For The Love Of It

We do art because we love it. But it's difficult when you see what passes for art these days. What's worse is that not only that it passes for art but it ACTUALLY sells. In fact it may well sell more than what someone may consider "real" art. True I don't always understand what passes for art even when it's considered by true critics and well-educated people as REAL art. We had an exhibit where someone painted pallets different colors. One would be yellow, another blue, etc...and really, I didn't get it. Perhaps I'm not educated enough. I didn't see the meaning in it other than a strictly utilitarian object was spruced up and painted a pretty color. The utilitarian becomes art? Maybe that was the idea. But really, who does this speak to? That niche is rather narrow, Im sure.

In cases like that I think I'm either not educated enough or I thank God my head isn't shoved so far up my own butt that I've become the ultimate snob. I'm somewhat on the fence of what "real" art is because I think everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion and taste but I also think they'd want to elevate themselves. Low brow or high brow sometimes something can be labeled art and it's just crap on a canvas really. I am aware some people may feel that way about my art and that's OK, because I don't aim to please everyone.

I do art because I love it. I have a real job where I make my living and I do my art because I'd die without it and it would be nice to make some money at it but I know I'm not going to get rich doing this. I may pay off a bar tab with a couple of pieces or donate a piece or two to a worthy cause. It's mine to give, sell or keep as I choose. It's my sanity, so I'll do with it as I please.

As far as self-promotion, I'll try anything once maybe even twice. I'm not afraid of the work and it is frustrating when you see craptacular work selling and you're sitting there left twiddling your thumbs. I know the frustration like the back of my hand. Trust me on this. But I also know I cannot rely on selling. I have to be happy and thankful for what does come my way. I have to be secure in the knowledge that my work is good and that I am making an honest effort to sell my works.

So what works? All of it and none of it. The only thing you can really do is have loads of determination and faith.

Live Painting

When I lived in San Antonio, I was a member of an art group there and we did shows wherein we would have to paint live. At first I thought I could never do that. I mean people watching me paint? No, this is what I do in the privacy of my apartment with music going and me "singing" and dancing along. So this is not a spectacle for the masses. Well of course no one needs to see that action but I just had to deal. It had to be done if I was going to be a part of this group.

So, finally, I sucked it up and I threw myself into it. The great thing, I later found, was the curiosity of children was not only entertaining but they made me really think about what I was doing. It's like tying your shoes. You know how to do it. You do it a million times a year but until you try to teach someone to tie their shoes, you really just don't think about the steps you need to take to get from A to B and so forth. The children got me to thinking about what I was really doing. They kind of gave me a kick in the butt and one that I sorely needed. I was getting stagnant.

I remember two little girls who wanted to paint with me but as they were nicely dressed, their mother felt it was not a good idea. But one of them kept asking questions. "Why you doin' that?" and I'd answer her. She'd digest the information...I could see the little wheels turning in her head. Then she'd ask why I was using a certain color and why was my tree shaped like that or whatever. It was a little trying but it truly made the wheels in my head turn too.

Well I've grown since then. I'm not timid painting in front of people any more. As a matter of fact when I moved to Corpus Christi I started my own art group. We're a tiny band of artists and we don't have a 501-C designation or anything just yet, but we work hard at our skills. It's not even work really. I enjoy it too much to call it work. Yeah, it can be tiring, frustrating and drive one to drink but I'd rather be doing this than almost anything else. So I got my little band of artists together and painting live. We painted out at the bay front, which I do NOT recommend because the wind is fierce. We paint at our shows. But where we've been painting mostly is at a bar called The Texan.

Yes The Texan has a generous backyard and the staff is very welcoming. Every artist can find their own space out in the backyard and work until their heart is content, or their work is done. It's not as difficult working in an environment where liquor is being served as one might think. Every once in a while someone who's had maybe a little too much to drink has some critique of your work that may not be too flattering but you just laugh it off.

I love painting out there. I just feel at home there because most of the people know me now and they want to know what I'm working on. I'll go and work there without my posse. It's that comfortable for me. Even one of the regulars there has offered to make me some special order stretched canvases no charge (well except for supplies) but still! They'll be a hell of a lot less cheaper this way than going through a supply house. It may cost me a couple of beers....maybe a shot....I still come out cheap.

My advice is to paint out in unusual environments where the general public wouldn't expect there to be a working artist. I'm actually thinking of getting with the local mall and asking them if my crew can go there and paint as part of a live art show. You know something different for their clientele. It's a good thing to involve businesses that may not necessarily be involved in art in the first place. It will get them to know the possibilities of art, the draw of art and the fun that it can be.

*The image attached to this blog is ArtWalk and was created in The Texans' backyard in May 2010.

Agora – Contemporary fine art gallery – Chelsea art galleries district – New York City

Agora – Contemporary fine art gallery – Chelsea art galleries district – New York City

ART WEBSITE!!!

Finally I got a website for my artwork! It's small right now but I'll be growing it soon. I'll buy more space and get it going. I think this is the best way to go.

I'm going to continue to work with Coastal Bend Artists but I'm not going to be showing my paintings any more. If I show anything I'll be doing photos.

I'm pretty good at composition and I've gotten some really great shots but I'm not a PHOTOGRAPHER. I don't have fancy equipment or software but I know what I like and I do a good job. Besides, my feelings aren't nearly as hurt if no one buys my photos as opposed to my paintings....when no one buys my paintings I do get kind of hurt.

