MAR 12 2017
Another Friday evening...well early evening (5:30 to 7:30) ...gallery show opening has passed. Last Friday was held the "New Works" show reception at Art Space Gallery here in Austin. I didn't get off work until just at 5;30 and was surprised to see a good-sized crowd already in attendance when I arrived a short time later. Of course, having been a member for around 5 years now, I know the faces of artists and artists' families and friends which told me I wasn't seeing a bunch of newbie potential buyers.
I was glad to see a painting by Beverly Deutsch had already sold---probably pre-opening as I got there by 5:40. It was arguably the nicest painting by her I'd seen recently. Of course, I said something stupid when she walked within earshot and she took me literally and walked on by, otherwise I would have told her personally. Oh well.
Another artist who does geometric abstracts stopped by the reception and asked where my piece was. I told him behind a clump of attendees, pointing. When he returned he said, "Of course, it's a bird." Well, it's a bird and it isn't. It's Bird Fork II so not exactly a variety you'll see singing in a tree in your backyard. I just smiled--well, I think I smiled; those things don't come as easily as they once did. I could have responded that he only does multi-colored geometric patterns so what's the difference save that I don't do the same 'thing' every time I sit down at the easel? But I didn't.
Eduardo, my photographer friend and I had a good chat. In fact, he and I were talking when Beverly walked by. She was probably a bit 'high' after selling her piece. I don't blame her for that. In Austin, selling work isn't easy unless you have been publicly recognized by an artistic authority or achieved some other flavor of notoriety. I've always had difficulty with self-promotion. One of my biggest failings, I think.
I stayed until almost 7 then walked over to Walmart. After finding their Deli closed for the day, I returned to my Fiat and drove home. I had talked to Jan Knox, Kelli Montgomery and Eduardo. No one else there showed an interest in conversation and I didn't feel up to initiating any. I went home and started a painting I'm thinking of titling Cock-eyed. I did a sketch in January that I liked. Oh, and it doesn't have a bird or bird reference. Maybe I'll have it ready for the Figurative Show that's coming soon. I'll upload that sketch; tell me what you think. :)
