If you're in north Idaho in the coming weeks, I hope you'll drop in to see my work at the new Gallery on the Bridge, located at the Cedar Street Bridge in downtown Sandpoint.
This wonderful space with lovely natural light is perfect for an art gallery, the brainchild of gallery director Shery Meekings and others.
Co-director Steve Padgitt recently commented, "Things are going very well in our development of The Gallery. We are getting rave reviews: comments like 'This is the best gallery Sandpoint has ever had'. And, we are just getting rolling!"
Art lovers turned out for the Gallery's "soft" Opening at Sandpoint's ArtWalk 1 last week. And in the photo above right you can see some of my pieces on display, including figurative works and regional landscapes. I hope you'll drop by when you're in the area to see more!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
My Work Now at This Wonderful Gallery Space in Sandpoint
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June Painting Challenge: Sheet, Favorite Blanket, Scarf or Shawl
This month's challenge was chosen by Suzanne Berry. I actually had started a much different painting last week for this idea but changed my mind about it at the last minute and set this one up instead.
The little quilt is something I made years ago. I started it when I was pregnant with my first child, sewing together the pieces by hand on occasional car trips. I think I finally finished it during pregnancy number three and hung it over the edge of the baby crib. I dug it out of storage recently in anticipation of our first grandchild being born.
The vintage dolly is one I had as a kid long ago. After receiving the expensive toy, I promptly gave her a haircut, effectively ruining any collector value. She was loved, though, and I made little outfits for her by hand as a child from scrap material.
If you're wondering who Chloë is, she is my brand new granddaughter. Our family is very blessed and we give thanks for a safe delivery.
"Waiting for Chloë"
8x10" Oil on hardboard
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin
Our monthly painting group membership is now a cozy array of five. Here are the varied and imaginative pieces which the other four created in response to our June Challenge.
(above left) "Pillowcase" 18x18" Oil on canvas ©2010 Suzanne Berry
(above right) "Saturday Chores" 6x6" Oil on panel ©2010 Robin Cheers
(above left) "Le Drape" 9x12" Oil on panel ©2010 Vicki Ross(above right) "Lily of the Valley with Lace Table Scarf " 12x12" Oil on panel ©2010 Jeanne Illenye
Thursday, June 10, 2010
"Smoke and Sparks" Abstract
Original 8x10" painting on canvas, painted in metallic and iridescent and textured colors, framed in contemporary frame.
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin
NOW SOLD
These abstracts might seem like a departure from what you usually see from me, but on my walls are some early paintings of mine that are non-representational.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"Flaming Vapors" Abstract Daily Painting
Original oil on linen, 8x10"
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin
When I'm working on detailed realism (such as the portrait I'm currently painting), I frequently work in layers. These abstracts are a fun diversion while I'm waiting for a layer to dry.
Contact me for availability or gallery information.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Fiery Flight" Abstract
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin
This one is a bit difficult for me to explain; it grew out of an idea but turned into something completely different than what I'd originally envisioned.
I made this challenge for myself and it was amazing to me how difficult it was to create an interesting painting composition from an abstract thought.
Monday, June 7, 2010
My article on Computer Use in Art Calendar
You can finally see one of the projects I've been working on during my lull in daily painting. My article "How to Manage Your Time on the Computer" appears on pages 18 and 19 of the July/August issue of Art Calendar, now available.
If you're like most folks, you know it's easy to lose track of time while using the computer for business chores, as well as updating blogs, facebook, etc. In the article I offer strategies to stay on track with various creative projects, chores, and family responsibilites.
I would enjoy hearing from you if you're a subscriber and like this piece.
Not all of the magazine's articles are available for free at their website, but there are some. One of the latest is a list of "Summer Reading Recommendations" from Art Calendar's editors and writers. For the list, I suggested a book I recently enjoyed very much and twelve additional titles were named by the other writers.
What book have you enjoyed lately?
