Ranazul Show

Thank you to everyone would came out for my reception at Ranazul Restaurant. I really appreciate everyone that came!My show will be up until April 2nd. Visit www.ranazul.us for directions and hours.

On June 4th and 5th, Savage Mill will once again be hosting the Green Life Festival. During the fesitval, I will have an open house featuring my landscapes and seascapes. Lately, I have been working on some acrylic layered "sunflowerscapes". This is a rather involved process where I make petals on palette paper, and transfer them to the canvas. The result is very textural, and I like that.

Also in June, my work will be featured at Ahh Coffee!, in Eastport Shopping Center in Annapolis, MD. And in July and August, I will have some of my work at Salon on Cross St. in Chestertown, MD.

So things are busy, and life is good. Hope the spring weather is pleasing you, and here is to warmer days ahead!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

March Show and Reception at Ranazul Restaurant

You are cordially invited to a champagne reception

for

Cathy Harville's art show

"Embracing Our Natural Places"

at Ranazul Restaurant

8171 Maple Lawn Drive

Fulton, MD 20759

on Sunday, March 13th from 4:00 to 5:00PM

Please bring a friend!

The show will be up from February 27th to April 2nd, 2011. For more information, contact Cathy at 443.286.3233 or cathy.harville@gmail.com.

The Fox and the Cat

The art "business" has been pretty slow lately. Part of the lack of foot traffic to my studio may be the economy, or the sad fact that two major "draws" moved to spaces in the main shopping building.

But once in a while, I get a visitor or so. A talkative man, named Joe, stopped by with his two granddaughters. While the granddaughters looked at my work, he told me an interesting story about his cat and a fox. His cat is a big, black hunter, and regularly kills small animals. They have a fox who frequents their yard, so there aren't many little critters running around.

One day recently, the fox and cat had an encounter. The fox walked confidently towards the cat. Instead of fleeing, the big feline started to charge the fox! The fox turned tail and ran.

The next night, Joe got up because he heard some noise outside. Looking outside he saw the fox and cat sitting near each other, looking in opposite directions. It seemed that they were hunting together! He could not believe his eyes, and woke up his girlfriend to take a look. I guess he wanted a witness, because it was such an unusual site. He watched for a while, and went back to bed.

He told the story much better than I ever could. But I thought it was worth sharing. I have the privilege of meeting a lot of interesting people. And Joe made my day.

Slowing Down

Greetings to all,

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Peaks island, off the coast of Maine. Ferry boats run about every hour, taking tourists and commuters to this little gem out in Casco Bay.

After just a few hours, I understood why people live on and visit the island. its charm is only surpassed by its beauty. The rock formations, and waves cresting on its ocean shores are a sight to behold. Bikes are a common mode of transportation, and we joined the small groups that were biking around the island. Stopping at several places to take photos, we drank in the sights. (Photos from the trip may be found on my Facebook page.) We also went sailing, in the slowest boat on Peaks Island! But it was relaxing and fun.

Our three day trip seemed like a week, as we read at night - no TV in the cottage. It reminded me to slow down, and enjoy what this life has to offer. I have lots of potential paintings in my photos, and looking at them will be a reminder to slow down. Life doesn't have to be a rat race. We can plod along from time to time, and just enjoy the view.

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Knowing When to Stop and Start

From my personal experience, being an artist is all about starting and stopping. The creative urge is rather unpredictable. For months, I can be on a creative rampage, with long, non-stop sessions of painting and creating. Then, it is as if a famine strikes, or a drought. I sit down, and 15 minutes later, it is time to stop.

I have been going through a blocked period for about two months now. At first, it was scary, as I questioned whether I would be able to complete another painting. Evidence shows that yes, I have finished several paintings, even during this "dry" spell, although not as many as I had several months ago.

