The Big Reveal

I’m finally finished a painting started in May, and finally have a new piece to post.

Coneflowers on Parade, 18” x 10”, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

I have worked on this on and off, and would put it aside for a few days, or weeks, at a time.  In between came the fire here in the Springs, and it was thrown into a suitcase when we had to evacuate.  Didn’t take any supplies, nor framed paintings off the walls, just this unfinished work.

I liked the composition, the way one flower followed another.  Thought the background leaves would be easier to accomplish than they actually were.  The cones were quite a challenge too.  Must learn to simplify!

Taking pictures of a finished piece is another challenge.  In afternoon light, the flowers look too warm, in morning light the leaves look cooler than they are.  This photo is as close to the actual colors as can be gotten.  I am never completely satisfied with any painting, but accept each one for what it is, and usually learn to appreciate it more as the areas of struggle are forgotten.  As for its merits, only time and jurors will tell.

Two Regional Shows

I have entered two local, all-media shows.  Both of these were juried from original work.

The first is the annual Colorado Springs Art Guild Regional Autumn Art Show, which I have participated in for the last three years.  I entered my small watercolor, “Monarch on Marigold”, and it was accepted.  The show opened with a reception last Friday, September 7, and will hang at the Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs until October 10, 2012.  Turnout this year was down, most likely because of timing conflicts with the following exhibit.

Peony Perfection, 10 ¾” x 14”, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

The second is the Sunny Vista 9th Annual Regional Art Show.  I haven’t entered this show for the past two years, but did so this year.  Yesterday, I received a call that my one entry, “Peony Perfection”, has been accepted.  Participation in this event seemed to have exceeded expectations with many wonderful local artists and works.  This show will open with a reception tomorrow, Friday, September 14, and will hang through the end of the month at the Sunny Vista Living Center here in Colorado Springs.  The reception is expected to be well attended as it will also be the grand opening celebration of their new facility.

I am happy to be part of these shows, especially after a slow summer.

A Good Reason to Post

I was thrilled to receive notice that my still life, “Classic Limoges”, has been accepted into the Aquarius National Watercolor Exhibition 2012.  This biennial exhibit is sponsored by the Southern Colorado Watercolor Society and is held at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo, Colorado.

Classic Limoges, 18 x 14.5, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

It has not been the most productive year for me, neither for entering shows nor for painting.  This was only the second juried exhibition I entered, both of which produced an acceptance.  This painting was done on Fabriano Artistico, 300 lb., soft-pressed watercolor paper, which I found to be a challenge to work on.  As for painting, I have been sporadically working on a piece, which is not yet finished.

I am going to apply to two local, juried regional shows.  Hopefully, it will be a busier and more productive rest of the year for me.

I have continued to follow a few artists’ blogs and admire their energy, tips and work.  Thanks to all of you for sharing.  Also, I appreciate the interest in my blog shown by other artists, some of whom have become followers.  The amount of global traffic has also amazed me.

Promise to post again soon.

Ready to Take Flight

Having enjoyed browsing, and having become a follower of, blogs of artists whose work I admire, I’ve decided to create my own.  For the past two months, I’ve been sporadically working on my blog, as well as a small watercolor painting.  They are both finally done and ready to take off.

Monarch on Marigold, 8x8 Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

I would like to use this blog as a way of sharing my art with other watercolor artists.  I will also share other noteworthy news.  I don’t expect to be posting as actively as others, but will try to build on this start.

My appreciation to all of the artists who share so much of their wonderful art and advice in their posts.