It's a Weird Challenge, but it's a Real Challenge...
January 1st, twenty years ago, I made a plan - to take the month of September "off." Yes, life stuff and business obligations would still be done, but hours would be dedicated to doing, well, it's hard to explain..., whatever I felt like doing. Amazingly, I pulled this off, more or less. "Wasted" time starting some unreadable stories that were never finished. Doing a couple pencil drawings - subjects of which I do not remember. This was Before Bears.
My mind was different after thirty days of whatever this was.
And in late October a magazine from the 1920's was chosen to read while I was doing a work day at American Gothic Antiques. The little brown desk is still there. The drawer that day held, among other things, a pencil and an unmarked 3 x 5 index card. I copied a woodcut image of a calm grizzly bear head. That is all.
Eventually, that drawing led life down a path that changed almost everything I do to make a living.
Next month it will be twenty years since I drew that bear.
In semi-celebration I've decided to take chunks of this September off. No particular plans yet. Perhaps a visit to a relative or two. Perhaps some visits to coffee shops more distant than the usual haunts. I do not know. Twenty years ago I did not know. I only knew that I was worn out doing something I'd loved doing for twenty years. I knew I no longer loved doing that. I still have many pieces of unfinished model horse tack. I have glorious memories of amazing times in the model horse world. And, oddly, enough, I'm poking a few pinkies back into that world again. But not as a Job.
It's odd being a full-time professional artist. One must depend on one's brain and hands to keep creating stuff that other people want to buy. Year after year after year. I have been lucky. Twenty years of working full-time in the model horse hobby. Twenty years of making "bears" and other images with enough energy to the images that people want to purchase them. It's really quite amazing, especially for a person who has never been on a job interview - because I am/was too shy and/or have no real job skills.
With that typed, I look forward to Day 3 of September 2017. Today's doings included finding two potential Black Swallowtail butterflies, putting to death (sorry) a number of Japanese Beetles, and going with Todd to see part of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" put on in Stillwater's Pioneer Park by the Zephyr Theatre Company.
The backpack purse is packed for another early morning go at the Minnesota State Fair. Tomorrow's plans include no plans. I want to draw and sit and watch and listen. It's going to be relatively warm. I'm guessing that the fairgrounds will be hoppin'. I know a couple "quiet" spots. I hope to draw some bunnies. I hope to end the day at the Farmers Union building - nursing a good de-caf and drawing someone playing a guitar. Going to try for another Bubble of Odd Relaxation. It happened for a few hours on Thursday. It was more than Wonderful.
Sometimes it's a challenge to not have a challenge.
On to the attempt!
Fare-thee-well,
Sue
Showing posts with label State Fair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State Fair. Show all posts
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Better - 23
There was no room inside Daily Grind coffeeshop - so here I am - outside on a sunny deck lounging on a comfy outdoor couch-y thing. De-caf coffee in a to-go cup. (I will be using parts of this cup to make into art later.) Good vibes - as in from vibraphone - and soft clarinet are chillin' in the ear-buds. Should have worn a cap, but I'd not known that outdoors is where the typing would be typed. Perfect soft breeze to accompany breezy jazz. Sigh. THIS is the Summer I've been missing out on all season. (Do NOT take a nap here, Susan. That would be so unprofessional of you.)
Just now I dared to take off right foot's well-used Nike sneaker as to get even more comfy. Do I dare practicing R-E-L-A-X-ing? Put head back on bank of lovely pillows... Close eyes... smile a little smile.... Come on. You can do it. Slow count to thirty. One...twoo.. threeeee... fourrrr..... Breathe in.... Breathe out...
Wow. Made it up to thirty-five! And could have gone longer. This will be a completion of a small "Superbetter" (Look it up if you care to know more.) Quest. Baby steps, you know.
On to the reason for posting:
Monday's Minnesota State Fair visit was partially to take part once again in the group fair sketchout held twice each fair. I missed Saturday's doings as we were at ArtStreet in Green Bay. But this doings is always so much fun that Monday was mandatory for me to head in to fairgrounds early. Not 6 A.M. early, but 8:30 A.M. early. Todd said he'd join us later in the day - hooray!
