Grace Kennedy was the model for my painting "Grandfather Mountain Reverie". She and Her family attended the reception. A Giclee of this painting is now available for purchase.
There is an unusual feeling that comes over me when I see my work assembled in one room and hung to show the public as it was last Saturday night (August 15) for the reception at the Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery. Months of hard work is visually around me, thoughts of how well it will be received wedge their way into my consciousness, and a quick assessment of who might show up crowd their way into my head at once. All that takes place immediately as I walk into the gallery to prepare for guests to arrive at 5 p.m.
Gallery owner Tim Miller is ready, as usual, and enthusiastic. My wife Holly is approving, and says so, when she sees my work on the walls, and my photographer friend Meredith is ready to get last minute instruction on what she should shoot tonight. The first guests arrive and the evening moves quickly to a blur of conversations, photo moments, meeting new faces, and getting a few sips of water in between. I was very appreciative of all who came out.
This is a very satisfying time of year for me as it offers the opportunity to show my work, interface with collectors, explain to my friends what I have been doing with my time, and experience enjoyable sales. My plan this year was similar to 2014 in that I have held my paintings from the beginning of the year until this show as a way to offer interested buyers a time to view a body of work that would show what I have focused on this year, what has interested me or excited me as an artist. This is my time to shine, time to introduce my energy to the world, time to measure a response.
I learn so much at these receptions, because it is also the place where I hear immediate reactions to my paintings. Buyers and viewers express what they like and more importantly, why they like a particular part of my work and it gives me enjoyable feedback.
