The Christmas Push!

I had to put the push on painting some really fun small giftings, in order to get them to their destinations on time.  The following two are mini paintings fashioned for use as ornaments for the Sebastian River Art Club's fundraiser for the Food Pantry.  I developed this program last year, got the little canvases and other supplies, nagged the SRAC members to paint, had a "backing and hanger" assemblage party.  We filled up 2 trees with these little beauties, then had an opening reception to launch them ... the result of which we were able to donate $700 to the Food Pantry for the holidays.

This year, since I am busier than a one-armed paperhanger with family obligations, some wonderful hearty hands pitched in and took over the responsibility.  I think the paintings are even better this year, and I can foresee this program going over the top each year and becoming quite famous locally.  These little masterpieces are sold for $10 each, and all proceeds go to the Food Pantry in Sebastian.  What a great way for artists to give back and utilize their talents for the good of others.

"Red Hibiscus" mini Acrylic

"Boat Reflections" mini Acrylic

The next painting was for my daughter Tracy and her hubby Turhan, who live in Chandler Arizona.  They lost two beloved cats this year, and Maggie, their Scottish Fold cat, was also failing.  I happened to come across this lovely box in TJ Max, and got the idea to make her a painting to put in the picture frame area.  She already had full-face paintings of all their five cats from last Christmas, but this one would be profile and more contemplative--with less of an "angry cat"-like look that Maggie always had.  Maggie had a craggy nose, flat ears, and a rather mean disposition, so I tried to capture the softer side of her for them to remember her by after her passing.   I finished it quickly, packed it up and mailed it best fastest way, hoping it would get there before Maggie's passing.  It arrived the day after and so was a bit sad for them.   The painting was only 3"x5", but painted with much tenderness and love.

As Christmas approaches my mind begins to focus on my soon-to-come after-Christmas art obligations, which seem like many right now.  And so I must find time to paint for them, in between working for my daughter's www.CrimsonKeyEstateSales.com company, and babysitting for her and Cass's adorable daughter, Salem, pictured below.

And so visit this blog again soon as I bang out paintings for January, when I will be the featured artist in the Sebastian River Art Club's Art Center's "Orange Room" (quite a challenge gathering paintings that go with orange!), and also the Featured Artist in Dale Sorensen Real Estate's office in the Vero Beach Arts District, where my daughter Robin also works as an agent.  Come see my work there during the Gallery Stroll, January 2nd, 5-8 pm.  Then the next month my art studio will be part of the 11-studio "4th Annual Sebastian Art Studio Tour" on February 7th, 10-5:00.  This is my second year participating in this event, although I helped out with publicity on the others.

As I sign off today, all those who see this posting I wish a Merry Christmas, and a new year filled with good health, peace, love, and art.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Not About Me

This post is not about me, but about my friend Christine Thomas, who has opened up a brand-new art venue!  Actually it is an artsy gift shop, called "Inside Spaces and Outside Places."  It is still a works in progress, but coming together nicely.  Some of my work can be found inside, along with the works of many fine artisans who work in jewelry, pottery, abstracts, paintings of all kinds, murals (which Christine is a master of), photography by Greg Hills, and more.  Classes will be offered for adults and children on an ongoing basis.  Such a great undertaking, and we all wish her much success.  The shop is located on 12th Avenue in Vero Beach, in the strip mall just west of Old Dixie Highway.  Below are some photos of the shop as of a few days ago, but knowing Christine she's probably further improved it.

Wall near the entry

 

East wall of the shop

South wall of shop, with doorway into the "Featured Artist" space

Central area of the shop

 In back of the central area pictured above, and behind some folding screens, is a generous area where classes and workshops will be held.

View from the outside of the "Featured Artist Gallery" on the night I gave her a hand getting it together. The light on top is the moon.

Watch for a Grand Opening celebration, probably within the next few weeks.  Should be fun!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Giving Birth to a Cowboy!



