Here is hoping you had the best Independence Day EVER!
I found myself getting a little misty-eyed thinking about how lucky we all are to live in a country where we are free to be who we were born to be. With all the challenges we are enduring today, we still can make the decisions and take the risks required to pursue our dreams based on our unique gifts, passions and talents. We are free to succeed or fail as our own individual fates dictate.
I hurt for the people in the Gulf who are loosing their "way of life" every day. It would literally break my heart if I was forced to give up my "way of life" and the deep satisfaction I get from working to master my craft. God bless them in the Gulf.
So, I have a few things to share with you.
First, let me tell you about a new... VERY EXCITING... change we are working on regarding the framing of my paintings. In our ongoing effort to provide you with the best quality possible, we are changing our glass.
The new glass is the best glass available. It is called "Museum" glass It is a coated glass that features 97% reduced glare and 97% UV protection. It is very clear. It is used to protect important documents and pieces that hang in... well, amongst other places... museums.
If you hang your painting, with Museum glass, in a place where there is no harsh light source directly across from it, you will not even be able to see that there is glass. All you see is the painting!! It is REALLY unbelievable.
The plan is to put Museum glass on all new, professionally framed signature pieces (my signature pieces are the sky pieces). And, we are using a phased approach to replace the glass in the signature paintings that are currently in the galleries.
We are starting with the pieces at the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana. If you are in the area, please check them out. PLEASE let the nice people there know what you think of the change.
Second, I wanted to show off a new, commissioned piece (on the top left). It is called "Glorious Adventure" and is of a really wonderful memory my dear friend Glady had when she was on vacation to California years ago. She said the sun was going down over the ocean. First it was brilliant red and turned the sky to fire. Then it turned orange, then yellow.
It is a very warm piece and looked so pretty in her house. What a great way to commemorate her precious memory.
Let me know if I can do a commission piece for you! I would love that!
Third, it is time again for the summer art walks in Ennis, Montana! I will be at the Depot Gallery on main street on July 16th. I believe it is from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, but the gallery is open all day in case you get there earlier. There will be a silent action that night, so come out and take a look. There is more info on their site: www.thedepotgallery.com.
The two bottom pieces on the left are amongst the signature paintings of mine that are currently available at the gallery. (Please note, they do NOT currently have the museum glass, but we can help you get the glass upgraded if you would like.)
Fourth, I wanted to thank Tom and Tina Evans for stopping by on their way through Montana the other week. It was so nice visiting with them!! It sounds like they had a great time after we saw them, checking out the nooks and crannies of Montana.
Incidently, this has been a perfect year so far for visiting Montana. It has rained a bunch, and stayed nice and cool. I think is is about 60 degrees here right now! It is as green as I have seen it in all the ten years I have been here!!! Come on and check it out!!!
And, last but not least, the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana has a number of framed paintings on their walls with the new Museum glass. Plus, there are some unframed pieces in the back that they can easily frame up for you.
Have a wonderful day! Have a wonderful summer!!!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
HAPPY SPRING!!! Happy warmer weather (well, for some of you)!!! Hope you are enjoying the season so far!
Well, my journey has now passed the ten year mark! It was early March of 2000 when I moved here to Montana to be an artist. It seems like yesterday!! What a BLAST it has been! And, so much more to look forward to doing!
I thought maybe I'd celebrate by sharing a couple new pieces with you for the fun of it.
The three pieces on the left are now available at the Cowboy Coffee House in Townsend, Montana. Townsend is only about 16 miles from were we live. I picked scenes I hoped "the locals" might recognize and our visitors might want to see. They are a display of several of the beautiful places that give our county it's unique flavor.
As always, I'm trying to provide the viewer with a mental vacation to a peaceful, calm place. I guess that is why people love having paintings. They can take you away!!!
Just a reminder, the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana has a number of framed paintings on their walls and some unframed pieces in the back.
The Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana is scheduled to open back up in May. They are currently on an "appointment" basis until then. They have more info on their site: www.thedepotgallery.com.
Have a wonderful day! Have a wonderful season!!!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
Well, here we are... both feet in it!! 2010!!! New year, new decade! I'm ready, are you???
FRAME SALE @ GHOST ART GALLERY: First things first. The annual Frame Sale is currently in full swing at the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana. The professionals at the Ghost Art Gallery are the REAL DEAL!!
They are offering framing for 20% off. The sale will be on until January 26th!
So, if you have any pieces at home that need to be framed (or reframed), please go take advantage of this opportunity!!! I'm sure you will be MORE than happy with the result!!