I roamed the fairgrounds, stetched a few pen and ink people, some scribbled square-dancers, and then met up with hubby. We went to a few buildings (I was of mixed emotions in the Fine Arts one), visited the vintage tractors, and then decided to part ways till the group get-together scheduled for between the Sky Ride and the Food Building. We are trained in - first one there to score a table STAYS PUT till whole group arrives.
Off to the sheeple barn I go. No good reason. I'd have been content drawing bunnies, porkers, or fowl, but the sheep were just there - waiting - haha. I chanced into a relatively clean spot on barn floor in an odd "l"-shaped coming together of pen rows. Two cooperative mostly-shorn sorts were dozing and awake by turns. Out came the tiny tin of gouache and watercolors, and that magical brush with water in its barrel. Sometimes sheep moved. So one single head study is actually of two sheep. You do what you must. I had Glenn Gould playing Bach in my head. One ear-bud. So if a watcher asked a question I could be polite and pay attention. I showed off tiny tin to several people Some got Excited. Oh, the possibilities!
Four or five pages of gouache studies filled the "flow" time. Magical how that happens. One REALLY SEES stuff. The soft "Georgia O'Keefe foothill" wrinkles on neck and flanks.
The "non-color" color of shorn coat. The wool left on head.
The muted colors in tine were up to the task of mirroring actual local color. Huzzah. Time passed all too quickly. A couple stopped by - they are Standard Poodle People. I might gain a portrait commission. Not going to count my poodles till they hatch.
Gathered up art supplies around 3:30 and headed slowly back to meeting up site. The day was perfect. Large crowd filled most of the grounds. Lots of people do not enjoy hoards of people at the fair. I walk around with a smile on my face. Of course, I am no longer pushing a baby stroller. I try to make way for wheelchairs and stollers. Oddly, I saw no one carrying around a huge prize from the Midway - what gives?
Back at our spot we chatted about the day as folks began to gather. The ones who'd not gotten "i draw"pin and the event pin for 2017 got theirs. This year The State Fair Rodent Mascot graced our pin. One year it was a sketch of a sow and sucking baby piggers. One year it was a cocky Hen.
We gathered around and put our various sketchbooks and drawing papers onto two large flat stones. Some did true show and tells of the day. "Archie," a young East Indian woman living in Minnesota allowed us to see her wonderful watercolor sketchbook. She is a member of the Urban Sketchers group - a group that is worldwide. Her book held detailed drawings from Middle Eastern markets to others done in her native India. But, of course, she purchased her book and art supplies at St. Paul's Wet Paint - the GREAT indie art supply store we are so lucky to have nearby. Eek. I might need a new nibbed drawing pen - NOOO! But its line was so exquisite... We shall see what we shall see...
WEarily when Todd and I decided to go different ways I handed him a nice small sheet of good watercolor paper and a common yet treasured ultra-fine black Sharpie Marker. He went on his merry way, ate some chicken somethings, found a spot somewhat near the HUGE Ferris-wheel, and proceeded to create a lovely loosely-drawn "time-lapse" drawing. The sky on the left needed filling - well, here came a small plane circling the grounds! It took me a while to see the man's form in the foreground - but there he is - next to the fire hydrant. I was proud of my man for participating. And his drawing fit right in with those of the rest of group. Yup, he got his pin!
We put our pieces side by side to photograph. Fun to see together!
One of the guys in the Twin Cities Urban Sketchers group requested a volunteer at the Historical Center's Newspaper /Print Shop space create a lead type piece. This might not have been legal by Minnesota law, but it sure makes a pretty mark! And what a great idea! I won't tell if you won't tell. (And I might be a wee bit jealous...)
After all the sketch sharing was done we chatted quietly about a wide range of things. I now know that there is a group of jugglers of all range of skills that meets regularly in the metro area. We know that Monday's leader, and supplier of morningcoffee and mini-donuts, won a prize for his print in the Fine Arts Exhibition! We know that veggies are good subjects for drawing as they tend to stay put. We know that there are always new art methods to play with.
