Changing My Focus!

But first, a farewell to a dear friend . . . Henry Pitt

This blog is dedicated to Henry Pitt, a friend, mentor, a fine artist, and a giant to all of us in the Sebastian River Art Club, who passed away earlier this month.  Henry, at age 87 and with only one eye, was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Each week he would come in with a new painting, one more stunning than the other.  Most with wildlife or domestic animals in them, many from Montana where he once was owner of a large ranch.  Henry had a quick wit and a charming smile, and enjoyed some notoriety and fame over the years for his paintings and also for his efforts on behalf of the arts.  He was quick to offer advice and critique when asked, and all of it was good.  My husband Bob and I  enjoyed listening to his stories of Montana and various adventures and foibles during his long life.  His legacy will live on in the countless paintings he's left behind, and the memories that will stay with all of us.  
God speed, Henry . . . and keep the palette filled for us as we join you in painting heaven some day.

Henry Pitt - 1927-2014

"Ram" Oil Painting by Henry Pitt

Changing My Focus ~

Henry's passing reminds us all that life has an "Expiration Date."  And to that end in evaluating my art life I had concluded that some of my energies need to be taken in a new direction.  Up until now I have devoted much of my free time to volunteering in the Arts community, and I can now look back with a sense of satisfaction at my small contributions towards the growth of the Arts in Indian River County.  Working hard with the Artists Guild Gallery and other galleries in the Arts District, the Vero Beach Art Club and Sebastian River Art Club, the Cultural Council, and many charitable organizations.  My service included serving on boards and committees, organizing and helping with art shows and fund-raisers, helping build and market the Arts District, running the many local arts blogs, and marketing-marketing-marketing.  But now, as time is creeping up on me and family is wanting more of my time, I am wishing well to those who will step in to fill whatever small void I leave as I slow my volunteer hours down and relinquish my positions of responsibility.

Time also to concentrate on painting and marketing for myself, and getting all those paintings out from the corners and closets of our house and out into plain view.  But first I want to enjoy once more the experiences of painting out-of-doors, "en plein air."  On April 16-17-18 I was one of about 40 artists to paint "Main Street Fort Pierce," which also included a day at Adams Ranch.  Adams Ranch is the 15th largest cattle ranch in the U.S.A., and is breathtakingly beautiful, with its tree houses, meandering streams, hammocks, grazing cattle and horses, and just stunning landscape.  Below is the painting I did on my day at Adams Ranch, along with a portrait of Bud Adams which was included in "Au Naturale," a 2007 Calendar Project for Heathcote Gardens.

"Adams Ranch" oil by Judy Burgarella (Available)

"Bud Adams" oil painting, for "Au Naturale" 2007 Calendar by Judy Burgarella

Two other paintings that I completed during the three-day event are pictured below.  It was great painting with buddies Dawn Mill and Christine Thomas, who worked with me on a year-and-a-half mural painting project for Vero Beach (www.verobeachmural.blogspot.com).  Main Street Fort Pierce treated us wonderfully, feeding us and accommodating us in whatever way they could.  A portion of the proceeds from the sales of paintings went to help with the Backus House.

"Pure Florida" Chochki in oil by Judy Burgarella (sold)

"View from the Manatee Center" oil by Judy Burgarella (available)

So my next plein air event was at the Vero Beach Yacht Club, for the Cultural Council on Tuesday April 22nd.  This all-day event was also a wonderful experience, in that I met some interesting people and completed 2 paintings which sold!  It was a lovely, calm day, in a lovely place with beautiful views.  I was "in the zone" all day, with endorphins in high gear and freckles flaring.  Such fun, and plein air is my roots and my beginnings, so I feel as if I'm home again.  Now to find places to paint in the summer heat ... that will be a curious endeavor!

"At Rest" 8"x10" Oil by Judy Burgarella (sold)

"Morning Mist" 11"x14" Oil by Judy Burgarella (sold)

 So stay tuned for more news of how I plan to "reinvent" myself.  I'm still thinking . . .

But in the meantime, I'll be playing with my adorable 2-year-old granddaughter, Salem, who is also an artist--who even has business cards to prove it! 

Alas, this little cherub has taken my affections from the brush and the canvas and onto herself. 
I am a very lucky grandma.

Judy Burgarella
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