Shoeluccinations”.  The exhibition features sculptures that began as shoes.

Do you know what the finished artwork is going to be when you start? Do you ever just work from spontaneous impulse?

Planning is required on my more complex sculptures.  My paintings are a collaboration between me and the medium.

Do you have a philosophy about producing art?

Creating is not a choice for me. It is like breathing to me. I never want to stop.

Do you show your work commercially?  If so where? 

My work is available online at barabaraburzillo.com, at Ghostwolf, Wild  Hearts, Jezebel, and Off the Beaten Path galleries and events.

What advice would you give aspiring artists entering the field?

Be grateful every day for your creative gift. I would also recommend taking the business side of art seriously.  There are so many incredibly talented people out there you must be willing to take care of business. Be authentic.

Barbara Burzillo
Placitas, NM
(505) 228-3199

bb@barbaraburzillo.com

barbaraburzillo.com

facebook.com/BBurzillo/

Instagram.com/barbaraburzilloart

 

July 2021 Featured Artist – L. BaLoMBiNi

I don’t have a primary medium to work in. I’ve been a potter, weaver, jeweler, sculptor, painter in my life and I will choose materials that fit the thought. Right now acrylics are fast, easy and available.

I have a BFA in Ceramics and Fiber Arts. Painting came later as I needed to be less encumbered by equipment.

I’m an artist..and have always been. I work on creating art and marketing my work most days.

Rewards come when as a self motivated and self empowered person your efforts are received , appreciated and compensated for.

Inspiration is in the news, psychology, nature, self.

Obstacles for women artists are many. Some are self made..some societal. I can only do my best work and let it speak for itself.

Most of my work has little or no initial idea which makes doing commissions difficult. I can divide my work into two camps..thoughtful and thoughtless..planned and unplanned.. conscious and unconscious. I tend to like the thoughtless stuff best but when you are trying to pay the bills sometimes ” thoughtful “ pays for food.

Collaboration sounds lovely..but can be weighted down with constraints. Having said that there are many ways we as artists can collaborate with each other and our community of artists.

Galleries are shy to take on new artists right now..they need time to learn to market to an online audience. It’s actually advantageous for collectors and curators right now..so many of us are online and accessible to view without all the travel and costs of shows. Artists are becoming more comfortable showing what we are doing right now..today..in our studios. With less need for an agent artists can give themselves more freedom to create what they want.

I have had open studio/galleries in Maine, North Carolina and now Corrales and Albuquerque, New Mexico. I’ll be showing new work at Ghostwolf Gallery in Old Town as we slowly reopen to visitors in March and my home studio is open by appointment.

Giving advice is tricky..we are all different in what outcome we expect and what roads will lead us there. I do know that thinking someone will eventually come and discover your great talent is absolutely bunk..open doors..join groups ..make noise.

Let’s surround ourselves with art, color, music and textures we love..it will make life more enjoyable.

 

L. BaLoMbiNi / red paint studio

redpaintstudioart@gmail.com

_________________________________

 

June 2021 Featured Artist – Gail Grambling Harrison

Describe your primary medium and describe why you’ve chosen it for your artwork

I am a fused glass artist. I love the ability to design and discover outcomes. I enjoy the fact that glass has a mind of its own and often, there are surprises when I open the kiln. I love watching the colors melt and do their magic creating a beautiful design.

When did you start working with this medium? How did you get introduced to this medium?

I began working with fused glass about 6 years ago- my love for glass began as a child visiting Corning Glass from my home in New York state. I saw Linda Boyes’ work showing at CAST and she suggested I take a class in her studio.

Did you teach yourself or do you have a formal education?

I’ve worked with Linda Boyes, Patti Gray, Lisa Vogt, and Janine Stillman in-studio workshops and studied multitudes of videos, and books. I was a Fine Arts major at Wells College. I have training in pastels, oils, acrylics from my childhood- college.

Have you always worked with this medium? What other media have you used?

I’ve been doing photography since high school; painting with oils and acrylics since my youth – the first oil painting set was given to me when I was 8 years old.

I do wish I’d started in glasswork earlier in life.

How much of your time do you devote to your artwork?

