Art Across the River, Oxbow Gallery & Gallery A3

Ascent no. 3
2015
oil on canvas
36x24













The cooperative gallery that I belong to in Northampton, MA, The Oxbow Gallery and the cooperative Gallery in Amherst, MA, Gallery A3 have joined forces to put on a joint show at both locations concurrently for the month of August.

This piece of mine was selected by the curators to be included at the exhibit at the Oxbow location.

Here are the details:
Gallery A3 located at 28 Amity Street, Amherst, MA
Opening reception Thursday August 6th, 5-8 p.m.

The Oxbow Gallery located at 275 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA
Opening reception Friday, August 14th, 5-8 p.m.

Stop by and say hello!  I will be at the Oxbow for the probably the whole thing, but the last half for certain.

Cool Blue Groove
2015
acrylic, graphite on canvas
24x36


This painting will be up for auction to help raise funds for Life is Good Playmakers.

The Life is good Kids Foundation or “Playmakers” is an organization focused on the  power of optimism as a healing tool.

They primarily serve young children who have been traumatized either through a natural disaster or family abuse/neglect.

Many thanks to Jay Munsey, the organizer of this fundraising golf tournament and auction.

I hope it does well for them!

Gallery A3 Show

Crystal Imperfection
2015
oil, graphite on panel
12x9

It has been a while since I’ve put any work in a show, but this piece will be at Gallery A3 in Amherst, Massachusetts as part of their annual juried show.

John R. Stomberg, Director of Mount Holyoke College Art Museum served as juror and curator for this show

Show runs July 2nd through August 1st.
Opening:  Thursday July 2nd 5-8 p.m.
Artists’ Reception:  Saturday, July 11th 4-7 p.m.
Curator’s talk:  Thursday, July 16 7:30 p.m.

Gallery A3 is a cooperative gallery, located at 28 Amity St. in Downtown Amherst.

Next month the gallery I belong to, The Oxbow Gallery of Northampton and Gallery A3  are putting on joint exhibitions at both locations, so I will be involved in that too.

An Uncertain Geometry
2015
4x4 inches
mixed media:  collage, oil, graphite on paper mounted on board


This is a wee little thing, but it pleases me.

I made it during a totally exhilarating,  sometimes nearly chaotic, workshop at Castle Hill in Truro, Massachusetts.

The class was called Working the Surface and was taught by Bonney Goldstein.

I have long admired her work, and she was great fun to learn from.  A real fireball, she is!

There was a lot of experimentation with materials, and techniques.  For example, I used more collage elements than is usual for me.

Fields of Blue

2015
acrylic on canvas
24x36



I am finally wising up to the fact that when I ask friends and fellow artists to weigh in on a painting, it means I am not done, not fully satisfied that I have pushed it as far as I can.

It is as if I am hoping someone’s words will make me feel the way I feel when I know a painting is completed to the best of my ability.

This is probably the most critical thing for any artist to learn:  to learn listen to and trust in their own barometer.  Might actually be the most important thing for any human to learn!

Despite that, I do thank the people who looked at and shared their thoughts on this piece in its last iteration (see last post).

Talking with people you trust about your work can help you develop your inner listening.

Now all I need is a title…….

Today’s Efforts

2015
acrylic on canvas
24x36


I was home today which means painting in acrylics rather than my more usual oils.

First off, let me say, the painting in person is not quite so garishly turquoise as it is at least on my screen.

I am always taken aback by the speed of acrylics.  I find it gratifying to be able to move on to new layers, new iterations so quickly, but the tempo of it verges on panic for me.

I will need some time to figure out if this baby is done or if it pleases me.

The Intersection of Art and Buddhism

Singing Bowls
2015
20x16
oil on panel

















Singing bowls are used in meditation, yoga and healing.  Technically they are a kind of bell which stands rather than hangs.  They can be struck with a wooden mallet or, to produce their unique singing sound, the rim is rubbed to create vibration (like running your finger around a crystal goblet).

This painting is more about the vibration than the form of the bowls.

