Pushing Ahead

Recently I made some new goals to push my website ahead which inevitably means pushing myself a bit harder. I've been somewhat tired this week since starting work earlier was part of my goal. Ugh! Getting up before dawn is a bit overrated.
So in my pushing I started by working on the website all day...for days... and days.... like there was no end. Ummm.... I found that is completely insane unless you like to morphe into a machine-like zombie who eats whatever can fit in the mouth between typing and clicking the mouse. A mumble at the family now and then and no laundry done just doesn't cut it. Not for this girl - no sir! A reasonable plan needed to be implemented and adhered to. Biting the upper lip as it sunk in, push, yes push, but know your limits. I decided to break it up and only work on the website - up to 3 hrs a day. No more.

Has it worked? "Why yes", I can say confidently - but tiredly. If you call and hear a few yawns, you'll know why. Getting up early 5:30am....ouch, I know, I've lost my mind. But my website is coming along and I hope you enjoy the results as they appear each day.

Toodaloo - I'm going to sleep now :)
Erika Joanne

April/May Artist Reveal #6 - There's More in Kansas than Good Ol' Corn on the Cob!

Arriving in Wichita Kansas for the annual Society of Decorative Painters Conference meant for me a very busy week! I had planned each day by the hour with not much elbow room to spare. So when I found that the Wichita Art Museum was FREE on Saturdays I had to adjust my schedule accordingly : ) Yes, I said FREE (that word has to be capitalized and sounded out s-l-o-w-l-y as to relish all the joy that comes from it). Squishing the museum in on Sat. would be difficult with trade floor take down and yadayada...yada. Oh heck I thought, "it's F-R-E-E, you must work it out!"

The SDP Conf. went by waay tooo fast. The trade floor was delicious and a visit and tour of the SDP Headquarters made for a grand treat!!! Meeting Karl-Heinz Meschbach (a master at faux finish) who was doing a demo, was simply awesome! I have to say if you're ever in the Wichita area, be sure to stop by the SDP Headquarters, they have a museum of their own worth noting. It is full of some of the BEST Decorative Painting done by artists of OUR time. Anyway, after packing everything up on Saturday, we arrived at the Wichita Art Museum an hour before it's closure.

Well, wouldn't you know it, guess who the featured artist was?? None other than my fav artist of all time!!!..... Norman Rockwell. His artwork influenced me waay back in my high school years of Ahemeightysomethingorother.... My time was soo limited I knew I'd miss the Rockwell display - nooo! Okay, I admit it, my FREE plan was starting to unravel at this point. Ohhh the hours upon hours I could spend soaking up his amazing work. "Get ahold of yourself ", is all I could think. "Afterall, I am on a mission to see something VERY special - which calls for sacrifice my dear!" So with tunnel vision I quickly walked past the big giant beautiful Dale Chihuly glass chandelier, and past all the lovely and brilliant pieces by Norman (gulp-sob!), and a right turn down the hallway to the middle gallery..... and Yes! There it was as expected, placed right at the main point of interest in the gallery - "on the line" in the center of observation. Ohhh our artist would be so proud!

I walked right up and positioned myself in front of the painting then somewhat caught off guard......melted. Tears came to my eyes as I witnessed her work first hand (somewhat awkward in the middle of a museum I should say). The tender feelings between the mother and child radiated right off the canvas directly to my heart. Like the brush strokes could talk... I quietly wiped my eyes and enjoyed the beautiful moment Mary Cassatt captured on canvas. The soft brush strokes and comfy colors invited reflection. My babies now grown, came to mind. In my busy hub-bub world that rushes like the wind at times, sweet moments with family are a precious treasure. Thank you Mary Cassatt for your remarkable artwork which speaks of the true and simple treasures found around us!

Mary Stevensen Cassatt

Born May 22, 1844

Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, United States

Died June 14, 1926 (aged 82)

Château de Beaufresne, near Paris, France

Contest Winner!