I put a lot of thought and emotion into my work. I'm not just slapping shit together. But I suppose people prefer something they can see something real in....does that make sense?

I'm not that big on reality, so yeah.....I'll snap a photo for realism but if I'm painting rare is the realism.

[url="http://artbylaurette.webs.com/"]ART BY LAURETTE[/url]

Aurora Arts Theater

The Aurora Arts Theater is a great place to catch good live theater and good art! Myself and many other of my fellow artists have works displayed at the theater. Here are the three I have on display and for sale at Aurora.

Also please check out the Aurora's production Godspell! It's playing now until May 15th!

This is "Temper, Temper", it's a 30 x 40" acrylic on canvas piece.

It is actually a darker, moodier painting than I captured it here but I couldn't make it come out right. That's why I'm a painter and not a photographer.

This is "Preconceived Notions" it's a multi-medium piece in that it has plaster, glass, sumi ink, and acrylic paints.

This is "Vintage" and its an odd piece. A friend of mine gave me this canvas board and it already had the bird and branch painted on it. It's an old painting and who did it? God only knows. But what I did was put a wash of yellow and added the color patches that surround the subject. I feel that I did take something that was vintage and a little mundane and made it more contemporary. I enjoyed this process and I may do it again.

Godspell
April 9 - May 15, 2010
Book by John Michael Tebelak Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, "Godspell" is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time.Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, "Godspell" boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day." As the cast performs "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side," the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life.Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, "Godspell" is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love.(Synopsis obtained from http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000217.)

Showtimes:April 9 - May 15, 2010
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm
Tickets:$14 - Adults$12 - Seniors, Military, and Students with I.D.$ 7 - Children under 10

Cast Members:
Ryan Bennett
Molly Pierce
Laura Noyola
Autumn Caro
Jerry Treviño
Amanda White
Alex Chapa
RaMina Mirotazavi
Matt Willoughby
Ray Garza
Laura Noyola

Director: Corey Ranson

Choreographer: Carolyn Arwood

Music Director: Phil Valdez

Stage Manager: Wendy Sauer

http://www.auroraartstheatre.com/index.html

Rockport Photos

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2533271015/a=6727035_6727035/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

KSPACE CONTEMPORARY PARTY 4/16/10

Wine is to sushi as beer is to chocolate. Confused? You won't be after attending the Art of Music a benefit for K Space Contemporary sponsored by Glacial Energy (a fairly new retail energy provider). This party is an unusual benefit in that there will be a sushi and wine pairing, live art, art on display and art for sale, then a beer and chocolate pairing and music. Providing the sushi is Ophraka's Asian Bistro located at 429 Schatzel in dowtown Corpus Christi.

Ophraka's is new to the restaurant scene and has a busy lunch, lamentably business is a little slow at night. Well maybe not so lamentably...you can snag a great table while the lull lasts. Owner/chef, Paul Sananikone, is dedicated to great food and the arts. His dedication to great food is evident in the dishes he serves. He also holds his doors open to local artists who want to get a little more exposure for their works.

This piece currently hangs at Ophraka's 429 Asian Bistro.

Chef Paul executes a flawless California Roll for the camera. Experience this and many other forms of sushi at the Art of Music.

The wine for this portion of the evening will be provided by Republic Beverage. Vintage posters from the collection of Casey Lain, owner/operator of the House of Rock, will be on display. There are some that will take you way back to the way back and then some. They are a great trip down memory lane for some and a new experience in printed art for others. These pieces will not be for sale. Also art on canvas will be provided for show and sale by Al Molina assistant director of the Coastal Bend Artists (coastalbendartists@yahoo.com). Molina is one of the best representational artists there is in Corpus Christi. He can take a picture and paint it on a canvas as exact as exact can be.

Stevie Ray Vaughn by Al Molina

Fred and Melissa Cook will be producing a limited number of posters during the event. "The design is really cool," Lain said. "One design will be available during the wine/sushi pairing and another will be avaialbe for the beer/chocolate pairing but you can put them together to make one poster." Twenty is the limit! Only 20 posters per event will be printed, the cost is $30 each. The beer and chocolate portion of the eveing should be very interesting. Larry Roberts of Andrews Distributing will be supplying the beers (Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Coastal Wheat, Light and Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois) and Bourbon St. Candy Company (located in La Palmera Mall by Dillard's second floor) is supplying DE-lictable choclates.

These chocolates are hand made in Texas at Sweet Shop USA. Sweet Shop USA was established in 1972, in Fort Worth. Today, the company is located in Mount Pleasant.

Here is the event itninery: 5:30 doors open at the Venue next door to the House of Rock/poster printing begins 6:30 - 8:30 Sushi and wine pairing begin. 8:30 - 9:00 KSpace open house 9:00 doors open and second round of poster printing begins 9:55 - 11:00 beer and chocolate pairings

Tickets are $20 for each event of the evening (each pairing is a seperate event) and can be bought at http://www.texashouseofrock.com/ or by calling 361-882-7625

KSpace Contemporary is located at 415 D Starr Street, Corpus Christi and can be found at http://www.kspacecontemporary.org/

The Venue at the House of Rock is located at 511 Starr Street and can be found on the web at www.texashouseofrock.com Glacial Energy can be found on the web at http://www.glacialenergy.com/

KSpace Contemporary and House of Rock would like to extend thank you's to Glacial Energy, Republic Beverage, Andrews Distributing, Ophraka's, Bourbon St. Candy Company, Leadership Class XXXVIII and Coastal Bend Artists.