Brief Bio/History
This time of year, students at the local University ask local artists if they may do a brief bio/history on them for an assignment that they’ve been given. It’s always fun to speak with these students in an interview setting, but frankly many of them are so busy that I thought it might be handy for them to use the following. Besides, I guess it’s a nice thing to share with blog followers too…
Bio info:
I was born here and have lived here all my life. I love this town, but at times also despise it. It’s akin to a co-dependent relationship- one that you sometimes cannot live with but can never live without. I guess many things are that way.
I sold my first piece in October 1988. I paid the power bill. I was hooked. Not only did someone love the piece, but it met our needs in a really fun way. Since then, I’ve tried just about every medium in the arts that one can try: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, clay, wax, textiles, ceramic/granite mosaic, etc etc etc. And I love them all, but above all I enjoy the challenge of oil painting, especially plein air (pronounced plen air), and painting landscapes onsite. Another favorite is portraiture. Nothing gives such gratification as getting that person, pet, or even homestead’s real character & personality as your client sees it, and enjoying their reaction when you do “get it.”
The process of creation is, to me, at once sacred and common. I’ve learned to not worship the hype that so saturates the art world, yet cling to the joys of creation itself (words of wisdom from my son in a difficult time in my life). Approached this way, my art brings freedom, healing and escape, both to me and (I pray) to others. What inspires? Just about everything. In the same way that if a soul is really hurting, s/he receives wisdom from Above in the smallest things (billboards, oldies songs, oatmeal) because of the hunger of the heart, so it is with art. Of course, wild, wonderful natural creations drive one to the canvas, but, with me, so have dark alleys, pears, and my children holding my guitars in perfect north light. One never knows when the light will strike.
And the creation itself: simply placing the medium (like paint) onto the substrate (like a canvas) and watching it take shape. I’d like to say that the technique is always the same but that would get pretty boring. And, as mentioned before, the media and substrates themselves vary considerably, and it’s nice.
Having also been trained in the picture framing process, I usually produce my work in total, all the way to the dust cover and bumper pads on the back of the piece, so that there’s no question about the quality that is delivered to my collectors.
Technicals aside, though, the very best thing about doing what I do is the people. God lives in the spaces between us and when others can see His life and the beauty of His creation through these works, it’s the ultimate high, giving a feeling of great purpose and posterity. Countless are the times in these 20 plus years when He’s had an opportunity to shine through something as simple as producing a picture of someone or something for someone else. This is good stuff, and I’m privileged and grateful to be a part.
PAAC’s 12th Annual Upcoming
Plein Air Artists Colorado will open its 12th annual group exhibit on July 11th, and this year I will be among them. I just received word this morning that three of my entries were juried in to the show which will be held at Abend Gallery, 2260 E Colfax, Denver. The show will run through July 26. Yippee!!
Ahhhh, Summer!
To see the Summer Sky
Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie -
True Poems flee.
~Emily Dickinson
There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. ~Celia Thaxter
In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them. ~Aldo Leopold
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker
Early summer rains on our Hatchet Ranch Gardens
Summer: green fields, sunshine (and sun worshippers) children laughing & playing (without their coats on!) and the sweet, fresh sounds & feels of life all around! And in early summer, you’d never know that it wouldn’t last forever! I spent a good part of yesterday filling hummer-feeders both on the front porch and in all my trees, bird & chipmunk feeders, transplanting roma tomato, strawberry and day-lily plants, and in general just having more fun than should be legal. Today, time to tend the studio and its satellite ventures, such as this blog.
