New Painting at the Weyrich Gallery

Zen Garden Blossoms, 2016. Original mixed media on panel. Image: 12x12" Available: contact Weyrich Gallery.

Today's blogpost features a new painting from my ongoing series "In a Japanese Garden." Painted in gouache on rice paper with gold metallic enhancements, the image also incorporates Chinese texts and characters.

In my research of Japanese art, history, and culture for this series, it was interesting to discover the impact and influence of Chinese culture on the development of Japanese civilization. Still today modern Japanese writing system contains several thousand Chinese characters known as kanji.

In this painting I have drawn on both cultures to create the image: The Chinese text is in the traditional vertical style of writing that the Japanese call tategaki, while the background of the blossoms uses the color blending seen in traditional Japanese woodblock prints.

The painting is available for purchase at the Weyrich Gallery located at 2935 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 / 505.883-7410.

Text and Image ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.
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Painting the Season

Bosque Cottonwoods, 2016. Original painting, oil on panel, 6" x 8"

Autumn is my favorite season, no matter where I live. Perhaps it's the cooler weather, the quality of the air, the color changes in the foliage...probably, it's all three.

So, two weeks ago when the Monday Plein Air Painters gathered at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House to paint, I grabbed my outdoor painting gear and joined them. What a lovely morning! And what a lovely location to paint.

Located in the South Valley of Albuquerque the Gutierrez-Hubbell homesite goes back to the 1850's, when it was the home of Julianna Gutierrez and James Hubbell. They had 8 children and their property also served as a farm, ranch, mercantile and trading post for the family business. Having been restored in recent years by Bernalillo County, the house and 10 acres is a historical and cultural site, one of six New Mexico sites named to the Register of Historic Places.

I wandered down to the acequia (the man-made water channel that the Spanish hand-dug for irrigation purposes) to paint the cottonwood trees that were just beginning to take on their yellow tinge of autumn. 

It's been quite awhile since I've painted en plein air. But it was good to refresh my efforts and a wonderful place and day to do so.

FYI: The Gutierrez-Hubbell House is located at 6029 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque. Open Tu - Sat, 10-2pm.

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Now Showing in Memphis, TN (Part 2)

Floating Rose Kimono, 2016, Gouache, gold on gessoed panel 22 x 18' (framed size)

Here's the second painting I have in the "Summer Group Exhibition 2016" at L Ross Gallery in Memphis now through July 30.

The L Ross Gallery is located at 5040 Sanderlin Avenue (Suite 104), Memphis, 38117. The gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 10-5pm, Sat 11-3pm.  You can also see the exhibit online.

Thanks for taking a moment to read my blog. Stay cool!

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Now Showing, in Memphis TN...

Currents, 2016. Oil, gold on canvas, 32" x 44."  Available: Contact LRoss Gallery, Memphis

After taking down my exhibit at the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque on June 25, I was contacted by my Memphis art dealer Linda Ross about showing a few paintings at her gallery during July.

Since I was on my way to Florida, I was happy to deliver two paintings--"Currents" and "Floating Rose Kimono"--to Memphis for inclusion in Linda's "Summer Group Exhibition 2016."

If you're in Memphis, please drop by L Ross Gallery at 5040 Sanderlin Avenue (Suite 104), Memphis, 38117. The gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 10-5pm, Sat 11-3pm.

Not only can you see my two paintings, but also very fine work by several of my dear artist-friends who live and work in the Mid-South area. You can also see the exhibit online .

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Last Day to Visit "In a Japanese Garden"

White Blossoms: Yellow, Blue, Peach, 2016. 
6" x 6" each. Available separately.

Today is the last day of my exhibit "In a Japanese Garden"at the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque.

This has been a truly wonderful exhibit for me, from start to finish. I enjoyed creating the paintings; loved the installation by the Gallery; was thrilled with the fabulous review by Wesley Pulkka; had fun giving my Artist Talk last weekend to the brave souls who came out in 100 degree heat; and am so grateful to those who purchased work, too!

Thank you! to everyone who has been a part of this process--those near and those far away.

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

In a Japanese Garden...Last Views

Royal Garden, 2016. Mixed media, 16" x 12"

Today and tomorrow are the last days of my exhibit, "In the Japanese Garden" at the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque. And what better painting to share with you than this "Royal Garden", especially if you are a fan of the color purple.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of the paintings on this blog that were part of the exhibit. Thanks for being a part of this experience and process.

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Final Week of My Exhibit...Last views

Rising Moon, 2016, mixed media, 16 x 12"
SOLD

Oh, the moon was lovely last night over Albuquerque!

I am sure that Albert Pinkham Ryder, if he were still alive, would have noticed the moon last night too, since he did several paintings featuring night time illumination. Ryder is one of my favorite artists, and certainly an inspiration for my painting of the garden in the evening.

