Shanon's Art & Inspirations

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