At this writing, I take a short breath from recent busy-ness and look ahead at a bit more. Usually things don’t heat up in the studio as they have until now, but this year, it’s been hopping around here since early spring. We enjoyed the opening reception of “Synergy,” my solo show at Nemick & Thompson on Friday the 2nd, and on Saturday the 3rd, I began the realization of another of my year’s goals (as posted earlier): I hosted a group of about 10 plein air painters for the prestigious “Art in the Aspens” workshops. Marty Brens, workshop host, brought her instructor Jean LeGassick and a group of about 7 students out for a Saturday morning coffee jump-start, followed by morning sessions on composition followed by a paint-out and critique. We broke for a good old fashioned Mexican Fiesta with green pork chile, chicken mole, and all the fixins for any kind of taco you could crave. Next, Jean gave a 30-minute talk, followed by more painting on the grounds with Jean’s expert coaching. Doug chose our paint gelding “Pete” as a subject, while others selected quiet spots up behind the yard. A number of students chose a space just west of the house, which I realized later, is perfectly framed by our dining room window from the inside. (So what I’m saying is that I look at lovely live paintings in my windows every day. And some say God ain’t good? lol.) We ended our day with a huge slice of homemade deep-dish cherry pie a la mode and a few laughs about my cat Charlie jumping up on someone’s palette. It was amazing and we hope to do it again soon.
Instructor Jean LeGassick Works With Student at Hatchet Ranch Workshop 5/3/2008
Other happenings? Just delivered two pieces to Gallery 821 in Denver for an upcoming exhibit, Arts Colorado’s 5th Annual Colorado Drawing Exhibition: The Figure. This show should be a nice one, with long-time Art Students League of Denver instructor John Lencicki as the juror. Rob Foster, gallery owner (a soul generous with both introspect and honest advice, something rare in this gig these days -or any gig these days) speaks with excitement about the exhibit and the fine works already brought in to the space. He likes the variety: everything from more loosely interpreted works to those more crafted more literally, and states that it should have something to enjoy for everyone. Ron & I plan to make a fun night of it, and look forward to a little jazz and dinner along with a stay at a downtown hi-rise.
Hey, us country folk gotta get out once in a while…
So I breathe for now; tend the yard, blog and such. The next round of fun comes in early June with another (tentatively) visit from Art in the Aspens, and I hope to have a few painter friends come out just for the fun of it (imagine!) to unwind and enjoy a nice paint-out and lunch at the ranch. Will update you on that later.
Speaking of painting together, please visit my new website page promoting my new oil painting classes. These will be for anyone at any level, with no huge commitment required. Have a look! To sign up, just email me with the link at page bottom.
Well, that’s your latest update in a nutshell. Time to get back to the easel. (Tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.) Many blessings on you and your family today. Remember to go by and check out “Synergy” at Nemick & Thompson before we take down at the end of the month. Have a great summer, remain grateful and worship-ful, and we’ll see you out there somewhere!
k
Synergy: art deeper than the sum of its parts
At this post, I’m enjoying a flurry of paint flying in the studio-everything from drawings of our little ones to huge semi-abstracts of skies and such. All this preparation for an upcoming solo exhibit that I mentioned before:
Synergy: Art Deeper than the Sum of its Parts.
Here’s a sneak peek at the artist’s statement:
This year, 2008, I’m celebrating twenty years of painting professionally. And by now, one would think that I’d have found my “style.” (You know – that “signature” thing that identifies a painter’s work to collectors.) We all know of artists whose work we can spot from afar (and because of that, enjoy a little extra market demand.) But it seems the longer I participate in this grand enterprise, the more diverse – not narrowed – my studies become. -Not the best strategy for marketing, true, but I’ve been blessed (not that they’re necessarily mutually exclusive) to have had sufficient provision to prioritize discovery and innovation over branding. And for me, this has made all the difference.
I contend that being more eclectic (or attention deficit, if you prefer) is actually a virtue, even synergistic! For example: insights gained into the power of stroke and color in an abstract study can serve to strengthen the abstract components in one’s representational work. Conversely, a proficiency in drawing (often touted as an absolute requirement for representational painting) and a strong command of contrast and composition in imagery translates to confidence and balance in creating works “sans image.”
In the end, one discipline feeds and cultivates another, and ultimately, the overall body of work gains depth and substance (which I covet above all things, and would desire most to be remembered for).
This particular display is assembled in “suites” of various types of study: landscape (plein-air and studio work), figure/portrait, architectural, western, and abstract, with each suite posting my comments on that particular discipline, and special notes on the pieces therein.
It is my sincere hope that in these works, the joy that has come in my twenty years of “celebrating diversity” will be evident, and even inspiring. And may we seek out that same variety (and synergy) in life itself, each and every day, which itself is so much deeper than the sum of its parts!