A FREE pattern & brush go to

Molliann of Clovis, CA
Congratulations Molliann!

April/May Artist Clue #5 - A Past Renews the Present

The delay in this post is a result of the time needed to attain special permission to post the museum photos. I am grateful to announce that permission has been granted! Before I get into the museum visit I want to give you a few more clues about this artist.... Name substitutions have been added to the letter below to protect her identity.

I had mentioned the ohhh sooo elusive Salon in Paris earlier. Well, as it turns out the Salon finally gave her a break which is revealed in the following letter written by her close brother Aleck.... "I received a letter from (my sister) the other day. She is in high spirits as her picture has been accepted for the annual exhibition in Paris. This you must understand is a great honor for a young artist and not only has it been accepted but it has been hung on the "line." I don't know exactly what that means myself but suppose it means it has been hung in a favorable position. (Her) art name is "Stevenson" under which name I suppose she expects to become famous, poor child."

Hung on the "line" actually meant that the artwork was a favored piece of the show and hung at eye level instead of way up yonder in the uppermost reaches of the Salon. The Salon hung the artwork in rows upon rows from floor to ceiling on each wall. Her brother it seems, had a hard time visualizing a famous artist in his sister. How fortunate we are that she didn't let the thoughts of others direct her dreams. Isn't it fascinating to see a story unfold in the life of another? Viewing history is a wonderful perspective to have, especially when applied to our own lives in the present.

This artist admired several artists of her time, Degas being one of them. She would stop by galleries and press her nose against the window carefully eyeing the works within. It must have been a truly exciting day when Edward Degas actually stopped by her studio to pay her a visit. In a letter she writes..."I had already recognized who were my true masters. I admired Manet, Courbet, and Degas. I hated conventional art. I began to live." Courbet died that same year, and imminent death was close for Manet. So in Degas she gleaned inspiration and mentorship. In their visit, Degas invited her to show with the Impressionists. She wrote, "I accepted with joy."

There are hints of romance between the two, coupled with much drama. Remember we are talking about two VERY headstrong and driven people.....WOW! It would make for such a great movie! All-in-all though they had a great deal of respect for each others artwork. She later went on to become famous for her many paintings depicting mothers and children. Many of which - you will see - are recognizable today. Interestingly, she fulfilled some of her own maternal longings through these works. Later she stated that her greatest regret was in not having children of her own. Fueled by passion for art, her time for that sadly passed by much too quickly. After having visited one of her pieces in person, I can say that her maternal instincts are infused in the canvas, and quietly communicate her tender feelings of love between a mother and child. I could cry...and I did. Stay tuned... my museum visit and report are NEXT!

April/May Artist Clue #4 - It's Not Always Greener on the OTHER Side...

The little time I've had with this artist has been filled with MANY reflective moments for me as I hope also for you. I wish I could blog her complete profile, but alas I realize I can only give you bits and pieces of her life. I will try and give you some of the best glimpes though. A few lines from her letters might be of interest to you...

I had mentioned in an earlier post that she considered giving up art at one point. Here is an excerpt from one of her letters dated July 1871...  "I have given up my studio & torn up my father's portrait, & have not touched a brush for six weeks nor ever will again until I see some prospect of getting back to Europe. I am very anxious to go out west next fall & get some employment, but I have not yet decided where." The situation behind this letter is that while back in the United States during the Franco-Prussion war (my guess is that one would not want to be in Paris at that time) she attempted to show and sell her work in which she found NO buyers. Okay!? 
Discouragement filled her life at this point partly because a father whom she loved dearly was still unwilling to support her passion and fund the art supplies she needed, AND she couldn't find the inspirational art to glean from that was so readily available in Europe. Without much money, support, and inspiration, you can easily read between the lines and empathize with her in this low moment of life.

