Tag: Art

Hello world! It has been a long time since posting. So, I start with an image using acrylic on archival paper. However, the problem is which piece to pick. As I look back, I note the abstractions painted during the pandemic. Following the abstract paintings came a post for the Little Pictures Show 2021. Jewelry and painting are my passions.

Now, though COVID still roams among us, I move on. So, art is always my first step, then forward with caution. Chronologically, images coming up will follow from the current Artwork folder on the desktop. 

Shallow

So, let’s turn our attention to “Shallow,” a meaningful piece for me. It’s a medium dear to my heart.—acrylic on archival paper. “Shallow” was not only accepted into a national juried show but also received an award of merit and found a new home with a collector. 

Title: Shallow

Medium: acrylic on archival paper

Size: w: 30″ x h: 20″ unframed

Date: January, 2022

I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out to my cousin, Billy Montella. I’ll never forget when he brought me a large folder filled with Arches paper from his studio! All the pieces I show here started from that folder. What a gift!

Girl with Prasiolite Ring

Below is a work that precedes Shallow. It appears previously in my blog showcasing the prasiolite ring. Then, happily, my prasiolite ring sold at the 2021 Little Pictures Show at the Providence Art Club. The painting was in the Winter Members Show 2022 and then went on to show at the Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. And subsequently, sells at that show.

Title: Girl with Prasiolite Ring

Medium: acrylic on archival paper

Size: w: 20″ x h: 20″ unframed

Date: December, 2021

Do awards matter?

I did want to add the question. Are awards important? Let’s say I always thought if I won just one, I’d be happy. But, in the end, they don’t matter as much as the art itself. The most important thing is to create something that speaks to you and hopefully touches others. Awards can be a good recognition but shouldn’t be the sole focus or measure of success.

It would seem that awards should be nothing but roses, but it’s a subject that goes much deeper, to the core of art’s value and how our industry works.

What Awards Mean, Really by Greg Ruth

If you want to read an interesting take on awards, check out Greg Ruth’s post “What awards mean, really“. It’s no secret he is ‘not a fan of art trophies’. On the other hand, the article from Contemporary Art Issue claims awards are an important recognition in the contemporary art world.

Art prizes are important in the art world. They recognize excellence and help artists grow in their careers. They also encourage innovation and collaboration among artists.

The Art Prize Explained
August 23, 2023 CAI

Figurative Art on Archival Paper 2023

Jazz Corner

The jazz corner (2023) of my work on paper is inspired by the jazz greats, Thelonius Monk/John Coltrane, Etta Jones and Miles Davis.

Padraig Duignan Photography

And finally, I wanted to share something with you all. Recently, I’ve been able to reconnect with my creative side and get back into blogging. Thanks to my creative brothers-in-law, Michael and Padraig, for inspiring me to do so. Padraig has some incredible wildlife photography on his upcoming website. So, I will post some of his amazing photos here and there. Feel free to give them a like if you enjoy them as much as I do.

Thanks for your support! I’ll try not to make everything about me. 

To help my writing process, I used these Grammarly AI prompts: Prompts created by Grammarly – “Simplify it” Prompts I wrote – “Authentic to an artist” – “I still need to think about my direction before I can write about it.”