...but how do I capture this magical effect?

View from the train window

MORNING SHIMMER

Soft Pastel on Paper, Image 22.5" x 21", Framed OD. 29" x 27.5", Click on the image for more information!

Shown at the Salmagundi Club Annual Juried Members Exhibition 2024

Out for my walk with my dogs on a sunny winter morning, I was in awe of  the way the sunlight glimmered and sparkled on the snow. It can be so bright that it hurts the eyes but is welcomed with so many gray days in the northeast. 

I must paint this I thought but how do I capture this magical effect? It is like glitter. Yes, I did just that! Trying to adhere the glitter, subtly, sparingly, scraping and adding pastel to keep the glimmer to a subtle surprise.

MORNING SHIMMER was the first of the two paintings I created from the same location experimenting with glitter.

GLIMMER

Soft Pastel on Paper, Image 22" x 12",  Framed OD. 27" x 7", Click on the image for more information!

Shown at the 15th Pastel World MASTER DIVISION exhibit at the International Association Of Pastel Societies 2024 convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This is the second painting from the same location. Let me walk you through my process.

 1.     2.   3. 

1. I toned the paper in a warm color intending to let that warm show through. Then I lightly started sketching in my main shapes.

2. Adding color and adjusting the shapes making sure the diagonal bands were not the same width. This was an important composition consideration.

3. Staring to add more detail and adding the light.

4. It wasn't until I had added many layers of pastel and the painting was close to completion that I added the glitter. Then I applied more pastel to help transition the glitter. I was happy with the results! Now when you see the painting there is a hint of sparkle when the light hits it and it moves with the viewer. See detail below.

4.

I just love to try new things and experiment! Why not? What different materials and techniques have you tried?

Happy Painting, Exploring and Seeing. Surround yourself with Beauty!

~ SUSAN

Did you know that I will be randomly selecting someone from my email list to GIVE AWAY one of my "PETITE" paintings, FREE, once a year? Tell your friends to join today!

YOU CAN JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE ----> https://www.susanmstory.com/email-newsletter

VIEW MY WEBSITE HERE ----> 

 PS. I am pleased to announce that I am represented by https://www.jgernonframing.com/#/   AND  some of my work is available now on Artsy.  https://www.artsy.net/artist/susan-m-story

from my Bubble

Photo by Nannette Bedway

 https://nannettebedwaystudio.com

It is customary to send a New Year greeting to friends, family, collectors, colleagues and work associates. I found myself resisting this task because it did not feel genuine. 

Although 2023 was not my best year by a long shot, I am actually looking at 2024 with much more trepidation. Yes, there is so many disturbing events in the world and threats of more to come, COVID and new infections that tend to make me reluctant to be social or even leave my bubble. It is also and election year, another high emotion rouser. Doug and I are blessed with centurion plus fathers, but how much longer will they be with us? Let me be honest, it is not pleasant to watch them decline. As we age up we are staring at what may be our future. It ain't pretty...

Another confession, I have not painted, really, since November! That makes it hard to get going again and in todays market, I ask myself why bother? Does anyone care? What difference does it make in this world?

Others,  thankfully do remind us our art is needed in this world, the beauty and the comforting spirit it can bring.It is true. I have to admit that I have been blown away a few times when I have been told that my art had gotten someone through tragic  or tough times. Who knew I could have such an impact just my expressing what I see and feel.

I am definitely struggling with winter blues and overwhelming mixed emotions. I guess sensitivity is my blessing and curse. I do have to find my why, my purpose to continue. This year I dedicate to focus my work on the very basic elements of nature and human existence. I feel the truth lies there. I think the work will be more expressive but we shall see how it develops. You will have to check in to see what I am talking about.  ;  )

At the end of 2023 I gave an unframed Petite to one of my website subscribers, Jeannette Young. It felt good to surprise someone and just maybe, give them some happiness and delight. We need more of that don't you think?

PETITE # 29

Soft Pastel on Paper

5.5" x 4.5"

I have decided that I will GIFT an unframed  Petite, every year to a subscriber. (HINT, subscribe to my email list on my website, on the bottom of the home page. You will be  kept up to date on my work and whatever I am up to AND maybe you will be selected in 2024 to receive a Petite!) https://www.susanmstory.com

In closing, my wish for you is to find your peace, your joy, your compassion wherever it may be, as small or simple as it may be in everyday. Perhaps with nature on a walk, maybe with beautiful art on your walls or maybe it is a good book, music, or the sunshine, it is helpful to others and this world to show compassion and give kindness. It will also be a gift I wish for you. 

Hear is to HAPPINESS IN 2024!