A reflective moment here... Our human tendency is to think life is greener on the other side, or that life must be much easier for So-and-So. But as you probably know, any battle won comes with multiple hills to climb and valleys to tread.... Our artist is no different, her success came later in life and beyond - mostly beyond. In her pursuit of employment she went through yet another valley in Chicago, where she had hoped to sell some of her work. Instead, a few of her pieces where lost in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Sheesh!...fires were big and plentiful then.

Shortly after, a much needed commission came - AL-LE-LU-IA, Alleluia!!! The commission from the Archbishop of Pittsburgh not only displelled her gloominess but propelled her back into the artwork she so loved. She was asked to paint copies from the High Renaissance artist -Correggio- in Parma, Italy. Her feelings BOUNCE like a rubber ball right off the page as she exclaims, "O how wild I am to get to work, my fingers farely itch and my eyes water to see a fine picture again." Her commission included money to travel back to Europe and part of her lodging while there. Our artist felt an affinity towards Correggio (one of his paintings below) who's style and influence can be seen in many of her later paintings. The little naked children and cherubs are a clue....a super big clue y'all!

Years later she wrote in a letter to a friend..."I felt I needed Correggio and I went to Parma. A friend went with me. She did not remain, but I stayed there for two years, lonely as it was. I had my work and the few friends I made. I was so tired when my day was done that I had little desire for pleasure."

I watched a movie recently about an artist who sometimes would stay up late into the night to paint. In the morning she would be found sleeping on the floor with paint still in her hand. Funny...hmmm - I can relate, although I DO love my pillow! I'm sure the passion found in our artist caused her to endure all kinds of sacrifices.

Along with the study of Correggio she also studied the artist Parmigianino (sounds like an expensive cheese to me). Correggio's painting were found as frescos on the ceilings of dimly lit cathedrals. Imagine for a moment how dim it would've been without the help of electricity or a flashlight! To see his work up close, she had to climb up as far as she could in the choir lofts, maybe she held a candle in her efforts to see?

NEXT...stay tuned for a few more glimpes - particularly the friendship of Degas and Monet,

the unveiling, and my Wichita Art Museum visit. 

Till next time....Ohh, and I hope to hear from YOU!

April/May Artist Clue #3 - Ahhh Paris!

         1866 brought forth new vigor and hope for this artist who left for Paris in the company of her mother as a chaperone. A plan to continue her art education was her focus. She was not allowed to attend the art school there because she was a woman. Here we go again... Harrumph I say!! To some, well, this might've been too big of a stumbling block - But No - not to this determined young lady. She just found a way to circumvent it. Let's find another door -- and that's exactly what she did. She applied for private lessons with the school masters. Some of her teachers included Jean-Leon Gerome, Charles Chaplin (not the funny Charlie Chaplin we all know - that's an era in the future), and Thomas Couture.

          Another way she pursued more instruction was to visit the Louvre on a daily basis and paint from the wonderful paintings there. She wasn't the only one who set up her painting materials at the Louvre. Many artists congregated in that place for painting and socializing. Do you know the name William Bouguereau? Wow, he's one of my favorites, his paintings are a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Anyway, he also roamed the halls of the Louvre in that same time frame, admiring the art and finding inspiration in the works of the past.

          In Paris there was a Salon (not like a hair salon like you and I might think, but an Art Exhibition Salon) Don't think hairbraiding or updos, think of a somewhat snobby juried art show where artwork is displayed from the floor to ceiling. Organized by the Société des Artistes Français, the Salon was held annually and later biannually, between the years 1748–1890. Our little artist submitted paintings over a ten year period to the Salon only to be frustrated with many rejections. I just have to shake my head because I'm not sure what they were thinking...  You see her artwork - what is up with that!? An uproar eventually resulted from other frustrated regular exhibitors who were also finding increasing rejection of their works.