Don't forget, I have a number of new pieces at the Ghost Art Gallery (some framed, some not yet framed). I'd love it if you asked the nice folks there to give you a peek at them, whether you are in the position to buy or not. Incidently, you can purchase my paintings at my unframed price, then have it framed at the sale price and save a few bucks.
DEPOT GALLERY SCHEDULE: Winter is the time of year when the Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana changes their schedule to "Appointment Only". They are totally available to you, you just need to call them so someone can meet you there. You can find all the numbers on the home page of: www.thedepotgallery.com.
NEW PAINTINGS: The paintings on the left are my newest work.
The top two are now in the Cowboy Coffee House in Townsend, Montana. They show scenes of what you might see in my neighborhood. Lots of animals.
The bottom piece shows one of my signature subjects... skies. It was a beautiful evening, facing southeast. So peaceful.
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
I was following the recent blog on FineArtViews.com (ClintWatson) by Stapleton Kearns called "Ask Stape - Should I quit my day job". Many of the comments were concerns about leaving the security of a job to take the leap. Someone mentioned it might help to know the stories of professional artists, so I thought I would put in my two cents.
Have you ever looked at the artwork in a gallery or show and thought, "I could do that"? You find yourself daydreaming, longing for the day when you would be sprinkled with magic fairy dust and be declared one of the chosen few who are making their living as an artist? You wonder if you're special enough?
I've been there, done that. I worked in a corporate job for 19 years. Now, I'm a professional artist… still standing after 10 years and able to tell the tale.
When I graduated with a Fine Art degree, I couldn't picture actually making a living as an artist. In my last semester of college, I took my first business class and desperately wanted to have my own business. But, I didn't do that either.
In 1981, I listened to the people who loved me and took a more secure, profitable job in a major corporation. Back then, benefits were good and companies were loyal, retaining employees for their whole careers. We defined "quality" as providing products and services that customers would need and enjoy.
But, in the early 1990's, the companies changed. There were many acquisitions and benefits were adjusted down to match the new companies with the smallest packages. "Quality" efforts became all about cost cutting. Since the employee costs were the highest, there went loyalty to the employees.
I'm not sure I ever really fit into that life. But, I am sure that the stress was killing me. It was time to reevaluate.
I started drawing and my friends were very supportive. I thought it would be fun to do weekend shows, so started the small business I always wanted on a part time basis.
That was the positive side of the story. But, there came a time when I needed to decide whether to quit my job and go full time with my art business. My (now ex-) husband said something like, "why don't you stay in your job another 15 years and then you can do your art when you retire". Well, that was the final of many straws in a relationship of 17 years.
No more being a door mat! I had to stand up and let the chips fall where they may. I learned many things. I learned to buy my own truck. I bought my own house. I started taking charge and began asking "why not go for it", rather than "who do you think you are thinking you are so special".
I developed my plan to get out. Once the plan was in place, it was easy to take the steps. Yes, SURPRISINGLY easy!!!
In spring of 2000, I quite my job one day. The next day, I sold my house and jumped into a poorly maintained U-Haul truck, with my little truck on a trailer in the back. I didn't know how to back up with a trailer, so I drove forward all the way from Minnesota to Montana. I didn't know anyone. I moved from the big towny-town (Minneapolis) to a small town in ranching country. Now, I can see what my neighbors are doing… with a spotting scope.
And, all I knew was pencil drawing. I didn't even know color back then!
What was I thinking? Was I crazy???
No! Well… MAYBE! But, I was thinking "this is all or nothing". If there are problems, I BELIEVE I'll be able to figure out what to do.
Within 10 days, I met my current husband. Did he have steady income??? Nope, he's a horse trainer. The money comes and goes with the horses.
Did we hang onto every dime we had so we could make it? Again, nope. We took my retirement money out. We purchased land and built a horse training facility. I felt pretty smart that we got it out before the markets went volatile after 9/11.
I know what you are thinking. The big question:"Did you run out of money?" Isn't that one of the big unknowns that is keeping you from making the leap?
The answer is: Yes. In fact, I learned how much I did not know about money. The first time our working capital was used up, I panicked and focused on "finding money" instead of "selling more stuff". I dug an unbelievable, Grand Canyon sized debt hole. Trying to keep up with the payments took us down any number of times. But, when we stopped borrowing, and tried solving our selling problems, we have been able to work our way out to a more neutral position on the debt.
All this and a recession, too. Ugh!
Are there moments when you wonder if you'll make it? Yes.
