kylepaints

Moving!

2009-02-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

Its been a crazy week - full of unexpected decisions.

I'm moving my studio. I'll really miss my friends at Flatiron Studios, but the time has come to change my path and work from home for awhile. I'll still be painting full time (with a little sewing on the side), but will show my work in other venues. Teresa has welcomed me to show at Art & Light sometime in the future - and I fully intend to take her up on it! I'm sad to close this chapter, but am looking forward to what's ahead.

There's a possibility of still hanging around the fabulous Pendleton Street Arts District. I'll keep you posted when things are more certain. More to come...

Fabu Fire-eater Tim!

2009-02-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

If you missed First Friday at the Flatiron Studios, here's a shot of the folks who were dazzled by Fire-eater Tim's fabulous show. I was so mezmorized, that the thought of getting my camera never entered my head. His show lasted about 15 minutes and was grand. My favorite part was the faces of folks driving by and having no idea what was going on. He not only swallowed fire, but he blew it, slung it, twirled it, and teased it. Who knows how we'll EVER top that!

Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed the evening - we loved having you!

Stranger Than Fiction!

2009-02-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

Here's a story I couldn't make up...

Last Friday I decided to grab a late-afternoon, healthy snack from the burger joint (Phase II) behind my studio. I leaned in to the walk-up window and asked Chris to work me up some crispy french fries - yum. After exchanging our usual banter (he always thinks I should get more than just fries - "how 'bout some banana puddin'"), I noticed two guys coming out of Red's Pawn shop next door. One of the guys looked a little strange (actually I was so focused on his weird smile that I couldn't tell you what the other guy looked like). I clearly thought that the Weird Smile Guy may not have all his marbles.

Weird Smile Guy shuffled up to the window of Phase II and asked Chris for change for a $20. He then looked at me and asked if I was trying to pick someone up, or if they were trying to pick me up. I quickly set him straight by telling him I was "just waiting for my fries." Chris declined giving change.

I was wearing my gray puffy vest and had both hands stuffed in its pockets. Before I knew it, Weird Smile Guy came at me and spryly poked me in the stomach with his pointer finger. He then just smiled all the weirder and walked off down the street. In all my years of single life, this was my first pick up ACTION. It didn't work - don't try it! I wonder if he thought I'd react like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Weird.

This is precisely why I stick to my predictable, quite boy - Zolie...

New Product!

2009-01-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I've been trying to sell my wares on Etsy.com for a few months now. One kind friend in the great state of Texas, bought a famster after spying it there. I'm really puzzled about HOW to get folks to buy. Numerous friends and acquaintances (and total strangers) told me to "put my famsters on etsy and they'll sell like hotcakes!" Not so. I've read "tips for selling", spoken to successful sellers, etc, but alas - nothing. I'll keep plugging away at it though. Another friend of mine had her stuff on etsy and it took months for folks to notice her.

Selling is my toughtest job.

I LOVE creating things though and here is the latest little critter born into the famster family. Her name is Serena and she's actually a new species - a Sleepster! She's smaller than her older brothers and sisters and smells much better (because she has lots of lavender and chamomile inside). She's perfect for tucking under your pillow or sitting right on top. Hopefully, I'll have lots more ready for First Friday - next week - February 6th.

Mmmm Chocolate!

2009-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

This is the subject of my next series of paintings! Some of you may recall that last February I created three sequential paintings of a decadent chocolate tart. (If you arrived at this blog through my website, you may have viewed them on the "artwork" page.) This year I'm making my valentine "triptych" an entire cake. I'm using a vivid blue upholstery as the background. I love the fabric and I love the cake, so they've got a lot going for them. The first painting was begun today - and its looking deelish. Wafts of chocolate can be a stimulating source for brush strokes! If you come to First Friday (Feb. 6) - hint, hint - you'll see all three finished in their gooey glory.