          The art scene was changing in France. As you know, artists don't like being put in a box and told what to do, freedom is a prerequisite of art. Without that freedom, or silly expectations and traditions put on artwork, the results would inevitablly bring on some sort of artistic mutiny. Some broke away and one particular group formed their own independent exhibiton with a whole new way of painting and seeing the world. Does the word Impressionist effect your visual senses? Our artist, found friendship there.... but that is for another post. Stay tuned...

April/May Artist Clue #2 - Family Bricks Determined Minds

          Ready for some more clues? Boy, I sure am! My time has been gobbled up in the other aspects of business, so I've been anxious to do some blog-blog-blogging! Okay to start, it turns out that this artist really had some great parents who were supportive of their child in learning many new things. The art profession just wasn't exactly what they had in mind. It was radically out of scope for what the expectations where for a woman of that time period. Her parents hesitation could also be in part because of the close proximity she would have around the male students who dominated the college. The SAME males students that painted from LOTS of nude models. You get my drift? Men, men, painting nude female models, men... Her father is actually quoted in saying, "I would almost rather see you dead" when discussing her profession in art.

          There is no evidence that anyone else in her immediate family held the same gift and eye for art as did she. Sounds like a lonely independent road ahead... Though her father possessed little comprehension of art, he DID swallow some pride and eventually stepped out of her way, allowing her to pursue her talents.

Did you catch it? This artist is a she - a very beloved she, I might add (even in our generation).

          Becoming a professional artist was her primary goal and so she entered school with a resolute and determined mind to study and study hard. Interestingly, she did so right smack during the American Civil War years. The Pennsylvania Academy brought disappointment though because of the slow nature of the instruction and the "women just can't be as good at painting" attitude she felt from the male students and instructors. Well, harrumph I say! This only caused her to make up her mind MORE resolutely to go on her own in training. She said goodbye to the college after four years there and moved to Paris. Here's were her stubborn trait sometimes came in handy...  Later it will be tested as she considers giving up art entirely.

Interrupting with an Artful Delay...

Soo I've been thinking, yep, it's something I do once in awhile...  Since I will have the opportunity to see the artwork of this artist in May, I think I should post on this artist through April AND May. Whatcha think? It will give you more time to take a random guess, I do so hope to get some guesses from ya'll. Besides, this artist is, I'm finding, quite the interesting person....VE-HARE-RY interesting. Hmmmm...okay you convinced me, I won't argue. This great artist is gonna have to be with us a litt-le longer. Thanks, talk to ya soon!

April/May Artist Clue #1 - Oppostion in Play...

The 1840s was a decade full of interesting events. Revolutions in Europe, the Mexican-American War, first anesthesia operation, five different American Presidents serve in office (really - it's true!), and two days after this artist's birth -the first electrical telegram is sent by Samuel Morse. Born in Pennsylvania to a family of tradition and culture, not only brought about opportunity, but also a wrestle of ideas. Similar to the struggling decade of the 1840's, with its forces of opposition in play, he/she had to reach for an artistic place in life against the wishes of an opposing father.


An interesting note... While only a babe in the arms of a mother, this artist watched the great fire of Pittsburgh burn down a thousand homes from across the river.

Even as a child this artist was very curious and passionate. Growing up in an environment full of stimulus, travel, and learning enhanced his/her passion and ability. Youth brought German, French, drawing, and music classes that were taken abroad during a five year visit. At the young age of fifteen he/she was accepted into the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Although with parents protesting enrollment, this artist moved ahead with stubbornness, a trait that later carried this artist forward through difficult times....

March Artist Identity #4 - A Visit to the SAM to Meet the Mountain!

Before I went trapesing off to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), I did some planning. I knew what piece I wanted to see, but I had to confirm it was on display. You see, a museum might have the piece you are seeking, BUT, that doesn't mean it's in an exhibit. It could be stored in their archives somewhere, underground, behind a trap door, in a far away attic..or?  Fortunately, at least one of two pieces by this artist was on display in the American Art Exhibit. I was super excited because the SAM is practically in my backyard! Just a little ferry trip to Seattle, a hair-raising ride through downtown, and multiple trips around several crowded blocks to secure my space in the lane to the parking garage - no problemo! Lucky for me, two very patient passengers tagged along that day to complete a job shadowing assignment from school. They kept me company, sane, and laughing. Thank you girls!