But, that is not just an artist's thoughts. I'm in a much better position than many, many people who had jobs in this country and are now looking. We still have our place and have not been in foreclosure to this point.
Will there be a magical journey where someone will escort you through all the scary parts? No. You have to decide you can do it and be a warrior on your own behalf. You must believe that you're smart enough and resilient enough to make it.
One of my favorite sayings: If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right!
So, the next time you look at the art in the gallery or show and say, "I could do that", just realize that there is no magic fairy dust to make you an artist. It is hard work, but it IS doable.
Hey! How did this year go by so FAST!?!?!! Can you believe it???
Well, I hope all of you have had positive, uplifting things happen in your lives during this year of challenges! One of the reasons I enjoy the sky so much is that it is always changing. It can go from stormy to glorious very quickly. Let's all hope for a glorious 2010!!!
In this newsletter, I am highlighting several 11" X 14" paintings. They are a great size for times like these. Not too small and not too large. As Goldielocks would say, they might be "Just right".
All the paintings shown to the left are now available at the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana. If you like them, please visit the Ghost Art Gallery to take a look at these, plus the wide variety of other pieces. Or, if you are not local, please contact me or the gallery (contact info is on my site).
Now, if you go into the gallery, you may not see all of them on the wall. They might be sold already, or might be in the "back room". In fact, most of these are not currently framed.... which may be great for you! Why? Because you can help pick out the frame.
Typically, a piece of this size is sold framed at $800. However, if it is not framed, you can buy the piece for $625, then purchase the frame separately. The expert framers at the Ghost Art Gallery can help you work within your budget to create a look that will really fit for you. Neat, huh??
Actually, a little known secret. Even if the piece is currently framed, you can work with the galleries (at least the ones I am associated with) to change the frames to fit your needs. Cool!!! And EASY!!!
If you like any of these pieces and purchase them in the next few days, the Ghost Art should be able to get them framed for you by Christmas.
Or, if you are not shopping for Christmas, you can purchase them unframed now and frame them at the Ghost Art's annual frame sale coming soon. (Ask the Ghost Art Gallery for details about their sale.)
If you are in the Ennis, Montana area, don't forget to stop in to the Depot Gallery. There are a wide selection of paintings from gift giving size to more substantial pieces... don't forget to treat yourself this season!!
All my current work is available for viewing on my site. Please take a look and consider the inspiration of the changing sky!!!
Have a blessed time in the next few weeks... and a prosperous year in 2010!!!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
My last newsletter was just a week ago, but I have more new pieces for your enjoyment.
All the pieces to the left are now at the Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana. If you are in the area, stop in and give them a look. If you are not in the area, you can still purchase a piece through the gallery. It's easy to have them shipped in time for the holidays!
Also, I'd like to make a correction on the Christmas Stroll info for the Ennis area. It is on Friday, December 4th, from 5-8 pm. I plan to be there doing a demo, as long as the weather cooperates. Please come if you can!
If you are in the Helena area, stop in the Ghost Art Gallery and check out my work, plus the other lovely things offered there. They have lots of great ideas for Christmas!
Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! Gobble, gobble!!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
How's the weather where you live? We have snow here, brand new from yesterday. I'm just not sure I am quite ready for it!
Hey, you know how I'm going on about "live with passion"? Well, I DO like talking about that concept! In my recent journeys, I have asked a few folks what they would REALLY like to be doing. My favorite answers have come from two bankers. One really wanted to be a test pilot and the other is looking to open a roller skating rink (like we enjoyed in the 1970's, before in-line skates).
Cool, huh? What about you? Are you "living" your passion?
As one who has left all things known, to start a new path based on passion and happiness, here is my best advice for the day. DON'T WAIT! Live's short.
All you need to do is: 1. dream your best dream (as though there are no barriers), 2. develop a written goal and specific steps to achieving your goals, then 3. take the chance and start working the plan!
Real life is full of challenges, of course. You do have to work your way through the barriers and sometimes your commitments require you to work at a slower pace for a while. But, you would be surprised at how far you can go if you just start moving in the right direction.
And, always remember: "If you think you can, or you think you can't, you are probably right!"
Okay, enough of the soapbox!
We just finished up our fall Pastel Painting class in Townsend, Montana. It was a FUN group!!!
TONIGHT, the Helena Fall Artwalk will be held from 6:00 - 9:00. The guest artist at the Ghost Art Gallery will be Bob Morgan. He has a new print to be highlighted tonight, which is very exciting!
Also, Nancy Reetz Treib, who works at the Ghost Art Gallery, will be showing her beautiful photography at the Lewis and Clark Library tonight. That's just up the street from the Ghost Art. Her photos are really wonderful and her display will be a "must see"!
