Dare to Dream . . .

The new year is upon us! I can't help but feel excited about the possibilities of what the future may hold for 2021. I dare to dream of offering in-person classes again in the studio, attending art functions on a regular basis, and traveling unhindered by social distancing restrictions.

As we collectively hold our breath to see what will happen in 2021, I've made my plans for this year that I'd like to share with you, the Studio Insider group.

The Collection

The water is calling me back! I'll be focusing my time and attention this year on building the 2021 collection centered around the theme of water, specifically river scenes. I feel drawn to move towards a more contemporary feel as I explore atmosphere and tonal study in more depth.

My popular monthly virtual exhibits of new work will continue to be released around the first of each month. In addition to the slide show presentation, I'll be getting in front of the camera to explain ithe story behind each painting in a Facebook Live event on the Sunday following the exhibit's release. See the schedule below.

The Store

I'll continue to offer a variety of artwork sizes, from large format (48"x36"), as well as small pieces (8"x8") on wood panel in my online shop. NEW THIS YEAR - I plan on offering high-quality prints available in a variety of sizes. Details coming soon.

Instruction

I'm concentrating primarily on production this year, so I've decided not to create an online course at this time. However, I'll be offering in-person instruction in the studio as soon as it is safe to do so. And, I welcome you to reach out to me if you are interested in private lessons via Zoom. Beginners can take a series of classes in basic encaustic painting to learn how to use the medium with proficiency. Please Contact me if you are interested in private lessons.

I'm adding an "Art Tips" section in each newsletter where I'll share a tip or two on the subjects of painting with encaustic, the business of art, and collecting art. See the first entry below.

So, there you have it, my plans for 2021. What will you dare to dream this year? Please write back, I'd love to encourage you along your journey of turning your dreams into reality!

Hoping you have a bright and safe new year!

Facebook Live Event . . .

Starting in February, I am excited to be adding to my virtual art exhibit experience a Facebook Live event, where I'll be giving in greater detail the back story, inspiration, and techniques of the paintings featured in the exhibit.

Virtual Exhibits are released around the first of each month. The Facebook Live event will be the following Sunday after the release at 1 pm.

Click the image to follow me on Facebook.

STUDIO NEWS . . .

Manhattan Art International Exhibit

"Hear Her Roar", 24"x24" encaustic, was accepted into the international art exhibition, "Her Story," curated by Renee Phillips, director of Manhattan Arts International. Description of this exhibit reads, "“HerStory” 2020-2021 presents art by 90 extraordinary women artists who express their unique creative visions with skill and originality. They have mastered their chosen styles and mediums. Their art has an immediate and lasting impact and transforms us in a visceral and/or thought-provoking manner." Click the image to view the exhibit. Sorry, this painting has sold.

Gallery 75
You can find several of my smaller works at The Art League's Gallery 75 located in the Torpedo Factory,105 N. Union St. (Studio 21), Alexandria, VA. Gallery 75 is a great place to find affordably priced artwork by local member artists. Framed, unframed, and three-dimensional work is available to purchase. Click HERE to see the piece I currently have hanging in the gallery.

District Arts
I have new larger work hanging at District Arts gallery located in Frederick, MD. The gallery is open Wednesday - Thursday: 12 - 5, Friday - Saturday: 12 - 7, Sunday: 12 - 5, Monday - Tuesday: CLOSED. Mask required for entry.

2020 COLLECTION, “Close to Home”

Did you miss December's Virtual Exhibit? This slideshow presentation is a collection of 30 paintings centered around landscapes of northern Virginia created in 2020.

It was very discouraging when travel plans were cancelled due to the pandemic— especially a trip to Italy I had planned to take with my daughter this past spring. However, on the upside, the travel restrictions gave me a stronger appreciation of the beauty found just outside my backdoor. READ MORE . . .

The next virtual exhibit will be released around February 1.

ART TIPS . . .

Did you know you can paint encaustic on aluminum panel? Check out this video to see how it looks. The aluminum's nature to hold heat and cool quickly makes it a challenging substrate. I recommend placing it on an hotplate set at a low temperature so you have time to manipulate the medium before it cools. Click here for the details about the Aluminum plate I used in this demo. (Affiliate link)

Dare To Dream
by david bailey
Dare To Dream of the Stars above
Dare To Dream of Your own success
Dare To Dream of what comes next
Dare To Dream of all the love
Dare To Dream of your own world
Dare To Dream of Whatever YOU please
but once you have taken that dare

"Sweet Life" 24"x24" encaustic on birch panel