Inside the museum we were greeted by a stunning tumbling car display. Yes, real full-size cars suspended from the ceiling with flashing lights shooting out the doors and windows. Pretty incredible!

After paying our admission and holding my ticket carefully inside my pocket, I turned around and what in front of my eyes did appear? The most lovely sight; a sign indicating that it was okay to take photos INSIDE the exhibit in certain places. Ohhh g-l-o-r-y be!!

With that in mind, I made a bee-line to the American Art Exhibit, up the escalator and to the right..."Girls stay with me, ohh ummm - naked man statue ahead - don't look. Uhhh excuse me, excuse me - yes, we'll do the green man-eating bottle monster later, ahemm, over here to the right."

It only took a second to find what I came across the water for. Just a slight turn of the shoulder and there it was, a luminous snow capped mountain bursting forth from the hazy obscure cloud cover. There must be something unnerving about a lady taking notes and photos because after only minutes of finding the mountain, I could feel the security guards eyes boring holes in my direction. It turns out that I was standing a bit too close to the painting for his comfort, so I backed away. A conversation in my head went like this... "If I stand far enough away can I just lean in a little and crain my neck closer? You just don't understand...there are original guide lines left on the canvas by the artist that I HAVE to see..."

With our attention focused on "Mount Rainier, Bay of Tacoma" (oil on canvas circa 1875) the girls and I quickly went to work making observations and taking photos. Bear in mind, our quick camera shots do not do this painting justice. We were impressed with the myriad of soft details present. Loose carefree strokes of snow on the mountain, calm water, hazy atmosphere etc; all in sync producing a fine painting. I asked the girls if they could relate the painting to an instrument what would it be? One of the girls commented that it would be a flute; I couldn't agree more. Without actually pulling out a tape measure, my rudimentary guess is that the painting itself measured 2.5' tall by 3.5' wide. An interesting note... As I mentioned before, his original guidelines are left on the painting. Can you see them above the passengers in the boat?

The painting literally kept pulling me back because I was intriqued with all the softness that appeared so loose and carefree. Upon further examination, my perspective changed, I could see the calculation in his work. The strokes were small, not exacting. yet not impressionistic, but subtle. Calculated, soft subtle warm strokes. The painting had a matte sheen to it. Through my research, I have learned that the artist applied multiple layers of translucent varnish to his paintings, which played a part in producing that glowing luminous effect.....just lovely!

There is more to learn about this artist, so I challenge you to do some of your own investigation and plan a visit to see one of his sublime paintings. Some of his journals are also posted online to read. Please share with us your thoughts, comments are welcome! What's that you say? 
Ohhh yes, the BIG reveal... Have you heard of

Sanford Robinson Gifford?

American Artist 1823-1880

Unfortunately no guesses were correct, actually, there were no guesses.

So consequently no winner.

Is anyone out there in cyber-space???

I will carry on and hope for some quesses in April....

I hope, I hope, I hope.

Till next time....

March Artist Clue #3 - Luminism & the World Traveling Artist

This artist sought many opportunities for artistic adventure during his lifetime. He was one of the most widely traveled artists of his time, traveling both within the United States and abroad. He traveled with other notable artist friends to the American West, the Near East, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy etc. A trip out west brought him all the way over to my stomping ground, Washington State! I can't imagine what a camping trip that would've been! Another of his excursions in 1869, took him clear to Egypt, where he rode the Nile and then took the caravan route through the Libyan Desert to the Sudan. We know the details of his travels through the journals he kept; a wonderful treasure!

