The Pleasures of an Outdoor Art Studio

When I began to convert my double wide alleyway into an art space, it had not occurred to me how much I would enjoy working outside, both day and night. I love my indoor studio. Its the center of all I do, but now, just a few steps from that inner artistic sanctum is this amazing outdoor space in which I can create. 

I'd always been envious of plein air artists who could pick up their easel and paint anywhere in the world. It always seemed a fantasy to be able to sit in front of a mountain and paint it, or on the beach at sunset. But no matter where the location, just the sheer joy of being outside, feeling the breeze, enjoying the sunshine in the daytime does so much for the creative process. 

But I think its the nights that I love the best. When I light up the space and it pushes back the darkness, there is an almost fairy tale quality to this small area. While I'm creating, time stops for a bit. 

We are fortunate here in New Orleans that nights are a wonderful time. Soon the temps will be too high to do much during the day, but I am at my best late at night. Here in this space I can go out and create anytime I wish without any constraints. And while I am only 5 minutes from the city center, here in this place it is quiet and there is little to intrude. New Orleans is known for its inner courtyards and gardens. In a time before air conditioning this was where people retreated from the heat of the day. While my space may not be as ornate or filled with plants and fountains, it is just as amazing to me.

So, if you've not taken your art outside, try it sometime. It does not take having a dedicated space. It doesn't matter if its a street corner or a neighborhood park. What matters is the freeing up of your creative process. You may be surprised what it does to shake you out of the comfort zone our studios can sometimes create for us. 

The Work of Artist Carlos A. Rosell

Artist: Carlos A. Rosell
Age:  50
DOB: 11/07/1968
Born: Havana, Cuba
Resides: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Area of Specialization: Sculpture, Painting, Photography and Music

In his work Rosell reflects his self-taught search for constructive messages for the actual problems of today. He mixes different techniques and with  vast evident coloring in the paint, as well as, the sculpture has enriched the sensibility of mankind. Thus, permitting his reality of a mixture of innocence and exaggerated surprise , this is an extra ordinary condition for attentive artist. You may find greater expectations because they belong  to a social and existent condition for those who were least favorable because of the change of the signs of times,  maybe because they have signed for the dramatic realization of their historical ability

As an Artist Do I Have the Right to Refuse my Work to Someone I Disagree With?

I cannot tell you how much this question has haunted me over the past few years. 

Those who know me know that I am a man of many strong opinions, especially regarding extremists of any kind. My work often attacks head on the issue of extremism both here in the United States and abroad. I hold nothing against anyone who carries a different belief than I do. But I hold everything against those who would shove those beliefs down the throats of others. 

The sign of a successful art event that you participate in, is not always calculated in pieces sold. Equally important is how successful your networking was, how many contacts with other artists, potential buyers and how much you learned about the art market in your area. The more benefits you get for a longer period of time, the more successful the event was. Don't always look at money being the only factor. Its a circus sometimes. Be the ringleader not the elephant.

If your using social media to promote your art and create a following for your work, DON'T be ambiguous. Clearly define that you are an artist in all your profiles. Don't try to be witty, coy or sarcastic. Don't use ridiculous screen names. If they don't know your an artist and what kind of art you produce, then why the hell should they bother to follow you? 

The Ghost in the Soda Shop Mirror - An Artist to Authors Short Story by Ryan Rosenberry

Artists to Authors is an exploration of the how art influences authors. Artist Grey Cross has opened his entire portfolio to any author who would like to choose a piece of art and create a short story around it. You can find more information on the project at: 

The Artist to Author Project

   

Most people looked to religion when they found out they were dying, Cassie looked to herself. This was a one of the thoughts that ran through Vincent’s head as he shuffled down the street.

     He stopped in front of a 30’s styled soda shop. The store front had shown signs of wear and tear over the last few months. Appearances and repairs had not been kept up with. losing the one you loved had a way of killing his motivation.

     Above the door hung a simple yet retro looking sign. It was also was in need of repair, still it displayed the name Cassie had chosen years earlier. The Cat and Canary Soda Shop. He let out a long heavy “sigh” before unlocking the door and stepping inside.

     He stood in the entryway letting his eyes adjust to the dim light inside. He decided to keep the place closed today. He told his employees it was for “repairs.” He would lie if they asked what he repaired. He placed a closed for repairs note on the door and walked in.

