Blog

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

Have I ever told you about our house here in Jefferson?  It's a craftsman bungalow, according to our abstract, 1901, but parts of it indicate it might be a Gordon Van Tine house so probably a little later.  Yes, it has some nice built-ins, like all good little bungalows.  It has nice oak beamed ceilings in the dining room and living room.  The fireplace is the original brick.  Someone at some point in time closed in it's (we are sure it was lovely) front porch.  My heavy sighs over that are barely audible however, because it's the only place on the lot for  my studio.  So we live with that.

But, somewhere back in history, someone also made some adjustments to the original floor plan that we think are just plenty dumb.  Slowly, painstakingly slowly, we're getting those adjustments undone.  The problem is, and anyone who's ever rescued a house knows it, when someone "updated" an older home back in the 60's, they really didn't care about things like 8" oak baseboards.  Or the oak crowns that go at the top of the oak framed windows.  Someone in all their un-wisdom tossed 'em.  And now it's up to us to replace them. 

My husband did the roundabout version of the math on buying new oak to replace.  We both about had the big one.  Not to mention the pain and agony of attempting to make something brand new match something 100+ years old.

Enter the friend from church who demos old houses for a living.  We're talking un-rescuable houses here, the kind beyond all hope.  He comes in with his handy equipment and manages to get the house out of there without bothering the neighbors.  Quite a feat on a city lot, I think.  Anyway, he's tried before to go in and pull the valuable stuff out, before he knocks the house down, but he's found that he can't afford it.  It just takes too many hours.  But husband and I - yeah, we have a few hours to spare, especially if it helps save the several thousand from that previously mentioned math.

The house scheduled for demo:  really, really gone.  The porch roof was caved in, most of the rest of the roof has been leaking for who knows how long.  Critters had been living there, there were bird feathers in the living room.  Explain that one, huh?  So with prybars, we attacked.  And tonight we unloaded the spoils into the garage.  I got to carry the top end of a built-in cupboard we'd rescued, while husband was at the bottom end.  My hand slipped and I quickly adjusted only to find my fingers on something furry. 

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

Okay, I promise you, I did not scream.  But you may safely assume that I went speeding into the house toward the soap and water.  I knew the old house had critters, and such, but really, why did they have to be on my end of the thing that needed carrying?  And I am pretty certain the thought of something furry and dead, is just as scary as the thought of something furry and moving.

Scare-y!

If you read the title of this post, then I've already given away the punch line - yes, it turned out to be dust woolies.  A very mammoth pile of dust woolies, but they had never been alive, so yay! for that.  

I was a victim of negative imagination.  My own imagination, but negative just the same.  I let my thoughts get carried away with something scary-gross.  Something that REALLY made me want to run wash my hands.  Something terribly yucky.  Negative, with a capital N.

I am one of those people who thinks negative should be avoided, negative or NEGATIVE, doesn't matter.

When I paint, I pretty much paint happy.  Call it sappy if you wish, but painting feel good stuff, feels good to me.  I paint sunshine, and people doing enjoyable things.  I paint people enjoying life.   And I like it that way.  The scary, negative, feel bad stuff just doesn't happen around this studio.

And that's the way it is in this Jefferson, Iowa studio tonight, March 20, 2012.  Thanks for stopping by!

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

We've had discussions on the FASO site before, regarding adding music to the art.  Sandwiching those paintings in amidst a few tunes.

From the complaint column come gems like these:

-  Why should I have to listen to your music?

-  I have dial up and it takes too long.

-  I don't need music

Well, today I am throwing caution to the wind.  I just published another video of some of my paintings, and yes, there's music involved! 

Why should I have to listen to your music?  Yes, it's my music, and yes, there is a person who will ask "why should I have to listen to your music?"   You, my dear, have my permission to turn your speakers off.  But I think one of the reasons people read artists blogs is to get to know "their" artist, and I think my music choices tell the reader a little more about me, and why I paint what I do.