If you are interested in the intersection of art and Buddhism, check out the exhibit opening this Sunday, May 3rd 2-5 p.m. at The Boundless Way Zen Temple, 1030 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA.
Buddhas Over Worcester (BOW, get it?) is an outdoor sculpture event where people have been invited to create a piece about what it means to be awake in this world.
The show is in the Temple gardens and will be open daily during daylight hours until July 11, 2015.

Yes, I have a piece in the show.

R&F Paints' Pigment Sticks

Not yet titled
2015
24x18
oil and graphite on panel















This is one of the pieces I made at R&F Paints at a recent workshop.

 It is  a metamorphosis of a painting I started last summer in a workshop with Tim Hawksworth.  I say metamorphosis because like an insect, it bares little resemblance to its previous (larval?) state, but I know what's in there and that it lead me to this place.

When listing materials, I do not differentiate between tube oils and oil sticks.
I frequently used them together.

I exclusively use R&F Pigment sticks (their name for their oil sticks).
Now that I have witnessed how they are made by hand by artists who are passionate about them, I will never again begrudge the price sticker.

Seriously, there is one guy standing over one machine hand grinding each batch.

While we were there in March the paint mixers were developing new colors and our class got to test them out!  Yippee!

R&F offers many workshops and all the paint you want to use is included in the tuition.  Can I say "yippee" again ?

It was a great experience to work in this environment of abundance and generosity.

R&F makes artists the center of their mission.  The studio space is comfortable, well-lit, with good ventilation.  They have a gallery on premise, and I think everyone who works there is an artist as well.

By now it is obvious that I am a fan!  I recommend trying the sticks, visiting the factory in Kingston, or taking a workshop.

Another Great Workshop

Last weekend I went to R&F Paints in Kingston, NY for an oil stick, er pardon me, pigment stick workshop with Lisa Pressman.

If you aren't familiar with Lisa Pressman, she is a terrific artist who works in both oil and encaustic.
She has an exhibit in both media right now at the gallery at R&F.

Lisa is one of those rare people who is both gifted at making art and coaching others.

She does demos etc. of her own techniques, but has this uncanny ability to sense where you are in your artistic life and with a very "light touch" offer some words of insight to nudge you on, deeper, beyond old habits and fall-back imagery.

She kicked off the workshop with an exercise, using 6x6 squares of paper.  The rest of the time we were working mostly on our own.

Even though they are "quickies" (or maybe particularly because they are "quickies"), I am enjoying some of them.  It was also fun, back here at home to group them together.

Oil stick and graphite on prepared paper
6x6
2015



More of the larger pieces to come.
Also, next time I will get into how awesome R&F is.

The Way Out
2015
oil on canvas
24x16













I was hesitant to post this one, as I think it reads quite different (better) in person.

It has subtle coloration, many layers, and a rich, textual surface.  If you click on it you might get a better sense.

It started life as a really poor attempt at plein air panting last fall.

I turned it 45 degrees, threw a lot of paint at it, and finally found something I found interesting.

Oddly enough, I still get a sense of landscape from it.  Maybe it is just the paint fumes talkin'!

Duck Creek Frozen

2015

14x20

acrylic and graphite on mylar

Last weekend I got to spend some time in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.  It was such a treat!

I was not far from a spot called Duck Creek, which I would say is a saltwater, marshy, inlet.

This time of year, and this exceptionally cold winter in particular, it is frozen into dramatically jutting plates that get pushed by the tides.  

One sunny, frigid morning we took a walk out over a bridge and around a small, uninhabited island.  Later we went home and I painted this from memory, which I prefer over using a reference photo.

My friend took some pictures which I am now very glad to have, and enjoy seeing the similarities and differences in the images.

A Gallery to Call My Own

Ascent no.1
2015
36x48
oil on canvas

I am happy to officially announce that I am now a member of
Oxbow Gallery in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Oxbow is a terrific gallery, owned and operated by its artist members.

I am both excited and humbled to be included with this group of diverse and very strong artists!

A Few Exhibits

Intersections
2015
charcoal and tracing paper
11x 8.5








This is a piece that at least a couple of us worked on.




