COUNTDOWN TO STILL LIFE EXHIBIT Whahoo!!!

Well, hey there...It's Loren here and I'm getting so excited that my exhibit will be right around the corner.  I can hardly contain my excitement.    I am really thrilled with the way things are shaping up and most things are done.  Painting tags are done!   Sides of paintings totally finished!  Wired up and ready to hang? Yep!  Printing for Painting/Price list will be printed tomorrow. Ring binder with info about 'yours truly' is almost put together and all I need now are some large boxes to carry paintings and keep paintings from touching each other.  I know exactly where I will get these boxes!  Great!  So far, so good!   With everything going smoothly, I have to say I expected more chaos than I actually have been experiencing. 

I hope if you live in the area, you can make it to the show reception on Monday November 14th 6 pm - 8 pm.  If you can not make it, take a peek at my Still life paintings here on my site.  Just go up to 'tabs' bar and click on  STILL LIFE.  There you can see some of the pieces that will be in the show. 

A NOTE:   If you are interested in purchasing a painting, please contact me by the 'message me' box on the left side bar on my site.  Let me know which painting you are interested in and I will message you back.  I am happy to help and answer any questions you have.  Feel free to message with additional questions.  Some times there is a problem with my email, if you can not reach me, you can contact me at   loren@lorenfidalgo.com  and I will get back to you.

Hey, just another note:  If you are interested in note cards that feature my paintings, please contact me in the 'message me' box on the left side of my site.  Scroll down and you will see it.  Write down the title of the painting and size and I will message you back.  The card size is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 and they are blank inside. The price is 6 note cards for $16.00 + shipping.  I am excited to make the cards for you.

Well, signing off for now and  I hope you can make it to the show  November 1st to November 30th.  The reception 'meet the artist' is on November 14th.

Be well and Cheers,

Loren

STILL LIFE EXHIBIT OPENING SOON!!

Hey guys... it';s Loren here.  I wanted to let everyone know that I am having a solo exhibit of my still life paintings at Christopher's: A Neighborhood Place 335 E. Kings Street in Malvern, PA.  The show will be up from Nov 1st to Nov 30th.  The reception, "meet the artist" will be held on Monday Nov 14th, 6 pm to 8 pm.

I am so excited about showing this body of work because it is very meaningful and close to my heart. Lot's of things happened personally and emotionally when I began painting.  Since I began my 'calling' and journey into painting some 8 years ago, I started and dove into painting still lives.   I started painting with a palette knife and it didn't occur to me to use a brush!  So, I used the palette knife like a brush and painted like there was 'no tomorrow'! 

It is so interesting to me because in my early years in college at Moore College of Art & Design, I studied Graphic Design and Advertising in the 80's.  I didn't have any interest or longing to paint much less still lives!   I hated the smell of the linseed oil and turpentine!  So after my head injury and my compelling need and desire to paint, I was shocked more that anyone to come to understand that I had this deep hidden need to paint and to paint still lives to boot!  Go figure!! 

So, the opening of my show is coming soon and I can hardly, hardly contain my heart and soul..  I think this will be an awesome show and I would love to see you at the reception if you are in the area.  Come say 'hello' and have a glass of wine and enjoy the energy and emotiuon in the space.

Cheers,

Loren

WHATS BEEN GOING ON AROUND THE STUDIO + NEW SERIES

Hey guys...it's Loren here.

I wanted to post some info about what's been happening around the studio. I also want to discuss info about my progress with a new series I have been working on.  It's been a challenging time in 2016 and I can't believe we are 3 months in!  

So, I had my exhibit at Christopher's: A Neighborhood Place in Malvern, PA in February to March 2016.  It went well and gave me lots of exposure.  Lots of people attended the reception and friends came out to support me as well.  It was a great experience.  Planning to do it again soon. 



