Women Artist Predjudices

I was reminded the other day of the interesting biases there are against women artists. One of the ones I had forgotten is that some galleries won't look at older women artists' work ...especially if they are "emerging" artists. However, they are interested in emerging "young" women artists. This is a very limited as well as uneducated view to take in my opinion. Many women artists, myself included, marry and have children, husbands, or other responsibilities that require a major commitment of their time. Their art may have to be on hold as they do other creative and important things. Their emergence back into the arts may have to come later in their lives when they can devote more time to their art. What they may lack in youth they have gained in maturity and life experiences.

Breakfast Club, oil

I find it sad that some galleries have this flawed perception. They may be missing the next Georgia O'Keefe.

Painting in Yellowstone

Painting can be an adventure when these guys show up! Even though we thought it was safe...they and the tourists followed us everywhere!

Back To Blogging!

This has been an incredible summer, full of painting opportunities and events as well as dealing with aging parent issues. My blog has suffered and I thank those of you who have hung in there, checking to see if I  have had any new posts. I am learning once again to say "no" when needed and to take time to "be". It seems that the Universe is telling me to do that. I am encountering that thought in what I read and listen to.
I find that I need that "down time"...no TV, no computer, just some quiet...it recharges me. I encourage you to take some down time too. Let me know if it helps you as well.

Painting for the Nature Conservancy: Day 2

Hearing that the buffalo herd was nearby, my friend Collins and I quickly ate breakfast and hopped into her car and headed out to see them. It was an incredible experience. Part of the huge herd was crossing a ranch road. We stopped and took lots of pictures for possible painting references as well as watching these huge animals. It was stepping back in time seeing them in this setting. After they were at a safe distance we scouted out a painting site and gathered our equipment and headed out to paint. I loved the peaceful open spaces with the views of the sand dunes. I painted one and then noticed the clouds building over the mountains. I loved the shapes and the dramatic colors of the clouds. As I was into this one I also heard some thunder. I decided that I had some good information, but the impending storm put a stop to my work. I headed back to the ranch and got more ideas for paintings.

 Other artists had decided to call it an afternoon as well. It was fun to sit and discuss our art adventures, then have wine and dinner.