I have Dial up and it takes too long  Dial up?  I'm sorry.

I don't need music  Whoa.  You are the rare one.  My favorite comeback is to ask how many public events include music as a given?  Someone sings the national anthem to us at the beginning of the football game.  WE sing Take-Me-Out-To-The-Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch.  We scoff at parades that don't include at least one marching band.  And don't get me started with personal electronic everything that give us music whenever/wherever.  We have studies that show kids involved in high school music score higher on their SAT/ACT's.  We have nationally televised musical competitions.  Heck, we have people singing in the shower.

And with that as my affirmation, here's the link, and just click on the title -- and enjoy!

Living Relaxed, The Cooper Studio Spring 2012 Newsletter

Thanks for stopping by!

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

Something was just a little bit off today.  I could feel it.  N-ot quite right. 

If you happened to catch a morning weather program for the midsection of these United States, you might assume I'm speaking of the weather.  Not.  Although it is quite remarkable for March 15th.  We had lunch outside today.  In the sunshine.  In short sleeved t-shirts.  Hunh.

Or possibly when I show you my photo you'll think "oh, so THAT'S what's just a little bit off.  Close.

But actually I was talking about painting.  That is what we do around here you know.  Painting, and talking about painting. 

Do you know that feeling?  You've been painting all morning, or maybe it's all week, a few of you might be in terms of a year, but no matter the time allotment - you've been painting, painting, and all of a sudden your head gets a little woozy.  Or is it your stomach?  Some of us might even get a little tingly sensation in the fingertips of the brush hand. One of those is usually the first indicator that SOMETHING'S JUST A LITTLE BIT OFF.

Maybe even, you are the silent viewer looking at someone else's painting.  Aach - look, there it is.  A perfect painting EXCEPT:  the third person from the left has a big head.  Or the cow in that rural scene, that neck can't possibly attach Bossie's face to that body.  Hey, even abstract people play this game - do you see that line running smack dab out the very corner of that canvas?

Sometime's it almost hidden.  That person on that canvas:  someone painted her with all the right parts in all the right places, but her arm - it just feels awkward.  Clumsy.  And those landscapes over there:  why does the one draw us in, and the other just tire us out?

Say two of those words again.  Awkward.  Clumsy.  They might even translate to unprofessional.  Something's just a little bit off.  Did you know there's an app for that (er, sort of)  At least a google search.  Just for fun, type in the question "how do I make my painting look more professional?

If you don't want to bother, I'll just tell you:  You get one of those spiffy Yahoo Answers, where all kinds of well meaning people give all kinds of well intentioned advice.  About things like frames, and signatures, and varnishes.  Stuff like that.  And then down at the bottom of the page you get this answer:

"Only one way to paint a professional-quality picture: learn to paint. There are no tricks to make a mediocre painting into a fine work of art. It takes skill, patience, and knowledge. None of that can be purchased at Wstore or downloaded from the Internet. Sorry."

Dios mio.  And I was hoping for an easier way. 

So, carry on.  Continue with the learning thing.  And someone, please, interrupt us when it appears that we've learned it all.  But then, I don't suppose we should hold our breath waiting for that to happen, eh?!  Thanks a bunch for stopping by!

Later, Cooper

Yes.  Yes, I did promise you a photo of another something's-just-a-little-bit-off.  One of these things just doesn't belong here...birdcat, catbird...

Sheesh, and it's not even our cat -

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

They say the best way to learn something is to have to teach it to someone.  We're trying that phrase on for size at the moment.

Jefferson, Iowa is going to be hosting the first ever Iowa Bicycle Festival on May 26th, 2012.  Somehow, my husband and I managed to be on The Committee.  That's probably the other best way to learn, be on the committee.  But it goes further:  my subcommittee is (ta dah) the art show.  Show us your bike art.  Oh wait, I should probably give you the official title at this point:  CELEBRATE THE BICYCLE!

