Off to the Eastern Shore

I'm taking off for a few days to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with the intention of doing a little painting on location.  Blogging may be spotty if at all due to limited internet access, but I will try. I have been taking advantage of travel this summer since things always seem to kick into high gear in the fall and things at the gallery can get pretty busy. In light of my travels I will not be participating in the August First Fridays Richmond Art Walk (I'll gear back up again for the Art Walk in September). But there will still be a lot going on at the other venues, so be sure to check them out if you are in Richmond.

Dusk landscape oil painting; Between the Dark and the Daylight

This new oil painting is of the countryside near Staunton, Virginia. It captures my favorite time of day when the evening sky puts on a brilliant show.  It has been quite a while since I've been able to actually complete a studio oil painting. What can I say, it's been a hell of a summer! But I'm gearing up for the fall season so I am back at it. This painting is one of a new series I'm working on for a fall show about the "luminous landscape".  The title comes from a poem by Longfellow called "The Children's Hour" (one of my mother's favorite and oft quoted poems.) Please click on the image for pricing and additional information.

"Between the Dark and the Daylight" Oil on Canvas 24" x 20"

New Richmond Gallery: Metrospace Gallery

Last Friday evening I had the opportunity to hang some of my figurative paintings at the soft-opening of a new gallery on Broad Street. My work hung on one wall and the other wall displayed the abstract paintings of Will Turner (alas, no link provided because his website isn't finished yet.) For those who are familiar with my landscape paintings, you will see that, aside from my love of vibrant color, my figurative paintings seem quite a departure. Below are the paintings included in this show. These are large works focusing on women, with strong psychological and narrative content. While I am steadily continuing to develop and grow as a landscape painter, I will also be developing some new works more closely aligned with these large figure paintings, perhaps moving away from the narrative and further into abstraction. We will see! For more information on these paintings please contact me.

Regarding Metro Space Gallery: This is a huge new gallery and event space located in the heart of the downtown First Fridays Art Walk. It isn't quite finished yet (they are finishing the floors today as I write this) but even in its austere state it is a beautiful new space. The gallery is located at 119 W. Broad Street, right next door to Metro Sound and Music (same owner). I am not a gallery spokesperson, but from what I could gather, I believe they are on target to open in September if not before.

Update 7/25/07: The paintings of mine that hung in this exhibition are now on display at Plant Zero in the exhibition hall near the event space. :-)

Judging art

I've been having a great visit with Mom and siblings these past two weeks, so I have been away from the studio and consumed with matters other than painting. I don't know how other artists manage, but I am a bit of a one-trick pony. I have to either visit or paint. I am too distracted with one to attend to the other, even if alternating days. In any event, last week I did manage to do one art-related activity. I was invited to jury an all media show at one of the local art centers in town. I was delighted to see such a large array of talent in the entries. The down side is that it made it that much more difficult to narrow things down.

As I explained to the entrants the night of the opening, there were several factors that played a part in my process as juror. First, I don't care how impartial one tries to be, a certain amount of personal preference influences what a given juror will select. Believe me, I tried to be as objective as possible but art for me is often an emotional experience and I am sure my own tastes played some part.

Second, I looked for a certian amount of mastery in technique. This can be a bit more objective, as you are looking for mastery in the use of materials, composition, color mixing, drawing, etc.  There were several pieces that found their way into the show that were not my favorites personally, but I could not deny the technical ability achieved by the artist.

Third, I looked for the overall statement of the piece. What was the intent or statment and was the artist successful in relaying that message, intent, feeling or statement to the viewer?  Did the handling of the materials support or distract from the intent? This is tricky because while intent is important, you also want to avoid a "message" that is so heavy-handed that it hits you over the head with a two-by-four.

And finally I looked for how all of the pieces would work together as a show. While I wasn't involved in hanging the show, I acted as if I were. I imagined how the work might flow and dialogue together so that the guests would have an interesting overall experience.

Juried shows can be quite a hodge-podge of styles, subjects, and mediums, but overall I think the show turned out very well for one of this nature. It was interesting to see my own reaction to the way the work was hung. It was very well done, though in certain instances I imagined different works hanging together. But that is the fun of art! Everybody has their own interpretation and creates their own dialogue which only adds to the experience.

