Posted by Nancy Tobin on Dec 31, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
New In the Shop,
News,
Shop Talk,
Ta Da! 
Peek III ©2009
I recently finished a new painting; Peek III. It’s 24 inches x 24 inches.
This painting — like the others in the Peek series — is one I’m especially fond of. I think there is something so magical about “the peek”; that moment when you pull back the curtain, the branches, the seaweed… to discover a world that’s new and wonderful.
For the moment, Peek III is happily residing at a very special gallery in New York; Elisa Tucci.
I wanted to take the image a bit further, so I created a limited edition artwork, featuring a snippet of the painting, titled Peace Walk 2009. I thought the new year was the perfect time to introduce the painting and the edition! If you’re interested in the painting, contact Lisa Cooper at Elisa Tucci. If you’re interested in the edition, good news! — you can find it on sale at my Etsy shop!
Here’s more info on Peace Walk 2009:
Peace Walk 2009
Limited-Edition Mixed-Media Print
Peace Walk 2009 is an edition limited to 100.
The process behind this print combines many of the
techniques I use in my painting.
The first layer is an archival inkjet print that is laminated
to a panel. Several layers of acrylic medium are added to enhance the surface.
Every print is then silk-screened in two different colors,
each separated by several layers of medium. Hand painting is added to give each piece another layer of detail and additional depth.
A final coat of medium, a signature and date complete each work.
Peace Walk 2009 - Limited Edition Artwork
Each artwork in the edition comes with a black, Shaker-style easel for display
Tags: Elisa Tucci, Etsy, Lisa Cooper, New Year, Peace Walk 2009, Peek III
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Dec 28, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
News,
Shows,
Ta Da! 
Think ©2009
I was delighted to be asked by the New Jersey Center Visual Arts Center to do six special paintings for their Blank Canvas event that was held earlier this month.
The NJVAC’s annual fundraiser is known for it’s high caliber artists, who regularly donate works to for this incredible silent auction. This year was no exception. You can take a look at some of the pieces that were available, on the Art Center’s Flickr page.
Enrich ©2009
Amaze ©2009
Create ©2009
Inspire ©2009
Imagine ©200
Tags: Blank Canvas, New Jersey Center Visual Arts Center, NJVAC
Nice Dream ©2009
To celebrate the season (and the fact that I am finishing all sorts of work and clearing all sorts of space in my studio!), I’m having a Two-for-One Print Sale!
That means, that when you buy one print at regular price, you get another print of the same or less value for FREE!
My shop is bursting with art to warm every cockle (what’s a cockle*?)
When you order one print, just tell me which one you’d like free in the “message to the seller” section.
To whet your appetite, I’ve just posted these brand new darlings for your viewing pleasure; Nice Dream, Waiting Room and Little Knell.
Stop by the shop, and have a cup of cheer!
*According to Wikipedia, “the phrase warm the cockles of one’s heart may refer to the similarity in shape of the heart valves to the cockle mollusk”.
Waiting Pool ©2009
Little Knell ©2009
Tags: Etsy, Little Knell, Nice Dream, Waiting Pool, wikipedia
Calcifer, mixed media on panel, 10 x 10 inches ©2009
I really have been up to things, while ignoring my beloved blog. Painting, jewelry making, painting, shows, painting, sales, painting and painting.
So, as proof of the “painting” part — I present these three little gems; Calcifer, Glowlightly and Razz.
These brand-spanking-new paintings are available as prints in my Etsy shop, just in time to warm up your holidays!
Glowlightly, mixed media on panel, 12 x 12 inches ©2009
Razz, mixed media on panel, 12 x 12 inches ©2009
Tags: Calcifer, Etsy, Glowlightly, Holidays, painting, Razz
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Nov 10, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
News,
Shows This is what happens when I neglect my blog — I end up waiting until the last minute to post about all my upcoming events, ending up with a pretty long list. This is no exception.
I guess it’s a formula;
Many shows in future
+ busy getting ready for shows in fututre
(subtotal) too busy to blog
+ wanting to tell the world about all the cool events
(total) really long list of events.
(If that didn’t make any sense, it would explain why I am an artist and not an accountant.)
Please join me for a wine and cheese reception this Saturday at Furbish Home in Millburn, NJ for:
Unnatural Selections
Artwork of Nancy Tobin
November 14, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Show runs from Nov 14 – Dec 7, 2009
Store hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm, Sat: 10am – 5pm
315C Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ 973.761.0311
info@furbishhome.com
There will be paintings & prints to fit every budget!
André Breton, Jacqueline Lamba, Yves Tanguy Cadavre exquis, 1938
The Exquisite Corpse: Paul Robeson Galleries 30th Anniversary Exhibition
30 collaborative works by 92 New Jersey New York and Pennsylvanian artists
The artist reception for this show will be on Thursday, November 19th from
5pm to 7pm.
I was so excited to be invited to participate in this project! I’ve played this game since I was young, and have always enjoyed the outcome.
If you’re not familiar with the term, Exquisite Corpse, here’s what Wikipedia has to say:
The technique was invented by Surrealists and is similar to an old parlour game called Consequences in which players write in turn on a sheet of paper, fold it to conceal part of the writing, and then pass it to the next player for a further contribution. Surrealism principal founder André Breton reported that it started in fun, but became playful and eventually enriching. Breton said the diversion started about 1925, but Pierre Reverdy wrote that it started much earlier, at least before 1918.
In a variant now known as picture consequences, instead of sentences, portions of a person were drawn.
Later the game was adapted to drawing and collage, producing a result similar to children’s books in which the pages were cut into thirds, the top third pages showing the head of a person or animal, the middle third the torso, and the bottom third the legs, with children having the ability to “mix and match” by turning pages. (However, the game has been played with the usual orientation of foldings and four or more people, and there have been examples with the game played with only two people and the paper being folded lengthwise and widthwise, resulting in quarters.)[4] It has also been played by mailing a drawing or collage — in progressive stages of completion — to the players, and this variation is known as “exquisite corpse by airmail”, apparently regardless of whether the game travels by airmail or not.
