SHUT UP AND PAINT

This is going to be my new motto. Quit talking about it and JUST DO IT!

Sometimes last minute plans work out the best. I was invited to so on an art related "FIELD TRIP" and didn't think I could go because of morning children's activities, namely soccer practice. Well, things worked out...and I'm all the better for the experience. Three amazingly talented artist friends of mine and I ventured to Clearwater/Dunedin area this past Saturday for an Artist's Open Studio Walk where we were able to tour several working studios. I now know what I want to do when I grow up...or should I say aspire to be and to have. (really, all I want is the SPACE to create!)

Patty, Diane, Jana, Me

Our fist stop was the warehouse studio of Robert Schoeller located off Drew St. This converted space had a gallery up front where we met Schoeller's son, Tim. He actually welcomed us and took this lovely photo. He then gave us a tour of the entire place...WITH the press team from The Tampa bay Informer Newspaper. Good timing! We were brought in the back where the rest of the public was NOT invited. Actually, Tim was so busy with the Press, we were left on our own and on our honor to explore...and explore, we did.

Tim resembles Jesus a bit and his father used him for the model of this amazing piece entitled JUDAS' KISS. He crafts all the handmade elaborate frames...from resin. They look like wood...

GOT BRUSHES?

HANDMADE FRAMES

This workspace is bigger than my living room and kitchen combined

The most amazing lifelike portraits...

This is an underpainting. It could stand on it's own as a portrait...that's how amazing it is. There were dozens of these laying around waiting to be finished. Mr. Schoeller has a waiting list of about a year and a half, with portraits costing in the tens of thousands. He was in Austria ( his homeland) at the time, painting a dignitary and having free room, board and entertainment until he was finished. He will be back to give a talk at the Clearwater Ctiy Hall on November 20.

I was just in awe at the size of his warehouse space...room after room after room of creative space. And, of course, the artist spends so much time there, they've made it into home sweet home, complete with witty posters...see below. Also, outside the converted ice house and train depot next door, there is a secluded fenced garden. Once inside, you have no clue you are in downtown Clearwater. While a bit rough in places, it is home to many fruit trees and exotic plants. And a cherub I intend on painting one day...

MORE TO COME...