'It is brightest when alone' 14x11 acrylic on canvas (c),LorenFidalgo 2016

 I've been painting a lot and have begun what is shaping up to be a new series.   I am enjoying the process yet finding it a tricky progression as I struggle sometimes to get my painting into a series.  It is something I've been working on so diligently and consciously.  It's always a 'tug and pull', and exploration for me to create work in a series, but I manage to do it eventually. I love the novelty of birthing new ideas and bringing new ideas into reality, but I try to make a concerted effort to have unity in my work.  Nevertheless, I except the fact that I am a 'Creative Idea Problem Solver' ( my new self-appointed term, if it is one?) at heart and I am have been embracing this aspect of myself.  I want to see all my ideas to fruition and it is sometimes frustrating to have to curtail the explosion of ideas that bombard me day and night! I am however, coming to realize that possibly I can still have a voice and be a 'problem solver' at the same time.  It's such a fine balance, although do-able.  And I am doing it however challenging it is.  More to write about this in future posts.

About the my current work... no title to the new series yet. There are however, some canvases with lots and lots of texture by layering with acrylic paint. This is something that I have been playing with for a couple of years now. I am experimenting with different sizes and loving the newness of the canvas that sits on my easel to greet me. I say to myself, "hmmm...now, what can I do with you?"  It's exciting to adopt the new proportions and I am always surprised by the end painting.  I have also been playing around with color and all the gray shades I can create.  I am loving working with shades of blues such as Prussian Blue and Cerulean Blue and Crimson shades. I am amazing myself with all the yummy colors  I can achieve.  Lastly, my subject matter has taken a turn and twist.  There are subtle landscapes that have been emerging on the canvas and I am following the path that is calling me.   So, lots more to discuss about my current work in new posts.

I will post some more stuff about my work and some new things that have been going on this year. Question?   Do you struggle with creating unity in your work?  I'd love to hear from you.  Thanks for reading and enjoy your own journey!

Cheers,

 Loren

  

I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF WITH NEW PAINTINGS 'BETWEEN FEELINGS'

'FEELING THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES'  (section)    24x30   acrylic on canvas         (c)  Loren Fidalgo 2014

 

The image above is a small cropped section of one of my new paintings 'Feeling through rose-colored glasses'  I can hardly contain myself about launching my new series 'BETWEEN FEELINGS' however, I have run into snag.  Just when I thought my paintings were complete, I am wrestling with the questions of "how to finish the sides"?  'To paint or not to paint' is the question.  Everyone seems to have a different approach to this question.  I know all the options, however I am still not sure how I will tackle this issue.  I have some questions into a gallery owner and I am waiting to hear back from him.  What he has to say will go yards to helping what decision I will make.

 

I am a little disappointed that I won't be launching my series this week, but hey, that is how it goes.  I am really excited about the entire series and hope that you will be too?  Photographs came out pretty good and I will now begin formatting them. I am excited about the process of seeing them in print.

 

Hang in there... and I will be showing 'BETWEEN FEELINGS' paintings some time soon.

 

If you have any ideas to add to the mix, please feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks.

Cheers,

Loren

PAINTING 'WEEPING' SERIES CREATING JOY AND BLISS

Hey guys... I wanted to fill you in on my progress and the joy painting the 'WEEPING' series.

I am so excited about this group of paintings and I can't wait to show them to you.  I am finding it interesting creating a series of paintings especially because they are abstract.  For me, with this series, my paintings are about emotion, form and color.  Lot's of color.  Each painting has been having a different impact on me and each one has pulled up different feelings. I have been experiencing' joy and bliss' and 'sadness and melancholy'.  I guess I could say I am totally 'in love' with the entire series and I am enjoying the whole process creating these paintings. From exhilaration to anxiety, I am finding my 'groove' and I think I am 'getting it' for a change!

 

Stay tuned in...because I am more than half the way done with the series and I can't wait to show them to you.

Cheers,
Loren

The 2013 ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN REVEALED

Hey guys...it's time to reveal the new Christmas Card Design for 2013.  The cards have all been sent out and hopefully opened by now, so I can show you what I have been up to!