Coincidentally, today I came across a great article entitled "How to Judge Art: Five Qualities You Can Critique," which reinforces my ideas and adds some very good additional food for thought. It comes from a blog I just recently discovered and know I will revisit many times called EmptyEasel. The author, Dan provides some wonderful info and resources for artists.

Speaking of empty easels, I'm looking forward to remedying my own case of that syndrome when I return to the studio next week!

Spring in Bloom

Here is a recent painting done on location at the Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond, Virginia.

 

"Spring in Bloom" Oil on Canvas, 12x16"

The Tuckahoe is a small plantation that once was the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson. Today one can take a self guided tour and explore the lovely grounds and gardens.

I have painted this particular garden several times in the summer but got there a little earlier so that I could see some of the spring blooms. This painting is part of a my current exhibit entitled "En Plein Air", now showing at Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery.

Getting ready for tomorrow night's art opening

I'm busy today doing the last minute touches for a show that opens at my Richmond, Virginia studio tomorrow night. Read here for the details. No oil painting in the last couple of days so I thought I'd share a sketch of Venice, from one of my sketchbooks:

"Gondolas Near Piazza San Marco" 6x8", Watercolor & Ink

Italian Waterways Art Opening Tonight

If you are out and about during Richmond VA's First Fridays art walk, please stop by to our opening from 6 to 8 PM. The show will feature my Italian waterways; recent paintings of Venice and Lake Como.

If you are a Richmonder and haven't been to First Fridays, it has really become quite the event. It is again featured in the Richmond Times Dispatch. This time it is on the front page!  It's a really nice article for everyone involved in First Fridays. I'd like to emphasize that First Fridays includes more than the galleries and restaurants on Broad. My gallery and a few others are just an easy few blocks off of Broad Street, where the parking is still relatively easy to come by ;-).  View the art walk map, plan your route, and come on by!

For information about the painting pictured, please click on the image or contact me.

Villa Balbianello

It's been about a week since I've been back from Key West and I've not had time to unpack and photograph my third painting from that trip, which I shipped back home before I left. Right now, I'm getting ready for a show at the gallery this Friday called "Italian Waterways". This show focuses on recent paintings of Lake Como and Venice. Here is a new painting I did for this series of the Villa Balbianello:

Dave and I took a private boat ride and tour out to the villa in Lenno while we were staying in Bellagio. The villa has had an interesting history. It was built for a cardinal in the 1700's on the grounds of an old monestery. It passed through the hands of several owners since that time; the last of whom was Guido Monzino. Monzino was an explorer and led the first Italian exedition to Mount Everest. Upon his death he bequeathed the villa (and apparently a lot of booty from his explorations) to the National Trust of Italy, which is why people can visit it today.

While the story of the villa is interesting, what fascinates me most are the beautiful grounds and gardens, and it's excellent position on the tip of a peninsula. Apparently it has captivated the imagination of many artists and filmmakers as well. It was the setting for several films, including Star Wars Episode II.

Any way, back to the painting! It measures 24x36" and is oil on canvas. For more information about this painting, please click on the painting or contact me.

Art Opening tonight- "An Early Spring"

If today's weather in Richmond is any indication, it should be a nice evening to stroll the First Fridays Richmond artwalk. If you're out and about, please visit the gallery tonight for our opening reception. Here are the show details:  March 2 - April 5, 2007 Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery continues the focus on flowers with new landscape paintings of gardens by Jennifer Young. The show opens with a reception on Friday March 2nd, 2007, from 6 to 9 PM. The exhibit continues through April 5th.

The gallery is located at 16 East Main Street, two blocks east of the Jefferson Hotel. The gallery is open for each First Fridays Richmond Art Walk from 6 to 9 PM. For additional visiting hours and further information contact us or call 804-254-1008.

February opening announcement

In anticipation of Valentine's day, Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery will be holding an exhibit entitled "Flowers and Candy". The show will feature Jennifer's floral still life paintings and scenes of flower gardens. Please join us for an opening reception on Friday evening, February 2nd from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit continues through March 1st.

Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery is located at 16 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219; two blocks east of the Jefferson Hotel. The gallery is currently open during the First Fridays Art Walk, and at other times by appointment. For further information please visit the website or call 804-254-1008, or toll free 1-877-DIAL- ART.