Later, it just became annoying, to sit down, and with the concentration of a fruit fly, try to complete any portion of a painting. I was learning that it is important to know when to stop. Creatvity cannot be forced. I read recently that Leonardo DaVinci often just sat for hours, just thinking and reflecting. (It used to drive his patrons crazy.) Picasso went through a period of changing mediums daily, and even made prints of fishbones left from dinner.

I learned that every artist goes through changes in creativeness, and, while frightening, it is a natural process. Lately, I feel like I have painted every reference photo I have. While this is not true, it feels true, at the time. But one look in my reference photo drawer shows me otherwise!

I have learned that being an artist is not a 9-5 proposition. We are not trained dolphins that can create on demand. There has to be passion present, and a strong desire to create. And all of this has to be in time with my inner muse, who, some days it seems, doesn't want to paint anything.

And that is okay. Being a full time artist doesn't mean painting full time. It just means spending your time "being" an artist. I am an artist when I make greeting cards, take a nap, or go kayaking. I am an artist all the time, no matter what I happen to be doing at a given moment.

So as I struggle with this block, I am mindful to be kind to myself, and realize that even the great Leonardo DaVinci has times of creative despair. It is hard to believe, but on his deathbed, DaVinci lamented over unfinished projects. I expect that I shall do the same!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Back to Pastels

My muse has been prodding me to start painting in pastels again. So I listened. (I have posted a new pastel painting for your viewing pleasure.) "Topsail Sunset II" reminds me why I love that little island, and why I love to paint.

The economy has not slowed down the making of art among artists. I find this time valuable to build a body of work, as I explore other avenues for my work. In October, I am going to exhibit a body of work called "At Water's Edge". The coastal areas are a favorite theme of mine. I just love how the land and water interact, and how the environment changes the lighting and atmosphere.

I am still struggling with a block. This is the first time I have been blocked in two years. Last time it happened, I ended up in the psychiatric hospital with a severe bipolar episode. The block may have been caused by the mood swing. In this current block, my mood is once again unstable. So I am working on my coping skills, and doing mickey mouse work to stay busy.

I have joined another art league, and have booked a restaurant and coffee shop to show my work in 2011. As I venture out to new venues, I find my muse is pleased, and the dreaded block is occasionally lifting. I just have to wait it out. There is no other way around it!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Finished or Not

Greetings to all,

Yesterday I posted this painting, titled "Sailing Club", on Facebook. I asked readers to judge whether it was "finished" or not, feeling like I needed to add detail to the foreground water. One brave soul piped up and suggested that the addition of more detail to the water would be exciting. Bravo!

So today, I will take it back to my studio and "finish" it. Finishing a painting is an arbitrary thing. Only the artist knows if a painting is finished or not. Sometimes, as in this case, the artist is not even sure!

Thinking about it, many things in life require finishing. But most of those have a definite end point. You pretty much know when a house is clean, or when the grass is cut. With soem things, as in grass cutting, you can see when you are finished.

Not so with art, and creative endeavors. You can always add a bit here and there. Sometimes, artists try to make their medium do too much. Sometimes, we fall short. Have you ever gone to a movie, and thought it was the end, only to have it go on? Or the opposite - the ending left you wanting more?

Perhaps some things never really get finished. Perhaps that is why artists paint a single scene many times. There is always something new to paint every time you look at a subject with fresh eyes. New focal points or backgrounds appear on the canvas. Sometimes, the color scheme changes dramatically.

The finishing continuum is what makes an action creative. We creatively pick a point to stop, and allow the world to see it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder indeed.

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Paralysis by Analysis

Every once in a while, I think too much. When I think too much, I cannot be fully present in the moment. And when an artist is not present in the moment, art just does not happen.

Lately I am suffering from paralysis by analysis. Before I start to paint, I find myself planning the painting, I envision how I want it to look, instead of just trusting that my brush will find its way. When I practice excessive planning in my art, nothing goes according to plan!

Part of the problem may be related to my recent bout with ADD. Not being able to concentrate, I find I actually overcompensate by thinking too much about painting.