SUSAN

Please see the video clip:               >>>>               https://youtu.be/JCI-uAsLFoI

" title="January 2024">>

Have you ever wondered what goes into planning a solo exhibit? I wondered if many people think an artist just puts their lastest creations on a wall and crosses their fingers. After all, painting is fun and easy if you are born with talent! Right? Not so easy my friend!!

It all starts with finding your muse to paint. Whether or not the painting will come out successful is another story. Years of blood sweat and tears are no guarantee for success. Many end up in the trash or are reworked, maybe into something completely different.

I have been creating since I was born. Every painting I tackle is a series of decisions, reactions and using problem solving skills that you acquire over years. Which, sadly, we aren't born with. It takes hours, years and lots of study and practice. When my father, who is still painting,  is asked what pencil he uses he will always reply, "the thousand hour pencil."  At 102, it is actually far more than a thousand hours! Artists are constantly learning, developing our eye and honing our skills.

If a show is to have a theme, what I work on will be carefully considered. Otherwise I will curate going through my works, perhaps going back a few years. Even without a specific theme I will take the time to carefully consider what paintings work together visually, seasonally and best suit  the venue location. Recently I participated in the exhibit, Seasons Of Greene IV.  All of the works were painted either en plein air or from my photo references from the protected lands by the Greene Land Trust.

My last show for 2023, will be my only solo exhibit of the year. It will be at Kuhar's Family Farm Cafe and Gallery, in Rensselaeville NY the month of November. Please check my website in a week or two for the reception date or better still add your contact info to my email list to see my work first and to receive a notification. https://www.susanmstory.com

I have curated a special group of works for my solo exhibit. They will be selected based on the season and nature. I have chosen  some of my newest pastel paintings along with about a dozen monotypes, which are always a favorite. I will also be framing a dozen Petites from last years holiday collection considering that we will be near the holiday season. As you can see,  it isn't a random showing.

Now that the work is selected, I must make sure have all the made to order frames on hand, museum and acid free foam board for the mats I must cut, anti reflective/ ultraviolet light resistant glass for my husband to cut, barrier paper, backing board, nails, hooks, wire, bumpers and labels for every piece! It will takes a few weeks to frame all thirty works. My legs will hurt from standing along with my  wrists and hands from the constant use, all for this labor of love. 

Next everything is packed up in bubble wrap, blankets and boxes, packed in the car and taken to the venue. In this case I will be hanging the work and designing the layout. I have to consider the activity in the space to avoid damage to the frames or even the works themselves. Anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting Kuhar's knows it is a happening place! It will take a few hours to hang and number each piece for the show. But before I leave I have to take videos and photos for promotion which will be edited when I get home.

On returning home I will unpack anything I didn't hang and try and find a place for all the packing materials. I will proceed to type up the price list numbering all the works and checking for accuracy. I will then move on to editing and setting up all my promo in both print and digital formats. I will be making the rounds posting on good old fashioned bulletin boards and on social media. I used to print postcards as well but postage for mailing and shipping them to me has made me reconsider. 

Reception day, which I like to consider a celebration, always seems to include butterflies as well. How will my hours and hours of work be received? Will my work speak to the public and my collectors? Will anyone be interested and curious enough to come?  It is kind of like working at your office job all year for this one presentation. Let me tell you, it is hard putting yourself out there. An artist bares their soul in their work and exposes it to anyone willing to take the time to look and listen to what they have to say in their art. A bit scary...

Please don't forget to add your information to my email list on my website to receive your invitation to my solo show reception at Kuhar's!  https://www.susanmstory.com

I hope to see you soon!

Susan

Stanley Maltzman PSA, HFH 2023

This year I did not enter Enduring Brilliance, the Pastel Society Of America's 51st Annual Exhibition. https://www.pastelsocietyofamerica.org  This international show is the "crown jewel" of exhibitions, something I work towards and look forward to every year. PSA gives over forty thousand dollars worth of awards to selected works by a noted professional in the art world. This years juror of awards was Diana Thompson, Director of Collections at the National Academy Design. https://nationalacademy.org

There is so much anticipation building up to this exhibition, hoping that each painting you do will be at the show's level of expertise, then waiting to find out if you are accepted and finally, if you were chosen for an award. Many artists slip into a deep depression for a while after receiving a rejection notice. I always felt getting into the show was an award of recognition in itself. 

This year I won't have a painting in the show because I had the honor to be asked to be one of the three jurors of selection. Over several days, the three of us went over about sixteen hundred images again and again. It was not an easy task and one taken very seriously. The art being judged was anonymous, so when my father's painting came up, I abstained from commenting. 