The name is derived from a phrase that resulted when Surrealists first played the game, “Le cadavre exquis boira le vin nouveau.” (”The exquisite corpse will drink the new wine.”)
The finished “corpses” will be a surprise to everyone, artists and guests alike. Come and see the unfolding!
The exhibition will be on display from November 19, 2009 to April 8, 2010.
Paul Robeson Galleries 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Exquisite Corpse
Artists Reception
Thursday, November 19th, 5pm-7pm
Admittance: FREE
Refreshments provided
Your Holiday Gift Shopping Begins Here!
Along with finishing up a studio full of paintings this fall, I’ve also been busy creating some “tiny treasures”; my Art by the Inch, necklaces, rings, earrings — and for the man in your life … Cufflinks!
Here’s where you can find ‘em:
16th Annual Crafts at The Baird
Pierro Gallery of South Orange
Wed, Dec 2, 7pm – 9pm
Preview Sale! Meet the Artist & Opening Reception:
$5 admission for first picks, tasty treats & festive times.
Shop is open daily from12pm – 8pm
Dec 3 – Dec 6, & admission is free
Winter Festival @ South Mountain Elementary School
Sat, Dec 5, 11am – 3pm
admission is free
Art Shop @ Aferro Gallery
73 Market St, Newark, NJ
Tags: 16th Annual Crafts at The Baird, Aferro, Art Shop, Exquisite Corpse, Furbish Home, Millburn, Paul Robeson Galleries, Pierro Gallery of South Orange, Unnnatural Selections, Winter Festival
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Oct 28, 2009 in
New In the Shop,
Shop Talk 
Pink Isotopes — like a cotton-candy sugar high!
I won’t even begin to give all the excuses for not posting — it would be lame. Instead, I plan to “sugar over” everything, with this sweet pair; Pink Isotopes and Splat.
They’re both brand-spankin’-new in the shop, and arrive just in time to complement all the sugary goodness that will be consumed this Saturday.
Mention this post when you buy both, and I’ll refund the price of one of them (two for one!)
Check it out — it’s a treat!
Splat — a confectionery concoction!
Tags: Etsy, Halloween, Pink Isotopes, Splat
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Oct 4, 2009 in
Events & Happenings 
Some of the beautiful collages made during last Sunday's Demo Day — what fun!
It’s taken me a while to update. The week in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize was a blur of activity; splitting time between Peaches events, seeing art and seeing family. Lucky for me — the “seeing art” part went well with the “seeing family” part — many of my siblings were determined to view as much art as they could, during the first week of voting.
Peaches was great! The house itself is a grand old Georgian beauty, and was a fun change from the usual spare gallery style walls. Folks I shared the venue with were a delightful and talented bunch. And the owner of Peaches, Jane Lovett, worked tirelessly to promote her artists and make all the events wonderful.
We had good crowds. I was a little worried about being outside of the downtown loop, but every day, folks were waiting at the doors to get in the place before it opened. I saw old friends and met a lot of new.
The show is still up, so if you find yourself in Grand Rapids, Mich, stop by!
Peaches installation 1
Peaches installation 2
Peaches installation 3
Peaches installation 4
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Michigan, Jane Lovett, Peaches Bed and Breakfast
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 24, 2009 in
Events & Happenings,
Show Me How! 
Think & Of Me, two of the fifteen paintings I have at Peaches
No, it definitely isn’t Kansas! Last night — the opening night for ArtPrize — was great. Walking around Grand Rapids — a city that has already transformed so much since I’ve lived here — had a feeling more like New York last night. I saw many artists I recognized from the New York art scene, and many more who would fit in to that niche quite effortlessly.
My sister and I decided to do our voting last night, after we returned from the festivities. I must say, it worried me. I easily put in my vote for Yours Truly, having already set up my iPhone with the handy ArtPrize app. But Sue, who isn’t the type to sit in front of her computer screens for hours ( like some of us), found the whole thing kind of confusing. I’m not so sure she wouldn’t have just given up if I wasn’t there helping her.
So, a note to all who would like to vote:
1. Register in person at one of the registrations sites (you’ll find those here…), when you register, they will ask you for your email address, and then send you a password. You will need this password for step 3.
2. If you’re comfortable texting your vote, you can do that by sending your vote to 878787.
3. If you want on vote online; go and fetch your password that they sent to your email address & copy it.
4. Go to ArtPrize.com, and click on the left, where it says “vote online”
5. Then you’ll be taken here: where you will need to open an ArtPrize account (easy), and then you’ll fill in your email address and the password that they sent you.
6. Push the little “sign in” button, and you’ll be taken here: where you can type the artists name (I suggest; Nancy Tobin) and press the “search” button.
7. And here you are. Whew! Press the up or the down symbol (again, my suggestion is the “up”), and when it turns orange, you’ve made your vote!
You can vote for as many artists you’d like on the first week.
Good luck to all, and have fun.
I’ll see you at Peaches! Today I’ll be there from 3 to 7PM.
Tags: ArtPrize, artPrize Registration, Chelsea, iphone, Peaches, voting
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 23, 2009 in
Events & Happenings 
Oz (detail)
Last week was a frantic blur. The finishing touches on scores of new paintings, the readying of printed materials and the tying down of schedules (mine in Grand Rapids — my children’s, while I’m away.)
Next came the twelve hour drive: Car packed with 21 paintings — some so new that they needed to be set carefully upon the backseat so that the surface could harden on the drive, me with a brand new audio book (Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides — halfway through, don’t give away the end!), and the long somewhat boring Interstate 80 in front of me.
This all was followed by the very frustrating, but ultimately successful hanging. Peaches gracious dining room is bedecked, bejeweled and bewitched by fifteen paintings. I was too exhausted by the time I left to have had even thought of taking a photo — but they will come.
Today will be the crescendo to all this preparation. The grand opening is tonight and the city of Grand Rapids is abuzz with excitement. I feel small among all this, but am happy to be here taking part in what I think is going to be grand!