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Last Week of My Exhibit

Kimono III (Gold), 2016, mixed media on panel, "12x12"

Since this is the last week of my exhibit "In a Japanese Garden" at the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque, I am posting the remaining paintings in the show.

One of the interesting facts I discovered while doing research for this exhibit was that the color purple was very difficult color to obtain in Japan during the Nara period, and therefore, very pricey. Only royalty, high ranking officials and priests were allowed to even wear the color purple.

Even though I had finished this painting, after learning that fact, I added purple dotting to this piece--adding a touch of "royalty" to it.

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Image and text: Carol L Adamec, 2016. All rights reserved.

"My Journey to a Japanese Garden"

Mixed media on ricepaper, mounted on panel, 6x6." Available: contact Artist

Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, June 18) I will be giving my Artist Talk at 3:30pm at the Weyrich Gallery. The title of my talk is "My Journey to a Japanese Garden." It's a free event and a great chance to see the show.

I've been giving a lot of thought to how to organize this presentation, since creating the work for an exhibit is an intuitive process and now it's time to provide a coherent narrative that gives viewers some sense of how the paintings came into being, my ideas, and the process and materials.

And of course, attendees are welcome to ask questions, too!

So if you are in Albuquerque, please come! The Gallery is located at 2935-D Louisiana NE (at Candelaria). The exhibit--In a Japanese Garden--continues thru June 25.

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Text and image ©Carol L Adamec, 2016. All rights reserved.

WOW! What a review!

Review Article by Wesley Pulkka, Albuquerque Journal, Sunday, June 12, 2016, LIFE section, p. 17

I woke up Sunday to a phone call from an artist-friend. "Get up and go buy a newspaper! You got a great review on your show!"

So I jumped out of bed and legged it over to my local Walgreen's and bought two Albuquerque Journal Sunday newspapers. Sure enough, my friend was right. It was a great review by Wesley Pulkka...no, actually, it was a FABULOUS review! Featuring color images of my paintings, too! 

Mostly I appreciate Wes Pulkka's thoughtfulness and response to my artwork. It's so nice to have a reviewer really get your work. If you would like to read the review, here's the link .

Thanks to the many friends and artists who are Albuquerque Journal readers who emailed their generous and congratulatory comments about the review. I appreciate them all!

If you haven't yet seen the exhibit, it continues thru June 25 at the Weyrich Gallery 2935-D Louisiana in Albuquerque. Hours: Tu - Fri 10:30-5:30p / Sat 11-5:30.

I'll be doing an Artist Talk this Saturday, June 18, at 3:30pm at the Gallery...a free event and a great chance to see the exhibit, too.

Another Exhibit Invitation for You...

Yes, you are invited to another opening reception ... TONIGHT!

"Words & Images" is a group show by the Rainbow Artists in Albuquerque (I am a member and have a painting and a poem in this show), featuring 78 works of art and 38 poems! A fun evening of art, poetry, and music at the Tortuga Gallery in Albuquerque.

Hope to see you there!

"So, how was the show?"

View of 3 of my flower paintings: "In a Japanese Garden"
at the Weyrich Gallery. Photo credit: Jean Kondek

Last Friday was a beautiful evening for an opening reception, and a Citywide ArtsCrawl in Albuquerque to boot. So, for me it was a most "auspicious" night to have my exhibit, "In a Japanese Garden" at the Weyrich Gallery Albuquerque.

I am very grateful to my friends, colleagues, collectors, and clients of the Weyrich Gallery who came to the opening reception last week. Three paintings were purchased (Thank you, my dear friends and collectors!); and I received many encouraging emails, texts, and positive comments about the exhibit from those who attended, along with good wishes from friends, family, and supporters around the country.

One note from an artist-friend said, "I went to 6 other openings last night and yours was hands down way above and beyond what I saw elsewhere. Thanks for inviting me." Well, that was nice to hear.

Yes, I am pleased with the paintings, and the exhibit was beautifully installed by Valerie and Gary Tibbetts, the gallery owners. 

"So, how was the show?"

Perfect!

PS: Thanks, Mom and Karen, for the lovely and exotic flower arrangement. It added just the right touch!

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Image and text: Carol L Adamec, 2016. All rights reserved.

Tonight's the Night!

O'Keeffe Calla, my original painting at the Weyrich Gallery
SOLD

Finally! It's showtime at the Weyrich Gallery for my opening reception of "In a Japanese Gallery--An Interpretation" this evening from 5-8:30pm.

Gallery owners Valerie and Gary Tibbetts have done a beautiful job of installing the exhibit, creating just the right garden atmosphere with my paintings. I am very pleased with the exhibit, and look forward to seeing all the guests coming to the opening tonight.

And many thanks to all the good wishes from friends, family, and collectors, near and far. I appreciate your support!

