Giving Back..

And creeping out!!

"Thing-2011" -work in progress

16"x20" Oil on Canvas

"Thing-2009"

14"x17" Graphite

Recently while preparing a mixed media piece that I worked on with my good friend and master photographer Jeremy Hochhalter (please check out his work at http://www.absinthephotography.com/ ), I was informed of a charity art sale and fashion show benefiting the kiddos of Fort Collins who've had a rough time. He told me that the theme was anything Zombie, which he knew would perk my interest. Those who know me really well, will tell you I'm a zombie freak. Sure, I paint pretty flowers, pets, and landscapes, with an occasional onion thrown in, but, there is a dark side!!!

Back in 2009 I composed a graphite drawing of my own hand, but decided to give it some character, by decomposing it, and reanimating it. I wanted to put it on canvas, but never found the time, as I've had so many other ventures to work on. So, being that this sale is a good cause, and all proceeds are donated to Turning Point, naturally, I wanted to be apart of it.

Thing is nearly finished now, after just a few short days of work. I'll be sure to get better photos and post it soon!

The event is May 15th, you can get info here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=169705336409903 

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!



Best in...What?!?!?

                                           Best in Show!!!

AANC's Small Works "Best in Show"

 "Pride"

5"x7" Graphite on Paper

  AANC's Small Works 1st Place Graphite

"Unbridled"

5"x7" Graphite on Paper

So, last night was the opening night and judging reception for the Artists Association of Northern Colorado's Small Works Art Show and Sale. I had decided to enter "Pumpkin Harvest", "Unbridled", and "Pride" into the show. The requirements of the show is that each piece must be 8"x10" or smaller. What was neat about this show, is that the art was judged by medium, instead of subject.

Of course, the Oil division was outstanding. The quality of work was unbelievable, and I was just thrilled to have my piece on the wall next to the winning oil painting, lol.

I was very proud of my bestest Art Buddy =LG-Young for taking 1st in the watercolor category, and an honorable mention in the mixed media division!!! It was a big win for her, as we were both shocked at the quality of work that was on display throughout the whole show. There were probably over 50 pieces there that knocked our socks off.

Then came the final award for the night. I was the only graphite artist to enter, with my two pieces, so I wasn't surprised to learn that I took 1st place in my division, lol. What DID surprise me, was that Unbridled took 1st over Pride. I love both pieces, but to me, Pride is just far more of a skilled piece that Unbridled.

As we stood there, next to Unbridled and Pride, the judge says "Now I'd like to award Best in Show to the Graphite piece Pride, by Christine M Torrez!!" ...What??? Wait...

You mean ME?!?!?!?

Recently I had lost motivation and was questioning my abilities. I was feeling a touch of artist burnout, and was letting my self doubt get the better of me. I guess this is a serious sign that I am on the right track, and to quit now would be utterly a waist.  It never fails to amaze me that when I feel like I've hit the end of my journey, a greater being than me sets me back on track, and gives me a good kick from behind to set me on my way again.


Fall down 7 times, stand up 8.

I'm back on my feet again.

Adventures in Plein Air Painting...

...And Pumpkin Patches!

"Pumpkin Harvest"

7"x9" oil on canvas board

Plein air #17

Laura and I headed out this past Thursday with the Thompson Vally Art League to paint the morning away.  We ended up meeting at Osborn Farms, located in south Loveland, Co.  What a fantastic place to paint!  I was drawn to a few shipping crates packed with pumpkins, nestled between two large trees, causing the sun to dapple and dance around the pumpkins.  I've been receiving some great advice from some top plein air pros, and wanted to put their advice to work.  So I used only larger brushes, kept things super simple, and painted as though each brush stroke would be my last. I was also focusing on using better judgement in values.  I think this one worked well..

The funny part of my story goes like this:  about 15 minutes after setting up, and blocking in the painting, I was informed that the farm was expecting  a class of youngsters from the local elementary school to come visit.  All of the artists giggled and we went back to painting.  Shortly there after, about 30 kiddos and their parents all show up.  You can imagine the questions, excited comments, and curious on looking as the group swarmed the area.  I think at one point I had 3 different people tell me what would make my painting better, from including the "great Pumpkin" rising from behind the crates, to adding a large harvest moon and a black cat to the scene.  This was all good and well, until I heard the teacher tell the students that they could pick out their pumpkins from the two crates "over there" after the tour... Wait.. "Over there???"  You don't mean.. Oh, yeah, you did mean... my.. pumpkins...Oh boy, I'd better paint faster!!

By the time I was finished with my painting, the pumpkins were gone, save a few left at the bottom of the crates.  It was heart warming to hear the little ones oohing and ahhhing over their perfect pumpkin prizes in the crates.  I nearly asked if I was gonna get to take a pumpkin too.  After all, there is something quite appealing about a large mound of pumpkins in the sun. 

Side Note:  The art show opening went really well!!  What a great time I had meeting new artist, and getting to see other local artist work.  Though my art didn't place, I did hear that the judge was very impressed by the quality of work that was presented.  I'm thinking I've found a great group to join, Artist Association of Northern Colorado.  My dearest art buddy Laura has coerced me into joining up.   I'll be entering in next months Small Works show, hosted at Reader Cove in Fort Collins Co.  Further out from that, there will be a National Art Show that the AANC is hosting in Fort Collins, and I've just about got a great piece finished for that as well.  I'll keep ya posted as I get closer to these event times.

Cheers!!

Taking the next step...

..And putting my work in a local show!

August Morning

8"x10" oil on Canvas

Plein Air

It's been so many years since I've had any work in an art show. 19 years to be exact!! Aww, come on now, I'm not THAT old, am I?? Heheh... Anyway, I took 2nd place in the Larimer County Art show when I was 15, with a charcoal drawing of a grizzly bear. I gave it to my best friends brother.. I wonder if he still has that piece? It's not that I haven't wanted to compete as of late, it's just that I rarely have available piece to enter (Not that that's a bad thing either, lol).

However, my bestest art buddy Laura (who happens to be a member of the Artist Association of Northern Colorado), had informed me that I should enter the upcoming exhibit "Capture the County" at the Old Firehouse Bookstore, in Old Town Fort Collins. It just so happens that I produced a decent painting that has been sitting on my mantle for the last month or so, and I wouldn't be too ashamed to share it with the general public. *giggle*

The show will be open to the public from October 1-12th, and it will be a judged show. I've gotta go get this baby framed and see if I can scrounge up the entry fees by Sept 28th. It is an exciting feeling, thinking about going public with my oils. I mean, I'm public as far as the web goes, but to put it out there to be judged... wow..

Keep your fingers crossed, and I'll be back with an update soon!

Cheers!

Happy Accidents...

...And the Shadow Dragon lives!

While I appreciate digital art, I seldom find myself able to make such things with my computer. I do have a few digital pieces under my belt now, including one very professional logo for my Aiki Jitsu instructors system. However, yesterday while uploading a photo of my recent graphite drawing of an oriental style dragon, I decided to invert the values to check my shading, and to be sure it still looked right. I was completely blown away with what popped onto my computer screen! My daughter, who was sifting through years of uncatalogued photos in my filing cabinet drawer, told me in excitement that I should post the newly discovered version to my Deviant Art site. Happily, I did, and with great success I've had more views on it in one day than I have on many of my original pieces that have been on that site for years! LOL....

Just goes to show what a little dumb luck and a good drawing with strong values can do.