I’ll see you at Peaches!
Oz; Delivered fresh, from New Jersey to Grand Rapids!
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, Interstate 80, Jeffery Eugenides, Middlesex, oz, Peaches
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 15, 2009 in
Daily Babble
Here’s a list of times and events when I will be at Peaches:
9/23 – 3 to 5pm: Meet the Artist/Free Poster Signing
9/24 – 3 to 7pm: Meet the Artist/Free Poster Signing
9/25 – 3 to 5pm: Meet the Artist/Free Poster Signing
9/26 – 3 to 8pm: Gala Reception for all 8 Artists at Peaches
9/27 – 12 to 6pm: Demo Day! Come enjoy a festive day of artist led activities, demos and talks with all 8 artists showing at Peaches:
Running With Scissors – Instant Art: Pick a sheet of hand-painted paper, and I’ll cut it into a fanciful shape for you to take home!
Here’s a list of all the ArtPrize events at Peaches:
9/23, 3-9pm
Artists Up-Close: Meet and chat with the artists.
9/24, 3-9pm
Artists Up-Close: Meet and chat with the artists.
9/25, 3-9pm
Artists Up-Close: Meet and chat with the artists.
9/26, 3-8pm
Gala Artists’ Reception
Join all the artists for this festive event, featuring delicious food and wine!
9/27, 12-6pm
Heartside Neighborhood Days
Art Demonstrations & Workshops:
Bring your family for a day filled with artist-led activities.
Painting with Damsels: Sarah Weber, Kathleen Kalinowski, Bold Strokes for Art, Sue Visker
Paper cutting workshop with Mary Gaynier,
Instant Art! with Nancy Tobin
Smithing on an active forge with Dragons Anthony Jackson & Joel Sanderson.
Featuring tasty samples from Big Bore BBQ!
Mon – Weds, 9/28 – 30
Artists Up-Close: Meet and chat with the artists.
9/28, 3-9pm
Snowflakes in September: paper-cutting workshops hourly with Mary Gaynier
10/3 Heartside Neighborhood Days
Sat & Sun, 10/3-4, 12-6pm
Heritage Hill Home Tour (extra charge for other houses)
Peaches Hours: Monday — Thursday: 3-9pm, Friday & Saturday: 12-10pm, Sunday: 12-6pm.
Tags: Kalle Demos, Peaches
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 2, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
Show Me How!
Just to clarify…
This Thingy on the Right………………………………………Not This!
It’s been called to my attention that some folks are having a hard time finding the place to leave a comment on my new blog — yikes!
Blogging is all about a conversation, and the idea that people may not converse — for lack of knowing how — saddens me to no end. Many of you who are close, heard me talking about the fact that I was re-doing my blog. Some of you took a peek as I was working on the transition from the protective hand-holding of Wordpress.com to the sink-or-swim Wordpress.org (I’ll talk more about this process in another post.)
Very, very long story, short — after trying out many themes (pre-designed templates) and not getting them “just right” — here is where I settled. Good or bad, for now this is the place I will be. I’ve had enough thinking about how my blog should look, how it should work and how to get it to work like I want it to!
So, although that little Post-it thingy in the upper right corner of every post is a darn cute way to show how many people have commented, it really isn’t very intuitive. I’ll keep it ’cause it’s darling, but from now on I’ll be adding this to the end of every post…
Click here to leave a comment!
Tags: comments, Post-it, Wordpress.com, Wordpress.org
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 4, 2009 in
Daily Babble
Firecracker ©Tobin
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 9, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
News,
Shows
- One of the original works I’ll have on sale!
I’ve been up to my eyeballs in resin these past few days getting ready for the booth I’ll be running at MaplewoodStock this weekend.
Doing the booth was a last-minute decision based on the wonderful turnout at my Open Studio last month. So, along with my usual repertoire (painting, Etsy storekeeping, blog writing, and interviewing art people for the New York Times Local), I’ve added jeweler and magnet-maker!
- Magnets and Rings – Ready for service!
My goal was to have art that everyone can afford. The result of my labors is a range of goodies, from super-strong bubble magnets for $1 each, to a 40%-off sale on selected original artworks. And, of course, I’ll have tons of cute Art by the Inch Rings and Necklaces, too!
- Art by the Inch Necklaces
Here’s what you’ll find in my shop:
- Super-Strong Bubble Magnets
- Art by the Inch Rings and Necklaces
- Note-Card Sets
- Two-for-One Print Sale
- Posh Panel Prints
- Original Artworks at 40% off!
MaplewoodStock is a free arts and music festival that happens right here at Memorial Park in beautiful Maplewood, N.J. Among many other musicians playing this weekend will be Marshall Crenshaw and Jonathan Edwards. Come and enjoy this free event this Saturday, July 11, from noon to 10 p.m. and July 12 from noon to 8 p.m. And stop by my booth to say hi!
Tags: Art-by-the-Inch, Etsy, Jonathan Edwards, MaplewoodStock, Marshall Crenshaw, Memorial Park, New York Times Local
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 13, 2009 in
Events & Happenings,
News,
Shows 
Some shots of my booth & a lovely woman who bought a ring to match her dress!
I am tired so I’ll make this a short one.
MaplewoodStock was a huge success. I saw and visited with tons of old friends and new, made a fair amount of sales on my Art by the Inch Necklaces, and Rings and my new Posh Panel Prints, and did it all while listening to fine music and enjoying beautiful weather.
I still have to get my rings up on Etsy… promise to have them up by the end of the week.
L Craig Schoonmaker, a fellow blogger stopped by to say “hi.” We’ve chatted over the blog-o-sphere quite often about local art events — but never met. He’s posted some great shots of the event on his fotojournal blog: Newark USA, stop by his place to check them out!
Tags: Art-by-the-Inch, blogging, Etsy, L Craig Schoonmaker, MaplewoodStock, Necklaces, Newwark USA, Posh Panel Prints, rings
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 14, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
News,
Shows 
I’m goin’ home.
