U100 - 2019

Yes, its that time of year again, U100! I’ve lost count how many years I’ve been accepted into this exhibition, but I think this is the 7th or 8th. The number of artists submitting each year has grown massively, so where previously I was allowed about 15 paintings, this year I only need to deliver five, plus some extra for restocking. The gallery is expecting 600 to 900 new works for the first hang, so  my aging body is extremely grateful that I’m not helping this year.

It was difficult for me to choose small works this year, as I took so much time off to care for my Mum, and spent most of my spare time working on Frida VII, but the 30 day gathering in September helped boost my small works inventory. I love my new explorations with iPad drawing added to my photographic images, so most are from those sessions.

To prepare the mixed media pieces, I printed and then added a satin brushstroke finish and a little extra acrylic paint and sparkle. These features don’t photograph well and are best to see in person. Each piece is matted in soft white and mounted in a black or white frame. The white bird is for the feature wall, which this year is going to be mostly black and white.

Prices start at $55, which is a steal and I ship at cost. Let me know if you would like to order, as these special editions are only available at the U100 exhibition in Lake Country, BC, or by contacting me directly through this blog.

The exhibition starts with an exclusive dinner on November 22nd and continues till Christmas. This is the largest and most important fund raising event of the year for LCAG, so if you can visit and support, every little counts. More on the U100 fund raising events as the exhibition unfolds.

THE RHYTM OF LIFE - Day 16 - 30 in 30 Challenge - One finger drawing

I took a one finger drawing that I thought lacked punch and embellished it with Markup inside the Photos app. I’ve discovered that not all Markups within iPad apps are created equal and some have the quirky trait of creating a larger line if you press harder. With practice this can produce some amazing results.

Another drawing destined for my Artfinder gallery I suspect. After this 30 day challenge I will really have to get on with adding some new work. I also think I’m birthing my next solo exhibition here.

Do you prefer a warm background or white?

LISTENING - HEARING - Day 15 - 30 in 30 Challenge

Another in the fluid line drawing series.

ORIGINAL

HEARING

 

LISTENING - RESTING - SEEING - LOVING

Fertile Valley

I’m still enthralled by the greyed turquoise technique I’ve discovered. There are many gorgeous views in our area to use for my new art card series. This is further north where well irrigated farm land creates some lovely pastoral scenes.

I originally had a heavier sky, but I think I like the top image better.

Over the Lake

Over the Lake

For those unfamiliar with my digital work, my drawings are created in the simple notes app on my iPad. The app is very basic wih only three types of line, a rule and an eraser, so I’ve had to come up with new ideas to make it useable. I’m constantly working on ideas and currently I’m fascinated by the ability to layer colour with the highlighter tool. With my knowledge of pigment from painting, I can build some interesting colours.

This one finger drawing is available as small prints and an art card.

Two Trees

Two Trees
An iPad drawing by Sea Dean, available as an art card and a variety of small prints.

This was created while visiting friends at Christmas. It is so much simpler to work through ideas on an iPad and prevents problems trying to get paints through security at the airport.

A long process

Another new iPad drawing, also as yet nameless. I started this last summer, but it needed more work and I didn’t get back to it till Christmas. The first stage is below.

Smoking Gallery Sales

G97 on Hiway 97 just south of Peachland is open during the fires.

Brush fires sparked by lightening a week ago are now under control. There are no longer any evacuation orders in effect and it’s business as usual. For a while the fires were threatening Gallery 97 and staff persevered, staying open in spite of the smoke.

Tourist traffic is down, but the gallery has decided to go ahead with the second exhibition of the season. The opening is Sunday August 12th and my three latest iPad drawings have been accepted. The opening vent is packed with exhibiting artists and there are many demos and talks to take in. I’m looking forward to seeing the new art from all over the central Okanagan. If you’re in the area, drop in and add your smiles and support.