Also, as a special Valentine's day promotion, we are offering a complimentary gourmet chocolate bar with purchase, through February 14th. The chocolate won't last, but the flowers will last year after year! ;-)

Art Opening tomorrow night at Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery

If you're in Richmond stop by to see some of my recent paintings of the American South. We'll host an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m.  The exhibit will continue through the end of January. Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery is a participating venue in the First Fridays Richmond Art Walk. The gallery is located at 16 E. Main Street, just two blocks east of the Jefferson Hotel. Click here to see a map and get driving directions from your location. For more information please call 804-254-1008. Hope to see you at the show! 

"Albemarle Morning" Oil on Canvas, 24"x30"

New Gallery Photos

I thought I'd post some photos of the new gallery space, which officialy opened last Friday night. We were swamped the entire night so I did not get ONE picture of the actual event! It turned out well--hectic but fun. We're both still recovering from total exhaustion, but at least we made it through "phase one". Phase two is still to come--moving my art studio part into the building. We hope to have that accomplished by mid January at the latest. Front room:

This is the wall to the right as you walk in the front door. The flowers on the table are from our new landlord!

This is the left wall of the same room--A great spot for the paintings in my mini collection:

This is a view of the right hand wall as you continue on into the middle room.

Here's a shot of the same wall looking back into the front room:

Here is the opposite wall in the second room. The picture to the far left is an original oil painting of Tuscany. The pictures to the right are canvas prints on the walls, and paper prints in the rack. People were amazed at the quality of the canvas prints, which looked so much like paintings that I had to tell them they were prints and not originals.

   

Heading out from the 2nd room and into the third room. This is where the band played opening night:

Rounding the corner into this third room, here is my wall of Key West paintings:

   

   I had these paintings framed differently from the usual gold because I felt like the solid gold was too formal for this subject matter. I like the linen liner and the platinum colored frame with the bamboo motif for these sunny Key West pieces.

   This last room will undergo some changes. The front two rooms with the hardwood floors will remain gallery space, but we'll use this area more for work space (to be determined), though we'll still hang some art here. Down that hallway is a fourth small room and a bathroom with a utility sink.

   Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery is located at 16 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23219. Currently we are open from 6 to 9 p.m. during the First Fridays Art walks, and other times by appointment. Please call 804-254-1008 (1-877-DIAL-ART toll free) to visit the gallery or to inquire about the paintings you see on the website.

Opening night

Well, tonight's the night! The doors to the new gallery will open at 6 p.m this evening and we are pretty much ready for it. Last night the band did their final soundcheck for tonight's music too, so it should be a fun time. There are a lot of happenings in town tonight besides my opening, and lots of good reasons to come downtown. There is, of course, the First Fridays Art Walk and all of the art openings that are associated with that (inclucing mine). The art walk is in its 6th season now and the momentum has really built over time.

Tonight is also the night for the Grand Illumination downtown at the James Center, and the open house for the newly restored historic Main Street Train Station.  There are some good restaurants right along the Broad Street Corridor of the Art walk too, so a lot of people make a night of dining and then gallery hopping. If you are in Richmond and plan to come downtown this evening please come on by and see the gallery!

I've had too much running around this week to take photos and post them here, but will post follow up pictures after the event.

Countdown to the Grand Opening

Only two days to finish up preparations for the gallery grand opening. Yesterday I was interviewed by a writer from Brick Magazine, a fairly new weekly magazine put out by Media General/Richmond Times Dispatch. The timing is great, as the article is due to come out on Thursday, a day before the opening!

The lighting is in, but we had to go with a temporary option because our more permanent solution wasn't able to be shipped on time. It will be just fine, but there was a period of momentary mayhem trying to determine an alternate solution for those 11 foot ceilings.

About 90 percent of the show is hung, which consists just under 30 paintings and a number of small minis as well.  I'll take some pictures later today and post them here on the blog.

The new gallery is taking shape

 Little by little we are getting things lined up for the opening of our new gallery. I think we are still in shape for the opening on December 1st, but there is a lot to do before then. The big items have been signage, lighting and a decent hanging system, (not to mention making some paintings!) but there are a whole lot of little items to take care of as well. All of the details can sometimes make me sit straight up in bed at 2 a.m. I guess I will just need to be a diligent listmaker and trust that it will all work out in the best possible way!

