There were many days this summer when Maria would go hiking, or biking with friends, and I would spend the day at the studio, weekends included, working on the big 1% for Art project for Gladys Wood Elementary. We installed the paintings this week, and yesterday I touched up all the spots where screws were visible, and mounted the plaques, so the project is officially done! The whole process took over a year, but a lot of that time was spent waiting for paperwork to get processed, designs to be approved, contractors to be available after the earthquake, etc. The actual work took about 7 months, but I did spend a few weeks at the cabin in McCarthy, and went on a ski trip in March. I also managed to have an art show at Midnight Sun Brewing, and complete all the commissioned paintings that were ordered during that time. Now that the big project is over, I need to regroup and set a course for the next few months. The first thing I did was clean my studio, now that the panels weren’t completely overtaking it. That really set my mind at ease. So, what’s next?
The panels completely took over my studio, which is why we couldn’t be open for the First Friday Art Walk.
The paintings are all installed!
Well, first we’re flying to Arizona, and meeting a couple of Maria’s relatives from Germany, and going to Las Vegas with them, and then Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks! When I get back, I’ll start working on my next public art project (Maria is really good at keeping me busy), which is a 12ft x 6ft oil painting on canvas for the new clinic in Bethel. I will also continue working on my beer-themed coloring book. So far I’ve completed 26 pages, and my goal is 50.
This is a rendering of the painting I will be making for the new clinic in Bethel.
The beer-themed coloring book is coming along.
I will also start getting ready for my next art shows at Enlighten Alaska in November, and Midnight Sun Brewing in January, and the Makers Market in December. We can start having First Fridays at our studio again, and the next one will be in December, which will be the Real Art Is Better holiday party. Other than that, I’m available for commissions, graphic design, and sticker orders. Life is pretty much back to normal, maybe I’ll even go mountain biking tomorrow with Maria!
Real Art Is Better! 