Grand Rapids, Michigan. Yep, I’m a MidWest girl — born and bred, and I’m going back to my roots to participate in what looks like the biggest art experiment ever — ArtPrize! Here’s how they explain it on their web site:
“At ArtPrize, any artist—from established to emerging—has the chance to show work. Any visitor can vote. The vote will determine who wins the largest art prize in the world. We also took the unusual step to allow people in the city to open a venue and choose the artists to show in their space. There is not one official curator or jury for the competition.
The number of venues is fluid, so the number of competing artists is fluid. The possibilities are wide open.”
And here’s the scoop:
- Top prize: $250,000
- Dates: September 23 – October 10
- Location: Grand Rapids, MI USA
- Winner is determined by public vote
- All attendees of the event can vote
- Top 10 entries will receive a prize
- Multiple artists can collaborate on an entry
- Artists may only submit one entry
- Property owners/renters in downtown Grand Rapids can become a venue
- Number of artists represented is only limited by number of venues that become available
Yesterday, I secured my venue; Peaches Bed and Breakfast. Should be interesting. So now, along with two other shows I have planned for this fall — I’ll be heading home to hopefully make a big splash at Peaches, see all of my family and participate in what looks like a grand delight!
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, MI, Peaches Bed and Breakfast
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 17, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
News,
Ta Da! 
Fresh out of the studio! Pink Isotopes © Nancy Tobin
It’s been a busy week.
Not a physical busy, more of a mental busy. There were several proposals for shows and grants due this week — of course, those things never seem to make it out the door until the last minute — along with juggling and planning for the three shows I have coming later this year. Mix in the fact that I want to keep up with my blog, the New York Times West of Chelsea interviews, my Etsy shop and painting (hello, that is what this is all about!), and I feel a little like my head is going to pop!
Just to prove (to myself, at least) that I am still a painter — I’m posting this brand new painting Pink Isotopes. Hope you enjoy the painting and the weekend!
xo
Tags: Etsy, New York Times, Pink Isotopes, West of Chelsea
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 15, 2009 in
Daily Babble 
My new print, Aerobic Buzz, will be available in both the 8 x 10 and the 12 x 12 inch sizes
I’m buzzing with excitement over the newest print in my shop — Aerobic Buzz! A garden of earthly and unearthly delights!
This is what I see when I’m in the forest; peeking through the leaves, underwater… out in space.
Never thought I'd be the same article with Rick DeVos!
After moving from my hometown of Grand Rapids Mich., I’ve finally made it to the front page of the Grand Rapids Press! (OK, OK it’s really the front page of the Entertainment Section — but gosh, still exciting.)
I spoke with Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk — Arts Writer at the Press — last week, about ArtPrize, my experience with securing a venue, and my view from the outside, looking in.
It’s a fun article — Mr. Kaczmarczyk likens the whole affair with securing a date for the prom — which makes me start worrying … what will I wear!
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Michigan, Grand Rapids Press, Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk, Peaches Bed and Breakfast, Rick DeVos
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 21, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
News,
Ta Da! 
Splat @2009
Busy as I’ve been, it brings me great joy to be posting another new piece — just finished today!
Yay! Now I’m going to bed.
Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.
Tags: art, bed bugs
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 26, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Profiles 
Of all the wonderful things about writing my “West of Chelsea” feature for the New York Times Local blog, the best by far is the opportunity it affords me to get to know fascinating people right in my back yard.
The first time I met Walter Zimmerman was years ago at “Essex Exposed” — a juried exhibition at The Pierro Gallery in South Orange, N.J. (We both had work in the show.) I knew he was a kindred spirit the minute I met him; he had introduced himself, and he said how much he like my work — but the thing I remember most was his description of my work as “beautiful and just a little bit creepy.”
That is me in a nutshell. Most people either don’t see it or don’t mention it. (I mean the “creepy” part.)
It made sense that Walter would see the dark side to my work: I have no doubt that to many, the powerful assemblages he creates around his meticulously crafted glass pieces may seem “a little bit creepy.”
Don’t be afraid to take a closer look. Peek inside these mysterious networks and see the tireless work involved in finding beauty — against all odds.
Tags: Essex Exposed, New York Times, The Pierro Gallery, Walter Zimmerman, West of Chelsea
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Jul 24, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
Events & Happenings My dear family is about to embark on our annual pilgrimage to my old stomping grounds: Western Michigan. Off to spend a week basking in the glorious natural beauty of Lake Michigan and the love of my huge family.
We’ll be camping — my little nuclear family — and a sizable chunk of my six siblings, all their spouses, offspring and grandchildren. This has become a family tradition — camping for a week in the summer — and I’m looking forward to the fun and relaxation!
Another thing I plan to do while I’m in the Grand Rapids area, is scope out the ArtPrize excitement: I hope to get over to Peaches Bed and Breakfast to meet Jane Lovette the owner, and check out the space where I’ll be hanging my work. I’d also like to do a little reporting on the event for my feature in NY Times Local; I’d love to get a chance to ask folks there in the center of the ArtPrize buzz, “how does New Jersey fit into the bigger art world?”
The camper is hooked up, we’re packed up and it’s time to head out the door for the grueling 11 hours on the road.
Bye for now — I’ll keep in touch while on the road.
Tags: ArtPrize, Camping, Grand Rapids, Jane Lovette, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Peaches Bed and Breakfast
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 3, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Show Me How! 
One of the most asked questions on my Etsy shop is, “How should I frame my archival prints?”
There are many options:
Take your prints to a professional framer:
This is the easiest and (of course) the most expensive choice. You can go places like Michael’s craft store, the local art store or just look in the yellow pages for an independent framer near you. They will have tons and tons of choices for you to make: frame designs from contemporary to ornate and myriad mat colors and textures.
The choices can be a little overwhelming, and you may want to start by asking the person working there for suggestions. But keep in mind, they may want to sell you way more than you need to jack up the price. I usually feel that simple is best; cream or light-gray mat with a contemporary wood frame.