My father, Stanley Maltzman, turned 102 on July fourth this year. He is still painting and drawing although a bit more slowly. I remember earlier this year when he was working on the painting that was accepted into the show, he was having trouble drawing the leaves. He decided it would be easier to use the collage technique by cutting out shapes of leaves, use pastel to color them in and glue them on his painting, It worked brilliantly!

Although a PSA signature member and Hall of Fame Honoree, winner of many awards from other art organizations, instructor and author of two successful publications, my father had never received an award from PSA! Guess what happened. This year, at 102 years old, he received an award and not just any award but the Edgar Degas Uniquely Pastel Award Gift of Anonymous Donor, second place!!! This is a huge accomplishment! I am so thrilled for him that I had to share the news. I would shout it from the roof top if I could and if anyone would really hear me.

So, if my father could keep trying after all these years and wait until 102 to receive his first PSA award, the moral to this story is ............ NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! A life lesson from Daddy Dearest to all.   :  )

"Around The Apple Tree" July/August Apples, Blog #3

 

Wow, the summer has flown by. That usually means I have been very busy, even during this pandemic!

The hours fly when I am painting. I have been trying to spend as much time outside as possible. I know it is going to be a long winter but I am also looking forward to the transition to working in my studio. 

 

I have continued observing my magnificent muse, watching and recording the blooms as they turn into tiny apples. When I sketched the apples in July, the apples were about the same size as the leaves, around one to two inches.

 

 

"Around The Apple Tre," July Apple Study

Pastel on Paper, 15" x 11"

 

 

When I returned in August, the apples had grown but were still small in comparison to commercial apples. The tree I am observing has grown untended, not being pruned or sprayed in many years. Another reason that the apples weren't larger could be due to the lack of rain in June and July. The tree's yellow leaves also showed its stress. My big surprise was that the apples were still all green! A neighboring tree was a different variety and had red apples, but not my beloved apple tree. I know everyone expects red apples just as I had.  As much as I wanted red apples on the tree, I was also concerned about the tree looking polk-a-dotted. I decided  now was the opportunity to see how those red apples would look all over the tree. After carefully observing the apples on the neighboring tree, I realized they weren't all red so I could be more conservative in the usage of red. I was happy with the results. I think it will work just fine on a large scale. 

 

 

"Around The Apple Tree," August Tree Study

Pastel on Paper, 14" x 17"

 

 

As I continue to sketch, we are clearing space in our barn to start painting this twelve foot tree. I am so excited about painting this large and to have a large enough space to work. I will have to get going and dedicate most of my time to this project until it gets too cold. In the mean time, I am still gathering up donated materials. Enjoy the attached video filmed at GNH Lumber and Home Center in Greenville New York.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRw435g-1r4

 

 

Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter, https://www.susanmstory.com

 

 

More information coming soon, until then...

Stay Safe! 

Susan

 

 

 

Many thanks to all that have been so generous in helping to support this grant project and helping to build this near-to-life size apple tree!  

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. 

 

 

                                         

 https://www.artscenteronline.org  

Troy, NY

                               

         http://www.kuhartamilyfarm.weebly.com   

     Rensselaerville, NY

                    

https://www.gnhlumber.com

Greenville, NY

                                                                                                        

https://www.lowes.com/store/NY-Glenmont/17    

Glenmont, NY

                            

                                                            https://www.homedepot.com/l/AlbaNY/NY/Albany/12205/1241

 

 

____________

 

Stanley Maltzman PSA, HFH and Joyce Barry

 

http://www.gallerydir.com/art-web/ARTIST/data/ID/147

 

 

 

 

Please read Blog #1, "Exciting News", Individual Artist Commission grant by The Arts Center Of The Capital Region, (“The Arts Center”), on behalf of the New York State Council On The Arts.

I waited patiently for the apple tree to bloom. I was using the young apple tree in my yard as a guide as to when it was time to visit my muse. All of a sudden it got warm and all the apple trees bloomed! I foolishly thought they would linger a few days. The heat remained and oops, I thought I had better get down there. Much to my surprise it is a tad warmer down the street and I missed the tree in its full glory by a day! Not that the blooms were all gone but the tree just wasn’t at its peak. I am just that much higher in elevation to have made this mistake.

I brought an assortment of materials and paper with me so I could use whatever the spirit moved me to choose. I started with a pastel sketch on rice paper focusing on a branch with a few remaining flowers. Many of the flower petals had fallen off.  The burnt orange stamens and their pollen sacs had already released pollen grains that appeared to me to be dripping down. The blossoms not  pollenated or mature, reveled the little green leaves that support the blossoms, sepals, filaments, stamens and pistil. So many delicate parts in the center of this beautiful flower. I was observing all three spring stages at once!