As a lovely end to our adventure, one woman began blowing soap bubbles into the light breeze. A little more magic in a day is almost always good!
This group usually meets the first Saturday and Monday of the State Fair. Drawers in ALL ranges of ability are WELCOMED! If you dare to draw, you are a Drawer. And even if you can't make these "official" dates, just bring along some pens or pencils and a few sheets of paper. Sit for a while and put some marks on your paper. Your record of the fair wil be unique, and might become a treasure.
I'm planning to return on Thursday and Labor Day. Thursday, "alone" with hundreds of thousands of people, and the last day in the Great Minnesota Get-Together, with a pal who "forced" me to bring her along last year. Look out, Butterfly House - Dee and I are coming - LOL! Last year's visit was great. Guessing this year's day might be Better!
The owners of this coffee shop have been to the fair three times already. Another pal goes nine times. Next year I'll have to up my State Fair game.
Darn - it's probably time to quit this fun.
On to the rest of this glorious Upper Midwest day.
And time to donate some $ to folks in Texas.
Fare-thee-well,
Sue
www.suerowe.com
Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios
Just now I dared to take off right foot's well-used Nike sneaker as to get even more comfy. Do I dare practicing R-E-L-A-X-ing? Put head back on bank of lovely pillows... Close eyes... smile a little smile.... Come on. You can do it. Slow count to thirty. One...twoo.. threeeee... fourrrr..... Breathe in.... Breathe out...
Wow. Made it up to thirty-five! And could have gone longer. This will be a completion of a small "Superbetter" (Look it up if you care to know more.) Quest. Baby steps, you know.
On to the reason for posting:
Monday's Minnesota State Fair visit was partially to take part once again in the group fair sketchout held twice each fair. I missed Saturday's doings as we were at ArtStreet in Green Bay. But this doings is always so much fun that Monday was mandatory for me to head in to fairgrounds early. Not 6 A.M. early, but 8:30 A.M. early. Todd said he'd join us later in the day - hooray!
I roamed the fairgrounds, stetched a few pen and ink people, some scribbled square-dancers, and then met up with hubby. We went to a few buildings (I was of mixed emotions in the Fine Arts one), visited the vintage tractors, and then decided to part ways till the group get-together scheduled for between the Sky Ride and the Food Building. We are trained in - first one there to score a table STAYS PUT till whole group arrives.
Off to the sheeple barn I go. No good reason. I'd have been content drawing bunnies, porkers, or fowl, but the sheep were just there - waiting - haha. I chanced into a relatively clean spot on barn floor in an odd "l"-shaped coming together of pen rows. Two cooperative mostly-shorn sorts were dozing and awake by turns. Out came the tiny tin of gouache and watercolors, and that magical brush with water in its barrel. Sometimes sheep moved. So one single head study is actually of two sheep. You do what you must. I had Glenn Gould playing Bach in my head. One ear-bud. So if a watcher asked a question I could be polite and pay attention. I showed off tiny tin to several people Some got Excited. Oh, the possibilities!
Four or five pages of gouache studies filled the "flow" time. Magical how that happens. One REALLY SEES stuff. The soft "Georgia O'Keefe foothill" wrinkles on neck and flanks.
The "non-color" color of shorn coat. The wool left on head.
The muted colors in tine were up to the task of mirroring actual local color. Huzzah. Time passed all too quickly. A couple stopped by - they are Standard Poodle People. I might gain a portrait commission. Not going to count my poodles till they hatch.
Gathered up art supplies around 3:30 and headed slowly back to meeting up site. The day was perfect. Large crowd filled most of the grounds. Lots of people do not enjoy hoards of people at the fair. I walk around with a smile on my face. Of course, I am no longer pushing a baby stroller. I try to make way for wheelchairs and stollers. Oddly, I saw no one carrying around a huge prize from the Midway - what gives?
