Shanon's Art & Inspirations

The pace has slowed dramatically, but the foundation has been laid. With the website makeover, payment processing implemented and now “owning” a shop on Etsy, more time is now free to spend on being creative, while spending more time with my children. I have begun to utilize photographs being taken as the basis for painting projects.

Currently, I have begun a piece consisting of ink and soon, watercolor. The vision for this set is somewhat abstract, combined with a contemporary feel. I also have two smaller pieces I will be working on; these pieces consist of a blue bird photographed over the winter and a hummingbird approaching a daffodil. These pieces are being completed at the special request of my daughters. However, I will share the outcomes.

Finally, I am preparing for the Three Rivers Art in the Park art fair, which will be held nearly four weeks from now. A few minor modifications to the booth may be made, but for the most part all is in place and ready to go for this event. My children are excited about working on art projects with me this summer and attending the next art fair. Perhaps there will be a collaborative project in our future?

Take care,

Shanon

The village of Winona Art Fair on June 4th and 5th went well. From setup to tear down, the whole experience was wonderful. Friday night the realization was quickly made that the simple display was going to need to be accented with furniture items. The goal was to give the sense that the viewer was standing in a very intimate gallery. Compared to more experienced artists, the display was quite simple, but many remarks were made as to how well it looked being the first art fair experience.



For years mostly family and friends have seen the work that I create and for the first time it was made more public and I was able to witness first responses to certain works. Over the course of this two day event, ninety degree weather, and a storm, I realized there are certainly risks, but also rewards with this type of event. I was so blessed by all those who made it out in the heat and humidity to be supportive and encouraging, and again, thank you. I also found I most enjoyed communicating with all the people stopping by the booth.

Following this experience, as well as conversations with individuals and my family, it seems as though continuing on the course I have been on for the past several months is a good idea. The foundation from the business aspect has already been laid. Contacts and mentors continue to provide advice and directions. And most importantly, my family absolutely loved being a part of the creative event. They again have encouraged me to continue moving forward – this is a blessing. As was mentioned before, the pursuit may not be as aggressive, but those closest and most important to me have solidified the notion to not completely give in and resort to an intermittent hobby.

Take care,

Shanon

Along with the solo exhibit that took place over the weekend, I was also given the opportunity to photograph a wedding. It was intimidating to say the least. I was concerned with capturing the photos the newlyweds desired, and definitely learned some lessons throughout the process. I hope the couple will be satisfied with the outcome of the photographs taken.

After the weekend, I shared my thoughts with my family regarding allowing the pursuit of art to be a lower priority. To my surprise, I was met with resounding encouragement to continue to move forward. My husband and children love seeing the creative process and are inspired to do the same. Most of all they shared with me they love seeing me pursue something close to my heart, and they know I love interacting with the people I have been meeting along the way. With this new light, I envision a more mellow endeavor - but active none the less.

Over the past few days I have also been reminded of several pieces I had envisioned painting: a husband and wife praying, a surrendered believer, joy, light, love, two young lovers embracing one another and individuals given for others. With summer nearly here, I am excited to have time to paint these visions - all while I am spending time with my daughters and inspiring them to be creative as well.

Take care,

Shanon

The exhibit at the Brew' Ha Coffee House on May 21st was a positive experience. I had the opportunity to speak with a local musician who spoke words of encouragement, especially regarding the initial steps of "being known" as an artist. I was also blessed by the attendance of some family and friends, and I am very appreciative of the connections a couple local artists were willing to facilitate. Most of all, I was extremely grateful for Kay's (the owner) willingness to allow me to set-up and display works.

Always looking for the lesson in every experience, my summary of this event was "now I know what I can improve and how long it takes to set-up the display". However, on a deeper level, I appreciated those who put forth the effort to be supportive and encouraging, as well as solidifying the conviction that time with those closest to me should never be sacrificed for the sake of being a "successful" artist.










By the way, some art viewed in the photographs are not my work, they are the works of local artists who also display at Brew'Ha.

Take care,

Shanon

With summer quickly approaching and various shows taking place, I am quickly realizing it takes a lot of time and energy to first produce quality works of photography and paintings, and second to produce an effective display which will cause individuals to be receptive to the art being exhibited. While the energy and resources may certainly be worth the effort, I am arriving to the conclusion that now is simply not the best time to be going so head strong.