Frame it yourself:
This is the much cheaper route to go, and I think it’s not all that much more difficult to do. This is how I handle most of my framing.
- Go to an art store or someplace like Michael’s (even Target has cute frames!) Go to the section where they have “ready-made” frames. (A ready-made frame is a frame that is all ready for you to drop your art or photo into.)
- Take your prints with you. It’s much easier to lay the print over the frame to get an idea of what size you’ll need.
- Here’s where you’ll have some choices. I’ll go though a few options:
Here we have an 8 x 10 frame, with one of my prints that is on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. You would need to trim the paper down to fit into the smaller frame. This option doesn’t leave any room for a mat. Not my favorite choice.
Here we have the same 8 1/2 x 11 inch print, but we’re using a larger frame with a mat. This is a beautiful Nielsen-Bainbridge* frame called “Tribeca” — that I found on Dick Blick’s online store for $26.99. It’s 11 x 14 inches and comes with a pre-cut, archival mat that with an 8 x 10 opening. All you need to do is open the back; slip the print behind the mat’s opening; use a little tape to secure it into place (you can get archival tape at the art store); and put the pieces back together. You’re ready to go.
If you’ve ordered the larger prints, you can do the same type of thing, but on a larger scale. Above is one of my 12 x 18 inch print (it comes printed on a 13 x 19 piece of paper.)
This 12-x-12-inch print looks great in the Nielsen-Bainbridge Poster frame. This frame doesn’t come with a mat, so I had one cut to size. (See the questions and answers below for more on the subject of mat boards.)
* I like the quality of the Nielsen-Bainbridge frames: They have a wide selection of finishes, colors and styles, and they use all archival materials.
Common Questions
Should I show the edges of the print or should I cover them with the mat?
My prints are all intended to have the art “float” inside the mat. This is the traditional way to display prints. This way you can see the variations around the edges of the art, and and also show the artist’s signature. If you’d prefer to have the art come to the edges of your mat, please just let me know and I’ll adjust the size of your print.
Why are mats usually wider at the bottom?
Weighting, or giving more space to the bottom of the mat, gives the piece a feeling of solidity (almost like a pedestal for your art to sit on.)
What if the frame doesn’t come with a mat?
This is where I think spending a few bucks on a custom cut mat is an excellent value. Just take your frame and your print over to the framer and ask them to cut a mat to fit! The Nielsen-Bainbridge, Tribeca Poster frame in the image above didn’t come with a mat. The frame is 20 x 24 inches, but my print’s image was 12 x 12 inches, so I had the framer cut me a mat to fill in the space between. The price for this was under $10 — well worth it for a professional look!
What if the frame comes with a mat, but it doesn’t fit my image?
Same answer as the question above!
I don’t like the cheap-looking acrylic that came with my frame.
Some lower priced frames have very flimsy “glazing.” (Glazing is the term used for the clear stuff that goes over your artwork to protect it — it’s usually glass or Plexiglas.) Here is another situation where the framer is your friend. Ask herto cut a piece for you to fit — it shouldn’t be more than a few bucks.
Glass or Plexiglas — what’s better?
Glass is heavy, and breakable. I usually choose Plexiglas for all my pieces. You can even get it with a UV coating — to add an extra layer of protection from sun damage.
Ready to dive in? Here are some great resources online to get you started:
Dick Blick: They have a huge selection at all price points.
American Frame: Here you can order all your framing components in the exact sizes you want, and they send everything ready for you to put together. Not as cheap as the ready-made frames but still cheaper than having a framer do the whole thing for you.
Jerry’s Artarama Another art store, similar to Dick Blick.
Or…
Forget all the framing fuss and get one of my Posh Panel Prints instead. They’re ready to hang right out of the box!
Tags: American Frame, Dick Blick, Etsy, How to Frame Prints, Jerry's Artarama, Michael's, Nielsen-Bainbridge, Prints, Target
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 3, 2009 in
Inspiration,
Reviews 
"Go team!" I think "Julia" by Keith Haring looks like a cheerleader with a little skirt. My daughter Lily thinks it looks like a shower head. What do you think?
Along with the usual campfires, beach and family fun I had last week — when I was home for our annual camping trip with my family in Western Michigan — I took time out to see some of the unique treasures in the area.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a gem! A world-class collection of gardens and art that took my breath away. Here are a few pictures of the multitudes …
Here's another one, that I don't know the name of … I think "Junkyard Dogs" fits, though.
I'd like to take this piece (titled "Mad Mom" by Tom Otterness) home.
I stopped by the Mad Hatter's tea party for a "succulent" treat.
Lovely, lovely Dale Chihuly's chandelier makes me want to go home and paint!
A section of the huge glass lighting fixture/sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
One of three figures made of letter forms by Jaume Plensa.
This Alexander Liberman piece titled "Aria" is like a song.
Tags: art, Camping, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI, sculpture, Western Michigan
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 6, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
Shows 
Going to Grand Rapids last week got me even more excited about ArtPrize.
I had a chance to visit with Jane Lovett the owner of Peaches Bed and Breakfast, where I’ll be showing “just as many paintings as I can tastefully fit” into her lovely dining room. It was good to see the space; take some measurements and shoot some photos of the room. Great to meet Jane, too. She’s very enthusiastic about the event and I feel confident she’ll do all she can to help make the event a success. I’ll be sharing “Peaches” with eight other artists (more on this in the next ArtPrize post).
It’s hard to be back in New Jersey — away from where it’s all happening. So I’ve been searching the internet to keep up to date on news and to find out if any events are planned yet. I really want to connect with many of the artists that will be there for the event and to reconnect with the city I use to call home. (Winning the prize would be swell, too.)
I found this little clip on YouTube. I thought it was a great explanation of ArtPrize and it also introduced me to Carol Coletta — she rocks! She’s the president and CEO of CEOs for Cities and host and producer of the nationally syndicated public radio show Smart City. I haven’t heard the show, but the web site describes it as “an in-depth look at urban life, the people, places, ideas and trends shaping cities”.