Back at our spot we chatted about the day as folks began to gather. The ones who'd not gotten "i draw"pin and the event pin for 2017 got theirs. This year The State Fair Rodent Mascot graced our pin. One year it was a sketch of a sow and sucking baby piggers. One year it was a cocky Hen.
We gathered around and put our various sketchbooks and drawing papers onto two large flat stones. Some did true show and tells of the day. "Archie," a young East Indian woman living in Minnesota allowed us to see her wonderful watercolor sketchbook. She is a member of the Urban Sketchers group - a group that is worldwide. Her book held detailed drawings from Middle Eastern markets to others done in her native India. But, of course, she purchased her book and art supplies at St. Paul's Wet Paint - the GREAT indie art supply store we are so lucky to have nearby. Eek. I might need a new nibbed drawing pen - NOOO! But its line was so exquisite... We shall see what we shall see...
WEarily when Todd and I decided to go different ways I handed him a nice small sheet of good watercolor paper and a common yet treasured ultra-fine black Sharpie Marker. He went on his merry way, ate some chicken somethings, found a spot somewhat near the HUGE Ferris-wheel, and proceeded to create a lovely loosely-drawn "time-lapse" drawing. The sky on the left needed filling - well, here came a small plane circling the grounds! It took me a while to see the man's form in the foreground - but there he is - next to the fire hydrant. I was proud of my man for participating. And his drawing fit right in with those of the rest of group. Yup, he got his pin!
We put our pieces side by side to photograph. Fun to see together!
One of the guys in the Twin Cities Urban Sketchers group requested a volunteer at the Historical Center's Newspaper /Print Shop space create a lead type piece. This might not have been legal by Minnesota law, but it sure makes a pretty mark! And what a great idea! I won't tell if you won't tell. (And I might be a wee bit jealous...)
After all the sketch sharing was done we chatted quietly about a wide range of things. I now know that there is a group of jugglers of all range of skills that meets regularly in the metro area. We know that Monday's leader, and supplier of morningcoffee and mini-donuts, won a prize for his print in the Fine Arts Exhibition! We know that veggies are good subjects for drawing as they tend to stay put. We know that there are always new art methods to play with.
As a lovely end to our adventure, one woman began blowing soap bubbles into the light breeze. A little more magic in a day is almost always good!
This group usually meets the first Saturday and Monday of the State Fair. Drawers in ALL ranges of ability are WELCOMED! If you dare to draw, you are a Drawer. And even if you can't make these "official" dates, just bring along some pens or pencils and a few sheets of paper. Sit for a while and put some marks on your paper. Your record of the fair wil be unique, and might become a treasure.
I'm planning to return on Thursday and Labor Day. Thursday, "alone" with hundreds of thousands of people, and the last day in the Great Minnesota Get-Together, with a pal who "forced" me to bring her along last year. Look out, Butterfly House - Dee and I are coming - LOL! Last year's visit was great. Guessing this year's day might be Better!
The owners of this coffee shop have been to the fair three times already. Another pal goes nine times. Next year I'll have to up my State Fair game.
Darn - it's probably time to quit this fun.
On to the rest of this glorious Upper Midwest day.
And time to donate some $ to folks in Texas.
Fare-thee-well,
Sue
www.suerowe.com
Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Better - 22
Day Two at the State Fair has been postponed till later date.
If my feet could talk, they might be whispering, "Thank you."
Walked a small blister that I didn't notice until this morning.
Things I DIDN'T see yesterday:
1) cows
2) porkers
3) DNR pool of many fish
4) bunnies
5) Dairy Building with butter Princesses
6) The Coliseum
7) favorite craft beer/music place
8) the area where Heritage Square used to be
9) Education Building (kids' art is often better than big peoples' art)
10) Miracle of Birth barn
11) horses
So many reasons to return.