Burdens Lifting

2009-01-22T17:48:00.000-08:00

I delivered one commision piece today - and that felt good! I'm close to finishing another - and it feels great! One of these has been looming over my head since the summer. Its my own fault that its taken so long. I started it and it was looking pretty hoaky, so I had to start it again. Which meant taking the old canvas off and re-stretching a new canvas and coating it with gesso. Its funny how I like the stretching and prepping process. Tomorrow I get to stretch and prep four - mindless work, but fun nonetheless. Its the kind of satisfaction you get when you mow the grass - visible progress.

Here's the one piece that almost done - just a few more hours...

I Saw the Sign

2009-01-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

These spray painted red tennis shoes have been hanging on this power line since I moved into the Flatiron Studios last July. Who knows how long they were dangling before that. In my naive world, I didn't know the meaning of such a sight until a few years ago. Two drug deals have been spotted under their watch. We've just installed a tiny camera in the left "sneaker" - soon we'll catch every drug dealer in West Greenville. (Ha, ha - just wishful thinking).

Our little part of town is slowly changing for the better! Frank and Faye are busy getting their little sandwich shop remodeled and I've just heard that the old Tucker's Soda Shop is being transformed into an organic coffee shop. Wow - I can't wait until THAT happens. Zolie and I will faithfully make a morning trek! I hope they allow organic dogs inside!!

Mining in West Greenville

2009-01-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

Working in West Greenville is sometimes like entering another universe. Its hard to believe that only six or seven blocks away is a safe little Starbucks. But I would never walk those seven blocks because of what lies between. We see many of the same characters every day walking past our front windows. The warm months bring more traffic, but there is a surprising amount even on this gray, cold, pre-snow day.

This picture was taken today on my afternoon walk today with Zolie. Someone has been mining for copper in the air conditioning unit behind the Shoeless Joe Jackson bar. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

I wonder how much they got?

Famster Skins

2009-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

You know this facebook/blogging/etsy/website stuff seems to be an exercise in self-absorbtion. As a business woman I know I've got to "market" myself, but somehow it just doesn't feel comfortable. The word MUST get out that I'm painting and making famsters and making other things, etc. But doesn't it all seem futile at times? Okay - maybe I'm thinking too much.

For the past few days I've been steadily working on my new "valetine" famsters. Here's a pic of the skins ready to fattened up with polyfil.

This weekend I took a basket full of famsters to Asheville for their debut. They're now just waiting to be taken home from the Organic Sleep Spot store. Another experiment in the famster saga! I'm going to check on them this Friday - keep your fingers crossed that they're all adopted.

Mug Shots

2009-01-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

I have some the most creative friends! Last week, as I rushed to get this series of paintings done by First Friday, Suzanne and Deb came to the rescue with a title for my series - mug shots. Here are my eight little dainties. (All for sale - hint, hint - just ask...)

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MUG OR TEA CUP? I'd be more than happy to immortalize it in oil for a small fee. (Another fabulous deal that I can't claim as my own.) Seriously - I'm serious!

If you're local and would like to check these out in real life, visit Barb Blair's booth at Antiques on Augusta in Lewis Plaza. Thanks Miss Barb!!

Making of the Valentines

2009-01-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

I've begun "production" of 15 new valentine famsters. They're oozing with affection and they don't even have eyes or ears yet. Here's a pic from earlier today. I'll show more progress tomorrow.

taking another stab at etsy

2009-01-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

I just spent WAY too much time on etsy.com, adding two famsters for public sale. Yep - get them while you can folks! Today I started working on my new line of valentine famsters and I think they're going to be quite tantalizing. I'll show a pic tomorrow.

Teresa Roche, one of my fabulous Flatiron Studio mates, confiscated my 8 new "mug shot" paintings to feature on her blog. I should get them back home shortly and will post them here for the world to behold.

