Why I would make a lousy football coach!

My blog is intended as an art blog, but some other interests of mine are so important they can’t be ignored; like The Houston Texans football team. Remember in my last blog I mentioned how much I like to talk? Well, this morning I was airing my feelings and emotions about the game yesterday against the Raiders. But when I got tired of just talking to the mirror in my dressing room, (my husband was as far away as he could get and working in his home office)…… I thought “Hey, I have a blog…all my own…the perfect place to….talk!”

When I was in high school and on our drill team, I attended every football game. Soon I began to think I would like to be a football coach instead of an artist. After all, I had a grasp of terms such as first downs, four downs, over-on-downs, field goals, touchdowns and I even learned to spot which player was the Quarterback…..IF they were lined up for the next play. However, when I graduated I drifted into the art field. My head had cleared but I did not lose my love for watching the game.

My husband is also a fan of the Houston Texans, but being a perfectionist he doesn’t like to actually watch the game. He bought me a “Smart TV” for our bedroom. He prefers watching a science fiction flick at that time.  When a fabulous play happens I yell for him and he comes running to see the wonderful play. Good ‘ole DVR. My TV is so smart, I barely know how to turn it on, and I’m not kidding.

We have two sons, both of whom played baseball growing up and dabbled in football. We also have three Grandsons, one of whom played football until a torn ACL and four surgeries due to that injury ended his football dreams. He has accepted that and is in his third year of college and doing well.  All our Grands, including the Granddaughters, are outstanding young people…but I’m getting off the subject.

I suspect now that I was probably the ONLY person in the universe who said yesterday….”Oh, I’m so happy they are giving Matt a chance to play”. I ran down the hall to tell David the good news. I like Matt Schaub and always will. Of course, knowing only a teeny bit about football gives me free rein to love whomever and  whatever I choose to love. No real discernment or accountability is required of me. But don’t get me wrong; the Bower household and extended family is rife with graduates of the University of Houston and Case Keenum has long been our favorite Quarterback. We are thrilled to have him on the Texans team. But shouldn’t everyone get a chance to play?  I sound like a little league parent, don’t I? But that’s me.

Yes, I would make a lousy football coach because…

I look at football through the eyes of a Mother and a Grandmother. I care about every one of the players, even the opposing team players. I’ve even cried recently and prayed for a player on the other team when he was badly injured. I hate injuries. Frequently, I say “Bless his heart” when a player misses a perfectly thrown pass, or fumbles the ball on the 1/2 yard line. Then when coach Kubiak collapsed on the field two Sunday’s ago…I was traumatized. I was stunned into silence except for saying over and over again, “Bless his heart”. (I’m a native Texan…that’s what we say!) I wondered how in the world those players could go out on the field to play the second half. I know, I know….they lost…..but….wow, that took focus. I prayed for them all.

It’s a good thing I chose art instead of football coaching. The world has never missed me on the sidelines. But I’ll be right back in my very own recliner, with my very own Smart TV next Sunday and saying……”Bless their hearts” and…..

GO TEXANS!

I’ve learned there are approximately 10 steps to take to be in an art show. It involves much more than I had anticipated when I  entered my first one years ago.

The requirements and rules differ from art group to art group but must be carefully followed. I suppose being in a one-woman show instead of a group show would have less rules. I’ve only had one one-woman show and the only people I had to please was myself and of course, the gallery owner. It went well.

Back to the group show. Here are a few things I’ve learned about getting ready. I’m sure I have forgotten some steps that I will be forced to remember as the date gets closer. Remember, these steps vary from art show to art show.

Step One: You must have paintings available to enter. This step may take weeks.

