Early this past month I got a ‘Call for Entries’ form from The Northville Art House for their upcoming Member Exhibition art show. Yikes! While I paint frequently enough, most of what I do is by commission and I had already shown most of my fine art pieces in my personal collection.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to participate in the art show, I got busy figuring out a few subjects I had been wanting to paint. While doing that, a conversation with a friend lead to an idea to try a new technique for a large painting for her. Suddenly, I had not only plenty of time to paint, but plenty of ideas for new work for the art show!

I can only enter two paintings in the exhibition, but in the past three weeks, I’ve completed four. First up is the large painting, eventually to be hung over a beautiful red sofa in a contemporary living room.

The second painting is one I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time.  I love old barns, so I wanted to feature just the weathered siding as background for a more detailed subject in the foreground. One of our favorite birds, and one that might be seen by an abandoned barn, is the Meadowlark. Their song is as lovely as they are, and it carries quite a ways as they perch on old fence posts or tall wildflowers on the prairie. Framed in old barn siding, it is for sale during the show for $225.00. Sold.

In between painting my art show entries, I spent some time experimenting with the same technique used in ‘Sandy’s Garden’. Layers of tiny brushstrokes of colors make up each painting- variations of hues and gradations of colors that when seen from a distance blend together to create the art. It’s a very time consuming process, and while I like the result, I’m not sure I will continue down this creative path. Each is 16 x 20 and unframed at present. If they speak to you, inquire on pricing- they are available after they are complete.

My two paintings will be delivered in the next day or so, the show opens February 1- this coming Friday for Northville’s ‘First Friday’ art walk from 6 until 9 pm. The gallery always has a lovely opening reception with wine and appetizers, lots of people and great conversation. There are plenty of great restaurants and art galleries open that evening, it’s a great date night activity! Come and wander around downtown Northville and enjoy the art. I hope to see you there!

The art show will open in the Art House on February 1, 2013,  and will continue through February 23rd during the Art House gallery hours (Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1:00-5:00pm). For additional information, call 248-344-0497. The Art House is located at 215 W. Cady Street and is a facility of the Northville Arts Commission. Admission to Art House shows is always free and open to the public.