making the rounds

Inspiration can come from many places - my community, nature, thoughts, dreams, a long run through the neighborhood. But there's nothing like stepping outside of my own world and studio and taking some time to appreciate the work of others.

In the past few weeks, I took to the local art scene to visit current exhibits of friends and artists I know personally. The support we give each other is enriching in many ways and I feel lucky that our local art scene is thriving as much as it does.

Local artists (left to right): Pritha Srinivasan, Jen Beaudet, Martina Sestakova, Lian Server, Jen Barlow

I also found an opportunity to travel to Philadelphia on my own to attend the reception for the Rising Voices 2 traveling exhibit of paintings by Bennett Prize finalists - a group of emerging women artists who paint contemporary figurative realist work. The current exhibit is making its final showing at the Studio Incamminati school in downtown Philly.

I thought to invite some friends with me to join me at the reception but I ended up deciding to go solo so that I could really take my time and observe the art up close and learn from the individual brushstrokes on each painting. That’s the introverted painting nerd in me.

Work by Bennett Prize 2 grand prize winner Ayana Ross

Work by Bennett Prize Round 1 grand prize winner Aneka Ingold

Work by Bennett Prize Round 2 finalist Lavely Miller

While at Studio Incamminati I managed to peak inside the faculty studios and classrooms of the art school. The art program is focused on training figurative artists based on the tradition of the great Nelson Shanks. Totally inspiring.

I figured might as well take advantage of my trip to Philadelphia by also visiting the incredible collections a the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of art. Just wow!

My inspiration bucket is full for a bit. Now back to the easel!

“I am made of all that I have seen.”
― Henri Matisse