Well, that’s the first draft anyway. Here are the vitals:
May 2, 5-8 pm
Nemick & Thompson Fine Art
221 South Union Avenue, Pueblo CO
Part of Union Avenue’s First Friday Art Walks
Please do come out. And again, look for “suites” of landscapes, figure/portrait, western, abstract, and architecturals, along with artist notes on select pieces and disciplines. Featured will be portraiture, my most requested discipline. Thank you to Tina Nemick and to all of you for your kind support over these 20 years!
My prayer for you this next 20 years: Health, laughter, peace and grace!
k
Ode to the Ides of March
…when we arrive back from a much-awaited little getaway to somewhere warm, and hit the ground running in preparations for many exciting upcoming events! March 3-7 we plan to enjoy the beaches of Playa del Carmen, a summer-like shot in the arm after what has been a relatively cold winter. Upon our return March 7th, (matter of fact, later the evening of our flight back) the first preview reception is scheduled at Nemick & Thompson gallery for the Rocky Mountain PBS Art Auction Collection. A flurry of preview receptions will follow, both in March and April, including a couple in the Denver area. See my calendar for more detailed info.
Then, April 19th, we open an exciting exhibit sponsored by Catholic Charities in our area: “Espiritu: Reflections of the Soul.” This is a show that will highlight artist’s more spiritually-oriented works. I’ll be showing a few semi-abstracts of Biblical themes. -Should prove to be enlightening and inspiring!
May brings a solo exhibit (we finalized the date) on the 2nd, which we call “Synergy-Art that is Deeper than the Sum of its Parts,” at Nemick & Thompson. This exhibit celebrates 20 years of my working in the fine arts (I sold my first painting in 19888)) and in it, viewers will find a little bit of everything. At this stage of the show, we’re planning to include “suites” (groupings) of various types of current work (plein air, portrait, western, architectural, figure, etc) peppered with a few favorite images from the past 20 years. Diversity is the key word in this exhibit, and we celebrate it with fervor! We’re hoping that the impression that viewers come away with is that the overall show will be even better for that diversity and eclecticity.
Spring is almost here, and how welcome it is! Both personally and professionally, we can always count on it to bring renewal and inspiration for living to the very fullest! Hope you can come out to the shows…till then, via con Dios!
Last-Quarter Wraps Up
Well, we’re nearing the end of the year and it’s been a great one. Several 2007 goals were met, including a major studio and office re-organization (which has remained intact, for the most part), spending increased time in the studio (and en plein air), major upgrades to the website (including this blog), and a nice quarterly email newsletter (K Singleton’s Art-Zine) to keep collectors and friends up to date with studio happenings. (If you are interested in receiving this mailing, please contact me or leave your information on my guestbook.) In addition, voracious, consistent research into new tools and techniques have yielded rich dividends in the studio.
Goals for 2007: I’m inclined to scale back and simply pray for more study time, and more substantive work because of it. But there are a few things that would be nice to see happen alongside:
Nemick & Thompson Fine Art here in Pueblo and I are currently fleshing out plans for a Spring exhibit of my works, including an introduction of a new print. The reception will include print-preview pricing on the piece (good for that month only) and specials on its framing. If this works out, you’ll be hearing more very soon. This gallery, incidentally, will host another exhibit of which I am a part on March 7th, 2008: Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting’s Annual Art Auction Anniversary Collection. This is always an outstanding collection of works, well worth viewing and participating in the bidding in April of each year. From there the exhibit goes to Denver for further exhibits and promotions for the remainder of March & early April. Bidding on the art is April 12-14th. Please join us and bid to win!
My Auction Entry “Christmas Eve 2004″ -a portrait of the Crested Butte, CO area in oil (24×20″) created expressly for this collection. (Click on image for a larger look.)
I’d also like to get fellow painters out to the ranch for a few fun workshops next year. The beauty of this area is not to be missed, and there is more than enough to go around! I’d even like to take on a few students (at least maybe one or two at a time.)