The decision has been made to resign Shanon's Art to, once again, a hobby enjoyed when time allows. There are simply too many higher priorities, all of which deserve my whole hearted attention. This is not to say I will not continue with the commitments I have made. I will still be exhibiting at the Brew' Ha this Saturday, May 21st. I will also have a booth in the Village at Winona Art Fair and Three Rivers Art in the Park. However, I will not be actively pursuing additional dates.

As for the art, I hope to enjoy time creating again and sharing as they are completed. The site will be maintained and essentially utilized to share my hobby with the world, while also connecting with others. The latter is certainly a blessing and most enjoyable.

Take care,
Shanon

The Beautiful Day Ladies Conference went well, and a few pieces created for the event were sold. The prayer cards included nine different floral photographs, each coupled with one word and an accompanying prayer on the back. For those who purchased them, I believe they will be a blessing. The prayer card project will soon be both viewable and available for purchase here on the site.

The date for the solo exhibit at Brew’ Ha has been rescheduled from May 14th to May 21st, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The show will consist of recent landscape and floral photography, both in print format and on canvas. Also hoping to have a few paintings to introduce during this time, but time will tell.

One final update, I will be exhibiting photography during the Three Rivers Festival’s Art in the Park, on July 9th and 10th. I am looking forward to participating in this festival, as well as the one being held in June. As a reminder, photography will also be exhibited during the Village at Winona Art Fair, to be held June 4th and 5th. I would love to see, or meet, you there.

Take care,
Shanon

The showcase at the Expo went very well. There were many people interested in the photography portfolio, a couple interested in graphic design and a few interested in pet paintings. Pet paintings were not really considered, but if it is important for someone to capture there furry little loved one, then so be it. A photograph on canvas will be delivered to the individual whose name was drawn out of seventy entries. Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting some really wonderful people.

An application was submitted for photography at a Fort Wayne art festival last week, the jury was held this past Saturday. The outcome for this submission should be announced on or around March 31st. Special event artwork will be created and available for the Beautiful Day Ladies Conference , to be held at New Life Christian Church and World Outreach on April 16th. Additionally, a solo exhibit will be held at the Brew’ Ha Coffee House in Columbia City on May 14th.

Photographs continue to be compiled and utilized to produce video montages for The Center and their event to be held next April. Most recently, a book cover was designed utilizing a photograph recently taken. The individual connected through the internet and the inspired communication that has taken place has been a blessing. Please let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions for future works or exhibits, I would love to hear from you.

Take Care,
Shanon

The past week has called for my attention to be focused elsewhere, to say the least. Creative projects have been on hold, while family took priority. However, a showcase of photography, photographic renditions, oil paintings, and graphic design is scheduled to take place at the Whitley County EXPOsed event, this Saturday March 19th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Feel free to stop by and ask any questions you may have, or share an idea you would like to see become a reality.

Progress continues to be made on The Center project. Invitation cards and flyers have been finalized and a few videos have been created for the various programs The Center offers for Whitely County Youth. Those videos may be viewed on Vimeo, and any feedback is appreciated. Additionally, it appears there may be another creative opportunity in the works; I will keep you posted as to the developments of those opportunities.

While painting has been on hold for a period, many photographs have been taken and landscape photos taken a few months ago have been refreshed and revitalized. Those photographs are available for your viewing pleasure under Works Recently Completed. I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to hopefully seeing or meeting some of you this weekend.

Take care,
Shanon

Response from a show in southern Indiana has been received, and acceptance into the show was declined. This being the first show applied for, it is being considered an opportunity. Booth presentation, as well as a style that is my own, needs to be developed. One that says, “Oh yeah, this is definitely a piece by Shanon.” So the rejection brings a wonderful learning opportunity. This next year will be an ideal time to develop style and the presence I am intended to present in the art community.

On a different note, tasks continue to be completed on graphic design projects for The Center here in Columbia City. I encourage you to take a look at their website and discover what it is they do and how they create a unique atmosphere and array of experiences for the youth in the Whitley County area. Through collaboration, the executive director, his team, and I have created a new logo, postcards, and a flyer for their Benefit Cook-Off, to be held in April. Additionally, candid photographs of youth in action, will be taken and viewable during various events.