On the left side the tone is built up with layers of tracing paper.


My solo show at Eagle Hill is about to come to a close.  January 31st is the final day in case you want to check that out.

Next up, I have a piece in a show dubbed "The Book Show" at The Taber Gallery, at Holyoke Community College.  This is a show comprised of works from Dean Nimmer's newest book, Creating Abstract Art.  Yep. That's me (my painting) on page 62.

Opening reception will be on Feb 19th 5:30 p.m. More info here.

And, as I mentioned in my last post, Pieces from the workshop I led on Experimental Mark-making will be on exhibit at the GALA Gallery, 205, School St., Gardner, MA.

Workshop

Palimpsest
2015
24x18
ink and charcoal on paper











Here's a piece from the workshop I lead today on "Experimental Mark-making"

Some of the work, including many collaborative pieces, are on exhibit at the GALA gallery at
205 School Street, Gardner, MA.
Visit GALA's website for hours and more information

Also on exhibit is a body of work by Fitchburg artist  C.M. Judge.

Experimental Mark-making Workshop

The Tangled Undergrowth of Memory (detail)
2014
graphite, charcoal and oil stick on wax prepared paper
30x22







Sunday, January 18th I will be facilitating a workshop, a  playshop, at the GALA Art Center in Gardner, Massachusetts.

Emphasis will be on experimentation and collaboration.  And fun.  Remember fun?

We will meet in GALA's space at 205 School Street from 1p.m till 4 p.m.

Free for members, $5.00 for nonmembers.  All proceeds to benefit the GALA Art Center.
Pre-registration required as space is limited.  Visit GALA's event page for registration.

work on wax coated paper

Season of Short Days
2015
wax, graphite, and oil stick on paper



I found this painting inside another, larger piece that I wasn't crazy about.

Oddly, this wasn't the section that I liked in the first attempt.
Maybe it was my lack of attachment to it that allowed me to get free and let it become something new.

It bears a resemblance to my "back yard", a wild meadow ringed by stone walls and woods.

Incidentally, I did not post dimensions because I haven't decided on a final crop yet.  There is a lot more sky, which was fun to paint, but I think the piece is stronger with like this.

The End Begins Again
2014
acrylic and graphite on mylar
36x24








Seemed like an appropriate thought and image as one year passes to another.

I did this in November at a workshop with Tim Hawkesworth, but it was actually without Tim Hawkesworth as he was busy in the hospital recovering from a heart attack.

It was an intense and bewildering time for all involved.

So, since my last post I've moved to a new studio space, done some painting, and tried to get back into a regular figure drawing groove.

As for shows, I've got one piece, and older one, in the back gallery at Oxbow Gallery, Northampton, MA.  That will be up through the 4th of January and  another little piece in GALA's new gallery space in Gardner, MA, also up until the 4th.

My solo show at The Center at Eagle Hill remains up through the end of January, and three pieces continue to hang in Worcester at the Hanover Theatre until early February.

I got a small mention and picture of a work in progress in Dean Nimmer's newest book, Creating Abstract Art.  There will be an exhibit at the Taber Gallery at Holyoke Community College of the work from that book.  Show will run from January 26, 2015- February 26, 2015.  Details to follow.

So, as 2014 is laid to rest and the new year begins with great intentions, I wish you all wellness, happiness and peacefulness.

A Place In Mind Reception

I want to thank everyone who came to last night's reception.

Friends old and new from near and far, you each contributed to making this a wonderful evening.

I was surprise, pleased, humbled, and grateful for the turn out, which the director described as the best ever.

A very deep thank you to Eagle Hill, and specifically Paul Overton, director of The Center and Melanie Donovan, technical director for their support and hard work pulling this show together with me.

Here are some picture of the festivities!

photos, thanks to Darrell Probst

Show Opens Today at The Center

A Place in Mind

solo show of paintings by Joanne Holtje 

Artist Reception today

5:30- 7:30 p.m.

