Oasis

As artists we occasionally paint what we hope for. Recently I was moaning to someone about January (lack of) sales and the friend suggested that I do a painting about hope. Hmmm, good idea...and I have begun a series today: Faith, Hope, Love. We'll see where it goes.
Meanwhile, this is a recent painting. Another friend told me it transported her to a place where having been walking in the desert for a while, "life" was seen. Oasis: "a fertile or green spot in a desert". That's what the dictionary says. My heart says "refreshment, rest, restoration, refueling for the journey ahead". So, if you find yourself in the midst of the January blahs or anxious about the year ahead, rest awhile under the shade of the trees, breathe in the cool evening breezes, and sip on a long sweet sip of refreshment. Isn't that what art is all about? Giving pause in the midst of the chaos in order to refresh, restore, and refuel for the rest of the journey. Ahhh yes...I think so.
"Oasis" is available from the website under New Work or from the studio. It measures 30" square including frame (painting is 24" square) and sells for $600.

Wine and art; Art and wine

I just added this piece to the website and sent out a "Heartbeat of God" message regarding it. It got me thinking about all of the descriptions used for wine: "hints of cinnamon" "a peppery finish" "subtle blackberry flavor" etc. But wine is made of grapes!!! I have learned that those flavors come from the environment in which the vine grows. Hmmm. So many people ask me where the images I paint come from. My response is often "from a lifetime of input". As artists everything we see goes into this wonderful brain we possess, it then mixes with the air of experience, is rooted in the heart, stirred with the wind of creativity, until ultimately it ends up on canvas. The result: artistic expression that has hints of this, flavored by that, with a unique finish. etc. Aged properly fine art like fine wine will blend the uniqueness of the artist with their particular season and experience in life to produce art with a distinctive flavor to be enjoyed. There's freedom in that!
If you'd like to learn more about "The Heartbeat of God" message, email me at deborah@deborahgall.com and I'll tell you more. The painting is "Fruitful"; it is 10x30; retails for $300; available online in the New Work category or at the studio.
Cheers!

New Year/New Goals

For the first time in well...ever!..we have designated two days to do nothing but envision the year ahead. I must admit that there are times I'm more comfortable to fly by the seat of my pants than to plan, set goals, etc. I have recognized however the importance of formalizing (as in write down!) specific goals. Here are a few thoughts for the process if you choose to join me in this endeavor.
The first step is to re-identify who you are. Allow plenty of time to ponder this, not assuming that you are the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even yesterday. Where are you going professionally, personally, creatively? What is your life message? Allow creativity to flow concerning the future. The discoveries are amazing! And something fairly insignificant can change the trajectory of your journey until you end up in a completely different place.
Then there's the matter of the self-fulfilling prophecy. We become what we speak. Studies have shown that those who formalize their goals are more successful at achieving them. So, what is it that you want to happen in 2009? Wow! That question brings up all kinds of thoughts and ideas doesn't it? Write your list...don't worry about how long it is! Then go back and prioritize.
What I know is that after spending time to do some of this brainstorming for the future I am more secure in who I am, my purpose in life, and where I want to go. I may not end up where I think I will, but that's what makes life such an adventure isn't it? Can't wait.

Finished

The painting and the year! Thought I'd share the completed painting that was in progress a couple of posts ago. The piece currently hangs in my home which means it will not be available through the website. I will have a print made of it however.
So, year end. Not a business minded artist's favorite time of year as inventory has to be taken and reconciled, sales and expenses totaled and analyzed, etc.. It is however a great time to thank those who supported the art and the artist. The final tally for 2008 was better than I ever expected in light of the national economic situation. Thank you! I appreciate you! Now I'm looking forward to 2009 and new pieces are getting finished and added to the gallery. Watch the NEW WORK page on the site for updates to the inventory. Or if you're in the Nashville area, stop by for a visit. Happy New Year!

Musings

Being an artist in a retail environment is always interesting. I understand that a person walking into the gallery would not automatically know that I am the creator of the works they are viewing. However, it is amazing how casually people speak out their personal likes and dislikes without consideration. This holds true for art shows as well. Yesterday it was quite blunt "I don't like that one or that one." Then the inevitable "Are you Deborah?" and the chagrined look and back pedaling. It has triggered musings about the push/pull of emotions that we artists must live with. In order to survive in this environment one must develop a bit of a thick skin. Comments like "I could do that" or "Look at that price!" or whatever are more than common. On the other hand it takes a soft heart and an ability to reflect upon life to open the door for creativity. So, we learn (or keep trying to learn) to not take comments personally, laugh about it, think about that book of customer comments all artists dream about writing, and move on back to the easel.

In Progress

Thought I'd share something I'm working on. This is a large piece: 48x48. It feels great to be working large after focusing on smaller Christmas season items for a while. What you see here is the first layer of paint. Several more layers will follow bringing definition and detail, highlights and lowlights, additional texture and all 'round finish to the painting. Kind of like life isn't it? We start with who we are in our most basic sense, and as life moves forward we experience that which brings greater definition and depth through the highlights and lowlights of life. In that experience we gain greater texture, depth, and all 'round finish to our lives. Hmmmm.

Sold

This painting went to a new home yesterday. As I moved it from the available section of the website to the Sold Gallery,I was reminded of the question I am asked so often. "How do you part with something you have put your heart into?" And "Time of Reflecting" is a good one to consider as it did have special meaning to me (a memory of a family trip on a houseboat on Lake Powell in Utah.) The answer to the question is this. As a professional artist, everything I paint is meant to be enjoyed by someone else. It's purpose is to bless (I hope) another house and speak to other people. Therefore it gives me great pleasure when it is "released to its destiny" so to speak. It brings joy to see something I have had a hand in creating be what it was created to be. And I must admit, I am honored when others think highly enough of my work to part with their hard earned money to enjoy it in their homes. So I'm on to the next piece, got a "hole" to fill on the wall.