Celebrating Mid-Autumn
All summer and early autumn I’ve been quietly enjoying painting in the studio annex’s bright light. Now it’s time to present the 40 new artworks at the Annual Autumn Open Studio on November 2 in this new space.
11th Annual Autumn Open Studio
Having nothing on the walls, and the quiet of the insulated space has lulled me into a deep state of creativity, welcome after a fallow period. To my surprise I have re-discovered the pleasure of slowing down enough to convey the details of the subject. Now all the art fills the walls, with “Birds and Botanicals; Seasonal Visitors to Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary”, and guests will be welcomed to enjoy the occasion.
Front Room of the studio annex
The artwork is a variety of sizes, all varnished, some mounted and others framed. Some are collaged onto painted Ampersand encaustic panels in floater frames, all new for me. It is challenging in an inspiring way to learn a new approach.
© Kathleen O’Brien, “Brown Betty”, varnished panel, framed, gouache and watercolor
South corner of “Birds and Botanicals; Seasonal Visitors to Sunwise Farm & Sanctuary” by Kathleen O’Brien
New bead jewelry will also be in the display case. I am really excited about all this, see you here! Weather permitting, you might be tempted to take in autumn beauty on the south deck.
detail of Ocean Necklace with a handmade glass bead inlaid with silver, antique Venetian beads and ocean colored stone beads
© Kathleen O’Brien, antique King and Padre Bead Necklace,detail
Music to My Eyes: Visions of Music
“Birthday Party with Red Winged Blackbird Symphony & Robin Solo” is on display at Berea Arts Council at the Music to My Eyes: Visions of Music. Follow the link to see the the whole painting and directions to the gallery.
© Kathleen O’Brien, Birthday Party with Red Winged Blackbird Symphony & Robin Solo, detail of watercolor, drawing collage
Atlas of the Year
For those who follow the Atlas of the Year program (including me!) we are already half way through the year of activities, mapping our insights about the cycles and projects. One of the monthly prompts is to answer a few questions about the specific time and place. Early on, I realized how busy the life of the artist is, and decided to simply record my answers on index cards, do-able! The beauty of the online program is that you may sign up at any time, check out the information here.
© Kathleen O’Brien, Index Box for Atlas of the Year monthly questions
Art Next Level
Thanks to my dear art friend, Michelle Hayden, I joined Art Next Level with Sergio Gomez. She’s been praising his program for a long time. I joined now to take up the 3 month Small Works Arts Sales Challenge. I will be sending more information about it to you after the Open Studio. Again, many new things to learn, I love to expand. Finally I have entered the 21st Century and have bought my first iPhone, simply because the whole event will be promoted on Instagram. Details to follow. But meanwhile, please follow me there at; https://www.instagram.com/kathleenobrienstudio/
Poster for the Small Art Challenge at the end of November
Rudolf Steiner Study Group
It was a pleasure to host the Rudolf Steiner Study Group. One of the interests of the group is studying biodynamic practices. They wanted to see our farm and ask how we are implementing Steiner’s ideas. One topic we discussed in detail was our practice of beekeeping several years ago. It was a pleasure to revisit that. We both miss it and don’t (so much work!). And we love to talk about the sustainable methods we used in building this home 20 years ago. Thanks to a dear friend, Bobbie Newman for asking us!