So today, I plan to reverse that trend, and just endeavor to stay in the moment. Things happen in life moment by moment. And paintings happen in just this one little moment in the present.

Thank you to my Kickstarter Supporters

Thank you to all my Kickstarter™ Project Supporters!

$10 Contributors

· Brandi Chroniger, Owner of “FACES by Brandi” at Historic Savage Mill - treat yourself to a make-up session, a facial, and sample her many natural uplifting skincare products! 301-470-FACE (3223)

· Thomas Teabo, Owner of Angular Surveying and Mapping in Raleigh, NC.

919-819-1724

· Stephanie Yanovitz, Creative Project Facilitator, syanovitz@gmail.com,

215-370-0476

· Eric Sparre, Director of Artspan – a first class, affordable website for

artists of all types! Have complete creative control over your

website look and feel, and e-mail list, and detailed

statistics. Check out www.artspan.com for more information.

· Inge Hyder

$25 Cool Contributors

· Beth Dora Reisberg

· Beth Barany – Creativity Coach, specializing in helping writers get

their books written and published! www.bethbarany.com.

· Bruce Montgomery

· Sara Moran

· George Randall, Owner of GER Lawn Care at gerlawncare@yahoo.com.

George also tutors in mathematics, and can be reached

at 301-335-7870.

· Laurinda Lee, Artist in Residence at Historic Savage Mill, Studio 113 –

leelaurind@aol.com.

· Felton Barner, Photographer and creator of ReImage Galleries –

flbarner@yahoo.com

· Marlena Lazarus

$50 Very Cool Contributors

· Sandra Kerwin

· Jill Kolody

$100 Super Cool Contributors

· Mary Long

· Shirley Teabo

· Sherrie Lazarus

$300 Awesome Contributors

· Teresa Spaid Archer – Principal of Orndorff & Spaid, Inc. - Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Company – 301-937-5911

· Brenda Spaid Fowler – Principal of Orndorff & Spaid, Inc. - Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Company – 301-937-5911

· Keith Spaid – Principal of Orndorff & Spaid, Inc. - Commercial Roofing

and Sheet Metal Company – 301-937-5911

· Alma Spaid – Wife of past owner of Orndorff & Spaid, Inc. - Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Company – 301-937-5911

Thank you to everyone! And a big shout out to Orndorff & Spaid, Inc.!

My New Book May be Previewed on Blurb!

Greetings,

My book is now ready on Blurb for previews and purchases! Blurb is a website for self-publishing. I would be interested in what you think, and I welcome all comments, good, bad and ugly! Since this is my first book, there is no doubt lots of room for improvement.

You can buy the book from Blurb - that would be sweet! But if you fund my project, it will enable me to order a large quantity of books at a discount, to distribute as rewards, and sell at cost in my studio. Plus, they would be hand signed by me, with a sentiment of your choice.

Ultimately, I would like to use the funds from the project to work with a real, live publisher, so my book could be offered to a wider audience, and maybe even sold through book stores. It would have an ISBN number, and a SKU! I plan to meet with a local publisher, and discuss details in the next few weeks.

Of course, none of this will be a reality without your support. I want to thank those who are already backing my project. If the Amazon, online method of pledging is too confusing or time consuming for you to make a pledge, please ask me for help, or write me a check - I won't cash it unless I am fully funded. Even a few dollars will greatly help.

And please spread the word by telling all your friends! If 10 people each told 10 people, that would be 90 new, potential backers. And if half of them donated only $10, that would put me much closer to my goal.

When Land Meets the Sea by A collection of paintings and stories by Cathy Harville |BOOK INFO

Click on the link above to see my book on Blurb!

In life, we all get back far more than we give out. As my mom alway says, what goes around, comes around. If we all help each other, we can accomplish great things.

Thank you, and cheers,

Cathy Harville

Potholes

After the major snows we had this winter, the roads are full of potholes. It is to be expected, but, nonetheless, they are annoying. It takes a while for crews to fix them, but the road is just never the same again.