As much as I have time to! I try to spend 4 partial days in the studio. I am a psychotherapist the other days but sometimes I sneak in an hour or so on those days. Definitely, moving towards retirement… I also own GlimmerglassArtWorks, a Corrales Gallery and I’m President of the Board of Corrales Society of Arts.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

I love designing, creating art that’s pleasing to the eye that makes people smile, think and feel.

What are your sources for ideas and inspiration?

I have always used my photos as my guide, all 27,000+ of them. My eye is always observing nature, this grew from being in the wilderness for 2 weeks at a time while my husband mapped for geology. My wonderful view from home is also, a source of landscapes, and creatures and birds. Recently, I’m trying to view from Plein Air artists’ perspective using shape and color and lighting to create my own glass world. I like spontaneity.

What obstacles do you encounter as an artist? How do you overcome challenges?

I have to make studio time a priority, though retirement is peeking around the corner…  Costs of materials and pricing for sales are difficult. Buyers don’t understand the costly materials, and equipment required for the medium. COVID -19. I discuss process and materials with customers. I also, plan to do on-site demonstrations at the Gallery when it is open again.

Do you know what the finished artwork is going to be when you start? Do you ever just work from spontaneous impulse?

I design my work but with less accuracy than my paintings because outcomes are related to fire schedules, seasonal weather, temperature glass reactions and time in the kiln. This for me is the wonderful part not having complete control of the outcome. Sometimes, I do work spontaneously; just placing glass pieces in a design that feels right to me and then fire it. A recently planned piece broke, I put it away and then it became a sculpture!

Do you have a philosophy about producing art?

My work comes from my heart and soul, usually from pleasure, not angst. It’s a piece of myself to give to the public.

Do you collaborate with other artists and if so, how does that happen?

I have worked with Myles Freeman (Pacific Art Glass & Santa Monica CC) and Terry Baker (Tesuque Glassworks) for hot glass work & glass blowing of my designs.

Hope to pursue more after the COVID pandemic.

Do you show your work commercially? If so where? Do you produce your art for a living or is it more of an avocation?

I’d be happy to make a living doing what I love! In the 45 + years of training I haven’t found it can support me fully, hence the therapist hat.

I’m grateful that I have my gallery at this point in my life and that my glasswork fills my soul and hopefully others.

What advice would you give aspiring artists entering the field?

Produce your art in the medium you love and don’t let your lack of confidence keep you from moving forward. BE BOLD!

What else do you want to say to help introduce you and your work to our readers?

Come by the gallery, GlimmerglassArtWorks, visit glimmerglassartworks.com.

See my work with your eyes and feel it for yourself. I love to talk about it.

 

 

May 2021 Featured Artist – Krysteen Waszak

Describe your primary medium and describe why you’ve chosen it for your artwork.

My primary medium is oil painting on canvas with a focus on beginning my paintings outdoors on location, ‘en plein air’. I enjoy the extra challenges of ever-changing light and conditions to keep my attention sharp, loose and innovative.

When did you start working with this medium?  How did you get introduced to this medium?

As a lifelong artist, oil painting outdoors suits my personality of exploring, wandering backroads, observing and being inspired by nature and cultural lifestyles.

Did you teach yourself or do you have a formal education?

I have both a self-taught education and an advertising art, illustration and design degree. I also like to note, my grandfather had a small advertising business in Cleveland Ohio, he mastered several fine art and commercial mediums. It was magical to go to my grandparents’ home and always be handed a brand-new set of oil pastels and papers to play with. Absorbing precise and correct art early on was very informative for me

Have you always worked with this medium?  What other media have you used?

I have explored many other mediums, much of my art-making was a prolific painter and woodcarver of the Southwest Style Folk Art Painted Furniture that was popular in the 1990’s. I had free rein to brightly paint, carve and decorate the furniture as I liked. This gave me a self-taught and confident background in design, color theory, color mixing, a loose fun painting stoke and a fondness for a touch of whimsy.

How much time do you devote to your artwork?

