Preparing for the Cross Country Trip ID-AR-MD

Today was spent at the gallery in Eagle, getting things prepared for the upcoming First Friday Art in Eagle at Galerie Belle Ame. So if you are in Idaho, stop over, check out the sculptures have a glass of wine from 4-9pm and enjoy the evening, and of course find a special piece of art to take home with you!
http://www.galeriebelleame.com/

The next week will be spent preparing for the 40 day cross country trip we are taking to do two shows. Sculpture at the River Market www.sculptureattherivermarket.com in Little Rock AR and the Waterfowl Festival www.waterfowlfestival.com in Easton MD.

After making the 3-4 day trip from ID to AR, we arrive at the River Marketplace in Little Rock, October 16-18. We will camp and take in the scenery between shows visiting family and friends, find new places to take Emma our lab hiking, swimming and just plain relaxing until we head to the next show in Easton MD November 12-15. Then back on the road..to Idaho to prepare for our next show Jan-March in Scottsdale AZ, the Celebration of Fine Art www.celebrateart.com.

Hope to share our travels along the way. Before we leave, Ken still has to make a trip to the foundry in Utah to do metal check and patina on two new sculptures, which will debut at the next two shows.

Too much to do, too little time.

Marble Dust and Bob White Quail

Ken Newman is working Yule marble this week, completing the base for Sunseekers - a Bob White Quail sculpture. The marble is being sculpted to represent snow. The bronze bird castings should be shipped this week from the foundry in Utah and he will be able to complete the piece. Today he worked on the walnut base for the sculpture.

His hands are on the sculpture from beginning to end and the Sunseekers sculpture is never alike. This particular design is very soft and wind blown. Not sure if he will be using copper on the base, in the past he has hand forged copper leaves and grasses. I saw him fiddling with something that looked like pine-needles.. Not sure, just have to wait until it's done.

Here is the marble, carved and sanded, each one is more complex than the last one. There are three bobwhite quail bronze sculptures, only one shown here. One is sleeping, one is stretching and one is standing. To see sold Sunseekers sculptures, visit Ken Newman's website at www.natureartists.com/ken_newman.asp and check out sold sculptures.

This sculpture won the Meiselman Sculpture Award at the Society of Animal Artist's Art and the Animal Exhibition at the Neville Museum in Green Bay WI in 2008.

Enjoy this sculpture's journey. Working in marble started several years ago, after we visited the Getty Museum in LA. Although he has no plans to sculpt wildlife in marble, he is considering the human form.

Fall in Idaho

Well, Harvest time is at its peak in Idaho and the last of the raspberries are coming on and the mornings are cooling off here. The last of the hay is being cut and baled. Hunting season is open, bird, elk, deer in some form or another have started, and don't forget wolf season in Idaho. The Hwy out front is like a stream of traffic on Friday and Sunday as truck after truck and the RVs heading to the resoviours and back country.

There is something special about the simple life here. I feed Rochele's horses their daily 2 apples from the old trees planted back in the day when subsistence farms were everywhere. Not going to make crab apple jelly like Ken's mom does...but definitely will put up some applesauce, raspberries, and rhubarb.


Ken is working on making marble snow for his Sunseeker quail sculpture. Not sure which is worse, wood chips or marble dust. Sunseeker Bronze #9 and #10 are being cast at the foundry in Utah and should be heading here next week, just in time to get them ready for the shows in AR and MD. We head out on October 11 for 40 days... criss-crossing the US. Next week we head to Tahoe to Vista Gallery and then over to Joseph OR and Indigo Gallery before attending our monthly MAC (McCall Artist Connection) Meeting in McCall.

Birds in Art II - A Reflection of Travel (ART)

Part II

Two hours of figure drawing. It’s been a couple years since drawing from a live model, so being quite rusty the first 1.75 hours equated to frustration and embarrassing stick figures and the last 15 minutes of drawing something identifiable. Life drawing is fantastic; the beauty vs. the struggle just leaves you wanting/needing more...

Well it’s off to the Woodson Art museum for an artist viewing of the Birds in Art Exhibition with a line-up of events so well orchestrated that there is just enough time to change attire, (Luckily Deb had my clothes named and numbered per event- 1, 2, 3 etc.) Everything about Birds in Art is first cabin, from the accommodations at the Best Western Midway Hotel to the artist luncheon at the Wausau Country Club, to the Opening reception, to an incredible dinner at the Liberty Mutual Corporate building. The weekend was full of receptions, dining, conversations with patrons, signing autographs for the public and highlighted by the host patrons who were welcoming, sincere and friendly. Everything came off beautifully, except for an occasional lost artist.

Every year the museum chooses a Master Artist to recognize, this year’s master artist John Busby hailed from Scotland and proved to be a kindred spirit. His belief in drawing from life (not solely for technical proficiency) was an affirmation of my belief in developing and using one’s creative knowledge/emotion and technical skills and not that of the camera lens. By coincidence I had noted this in my artist statement in the catalog.