The Center at Eagle Hill

242 Old Petersham Road

Hardwick, MA 01037

Complimentary wine and cheese

Followed by a performance of Zydeco music by Les Amis Creole 

(ticketed event)

The exhibit will run through January 31, 2015

Gallery hours, weekdays 3:30p.m- 5:00p.m.

Well, the day is here!  I am a little nervous, a little excited, and looking forward to seeing old friends and new.  Please stop by and enjoy the hospitality of Eagle Hill School.

Concord Art Association

Today is the last day to see the Roddy Show exhibit at the Concord Art Association.

This is a strong show of art from all over the area, juried this year by Meg White of NAGA Boston.

The gallery is located at 37 Lexington Street in Concord Massachusetts, and will be open from 10a.m.- 4:30p.m. today.

Work is also viewable online.

A Place In Mind

Today the paintings went up!
Twenty five in all.
Some have been shown before, and some are brand, spankin' new.

It should be a terrific night with concert following the opening:
Les Amis Creole....Love that Zydeco!



Laissez les bon temps rouler!






Solo Show Opens this Saturday
October 18, 2014 5:30-7:30
The Center at Eagle Hill
242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick, MA

October Exhibitions

October has been flying by with various show and installation preparations.

In a couple days I will be delivering and installing work for my solo show at The Center at Eagle Hill.
More on that, later.

Already up are three good-sized paintings in the windows at the Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA.

I made these specifically to hang here in the long windows of the contemporary theater facade where they will remain for four months (that's early February 2015).
If you are in the area, take a stroll by and have a look.

Here is a shot after installation:

Kathy Griffin seems pleased, anyway.

Autumn, Sugar Maple
acrylic on canvas
60x20
2014

It's a Conceptual Piece.....

I just sent out an email announcement for my up coming show, and once again, had a digital "fail".

This is what people got to see as a representation of my work.

Brilliant, eh?

I am not going to clutter up the mail boxes of my friends and colleagues with a corrected version this time.  You will just have to come and check out the work in person!

Till then, I am going to grab my charred twig and head back to my cave wall.
Now there's some technology I can get my head around!

The 15th Roddy Show September 9 - October 17, 2014

Much to my delight (and surprise) I have a piece in the 15th annual Roddy Competition at Concord Art Association.

In my haste to get my painting matted and framed in time, I failed to photograph it first.

Luckily, a friend snapped it on my studio wall.

Land Beyond the Clouds
2014
26x18 (framed)
acrylic and graphite on paper












This year the juror was Meg White, director of NAGA, Boston.
She had the overwhelming task of selecting one hundred pieces from the over six hundred submitted in what must have been one long day.

Opening Reception:  Thursday, September 11, 6-8 p.m.

Concord Art Association

37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA, USA

Gallery Hours:  Tuesday- Saturday 10-4:30, Sunday noon - 4:00

Show closes October 17, 2014

Pioneer Valley
2014
10x16
oil on canvas




This is a quick little painting I made last month when I went out painting with a friend.

Because I am a painter and not a record keeper, there is always a generous amount of editing and fictionalization when I paint from observation.

The landscape inspires me, energizes me, and moves me to paint, but I won't feel beholden to its appearance.
What's the sense of that?

So, because I know you are curious, here's a snapshot of the view.

Back from Vermont!

Scroll
2014
100 x 30 inches
acrylic and charcoal on canvas, tree branch



This is one of a number of paintings I made last week during a workshop with Tim Hawkesworth and Lala Zeitlyn at Bennington College in Vermont.

It was such a rich experience.
So much strong work was produced by all the participants.

Tim and Lala have this double gift of being sincere artists and graceful facilitators who are able to create a space and conjure an energy in the studio that invites such surprising things to happen.

"Expression, Abstraction, and the Meta-landscape" through May 31, 2014

Opening Night at Imagine Gallery was a great success!

Thank you to so many friends and family members who made the trip to Northampton for my solo show.


I had the chance to meet lots of new, interesting folks that I hope to see again, as well.

This exhibition, with thirty pieces of my work in a wide range of media, will be up until the end of the month.