I am a full-time working self-represented artist. While I am passionate about and keep my painting a priority, much of my time is also absorbed by the ‘business’ of my work. I show my work at art festivals and studio tours, sales are attended to, studio visits are accommodated, keeping my website and marketing updated is crucial, framing is important, I like my studios clean, my equipment repaired, and some days packing a painting so it is safe to travel across the country is the only order of business. It’s a full schedule.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of what I do has been to create a lifestyle that supports my work and vice versa. It has never been an easy route; I do find it meaningful and rewarding.  I am continually grateful to do what I do.

What are your sources for ideas and inspiration?

I am inspired by walking out the door in the beautiful Land of Enchantment. Sunrises, sunsets, skies, clouds, mountains, high desert, cultural lifestyles, and so much more. The more I travel, I think the whole Earth Globe is pretty grand and inspiring except where it isn’t, ie usually man-made scarring and exploitation.

What obstacles do you encounter as an artist?  How do overcome challenges?

This makes me chuckle, the obstacles in art making are too many to list. I’ve had them all, failed paintings and art endeavors, mental insecurities, physical breakdowns, outside forces, a general balancing of work and life that all of us experience and even great successes have their challenges. I remind myself it’s a long art game that I am engaged in. The big picture, if you will, is a passionate and fulfilling way to make my living and express myself through my painting. I move on and am always grateful with a healthy dose of crabbing about everything along the way.

Do you know what the finished artwork is going to be when you start? Do you ever just work from spontaneous impulse?

No, I never know how a painting will turn out, frankly, I routinely fall short of what my mind’s eye paints, to be fair, sometimes I mildly surprise myself. Over the years I have learned to manage and allow for my creative processes which have many twists, turns, ups and downs. I keep in mind to allow the painting to emerge, that often means getting out of the way. I call it getting comfortable with being uncomfortable while I create. There may be a lot of in-fighting within myself while I push through a piece, not paying attention to negative thoughts helps, stepping away from the canvas allows for me to be objective so I can return to work with what I have. My paintings are large, each one different, they require hours of work and involve a lot of stages. Congruently, I am never happier than when I am painting. All this keeps me engaged to paint better the next time, there is always the next time.

Do you have a philosophy about producing art?

What I think about creating art today is not what I thought yesterday or will think tomorrow, it’s ever-changing. I do know, what is best for me is to show up at my easel and get to work, maybe that’s my philosophy.

Do you collaborate with other artists and if so, how does that happen?

I wouldn’t say I collaborate with other artists, I paint out with painters, I teach a little bit, and admire all kinds of artists, their work and processes.

Do you show your work commercially?  If so where?  Do you produce your art for a living or is it more of an avocation?

By my choice, I am a full time self-represented artist, I show and sell my work through art festivals, studio tours, in person and online. I need a lot of creating time, I often say, these paintings don’t get made unless I make them, this requires me to drive off for a day of plein air or retreat back in my studio to get quiet and focused to finish pieces. It is a constant balancing act of tasks to complete.

What advice would you give aspiring artists entering the field?

Being a creator is such a rewarding way to live your life. I don’t believe you need a fancy art education, you do need to build confidence by learning solid art principles, explore many mediums, get your hands dirty, make mistakes, learn from them, move on, work as much as you can when you can, for life does need to be lived outside of an art career. Take your own work very seriously, yourself less so, be kind to your young artist self and stern with your developing artist self. Practice. If you are going to sell your art, learn good business practices. Let no one dictate to you what, where or how you should be in your journey. Being authentic and honest helps you to find and trust your voice, then be loud about it. Be brave, go all in, own it, leave no room for regrets.

What else do you want to say to help introduce you and your work to our readers? 

I have probably said enough. My goal is that a reader can look at my work, see my passion for painting and a love of my subject. Basically, if you listen to my semantics, I love my work. That’s all.

 

 

 

33rd Annual Juried Old Church Fine Arts Show

For 33 straight years, a juried Fine Arts Show was a Fall feature in Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Some of New Mexico’s finest artists showcased their creations, nestled within the warmth of the adobe walls, for nine days in early October as overhead colorful balloons filled the skies.  This year’s show will be held October 2nd-10th.

