My experience with a "Sarasota Sunset".

Hello! I know it's been cold in most parts of the country, so I thought I'd post a painting that will remind you of something warm, a "Sarasota Sunset".  I was fortunate while living in Sarasota, Florida to attend Ringling College of Art and Design, I was able to enjoy the sunsets often at one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., Siesta Key Beach. This abstract painting was inspired by those beautiful sunsets and my experience.

As a newcomer, I watched how the locals would bring a nice packed light meal which usually included a crusty bread, cheese, fruit, and of course a good bottle of wine. A small table would be part of the decor with a beautiful, but simple tablecloth. Friends would gather just the right time and prepare the perfect viewing spot.

From the parking lot, locals and tourists alike would start pouring in and onto the beach, in a fresh change of clothes. Now ready, they carry their chairs across the cool sand to enjoy a glass of wine with dear and new friends. Fortunately, heat and humidity from the day has left and they relax in the cool refreshing gulf breezes. As the conversation begins, the guests ever-so-often, take a glimpse at their watches and the positioning of sun for the timing of the sunset. They stay close by, as to not miss the event.

Bread, cheese and wine are being shared and enjoyed as the sun begins it's welcoming of the evening. The muted colors from the bright hot day are gone and now the intensity begins. The show is off to a great start, the puffy white clouds have moved out of the way, knowing it's the sun's turn to show off. Everyone feels great in this moment. Life is good. Friends tell jokes, comment on the beauty, and reflect on the day. There are no worries at this moment, just laughter and awe. The sun finally sets and the colors in the sky, intensify and radiate up and outward. There's nothing like it and everyone agrees. It's amazing and yet, we all know it's going to happen all over again the next evening. They toast to a beautiful day in paradise and how blessed they are to share it with good friends.

This abstract painting was made with oils, some of the paint was left to dry and other sections of paint while wet were rubbed off. The colors in this painting were turquoise for the water, warm yellows, oranges, reds, and golds for the sunset. I hope you enjoy it. This is one of my favorite paintings. Inspired from a wonderful experience made by nature. Feel free to post your sunset experiences and/or comments. Wishing you many great sunsets, Allison.

"Sarasota Sunset"

24" x 24" 

Oil

Sold

How can art help others? Can my art help someone?

I heard something the other night on TV, that actually got me thinking which TV usually doesn't. But anyway, it posed a question to me as to how art can help others. First of all, we know it can inspire, uplift someone's mood and giving them encouragement or hope. Or bring awareness to a particular social issue, and communicate in ways words can't. So that we all know, right? And yes, we've all heard of art therapy, where a troubled adult or child can use a creative medium to communicate when words aren't available. Expressing unsolved emotional pain via creative means can be very therapeutic.Yet, I wonder, can my art help someone? I mean, it's just a painting, an image; how is that going to help someone?
Good question to ponder, right? I thought so. Rather than using art to say, look at me as a artist and what I can do, but can my art help someone else? 

For example, take my latest invitation to a charity art event in Moss Norway. One fine artist from Norway, had an idea and shared his idea to a local public library. Now over 200 artists are involved and have painted postcard size paintings to be sold for $34 each. The proceeds of that event will fund the purchasing of children's books for the public library. The obvious goal is helping the library buy books for children. You see, this is a multi-fold win/win situation. The library has a new charity event that is exciting for everyone. The children get new books to read, that's pretty exciting in itself. The buyers get a good deal on an original painting to take home and enjoy, plus feel good about their participation in the event. Us, artists enjoy the gift of giving and the satisfaction of how our art made a difference.

So, to answer the beginning question, yes, art can help others. And, I for one, am pretty excited and amazed how we can all come together as artists and make a difference.
Here is my postcard painting sent to Moss Norway Library to raise funds to purchase children's books.
 
"Afterglow"
This abstract painting inspired by the beautiful sunsets over the Sarasota, Florida Gulf of Mexico waters.
Medium: Acrylic

 
Close Up of "Afterglow"
Final note, now how can your art make a difference?
Here is the link to this event's details:
http://tiny.cc/e24rq

Final notes: In these times of financial recession, I believe it's the creative workforce that moves us beyond our limited parameters. Possibly it's time to rethink our art. Instead of how I can sell another painting, perhaps look at it at from a different perspective. What can I do with my artwork? Please feel free to post your comments. I'd love to hear how your art has help make a difference. Hope to hear from you, Allison.

Lido Beach Painting Progress Update

Hello Everyone!
Hope you've had a great summer. My summer was busy, but nice. Just not ready for summer to come to an end yet. And this painting reminds me of those fantastic days at the beach. The sea air, the salt on the tongue, my feet in the sand, the sea breeze off of the Gulf. It's all good. Even a bad day at the beach is a good day, right?
Okay, I'll get on with it. Here's an updated view of my latest Lido Beach painting. Made some changes to the sea oats, wanted to show off more of the powdery white sand. To see the hills of sand that meet the grass are important by trying to convey the volume as much as possible. Trying to get volume with white? Yikes. But it is possible with different shades of white and gray for shadows. Adding brush strokes that give texture and the direction of the sand's movement helps. And of course, I want you to feel the wonderful solitude. What a great natural place to retreat.

Hope you enjoy the painting,
Allison

"Lido Beach"
 5"x 7"
Oil
For Sale

Lido Beach Painting In Progress

Hello Everyone!
Wanted to update my blog by sharing with you a new painting I have in progress. I normally love to work on large canvas with large brushes, yet I decided to create a small landscape 5" x 7" of Lido Beach, FL. One of my favorite beaches. Lido is fairly naturalized and not so commercialized and who can not fall in love with that gorgeous white sand? This painting is done in oils, my favorite. I recently made the change back to oils from acrylics. I missed how the oil paint just glides across the canvas. Nothing feels like it's being held back by a dried section on the canvas. Oh, and the blending? Yes, I just love how I can blend colors so easily right there on the canvas. Well, not to get carried away or anything, but do want to thank you for visiting my blog and  hope you enjoy what you see. Please return for the finished painting.

Lido Beach

5" x 7" 

Oil

Work In Progress

Sarasota Sunset

"Sarasota Sunset"

Acrylic

Sold

I have fond memories of my days in Sarasota, FL. From the beginnings of moving to a different state, attending Ringling College of Art & Design, to taking in the city's beauty. Many of evenings were spent watching the golden sunset over the emerald gulf, what a way to end the day!