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Image and text: Carol L Adamec, 2016. All rights reserved

Sneak Preview #5....

Floating Rose Kimono, 2016. Mixed media on panel, 20 x 16"

ABOVE: Floating Rose Kimono

Another one of the kimono paintings in my show, In a Japanese Garden—An Interpretation.

Only two more days until Opening Night!

Opening Reception: Friday, June 3, 5-8:30pm

at The Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Thanks for taking a sneak peek!
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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sneak Preview #4...

ABOVE: White Lily Kimono, 2016, mixed media, 16x12"
SOLD

I hope your are enjoying a great holiday weekend!

Here's a larger view of "White Lily Kimono" that was featured on the invitation card.

See the "real thing" next week! Details below:

In a Japanese Garden—An Interpretation

Opening Reception: 5-8:30pm, Friday, June 3 

at The Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 

Thanks for taking (another) sneak peek! 

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sneak Preview #3...

Currents, 2016. Original painting, oil, gold on canvas. 32" x 44"

ABOVE: Currents by Carol L Adamec

Every exhibit needs what I call a "Show Stopper"—at least one artwork that has a Wow! factor. This painting is my "show stopper"for my upcoming exhibit at the Weyrich Gallery.

Hope it grabs you, too!

In a Japanese Garden—An Interpretation

Opening Reception: 5-8:30pm, Friday, June 3 

at The Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 

Thanks for taking a sneak peek! 

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Image and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sneak Preview #2...

Dress Up Kimono, 2016, mixed media. Available. Contact Artist.

ABOVE: Dress Up Kimono

One of the kimono paintings in my show, In a Japanese Garden–An Interpretation.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 3, 5-8:30pm

at The Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Thanks for taking a sneak peek!

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Image &and text ©2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sneak Preview #1

Blue Twins, 2016. Original, oil, metallic gold on gessoed panel, 8"x8"
SOLD

ABOVE: Blue Twins (Morning Glories) 

One of the flower paintings for my show In a Japanese Garden.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 3, 5-8:30pm

at the Weyrich Gallery, 2935-D Louisiana NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Thanks for stopping by to take a sneak peek!

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Image and Text ©2016 Carol L. Adamec. All rights reserved.

Save the Date...June 3rd!

I'm having a one-person exhibit at the Weyrich Gallery in Albuquerque and ....

And here's a little sample of some of my new paintings that will be exhibited!

Hope to see you at the opening!

Open Studios Night!

The Harwood is pretty quiet. You never know who is working away in their upstairs studios.

This week, however, there are a lot of unusual sounds coming from behind closed doors—vacuuming, hammering, a stuff being moved around—all in preparation for this Saturday's annual Harwood Open Studios night.

So, here's your invitation, and I hope you can come by. And if you'd like a sneak preview of some of the artwork I'll have in my studio, check out my website.

See you there!

Getting the Painting "Right"

In the Brightness, 2016. Original oil on stretched canvas, 6"x6"
SOLD

Today's post of a yellow lily was begun over three months ago. So why are you just seeing it today? Well...

I painted the lily, and then the greenery—but I didn't like the way it turned out. So I repainted the lily, and then the greenery. 

Then I tackled the background, first with a deep turquoise color; then a purplish hue; then a deep blue; and finally the rosy pink. (Yes, I am talking about those 17 little bits of color behind the flower and the leaves.)

Yes, it took three months to finally get it "right"—at least, I think it's "right."

Of course, I have been working on other paintings in the meantime—which I'll be sharing with you...just as soon as they are "right", too.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this post. Have a great week!

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Image and text © 2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

White Blossoms, Version 2

"White Blossoms, Blue Sky," 2016. Original mixed media on panel, 6"x6". Available: Contact Artist.

Back in September I posted a different "White Blossoms" painting, one with a bright yellow background.

Today's image is a different version of "White Blossoms" with a background of blue. It's painted with gouache on rice paper, overlaid with color pencil and accented with metallic gold. Rather cheerful, I think, considering the wintry weather some folks are experiencing today.

Thank you for taking a moment to visit my blog. Enjoy your weekend.
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Image and text ©2016 Carol L. Adamec. All rights reserved.

January Tulip

By the Window, 2015, original oil on panel, 6"x6."  Available: Contact Weyrich Gallery, Albuquerque, NM

Here's the flower painting I promised to share with you 'way back in November. The painting will be in the exhibit "Windows to the World" at the St. Michael's Gallery here in Albuquerque, at 601 Montano NW. The show opens tomorrow (reception from 6-8pm) and continues until February 10. Please come by the opening reception if you're in the area!

I have been out of town for the past two months—due to a family emergency—and then the holidays. Now that I am back in town, I'm thrilled to be working in my studio again!

Thank you for taking a moment to visit my blog. And belated "Happy New Year" greetings to all my faithful readers! I appreciate your support.
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Text and image © 2016 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.