This design was inspired by a expression that my Gram who passed away last year,  would often say when she was confused or trying to focus on something.  She would get mildly frustrated and say, "Wait, wait. I'm all balled up!" I always thought it was so funny when she would say it.   I never knew exactly what she meant when I was growing up, but now I surely do and so does this 'funny snowman'.

The card design was created by hand with black ink.  It was then scanned into the computer and the colors were added to it. I really struggled to get all of the elements to look right and also fit into an envelope at the same time.  I shuffled some things around, cut and paste and found a good place for everything. This 'funny guy' was then cleaned up some and printed out onto card stock to check it out. When all was good, I took them to my printer guy 'Joe' who had me email a copy of the file to him. He printed them out, all on one side on white card stock. They were waiting for me when I picked them up and they looked so cute all in one stack. Now I knew I had to get a move on. 

I knew I had to get down to work because I did not have much time to get them completed and mailed out, too.  I began by cutting them out all the way around the image with scissors leaving a small white border. Little papers were everywhere.  Next I scored and folded them into 3 panels.  The first panel reads, 'I've been a snowman all my life...' The second reads 'but this Christmas has me...' The third reads, 'all balled up! and 'Happy Holidays to you!'  It's kind of confusing to write it out this way, so looking at the photos will surely help.  The card was finally adorned with some colored glitter then left to dry.  When they were done, I started to address them and put them in the envelopes.

Everything about this 'funny snowman' but his hat and one boot is dishelved and out of place.  I thought that this truly reflects what my Gram was saying when she felt overwhelmed.  I know my family and friends and those who knew Gram will surely know what this card is about.  So the next time you get confused or frustrated, just say out loud or to yourself, "I'm all balled up!"  Maybe you will remember this card?

Below are some more photos...

Well, I hope you like this year's design and find that it ranks somewhere up at the top?  Feel free to leave a comment.  I'd love to read what you think.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Cheers, 

Loren

TAKING A LEAP OF FAITH

I have some news to let you in on.  A couple of days ago, I signed up to participate in a contest called the 'Global Talent Search'. It is being sponsored by Lilla Rogers Studio.  (you have to checkout her website www.lillarogers.com  It is very 'cool'). The contest is for one chosen artist to receive 2 years of representation from Lilla Rogers Studio and a whole bunch of art licensing deals.

Although I am feeling a Iittle bit nervous...I know this is a great opportunity that I definitely want to be a part of because the potential is huge.  I am filled with so many emotions ranging from joy, exhilaration to anticipation. I am a little anxious to get started. Only one talented artist will be chosen, so the stakes are high.

Along the way, pursuing licensing has been challenging for me.  Many times I have wanted to throw in the towel but something bigger than me has kept me pursuing my dreams.  Perhaps fate has brought me to this potential opportunity. I have learned to never give up even though things do not look promising.  Never take no for an answer, even if other s are not in my corner. I am learning to hold tight to my dreams and somehow, someway my destiny will reveal itself to me.  I think that licensing is the path I was meant to take.  For some reason, my destiny has led me to this fantastic potential opportunity.  It would be a dream to be represented by Lilla Rogers Studio.

I have to ask myself, "Do I have the talent? Is this the right fit?" All I know is that I am excited for the chance and I am ready to let my creative energies do what they do best.  Create!!

Follow along with me as I journal my day to day experiences and the process of creating new art for this contest.  I am sure it will be fascinating to go through the creative and emotional ups and downs that it will take to make this dream a reality  I will be linking my blog posts to my painting blog, so you are sure to not miss anything.  Stay tuned!

Cheers,

Loren

NEW LOGO + BUSINESS CARD DESIGN

Hi there.  I wanted to give you a peek at my new logo and business card design.  I am so excited to have finally completed it and it is ready to be given out to the world!

I wanted this card design to coordinate with my blog, my Facebook site and my etsy shop, so I used the same painting that is on my etsy banner and my Facebook cover page.