I hope everyone is doing well, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or special requests, as it relates to design or artistic needs.

Take care,
Shanon

A new design project has recently been acquired. Details of the organization will soon come. I am privileged to be doing logo design work as well as a handful of layout opportunities, for a local organization whose mission in the community is both wonderful and needed.

Three more compositions have been sketched out and canvas preparations have been made, now it is time to spend several hours in the studio. Recently a painting suggestion was made, after consideration this piece will also be completed. The work will fit well with the Neo-Baroque portfolio.

Several times steady progress has been mentioned, and the same still holds true. There seems to be a new opportunity every day. Those opportunities which meet the needs of others in particular (whether direct or indirect), are certainly the most appealing at this point. It is an amazing thought to know that gifts may be positively used to have an impact on the lives of others, be it in your hometown or across the world.

Take care,

Shanon

With the weather and ill children at home, progress on projects continues to be slowed a bit. However, that does not mean progress is not being made. Applications for a show in Indianapolis, as well as Winona Lake, have been submitted; acceptance notifications are sent out near the end of the month. Also, there may be two opportunities to showcase commissioned type work in March. As previously mentioned, any acceptance of works through these avenues will be posted on the 'Events' page.

I spent time this evening cleaning the pallet and brushes, as well as taking inventory of canvas supplies. I would like to see all thirteen canvases painted and ready for display by the first of May. As I was enjoying the time just setting things in order, I was reminded of something someone once told me, "if you want to be a serious artist, never have children." At the time I was pregnant with my first child and I was a bit shocked. I realized later what this artist was saying. Being an artist consumes quite a bit of time, time that cannot be sacrificed when one has a family. I love my family and I am grateful for them everyday. Creating art will never be the priority over them. Yes, I will continue to pursue what I believe to be a gift from God, which may also open doors to communicate His heart to others, but they will always come first.

Writing this I am also reminded of something a friend of mine from the corporate world once said, "if you do something, even a little bit every day, eventually you will have a whole project done." This encourages me to do something every day with regard to painting, creating compositions, or capturing a vision. Even one hour in the studio will eventually lead to an entire portfolio and a sense of knowing I took yet another step in the direction of something larger than myself.

Take care,
Shanon

Things continue to move at a steady, progressive pace. The past couple of weeks have consisted of putting together images of paintings and presentation of a booth display. These images will now be used for applying to various art shows in the area. Additionally, a submission has been made to a local magazine for cover art consideration. Any confirmed dates resulting from recent submission will be shared on the site under the ‘Events’ tab. In the meantime, I continue to be lead to finalize a few works currently in progress, as well as begin the Jamaican series; these projects will resume this week. Please visit the ‘Works in Progress’ page, in order to see what is going on at the easel.

Take care,
Shanon

I really enjoy the Baroque era. The art during this time, with its "less complex, more realistic and more emotionally affecting" characteristics, draws me in every time. Some time back I wrote a piece entitled “Look UP” and I was looking for a work of art to go with it. When searching, I came across a sketch by Guido Reni and really identified with the concept. For months I have had the image in visible places. and recently in my studio. Yesterday morning I was really stirred to paint it. As I painted the piece, the style went deeper than emotion and resonated within my spirit. Reni was seemingly effective in meeting the objective of the Baroque era in which he painted other works and drew this sketch. Baroque was encouraged in an effort to return those in the 17th century back to spirituality. Perhaps this is the actual reason why I connect with this style. The works go beyond technical accuracy and even emotion, and move into the spiritual. I most likely will not post my rendition of Reni’s work until it is finished, which may be very soon.

Take care,

Shanon

Welcome 2011! And welcome to any and all who may be visiting ShanonsArt.com for the very first time. As this is the official "launch" date, that is the first date the site is made public to a large audience, I thank you for taking the time to browse the site. Please sign up for the e-Newsletter to receive monthly e-mail updates, if you would like to know more about painting progress, event dates and new site developments. Also, please check-in on Twitter, Facebook or Vimeo for the most recent updates available. As always, please send me your feedback on any of the artwork or the site itself, constructive feedback is always welcome. Happy New Year and God Bless!

Take care,

Shanon