Friday, February 6, 2009

Tuxedo Cat, Oil Pastel, Art tips #5

" Bustafur Jones "
Oil Pastel
Private Collection
A painting from the past! I rarely paint cats probably because I don't have one. My husband is allergic to them.
I thought I would post the artists statement I wrote last summer for a specific show. This show wanted a statement to be more about the process. In reviewing "I'd Rather Be in My Studio" I realized I needed to edit it further, trying for the two paragraphs Alyson Stanfield recommends. It was actually pretty easy this go-around. My attitude was slash, slash, slash. Felt great and I think this one will work for my new web site. Would love your feedback if you care to comment.
Jennifer Bellinger
Artist Statement 2008

Thank you for taking time today to visit my exhibit!

I have been a professional artist for nearly 40 years, living and working in my Ketchum home and studio since 1978 with husband Gary, son Corey and pug dog Jack

My current direction is painting the still life in oils. I use traditional oil painting techniques on canvas, linen or gesso board. Craftsmanship is very important to me. I use only the best materials in time honored ways that will assure my work stays true to form. Small paintings are given the same careful attention as larger work.

My still lifes are about finding the beauty in everyday objects. I am especially drawn to vintage objects that have had a previous life.

The most interesting part of painting to me is the composition or design phase. The beauty of still life is that I am the conductor; I get to move the objects around until I see an arrangement that is pleasing and dynamic to my eye. I look for relationships of shapes, color, contrasts of light & dark and, of course, what is to be the center of interest. I employ these same elements of design to landscape or animal paintings, too.

Because my paintings are strong in design and color they bring life and energy to a room.

Fellow artist, Elizabeth Floyd said “I like the way Jennifer’s paintings seem to tell a story, as if we are getting a glimpse of someone’s daily life, with an action about to take place that will alter the vignette we have just been privileged to witness.”

In the summer and fall I enjoy teaching workshops and sharing my artistic process with others.

Here's the new, shorter version:
Jennifer Bellinger
Artist Statement 2009

"The current direction of my art is painting the still life in oils. My still life paintings are about finding the beauty in everyday objects. I am especially drawn to vintage objects that have had a previous life.
The most interesting part of the painting process to me is the composition or design phase. The beauty of still life is that I am the conductor. I get to move the objects around until I see an arrangement that is pleasing and dynamic to the eye. I look for relationships of shape, color, contrasts of light & dark and what is to be the center of interest. Because my paintings are strong in design and color they bring life and energy to a room.

A fellow artist said “I like the way Jennifer’s paintings seem to tell a story, as if we are getting a glimpse of someone’s daily life, with an action about to take place that will alter the vignette we have just been privileged to witness.”
(note: for Elizabeth..I didn't use your name on the quote for second version. Alyson recommends not referring to other people which could take focus away. Maybe I should drop the quote all together...but I love it, so there it is." Thanks, again E.

4 comments:

Karen Hargett said...

Cute cat and I love the background and ottoman.

I received my book today - I'm here at work, the book is in my drawer next to my purse ready to go. I'm so anxious to get home and read and absorb it.

I like your new artist statement - good revision.

Jennifer Bellinger said...

I like the new, shorter version, too. Enjoy your reading!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Jennifer,
I like the second one best for its succinct writing. Your focus is on the work. Not what you think or how you feel about the world, just what your process is. I recently picked up an artist's brochure (done by her) and it was wordy, prose driven and self indulgent and it got worse.
I and am trying out some Stripes in my latest star fruit painting. :) A la Jenifer Bellinger.
I'll put it up soon.

Jennifer Bellinger said...

Hi Mary, I will check in soon to see your stripes, sounds wonderful!
As marketers of our own work we artists wear so many hats!! I wouldn't have it any other way.