Still developing ideas for new paintings. Applied for two positions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, mentioning my book - should have included a copy...ah, 20-20 hind sight. I was mentioned in our neighborhood newspaper as the "local artist" who developed the scenes for the school play.
The news that Sophia Loren posed for a calendar at 71 years of age really impressed me. The song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" doesn't apply to my muse - she likes rubies. Another pair of ruby earrings for her, with hopes of many more years together.
The news also motivated me to make more brushes,
and inspired me to recover and polish an old chair from our garage.
I also requested and received a prospectus for the Main Line Art Center's 2007 exhibition schedule.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Lorna bought a stylish pair of shoes that lace around her bare leg. She wants to find a matching blouse before wearing them, and I look forward to including them in future paintings.
Friday, July 7, 2006
The heart shaped ruby earrings look much better hanging from Lorna's ears,
The new shoes look much better laced around Lorna's legs,
and the refurbished chair looks much better with Lorna sitting in it.
Friday, July 21. 2006
After making improvements to this site, mailing a copy of my desktop book to the University of the Arts Alumni Office, and then attending the Opening of Woodmere's 66th Annual Members Exhibit (our painting is in the Corridor Gallery) there is finally enough time and inspiration to begin using those new brushes we made.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Began 2 new paintings.
Added a Guestbook to this site.
Friday, August 4, 2006
Began a third new painting. Worked very hard on all 3 new paintings.
Developed images and statement for my submission to a 2007 exhibit.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Worked many hours on my 3 paintings in progress.
Mailed my submission -on a CD- to a 2007 exhibition schedule.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Worked on my 3 new paintings before taking a vacation at the sea shore with my family. Made life sketches on the beach.
Friday, August 25,2006
Worked on all 3 new paintings, almost finishing one.
Adjusting my philosophy and work to Lorna's unromantic college major.
Friday, September 1, 2006
Worked on all 3 new paintings.
Printed 2 desktop editions of my book of paintings.
Last Friday evening I went downtown to The Gallery District to experience the art and patrons of First Friday. Chilly, rainy weather did not discourage many, and there were big crowds and performances among the new art. Sent a follow-up email to one gallery.
Finished "Rubies" and sent out a brief Newsletter. Worked on my 2 remaining 'works in progress'. Inquired about a 5 month seminar at LaSalle's art museum - there is a waiting list.
Friday, September 8, 2006
Friday, September 15, 2006
Worked on my 2 remaing 'works in progress', and began sketches and plans for what might come next. Received a nice review of "Rubies" by an old friend. Received a "standard issue" brochure from LaSalle.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Completed the remaining 2 works in progress and emailed a Newsletter to unveil them, along with recent stories. Already I have received 2 emails, including a nice response from the U of A. After finishing the 3 paintings I am almost blank about what to paint next - many ideas, nothing started. Today is the last official day of summer and the cooler autumn temperatures often inspire me as the leaves change to brilliant colors. Received a call from Swan Gallery about the work they have, and future work.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Cut about 10 panels from my remaining material, and prepared 3 panels to give me a variety of sizes. Began one painting of a sea shore experience from the summer. Sketched out a second, but so far I am not happy enough with the result to begin painting it. Working on reflecting some philosophical changes to my subject matter.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Continued to struggle with Lorna considering Nursing as a sterile, white colorless college major. I remembered that in 1797 Goya made 2 versions of the same painting: The Clothed Maja and The Naked Maja. I suppose it was his way of addressing some current issue he was confronting. I began to develop a second painting of the same moment from our time at the sea shore, intending to work on both paintings simultaneously.
Spent some time with Lorna in our Studio.
Friday, October 13, 2006
A classmate of my son had a birthday sleepover, and his mom is on the staff of Woodmere. We talked, I saw her studio and gave her a copy of my book. Worked on the 2 paintings of a similar sea shore moment, bringing each to the same level of development. Printed out and bound another copy of my book. No word from Main Line Art Center - today is the deadline for notification...it looks like I wasn't chosen this year.
Quite a busy week. Saturday I visited at least 5 artist's studios and Studio Incamminati as part of POST - Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Sunday Lorna and I spent time making sketches at the park. During the week I worked on my 'paintings in progress', and added some things to this site.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Friday, October 27,2006
Began a painting from our afternnon at the park, making a third painting in progress. Then brought all 3 paintings to about the same level of development. Considering what work to submit by CD to Woodmere's Juried Show - this year's new deadline is 2 months earlier.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Put the 2 Sea Shore paintings aside to finish a more current subject, "Autumn Dance". Accepted a more streamlined web address...goodbye www.charleskeenan.homestead.com , hello www.charleskeenan.net . Finished a short movie that Lorna and I have been working on, "Spirit of the Muse". Mailed a Newsletter to unveil the completed painting, new web address, and movie. Mailed a CD with submissions to Woodmere's Juried Exhibit.
Friday, November 10, 2006
After finishing 'Autumn Dance' I am a bit washed out, but worked on sketches developing several ideas. Added an opportunity to buy my hand crafted book, Musings, from this site. Looked into yet another area show - this one at the Cheltenham Art Center.
Friday, November 17, 2006
While waiting for the verdict from Woodmere's Juried Exhibit I have applications for 2 more exhibits in my area and have made 2 frames for 4 submissions in Dec and Jan.
Worked on 2 new paintings.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Worked more on my 2 new paintings. Stained and varnished the 2 frames. Sold one "Musings" book. Enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday yesterday.
Friday, December 1, 2006
Finished framing the 2 paintings. Dropped them off at Abington Art Center. Worked on one of my paintings. Attended a Book Signing at a Center City bookstore for a book on the history of The University of the Arts.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Worked on my 2 paintings in progress. Developed 2 sketches. Picked up my 2 unaccepted works from Abington Art Center. Mailed our annual membership fee to Woodmere Art Museum.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Finished "Winter Lights" and sent out a Newsletter. Anticipating little time to paint during the holidays. For the Spring term at U of A Saturday School our son received a half scholarship and our daughter a full scholarship. RSVP'd to attend Woodmere's Meeting of Members next week. Lorna and I danced at her Christmas party...at The Hilton.
Friday, December 22, 2006
'twas the week before Christmas...did a few odds and ends...attended Woodmere's meeting of members and spoke with other artists and staff. Received news that the gallery representing my work will be closing before the new year.
Merry Christmas !
Contacted Swan Gallery to make a time to pick up my work before the gallery closes. Worked on some sketches.