A win all around 

Artists need venues to strut their stuff. When they sell a piece at this show, 25 percent of their sales are donated toward the preservation and maintenance of the Old Church so that this 150-year-old historic structure will be around for centuries to come. As an art enthusiast you get zoom-in viewing and enjoyment of exceptional art, plus knowing your purchase helps both the artist and Old Church as it brings years of visual pleasure in your special space.  To make a separate tax-deductible donation towards the preservation and maintenance of the Old Church go to https://www.corraleshistory.org

April 2021 Featured Artist – Ken Duckert

Describe your primary medium and describe why you’ve chosen it for your artwork.

Since having a Brownie Box camera as a boy, I’ve been interested in photography.  I had an opportunity to extend that interest and start working in my own darkroom in 1968.  I haven’t looked back since.  I can still feel the sense of magic of working in a dark room and watching images appear on the paper.  The magic is still there in the digital darkroom now, especially with the many tools we have to create stylized and fine art photographs.  I grew up in farmland in Michigan and spent many hours as a boy exploring fields, streams and woods.  Having the means to capture and share the beauty and wonder similar to those early discoveries is a special treat.  Nature and outdoor scenery was a great place to get started in photography.  They are still dominant themes in my work.

When did you start working with this medium?  How did you get introduced to this medium?

While working at an auto plant in Michigan in 1968, I met and became friends with a fellow who photographed weddings and aspiring models on weekends.  He became my mentor and helped me to develop basic skills and work in the darkroom.  After a short while, I got jobs as a staff photographer for three Detroit area newspapers and doing weddings and other contract work.  As a college student living on loans, the income was timely and helpful.  And photography was fun.

Did you teach yourself or do you have a formal education?

There were no classes, clubs, workshops, or tutorials readily available to me in those early years, so I learned what I could from local photographers and read as much as I could.   Mostly, I just took a lot of photos and learned with each new job and field experience.  I stayed in touch with my mentor.  He was a great critic and my primary source for instruction.  I haven’t participated in any formal training programs, but have taken many workshops, spent a lot of time with tutorials and working with other photographers.  The Enchanted Lens Camera has been an amazing source of support.  After moving here 8 years ago, my learning curve has gone vertical because of the generous and talented photographers and workshops associated with the camera club.

Have you always worked with this medium?  What other media have you used?

Photography has been a primary focus for me.  I did some painting, working with acrylics and oils for a while, but never got very far and wasn’t very good at it.

How much time do you devote to your artwork?

I spend 2-3 hours a day working in the digital darkroom.   I carry a camera everywhere I go and try to take a photo of something every day.  My career choice was in public education, so travel was something we did over every holiday and during the summer months.  Having photography as an active avocation, I developed a travel blog and got a lot of satisfaction and affirmation from it.  I got a lot of encouragement over the long haul to stay at it.  I didn’t sell any work in those early years but gave a lot of it away to friends and folks who asked about it.  Photography has always a source of fulfillment.  The advent of digital photography has made it so much more exciting and enjoyable.  And affordable.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

I didn’t get into the commercial side of photography until I had an image of mine selected as the logo for the 25th anniversary for the Friends of the Bosque Festival of Cranes at the Bosque del Apache NWR.  Sales have never been a priority for me, but I have enjoyed being in galleries and attending shows.  Talking about my work and photography in general, and the work of others is something I enjoy.  The conversations have always offered the greatest pleasure.  Sales are nice, but the conversations and the relationships that come out of the interactions provide the primary and most reliable payoff for me.  When I do sell a print, I delight in knowing my work was chosen to display in a home, office or business setting.  One of the more exciting experiences I’ve had was when a public relations firm in Seattle found an image of mine on my website and called to ask if they could use it to support a fund drive for a local arts foundation.  The image ended up on billboards around Seattle for six months.  That was very satisfying.

What are your sources for ideas and inspiration?

Getting out, anywhere, always provides countless subjects.  Nothing stays the same.  Being bored or not being able to find things of interest have never been problems.  Some photographers describe themselves by narrow subjects – nature, landscape, urban, portrait, still life, sports, photojournalism, architecture, etc.  I am thrilled by life and embrace many interests.  Luckily, there are many very talented photographers in the greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe area. Seeing their work and interacting with them is always inspiring.  Although I have taught a wide variety of photographic classes and field workshops, I consider myself a student and love learning new techniques and seeing good work.  I still look for tutorials offering ideas and ways to improve my work.