Let me explain, please.  When The Committee ventured forth the concept that the bicycle festival should include an art show, I immediately began quaking in my shoes.  You have already heard my opinion.  There are too many art shows.  Too many weekends in too many towns/cities where there are too many artists setting up too many little white tents.  Which translates to too many little lackluster, run-of-the-mill, been there and done that art shows.

Fortunately the need to stand up and say "enough already!" was never there.  The big plan behind the Iowa Bicycle Festival art show is of the gallery sort.  Sort of.

I know I've told you about Jefferson previously.  A friendly town of 5,000, give or take a few, is built on the courthouse square concept.  On the the southeast corner of the square is a building that was in pretty serious decay/trouble for a while.  But the city folk in charge, maneuvered through the proper channels, and now the same building is a shining example of what can happen through historic restoration.  The very same building is the new  home of All Ability Cycles.  And yup, you guessed it, all those lovingly restored expanses of wall space will host Celebrate The Bicycle.  And therefore, a co-owner of said cycle shop is on that sub-committee with me :)

This is not the only art venture for All Ability Cycles.  This past January, they hosted a solo artist showing of watercolors.  Very nicely done, as well.  And here's what needs to be extrapolated from all that:

1.  The good opportunity to show your art, is not always exactly where you expect to find it.  Explore all options.

2.  To venture out of your artistic box, can be a learning experience.  I've always approached art from the exhibit side - to see it from the facilitator point of view, let's just say I'm learning.  And it's good.

3.  Art show and the committee:  by each member bringing what they know to the equation, the sum is looking good. Play up your assets, the knowledge each team member can add.  Create the event for your venue and opportunity, which in turn will create a unique event, which full circle, becomes that good opportunity to show your art.

See, I AM learning.  And the art images of bicycles are starting to come in from artists, as we speak.  From what we are seeing, we just might have done our prep work right.  Our planning goal was to create a showing of art that first and foremost would interest the people our festival is all about:  bicycle riders.  We are off to a running (er, pedaling) good start.

Oh, and our submission deadline is still out there April 1st, 2012!  http://www.iowabicyclefestival.com/ and http://iowabicyclefestival.com/Juried_Art_Show.html  Just in case the bicycle has been your subject matter of late  :)

Thanks for stopping by.  And go ride your bicycle, it's a beautiful day!

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

Folks, today I've got good news.  And I've got bad news, and that's just the way it is.

Let's get started.  The good news is after a pile of messed up emails, I (er, my paintings) have been accepted to the Geneva Fine Arts Fair, Geneva, Illinois.

The bad news, brace yourself.  I hopped over to this very website, to add it to that page labeled Schedule, and with horror washing over me, discovered that on this fine March 11th, 2012  THERE in big bold print was my (I am so embarrassed to say this) my 2011 schedule.

How do things like this HAPPEN?  I, who have written articles about the risk-to-character of artists who let their personal web space run amuck.  Fade from lack of attention.  Fall behind the times?  I have succumbed to the fault of not checking out my very own website.

Now in defense of artist-website-owners universal, I can say to you-our-fair-readers-of-the-front-side-of-this-webspace, normally all our viewing happens on the backside.  We need to add a painting image so we go to the menu bar, click the button that says "your artwork portfolio" and do the work.  Add the painting.

And when my favorite events started sending me happy letters (acceptance letters!) this spring, of course I wrote a blog post about that.

But I forgot all about the page on my website labeled "Schedule".  That place I personally had set up so that my friends and patrons of the summer art fair world know where I, and my paintings will be.  And I forgot about it because I had failed to follow my own good advice about reading the thing from the viewer's point of view!

There is a pathetic line that goes something like "Don't do as I do, do as I say".  Yeah, that means revert to that article I wrote awhile back.  The one that talks about how each artist should visit their website from the patron side on a regular basis. 

As artists, we add things to our websites with a regular (hopefully) and timely routine.  And when that happens from the backside of the control panel, we lose track of what's available to our viewers from the front side of that control bar.  On days like this, that can become concerning.  Dios mio.