Last month I created this painting of pears in a bowl. My witty friend, Suzanne Vitti, came up with the creative title, "Pearis Mountain". For those of you who aren't from these parts, its a play on words. The small peak that lives in Travelers Rest is named Paris Mountain. Ha, ha! If you're interested in purchasing, just say the word and I'll come typing...

Blog, blog, blog

2009-01-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here's an extra-special guest to my studio this past weekend - Deb Potter of Merciful Hearts Farm. Deb listens to my woes, spins fiber (from her own sheep and goats) and makes delectable ham and bean soup - now that's what I call multitasking!

I'm extremely skeptical about blogging and have been told that it will help people connect to my work and then maybe they'll buy my work and then maybe I'll be able to pay my rent. So - since things are quite dire at the moment - I'm forced to blog. Maybe I'll end up liking it in the end.

Another fabulous friend, Frank, is enjoying multiple conversations with his little famster buddies. I can't believe he monopolized them all evening and no one else got a chance to get to know them!

The business of making art is NOT going well. Please forgive my blunt honesty, but I've never been very good a covering my feelings. This weekend was "First Friday" and I sold a less than $100 worth of art. Neither of my two weekend patrons were from Greenville. (Stepping on my soap box...) Okay folks, if you want Greenville to be one of the country's top 100 small art towns - you're going to have to support local artists. (Stepping off my soap box...)

Monday brings another attempt to sell paintings, famsters, or something else. This is a tough nut to crack!

Marathon Weekend!

2008-11-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Open Studios 2008 is history. As I sit in my green striped comfy chair with my feet propped up on my cushy ottoman, I replay all the faces and comments that visited me this weekend. I'm truly thankful for both old and new friends that supported and encouraged me these past few days. I had a great crowd and made lots of new contacts.

Tomorrow I may be a bit slow getting to the studio because my head and feet will need a little recovery time. Lots of folks were praying for me this weekend and I appreciate your kindness. Sales were not as good as last year - maybe because of our uncertain times. I'm hoping that after the elections on Tuesday, folks were feel more comfortable about spending :)

I'll try to turn over a new leaf and get my blogging fingers a-flittering. More tomorrow when my brain is less fuzzy!

Two and a Half Days

2008-09-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun! Really it began about a week ago. The studio is slowing taking shape for this month's show. I'm offering a new "product" this month, but you'll have to come to the grand opening to see it. Something I'm very excited about. Here's a hint - it combines clay and cloth and is very practical (for women). Lets see if anyone can guess what it is...

Here's a picture of my fun bicycle painting. Barb had two vintage bikes hanging around at the studio and I just HAD to paint one of them. They were too good to let go back into hiding. I've named it "Ruby Red Huffy".

I'm still not in the habit of taking pictures and posting them on a blog. I just want to get to work and do it and NOT document how I did it. I must lay this attitude firmly on the shoulders of my mother - who took pictures (and still does) of every minute family gathering and get together. I'm sure that some day I'll appreciate all her boxes of photos, but I don't presently...

Tomorrow I'll take pictures inside my studio for my out of town "guests" that are unable to make it to the big shin dig.

Love to all of you who have sent encouraging emails and phone calls!

Five in Five

2008-08-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

My grand opening is quickly approaching, and my painting inventory is low... So yesterday I set a goal of finishing five paintings in five days. Today's painting was already started last week, so this wasn't too hard to accomplish.

I also worked on another seascape today that I started years ago when I was teaching Art at Alleghany High. It was actually a commissioned painting that was never finished because I moved to Charlottesville. I finally found the photo last week and am now able to complete it. Hopefully that will be my finished piece tomorrow.

I'm unsure about today's painting - it really doesn't work for me at the moment, but I know sometimes it takes awhile for a piece to grow on me. Hope it happens with this one!

Changes

2008-08-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago I lived in rural Virginia and commuted an hour each way to work at one of the big public accounting firms. I made lots of money and regularly pampered myself with pedicures. I was literally bored stiff at my job and hated getting up every morning and dragging myself to work.