Step One B: The paintings must be no more than 2 years old. Maybe someday I’ll have a one-woman show to exhibit ALL my paintings which have never seen the light of day at an exhibit. I suspect this is when some artists decide to open their own gallery. But I won’t go that far.  Step Two: Learn the art group rules for submission. Be sure your dues are paid up-to-date. Make multiple copies of the submission forms…in case of error or a change of mind. Remember, “size” must include the frame…not just the image area. If you are lucky (read that “experienced”) you already know your Category (Professional, Semi-Professional, Student, etc) and pricing. Don’t adjust your prices; they should be the same as on your website, blog, Facebook. Be consistent. It’s the fair thing to do.

Step Three: Order frames. Yikes! Sticker shock! Before placing your order for new frames, go through your closet and see if there are any “used” frames you can use for this show.  Ah! Here’s one…just pop out the painting and there you have a frame ready….IF you have a painting that fits. Back to Step One!.

Step Four: Order all the other frames needed. Remember, these online orders take time. I just did that this morning! Wow!

Step Five: Redo Step Two submission form because you can’t afford that many new frames.

Step Six: Check out the venue if it is near-by. My next show venue is near-by and it’s lovely. Now I’m getting excited.

The Pavilion at Kingwood Country Club, Kingwood, Texas

Click photo to enlarge.

Step Seven: Quick! Pencil in the date on your desk calendar in INK! If you can find room.

Baby Abby Cat in my office.

Step Eight: Here is the  REALLY hard part of being in a show; plan what you are going to wear to the show.  Of course, you can always drop off your paintings then leave, but that’s no fun.   When I paint, my “ensemble” is very casual…layered with a ratty old smock and apron……not suitable for an art show. You do not have to look “arty”, unless you want that image.

This photo shows the real me and

…………What NOT To Wear! Adele, age 12.

Step Nine: Ask yourself, “Will anyone come, and how much do I care?” This is an important step. Make your expectations very, very low. I’m  the Queen of High Expectations, according to my husband, so this is one of my most important steps.

Step Ten: Publicize…..via Facebook, your blog,  mailed invitations, word-of-mouth, sky-writing, smoke signals….whatever is your style. But you MUST publicize…at least , that’s what all the experts say.

Okay. There you have my “Ten-Step Program to Your Next Art Show”. If I think of another step I’ll let you know. Or you can let me know what I’ve forgotten.

Oh yes! My next ART SHOW:

The Lake Houston Area Artists Fall Show, formerly the Kingwood Art Society

  Saturday, November 16, 12 noon to 4 PM….a come and go event. At the Pavilion of the Kingwood Country Club, Kingwood, Texas.

OUR 61st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Yes, sixty-one years! Hooray! Celebrate!

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”

Proverbs 3: 5 and 6

“Congratulations” 12″ x 12″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

Available on my website: http://www.artbyadelebower.com, original or a fine art print.

ART NEWS: I will exhibit a few paintings from my “30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge” collection at the Lake Houston Area Artists fall show. It will be held at the Pavilion of the Kingwood Country Club, Kingwood, Texas,  Saturday, November 16, 2013 from 12 noon until 4 PM. The painting above will be in the show.

When something happens to me that is funny, confusing, curious, or otherwise just out-of-the-ordinary, I usually  write about it.  I write a lot.  “The Mentor” is about an actual happening several years ago. I came home and wrote it right away.

The Mentor

By Adele Bower © 2013

“George”, I whispered. “George. Are you awake?” I said softly.

“Umbleurgle sloop,” he replied.

“What? George, are you awake?” I raised my voice a little.

“Pdulcoeby  sllctt.”

“GEORGE”

“WHAT?”

“Are you awake?” I said sweetly.

“No, I was just resting my eyes. I always do that at 2 A.M.”, Jenny.

“George, I have a question about something that happened today and often happens.”

“What, Jenny?” George said with resignation.  

After all, he knows he is the spiritual leader of this home and should always be ready, willing, and able to give good counsel anytime. Encouraged by his enthusiasm, I went on.

“George, you remember that I was asked to be a mentor to younger women at our church?” I asked.

“Yes, Jenny. I remember.”

