These are some of the paintings I've just hung in the beautiful gallery at Harborfields Library on Long Island. My last solo show was curated, but I had to hang this one myself. My husband helped out. We hung 28 paintings in about three hours. I missed the fun and excitement of hosting an Opening Reception for this exhibit, but chose not to have one because of the time and expense involved. We have a lot going on, and I'd rather not be scattered in too many directions. (Well, to tell you the truth, we already ARE scattered!) As you know, we humans hold serenity at a high premium. It's hard to come by.
Without a reception, I won't get as much feedback. During the hanging and when I went back to fasten the labels by each painting, I did get to see some folk's reactions to my work. I'm happy that those particular people expressed a lot of enthusiasm. Especially the children who walked past with their moms. I love to hear, "Mommy, look!" in excited tones, accompanied by smiles and excited gestures. I take a simple joy in the fact that kids seem to love the colors and wild forms in some of my pieces. Maybe the child in me is still kickin' around, somewhere deep inside?
By the way, I have a post planned on the topic of personal equilibrium and serenity, but that's for a later date. Thanks for checking out my slide show!
All images and text c Lynda Lehmann. If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my gallery at Imagekind, where you can choose from several sizes and paper types or buy my prints plain or matted and framed.
For me, the the biggest attractions in your work are the vibrant use of colour and the indisputable energy created. They leap off the walls (screen). When you don't get to have an opening, you do miss an opportunity to talk about your work and to garner some sense of response to it. That's one thing that I've found blogging has provided - that personal feedback. Seeing the work in the flesh is the only thing missing in that scenario. Hard to get it all at one time isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMARGARET - You know, I was really torn about it. Part of me said "Why go to all that work withoug an Opening?" But the weather has been very cold and we're still ice-encrusted, and the economy is bad. And the extras of getting post cards made and planning the food, were too much right now. Next time...
ReplyDeleteI will, however, sent out flyers and emails to my friends, customers, and others, so that they will be aware and can drop in.
As you noted, my work is active--and the large paintings with fragmented surfaces, do NOT display well on tiny screen shots on the web. You are so right that there is nothing like seeing them in the flesh. A four by five foot painting cannot "read" in web-shot dimensions!
Thank you for your feedback. I'll be over to visit you soon. :)
All your has wonderful color and a fantastic depth of field seldom seen in abstract work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
ROBERT - That's an interesting observation that other people have made, as well, about the depth. It's a paradox that I baffle over, as my paintings DO emphasize "surface." Yet as you say, many of them seem to have depth of field, at least within a shallow plane.
ReplyDeleteWe're all different, which is what makes life interesting, right?
Wishing you all the best, and you know I think your art is wonderful.. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
SYLVIA - THANK YOU! I'm so glad to be getting back in touch with you and the other members of WWAO again!
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well, and to see you at WWAO. xxxx
Lynda I love the slide show, very cool work and what a cool idea. I am going to sign up for it, I see you can embed it onto your blog.
ReplyDeleteOh Lynda these are just delicious eyes candy. You inspire me to want to paint and just let lose, without thought or structure. That would be SO fun and my kind of painting that expresses emotion, energy and life simply through color and movement. And you colors and movement are just THRILLING. I watched the whole slide show and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. I can imagine a whole bunch of these hung at once. I would be like the kids and go bezerk. So exciting.
ReplyDeletePS I just ate up your last comment on my site. You are a great thinker and feeler of our times. Never doubt it. I also think there is a powerful writer/speaker in you.
You are amazing.
I am senind you a big hug and much love.
And thank you for inspiring me in such an exciting way. I mean that.
Robin
Hi Lynda - you are too clever in putting that slide show together! I recognized some of the paintings from your blog.
ReplyDeleteKids are honest in their expressions of art - so it sounds like your exhibition will be a hit!
All the best for you!!
beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeeeeautiful colors and compositions in your work Lynda. You know me--I love love color! :)) Good luck with your exhibit.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Trust me to like the odd ones out but no.s 1 and 9 are my favourites. Especially 9 - I think that is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHey Lynda,
ReplyDeleteAs I was trying to right on the review box (but couldn't): you know I am a big fan of your art, and once again you didn't disappoint! This is absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations!!
I knew already some of the works (from previous posts) but there were some new...and they are simply delightful! It was nice to re-visualise the black and white one!!
Let that post about serenity delight us all!
"Please, no more memes, schemes, or awards" LOL LOL LOL I hear you!
Cheers, darling
Congratulations on the show! Sometimes a reception's more trouble than it's worth. I'm supposed to go to one tomorrow, but considering the distance (& that I only have 1 thing there,) I might actually skip it. I shouldn't, but I SO need a break these days!
ReplyDeleteFantastic abstracts Lynda - the colours pop right out at you. Many are favs with me. Congrats and good luck with the show!
ReplyDeleteBOB - I think you should put all your beautiful animated GIFs in a slide show! And set it to change at a slower speed, if there is such a setting on slide.com. It would be SO soothing to watch!