Expanding portrait advertising will be a priority, and I hope to finish a goal of 40 portraits (family, celebrity-any interesting face!) in the next year for this purpose. Portraits can be a most challenging prospect, but a rewarding one – and one that I believe I’m now ready to do more with.
I thank God for the opportunities that have presented themselves this past year, and, of course, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and prosperity and joy for your 2008. Check back often-looks like a busy 1st quarter coming up, and that’s a good thing!
Thanks!
Thank you to all who attended the Open Studio on the 27th here at the house. It was extremely well-attended and was fun to show the newest pieces and to get your suggestions on what to create next. It went so well, in fact, that I’d like to do it every year, and perhaps even twice a year, spring and fall. Watch this space for details, and thanks again!
Fall Open Studio Exhibit
Well, why not? That’s what I said.
Why not have a bunch of folks up to the house and feed them some yummy snacks and let them look at my new art? There’s a bunch of it to show right now, and the gift-giving season is coming up fast. Why not?
So-yeah! Let’s do it!
On Saturday, October 27th 2007, from 2 to 5 pm here at my place, I’ll be opening the studio doors for a one-day only art extravaganza! Come shop originals, prints, cards, and even original music from my studio, and I’ll be happy to personalize anything that you like (even something that you might’ve bought at a previous exhibit or outlet.) Fall is here, and its beauty cannot be ignored. At about the time of the reception, the cottonwoods and scrub oak will be in their most glorious color! Speaking of which, I’ll have several brand new plein air studies painted onsite here at the ranch and surrounding areas-if you’re a ranch neighbor, you may see a familiar spot! I’ll also, of course, have my usual images such as studies of horses, guitars, ballet, wildlife, etc. Come by and say “Hi.” If you’d like more info, please leave a comment on this post, or, more privately, send me an email from my website. I’ll be happy to get back with you right away. Thanks and hope to see you there!
“Pine Bluff East Hill” oil 2007
see this and other local landscapes at the show
Book Review: The War of Art
I just finished reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (subtitled: Break Throught the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles) -a hard-nosed look at why artists, writers and other people creative find it so easy to be distracted from their work, and how to fix it. I found it inspirational, funny, and more to-the-point than was comfortable in some respects (with some adult language). A thread of thought runs through the book. It is that there is one culprit above all others that keeps us from our work-it actually encompasses most other culprits. It is what he calls Resistance. In various sections of the book, he explores Resistance andVictimhood, Resistance and Self-Dramatization, Resistance and Procrastination, Resistance and Fear, Criticism, Self-doubt, etc. Each section is short and direct. I really enjoyed that. Then, he goes into envisioning change. He pictures a true Professional and asks you to internalize the image. A Professional Seeks Order. A Professional Demystifies. A Professional Acts in the Face of Fear. -Asks for help. Perseveres. Doesn’t take failure (or success) personally. Reinvents Herself. Recognizes limitations, etc. Again, concise and clear. In latter chapters, we go into how we see ourselves and how it affects our work, and many other deep (and difficult) reasons for procrastination in creation. It ends with assuring the artist (writer, musician, etc) that he/she has what it takes, if he/she will only know it.This author is a fiction writer, creator of international bestsellers The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, and Last of the Amazons. But here’s a clip from the book body on his bringing this self-help work:” When I began this book, Resistance almost beat me. This is the form it took. It told me that I was a writer of fiction, not nonfiction, and that I shouldn’t be exposing these concepts of Resistance literally and overtly; rather I should incorporate them metaphorically into a novel. That’s a pretty subtle and convincing argument. The rationalization Resistance presented me with was that I should write say, a war piece in which the principles of Resistance were expressed as the fear a warrior feels. Resistance also told me I shouldn’t seek to instruct, or put myself forward as a purveyor of wisdom; that this was vain, egotistical, possibly even corrupt, and that it would work to harm to me in the end. That scared me. It made a lot of sense. What finally convinced me to go ahead was simply that I was so unhappy not going ahead. I was developing symptoms. As soon as I sat down and began, I was okay.”
I recommend this book highly. It has much for many of us who have much to give. Life happens, and it has happened to us all, but keeping tools such as this one around to kick us in the pants now and then can help us to wake up, renew our resolve, and keep on working…
