Abstract acrylic paintings studio tips good books, quotes, art festivals Tracy Haines art

Happy June!

It is summer and that means......... Summer Art Market time!

Be sure to stop by the 2015 SUMMER ART MARKET!!  June 13&14th , 9-5 Saturday and Sunday
2nd and Grant st in Denver, Colorado.  Please stop by booth #6 and say hi!

I am excited to showcase new work in a very different style this year.  I will have many large ( up to 36x48") mixed media and acrylic paintings in a more stylized landscape format and a few purely abstract works like the one below.

Fresh off the easel:

Lazy Summer Day
16x20 acrylic on stretched canvas
$ 395.00

I've a new and huge respect for abstract artists.  I had no idea how difficult the struggle in painting something without reference material as a guide.  This new endeavor has been challenging and very exciting.

Today's studio tip:

Make your workplace as inviting as possible; a place you look forward to spending time. Hours and hours of time ;)

My studio is located in my basement.  For good lighting, and after quite a bit of research, I ordered the natural spectrum fluorescent lights from Verilux Lighting Company.  I can paint any time of night or day with these.   Still, the studio feels basement-like and sometimes a bit dark, despite the lights.  To make it a comfortable place to spend time, it helps to light a candle ( kept a good and safe distance from things volatile, of course!) and put on music while working.  Keeping the studio clean and organized  helps.  I am slowly decluttering and adding small touches here and there to make the studio itself feel like a piece of art.  It's a work in progress and I will keep you updated.

Quote of the Day:

Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling. ~G.K. Chesterton

Current books on my bedside dresser:

Acrylic Solutions by Chris Cozen and Julie Prichard- excellent review of materials and techniques in abstract and acrylic art plus great images.

Burn Your Portfolio by Michael Janda-  fun read with tips on succeeding in business and life.

One Nation by Ben Carson, MD-  This presidential candidate gives a clear overview of his ideas for healing the political and many other divisions in our country.  His life story is fascinating.

Coming soon:

You Tube pastel demo

Enjoy your day!