First off, I finished a Tiger Woods painting I had worked on for a few days. The scene is of Tiger eyeing a putt (something we've all seen him do a thousand times.)
Artistically, I really like some of the things I chose to do differently this time. My goal was to be much looser with lines and color. I wanted the colors to be more washed out and less saturated, but have the most color and tightness around his face. I think it helps direct the viewer to the area of interest. If I had given everything equal weight Tiger's legs would have been very dark and heavy and draw attention away from the focus of the painting. As is, the legs at times blend right into the putting surface. Tiger's features were a little more difficult to capture than I anticipated. His eyes are very unique and he has a large mouth and a rounded nose. Keeping everything in the correct proportion proved a little challenging. I have another Tiger planned for completion soon, so stay tuned.
As for the best news of the day, I found out this morning that I'll be able to get a booth at the State Fair of Texas. To me it seems like a real miracle. I spoke to the folks at the fair three weeks ago and was told that all slots had been filled and there was a waiting list. They also implied that if there were cancellations slots would be filled according to when they received your application. My application didn't go out until last Thursday. Even though I really wanted to exhibit at the State Fair, I seriously thought I was wasting my time submitting my application so late in the process especially after being told everything was booked. But things worked out otherwise. An opening came available in an exhibit space and the exhibit staff contacted me about the opportunity. It sounds as though artists do well at the fair, they didn't have an artist in this particular venue and they liked my work. The result was an invitation. I agreed and we're now working on the logistics. I have my insurance agent working on a liability policy that the fair requires while my wife and I try to figure out who's manning the booth when. Unlike other events I've done in the past, it appears the fair would have me flying solo for the majority of the time and no one around to watch the store if I need a break. The schedule is pretty grueling: 10AM - 10PM for 24 consecutive days. I am looking at maybe paying someone to come help out from 2-7PM each day. Some other options involve hiring babysitters and having my wife there part of the day. The most viabale option may include renting an RV to use as home base. We'll see. I'm a little intimidated by the amount of work that is going to be involved, but after talking to veterans that have worked the fair for years I'm confident that it will all be worth it.
I'll keep you posted.
Hi Craig!!
I don't know if you remember me, but I met you about a month ago at an Art Chanel meeting and saw you about 2 weeks ago at another meeting they hosted.
I visited your website after the initial meeting and was very impressed by your work AND the painting process you provide to your viewers. (Captain America) I was going to send one of my art friends your link today so that they could see your work and the youtube clip that you have posted and read your post about the State Fair exhibit you have coming up. How exciting!!!
Do you know "where" they'll have you? Once you decide what your schedule will be, please post it so that others can stop by and see you in action.
Praying your day is blessed beyond comprehension!!
Michelle :)
Posted by: Michelle McSpadden | July 07, 2008 at 08:49 PM