I like cities. I like urban development. I like Carol Coletta.
Tags: ArtPrize, Carol Coletta, CEOs for Cities, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Michigan, Jane Lovett, Peaches Bed and Breakfast, Smart City, YouTube
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 8, 2009 in
News,
Ta Da! 
Sunshine for the inside! My new work titled "Sun Shower I"
Yay! The weekend is finally here. It’s been a very long week; full of planning, painting and having the kids around all day. I hope the weather will behave — (I don’t know about your part of the world, but New Jersey has had more than it’s share of rain this summer) and I hope to have a little fun with my family.
Here are few new painting I just finished — Sun Shower I and Sun Shower II. May they ward off all evil rain clouds!
Have a good one!
xo
Goodbye rain clouds here's to the sun! Sun Shower II ©2009
Tags: art, weekend
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 11, 2009 in
Events & Happenings,
Lists 
No Better Place — at Peaches!
Here are my picks — for artists to see during my visit to Grand Rapids, for ArtPrize.
Click and Print! Here’s a handy PDF version of the Totally Unofficial, Utterly Biased, Guide to ArtPrize.
29 Gay Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Susan Viskar
L.Joel Sanderson
Mary Gaynier
Anthony Jackson
Sarah Weber
Nancy Tobin
Kathleen Kalinowski
Bold Strokes For Art
Mary Gaynier at Peaches
25 Ionia SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sophie Canadé at Hop Cat
James Foster
Sophie Canadé
Diocese of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Charlie Brouwer at Cathedral Square
Charlie Brouwer
235 Louis St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jennifer O'Meara at JW Marriot
Jennifer O’Meara
314 Straight Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Ellen Margelis at Tanglefoot
Ellen Margelis
maureen nollette
Riverview Center
678 Front Aveune NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Jorge Enrrique Serrano Sanmiguel
20 Monroe Ave Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jaye Schlesinger at the BOB
Wrenay Gomez-Charlton
elizabeth ivy hawkins
Jaye Schlesinger
Jason Mack
georgia donovan
Don Simon
Michael Flynn
Patrick Thompson
Patrick Thompson at the BOB
155 N Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mari-Megan Moore at the Old Federal Building
Jason Ross
Mari-Megan Moore
robin rogers
Kevin Bourgeois
Kevin Bourgeois at the Old Federal Building
Heidi Van Wieren
Sun Kwak
Sonjie Feliciano Solomon
Eric Daigh
Ran Ortner
445 Michigan NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Renee Robbins at MSU
Janel Schultz
Lisa Simon
Mary Brodbeck
Renee Robbins
Michelle Word
Grand River
Grand River between Fulton and Pearl Streets
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
David Lubbers in the Grand River
David Lubbers
201 W. Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Rick Beerhorst/Cameron Van Dyke
Rick Beerhorst/Cameron Van Dyke
303 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
David Greenwood at DeVos Place
David Greenwood
Victoria Fuller
187 Monroe Avenue, Suite 250
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
John Kleber at DeJonge Gallery
john kleber
335 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Michael Shankman at River House Condominiums
Michael Shankman
50 Louis Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mike Kelley at Open Concept
Matthew Stork
Mike Kelley
41 Sheldon Boulevard SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jason Hackenwerth at UICA
Norman Mooney
Jason Hackenwerth
george schmidt
Cyrus Karimipour
Cyrus Karimipour
Kurt Perschke
Shelly Klein
24 Fountain Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Eric Standley
Eric Rattan
Eric Standley
303 Pearl St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Jonathan Hils at the Gerald Ford Museum
Jonathan Hils
455 Cherry SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
John Clement at the Castle
John Clement
187 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Stefano Bolcato at Amway Grand Plaza
Stefano Bolcato
17 Fountain St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503l
Jenny Brillhart at Kendall College
Jenny Brillhart
101 Monroe Center
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mimi Kato at Grand Rapids Art Museum
Mimi Kato
11 Sheldon Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Tracy Van Duinen at Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Tracy Van Duinen
820 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
David Huang at Lafontsee Galleries
David Huang
Tags: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Anthony Jackson, Bold Strokes For Art, Charlie Brouwer, Cyrus Karimipour, David Greenwood, David Huang, David Lubbers, Don Simon, elizabeth ivy hawkins, Ellen Margelis, Eric Daigh, Eric Rattan, Eric Standley, Fountain Street Church, george schmidt, georgia donovan, Gerald Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Heidi Van Wieren, Hop Cat, James Foster, Janel Schultz, Jason Hackenwerth, Jason Mack, Jason Ross, Jaye Schlesinger, Jennifer O'Meara, Jenny Brillhart, John Clement, john kleber, Jonathan Hils, Jorge Enrrique Serrano Sanmiguel, Kathleen Kalinowski, Kevin Bourgeois, Kurt Perschke, L.Joel Sanderson, LaFontsee Galleries/Underground Studio, Lisa Simon, Mari-Megan Moore, Mary Brodbeck, Mary Gaynier, maureen nollette, Michael Flynn, Michael Shankman, Michelle Word, Mike Kelley, Mimi Kato, n Sun Kwak, Norman Mooney, Old Federal Building, Patrick Thompson, Peaches Bed and Breakfast, Ran Ortner, Renee Robbins, Rick Beerhorst/Cameron Van Dyke, robin rogers, Sarah Weber, Shelly Klein, Sonjie Feliciano Solomon, Sophie Canadé, Stefano Bolcato, Susan Viskar, The BOB, The Castle, The TangleFoot Building, Tracy Van Duinen, UICA, Victoria Fuller, Wrenay Gomez-Charlton
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 10, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Interviews 
I first met Matthew Rothenberg in 1989 when I was living in San Francisco, at the legendary Nikki’s BBQ on lower Haight street. He was a transplant — like myself and most everyone knew there — from some other place.