As you see, the smoke is fairly localised and this controlled burn on Sunday has really helped getting it all under control. Our die hard sun lovers don’t seem to be worried as they continue enjoying the beaches and lake. https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/South_Okanagan/Wildfire_season_not_slowing_down_Southern_Okanagan_businesses/

A controlled burn to manage fires

Gallery 97 is in the orange evacuation readiness area

Jewel Tree

I needed to step back for a while to decide whether to do more to this iPad drawing. I liked it just the way it is, but thought it may be a bit sparse once mounted. However, I think the tree has enough variation and uniqueness to carry the white space. We really do have a lot of very tall narrow trees around here, especially higher up in the hills. I felt the same way about my most popolar iPad drawing, BIRCHES when I had completed it. 

Surprisingly it was the lines of current on the lake which took the most amount of time: I drew the lines and changed the color of the pencil many times before I was happy with the result. The more I look at this the more I realise that any addition would ruin it. Possibly when I add paint I will only darken the body of the lake slightly.

I can’t wait to see this printed, mounted and embellished.

Lavender Lake

LAVENDER LAKE iPad Drawing

This is an iPad version of an acrylic painting I sold at the airport last year. Although the colors are brighter with the digital program I use, the limited selection was challenging. Althouh not very obvious here, that simple white squiggle tied the composition together without destroying the simplicity.

Lavender grows very well in our dry climate and needs little care, so many water conscious gardeners are including it in their landscaping. Also, we do have at least one commercial lavender farm with tours, a shop and interesting events.

Drawing

Walkabout Gem

Another page from that old sketchbook.

I love the simplicity of composition here and the quick graphite squiggles for clouds, waves and dunes. I’ve never been a big prep artist, preferring to launch straight into painting, but it does get me into trouble. A few preparatory sketches can save a lot of time and heartache.

This would make a lovely painting dont you think?

iPad play

iPad play by Sea Dean

Something else I did on my walkabout was free up space on my iPad for more drawing. I have loads of inspiration photos taking up space and I haven't found a way to easily store them elsewhere. I don’t trust icloud with my art files and I can’t figure out how to save only inspiration snaps to the cloud.

However, I’m finally getting around to selecting only the important ones and deleting the rest. There is enough inspiration to last me 10 lifetimes. It feels good to skip the routine for a while and clear the clutter making space to play.

I like this one. I almost deleted it part way through, but after sleeping on it I decided to have fun and doodle. This would probably make a good surface design. It has a 50’s Jetson feel to it don’t you think?

Walkabout and Sunset Lake

Sunset Lake iPad drawing by Sea Dean

Walkabout, that’s the term Australian original people use when they go out into the bush to gain some perspective. I’ve always thought it was a wonderful term for taking a break. I’ve found that I need a break every three months or so and I haven’t had one for over a year, so I was waaaaay overdue. Blogging can be useful for staying on track, but it is very refreshing to get away.

I accomplished many things on my walkabout, including clearing out a storeroom, which gave me the opportunity to discover some old journals, photos, paintings and writings. I found a few gems which I will share this month. Most of the stored items were from about 10 years ago. I was a different person then, but I suppose the more you change the more you stay the same. By reading through old papers I discovered that I like myself and I’ve led an interesting and varied life rich in learning.

Above is a new iPad drawing created on my walkabout. The combination of colors speaks of the desert origins of our local climate while honoring the life force in our deep cool lakes.

Long time no see

WILDFLOWER LAKE by Sea Dean - various sizes and finishes

Sorry I’ve been a stranger. I can’t believe its been so long since I posted, but all I can give as an excuse is that sometimes you need to focus on yourself. That’s not to say I haven’t been busy wih art, it’s just a different kind of busy, largely on the thinking and planning side of things.

This is my year for clean up and completion and I’ve been very focused on that. Still lots to do, but I’m pleased I’m making progress. I’m one of those people who always puts family and friends before my own needs, but this year I’m shifting focus to deal with all the personal stuff I never seem to get around to.

I purchased a condo in January and launched into the reno from hell. I’m still working that through, Still no cupboard doors or in home studio. Stuff scattered between two condos, two partial studios and four storage areas. Ug! I am however, starting to see the light.

So to update on the art front, my work has been accepted again at G97 Gallery in Peachland, BC, Canada. I’m prepping several new pieces and some old friends for delivery on Tuesday. The season opening is next weekend. I’m still working with Ritchcraft Gallery in Kelowna, BC and my Art Cards are available at Kelowna Art Gallery, Lake Country Coffee House, G97 and of course online. I’m in negotiations with two new venues, which I’m very excited about, but more on that later.