The cards fold in half and I decided to print them myself so I could create them with a fold and blank inside.  The inside is white and is for jotting down notes and info. that someone might want to remember.  Possibly, the might want to jot down a painting that they liked or wanted to purchase. (that would be an awesome use of my card)!

The front of the card has my new logo and very little type. I wanted to keep it simple since the painting is detailed.  On the back, I added my blog address, etsy shop, email and Facebook site. Lots of information.  Now with social media and the internet there is so much info to put on one little card.

Back in the day, when I first designed my logo and business cards and letterhead stationery, there wasn’t as much info to fit on a small card.  I have been trying to track down a copy of my first card and logo, but no luck yet.  When I do, I will post it on my blog.  You will get a glimpse of where I was at at that time and where I am now.

Thanks for looking at my business card design and new logo.  Please feel free to leave feedback, it’s greatly appreciated.!

Live life!

Loren

NEW 'on my EASEL' PAINTING FEATURED

Hey, guys it's time for a post about a new painting. It's long over due.  This time I had a lot of trouble deciding what to write about mainly because I have so many paintings that I've done in various mediums and techniques, that I was not quite sure what I should tackle first. I am somewhat stuck. I am tossing back and forth with what paintings I have listed in my etsy shop and on Facebook.  Since I began painting before I began this blog, I have a lot of work to talk about.
In the past year I have been working mainly on abstract experimental painting and still life paintings.  I like to work on both because it keeps my skills up and I am constantly learning new things.  I also find new ways to manipulate the paint and brushes.  I think I am getting better but hey, who am I to judge?
I'll let you be the judge.
Well, let's talk about this new painting...

                                   'HEADING TOWARDS THE LIGHT'

'Heading towards the light'                       24 x 30                       oil on canvas              Loren Fidalgo

Just recently, I sold this painting, YEAH!!! and I would like to talk about it before it leaves it's current home.  The title of this painting is 'Heading towards the light'.  It is 24 x 30 and oil on canvas.  I really love the 24 x 30 size canvas to paint on.

I began this painting shortly after I began painting abstract back in the beginning of 2012. I think it was my 3rd or 4th painting.  I still felt new to abstract and unsure of my direction when I stumbled upon this painting style.

I began this painting using oil paint and by laying down blocks of color in Cerealean Blue and Ultramarine Blue squares in the bottom left hand corner using a palette knife.  I used various shades of these colors next to each other.  I dragged the paint around the canvas and dropped the palette knife down on the canvas where I decided the colors should go.  To merge colors, I dragged the color to the left side into the color in the right side with the flat part of the knife.  I used a lot of Alizarin Crimson as the dominate color around the canvas and especially on the top.  The Crimson color worked it's way into the shape that is painted in a curve.  This is a contrast to the square/ blocks of color.  The curve in Crimson sort of tucks you into the yellow areas of light almost like it is hovering over the yellows like a archway to a bridge or some kind of animal pulling your eyes into the painting.

There are two areas of light, in the blues on the bottom and in the yellows on the middle right side.  The Cadmium Yellow really brings your eye in to it and it looks as if you are heading towards the light starting at the bottom left corner of blues and moving up into the yellows.  In some ways. it reminds me of a landscape sunset with water on the bottom. Do you see it??

Although there are many colors in this painting, when I look at it, I see Crimsons and Yellows.  The other colors kind of recede for me.  They are secondary.  I wanted to show the interaction between many colors all grouped together on one surface.  I had a vision in my mind and at the same time I wanted to just let the colors flow out of me.  I didn't want to judge it while I was painting.  The title came to me right away and I knew what I wanted to say with it.

Well, I have to say "good-bye" to this piece as it will be leaving me soon.  I know it will go in an  awesome home, so I am so happy about that. I created another painting like this one.  I will feature it somewhere down the road.   Leave a comment if you would like to share something about this painting or my work in general.  I love to hear from my readers.