On Saturday, Busby gave a public presentation of his work, process and thoughts, which proved to generate some great dialog that afternoon with patrons who had read my artist statement. Dialogue is one of the true enjoyments of being an artist. The fun never stops. It is very uplifting to find such common ground with a master artist, of great history, from a distant land whose trails you have never crossed. This life of an artist though Birds in Art allowed this world to grow a little smaller.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum staff and benefactors are so gracious, generous and friendly; the weekend is truly over the top. Although for me, one of the best elements of what great Host this organization is was their sincerity in providing incredible opportunities for artists to interact with other artists; developing new friendships, reconnecting with old friends, networking, mentoring and just good old visiting with other tormented souls.

Birds in Art is truly an outstanding museum exhibition bringing together artists and their work from all parts of the globe. The staff and the museum’s line up of events have a way of making artists really feel like they are someone special, almost famous (although without the PAPARAZZI).

Wow, a whirlwind of a weekend - fame – fortune. Then an uneventful flight home, except when the TSA confiscated my toothpaste, it was back to Idaho and the real world “Ken, take out the trash”!

Just received notice that “Observing Grace”, my bronze curlew was chosen for the Birds in Art Tour, there were 18 sculptures in the exhibition and about 10 are chosen for the tour.

If you happen to be in any of the areas listed below, check out Birds in Art:

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau WI September 12-November 15, 2009 www.lywam.org

Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon MI December 10, 2009-February 14, 2010

Museum of Red River, Idabel OK March 7-May 15, 2010

Arizona-Sonora Desert Art Museum, Tucson AZ July 3–September 5, 2010

Wildling Art Museum, Los Olivos CA September 27, 2010–January 2, 2011

Birds in Art - A Reflection of Travel (ART)

Curiosity of Art and Artists - A trip across country to Birds in Art (at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum). Ken Newman writes his thoughts about his four days of travel to the Exhibition opening in Wausau WI.

Off to Birds in Art, kicked out of the trailer by Debbie to travel solo, not too sure who is more nervous about where I will end up. But, believe me when I say I have in my possession a complete printed itinerary. It is a rarity that Deb and I don’t travel together, so a certain anxiety exists before setting out. I think Debs concern centers around my slight limitation of hearing – sight (I don’t pay attention to where I am going) and mostly what I might SAY! The budget and vanity of being an artist circumvents the use of glasses and hearing aid, but of course I always have an opinion to share. Don’t feel too sorry for Deb, the TSA hasn't corralled me yet.

Whether traveling solo or with Deb one of the fascinating elements is people watching in the airport. I don’t fly a lot, so I have not become immune to interaction of people there. So a layover is not necessary a bad time and it sometimes gets the wheels turning. Once on the plane, it doesn't stop. Seated next to someone for 1-3 hours, and how conversations or lack of evolves. How some people go to great lengths to insulate themselves while others interact with neighbors easily. Conservations with strangers always accelerate the time and provide some insight into others lives. I am always amazed at the curiosity people have about artists and their lives. It seems to be able to cross most social barriers.

Living in rural Idaho, always makes for a long day of travel. Starting at 4:30am driving to the airport (very few direct flights in Boise), I finally arrived in Wausau WI at 6:00pm. Flying United, I was only 1 hour late, which meant I missed that evening cocktail party at the museum. Not too sure that wasn't a bad thing, after all day travelling and a few cocktails I might have really shined. In any event, on arrival the Birds in Art staff meet and greet you with a great smile and attitude then chauffeur you to your accommodations where again you are greeted by such friendly and personable staff. A great start to a first class weekend.

The morning breakfast was quite entertaining with an American artist and a couple European artists, with most of the conversation about the Nature Artists Foundation and their adventures. After breakfast several artists went birding while one young European artist and I headed to the life drawing class provided by Birds in Art staff. His interpretation of life drawing was that of a live bird model, when I explained to him that it was going to be in the form of a nude human he seemed quite perplexed. Drawing the human form is a wonderful opportunity that I don’t often get to participate in. I truly enjoy it so at the start of the session when the model dropped her robe, I looked around and my new European counter-part was gone, but the room was full of other bird artists that also had a passion for the human form.

More tomorrow...

Fascinating Frescos

Check out Liana blog at http://xrl.us/bfmybf , she is a Canadian artist with an Italian background who has been working at perfecting her fresco paintings. Interesting process with beautiful results. She will be at the Celebration of Fine Art in Scottsdale Jan-March 2010.
http://www.celebrateart.com/

Well Worn - Tired - Everyone Relates to this Sculpture

Always interested to see how sculptures impact others.

Every now and then I (Debbie) do a search of images related to Ken's sculptures. Yesterday I found one on the site below, Well Worn (c) 2006. The writer of the poem shared with us his words, which were inspired by an Argentinian poet Oliverio Girondo.

Here are his words with his permission. Visit his blog below for his language.. he writes in English and ?? and he is from Costa Rica. http://mipropiatragicomedia.blogspot.com/2009/07/cansado.html

Tired

Yes, Tired...
Tired of making up excuses to talk to you,
tired of seeking for you while you hide,
tired of waiting for you and never meeting.

Tired of dreaming, imaging and even hallucinating you,
of wishing for you and not having you.