Life is full of potholes - all the challenges, irritations, and burdens that come in all shapes and sizes. This past week, I fell into a major pothole. I had a relapse from bipolar disorder, and landed in the hospital. Now grateful to be home, I find myself reflecting on how to fix that pothole - how to better manage my life with this illness.

First, I want to thank everyone that "came to the rescue" as I am struggling with my latest pothole. It is so much appreciated.

Second, I realized that some things had to change in my life. With any mental illness, ordinary, daily issues can turn into huge monsters. Now, instead of panicking, I can step back and figure out what needs adjusting. I am becoming more assertive, and honest, and I am asking for help.

This relapse also made me realize that we live life in the present - not the past or future. By focusing on the present, life gets easier.

I want to thank everyone who provides support and love for me, not only during times of struggle, but also all year long. Sometimes it takes a village to fix a pothole.

On the mend,

Cathy

Time to Kickstart!

Greetings from snow-covered Maryland! While we wait for another dumping of the white stuff, I have some exciting news brewing in my art world!

Through "Artists' Magazine", I discovered www.kickstarter.com. Wow! In one day, I have put together the project of my dreams - at least for today!

I am going to write and self-publish a book of my artwork, that is titled "When Land Meets the Sea". The premise of the book is to expose the environmental importance of our beautiful and sometimes, mysterious coastlines on the thousands of miles of creeks, rivers, bays and ocean on the East coast. I realized recently that my paintings often depict the places where land and water meet. In these paintings, we find tidal pools, river grasses, waves, and all kinds of things going on -schools of minnows, reflections, ripples, sand erosion, birds fishing in tidal pools - and little girls walking down the beach. Really cool stuff, indeed!

The really great thing about Kickstarter is that it helps artists obtain funds from interested patrons, in exchange for rewards, including interactions with the project. I haven't launched my project yet - there is still time needed for stewing and brewing, and editing. But it will be launched in the next few days, and my blog will be instrumental in getting the word out.

My book will be brimming with my artwork, with stories of each piece, and how each piece contributes to the theme of land meeting the sea. Sometimes the meetings are quiet and peaceful; and sometimes the encounters are wild and loud!

So, as I recover from a nasty fall on the ice from the previous blizzard, and time waiting for the next wave of snow, I have the precious gift of time - time to think, contemplate, and pause - time to consider all the really amazing experiences I have had where the land meets the sea.

Any ideas? I am as open as my book to come. I hope the coming months present us all with our own version of Kickstarter. For the time being, I am so excited, and full of happy anticipation!

Cheers,

Cathy Harville

Exposure

As an emerging artist, I feel a bit like a butterfly that can't quite get her wings to open. I know people like my artwork, because I sell quite a bit of it, and I have never had anything returned, which seems like a miracle to me. However, people can only buy what they see, and to see something, they have to be at a certain place and at a given time. Like real estate, it is all about location, location, location.

To gain a better location, and more exposure, I moved my studio to a better location at the Mill. I do a lot of inexpensive marketing - cards, brochures, signs for shows at my studio, even refrigerator magnets and bookmarks (which at a big hit!). I recently placed some prints in a local frame shop, and have already seen some action. Sales pros say it takes 5-7 "impressions" for people to buy. I think it varies greatly. I have had people literally rip things off the wall to purchase, while others come back several times before they pull the trigger.

Still, it is a big world, with lots of places to spend money, and thousands of artists vying for a piece of the pie. I think exposure is critical to success - shows, open studios, parties, art leagues, charity events,"pity paintings" - the list of exposure opportunities is endless. And while moving paintings all over the place to gain exposure is, at times, a nuisance, eventually, people will know who you are.

While I don't intentionally use gimmicks, I have inadvertently used them. I dyed my graying hair red, with blonde highlights, and subsequently, people remember me, especially if it comes out a bit magenta! I use lots of texture when I paint, and intense color. I am locally known for my unusual color choices (which don't seem so unusual to me). If I produce a work that is not wild with color, people are concerned. (I have been asked if I was depressed when I painted a painting in "normal" colors! I attached the painting, which is pretty tame, compared to what I normally do.)