So, if you are in the Helena area, stop in and check out the scene! If you go into the Ghost Art Gallery, you may see a few of the paintings on the left. They are my newest works and I just dropped them off there on Tuesday. Enjoy!
I believe there is also a Christmas Stroll type event in Helena in a couple weeks also, but I am not sure of the date. Check local listings for the details.
The Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana will be participating in their Christmas Stroll on December 5th. That is a night that is always fun for all!!
Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
Summer here has been very good. It even rained during the summer a few times, which is pretty good, since we live in a high plains desert amongst the prickly pear cactus and rattlesnakes. (Well, we only see about one rattlesnake a year, but it still leaves an impression on me!)
I hope you have been as busy working on your passions as we have been. Donald is training some superior athletes (cutting horses, in case I have never mentioned it). Awesome! And I have been painting away and participated in several Art Walks in Ennis, Montana. Fun!
Next week, my fall pastel class starts up.(I can't quite believe the time goes by so quickly.) We always have a blast and I'm looking forward to having fun with everyone!
This time, for your viewing pleasure, I'm including a couple fall scenes you might have seen... just to get you in the spirit. Plus, I am including several new pieces.
Enjoy!
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
by Carol Zirkle on 7/16/2009 11:05:44 AM
1 Comment
:Welcome to Adobe GoLive 4
Art-News from Carol Zirkle
Newletter Vol. 33 - July 15, 2009
Hi!
Is it HOT enough for you??? I see on the news that it is steamy all over the country these days. Where I live, it has been really wonderful, with predictions that the heat will be hitting soon. HAPPY SUMMER!!!!
NEW PAINTING: I just wanted to share a new painting with you called "Breakfast Club". It is the top picture on the left. It may be hard to see on this newsletter (you can see it better by going to my site and enlarging it), but there is a herd of antelope in the field under the big white cloud. This is a local herd that showed up in my back yard one morning. They were munching on soft, green foliage. What a cool site!
The "Breakfast Club" piece is being displayed at the Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana.
DEPOT GALLERY - ENNIS ART WALK THIS FRIDAY: By the by, for those of you in the Ennis area this Friday, July 17, I will be one of the artists at the Depot Gallery from 5:00 - 8:00 for the Art Walk. Stop by and see me if you're there! If you can't make it that night, there are other art walks planned this summer that will feature other artists. Click here to see the schedule: http://thedepotgallery.com/events
DEPOT GALLERY - ART LOVER'S SILENT AUCTION: Speaking of the Depot Gallery, there is also a fun event going on there through the month of July. It is called the "Art Lover's Silent Auction". There are about 30 pieces of artwork by a variety of artists that are part of the auction. You can view the pieces and the current bids on the Depot Gallery's website: http://thedepotgallery.com/collections/20906
Incidently, the bottom three pictures on the left show the pieces I am offering in the auction.
If you participate in bidding, the auction is over July 31st. They will be having a party that night. You do not have to attend the party if you are not able. You can still bid any time from now until then by contacting the Depot Gallery at 406-682-7111. (They can mail paintings to you if you live outside the local area for the additional cost of the shipping.)
STOP BY THE GHOST ART GALLERY SOMETIME: Don't forget to stop in the Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana if you are in the area. They are showing several of my sky paintings. Please note that they have additional paintings in the back. If you would like to see them, just ask. (If you are not near the Helena area, just check out my site to see all paintings that are available. If a piece is at the Ghost Art Gallery, it will tell you that in the detail when you click on the piece.)
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
It's been a busy spring here! Hope you have had fun where you are at, too!
It is hard to imagine how fast the time seems to fly. I've already participated in the annual Quick Draw Auction in Townsend and just finished up the spring Pastel Painting class. In addition, Donald and I put on two horse clinics (i.e., two day classes). He did the training part, I made the food.
Whew!
Now, it's time to introduce a couple new paintings.
The first one on the left is a large painting that is going to the Depot Gallery in Ennis, Montana tomorrow. I call it "The Magic Hour", which refers to that time of day when the sun is just about to set. If you look toward the east, you can sometimes catch a rich, subtle glow on everything. I love that!
The other three are part of a new set that is now on display at the Cowboy Coffee House in Townsend, Montana. They highlight the vivid colors when you look to the west at sunset.
The Ghost Art Gallery in Helena, Montana is currently showing a collection of some of my other sky paintings. Just check out my site (the link is below) and take a gander.
Thanks for tuning in! As always, live with passion!!!