“And that I was so excited and honored to be recognized for my wisdom and experience?” I asked.

“Yes, Jenny. I remember.”

“Well, now that we are two months into our women’s ministry fall program, I don’t feel so honored and wise”, I moaned pitifully.

“Why ish dat, Jenny?” George said.

I noticed his voice was getting lower and his speech a bit garbled.

I sat up in bed, fluffed my pillow, and rearranged the covers…..you know,  do something quick. George was drifting back to sleep.

Still sitting up in bed, I began. “Yesterday during women’s ministry Bible study, we had our special time for small group prayer and share. I’m a leader…an older Christian Mom, full of wisdom and experience, right? Well, not one of them acted the least bit interested in my opinions. In fact, one young mother pointed out that things had changed since I raised our children and my advice showed that I just didn’t understand and couldn’t relate to what they are up against.”

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I continued. “How should I have answered her, George? I thought they wanted my counsel based on Biblical principles I had applied to raising our three children. They’ve become wonderful Christian young adults, haven’t they, George? What should I have said, George?”

“George?”

“George, are you awake?”

 “Guess I’ll ask him in the morning.

-End-

“Cat Snoozing”, computer illustration by Adele Bower

To celebrate the completion of the 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS CHALLENGE and keeping in my final theme “Favorite Things Around the House” , I selected two of my favorite “things” around the house to paint.

Painting #29

“Tomboy” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on canvas panel.

Painting #30

“Abby Cat” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on canvas panel.

I even made a montage (aka, a collage) of all the paintings in the challenge.

What a wonderful time I’ve just had during the month of September, 2013. I don’t plan to do it again anytime soon, but I’ll never forget it. I actually miss it. So I asked myself “What have you learned?” Here are a few of my answers:

1. I enjoy and work best with a deadline. Go figure!

2. I LOVE acrylics….but I knew that already.

3. Have a good set-up; all your supplies in good order, brushes and palette cleaned every day (or more often), plenty of paint and panels on hand, ideas and photo references at hand or in your computer, and don’t forget to feed the cats.

4. Have a theme…or two…or three! You don’t have time to stop and think up ideas.

5. Have your website ready so you can post your finished art every day…..for sale!

6. Post it on Facebook and your blog. I LOVE the feedback! Your friends will be an encouragement and will hold you accountable. (Example: I ran into a friend at the supermarket. She said “Aren’t you supposed to be painting?” My answer: ” Yes. But I  ran out of Blue Bell Italian Cream Cake Ice Cream, for goodness sake.” While there we spoke with a Blue Bell representative, who told us some bad news …”That flavor has been discontinued until next year!” Sniff! Sniff!

And 7. I need to make a plan for my next art project!

SOME BAD NEWS: My IT Guy and resident computer guru,  David, tells me my computer is having some serious symptoms of a possible imminent  breakdown

and has called the repairman who will come next week. I don’t know what to expect but will know in a few days.

MEANWHILE…………..

Do me a favor, please, and visit my “Print Shop” where I’ve posted a bunch of my art, in five separate “galleries”, Landscapes, Figurative, Floral, Animals, and Still Life.

http://adele-bower.artistwebsites.com/index.html

There you can order fine art prints of my artwork at very reasonable prices….and beautifully reproduced on canvas, paper, metal, acrylic…framed or unframed. Each painting can be printed into greeting cards. You may add your own text or leave the inside page blank for special messages and greetings.

And now, my art can be printed onto an iPhone case cover.

“There are three stages in the work of God; impossible, difficult, done.”______a quote from James Hudson Taylor, English Missionary.

This is the last full week of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and I’ve decided to paint a few from  “The Grand’s Toy Basket”. I’ve collected a some of their favorite toys through the years and kept them in a basket in the closet intending to paint them someday. Someday has arrived.  Here is the basket full of some of their favorite toys.

Of course, they have all outgrown them, but fond memories still linger for the Grandparents. …..David and me.