The biggest barriers to exposure that I face, is not having gallery representation (which I admittedly, I have not sought out), and that I cannot keep my studio open every weekend and holidays for visitors to the Mill. Having said that, my short hours keep me sane, and not having to "produce" for a gallery frees me up to really experiment and have fun.

I like exposure in small doses. And I am very patient. I know someday, my wings will open, and I will take flight. It is only a matter of time.
Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

www.harvilleart.com

Immersion

As a painter, I have experienced immersion in many ways:

- I am startled when someone walks into my studio unexpectedly;

- I often forget to eat lunch, or to eat at all;

- I make coffee, and forget to drink it;

- I constantly lose track of time, despite the very accurate "Whatever" clock I have beside me (all the numbers are falling off, so I really never know what time it is);

- I realize I was supposed to meet someone, and forgot;

- After a while, I realize I have been cleaning my brush in my coffee;

- My phone rings, and I am immediately annoyed;

- and, I put off bathroom breaks until the very last minute! (Just let me finish this one area!) Come on, I know you have done that, too!

I also experience immersion while I am kayaking - no, not in the water, but in the act of observing nature. I will often sit, and listen to the wind rustling the trees and grasses. I hear the beating of a swan's wings as it screams at my approach. I watch the reflections in the water change like liquid mercury. I watch the schools of minnows move across the surface of the water, as a bigger fish is hunting them, no doubt. If the light is right, I take some photos. (It is too hard to paint in my kayak!) And, I forget all about everything, except the moment I am in.

This nature immersion serves me well in the studio. I can easily recall the smell of the water, and the taste of the air. I can recall the light shifting, and reflections gleaming. And although I have my pitiful reference photos to work from, it is the immersion I experienced on the water that helps me to capture the essence of the scene I am painting.

Thank goodness for immersion. Like yoga, it is an opportunity to escape, and just be.

Namaste,

Cathy Harville

Thank you!

As I look upon the first snow of season, I am reminded how quickly time passes, and how so many people have played a role in my life in 2009. I want to take a few minutes to thank a bunch of people, for supporting me in my art, and for supporting the local art community (in no particular order):

To Howard County Arts Council - for their tireless efforts to help emerging artists on a shoe string, and their enthusiasm for my work.

To Denee Barr, who is a networking genius, and one of the most positive people I know.

To Laurinda Lee, who has become a good friend, teacher, and listener.

To Robert Genn, who lovingly posts his twice weekly newsletters

To Suzie Lane-Rose, an artist that loves to play as much as I do

To Sara Moran, my good friend who has stood by me through crises and joyful moments

To Karen Schegel, who makes my time at Savage Mill even more fun than it already is

To Jimmy, the Mill security guard, who always has the right thing to say when I need to hear it

To Roger Chase, who has endured my countless requests for impossible frames

To Felton Barner, who is one of the most talented photographers, and one of the nicest guys around

To Nancy Lazarus, who always seizes the opportunity to help, share, and give. You are truly an angel

To my friend Adrienne, whose heart is as big as the moon, and for sharing her precious new family with me

To all my clients, who keep track of my work, and show up at my receptions, and embrace my art with big hugs

To my family, whose love and friendship are unsurpassed,

To my mom, who kept my art spark alive, even when I doubted myself

To my daughter, Adrienne, who is bravely living her dream her way

And, to my husband, Dick, who is my best friend, my confidant, my lover, and my benefactor. Without him, the dream life I am living would be next to impossible.

There are many more people who I cherish and want to thank, but I have already written enough to bore the most patient person! I am looking forward to a fabulous 2010, full of creativity, fun, and love!

Artfully yours,

Cathy

Every Year

Every year, the holidays roll around, and it always seems to surprise us! The few weeks of the holiday season promise fun, frustration, laughter, anxiety, tears, and joy. No other time of year affects us like the holidays.