ReplyDeleteROBIN - You continue to amaze me with your positivism and ability to perceive the good in each individual. Since I'm at that CRS (Can't Remember _hit) stage of life, I love that you consider me a "thinker." :)
ReplyDeleteAt times I don't know if I have any of that capacity left, as if I'm reduced to reactive thinking just by virtue of what I see around me. Sometimes it's hard to be rational about an irrational reality. :( I guess doing art relieves me of the need to think on a conscious level, and allows me to delve into subconscious strata of mind and perception.
I can envision YOU painting as an extension of the part of you that finds so much joy in Being--and exploring aspects of our human experience. Have you ever tried it?
Take care, Robin. I'll be over to visit soon, to see what new magic you have conjured.
Hello Fair Artist who creates such gorgeous abstracts,
ReplyDeleteWe have been watching you. We are artist also. At least that's what they call us. You may even know us. We'd like to invite you to a member of our very Private Club. We're very selective and only an elite few are welcome on our hallowed grounds. We pick you.
We even have a little 'chit chat' room just for the likes of you. It's rightfully called Dante's Pub. But when your enter BEWARE! You are entering the abyss of the artist mind! You may not find your way out.
You're welcome to watch from afar while drinking your brew or pull up a chair and join us for a little chat. Be sure and register and then log in. After all, this is a very private club. We don't allow just any wanderer in our midst.
Don't dilly dally now! It wont cost you a pence. Check out The Artist Challenge and Dante's Pub- that is if your daring and think yourself worthy to be amongst the souls we've claimed?
Farewell...until we hear from you,
Master Mike and the Pub Wench
Artist Challenge- http://www.theartistchallenge.com/
Dante‘s Pub - http://www.theartistchallenge.com/art-forum/
a wonderful selection of work Lynda....
ReplyDeletethe 'licorice' all sorts are definitely my favourites :) ;)
I wish you every success with the exhibition...
I love your choice of title for your exhibit too :)
have a cosy weekend...
Kim, you are the only person to come to my blog, who has commented on the title. Thank you. I like it too.
ReplyDeleteI was watching the news about the AU fires and hoping you live far from the destruction. I hope you and the kids are safe! :)
You have a blog award waiting for you on my art blog. You can pick it up at Digital Artisan.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
-M
wonderful expressions that came from within reached me in too...loved them..
ReplyDeleteAfterall, we our on our way to rediscover the child-like nature and what more can be than the blesssings of those kids!!
the caption that was chosen is amazing... colours representing various centres in the energy field...great, Lynda!!!
Wishing you all the best! Your work is incredible!
ReplyDelete~Wind
MICHELE - As I told you on your page, I'm very GRATEFUL to you for thinking of me for the award. Sadly, I simply don't have time for all the blogging extras and goodies that make it more interesting for all of us, and help build friendships and community. I can barely keep up with just the basic blogging...
ReplyDeleteBut again I THANK YOU, and I wish you much enjoyment with your blog and your adventures with digital art!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for including me. :)
Merging Point - Thank you for your kind words and positive energy. I hope you have a wonderful day full of inspiration and joy!
ReplyDeleteWIND - Thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteKia ora Lynda,
ReplyDeleteI love how you describe the reaction of children to their parents! So synchronistic with thoughts rolling through my own head at the moment. Keeping that spark alive, that urge for curiousity and exploration in children, and in ourselves. You are a Teacher.
Aroha,
Robb
Oooh, lots of great energy in your abstracts, Lynda. The slide show is fun to watch!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work,Lynda! I'm sure that the internet does little justice to the originals--only wish I could see them in person. You make me want to let loose. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your show!
Robin
Every success to you. Your colouring and sense of pattern are both superb.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I could see these inspiring some glass ideas in my Linda. Do you make card prints of them by any chance? Would love to see your show up close. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteDang it I meant Lynda- I spelled it right the first time haha.
ReplyDeleteGreat photography and art Linda. You have a nice interpretation of beauty. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteROBB - What's sometimes amazing is finding an iota of maturity in ourselves at the same time that we can connect to a vestige of the child left in us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. With your love of our Earth, you are the best kind of teacher. You always inspire me.
CONDA - Thank you for stopping by. It was fun to put them together.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy and not too chilly weekend!
MICHELE - As I told you on your blog, I'm very honored that you thought of me. My priority is reading blogs and having my own content read, so I'm trying to stay away from awards and memes for the time.
ReplyDeleteBut I appreciate the good will you have communicated. Again, thank you!
ROBIN - Your work is beautiful, creative, and varied. I value a compliment from you.
ReplyDeleteThe large paintings ARE fun because I can get a little wild with them. I probably should have mentioned that these paintings in the show range in size from 18 x 24 to 48 x 60 inches! The big ones like Hoopla and Cerebration, especially, cannot read well on a tiny web image. So I wish you COULD see them in person!
Have a great weekend and I hope you do have a chance to let loose on some paintings, soon!