Live life!
Cheers,
Loren

 New etsy shop is opened. Seriously, it's finally opened!

new etsy painting shop banner 

Holy cow. I wanted to let everyone know that I have opened my new painting and illustration shop on etsy.  Yeah!!!  Above is my new shop banner.  I love it!  So far I have just listed a few smaller works, but stay tuned.  I will be listing lots of paintings for sale that will be 16x20's and 24 x 30's.  Yowza! that's big, 24x30's.  But for now, I will be listing small little gems that are inexpensive and don't require special shipping.  So, take a peek over at my shop on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorenFidalgoArt  and have a look at my new works.   Don't forget to check back in to read my 'on my Easel' where I will talk about the play by play'  (no pun intended or maybe it was...) process I go through when painting a painting.  I may be discussing the process of a painting that you are interested in purchasing, so take a peek in on 'on my Easel' to learn about your painting..

   Hey, I'm on Facebook now,too. Come by and discuss.  

new Facebook cover

Now here is some really big news. Facebook!  Yeah that's right.  I opened a Facebook site for my artwork. Yippee!!! I'm singing and dancing!   You can get there here .   I am so new to this social media platform and I hope I get the hang of it soon.  It does seem overwhelming with all the information every where.  I think I might need some assistance for this project?  If you have any suggestions or would want to leave a comment or post something that interests you or something that is on your mind, please do.  Any advice or tips are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Loren

    

FIRST FRIDAY IN PHILADELPHIA, MY FRIEND DONNA & TWO NEW PAINTINGS

JOYFUL AND BLISS
OIL ON CANVAS 18x24
(c) Loren Fidalgo 2009

I want to tell you about the awesome time I had last night.  I went with my friend Donna to First Friday in Olde City, Philadelphia, PA.  First Friday is an event where galleries and artists will stay out until dark on the first Friday of each month.  Lots of people come from all over to attend this event to view and purchase great artwork.  Although the galleries stay open late, sometimes it is the artists that are are exhibiting on the sidewalk with their art and crafts, that are the most interesting.  The selection of art last night was exceptionally great and my friend Donna and I met some really unique artists.  We met one guy who was exhibiting mixed media paintings and somewhat of a collage technique  (when I get approval, I will try to post some images of his and a link to his website).

This artist does his mixed media work on masonite and canvas and then seals them in resin to capture the delightful fantasy design.  He was so gracious to talk with Donna and I about his work and his studio as well as offering some insight into how he creates his work.  He also let us in on a tiny secret about how and where he gets his prints made. So cool of him! He lives close to the Jersey Shore, about 20 minutes from my home town. So, we immediately shared a connection.  Beach people love other beach people.   His studio and gallery are in the same town as my niece, so when I am down that way I am going to stop in to see his studio with my niece or brother.  (he had some totally creative art pieces and I'd love to share them with you, when he says "go".

Donna and I enjoyed ourselves so much and I have to express how INSPIRED and MOTIVATED I felt.  I was motivated before, but this event pushed it up to the next level.  Viewing all the ranges of art in the galleries and on the sidewalk was such a creative boost for both of us.  I realized that I need to go out to these events more and let inspiration tap into all the art that's out there for me to absorb.

My friend Donna and I had our first night out as firends since we met in watercolor class three years ago.  We became instant friends and it's funny because we look alike and are about the same height.  We've taken some painting classes after watercolor class and we really have a great time in class.  We've both been saying that we want to get together out of class and attend First Friday and also, go out and paint some landscapes. So, we finally hooked up and had a fun time.

If you are an artist and live near Philadelphia, stop by First Frtiday, especially when the weather is nice. You will be inspired and excited about getting up your easel or desk and start painting.

THE FLUTE PLAYER
OIL ON CANVAS 20 x24
(c) Loren Fidalgo 2009

This is one of my favorite oil paintings I've done since I started painting.  I hope you enjoy it too?  Keep checking back for more of my paintings.