After the American Civil War erupted, he enlisted in the seventh regiment of the New York State National Guard in 1861, and served as a soldier in the Union Army. There he painted many peaceful scenes of soldiers camping and taking care of the basics, rather than scenes of blood and carnage. In looking at his paintings during this time, it is evident that he must have yearned a great deal for peaceful times ahead...

This artist became well-known for his ability to bring the effects of soft light into his paintings. He concentrated more on creating a sense of atmosphere and serenity. His work touched the American writer and critic Henry Tuckerman, who said, "they appeal to our calm and thoughtful appreciation; they minister to our gentle and gracious sympathies." The term Luminism, which was created by art historians in the 20th century, is now used to describe this type of artwork. You can say that his tranquil landscape paintings, with soft hazy skies and calm waters, have the ability to calm the stripes right off a tiger...

March Artist Clue #2 - Anatomy to Landscapes and BEYOND!

Yikes! This is coming just a bitsy late... where did the month go?? Well here goes, better late than never? I still have a little time to reel this one in....I hope! So to start on this second clue, I have to say this artist is quite interesting. His life was full of adventure which is very fitting for this blog since we are on an Artful Adventure right? I can't wait to get to the nitty-gritty and tell all, my fingers want to type it in right now but I have to do it in i-n-c-r-e-m-e-n-t-s and try ohhh try to be patient....

One thing is for sure - not all artists are so blessed to have family that encourage and support them in their artwork. This artist had both, which gave him the ability to excell in his artistic yearnings. Although this artist later devoted himself to landscape painting, his beginnings in art began with drawing, perspective, and the study of the human figure in anatomy classes. He had really planned to become a portrait painter. He even studied at the Crosby Street Medical College and the National Academy of Design in New York. But the artwork of Thomas Cole caught his eye and put a fork in the road. This proved to be a wonderful thing because it influenced him to change his path into the world of landscape painting...

By 1847, around the age of 24, he was ready to exhibit his first landscape. This experience coupled with the honors that followed, catapulted him into a life of travel and adventure (more on that to come...). He also became a leading member of the Hudson River School. This "school" was actually not a school like we may imagine, but rather a movement brought on by a group of artists whose inspiration was influenced by romanticism. The Hudson River Valley was their inspiration where they painted the valley and surrounding areas including the Catskill Mountains. Hmmmm you have a big batch of clues here...a slam dunk for any cool art cats out there!

March Artist Clue #1 - An Artist Born Where Inspiration Surrounds

Ohhh the agony! There are just too many talented artists to choose from for my March Featured Artist. Well, time's a wastin', I'll have to nail it down and pick one - no, not that one yet... how about this one? No that should be in May. Yes, I should do this one this month because I can visit that museum... this month... Okay I got it - here we go!

I'm taking you back to the early 1800's to a place in New York state (hehe - I'm not gonna make it too easy for you to google up in a jiffy - all you smartie pants out there!) This artist was born somewhere in New York in a town that was first settled around 37 years prior to his birth. But time was short lived there because he moved to another town in New York. There he spent the greater part of his childhood growing up. He must have frolicked and played along the large river and beautiful rolling hills where inspiration was born. A slice of one of his paintings is shown above. That's all I'm going to give you for now - until next week!

Feb Artist Identity #4 - A Museum Visit & The BIG Reveal

        After all my time researching I had great anticipation as I headed to Salt Lake for an Artful Adventure side trip. I was super ready to see this artists artwork in person. The long awaited day finally arrived to visit the BYU Museum of Art, BUT, it also happened to be the same day, same time, that the BYU Cougars were playing a big basketball game against New Mexico. Finding a parking spot was just about futile! The museum was only open till 5pm and here it was already 2pm! Okay let me explain...I am one of those people that has to see EVERYTHING in a museum and I knew I had to spend at least a hour with the portrait I had come so far to see.... What if something dreadful happened like they had to close the museum early or I passed out from all the fast walking to get there? With only 3 hrs left, time was ticking by waaay to fast. When we finally found a spot about 3 miles away, well maybe not that far, I was sure wishing I had on my tennies and work-out gear after lugging my bootie up that big ol' hill (all you BYU alumni - you know what I'm talkin' about).