What obstacles do you encounter as an artist?  How do overcome challenges?

Getting out in the field is the biggest challenge.  To get those highly desirable images, you have to find and get to those places where they exist.  It’s the age old issue of time and money.  Time is always more available than money, and making time for those extended trips has become more of a challenge since grandkids came on the scene.  As in most cases, setting priorities helps.

Do you know what the finished artwork is going to be when you start? Do you ever just work from spontaneous impulse?

Each photograph is different.  Photography is all about light and the physics of each image is different.  When in the field, serendipity is always a good companion. We may go out to see a pileated woodpecker, but end up seeing mating bald eagles.  Studio work is always highly organized and predictable.  Walking in the field frequently offers a few surprises.  Once at home in the digital darkroom to process images, I generally know where I’m going with most images.   In this post-processing stage, the digital darkroom offers many opportunities to experiment and extend the original images to visually transmit and highlight emotional and sensory aspects of the scene.  I love being surprised by the effects of applying filters to an image.  The physics involved frequently produce different effects from prior applications.   While outcomes are often predictable, it’s not uncommon to produce something entirely unexpected.  Some of my more popular images are the results of some unexpected serendipity while experimenting with digital options.

Do you have a philosophy about producing art?

My exit from early commercial efforts with photography was motivated by the joy of photography being diminished when money got involved.  So, when I chose a career in public education, I made a promise early on that I would stay with photography as long as it was fun.  I had no desire, or need, to let commercial pressures drive my photography.  Had I emerged as another Ansel Adams, perhaps I would have felt different.  But that didn’t happen and I have been able to keep photography as a source of pleasure and joy.

Do you collaborate with other artists and if so, how does that happen?

I share my work weekly with other photographers.  Many of us seek the reaction and opinion of others, especially when we think we got that “great shot.”  The real fun takes place when field trips are shared with others.  95% of photography is “being there” to get the shot.  There is a valuable discussion on setting up the shot and working with technical and advanced aspects of the equipment now available.   This recent year of staying at home has been a real bummer for getting out with others, but close to home, safely planned field trips have still been possible.  I’ve given a lot more attention to backyard photography with extended bird feeding stations.

Do you show your work commercially?  If so where?  Do you produce your art for a living or is it more of an avocation?

Photography has always been an avocation.  I maintain a website that I describe as “my playground.”  I include fine art photography as well as snapshots.  It’s really still an outgrowth from my early travel blog.  If an image resonates with me, it earns a place on my website.  One gallery on my website displays artwork that is created on the patio with my two, still perfect, twin grandchildren.  My wide-ranging interests are readily apparent by the diversity of galleries offered on my website.  I offer no apologies for the number of images on display on my website.  I’m not sure how it happens, but I love getting notes from people who have visited my website and have questions about what they found.  I’ve got an email from a fellow in Australia who found himself in a photo from the San Francisco Bay to Breakers Race.  There was another note from a woman who found herself in a photo taken of a beach volleyball game on the Santa Cruz beach.  Both asked for copies of the images which I gladly provided.  I still get notes on images from the Friday night bluegrass jam in Rosine, KY.  My website has had many thousands of visitors and I hear from them weekly.  That kind of affirmation matters to me and it’s well outside the rewards of the commercial world.  I have modified the website somewhat lately to sell inventory that has been in storage too long.  My work is shown on several group websites.  I have been a member of the Albuquerque Photographers’ Gallery and the Yucca Gallery in Old Town, and I show on a regular basis in local shows in Corrales.  My work has also been displayed in restaurants and various business office settings.

What advice would you give aspiring artists entering the field?