For my online presence I’m phasing out Daily Paintworks and new art will appear on Artfinder. Artfinder seems to be a very progressive online gallery and I like their format. I also plan to re-organise and upgrade my personal web presence later this year, probably in time for the holidays.

After the G97 opening on June 3rd I’m taking a month off for some much needed R & R. I will be back in mid July, rested, with a fresh outlook and loads of new images and art.

ADVENT GIFT - Enthusiasm

CONTACT by Sea Dean

One of the most attractive traits of any human being is enthusiasm. We’ve all heard the saying “Do what you love and money and success will come” but how do you know what you love. The world of art is such a huge and varied field that it may take a lifetime to find a style or technique that lights us on fire, but you will know when you’ve found it. The total focus, joy and enthusiasm will bubble forth in an unstoppable way, and people will be drawn to your sparkle.

This is how I feel about my digial work. As soon as I start to talk to someone about my technique and show them some of my “One Finger Drawings” I can feel the excitement build within me and they step into my world to share the experience. I was talking with a popular artist the other day that I’ve collaborated with a couple of times, and he was so enthusiastic about my digital work that he proposed we hold a joint exhibition. A relative of his is a top glass sculptor and as we talked we got very excited about combining the three types of art which are all amazing and all completely different. More about this in 2018.

When I create a one finger drawing I’m totally absorbed and facinated. The bright colors highlighted on the screen and pushing the simple tools to the limit, fills my world and hours or seconds could be passing, I’ve no idea which.

The other day, I was watching a short report on the work of Mark Tobey: I had never heard of him, but apparently he was an influencer of Jackson Pollock. As the curator and interviewer were talking about the various works in an exhibit, I realised that independantly I was on the same Abstract Expressionist path. Jackson Pollock is an aquired taste and I’m awestruck by his work. However, Mark Tobey, who is relatively unknown today, was the first in the USA to create completely AE work.

While viewing Tobeys super detailed small works I was reminded of my favorite AE piece, OBLIVION. Mark also used curving lines in his work, but many focused on straight lines and triangles. I realised that in the past I’ve always defaulted to curls and curves, so I grabbed my iPad and forced myself to work with straight lines. The result, after a few attempts is the painting above. I think it may now be my favorite!

OBLIVION by Sea Dean available at artfinder.com/sea-dean

COTTONWOODS AT NIGHT One Finger Drawing

COTTONWOODS AT NIGHT

Mixed Media on 8” x 10” Powlonia Cradle

Click to purchase unembellished art card $5 plus postage

I never like contrived art, so I’m working on adding interest to my drawings without going overboard. I often finish a one Finger Drawing but think it needs more at the center of interest. Being an animal lover my thoughts turn to birds, bears, squirrels etc, but one finger drawing requires simple form. This deer just naturally popped into place and it seems to work. what do you think?

Now I’m embellishing the prints of these iPad works, the real fun begins when I have mounted them and put the final finishes. I never really know what I will do with the paint and brushstroke coating, but I suspect that there will be some midnight blue and irridescent moonlight involved.

SWAC Kelowna Airport Kiosk

LAKE LIGHT
Limited Edition One Finger Drawing

One of my most successful Drawings, available in a variety of sizes and surfaces. 
Contact me here to purchase

Calling all Thompson/Okanagan Artists, the submission for SWAC Kelowna Airport Kiosk is open now till November 15th. 
For more information click here.

I've been one of the 20 selected Thompson/Okanagan artists for the past two years and it's been an exciting ride with many challenges and successes. We have quite a cross section of work from photography and painting, to jewellery and first nation art. The hand crafted jewel trees are a big hit and local landscapes are also tops. I've consistently been one of the three top selling artists and it's amazing how much is purchased. This August alone the kiosk sold 94 pieces! 

Previously Limited Editions were not accepted, but I campagned hard last year and this time they are included. I'm quite excited to enter my iPad drawings, which have been selling well all summer. My editions are limited to 100 across all sizes, but my newest embellished works are individually unique, so I think they will pass the first stage of the jury process. The only reason I may be turned down this year is to allow new artists a chance.