Taking a breather here under the BYU "Y" that is covered with snow. Can you see it above our heads on the mountain - betcha can't : ) An interesting note...over one hundred years ago, a line of volunteers passed up buckets of rocks one-by-one to create the "Y". Now it is re-painted every five years by helicopter!

Here I am pictured at the museum entrance. Take a look at the packed parking lot!

Once inside I was pleasantly surprised that the museum was FREE; I do soo like that word! Unfortunately there is a museum rule that you cannot take pictures of the artwork - ugh! So I did the next best thing and had my picture taken by the wall poster to the exhibit. I'm pointing to the portrait of Patience Cole...

          My mission was to see with my own eyes, the portrait of Patience Cole c1840 painted by Februarys featured artist. Inside the "American Dreams" exhibit I turned the corner and there she was looking at me as if to say, "Welcome, so nice to meet you!" My first impression was that this was realism at its best!! Out of the eight other paintings in the room, Patience Cole stood out beaming with contrast and realism. With no barriers, I went right up and eyed it in about every direction possible (I'm sure security had all cameras closely zoomed on me). Painted sitting at an angle with her head tilted slightly, the words warm, gentle, and friendly spoke from the canvas as if Patience was greeting her best friend. Looking closer, I noticed how incredibly soft her features were with peachy skin and rosy cheeks, yet with each detail the clearly defined lines created contrast against the dark background. Detail work is abundant throughout this painting, from the wood grain on the arm of the chair to the intricate and delicate strokes of the lacework. Soft yet defined, it tells something about the artist.... Eyeing the painting at an angle I noticed the only texture came from the lacework, the rest was very smooth and glossy. Lovely and mesmerizing was my time with the portrait of Patience Cole.

          I left the exhibit satisfied and grateful for the new insight I now had that I didn't before. No picture even comes close to actually seeing the artwork in person. In my reading, I found that at the age of eighteen this artist painted a self-portrait, a tradition in her artistic family (see below). Through this painting she had high hopes that her father and uncle would approve of her skills and deem her ready to advance from student to full-fledged artist. Unfortunately her father did not approve and rumor has it that he felt her painting was inappropriate and distasteful for her to be smiling as if she was a flirt. My, times were different then! I would instead like to call her the friendly happy painter. From every portrait she's painted you will see each subject has a slightly upturned smile. I have gained a deep admiration for this artist who, in breaking from the tradition of the day, which was all too much about seriousness, was able to add her own feminine presence to the world.

Drum roll please.... The February 2010 artist is
Sarah Miriam Peale!
May 19, 1800 Philadelphia ~ Feb. 4, 1885 Philadelphia.
Peggy Jones from Ojai, CA guessed the artist!
She is the winner of a brush and my latest pattern!
Congratulations Peggy - Wahooo!
If you are interested in seeing more of Sarah's paintings or reading about her, check out the links below.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Peale
http://monet.byu.edu/
http://www.artmuseums.harvard.edu/
http://www.nmwa.org/collection/portfolio.asp?LinkID=665
http://www.sdmart.org/Image1/Index.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Miriam_Peale

Feb Artist Clue #3 - Prolific & Amazing for Her Time

          In 1824, this artist and her sister Anna where accepted into the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. This was quite an honor for their time because they were the first women to achieve this distinction. As you probably have already noted, this month's featured artist is a woman. She was not only an incredible painter, but also a pioneer for women in the field of art. She is actually dubbed the first successful woman artist in America! Her prolific art career lasted almost sixty years where she competitively out painted the well-known male artists of her time. Her contemporaries included artists like Thomas Sully, Jacob Eichholtz, and John Wesley Jarvis. During a time when women had limited opportunities and choices, this artist was successful enough to support herself financially though she never married.