Tired of this solitude that always accompany me,

of this feeling that clings on me,

of fighting to be good while it's worthless,

of pretending to be bad with better results.

Of swimming crosscurrent,
of not finding an answer,

of hearing that I will find someone

and tired of keep waiting...

Efraín Valencia

Thanks Efrain for sharing your words.

Gallery and Travel Update for Ken Newman Sculptures

Summer is winding down, Ken will be heading to Vista Gallery in Lake Tahoe CA and Indigo Gallery in Joseph OR to pick up works at the galleries for the fall shows, so stop by the gallery before the end of September, especially if you have been waiting to purchase a sculpture.

Ken is back from WI, working on a sculpture with a carved stone base and copper grasses for the upcoming shows Sculpture at the River Market in Little Rock AR and then the Waterfowl Festival in Easton MD.

Ken will also be heading to the foundry in Utah to do metal check and patina for his two new sculptures... yet to be named. One is a trout the other is a second curlew, a very abstract pose. Things are also moving along on his large wood walnut sculpture... Hope to post an image soon.

Travel plans are being made, we will be on the road for 40 straight days in October and November, so join us on the blog and twitter for the adventure.

Gallery Seminar

Attended a seminar by J Jason Hoerjs at Meadowood Lodge in McCall on understanding the Gallery Business from the Gallery Owner's Perspective. Very interesting and helpful seminar for those considering gallery representation, expanding representation and anyone else involved in art, even gallery owners.

Jason also recently released a book, much of what was in the seminar and reinforces developing a plan to obtain gallery representation and how to prepare.

http://www.xanadugallery.com/book/

The seminar was sponsored by MAC the McCall Artist Connection a group of artists focused on developing the arts in the greater McCall Idaho area. http://www.mccallartistconnection.org/


Debbie

September Bronze and Wood Sculpture Show

Check out Galerie Belle Ame (under the Eagle Arch) in Eagle, Idaho through the end of the month for this special Bronze and Wood Show featuring Idaho sculptor's Ken Newman and Jerry Snodgrass at www.galeriebelleame.com If you weren't in town, don't miss this great collection of wood and bronze sculptures.


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Gallery of the Commons-September 2009 - Wildlife Art Journal

Wildlife Art Journal is a new on-line Wildlife Art publication. The link below takes you to the Gallery of Commons, which features 50 images of works by wildlife, landscape and animal artists. Enjoy and don't miss Ken's wood-mixed media sculpture Defying the Wind - Magpie. Purchase the on-line quarterly magazine for $15.

Gallery of the Commons-September 2009 - Wildlife Art Journal

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Wildlife Art Blog - Views on entering competitions

Julie Chapman's wildlife art blog is a pretty interesting reflection of the business of art... enjoy her blog and responses on art show exhibitions:

http://xrl.us/bfi9ww

AZ Photographer

Check out one of photographers monthly marketing images!

Creative and based in Scottsdale AZ, check him out at http://www.peelleephotography.com/

A Sculpture that Celebrates Labor Day

Created this sculpture Well Worn in 2006 and it resonates on a day like today when we celebrate the Labor movement on which the back of America was built.

Well Worn

(c)2006 Ken Newman Sculptures

Well Worn was sculpted to reflect exhaustion and its presence in our lives. What fascinates and inspires me is the individual who possesses this strength of character. When completely exhausted, what enables one to continue, Responsibility? Dependability? Commitment? Each are components to the foundation for success, and these are characteristics that I have the utmost respect for. Sacrifice, another critical element, is subtlety suggested by the missing digit and it is often this unspoken sacrifice that grounds and creates a strong individual. Hard work is the foundation of America.

Well Worn - Awards and Exhibitions:
· Founder’s Award - 25th Wallowa Valley Arts Festival in Joseph, OR (2007)
· Raymond Brumer Memorial Award – 94th Allied Artists of America Exhibition, National Art Club, New York City NY (2007)
· 52nd International Open Exhibition - Bold Expressions, Sacramento Art Center, Carmichael CA (2007)
· 11th Lines into Shapes, Art Center of Estes Park, Estes Park CO (2007)

Size 15"x10"x14"

Email for current pricing.
8 left in an edition of 22 Bronze, on Marble, Pine and Walnut

Galerie Belle Ame 1st First Friday Opening

Tonight, Sept 4 from 4-9pm at Galerie Belle Ame under the Eagle Arch at 179 So Eagle Rd. Several artists are being featured including sculptors Ken Newman and Jerry Snodgrass. Ken will also be at the gallery on Saturday from 11-4pm.

Parking at the Albertson's center across the street. Wine, drinks and refreshments served. Stop by on your gallery walk in Eagle Idaho.

Wildlife Art Blog and Journal

http://www.wildlifeartjournal.com/blog-category/10/exhibitions-of-note/

With many magazines folding, the new WILDLIFE ART JOURNAL has gone viral. Only three months old, the content far exceeds prior publications, maybe because advertising hasn't been the focus. The articles are interesting, the opportunities are endless in the internet age. We wish Todd, the editor the best in his adventures. Here is his Blog, from here you can subscribe or view new Wildlife Art Journal.