Reach out and collaborate with others.  Work alone when you need to, but stay in touch with others.  Learn from others and share what you know.  Look for opportunities to show your work.  While setting goals is necessary and important, selling art can be disappointing.  So include a goal that involves getting exposure for your work and staying engaged with the public.  Celebrate the conversation about your work and the work of others.  Don’t give up if sales are slow.  Avoid getting hung up on the idea that you are in competition with other artists.  All artists produce work that personal and different from what you will produce.  Your work will sing to people who resonate with your art.  Sales will occur.  Support other artists.  CSA offers great opportunities to get involved with the Corrales art community.  Getting involved in a leadership role is a good deal.  I was fortunate to be able to serve as CSA President and Director of CAST for three years.  It was a lot of work, but I got so much more from the experience than I put into it.  Most importantly, it was a great bridge to meeting other artists and members of the Corrales business and residential community.  Think about and volunteer to help.

What else do you want to say to help introduce you and your work to our readers? 

The extensive and generous nature of the community of artists in Corrales and the greater Albuquerque area is a luxury that needs to be treasured.  For more than 40 years, the community of artists that I knew in the Bay Area, met with, and shared art with, was small.  It was supportive, but not always really helpful because we were often more encouraging than critical.  We live in a place rich with stimulating environments and wonderful colleagues we can share common interests with and learn from.

 

Ken Duckert
Corrales, NM
(505) 369-1012

Kenduckert91@gmail.com
https://www.kenduckertphotography.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kenduckert/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189050903@N07

 

February 2021 Featured Artist – Jude Rudder

If  I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” – Edward Hopper

Background & Technique

Eighteen years ago while hiking in the Sandias, my husband asked me, “What are you going to do now?”  I had just retired and had been thinking I needed a new hobby.  I worked for a very large real estate company. I headed up the Relocation Department which facilitated corporate moves into and out of Albuquerque.  My expertise was getting new employees excited about moving to New Mexico and learning to love their new city.

Now, I am retired.  I needed a new interest.  I decided on watercolor.  I have always loved the quietness of it.  I was late starting this new career.  But early on I learned there is no “magic” brush or special paper.  There is only me and my joyous hard work.  For fifteen years, my husband and I had a small condo in Dillon, Colorado.  Soon after we moved in, I joined a wonderful group of watercolorists called “Women of Watercolor”.  We would load our back packs with minimal painting gear, camera, a sandwich, and take off on a hike.  Plein air painting is a great way to begin.  It feels good to be outside and with your friends.  We could always find a comfortable rock to sit on with an incredible view.  If I mess up, I just start again with another piece of paper.  Summit County is full of galleries. I knew the only way to get my work shown was to walk the streets of Breckenridge and Vail.  I kept a small portfolio in my car of photos of my work in hopes that a gallery would let me hang even a single piece.  My best successes were one-person art shows exhibiting in the senior center and the library.  Everyone goes there!

I am now back in New Mexico full-time.  I am fortunate to live in the village of Corrales.  I am surrounded by nature and get to see wildlife almost every day.  When I go for a walk along the acequias, I am accompanied by owls, coyotes, horses, and dogs.  Everywhere I look, it is a beautiful scene.  Therefore it’s not a surprise to learn I love painting landscapes.  My favorite is our very own Sandia Mountains.  I remember years ago I had the opportunity to be invited to visit Roz Hurley at her home.  She had been a widow for some time and was in the process of writing The Life and Art of Wilson Hurley. Wilson did not make the jump to a career in painting until he was 45 years old.  Roz told me that he used to say, “any person who has 15 years of reasonable life expectancy can succeed in what he chooses to do.  The secret is that you love to paint.  Then you will progress.”  Roz gradually lead me from room to room showing me her vast collection of art.  Some of it was Wilson Hurley’s earlier work.  It was when we walked into his studio that I was thunderstruck.  Sunlight was pouring on his still-standing easel.  His paints and brushes were on the table to the left.  The wall that once held huge canvases on the opposite side of the room was now bare.  But I could feel his presence. I knew immediately my goal.  The best way to become an accomplished artist is by studying and practicing – a lot!

Writing this article reminds me, that I should dedicate more time to my craft.  This is what I know:  if I want to learn more and get better, I paint for myself; if I want to earn extra money and have some fun, I paint for someone else.  Why do I love painting commissions?  People are very passionate about what they love.  When they are paying you to paint something, they want a memory that’s important to them.  When we lived in Colorado, I enjoyed painting elevations of client’s mountain homes.  I loved the beautiful surroundings of pine trees, streams, and walking paths.  Lake Dillon was right across from our condo.  Docked were all these colorful boats.  What fun to finish up painting “Spending the Children’s Inheritance”.