          Stay tuned to my next blog where I will reveal the identity of this awesome artist. I have to explain that I have had a little artful adventure delay because of an adventure of a different kind....the Grandmotherly kind! I became a new Grandma last week to a sweet little baby girl. What an amazing and fun experience; each day has been joyfully satisfying! Sadly, I will soon have to say a temporary goodbye to the new little family and move from one adventure to another. As I head back home, I will make a special stop in Salt Lake City to visit a particular museum.... This museum, which is located on the campus of BYU, houses the work of February's featured artist. I can't wait to see her painting up close and personal (maybe I can even touch it - jk!) So my next blog entry will include my refections of this artist and how she has affected and influenced me personally. I'm really looking forward to reporting on my experience and hearing your thoughts in return. As a result of researching this artist, a newly inspired pattern will be available mid March.

Feb Artist Clue #2 - From Philadelphia Still-Life to Baltimore Portraitures

        This gifted artist served as a studio assistant to his/her father who was a miniaturist and still-life painter with the first name of James. This artist received training from his/her father and an uncle. The first paintings by this artist were made public in 1816 in which most of the subjects were flowers and still-life. Later this artist spent many months on several different occasions with another artistic relative, a cousin from Baltimore. This cousin strongly influenced his/her painting style and subject matter which changed to an emphasis on portraiture. Most of the subjects were politicians and military figures from Washington D.C. Also many wealthy Baltimore residents sat for portraitures. Layfayette actually sat four times for this artist....

Feb Artist Clue #1 - Carrying on a Legacy...

          Our first Artful Adventure takes us to Philadelphia, the year is 1800. At this time Philadelphia was the intel­lectual centre of the nation with a large amount of wealth, fashion, culture, and politics. A wonderful artist was born amid this influence on May 19th, 1800. The life of this artist is just beginning and will eventually blossom to carry on an artistic legacy that has been passed down from a family of notable artists. A few examples of the remarkable talent this gifted artist possessed, is shown in the paintings below.

Introduction to an Artful Adventure!

Welcome to Erika Joanne's Artful Adventure!
          To start let me introduce myself... My name is Erika Joanne and I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and family. A few years back, we did a little remodeling to transform a bedroom into a studio to house all my needed art stash (I'm sure the art folk out there need no further explanation). Okay, okay, I admit it doesn't all fit in the studio, my studio is like the main art base leading to the other mini stashes, you could say. Anyway, this room is where my art begins; it's my residence of creativity where I can fully emerse myself in the joy of art.
          Years ago a good friend introduced me to the art of Decorative Painting. From that beginning one goal led to another. Today I enjoy designing, teaching, and producing instructional art patterns and books. The process of creating new designs brings me a great deal of satisfaction (almost as good as toffee and chocolate). Currently my focus is mainly on the use of Acrylics and Colored Pencils. You can take a peek at my design work at: http://www.erikajoanne.com/. While you're there, sign-up for my FREE monthly Newsletter that includes all kinds of hints, tips, and updates on sales, and my designing endeavors.
          Along with the joy of being an artist, I also really, really, really love history, particularly Early American art history. One day I thought,"Why not combine the two silly?" So that's what this Blog is all about; my Artful Adventure into Early American art with an emphasis on the artists of that time. To explain further... Each month a new artist will be featured with weekly clues leading to the identity of that artist. Along with revealing the identity, I'll also have a newly inspired pattern available.
          ATTENTION - CONTEST!!! You don't want to miss this, it's gonna be FUN! Be sure to come back often because there will be a contest each month to guess the featured artist before I reveal the identity. Send your guesses to me via email at erika@erikajoanne.com. All the correct answers will be put in a pot and one will be randomly chosen and then announced in the last blog of the month. The winner will be the recipient of my latest Early American art pattern AND a brush to boot - yahooo!


Now ya'll come back, ya hear!
Painting Smiles,
Erika Joanne