Yesterday I ate so many things I seldom eat these days - Sweet Martha's Cookies. Our family of four used to share a paper cone of these horribly lovely hot small chocolate chip cookies. Yesterday - just Todd and me. Way too much yummy sugar and gluten for my head. Was I done? HAHAHAHA
Bring on a slice of Green Mill pepperoni pizza, a little beer, onion rings, a little more beer. Tasty samples of wine slushes, spicy soups, maple syrup infused with bourbon (my FAV sample), little pretzels dipped into various dips, a quick Kemps ice cream sample as I didn't see the LONG LINE of people because we just came onto the sample tables from the other "short" side - haha and "I'm sorry, people in the "legal" line!" That ice cream was my second favorite sample. Oh, the Peace Coffee sample - always a fav.
Salt, sugar, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, strong spices. A Master List of what not to consume if you have tinnitus.
Oh, and a Swedish cookie - purchased by a pal. I wanted till coming home and making a lovely cup of tea before chomping that tasty few bites. Adding a bit of dark chocolate added to the pleasure - of yesterday.
Today's head is a ringing buzzing combo of cicadas and electricity - good thing I know the cause. And can sort of smile as I type.
Maybe it's a good thing that Life is not aways Fair.
Fare-thee-well!
Two more tickets to go!
- Sue
If my feet could talk, they might be whispering, "Thank you."
Walked a small blister that I didn't notice until this morning.
Things I DIDN'T see yesterday:
1) cows
2) porkers
3) DNR pool of many fish
4) bunnies
5) Dairy Building with butter Princesses
6) The Coliseum
7) favorite craft beer/music place
8) the area where Heritage Square used to be
9) Education Building (kids' art is often better than big peoples' art)
10) Miracle of Birth barn
11) horses
So many reasons to return.
Yesterday I ate so many things I seldom eat these days - Sweet Martha's Cookies. Our family of four used to share a paper cone of these horribly lovely hot small chocolate chip cookies. Yesterday - just Todd and me. Way too much yummy sugar and gluten for my head. Was I done? HAHAHAHA
Bring on a slice of Green Mill pepperoni pizza, a little beer, onion rings, a little more beer. Tasty samples of wine slushes, spicy soups, maple syrup infused with bourbon (my FAV sample), little pretzels dipped into various dips, a quick Kemps ice cream sample as I didn't see the LONG LINE of people because we just came onto the sample tables from the other "short" side - haha and "I'm sorry, people in the "legal" line!" That ice cream was my second favorite sample. Oh, the Peace Coffee sample - always a fav.
Salt, sugar, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, strong spices. A Master List of what not to consume if you have tinnitus.
Oh, and a Swedish cookie - purchased by a pal. I wanted till coming home and making a lovely cup of tea before chomping that tasty few bites. Adding a bit of dark chocolate added to the pleasure - of yesterday.
Today's head is a ringing buzzing combo of cicadas and electricity - good thing I know the cause. And can sort of smile as I type.
Maybe it's a good thing that Life is not aways Fair.
Fare-thee-well!
Two more tickets to go!
- Sue
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Pork: Pre-Bacon.
Hogs, pigs, swine, porkers. they always leave me with mixed emotions.
THEY ARE SMART.
THEY ARE DELICIOUS.
In art school days at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, I was known for my pig drawings. The reason I DREW pigs is a long short story for another time. Faculty members purchased my pigs. Classmates and teachers would leave pig-inspired gifts in my studio space. It got a little weird.
After graduation I did not draw anything for many many years. Really. Then the bears happened. At an art fair several years ago a customer asked if I ever did any other animals. "What do you have in mind?," I asked. "I really like pigs," she said.
Done and done. But only a few and only as card designs. (Time passed.)
Today it felt like time to draw a porker.
Yay for State Fair photographs!
Here is a blurry model from this year's Minnesota State Fair:
Yes, I wish I'd spent more time focusing. (That's an issue in way more of life's areas than photographing livestock...) Yes, that is it's tongue.
One of my many 5" x 7" spiral-bound sketchbooks was hunted down. A plain old graphite pencil got sharpened. Let the drawing begin!! Yes, I was listening to a football game. Football? Pigskin? Just the way it goes.