"Texas Cowboy" 11"x14" Acrylic, UNFINISHED 

 "Texas Cowboy," in progress, started today in the Sebastian River Art Club's "Three-Hour Challenge" painting program.  We try to do a painting, start to finish, in thee hours.  Some take less, some take more.  I started this one just before noon, painted till 3:00, and I'd say have about another hour or so to finish.  It's my first serious portrait in acrylic, and I'm pretty happy with it, although it had a bit of a rough start.  Can't wait to work on it again, but for now I'm off to another non-painting event! 
PS - The Sebastian River Art Club will be having a show in the Art Center in September for these 3-hour paintings, with many unframed and reasonably priced.  More news to come!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

June 10th--Sunset at the Wabasso Bridge

I guess I should have named this blog "Beautiful Sebastian," as that seems to be the way it's going.  Had dinner down on the Wabasso bridge in Sebastian with Bob, and following are some great pics of the sunet and other things.

Below is a pastel painting I did years ago for Bob of his father fishing, which was taken from an old photo.  His father died at age 52 so I never met him, but his spirit was certainly with us today when I snapped a picture of his son in almost the same position, fishing ... déjà vu!


Pastel painting of Joe Burgarella, Bob's dad, fishing

 

Bob fishing

 So we spent a very enjoyable couple of hours at the Wabasso Bridge park overlooking the beautiful Indian River Lagoon, and I had a great time hunting for things to capture with my camera.  One more of Bob ... it's good to see him happily fishing after triple-bypass surgery just eight weeks ago.

Theis next photo is of Pat Mills and "Billie."  Bob started talking to her and seems she is a native Floridian of several generations from Wabasso--a rarity!  She had lots of stories and we both enjoyed listening.  Billie was a doll, but not too social.

This is another one I must paint, this shot is perfect!

It was a lesson in grace watching this castnetter throw out his weighted net, but came up with no mullet to fish with.  It's not easy, the timing must be perfect.

This snowy egret seemed to be posing for me, with his beautiful plumage glowing in the soft amber sunset. I must paint him some day (along with the thousand other paintings I want to do.  I think I'll need another turn.



This little guy kept jumping all over the rocks, following me as I strolled by the water's edge with my camera.  Such fun to watch him -- another "poser."

The following photographs are the progression of a very beautiful sunset, a mostly everyday view from the Wabasso Causeway, and especially beautiful as you drive over the tallest bridge overlooking the lagoon. 

 



Barely visible is a blue heron whose silhouette is just above the rocks

 


Also barely visible is the heron in flight in the middle of the sunset

 A-h-h-h, Sebastian.  You really should move here.  It truly is a paradise--and we're so glad we found it.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Under the Oaks Over - Phew!

Well, Under the Oaks is over and I'm bushed! A fun show, except for the last day which rained and poured, soaking everybody and everything to the bone. And when it was over, the whole next day was spent unpacking, cleaning, spotting and washing the tent-the side covers-and the rack covers. The paper backs of a few of the paintings were damaged, but basically everything survived, including me. A hospital stay for Bob Saturday night threw us all for a loop, but no heart data showed up. Dawn and I did some creative maneuvers to consummate a big sale together, which helped us limp through the wet Sunday. A nice peaceful "Amber Sails" was taken home by a nice lady with good taste, and the almost-still-wet "Ginger Jar" was purchased by a decorator, who also purchased a painting from Dawn Mill. Prints were sold (Gaze of the Cat of course was one), and all went well with my "Square-up," the new card-swiping technique that many of the small vendors like me are using.

"Ginger Jar" oil

"Amber Sails"  oil by Judy Burgarella

Now back to concentrating on other artistic endeavors, like the Sebastian River Art Center.  We are installing "Little Jewels" (small, affordable original artwork) in the "Picasso" Gallery, and in May will be installing "Plein Air Paintings" show in the Rosalie Hume Gallery.  Opening will be Friday, May 11th, 4-7 at the Center, 1245 Main Street, Sebastian.  Over 100 paintings are currently on display in our exhibit rooms in the Art Cetner, viewing hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Be sure to follow the Vero Beach Mural Blog at http://www.verobeachmural.blogspot.com/ where you can view its progress, as myself, Dawn Mill and Christine Thomas paint away on Mondays and Fridays.

Ciou!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Getting a frame ready for Art by the Sea, a great show at the Vero Beach Museum put on by the Vero Beach Art Club. The painting I'm putting in was started back last summer as a demo for the Micco Art Club. Had lots of problems with it, but in the end it turned out OK, good enough for this show.




"Healthy Pleasures" oil, 16"x20" by Judy Burgarella