In the following years — getting to know him — I heard a lot about the music scene he left behind in San Diego in the early ’80s. I knew he had formed and played in several bands. I was amazed at what seemed like a lifetime of stories he would tell about a scene that lasted two years at the max.
Matthew often played the guitar and sang in that casual way people do when they live close. But I hadn’t heard him play in a more professional performance, until years after our first meeting, at a party his parents threw for us to celebrate our recent marriage.The party was in the beautiful garden of their San Diego home. Matthew reconnected with the band that dissolved when he left to live in San Francisco — Three Guys Called Jesus.
I remember it well, and always will. It was the moment I realized I married a rock star.
Years have gone by, and bands have come and gone. Life gets busy; kids, house, work. Living in the New York area has taken Matthew further away from the family of friends he had in California. So I was pleased to see him start a blog a few years ago; “The Che Underground”, to reconnect with this part of his life.
Listen: Here's a blast from the past - Matthew's band's The HoHo's desktop video of Infinite Prague circa 1994!
I asked him a few questions about revisiting these old ghosts:
What’s the big idea behind your new blog?
I started it in early 2008 as a way for a small group of musicians I’d played with in San Diego in 1983 and 1984 to share music, pictures, flyers and stories.
Where does the name The Che Underground come from?
I retroactively named our old scene and new blog “The Che Underground” in honor of the Che Cafe at the University of California, San Diego, where we played many of our best shows.
What’s the reception been?
We found people who hadn’t seen each other, much less played together, in 25 years … Then more people started finding us on the Web. Now, we’ve located practically everybody we knew from those days, we’ve attracted San Diego musicians from other scenes, and we’re pulling in 7,000 or 8,000 visitors a month.
Do you see this project taking shapes you hadn’t originally planned?
I thought this was just going to be an online reunion, but it actually inspired a real-world get-together! In late May, we put together a two-night performance event at San Diego’s Casbah club that reunited eight of these bands and brought musicians and fans from all over the country and as far away as Nairobi.
People really seem to like the idea of social networking as an opportunity to revisit social history. We got coverage on Wired.com and all over the San Diego press. And we’re seeing correspondence from other fans, old and new, all around the world.
Seems like this could translate into other “scenes”…
In fact, I’m working now on a new project that extends social-networking concepts to other rock-’n'-roll scenes, wherever they sprang up; I hope to make the magic we’ve experienced available to anyone who ever felt part of a musical scene, past or present.
Swoon!
Tags: Casbah club, Che Cafe, Eighties, Haight street, Infinite Prague, Matthew Rothenberg, Nikki's BBQ, Rock Star, rock-'n'-roll, San Diego, San Francisco, The Che Underground, The HoHos, Three Guys Called Jesus., University of California, Wired.com
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 17, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
Show Me How! I’ve been asked the question regarding ArtPrize, so often; “How does this voting thing work?”
It’s all so new, and I didn’t quite understand it myself. But, I found these very helpful instructions on the ArtPrize web site, and thought I’d share them with you:
Anyone 16 years of age or older who registers in person at the ArtPrize event can vote. You cannot vote without registering at the event. There will be no charge for voter registration.
How to register
Attendees will be required to present a valid government issued ID in person at a registration station
ID can be drivers license, other state ID or passport
Pre-register on artprize.org (coming Sept 14) and save time activating your voter status at the event
There will be voter registration stations throughout the city September 23-October 7
Rules
Week 1 Voting – All Artists
Voting begins 6:00pm, September 23, 2009
You can vote on more than one work
You cannot vote more than once for the same work
Live results can be viewed online
Week 1 voting ends 11:59pm, September 30
Top 10 finalists will be announced evening, October 1
Week 2 Voting – Top 10, ONE vote
Voting begins after announcement of the Top 10, October 1
You have only ONE vote during Week 2
You may only vote among the Top 10
You may change your vote until voting ends
Results are concealed during Week 2
Week 2 voting ends 11:59pm, October 7
Winners will be announced at a gala event October 8
How to vote
Voting is entirely electronic (Instructions coming soon)
Vote online at artprize.org
Vote by text message (SMS) from your mobile phone
Vote by iPhone app
Note: Venues are allowed make Internet access and/or computers available for visitors to vote online
Vote by mobile browser
See you at the Gala!
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Michigan, Peaches Bed and Breakfast, voting
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 13, 2009 in
Inspiration 
A highlight of our day was watching this singing group under a shade tree — Sweet Adeline…
Sadie and Lily in the garden of a darling tea house/cottage
What's this? Matthew on his Blackberry!?
Demonstrations run all through the day — here we watched glass artisans create a snowman — hot!
On our yearly camping trip to Michigan, we almost always make a stop at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., on our way home.
Greenfield Village, and the Henry Ford Museum next door, make up the nation’s largest indoor-outdoor history museum complex. Walking into the Village is a like walking into the past. There are nearly one hundred historical buildings; including the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop and home and Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Laboratory. They’re all set up in a pretend town, with people dressed in period costumes, talking like they just stepped out of another century. For transportation, you can take a ride on the steam train, a Model T or a horse drawn carriage. You can even eat an authentic lunch at the Eagle Tavern, where they serve from an 1850’s menu. All in all — very cute!
After the Village, we strolled over to The Henry Ford Museum, which has some really great exhibits of American Industrial wonders! Along with a huge collection on all kinds of vehicles and engines there are some of our particular favorites:
- Buckminster Fuller’s prototype Dymaxion house.
- Thomas Edison’s alleged last breath in a sealed tube! (weird!)
- The bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- … and not to be missed, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!
I'd like this in my bedroom
Sadie and Lily give scale to this humongous steam engine
You'd have to look pretty cool driving down the road in this beauty
It was fun, but at the end of the day, we had to get back on the long road home
Pennsylvania's long but pretty
Tags: Buckminster Fuller, Dearborn, Dymaxion house, Eagle Tavern, Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, Mich, Michigan, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, Rosa Parks, Thomas Edison, Thomas Edison's Menlo Park Laboratory, Wright brothers'
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 12, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Events & Happenings,
Profiles 
Watch Sarah Weber and Jane Lovett talk about ArtPrize
Sarah Weber is one of the artists I’ll be exhibiting with at Peaches, for the ArtPrize event. I was delighted when she sent me this clip from FOX News featuring her and the owner of Peaches, Jane Lovett! You go girls!
