Odd One

                                                               

"Odd One"

8"x10" oil on canvas

Still Life Study

We've all felt it. Standing just apart from a beautiful crowd, admiring the luster and richness of others who seem just out of reach, not quite fitting in yet wanting to find our place amongst them. Odd One.

I attended an open studio with the Artists Association of Northern Colorado last week. It was my first attempt to paint a still life in oil, just like the masters of old. There was such a large table full of country kitchen items set up for the still life study, it was nearly overwhelming. I pared it down to just the fruit in the pot, and a lone onion sitting off to the right. Mostly, I was thinking that it would be an easy study, something I could get done in just 2 hours time, as my parking was for only 2 hours and the Parking Nazis will ticket you for going over even just 5 minutes.  So needless to say, I flew through the painting.

That being said, I spent most of my time working up the apples, oranges, and pottery. The colors and the reflections were gorgeous. I blocked in the onion, and spent a few minutes getting the idea of it's shape on color down, but never really put alot of detail or effort into it.  I figured it didn't really matter anyway, because this was only supposed to be a quick study, and exercise in training the eye. I didn't count on it meaning anything. Until I got home with it, anyway.

Once I placed the little study up on my mantle, taking some time to critique my work, it hit me. I felt very sad all at once! Here was a beautiful grouping of fruit; how the colors blazed, how the textures were rich and how they radiated from the canvas.  Then just to the right, sits the onion, just out of reach from the group.  It sits, unfinished, dull, and awkward. Yet somehow wanting more than anything to fit in, and complete the picture. Ironically, it does. Without the onion, this would have been just another boring still life, but now, there's a story to it. It's a balanced piece, and makes a statement beyond words.

Perhaps the onion is not so odd after all. 



M.I.A.??

"Orchid Sonata in Violet"

24"x30" Oil on Canvas

I know it's been a while since my last blog!! I've been busy working in the basement, and in other areas of the local art scene! Of course, lots of good news stems from hard work., in fact, after checking in with my Deviant Art account today, I was completely shocked and equally as thrilled to see that I sold my first fine art print!! .After having a really tough week, it was news to lift the heart, and encouraging to me to keep pushing myself to follow my dream of being a full time artist.

The buyer purchased  a print of "Last Call" ( http://cmtorrez.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2vhbaw ), which I myself have thought of buying a print too.  I recently had business cards made, and used the same image on them.  It turned out breathtaking, and I may just have to get a fine print to hang on the wall, lol.  I guess what's so exciting about selling a print, is knowing that the piece I painted was good enough for more than just the commissioner to want it. Sounds funny I'm sure, but it's an honor.

In November I started out as a regular member, but now as a fully functioning Vice President of the local art group Artists Association of Northern Co, I'm planning out my first big art show for the spring!! I'm glad to step up, get the planning done, figure out ways to make the entry process run smoothly, and hopeful get lots of entries. This is a whole new side of the art world for me. The art group has spent many hours in a very short amount of time re-molding and fixing up a new gallery/art studio space in our Old Town district, with hopes of having lots of workshops, speakers, seminars and shows over the next few years. It's thrilling to be apart of a group that is so motivated. I can't believe how quickly I've become involved in the local art scene, in just a few short years. It's really a fantastic feeling to know that I'm headed in the right direction.

My involvement with Art for Life is still going strong, 3rd year into the group. I really have everything to owe to this group. Had it not been for its founder and dear friend Chris, I really don't think I'd be doing everything I am right now. How lucky we are to have people in our lives that push us along, and set us in the right direction.

Happily, I've picked up 2 new commissions this month. I finished the "CJ"  Great Dane pet portrait (http://cmtorrez.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d38sci4), and the client loves it so much, she's asked me to paint a yet a group portrait of all 4 of her dogs. I also had a friend contact me via Facebook and send photos of her dogs she wished to have captured in oils. Oddly enough, all the dogs being commissioned are Great Danes, save one. Heh! It really amazes me, how many connections and commissions I've been contacted about through Facebook! What great friends I have, LOL!

And finally, though I didn't get the Harbor painting finished in time for the Nationals (after reviewing the size limits for the show, it was 4 inches too large anyway), I did get creative, and finished a nice piece that I'm hoping will be accepted into the show; Orchid Sonata in Violet, shown above. I'm not holding my breath, because the odds of getting in are slim, but I'm just proud to have accomplished a beautiful piece in a short amount of time (OK, so the under painting was finished a year ago, and it just sat around in the basement waiting for me to get it done, lol). So now I wait, and come March 3rd, I'll know if I made it into the show or not. Keep your fingers crossed!

Well, it's off to the basement with myself. Got more work to be done, and fun to be had!!

Cheers!