This year, I feel like a scrooge. Since diabetes runs in my family, I am skipping cookie baking. The lousy economy has left us with little to splurge on decorations. A basement flood has molded what decorations we did have. It just seems that putting up lights and trees for a few weeks is just too much trouble.

All of this baa-humbug has allowed me more time for the more important aspects of the holidays - celebrating with those friends that have supported us through thick and thin all year, reconnecting with family, and enjoying seeing the deer forage during an early snowfall.

I like to take stock of the meaning of things every so often. It is the little things that make the holidays shine. My mom made us a boxwood Christmas tree, since she knew we wouldn't be putting a tree up this year. (Lucy, our dog, discovered it, so it is a bit off balance now!)

And, I am allowing myself more time to paint. In previous years, every minute leading up to Dec. 25th was spent shopping and wrapping, and fretting over what we have bought for our family and friends. This year, simple art gifts and books, and even cash for the kids, has replaced the hours of shopping and waiting in line behind impatient customers.

So going into this holiday season, I feel a renewed strength, and a peacefulness that has eluded me in previous years. I hope that you also find peace during this frenetic season. If you are the anxious type, remember - it will only last a few weeks!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

www.harvilleart.com

mysilpada.com/cathy.harville

cathy.harville@gmail.com

News from Land of Pleasant Living!

Welcome to my first newsletter, from the Land of Pleasant Living, in the Chesapeake Bay area. I hope you find my news entertaining and interesting, and not too shameless, as I promote my art, and my favorite non-profit organizations.

MFA Collector’s Dinner – November 1, 2009

Wow! At Annapolis Subaru, over 200 people browsed through 149 pieces of artwork, at the 33^rd Annual Collector’s Choice Dinner. MFA artists donated artwork, and by lottery, patrons chose their favorite piece to take home with them. Two of my pieces, “Golden Waves”, and “Crooked Path”, now have new homes, and wonderful adoptive parents. The really fun part was meeting the patrons that chose my artwork. Another really fun part was just taking in the beautiful artwork! It was spectacular! Next year, I am buying a ticket, so I can take home a piece of artwork, too.

Markethouse at Annapolis

The City of Annapolis has allowed the MFA to use two unrented spaces in the Markethouse, next to the City Dock, for member artists to show their work. Every month, the artwork changes, so stop by to see the show, and enjoy some of the best food by Vaccaro’s and Atwaters!

Howard County Council for the Arts (HoCo) Holiday Extravaganza!

Save the evening of Friday, December 1^st for a HoCo holiday sale of local artists’ works. The sale runs from 6-8 PM at HoCo. Check out www.hocoarts.org for directions.

“Magic at the Mill” – Nov. 21^st and 22^nd

Join the merchants at Savage Mill for this annual, fun, family event! I will be hosting receptions on both days from 1PM to 4PM, with a cool twist – “Color Magic” – a show about color. I will be offering information about color, why we love it, hate it, crave it, and drop our jaws over it. And there will be a contest, and prizes, and a drawing, and wine, and food, and all kinds of good stuff. The show is now up, and will run through the end of the year. Please call me (443.286.3233) or e-mail me (cathy.harville@gmail.com) to schedule a time to visit. I don’t keep regular hours, but I am very flexible, and will be happy to spend time with you in my studio. Visit my website (www.harvilleart.com) for more information.

Keeping my fingers crossed…

I have submitted three pieces for the November juried show at MFA in Annapolis. I will find out tonight if I am juried in. The reception is Sunday, November 8^th, from 3PM to 5PM, at the Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle.

Chestertown Art League – November Show

Two of my pieces will be on display in the member’s judged show through November. Chestertown is a quaint and friendly little town on the Eastern Shore, full of galleries and artists. My husband and I discovered by boat, and visit every chance we get! And, the town is very dog friendly, which is important to us folks with canine friends.

