Why 22?

Take 22
Painting size 11" x 15"
ref photo courtesy Ross Lynem
I named this painting of rental canoes "Take 22"
and marked the boat that was ready with 22 on its plaque, a number that came to mind so easily.
I have had 22 in my mind since about October last year when I was approached by an Adelaide Hills country style hotel who have for a few years been promoting art by local artists stretching down to my area on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Hagen Arms Hotel in Echunga have a first floor that they use as a gallery for 6 week exhibitions for a 2D artist and generally combine this with a 3D artist who exhibits their pieces on the window sills. I gulped when I was approached as I am really a novice and did not have a large body of work for a solo exhibition but as always I am up for a challenge and I accepted on the basis that it would be after March 2013 so I could have enough credible pieces. I also thought this was an opportunity I may not be offered again so easily but I must say I have been in anxious mode from time to time as to whether I would be ready. The hours required to have enough paintings to include along with the need to have change over pieces for the two cooperative galleries I am in meant I needed to apply myself seriously. This I have done and I must say have had a lot of ups and downs but have steadily been more pleased with my results. Yesterday Ian and I drove up to the hotel and took another look at the gallery space and the current exhibition. The area did not look as big and forboding as the first time I looked and I think I will be fine with about 18 paintings to fill the walls without looking overdone. My exhibition opening will be on Friday 3rd May and will run through until June 11th  An official invite is being prepared but for my friends who live local please keep Friday 3rd May 6-8pm free as I hope you can attend the opening - official invite is being prepared by the gallery curator and I will keep you informed.
Its been a great week all up as I now feel ready for this upcoming exhibition, have 3 paintings aside for the Goolwa Rotary Art show over Easter, two works depicting Gulf life for another exhibition in May and my 5 new pieces for the "Up Front" exhibition being hung next week at Off the Slate Gallery. Best of all I had the thrill of selling my first painting to an International client and my painting last week of Foxgloves is now on its way to Spain.

Comments

  1. This does sound like a wonderful opportunity Lorraine, but I can understand your nervousness. I felt like that too. You do feel quite exposed when your work is going to be the focal point.

    However, I'm quite convinced you will be brilliant and everyone will love your work. Good luck with the exhibition. I'm looking forward to reading about it when it happens.

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  2. Thanks Vandy for your vote of confidence, your exhibition gave you such great results because your work is exciting. My nerves are under control now I feel I have some credible pieces to show.

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  3. Love the graphic style of the boat scene Lorraine! I'm so happy that things are going so well and you're more at ease about gallery commitments.

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    1. Thanks for your continued support Sherry it means a lot to me

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  4. Lovely, lovely painting so clear and crisp. Do enjoy being part of this exhibition. I admire you, to have to prepare and find so many paintings and get them framed. But it is an opportunity not to be missed. I love you work and think you deserve success in this exciting venture. If I lived nearby I would support you. Let us know how you get on, won't you?

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    1. Your words are lovely Polly, thank you, wish you did live closer

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  5. Lorraine what wonderful water you have created around the canoes. I cant imagine the nerves of an exhibition would cause its bad enough for me slapping them on a Blog. You have no need to worry though you will knock them out.

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  6. Thank you Paul, guess it gets easier showing off what you create, I appreciate you leaving me these encouraging words

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  7. This is such exciting news for you, Lorraine. I only wish I lived in your area so that I could attend your opening. Best of luck with it all - you are really getting the recognition you deserve. This is a wonderful painting.

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    1. Terry, we have developed a great over the net friendship and supporting each other along our art journey, but, distance is a pain when it stops us being able to get to events together, oh well, maybe one day

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  8. Congrats on the international sale and the upcoming exhibit! I am sure you will do well. The reflections in this are beautiful!

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    1. thank you Joan for your kind words, much appreciated

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  9. Nicely done Lorraine. I think you did a great job with the reflections. The touches of orange really work well. Congratulations on your upcoming exhibition. The first one is always a bit nerve wracking. You are handling it all very well. Much success to you in your show.

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  10. Your comment is very much appreciated Ross and I'm glad you like my take on your canoes

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  11. The exhibition is exciting and I do understand how much work is involved, but am sure it will be fab and as some of the others have said would be lovely to attend and support... hope you manage to post lots of pics and get lots of sales!!

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    1. Thanks Judith, I feel relieved after going thru my framed works yesterday to see I actually can choose what to leave out now, so no more pressure

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  12. Congratulations on the invite and the upcoming show!! And this painting is wonderful :) Don't worry - everyone is going to love your work! And it won't be a Catch 22.

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    1. Rhonda, thanks for your kind support - yes not catch 22 please

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  13. Dear Lorraine - this is such wonderful news...I think you are from a novice. Your work is beautiful and I think it will look wonderful all grouped together. Good luck and enjoy the success. Congratulations on selling your foxglove as well.

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    1. Debbie, your kind words of encouragement are really appreciated.

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  14. Lorraine it has been a great pleasure to watch your artistic career and natural talent reach this point. Try not to be nervous as we both know your work is well and truely loved. Best of luck for the event.

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    1. As always Laura you support is so appreciated

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  15. Hello Lorraine:) Happy news all around. A lot of exhibitions and a international selling. So nice! I'm so happy for you. You are doing just fine Lorraine. Wish you lots of luck with your eastern exhibition and do enjoy it!
    Your nr. 22 painting is lovely. I know how difficult those little waves are, but you did it terrific!

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