How I Mount my One Finger Drawings for Exhibition

iPad Minis 3" x 4" mounted on .75" or 1.5" Powlonia Cradles

While I was participating in 30 paintings in 30 days challenge, I was also busy mounting ipad drawings ready for submission and exhibition. It took me a week to complete 16 iPad Minis, 10 6” x 8” and 10 8” x 10”. I think mounting and finishing a print takes longer than painting a whole new painting: While many steps are the same, the mounting includes more archival prep, and several extra layers. Here is my process.

Final gassing off before packaging

HERE IS MY PROCESS
1. Select the powlonia cradles. Only about a third are suitable due to rough surfaces or off angles, plywood separation etc. A large batch takes several trips to the art shop when new stock is delivered on Fridays.
2. Sand edges and surfaces. They are never smooth enough.

Two 6" x 8" Embellished One Finger Drawings showing choice of cradle depth

3. Paint on GAC 100 archival blocker. Leave minimum 24 hours. Paint another coat and allow to gas off another 24 hours.
4. Paint sides and edges of cradle with gesso or acrylic. Allow to dry. Sand lightly and paint another layer. Allow to dry for 24 hours to gas off. If you don't allow gas off time the edges of the print will eventually lift, so this step is important.
5. Order and collect prints or print on specialized printer.

Six 6" x 8" Embellished and Mounted One Finger Drawings

More 6" x 8" Embellished and Mounted One Finger Drawings

6. Cut print to size. Although I order the correct sizes they are always different to the cradle.
7. Paint a thick layer of matt archival gel. Quickly place print and smooth from center out with soft cloth.
8. Remove any excess gel that has ouzed out around sides. Allow to dry for 24 hours to gas off.

Six 8" x 10" Embellished and Mounted One Finger Drawings
9. Embellish with acrylic paint and/or iridescent/interference paint. Allow to dry thoroughly.
10. Apply brush stroke acrylic finish. Allow to dry overnight.
11. Add any glitter touches and allow to dry thoroughly.

Two more 8" x 10" Embellished and Mounted One Finger Drawings and one Acrylic Painting

12. On back of cradle write cat #, name of print and edition if there is one, name of artist (me), media (LIMITED Edition  E print or Mixed Media Art), signature, year, contact email or website.
13. Adhere  artists bio on back.
14. Place eyelets with screws and add plastic covered wire to hang.
15. Gas off/dry for at least two more days before wrapping in archival quality cellophane (not plastic) ready to ship to exhibition.

PHEW!

Hard to see, but this shows two paintings with iridescent and brushwork finishes

THE GRAND FINALE - 30 One Finger Drawings in 30 Days - Collage

When I first started daily painting I found it a real struggle to birth that painting each day. In that first year I created 365 paintings. It was completely exhausting. As my skills developed I started to prep the canvas in batches, find faster ways to choose subject matter and paint. Now I’ve created thousands of paintings and it is getting easier. Part of the credit goes to taking part in Leslie Saetas 30 paintings in 30 days twice a year for the past four years. It's inspiring to be part of this huge group of artists, all intent on producing a piece of art each day. During the month I view hundreds of paintings each day, follow the blogs of inspiring new artists and thoroughly enjoy the event. Thankfully, I no longer hesitate when I sit down to create.

Here are my 30 “One Finger” Drawings of the September 2017 Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Thank you loyal readers for encouraging me through another full on creation experience.

WEEK I

WEEK II

WEEK III

WEEK IV

And the final two

Posted as #3 on 30 in 30 blog

Sunset Swim - One Finger Drawing by Sea Dean - 30/30

SUNSET SWIM
One Finger Drawings by Sea Dean
6" x 8" Canvas Print ready to mount
$59 + shipping

Two versions of this one.

My Editions are available in a variety of sizes and surfaces
Contact Here

I'm one of the artists taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. This is the ninth time Leslie has held this event and I've taken part in each one. This is # thirty of the thirty iPad drawings I plan to complete by September 30th.

I'm pleased to be part of the challenge once again and look forward to adding 30 new drawings to my Limited Edition Collection.

See all the Challenge Artists Work here

I'm at #6