Until next time, artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Sometimes You Just Have to Surrender

For the past two weeks, I have been ill with the world-renown H1N1 virus. So for the past 2 weeks, which feels like two years when you are sick, I have been unable to paint, wash the car, or keep up with cleaning. The main offending symptoms were wicked fatigue, weakness, and achiness in joints I didn't even know I had!

This morning, I woke up nearly symptom free. As the morning has progressed, my joints are reminding me that now is not the time to start an aerobic exercise program.

Sickness slows us down, and makes us surrender. And that is not such a bad thing. We have to really pay attention to our bodies when we are ill. So, during the past two weeks, I have read a lot, updated my marketing materials, enjoyed chocolate muffins, and napped whenever I felt like it. I have watched lots of movies, football, sitcoms, and Survivor. The folks on Survivor looked liked they felt much worse than me - I have snuggly blankets to stay warm, and a roof that doesn't leak!

I started playing around with painting today. While I was painting, all the aches seemed to melt away. I entered that special zone, where anything is possible. While the fatigue cut my session short, I still enjoyed those sensuous moments of mixing paint, and covering canvases. And maybe by this weekend, I will be ready to work on some real art.

Cheers,

Cathy Harville

Fixing Things

I am a very messy painter. Almost every piece of clothing I own has paint on it. My studio looks like it blew up. Even my "office" area is strewn with papers and handwritten notes.

Chaos leads to mistakes - and accidents. While preparing the ground for one piece, I get the gesso on another piece. Paint flies, drips, and smears. All of this leads to all kinds of chalenges - and adventures in fixing mistakes.

The worst "mistake" I ever had was when I had run out of horizontal space to put a painting covered in acrylic gel to dry. So, I sat it on the rug on the floor. I went out to the restroom, came back, and stepped right in the wet goo! Not only did I step in it, I slid several feet, so prussian blue was everywhere. I spent the next hour cleaning off paint off the floor, and my shoe. I gave up on my clothes and the floor!

Determined to save the art, I pushed the wet gel back into place, added some more, and giggled the whole time. It really was a mess, and it is such a shame no one else got to see the event! After several more "surgeries", I completed the piece, called "Layers of Sunlight". It was the first piece I got accepted into a show at the Art League in Alexandria!! The jurors were quite baffled as to how I created the piece. I told them everything, even the accident part, and they got a good laugh.

If it wasn't for mistakes, my growth would have stopped sometime as a toddler. Mistakes are learning moments, rich with "I will never do that again", or "this looks better than what I planned"! Not many people understand the chaos that surrounds my creative space - except for other artists, of course!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville

Artists' Block

Like every artist, I have experienced painter's block. I seldom have any problem with subject matter, and reference material. In my leisure time, I take lots of reference photos, and sometimes get to paint on site.

Since my blocks usually happen before I put the brush to the canvas, I simply put the brush to the canvas. Then it gets easy - until I hit a point where the composition isn't working, or the paint is so thick, that covering it creates confusion. The decision to abort is easy, as acrylics can be covered with a luscious layer of gesso. Sometimes it takes three or more attempts to nail it. Sometimes, I just can't nail it, and i move on. And maybe someday, I will go back to the blasted thing I just can't seem to paint, with more tools in my box.

Inherent in blocks is little voice of failure, looming in the background. I don't listen to those negative little voices. The voice that wants to have fun, experiment, and play is the only voice I listen to while painting.

I recently experimented with some new layering techniques, using gels and mediums, and gluing acrylic pieces to the canvas. Everything was going great - until I stepped in the wet creation. Instead of crying over spilled milk, I used it as a learning experience, and ended up fixing it. While I was reviving the gooey mess, I did another piece, and made sure I didn't set it on the floor! And it turned out pretty cool! I have plans for two more pieces, using different backgrounds and techniques. I guess the moral of the story was that I could have given up with a shoe full of goo, or I could move on to create something even better.

And rest is important. Nothing good comes out when I am tired. I save those times for non-creative chores - or a good nap!

Artfully yours,

Cathy Harville