“Blossom Study”, on rice paper, 11” x 15” pastel.

The paper proved to be a challenge for any detail but I liked the effect.

Returning a couple of days later, I decided to focus on a section of the tree limbs and the trunk. I selected a paper I had never used before. It was a neutral color and was thick like a felt. Staring with a watercolor underpainting the paper bubbled up. I realized a made a bad choice and started again using watercolor paper.

“Late Spring”, on watercolor paper with pastel, 22” x 15”

After returning home, I picked up the puckered paper from my first attempt of the tree. I imagined the tree in its glory and, with the aid of a photo the tree owner had taken, began adding pastel.

“Blooming Tree, Spring Glory”, 22.5” X 15”, felted paper

I was happy with my sketches of the apple tree in spring. I captured the nuances and spirit of the season with my work and the reference photos I had taken. On to the next step….

Read about my project  in the Altamont Enterprise, 

https://altamontenterprise.com/06232020/artist-gets-grant-paint-near-life-size-apple-tree

Please visit my website join my newsletter, https://www.susanmstory.com

Come back soon!

Susan

Many thanks to those supporting this project and helping to build this near-to-life size apple tree!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Stanley Maltzman PSA, HFH and Joyce Barry

Stanley Maltzman @ GALLERY DIRECT (GalleryDIR.com)

-------------------------------------------------------------

https://altamontenterprise.com

http://www.kuhartamilyfarm.weebly.com/

https://www.lowes.com/store/NY-Glenmont/1784

Hello Everyone,

I am very happy to announce that I have been awarded an Individual Artist Commission grant from by the Arts Center Of The Capital Region, (“The Arts Center”), on behalf of the New York State Council On The Arts! The purpose of the grant is to support my project, “Around The Apple Tree.”

https://youtu.be/2UCqxZAWPrw

Apple trees are a common sight in the Helderberg Hilltowns and for some time I have been wanting to create a “near to life size” painting of one using oil sticks. My purpose would be to visually draw attention to the relevance of the apple tree to the well-being of the community. Not only do we enjoy food and beverage from this tree, but it also makes an important contribution to the economy of the region.

My “near to life size” painting will be created in my studio over several months as I observe and sketch the seasonal development and changes of one particular apple tree. When completed, my painting will be presented much like a sculpture, with a gift of real fruit for all to enjoy along with a written dialogue to further communicate the purpose of the project. My painting will also serve as inspiration to the public to participate in painting their own community apple tree. I will temporarily install my completed work for display in conjunction with a relevant autumn community event, at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville. A traced replica of my apple tree and all the supplies needed will be available to the public at this event to have the opportunity to paint their own “near to life size“ apple tree. My hope is to offer a community building experience as well as an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of the apple tree and it’s economic impact. The community tree will be donated to Volunteer Orchards, LLC, plan to host community events and the community tree will be part of their exterior signage. www.volunteerorchards.com

It will be very exciting for me to work with this new medium and large scale. This opportunity will bring my work to a new level. The grant would provide me with funds to start my new work while bringing visual awareness of the beauty and time it takes the tree to bear it’s fruit.

I will be blogging to keep you informed of my project as it develops. (it progresses, the steps, stages) My start was slightly delayed by COVID 19. I officially started May 13, 2020, when I went down to The Samuel Jenkins House in Rensselaerville to video, photograph and start sketching my favorite old tree before it bloomed. Thankfully we have had a cool spring so the tree’s skeleton was still visible. What a magnificent tree, all the twists and turns of it’s life and large burls of wood on it’s trunk. Although a sunny day, it was a very windy day. After an attempt to make my first sketch I found the wind kept blowing the pages of my sketch book a distraction. If only I had thought to bring some clips to hold the pages! I decided to go back the next morning and try again. 

The next morning was a perfect for a plein air sketch. I decided to bring a larger sketch pad with me than I had the previous day. My intent was to record the main limbs and branches before they would be covered by the leaves. I have to admit it was hard to resist not adding some of the smaller branches, they add so much to the ballet dancer (pose of the tree) gesture of the tree. I left happy that my mission was accomplished and I had started a new adventure. 

   My second

   attempt on a

   much calmer day!

   Starting with a line

drawing to record

the most    

 important details.

First sketch completed, charcoal on Strahmore 400 series paper, 14 x 17

I am deliberating now if I want to return the same time of day for each season to catch the same lighting. Adding the direction of the light may pull the painting together or it may be too distracting with the changing season details. Something to consider as I work on the painting, “what to add and what to leave out.” I love a challenge!

Please check my website and join my newsletter for updates.  https://www.susanmstory.com

Check out my project announcement on YouTube https://youtu.be/2UCqxZAWPrw