Art Exhibition Musings

Recently I completed an art exhibition with five other artists up in Oracle, Arizona. The show could be described as a destination show as Oracle Arizona is a fair distance outside of Tucson as well as from the Phoenix area. Since it was a not insignificant drive for both the artists and the patrons, we were only open for the opening day and the closing day - both Saturday afternoons. Appointments were offered those who wanted to see the show, but could not make the two scheduled days. The gallery faces due north. We decided to be open from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and utilize the natural light. 

Both opening and closing days had respectable crowds. The artists were responsible for all publicity, which was primarily handled electronically via email and social media. 

Masking was neither encouraged nor discouraged. The gallery’s north wall consists of windows that open, and the attached studio workshop space opens both north and south. Weather was perfect for both the opening and closing days. Refreshments were kept to a minimum, individually bottled or canned waters and individually wrapped candies. As the destination is quite a drive, alcohol was not served. 

Seating was provided both outside on the patio as well as in the studio workshop area. This permitted folks to chat with other patrons and the artists without the crush of the gallery space, as well as enjoying views of the high desert’s spring colors and the layers of mountains. 

So what did I exhibit and what sold?

Initially I was a bit concerned that I was showing too much of a variety of styles and media. I do not think a traditional gallery show would have accepted such a range. 

Three pastel paintings. 

The pastel painting were all fairly representational. ‘Coopers Hawk Splash’ celebrates the hawk bathing in a creek, ‘Three Iris’ is a group of three purple irises, and ‘Nasturtium Raindrops, Study II’ is a small painting of droplets on nasturtium leaves. ‘Coopers Hawk Splash’ and ‘Nasturtium Raindrops, Study II’ sold.

One large triptych. 

‘Chromatic Triptych Blue - Red - Yellow’ is a large digital print on maple measuring 60 inches by 20 inches. The panels are designed to be hung either horizontally or vertically. It was hung horizontally for this exhibition. The triptych is a study of patterns and a triadic color scheme (yellow, blue, red). The patterns both invoked memories of board games as well as a strong attraction towards a hypnotic reading of the various patterns.

Three abstract compositions.

These compositions all titled ‘Golden Ratio Play’ are studies using totemic rectangles composed of three stacked golden rectangles. They rest on a field of color and curves. The digital print on maple brings an organic aspect to the compositions. These were all editions of one (1 of 1). The three abstract studies were sold.

Six digital paintings on metal.

The digital paintings on metal at the exhibit were all created in Procreate on my iPad. 

Two of the printings were from my studies of Tropical Bird of Paradise blooms. These were completed on a recent trip to San Diego. The larger of the two paintings sold ‘Tropical Bird of Paradise, Study III’. This painting is an edition of three. The square painting ‘Tropical Bird of Paradise, Study II’ is smaller and the edition is five.

‘The Fig Eater’ is a painting of a common summer beetle in Tucson noted for its brilliant green iridescence. One print of The Fig Eater sold. This particular print is an open edition.

‘Peruvian Apple Cactus (Mary Blair Salute)’ is my attempt to capture some of the color and mark making of the artist Mary Blair. This is appropriately a night scene of a night blooming cactus. This painting is an edition of two, and one of the edition sold.

‘Vaccine Queue’ is a small painting of the cars, canopies, tents, and volunteers at the drive through vaccination site at the University of Arizona. This is an edition of three.

‘Kauaʻi Beach’ celebrates the shimmer of the sea, the sand, and the surf on the lava of Kauaʻi. The painting was completed during a stay on Kauaʻi. This print is an open edition.

Twenty-four pieces of fabric

The fabric displayed was from my Mid Century Spectrum collection, printed as a linen cotton blend. The collection consists of twelve patterns celebrating the hues of the color wheel in both a regular and an extra large pattern size. Six pieces were purchased.

Why did patrons buy the particular pieces of art?

An avid outdoorsman purchased the painting of the coopers hawk. The painting has both action and is representational. He was also pleased that it was not a print. I do not think that the medium made a difference. 

The three abstract composition studies were purchased as the strong range of colors and shapes were very enticing. While each piece worked well on their own, the three together amplify the qualities of the collection.

The fabric pieces were purchased by patrons handy with textiles. Some will show up in household furnishings and other pieces were purchased to use as wall tapestries.

What helped the show

Exhibiting with other artist was a joy. It provided contrasting works and brought in a wide patronage. It also meant we could cover when other member artist were unavailable.

There was also a class held in the adjoining workshop space during our show run. This exposed the show to additional patrons who are interested in art.

The exhibition was held during a great Spring month, and our patrons were ready to get out and explore.