Here is the somewhat finished drawing.
Yes, those are eraser marks. No, the sketch isn't perfect. But it sure was fun. I might go back and re-work some things. Or, I'll probably simply do another drawing.
Tomorrow holds the start of putting up our booth at Roseville, MN's "Peggy's Holiday Boutique. This show does take a crew over five days to create, but once it's open - What a place to shop!
Now it's time to publish post, have a sip of tea, and be glad this pig had such a lovely glint in its eye.
Try not to lose yours - Glint on!
And Fare-thee-well,
Sue
www.suerowe.com
Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios
P.S.: No, we probably won't have bacon for dinner. But for breakfast tomorrow - most likely.
THEY ARE SMART.
THEY ARE DELICIOUS.
In art school days at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, I was known for my pig drawings. The reason I DREW pigs is a long short story for another time. Faculty members purchased my pigs. Classmates and teachers would leave pig-inspired gifts in my studio space. It got a little weird.
After graduation I did not draw anything for many many years. Really. Then the bears happened. At an art fair several years ago a customer asked if I ever did any other animals. "What do you have in mind?," I asked. "I really like pigs," she said.
Done and done. But only a few and only as card designs. (Time passed.)
Today it felt like time to draw a porker.
Yay for State Fair photographs!
Here is a blurry model from this year's Minnesota State Fair:
Yes, I wish I'd spent more time focusing. (That's an issue in way more of life's areas than photographing livestock...) Yes, that is it's tongue.
One of my many 5" x 7" spiral-bound sketchbooks was hunted down. A plain old graphite pencil got sharpened. Let the drawing begin!! Yes, I was listening to a football game. Football? Pigskin? Just the way it goes.
Here is the somewhat finished drawing.
Yes, those are eraser marks. No, the sketch isn't perfect. But it sure was fun. I might go back and re-work some things. Or, I'll probably simply do another drawing.
Tomorrow holds the start of putting up our booth at Roseville, MN's "Peggy's Holiday Boutique. This show does take a crew over five days to create, but once it's open - What a place to shop!
Now it's time to publish post, have a sip of tea, and be glad this pig had such a lovely glint in its eye.
Try not to lose yours - Glint on!
And Fare-thee-well,
Sue
www.suerowe.com
Facebook Page: Sue-Rowe-Studios
P.S.: No, we probably won't have bacon for dinner. But for breakfast tomorrow - most likely.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
State Fair!
The application deadline has been met! Tara, Todd, and I have entered the very tough Art competition at the Minnesota State Fair. Me in Pastels, Todd in Sculpture, and Tara in Photography. None of us has made it in yet, but ya gotta give 'er the go.
I will be demonstrating pastel techniques there, too, but as yet I have no plans. A lovely calm bruin couple at the lake? A cranky close up of a Hal or a Bert? We'll have to see who is hiding in the paper...
Just finished framing a waltzing bear pair. Title: "Another Time." Got to try out the new Terry Ludwig pastels won at the Lake country Pastel Society's meeting Tuesday night. We piranas around the free stuff at Wet Paint's two tables..... Lucked into a nice assortment of dinged sanded papers and some perfectly fine pastel boards. I do not need more art supplies. I need more time. And more space? Time is more important than space right now.
On to the next mission. A cool front is pushing through.
Tootle-loo,
Sue
I will be demonstrating pastel techniques there, too, but as yet I have no plans. A lovely calm bruin couple at the lake? A cranky close up of a Hal or a Bert? We'll have to see who is hiding in the paper...
Just finished framing a waltzing bear pair. Title: "Another Time." Got to try out the new Terry Ludwig pastels won at the Lake country Pastel Society's meeting Tuesday night. We piranas around the free stuff at Wet Paint's two tables..... Lucked into a nice assortment of dinged sanded papers and some perfectly fine pastel boards. I do not need more art supplies. I need more time. And more space? Time is more important than space right now.
On to the next mission. A cool front is pushing through.
Tootle-loo,
Sue
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