     Like most days, the large bar back mirror behind the counter was the first thing to caught his eye. And like most days it brought with it memories of Cassie.

~~~~~~~~

     

The Feral Forest - An Artist to Authors Short Story by Ryan Rosenberry

Artists to Authors is an exploration of the how art influences authors. Artist Grey Cross has opened his entire portfolio to any author who would like to choose a piece of art and create a short story around it. You can find more information on the project at: 

The Artist to Author Project

     

"Why does he smile so?" Hazel glared down at the man below her. "He's on his death bed in this vile rodent infested hut, still he smiles." 

"He smiles because he thinks he is safe." said the caretaker who watched over him.

"Safe from what?" Hazel swatted away the flies that buzzed around her. "Most of the villagers want to see him punished, by any means necessary."

The Artist's Question of the Day

How many hours a week do you devote to your art? How many hours would you prefer to devote to your art each week? (answer below)

The 40/60 Rule

The 40/60 rule is a simple guideline I use when creating art. It means that I use 40% of my time to plan out the piece of art. The remaining 60% is pure inspiration. We can get bogged down in the planning of our art, or exactly the opposite, we do not devote enough time to the planning.

By using the 40/60 rule it allows me to consider the planning of a piece of art without losing that crucial spontaneous inspiration necessary for the creation of great art.

New artists can get bogged down in the process of art. So much so that they lose their inspiration. By applying the 40/60 rule they can eliminate many of the small problems that creep into the art process while at the same time maintaining the all important inspiration that drives us all.

DON'T LOSE YOUR INSPIRATION! 

The Mardi Gras 12 Days of Pop Up Art

To all our New Orleans artists friends

Starting on February 22nd, Uptown New Orleans goes through Mardi Gras heaven/hell for 12 days as the 2019 Mardi Gras parades begin rolling down St Charles Avenue.

Grey Cross Studios new outdoor alley studio is located only a few blocks from the parade route and for that time period there will be like a zillion people moving through our neighborhood. We are in the final stages of building an outdoor lit alleyway studio where art can be displayed. We will be opening up the alleyway to passersby who would like to stop and ogle the art (and hopefully buy) while going to and from the parade route.

We are inviting any artists who would like to participate in a Pop Up art show that will last through the 12 days leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 5th. We will be opening the alleyway any time there is a parade happening which pretty much means every night and many days till Fat Tuesday.

We will take art from artists, sculptors, photographers, etc. There is limited space so we are asking that you limit it to three pieces in total. The art will remain at the studio until the holiday is over. If there is inclement weather the art will be moved to the inside studio until the weather passes.

We are asking a small $10 fee to artists interested. This is to offset costs for any hanging or special supplies we may need during the show. This is NOT $10 per piece. Just a flat $10 and we will not be taking any percentage of anything that sells.

If you would like to reserve a spot for your art or have questions, contact me through email at greyacross@aol.com and I will be happy to let you know specifics and drop off dates.

We also invite artists and friends to feel free to come see the parades and hang out with us anytime during the Mardi Gras season.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

~Grey~

PS Please pass this on to any New Orleans artists who may be interested! But don't wait too long, spaces will go fast and the parades start soon!

Art Experiments - Styrofoam & Mortar

Experimental Artists live to explore new techniques. Sometimes its important that we approach and art experiment without any preconceptions of what we want to create. 

The experiment above began with only one goal, to see how mortar reacts to styrofoam. I'm coming at it from the idea of creating a surface that has multiple dimensions. 

Creating an Art Team (Show Prep 101)

Are you ready to put on your first art show independently of a gallery? 

I think a key to a successful show that you put on yourself is the strength of the team you get to help you put it together. I think as artists we tend to want to do it all ourselves and that is where we can often fail.

Having a team of volunteers to help you with the basic details takes (some) of the weight off your shoulders and lets you concentrate on being the artist.

Tantric Portraiture

Alright, I admit this one might sound strange to most artists. But one of the art forms I've developed I call "Tantric Portraiture". Most people think that the word tantric must have a connotation to sex. Tantric sex has been practiced for thousands of years as a form of bringing body and soul together in a merging. 

But the word "tantric" is Sanskrit and means "to weave energy". 

The Work of Artist Landon Huber (New Work Added)

"Heads Vomit Heads"
Artist: Landon Huber
Twitter: @HuberLandon
Specs: This piece of art was first drawn by hand using pencil and paper and made into a tight drawing. Then scanned and digitally Painted using photoshop.
Purchase Info at: https://society6.com/landonhuberart

Grey's Notes on This Piece: Landon has an amazing sense of imagination. Viewing his work is more like taking a trip into the dark side of ones mind. Sometimes disturbing, sometimes enlightening. What I find interesting about the above piece is the symmetry. Surrealistic art is some of the hardest art to create symmetry within. But if you move your eyes clockwise starting at the raised hand and follow around in a complete circle, the symmetry is nearly perfect. The angle of the floor and walls, the archway, even the pattern on the floor still allow for an easy transition around the piece. If you flip the image, its easy to see that the symmetry does not work in the opposite direction. I look forward to viewing more of Landon's work in the future. ~G~

War & Surrealism Art

From time to time I get obsessed with a particular genre of images. This often results in an artistic exploration of that genre. The more knowledge we have as artists, the better our ability to explore more and more complex themes in our art. 

A recent obsession with urban decay led me to an exploration of war photos that show the bleak realities of battle. I took a particular interest in photos showing bombed out cities on the verge of collapse. I think there is a stark beauty in these images. There is no doubt that they carry with them a emotional depth that effects us when we see them. 

The image above was taken of Leningrad during World War II. Its one of many that fascinates me. I was looking at it the other night and I thought to myself, what if the image were raised up from stark reality to surrealism? What if the image took on an almost dreamlike state. How would it change perceptions of the image?

And right there I recognized a conceptual idea that needed to be explored. War and surrealism. So I reworked the image above to transform it into something new.