This is most of our newly formed artist mentoring group. A couple of ladies are not in this photo. I am on the far right. All of the women in this group I know from the LaGrange Art League. Corrie Tameling (second from the right) started the group by graciously opening up her studio to all who accepted her invitation. Here I am working in pastel. I am using my outdoor equipment because I have every thing I need and it is compact.

A mentoring group can be many things. Our group focuses on artistic fellowship in a positive atmosphere. We have been getting together weekly to create art for a couple of hours at a time. We all work in different mediums: watercolor, oil, cold wax, acrylic, collage, drawing, soft and oil pastels. Our styles vary from photo-realistic to abstract/non representational and anything in between. Most importantly, we encourage each other, give constructive suggestions and provide inspiration. This is not a competitive group and I think that is important.

We share important information related to an artist's life. Where can I find good frames at a reasonable price? How do you photograph your art? What do people want in original art? (We can get very philosophical.) We share information about local shows, workshops, current projects, and techniques related to our medium of choice. There is a bulletin board in the studio to post announcements or share information.

We do share on a personal level and we try to stay away from politics but that isn't easy! Of course there is a pot of coffee and snacks.

We have yet to firm up a name for our group. Our plans are flexible but include a developing a  web site and a group show at a local venue in the future.

An artist's life is solitary and can be lonely if you do not connect with other artists in your area. An artist's life can also be discouraging because the art market is tough and there is a lot of competition. I am very grateful for this group and for my other friends who like to do plein air painting. I encourage any artist to make these connections. Your group can be anything you want it to be.

Sue and Suzy, the artist with a split personality

"Calm and Peace" is a painting of soft pastel on top of an acrylic wash. I looked up the meaning of colors because my favorite color is a warm blue and blue/green. The positive meaning of blue is serenity, truth, balance, calm, peace, reflection, solitude, and loyalty. Green can also mean peace and calm. No wonder I am attracted to these colors!

I did not intend for the above painting to be a representational painting. I started with the most beautiful color in the world, Phthalo blue green shade and a little yellow in fluid acrylics. Believe it or not,  I used the thumbnail black and white preparatory sketch that was for this pastel landscape painting. I used it as a reference to block in abstract shapes.  The acrylic was allowed to drip and mingle.

I put some salt into the wet acrylic paint and that is the speckled texture you see. After this under painting dried. I used pastels to complete the image by strengthening some shapes and blurring out others. I kept rotating the painting and finally decided that I liked this vertical presentation. The day I painted this I definitely felt peace and calm.

Suzy

Every one has their opinion about framing and hanging art. This is just my opinion.

The most important thing about buying art is that you love it! It should engage and inspire you. This painting of Reflection Lake in Mt. Rainier National Park speaks to me. I relive the hike, the beautiful scenery and a wonderful vacation. However, my floral abstract also engages me for different reasons. I love the suggestion of flowers, the colors and the texture.

What speaks to you?

Now that you have that inspirational piece of art, where will you hang the art? Many people buy art so that the colors match their decor. I see nothing wrong with people buying my art because of the colors in their furniture. However, I think that the style of the art and the framing are more important than color. For example, bold, modern, abstract art would look out of place among antiques. Of course, there are always exceptions.

Framing is very important in the presentation. Many artists are cutting costs so they do not frame oil or acrylic paintings. They paint around the edge of the canvas instead. I personally like this look only if it is a deep (2 in. or >) gallery wrapped canvas. If the canvas is shallow, I personally think it looks cheap. There are many artists who disagree with me on this point.

I have many plein air, gold, wood frames because this is a cohesive look when I am in a show. I also think that this is a classic look. Personally, I like these frames in the more formal areas of my home like the living room, dining room and foyer. "Corner Pharmacy" in a gold frame is an example.

I think that surrounding art should give a cohesive look but it doesn't have to match. For example, this piece, "Fallusburg Wildflowers," would look appropriate next to the above painting. The style of art and the frames do not clash.

However, this gallery wrapped abstract would not be a good fit with the two framed paintings above. This is not a statement of quality or preference in art. All of these pieces can work in your home. Just consider the overall impression you are trying to achieve in a particular room.

You might like mats around art that requires glass. This is a nice look in any area. The width of the mat and the frame is important. Personally, I like wider mats if the frame is narrow. If the frame is wide, then a narrow mat is acceptable.

Finally, I think that the size of the art is important. A large space needs large art OR a group of smaller pieces. Save the small pieces of art for those small areas. Also, liners and fillets can enhance the look of a frame.

So, fill those blank walls with beauty and inspiration! Express your unique personality in your decor and let original art be a part of it.

Sue and Suzy