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

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