Jane Lovett and Peaches!
I planned to highlight a few of the artists who’ll be showing their work at some of the venues; and I thought this was the perfect time to start with one of my picks: Sarah Weber.
Sarah’s work “celebrate(s) femininity and style through abstract and representational characteristics.” I couldn’t find a web site for her, but here’s a great YouTube video, where she talks about her work.
I’m looking forward to meeting Sarah, and seeing her beautiful work in person!
Update: Sarah just sent these images over — of the paintings she’s working on for ArtPrize. Thanks for the peek into your studio, Sarah!
© Sarah Weber
Sarah Weber's work in progress!
Tags: ArtPrize, Fox News, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Michigan, Jane Lovett, Peaches Bed and Breakfast, Sarah Weber
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 17, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Interviews,
Profiles 
The man with the plan! Courtesy of Brian Kelly
I was delighted to interview Rick Devos this week, for my usual West of Chelsea feature on The New York Times Local. He’s the brainchild (and bucks) behind ArtPrize.
It’s not uncommon for big money to support art — but what he’s got going really does shake things up. You go Rick!
Check out the interview here!
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Michigan, New York Times, Rick DeVos, West of Chelsea
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Aug 31, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Interviews,
Profiles 
Constructed Drwaing 00401 © Heidi Van Weiren
One of the great pleasures of my gig at the New York Times Local, is having a chance to meet all sorts of interesting artists and art professionals. Heidi Van Weiren is no exception.
Heidi’s work has been on my radar for a while; I’ve been drawn to her dreamy landscapes since first seeing them at Margaret Thatcher Projects in Chelsea a few years back. I imediately felt a kinship with her use of glue as a medium (the very first paintings in my Nowhere Here -2006 series were composed using glue as the layering medium).
Heidi — a native to western Michigan as well — will be joining me and over 1200 other artists in Grand Rapids, Mich. later this month, as we all take part in this very interesting experiment that is ArtPrize. I thought it would be interesting to look at what it takes to break into the New York art market as an outsider.
Read what she has to say…
Badlands 00701 © Heidi Van Weiren
Tags: ArtPrize, Grand Rapids Michigan, Heidi Van Weiren, Margaret Thatcher Projects, New York Times, Nowhere Here, West of Chelsea
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 10, 2009 in
Check This Out,
Lists,
Show Me How! 
"Think" one of the fifteen pieces I'll be hanging for ArtPrize
This post is in the line of “passing on information.” (It’s really just cut and pasted from their web site.) Hope you find it helpful.
For more help, read my article: How the Heck Do I Vote?
Go to the ArtPrize web site to pre-register starting September 14th!
You must be 16 years or age or older and you must register at the event to vote. You can pre-register on artprize.org (coming Sept 14) and save time activating your voter status at the event.
Voter registration stations will be available throughout the city from September 23-October 7.
Note: All locations have agreed to be open the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 23–Opening Night.
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe Ave
M-Su: 9a-6p
ArtPrize Headquarters @ Old Federal
155 N. Division
M-Th: 5p-8p, F-Sa: noon-10p, Su: noon-6p
Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline NE
M: 9a-5p, Tu: 9a-9p, W-Sa: 9a-5p, Su: noon-5p
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
111 Pearl NW
M-F: 8:30a-5p, Sa-Su: closed
Grand Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center
M: closed, Tu-Th: 10a-5p, F: 10a-9p, Sa: 10a-5p, Su: noon-5p
Grand Rapids Ballet Co.
341 Ellsworth SW
M-Th: 9a-7p, F: 9a-5p, Sa: 9a-1p, Su: closed
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
11 Sheldon NE
M: closed, Tu-W: 9:30a-5p, Th: 9:30a-8p, F-Sa: 9:30a-5p, Su: noon-5p
Grand Rapids Community College
Student Community Center off Lyon St
M-F: 8a-5p, Sa-Su: closed
Grand Rapids Symphony
300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100
M-F: 9a-5p, Sa-Su: closed
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl NW
M: 9a-5p, Tu: 9a-9p, W-Sa: 9a-5p, Su: noon-5p
GVSU University Bookstore
401 W. Fulton
M-Th: 8a-6p, F: 8a-5p, Sa: 8a-2p, Su: closed
JW Marriott
235 Louis NW
M-Su: 9a-6p
Main Public Library
111 Library NE
M-Th: 9a-9p, F-Sa: 9a-6p, Su: 1p-5p
UICA
41 Sheldon SE
M: 9-8p, Tu-F: 9-10p, Sa: noon-10p, Su: noon-7p
Tags: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, ArtPrize, ArtPrize Headquarters @ Old Federal, artPrize Registration, Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Ballet Co., Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony, GVSU University Bookstore, JW Marriott, Main Public Library, UICA
Posted by Nancy Tobin on Sep 4, 2009 in
Daily Babble,
In the Studio 
Fun with layers: 1.painting, 2.many cut out branches, 3.the tracing paper drawing of the branches
The very monotonous process of cutting these suckers out
Don't even get me started with Photoshop filters!
More fun with Photoshop
It never fails. Just when you’re busy with all sorts of stuff that you should be posting on daily, you don’t because you’re too busy doing cool stuff!
My family and I just got back from a vacation at Walt Disney World, the kids just started school, I’m trying to finish a studio full of paintings for myriad show coming up this fall and now I’m headed off to Boston for the long weekend.
So, I thought I’d leave you with a few shots that I took in my studio recently. I’ve been doing a lot with branch forms, and I thought they made such lovely designs when they were all stacked on top of each other.
Have a wonderful weekend, and I promise — next week many posts!
xo
Tags: Boston, branches, studio
