New work

Approaching Stillness

I've been hard at work on a new series of collage pieces on cradled boards. I've been using the panels from American Easel and find that this surface suits my way. I protected the edge with a layer of blue tape while building the collage on the surface, and when I was done I removed the tape and finished the cradle with a light sanding and a couple of layers of cold wax which I used on the surface as well.

Vessel Collages

For several years I cleaned my paint brush on a large sheet of MDF which I kept on my work table. As it became covered with paint and ink I realized that I had a good first layer for a painting.

I drew a grid over the surface, added paint deliberately, and simply played until it got to the point where I realized it was actually four smaller paintings. My friend ran the board through his table saw and then I went back to work with more paint and collage elements, now working each section individually. They each measure 11" x 22".

The vessel shapes, bowls, eggs and circles crept into each piece and finally each was finished.They've been sealed, varnished, framed and photographed.

I can't tell you the names of each of these vessel paintings; the names are on the back of each piece, at the photographers'. Naming is the hardest thing for me and I often put it off till last, just before I add each piece to my inventory sheet. Another thankless task... at least until it's time to show or sell the work and then I'll be glad I took time to do all the final steps.

What I Learned by Hosting an Open Studio

What I learned by opening my studio to the public:

I need people. That’s nothing new but it is an awakening to my need to craft more ways to share my work. We artists need isolation in which to create. But we also need opportunities to talk with interested people. An open studio accomplishes that. I sure enjoyed this party!

Being open six hours for two days isn’t terribly taxing. The hardest part was preparing and thanks to friends that wasn’t so bad either. I will do this again.

It would be better to be open two weekends to better accommodate people’s schedules. Early fall is a good time to do this.

It was a good idea to publicize the event on Facebook and my blog as well as an email blast. Next time I'll mail invitations, too.

People have good taste. They bought my best work and passed on some works that I shouldn’t have even offered for sale. Limit what I show.

I thought that framed pieces would sell better than works that weren’t framed. That didn’t happen, perhaps because unframed work is less expensive even though I charged only what the frames cost me to buy and assemble.

There was great variety in the work I displayed, perhaps too much. I think I’ll narrow my focus.

Work larger. I’ve been doing small works because of storage issues but if I grab more opportunities to show work larger pieces will be an advantage.

Several professional artists who were here convinced me that my work is worthy and that I should seek gallery representation and enter shows.  I will do just that.

People like to see something to hang their hat on. Purely abstract work didn’t interest buyers for the most part, but the abstraction of reality was appealing. They like flowers and trees and horses. My map series were quite a draw because people are used to reading maps to navigate so they moved in close and ‘read’ my paintings.  They try to read words. They are highly interested in the stories that are reflected in the paintings and loved to hear me talk about the back-story of each work. Since my work tends to be narrative and personal it’s easy to talk about it.

Gosh, I loved doing this open studio. Thanks a bunch to you who attended and I hope that more of you will come visit me someday.

People were interested in seeing me demonstrate some of my collage techniques.

I am planning to start teaching again, probably something to do with collage. I can handle up to 5 students in my studio and if there’s a larger enrollment I’ll rent space.  Let me know if you want to be added to my student list. There’s no commitment either way. When I decide to teach I’ll send an announcement and you can sign up if it suits you.

Jo Reimer Open Studio

It's happening tomorrow.

At the Reimer home, between 11 and 5. Come on by.

There's lots of art for all tastes and wallets. I take cash, checks, major credit cards.

Y'all Come! Jo Reimer's Open Studio Oct. 4-5

Y'all  Come!

October 4 and 5, 2014. 11 am to 5 pm. 11990 NW Maple Hill Lane, Portland, OR

Park in the driveway or on the street, but be sure to set your brake. It's steep up here on the hill.