Painting #22

“Tugboat and Crew” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on museum quality panel

Painting #23

“I Can’t Swim” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on museum quality panel

These two rubber duckies spend their days on the side of the bathtub in our hall bath…except when a cat comes in and knocks them into the tub then stares at them. The cats seem to think they should be IN the bathtub, not on the edge.

I have to share my studio window. At least this time they didn’t argue over who got there first. Tomboy is on the left watching squirrels with Abby Cat.

Painting #24

“Polka Dot Bear” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on museum quality panel

I wanted the bear to be pink with polka dots….after all…it’s my choice……I’m the artist!

The new owner of my painting, “Meet Me At The Cafe” texted this photo to me. It looks happy in its new home…a lovely beach house on the Gulf.

Painting #25

“And You’re Invited” 8″ x 8″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Painting #26

“Double Duty” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on museum quality panel.

My theme for the rest of this week is “Favorite Things Around The House”. I had photographed the watering can and flowers  soon after receiving them. The beautiful bouquet was a gift, but our Abby Cat thought they were for her.  I put them in the old watering can and placed it on the patio table.

Painting #27

“Painted Sticks” 10″ x 8″ acrylic on canvas panel.

My style seems to be getting more playful and abstract as the Challenge goes on. I actually have a pot with these sticks in it……I collected them on our green belt while taking a walk. Of course, they were not this color at the time.  This is my imagination taking over.

Painting #28

“Art Show Treasure” 8″ x 8″ acrylic on museum quality panel

I purchased this beautiful bowl at an art show several years ago and it became a favorite coffee table art object…..until Tomboy Cat came into our family. He is a playful, active, and very nosy little creature and knocked it off the coffee table very quickly. It didn’t break and is now safely on a high bookcase shelf. Is it really safe from Tomboy?

THESE SEVEN PAINTINGS COMPLETE  WEEK FOUR OF THE CHALLENGE, BUT THERE ARE STILL TWO MORE DAYS OF SEPTEMBER .

WITH ONLY TWO PAINTINGS TO SHOW NEXT WEEK, MY BLOG WILL NOT BE  LONG….UNLESS I DECIDE TO KEEP PAINTING ONE-A-DAY!

I DON’T THINK SO..AT LEAST, NOT FOR A WHILE.

Meanwhile, have a good week. To purchase a painting  please visit my website, http://www.artbyadelebower.com. These paintings may be seen on the “30-30 Challenge” tab.

Okay, go ahead and laugh. David said I would eventually “Publish” my blog when it was unfinished. I didn’t believe him. Now I do. His Personality type is almost always right.

Tomorrow there is NO time to do a painting so today I did two. Do you think that might have something to do with my little mistake?  I’m so tired  I think I’m getting more playful with my art during this Challenge. Maybe a good thing…it sure is more fun.

Anyway, here is………

Painting #21

“Meet Me At the Cafe”

I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to say about what Week Three has been like. (Of course, I never get to say all I want to say about ANYTHING.) So, I decided to put in a “selfie” photo I just took with my iPhone. It tells the whole story.

Adele Bower….as she just completed Week Three of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!

Now I must go back and do things as I should have done them before. But “YAY”, Week Three is complete.

Please visit my website, http://www.artbyadelebower.com.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

A BUSY WEEK AHEAD!

Sunday, as I looked forward to this coming week I couldn’t help but wonder how I would get everything done AND keep my commitment to do a painting each and every day.  But I’ve having so much fun and discovering new things about acrylics, procedure and myself. What a blessing!

Painting #15

“Never Too Many” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Painting #16 in progress.

I started by painting the entire surface a light pink. BIG mistake! Never again.

It was a constant struggle to overcome the force of the color as it changed the other colors painted over it.

#16- “Mediterranean Memories” 10″ x 8″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

(Completed!)

