Its been awhile. I just got back from a short trip to Taos, NM. I can understand why artists have flocked there, the light is intense and the surrounding country side is beautiful. I even got in one day of mountain trout fishing with my favorite 4wt. fly rod.
I didn't like the hectic nature of the traffic in the shopping area but there were some nice galleries. I talked with several gallery owners and a very workable, nice gallery space runs about $1,700 / month. Volume and pricing seem to make it work. One gallery wanted $200 / month for a relatively small wall space. He had 5 current artists and 5 more waiting. If I was young I'd be tempted to buy a place there- but then I'd want the wall space for my own art.
A lot of the art is "Edgy" and modern but I saw some with which I could relate. Perhaps the best part was visiting the surrounding areas, especially the Pueblo nearby. I shot pictures to serve as inspiration for "back home paintings." Some of the shots were of the more interesting Native Americans who agreed to the photo- not all do.
I haven't been putting many paintings on the blog or web site because I have it on good source that they are being stolen faster than I can paint them so I guess I'll rely on gallery sales pretty much from now on.
Up Town Gallery in Minocqua, WI is a new gallery and I am pleased to have my work included there since the closing of The Main Street Gallery. The new gallery is in the Gaslight Square Building where you will also find some other neat high-end shops. Give it a look!
I mentioned the "Show" at The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, Door County, WI in my last blog. The show is of miniature work, a long standing tradition in that gallery. I had not painted in such small sizes (limited to 25 sq. inches) before but after doing some especially for that event I got to liking the idea and added "Minis" to my work for sale at East Ludington Gallery, Escanaba, MI. I am hopeful that folks will like the "Minis" as much as my larger works. They will definitely find them much more affordable.
What a long winter! But here are some things coming up: For those local folks I will be at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba MI on February 27 and 28. As usual, anyone interested can stop by and participate in informal watercolor demonstration and instruction. It's always free you know and the only disclaimer is that there will hopefully be interuptions while I take care of customers.
Speaking of East Ludington Gallery, I have been quite active this year on their Marketing Committee working with the very talented Kay Eaton. She is responsible for the nice Newsletter which you can find out about by visiting www.eastludingtongallery.com and that can also link you to her blog.
Coming up in May is the annual do at The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, WI. I think this is a "by invitation" but not sure about that but contact Carol at 920 854 4435 and tell her Ken Marsden sent you.
I have had a propensity in the past to paint summer scenes during the winter and vice versa. This winter I seem inspired to paint the winter around me. Here is a new one. Ken
In my last blog I mentioned my acceptance to exhibit at the Wisconsin Arts Board in Madison Wisconsin. I have since been notified that a number of my paintings have been posted to www.portalwisconsin.org. For a period you can see them under recent artists or by searching the site using my name.
I'm an old fart (pardon me, senior citizen) who spends most of the time painting or trout fishing. Trout fishing takes me into some beautiful places, especially here in northeast Wisconsin, and I often think that next time I'll bring my paints and leave the fly rod at home, but then I realize I can paint at home but I can't catch trout there. You can find out more about my painting philosophy, background, etc. @ www.kenmarsden.com.