New studio/gallery space

Coming in January 2007 I will be operating out of my new location in Richmond's downtown arts district. I just signed the lease for the near-future site of Jennifer Young Studio & Gallery!  The space will be located at 16 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219. This is a beautiful space in the historic Monroe-Ward district located just two blocks from the luxurious Jefferson Hotel. My new space will be both my workspace and showroom. We'll hold a grand opening reception and art show with some new works at the new location on Friday, December 1st, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening will coincide with Richmond's First Fridays art walk, and I've invited Dave's band, "The Unknown Favorites" to play that evening. The show continues on Saturday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to view a map and get directions to the studio. Come visit us if you're in Richmond!

I'm feeling quite excited and a tad nervous about it but it is a good thing. Between now and then we will be doing a lot of work on the space, securing lighting, signage, permits, etc. In between all of this I'll need to get some painting done too! :-o  I'll post progress updates as best I can here on the blog.

New shows on the horizon

Fall is a busy time for many, and I'm no exception. I'm gearing up for a few shows: October 17, 2006, 6-7 p.m. Can Can Brasserie in Richmond, Virginia celebrates Art in our Community. One evening only. I will provide the art, and Can-Can will provide the wine tasting and munchies. The restaurant is located in the heart of Carytown in Richmond, VA, at 3120 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA.

October 20, 2006 Please join us for an art opening on Friday October 20th from 6 to 9 p.m. I will be one of six artists featured in the First Annual Landscape Exhibit at the Rentz Gallery. The gallery is located at 1700 W. Main St in Richmond, VA.  Show continues through November 27th. Contact the gallery at 804.358.5338 for more information.

December 1-2, 2006 My annual open studio event! Lots of fun stuff in the works....Details to follow soon.

landscape painting artist Provence paintings Tuscany paintings

Southern Landscape Show

I spent the early part of last week preparing for a "Southern Landscape" show that will be opening soon in Atlanta. The gallery is a beautiful new gallery called Huff Harrington Fine Art. They will feature my work alongside a number of other landscape artists during the month of June. If you happen to be near the area, here are the details: The Southern Landscape show runs from June 23rd to July 29th. The gallery is located at 4240 Rickenbacker Drive, Atlanta, GA 30342. Please call the gallery at 404.257.0511 for directions and additional information.

Tags: art painting landscape painting artist

Back from Greenville

The art opening was a great time. I don't think I blew anyone away with my "artist's remarks" but I don't think I did too badly either. Honestly I don't remember what I said...it's all kind of a blur. I hope I was at least able to convey my feelings about my work, my motivations and passions. I do remember several people nodding as I spoke, so unless they were just being nice (or nodding off!), it seemed as if they got the gist.

As per usual my husband Dave got a number of shots early on in the show, but not a lot as the evening progressed. He often ends up working the show as much as I do, so the photography kind of wanes, the busier we get. I really enjoyed myself and delighted meeting both new collectors and many other gracious attendees.

I showed with two other artists/painters; Karen Lawrence who does interiors and still life pieces, and Margo Balcerek who paints abstracted still life and landscape. I thought the work as a show was complimentary but created an interesting contrast in styles and approaches. Here is a shot of the installation looking shiny and pristine before the show. My work was installed at the left - on partitions and around perimeter walls, and on the back wall. There is work on both sides of these partitions:

 

 

As is the case with most parties, people seem to congregate around the refreshments. I am in the background (in black and red, back to the camera) talking with some of the guests about my work.

 

 

It was a really enjoyable opening night. Several pieces sold, and I send out a special thanks to those patrons (if you are reading this, you know who you are) for making the evening so gratifying and memorable.

Jennifer Young; Vibrant Landscapes www.jenniferyoung.com Contact

Art opening in Greenville, NC today

My husband Dave and I are heading out of town today to attend my art opening in Greenville, NC at City Art Gallery. I'll try to post some pictures of the show after I return. The gallery owners (really sweet ladies who maintain a smart gallery) asked if I will make a few remarks. Eek. I am much more comfortable painting and writing than speaking, but I told them I will do my best. I'm showing with two other artists so at least I will not be alone in that respect.