Painting #17

“Old Ruins at Rhodes” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

Painting #18

“Library Path” 10″ x 8″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

Painting #19

“Fresh Fruit” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Painting #20

“Ioannina Garden” 6″ x 6″ acrylic on museum quality panel

Now to start a brand new week of paintings…..one each day!

I’ll admit that it was a lot of work to complete seven paintings in seven days last week, especially since I had to catch-up due to a 3-day trip to San Antonio to see our youngest Grandson who attends college there. I had to paint two paintings in one day. But did I mention that, already?

Having my theme established, “Vacationing in the Greek Isles”, helped me plan for this week…well, at least the first painting of the week!  I spent yesterday afternoon going through the wonderful photographs our Granddaughter took while she and her husband were in Greece this past summer. Then I did what any commercially trained and experienced artist (like me, for instance), would do; I cut and pasted, added part of one photo to another photo, added bright ideas and so on until I had a composition I liked.

  Now I’m ready for the sketch. By the way, for acrylic paintings I do my prelim sketches on the panel with a CarbOthello pastel pencil, probably about a #4 or #5. It’s so old I can’t read the number on the side. The lines do not interfere with the paint and are easily removed with a damp tissue on the painting surface. I learned that tip from my many workshops studying with THE MASTER OF ACRYLICS, William Hook. And much, much more.

Frequently I’ve been heard to say, “I don’t like to draw/paint architectural subjects, just people, still life arrangements or landscapes”.  Yikes!

Oh yes, there are interesting architectural scenes in Rhodes, of course.  It won’t hurt me.

Painting #8

“Must Be Lunch Time-Lindos, Rhodes” 10″ x 8″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Painting #9

“Backyard Flowers” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

I resisted giving this painting a title that included the word sunflower. I hope it is obviously a sunflower.

The painting is looking mighty proud in its very own display easel…which I include with the purchase price.

Painting #10

“Tourist in Rhodes” 10″ x 8″ ink and acrylic study sketch on paper.  This is considered a “study” because I rendered it very quickly and made decisions along the way which explains the swatch of blue color in the upper corner. Today was a very busy day, including speaking to a women’s Bible study group, so I chose to do a study (which is acceptable for this challenge.)

Painting #11

“Bright Window”  12″ x 12″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

I did this painting in three hours….out of necessity…the only time available. I enjoyed pushing myself to finish; it kept me loose.

Painting #12

“Congratulations” 12″ x 12″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

Painting #13

“Sunset Sail” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Okay, I’ll admit that this is a departure from my theme, “Vacationing in the Greek Isles.” Actually it is in Texas on Galveston Island. But I felt very inspired to paint it anyway. I call it a “practice study” and it is not for sale. I was born in Galveston, Texas, but don’t recall ever going for a sail. Wonder why? David was in the Navy and has zero interest in getting out on any water again. Swimming is enough.

I’ve needed a little more room for my palette, water container, paints, brushes ,spray bottle, tissue,  etc.  While working today I remembered a table we had stored away so I carried it into my studio/workroom and had it set up in no time. It has a very nice imitation leather surface so I covered it with an old plastic picnic tablecloth.

Cozy looking, isn’t it? I’m enjoying the extra space.

And now……Painting #14

“At Tharri Monastery-Rhodes” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

This beautiful and rugged stone wall attracted me to this scene…located somewhere on the grounds of the Tharri Monastery in Rhodes, Greece. What a lovely and serene place.

YAY! HALF WAY THROUGH THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE.

“He has the deed half done who has made a beginning.” ________Horace

Week Two has been an adventure in discipline for this artist. Being committed to creating a painting each and every day has been very difficult but a lot of fun.

I have learned much more than I had anticipated and after all the years I’ve been doing art, I still have a lot to learn.

I still have a lot to learn and look forward to next week and its challenges.

I look forward to hearing from you this week. Just leave your comments below. They are very welcome.

Don’t forget to visit my website, http://www.artbyadelebower.com and my Facebook pages.