Artistic Development, Philosophy, and Challenges

My friends, teachers, and mentors in watercolor are Jane Werkema, Bud Edmondson, and David Vega Chavez.  A couple of years ago, I expanded my interest in oil painting with Howard Wexler.  They have all taught me dedication and the excitement of learning.  All four I consider geniuses’ in their field.  I feel it’s important to take lessons from people who you love their work and who love to teach.  Jane taught me the basics.  Bud taught me perspective and started me on landscapes.  David was amazing at skies.  Howard concentrated on detail and movement. We loved bringing our easels out in Howard’s rose garden and painting with opera music in the background. Here’s an idea, if you don’t have the time to take lessons then learn through the societies you belong to.  Both the New Mexico Watercolor Society and Rio Grande Art Association give monthly demos as part of their meetings as well as bringing in national art instructors for workshops.  There’s also an amazing amount of “how-tos” on U-tube.

Constantly Learning Your Art

Watercolor painting is simple when you know what you’re doing and awful when you don’t.  Try learning five basic techniques to achieve beautiful results for any subject:  flat washes, graded washes, glazing, scrambling, and dry-brushing.

  • Flat wash:  even application of color over a large area requiring several brushstrokes that aren’t visible.
  • Graded wash:  Same as a flat wash, except you add more water with each brushstroke diluting the color.
  • Glazing:  Adding a thin transparent layer of paint over another color.
  • Scumbling:  A thin layer of opaque paint rubbed over a previously painted surface.
  • Drybrushing:  Quickly sweep a fairly dry loaded brush with paint across a textured paper.

Advice to Aspiring Artists

My best advice for an aspiring artist is to find a mentor.  This can be done quite often by an art teacher or an artist friend.  A personal mentoring relationship adds another layer to any artist’s growth.  He does not want you to paint l like him.   A good mentor encourages you to find your own voice.  He will help you think beyond pages in a book and see the bigger picture.   It takes time to develop your own style.  Get involved.  Join art societies.  Participate in juried shows.  Join an art critique group or start one.

Watercolor’s charm only shows up when you learn how to handle the water.  This is the challenge of watercolor and it’s unlike any other medium.  With each painting I do, I try to absorb more knowledge and look forward to having less regret in my next painting.

This pandemic has made for a quiet year.  Art shows are mostly virtual; galleries are just starting to re-open.  I have shown my work in galleries in Colorado as well as New Mexico.  I have won numerous awards through the New Mexico Watercolor Society, Masterworks, Old Church Fine Art Show, and New Mexico State Fair.  I belong to the Corrales Society of Artists.  I am a Signature Member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society.  I belong to the Rio Grande Art Association, Enchanted Lens Camera Club, and the Corrales Historical Society which puts on the Old Church Fine Art Show.

I am currently showing small works at Etcetera, Consignment next door to Hannah & Nates on Corrales Road.  I know I need to get back into a gallery.  For now, I’m happy painting in my studio at home.  I paint in watercolor, oil, and acrylic.  I am most passionate about landscapes and botanicals.  I feel blessed to be living in a beautiful village.

You can contact me via email:  jrudder1@msn.com.

 

 

Corrales Studio Art Tour (CAST)

The Corrales Studio Art Tour (CAST) for 2021 will be in the fall rather than spring due to the pandemic.  It will be on Sept 11th and 12th with the preview on Sept. 10th from 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Casa Vieja Event Center, 4541 Corrales Rd.  It is one of the premier art events in NM.  All of the artists in the show are members of the Corrales Society of Artists.  It is held in studios and other venues throughout the Village of Corrales.

Sign ups for CAST will be open from May 1st. – June 15th.  All current members of CSA will receive an application via email by May 1st which will detail how to apply and fees.  The application form on this website is out of date so please don’t use it.  It will be updated by May 1st.  The deadline to cancel and get a refund will be June 30th.