Please note:  If you are using Google to find your way here, it will send you to Main Street in Florence, MA, a lovely place, but not where Imagine Gallery is!

Imagine Gallery is on the second floor of 70 Main Street downtown Northampton, very near the intersection of Main and Pleasant.

Regular hours are Fridays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays 3-9 p.m.
You are also very welcome to call and schedule a time to visit the gallery.
Call 413-585-5830 to make arrangements.
Tricia and Kitt are warm, generous people who are very welcoming, so don't be shy!

Solo Show Opens This Friday

Expression, Abstraction and the Meta-landscape

May 9 - May 31, 2014

Imagine Gallery

70 Main Street, 2nd floor

Northampton, MA

Artist reception on May 9th 5:30-8:30 p.m.

free to the public

refreshments

My first solo exhibition opens this week in Northampton, MA.

Curator Tricia McDermott selected thirty pieces in a range of media for this show.

The opening is a part of Arts Night Out Northampton, so there will be lots to see all around town.

Hope to see you there!

Gallery hours:  Fridays 6-9

                            Saturdays 3-9

and by appointment 413-585-5830

Reading from the text that inspired this series of paintings.




photo thanks to Anne Gilman

The Artist Talks last weekend at the Sprinkler Factory Gallery were a real success.

This event concluded our group's show entitled "the [space] between".

Thanks to everyone who came and made this show such a rewarding experience.

Now I am packing up another group of paintings for my solo show in Northampton, MA at Imagine Gallery!

Opening Reception is Friday, May 9th 5:30-8:30

the [space] between

opened last night at the Sprinkler Factory Gallery in Worcester.

Today I am sleep deprived, but happy!

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this such an exciting event.

Gallery will be open to the public every weekend in April from noon until 5 p.m.

Keeping It Under Wraps!

The Found Journal Series
11 paintings installed at
The Sprinkler Factory Gallery
38 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA

Opening Reception
This Saturday night!

Yesterday I hung my paintings for the group show entitled
  "the [space] between"

I am really excited how this exhibit is shaping up.
There will be lots of innovative work in painting, sculpture, video and installation.

And , yes I will unwrap the paintings, though this does look kind of cool.....

Second Place in the painting category for December Sun!


This me and my friend, fellow exhibiting artist Paula Hite at the opening reception of the Annual Spring Show in Monson, MA.

There was a really interesting range of work, all very well done.  I was happy to be included, and thrilled to have the honor of a prize.

The exhibit is open weekends through April 13th and is online as well.

Now it is time for me to get busy with preparations for the group show in Worcester at the Sprinkler Factory.

Visit our blog http://thespacebetweenexhibit.blogspot.com to track our progress!

Next Stop: Monson

In One, Out the Other
2014
9x12
oil on panel



This is one of the two paintings of mine that have been selected for inclusion in "the 21st Dimension",
the annual, juried show at the Monson Arts Council.

Opening reception is next Saturday, March 29, 2014 1-4 p.m. at The House of Art in downtown, Monson, MA

GALA Spring Show Opens Tonight

Something about the Sea
2014
44x48
oil on canvas


This is one of the three pieces I will have in this weekend's Art Show in Gardner, MA

I saw some very interesting work, especially some innovative and beautiful sculpture, when I dropped off my paintings the other day.

Come, visit, take in the music and the art.  You will meet some of the most warm and unassuming artists ever!

Details at http://www.galagardner.org

Night Navigation
2014
8x8
oil on panel










This was the one piece I actually finished while at R&F paints in a workshop with Lisa Pressman.

I have it in a gold float frame, and it looks so nice!

I have no immediate plans for it.

Maybe it will go into my solo show coming up in May.

May.  Sounds so far away!  There is still so much snow on the ground, and maybe more coming this week.  sigh.

School Street Open Studios

School Street Open Studios
last Friday night was a great success.

This is a shot, thanks to Doreen La Scola, of one of the walls where I hung some work.

This space had still life and life paintings.  I installed about 30 pieces in all.

The event was very well attended, and guests seem to have a really good time.

I even managed to sell a piece!