I was asked a couple of months ago if my gallery art show was something new, or if I'm finally coming out of the artistic closet. In way, it's both!
While I have been creative my whole life, as I come from generations of crafty women, and I used to sell crafts at markets in my teens and early 20s, "art," as in "drawing" and "painting," is relatively new (if you don't count playing with paints as a very young child). I never took art in school as it was offered at the same time as band, and I chose band. I never really had any occasion to try painting, though I secretly dreamed about it as I would shelve the art books in the library, attend local art shows, and hosted artist talks at the library.
I taught myself to knit and crochet in 2016 (I had learnt the basics in Girl Guides, but needed a refresher), but the only painting I did prior was playing with watercolours with my then-preschool-aged niece. That changed in December, 2016 when I took part in an online retreat (my first ever) and was introduced to Amber of Woman Unleashed. I did my very first acrylic painting ever in January, 2017. So, yes, this is all very new as I've only been painting and drawing for just over 5 years.
Yet, while I was always creating, I never shared that with anyone (after I stopped attending markets). I was challenged by someone in the Woman Unleashed community to share my completed paintings online, so with trepidation I posted them on my Facebook page (and not just in the privacy of the group), and was amazed at the response.
In April, 2020, I joined Inner Circle (an online mentorship program) and have been sharing DAILY my creative progress, finished works, and more there, plus I've shared more on Facebook and in The Chautauqua. On a lark, last fall, I submitted an application to a gallery in Red Deer, and I was accepted, which brought my art to a totally different audience. So, yes, it's also true that I AM coming out of the artistic closet - especially with this newsletter. :)
- I recently wrapped up my first ever solo art exhibition: Persistent Creativity Everyday: a whimsical journey! Showcasing everything from crochet food to acrylic paintings, to cartoon drawings, and more, it ran from January 11 - April 21, 2022 at the Corridor Gallery in Red Deer. I'm very thankful to the staff as my show was to officially end on February 28th, but due to a change in plans, was extended for an additional 7 weeks. If you saw it in person, thank you so much. If you didn't see it, you can get a brief glimpse here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/315848327175895
- April 27, 2022 marked one full year of completing a daily sky drawing(s) on my iPad, and I drew my 800th drawing that day! I would never have imagined that digital art would appeal to me, or that drawing the sky each day would be so rewarding and fulfilling, so this is a practice I will definitely continue.
My 14th cartoon comic booklet (March 23 - May 9, 2022) can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/beth.richardson.10/videos/1846971048838269
Currently, I'm working on...
As a life-long creative, and recently self-taught artist, I endeavour to weave my varied interests and wisdom together in an enlightening and entertaining manner, to make people think, but above all else, bring a smile to their faces and hearts, as my style is almost childlike in its simplicity and playfulness. While bedridden for much of 2017, I developed 5 – 10 minute practices which allowed me to commit to them daily. I’ve been called the “Queen of Small Steps” because my simple practices – though they may seem small individually – have added up to quite a body of work in a relatively short time period.
Celebrations:
- April 27, 2022 marked one full year of completing a daily sky drawing(s) on my iPad, and I drew my 800th drawing that day! I would never have imagined that digital art would appeal to me, or that drawing the sky each day would be so rewarding and fulfilling, so this is a practice I will definitely continue.
Recently Completed:
(Top L-R) Blue Lacy Flower (8x10 acrylic paint pen), Snowshoe Fun (8x10 acrylics)
(Bottom L-R) 100% acrylic knit headband, 9x12 watercolour play/meditation, 100% acrylic knit headband
Works in progress:
- a 9x12 page of watercolour play
- two 8x10 acrylic paintings
- two card decks
- crochet chocolates and candy for my epic crochet food project.
- Continuing my singing/songwriting saga, that began with a 10-Day online Immersion last November, and progressed through the 7-Week Voice of the Creatrix program January - March, I started a 4-month Voice of the Muse album creation program on May 3rd - the goal is to have a full 10-song keepsake album, of the songs I wrote during the Immersion, produced by fall! I still have a hard time believing that I went from not singing or writing songs before the Immersion to now planning an album! I will keep you posted on my progress.
Upcoming Projects:
- select artworks and other creative projects will be available for viewing and purchase at 4910 47 St., Mirror, AB (north of the brick building on the school grounds) on the May Long weekend (May 21, 22 and 23) from 9 - 4 pm.
- I was invited to exhibit at the Donalda Gallery for the Arts July 19 - August 2, 2022. This is an exciting opportunity and I will share more as details are finalized.
Beth
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Thank you so much for your support, and again, if you would like to receive this newsletter directly via email please contact thechautauqua@gmail.com and ask to be added to the mailing list. Thank you!
Select items I currently have for sale can be viewed here: https://thechautauquanewspaper.blogspot.com/p/products-for-sale.html or in person at 4910-47 St, Mirror, AB