Life has certainly changed...I get up every morning and can't wait to get down to my studio to get to work. My commute is five minutes and I take my cool dog with me every day! I never get stressed because I'm running late and I take a long lunch if I need it.

Enjoyment of my current life has replaced money. If only I could have both - is that possible?

2008-08-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

I started a new painting today. Here's my progress by the end of the morning. I'll try my best to finish it tomorrow and let you see it. I need to remember to take pictures from the beginning sketch to the end polish!

Today was VERY productive. I got two large canvases stretched and coated and made a good dent in my next batch of monsters. I found a bag of old tie scraps and made a critters out of them. They turned out well nicely, although harvesting ties is no fun.

Six of the neighborhood friends along with two dogs, French Fry and Buster, came for a visit this morning. It was pretty crazy for about ten minutes or so. I asked the kids to come back at 3:00, because I needed to work. These two sweeties came back and we worked on a few drawings. They went on their way around 4:30. It was a nice day!

First Friday and Saturday A Success

2008-08-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of studio entry way, with six of my happy little famsters, waiting to greet the public. (There are only three left - what a hit - time to make some more!)

I arrived at my studio at 5, hoping to do a little final clean up and get one light hung before my opening at 6:00. Porto was still painting my back door and my utility sink was in pieces in the back hallway with trash and rubble strewn everywhere. Porto said they'd be done and gone by 6. At 6:15 my guests were greeted by the banging of Porto's hammer as he tried to make the door knob fit the hole. At 6:30, Porto handed me the door key and left with well wishes that the evening was profitable. Whew - it turned out great.

Aside from not having air conditioning and lights, the evening was a success. I had a great crowd of friends and family and new faces. I'm so glad its light outside until 8:15 or so. If it were December - I'd have been in big trouble. I rigged as many lights as I could, but it still wasn't quite enough at nine. Next month should be faboo with cool air and bright lights!

Thanks to all who came!

I'm IN!

2008-07-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

Its kind of fun writing this blog - when I know that absolutely no one is looking at it.

I got to the studio at 8:30 this morning and the workers were already waiting. One of the guys checked to make sure my floor was dry and ready to be walked on - all went well. So I started moving junk - slowly. The humidity today was unbearable - I don't remember it being so "close" in a long, long time. Teresa and I moved everything by about 9:30. Stuff was everywherejust, but at least it was all in MY space - my interloping was over!

I really did nothing else today but organize and clean. Tomorrow I've got to paint the chalkboard edges again and really go to work on the famsters. They're coming along nicely. I've attached a group photo for your viewing pleasure... their little personalities are popping out!

Waiting, waiting, waiting!

2008-07-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will mark two weeks since I was temporarily booted from my studio. The renovators have been working dilligently, but it seems like forever since I've been in my nice safe space. Zoli, my shy english pointer, has done very well under the circumstances. He's getting much more comfortable around men, but the younger and taller ones are still a huge challenge for him.

The workmen sealed the concrete floor this evening before they left and I'm hoping it will be dry and ready for furniture tomorrow. The ceiling still needs to be finished off with black paint and track lighting needs to be installed. I doubt I'll get my heating and air this month, but maybe in the next few - before winter comes. The hepatitus B bathroom is still in the same state. I think that will be in the next month or so also. The hole in the back left corner is fixed, but I think they're waiting for it to rain again to make sure the leak is totally gone. My back door is still unusable, but maybe the new door will be attached tomorrow - one is always full of hope.

Here's is a new painting I finished a few weeks ago - pre-booting. It's bright and happy - a favorite so far.

Opening Greetings!

2008-07-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

A week ago tonight my studio opened its doors to customers for the first time! It was July 4th - actually a particularly poor day to open an art studio. Many of my friends and family had other obligations - say a wedding in Texas! All the same we had a surprising good crowd. Stay tuned for more news about the "Grand Opening" of KYLE August 1st - now THAT will be worth the trek to the wild west end of downtown Greenville!