But now, I've followed my own advice. I've read my website like a regular viewer, from the front side.  All of those embarrassing OUTDATED entries have been corrected.  You, my artist friend, should go do that to your website, too.  Old information is worthless information.  And even worse, you just might alarm your fans into thinking you've checked out.  Let'em know you're still working this gig.  Keep that front page current.

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa, where outside my window it's anything BUT what that title says.  And it IS still March, right??

I should probably, at this point, tell you about the seasonal I was referring to with that title.  The summer art fair.  There's nothing more seasonal than that, right?

And guess what?  The calendar is beginning to build.  As follows:

Omaha Summer Arts Festival,  Omaha, Nebraska  June 8, 9, & 10, 2012

Krasl Art Fair On The Bluff, St Joseph, Michigan July 14-15, 2012

College Hill Art Festival, Cedar Falls, Iowa  July 20-21, 2012

and then (pensive sigh)

Prairie Village Art Fair, Prairie Village, Kansas Friday, June 1-3, 2012  ---waitlisted  (aaargh, but I was told 70% of the wait list gets called)

So if I had to pick a list that would make me a totally happy camper (er, artist) that's a heckuva good start.  Bump that wait list to a confirmed, add a few key others, some paintings to my favorite galleries, and I am good to go.  I should probably go prime a few more canvases.

Or wait:  maybe I should just show you the little canvas I signed this morning?  Okay:

  Plaza Meeting, an acrylic painting on a nicely stretched canvas measuring 24 x 12 inches.  And of course, available for you to zoom in for a better look, in my portfolio.  Just click your ol' mouse on painting.  It will take you there straight away.  Thanks for stopping by.

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.

There was a crazy advertisement on the television a little bit ago.  One of those kind where you could only get the thing by ordering from the number on your screen, and if your ordered right away, they'd double the offer, and for the extra shipping and handling, you'd get two!  Amazing!

Except.

Except for what they were offering.  It was a band-aid solution.  And of course, you want me to explain.  Don't you?

The product being advertised was for women.  It was like the bottom half of a t-shirt, and according to the ad, if we all put this gizmo on over our jeans, and then pull our regular t-shirt over top, it gives the look of a pair of layered t-shirts, without the fuss.  And here's the magic part (hahaha) it stays put on the top of your jeans so you never have to worry about that embarrassing gap between jeans and your real shirt.  Surely you've seen that gap bend over in front of you at the grocery store, on the bleachers at the basketball game, catching a child off the slide at the playground --- doesn't really matter where or when it happens, most of us think it's just way too much anatomy for polite conversation. 

So these people selling this clever piece of fabric have their hearts in the right place, they are trying to fix a problem.  But they are attempting to fix the problem with a band-aid, and the problem is way more than skin deep.  We all know the problem begins with the design of those jeans.  If they were designed to cover the derriere they were wrapped around, there would be no need for a gizmo to cover the gap. 

My favorite online advice guy was talking about this very subject the other day.  No, not band-aids or gizmos, but rather about basic structure.  The underlying design of the thing. 

How if you start out with a good design (composition) that everything that goes on top of it stands a better chance of succeeding.  And of course the converse of that is also painfully true:  if the beginning composition (design) is bad, no band-aid, color strategy, drawing finesse, gizmo, or clever trick  is going to successfully mask the original problem.  Here's that article if you'd like to go read/reread it:  RobertGenn Painters Keys

Things to think about on a snowy day in central Iowa.  Thanks for stopping by.

Later, Cooper

Greetings,

Welcome to the Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa. 

That would be the empty Cooper studio, Jefferson, Iowa.  97.5 % of all current paintings are at the Iowa State University Union Gallery, though March 26th, including this one, hanging in the front window of the gallery:

I promise the canvas is square - it's probably just the photographer that's off balence!

Thanks for stopping by.

Later, Cooper