How much is that Doggie? SOLD by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

commission /SOLD 8x8 oil on panel

I was thinking of that song from long ago by Doris Day or was it Patti Page? How much is that doggie in the window? This little girl is such a cutie.

This certainly was a fun commission. I love dogs. Painting them is as much fun as painting people.
A portrait is a portrait.

Happy customer and a very happy artist.

Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful women/mothers I know!

On the 9th day of Marketing....Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

                                        Hungry ©2010C.L.Burgess oil on linen 10 x 12 NFS

On the 9th day of marketing, Leslie Saeta said to me......mmmm....put a post with a demo or three....


Ok, so I am not a lyricist. But

for this exercise, I just so happened to have a short version from an older post, handy in Picasa web.
So, I built on a previous lesson, went to Ippicy and made a small button link to it, to put in the sidebar.
How's that for the learning curve?

I think I am starting to get the hang of these gadgets and widgets out there. What fun!
Now, if only I could figure out how to make a short film and get on Youtube...but I am sure that will come later.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Gonna take a short rest till the next assignment on Monday? I hope?

SOLD! Three Tiny Zinnias by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

                                                             Three Tiny Zinnias  ©2012                                      Sold

This small plein air found a home and a happy customer! yipee!
Part of today's 30 Days marketing strategy is  to toot one's horn when we sell something and just so happens I did this week!

Also we are making badges for the sidebar to make it easier for patrons to get around on the blog. I am learning so much and enjoying the initiatives of others as we learn with Leslie Saeta. 

Notice the badge for my portrait page.

We also made collages which we can use for postcards, promos etc.
here is mine:

To Market To Market....Pared Pears by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Pared Pears©2011 C.L.Burgess 8x8 oil on canvas panel

for purchase: link here

So I am working with fellow artist Leslie Saeta, on marketing my artwork. She is fabulous...not only a painter but the go to for art related business info. If you have not yet been to see her sites and you are a working artist, then you are missing plenty!

Part of the strategies recommended are to combine forces and hone some rusty skills in addition to making artwork, which is where most of us rather be standing.

So here is my first go at the marathon marketing in the next 30 days with Leslie's help.

I have posted this to my FB and on Leslie's blog to get going.

PS. I am happy to also say that I made two sales this month and had not yet started this venture!
 Fingers crossed and business hat on.

Shades of Shinnecock by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Shinnecock Inlet Contemplation ©C.L.Burgess 8x 18 oil on wood panel  private collection


Long ago I was given a black and white photo of a day trip to this far end location on Long Island, near the Hamptons, to paint for my mother as a remembrance of a time/place, she and my dad used to frequent after we girls left home and married.
Dad loved to go deep sea fishing and loved the sea in general, being a Meditteranean islander. This was a favorite spot for him in his retirement.
We three returned to this site the week before he passed and I remember it well and will always. It was one good day.
We listened to Mahler's symphony #9  on the drive home and he thanked me for introducing that music to him. He loved classical music and art.
Mahler's score will always bring that trip with him to mind. It is very moving and energetic; both turbulent and gentle, which for me, sums my dad's personality up.
So, when asked to bring my hand to describe in color, the photo, I thought of the complexity and changeablity of moods. How might I best convey this thought?
How the sea and sky are inseparable, embodying that dynamism, complexity and power.
As does the human soul, and how sometimes, words just cannot convey what lies in the heart well enough...but can be articulated through music and paint.

Sky Music by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Decrescendo © 2013C.l.Burgess oil on canvas 16hx20w

I feel the beach calling me.

Other than being out west in big sky country, I love being in the open moodiness of the ocean.
Ahhh, choices.

Landscape:Woodland Spring by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Woodland Spring©2013 C.L.Burgess 14 x 18 oil on canvas panel

Just breathe.
Sometimes when the world appears to want swallow you up with sadness, it is good to take a deep breath and walk away....into a good book, a friend's house, a beautiful garden,  a hot bath or maybe  just a walk in the woods.
Reconnect with all that is good and simple.

I think we artists can do that for ourselves, which is such a blessing. Our only hope is that the light we share enriches others and maybe in some small way soothes their cares.

Hope the week ahead is a good one for all.

Rainy Landscape by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

A Variably Cloudy Spring©2013 C.L.Burgess oil on canvas 22x28


I was struck by the beautiful silence of a well traveled road, after a rain storm, just before all the world turned green.

Still Life with Striped Cloth by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

The Lineup©2013 C.L.Burgess oil on cradled wooden panel 8x16  $385


Triplets with verve....these three apples look ready to perform on stage in the delight of color and light.
Spring will do that to you if you let it.

Lush:Apple and Pear still life in oil by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Lush©C.L.Burgess 10x10 oil on mounted linen $300


It feels so good to play with patches of color and a knife.
"Play is the exultation of the possible" writes Martin Buber. It is true. When you allow yourself to play outside your lines, good things happen.
Like this little painting, or when a blogger comments in kind, to my playfulness with poetry on my last post. Thanks, Carol!

Lush was the only apt title for this because it describes the tactile quality of paint, the vibrancy of color play, springtime and the simple subject of ripeness.

Red Still Life by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Organic Reds©2013 C.L.Burgess oil on mounted linen 8x10

Painting red on a gray day in words and image.

red
roses are
blood is
flag stripe waves
red

red
painted toes
lips and cheek
anger shows
red

red
brick and barn
cherries and tomatoes
at night a delight, blush
red