It’s been a good day in the life of this artist! Ingrid H. added two of my artworks - Afternoon Joy and Joy Unleashed - to her art collection. Thank you for making my day, Ingrid. I am thrilled that these paintings have found such a loving, appreciative home. It was a pleasure doing business with you. I sincerely hope that they will bring you years of enjoyment.
AFTERNOON JOY
JOY UNLEASHED
AFTERNOON JOY
Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
16 x 20 in.
SOLD
An original abstract intended to be a reminder to take time out to enjoy the simple pleasures of life--a beautiful sunset or a scoop of rainbow sherbet bursting with flavor on a summer afternoon.
Private Collector: Madison, NC
JOY UNLEASHED
Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
36 x 24 in.
SOLD
In life we experience various seasons of sadness and grief. Joy Unleashed is intended to be a reminder that although weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning.
Private Collector: Madison, NC
Tranquil Harbor, 24 x 36 x 1.5
Tranquil Harbor is symbolic of a safe harbor where an anchor can be dropped when buffeted by the storms of life. It is intended to take the viewer to a place where fears and questions are put aside while becoming enveloped in a sense of safety and security.
Tranquil Harbor was inspired by an arial view of water and marsh land. It consists of heavy raised texture created by mixing coarse sand with acrylic gel medium and paint to represent the land portion. The water portion is painted in shades of turquoise and blue giving it a dimensional effect. (Note: The turquoise color of the water was very hard to capture digitally and may look more blue than turquoise in the photo depending on digital color settings.)
The painting wraps the edges of the 1.5" gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with an archival UV protective finish coat. Artist signature (sjh) is on the front and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, wired and ready to hang. No frame needed.
Click photos to enlarge.
Shown hanging in a kitchen.
Shown hanging in living room.
Shown hanging in a media room.
Shown hanging in a living room.
Shown hanging over a cabinet.
Imagination was purely an adventurous experiment with color and texture on a day when I was in my studio and just felt like playing with my paints. I loved the end result and decided to keep it as a reminder that it is okay to let your imagination take over and carry you on a fun-filled journey.
This original abstract was created on a canvas panel. It consists of aqua with hints of green and white and a few touches of red on light relief texture. The background is an acrylic metallic copper. It is sealed with an archival UV protective finish coat and framed in a half inch frosted umber metal frame. It is signed by the artist (sjh) and comes wired and ready to hang with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Shown in 14"x11" frosted umber metal frame
IMAGINATION, 14x11 framed
Technology is moving faster than I am these days. I have been busy the past few days/weeks trying to get caught up with some of the art sites I am exhibiting on and I think I may be halfway through…or not! Everyone talks about how an artist needs to get their work out there on the internet and send out newsletters/updates once or twice a month. Well, as you can tell, I haven’t managed to meet all those suggestions. Sometimes it's difficult to fine the time to even write a blog post much less consistently send out a newsletter. One reason I haven't been sending out consistent newsletters is because I’m not as prolific as some artists, so I don’t have as many new paintings to introduce. My paintings generally take a while because of the layering process. Then I hit periods where the creative juices slow down and I get stuck on a painting so I have to let it sit for days, weeks, sometimes months while I study it. Studying it helps me discover where to go next. So, my theory is…why send out a newsletter and fill up someone's mailbox if you don’t have new updates?
Regarding internet artist sites, some sites and links have just disappeared without notification, others are thriving, moving forward and adding features that I have yet to master or take advantage of and meanwhile the requests to join new ones keep piling in. I have to pick and choose and remind myself that exposure is good, but it does come with a price. . . time, precious time. The more sites, the more time it takes to update and maintain which equals less time in the studio painting. When you take website and page updates, studio time, and add in day to day life, there are days I wonder if I can juggle it all. It requires balance and time management which in itself can be a challenge.
Blog written, now to move on to the next order of day.
Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do!
I am getting ready to launch a Facebook Artist Page. It will be a place where I can share some of what brings joy in my life…art, quotes, photographs, sharing thoughts and poetry and showcasing some of my original abstracts.
I love hearing what others “see” in my abstract paintings. It is fascinating and educational—a constant reminder of how we all view things differently. So, I encourage you to offer your input on what you see and feel while viewing any of my artwork and/or photographs. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Here's the link to my FB Artist Page and don't forget to click "Like" to follow. Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/susanharris.artist
I have missed being in the studio for the past few months My how time flies. 2012 turned out to be an interesting year including many facets which I will not venture to cover all. The year started off with website difficulties rendering it impossible to update, the passing of my beloved nephew, my attention being needed elsewhere, to name a few of the challenges which resulted in a lack of creative juices. However, 2012 ended on a much brighter and happier note with a wonderful new addition to our family. Our son married a delightful, beautiful young lady in December whom we dearly love. We are so happy for them both. Welcome Mrs. Katherine Harris!
Trying to juggle everything, catch up with all the website information, prepare for art exhibits, and attempt to keep up with the social media aspect of art zapped my creativity. I discovered that I really don’t like it when I want to paint but can't because there is nothing inside to draw from. So, I took a step back, came to terms with it and decided to be at peace. I chose to peacefully wait until the motivation returned. This week has been a turning point. The past several days I have intentionally been doing what I could to get those creative juices flowing again and today I finally made it back into the studio. It was wonderful to pull out a canvas and begin creating once again. Now I just need to try to rebuild my momentum and continue the creative process. Once I get that restored, perhaps I will be able to better manage the social media aspect of promoting art. Will take it a day at a time and see how it goes.
“VIEWPOINTS” FALL 2012 ART EXHIBIT is currently happening at Davidson County Community College in Lexington, NC (right off Business 85). Exhibiting artists include: Jeffrey Bliss (acrylic), Ingrid Erickson (mixed media, cut paper), Carl Galie (photography), Charlotte Munning (raku pottery), Dr. Jo Nicastro (oil, acrylic, pencil), Rankin Willard (paper collage) and yours truly, Susan Harris (acrylic mixed media). The Opening Reception will be held on Tuesday, September 18th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Refreshments provided. Public is welcome so please stop by if you get a chance. The show will run to December.
I am getting paintings ready for delivery to DCCC. Installation takes place the week of August 6th! Nine of my paintings were selected to go in the "Viewpoints" 2012 Fall Art Show at Davidson County Community College in Lexington, NC. The show will be in the Mendenhall Administration Building on the DCCC campus from August to December. More info to follow when I have an opening reception date and time.
River of Hope was constructed by applying heavy layers of acrylic paste with a paint knife. After being allowed to dry for several days, layer upon layer of color in shades of blue, green and yellow were applied. Additional acrylic paste mixed with brown pigment was then applied with a different paint knife to create the petal/small leaf designs and natural oak leaves were embedded and encased with acrylic gel to add additional texture and interest and give the appearance of leaves freely floating on a river. The final layers of scumbled shades of white, raw umber and gold metallic were applied in varying layers and order.
RIVER OF HOPE, 24x30
WHO: UPTOWN ARTWORKS
WHAT: NEW ART EXHIBIT!!
WHEN: Sunday, June 10th, 2012 from 2pm til 5pm
WHERE: 1007 Arnold Street, Greensboro, NC
WHY: To view new works of art from our studio artists as well as the work from our local special guest artists. Then there’s the snacks, drinks, music and Sunday afternoon art conversation…
COSMIC CAFE´, set of 2 - 20x10 each
Exhibiting Studio Artists:
Carol Meetze-Moates, Judy Meyler, Kathy Phillips, Allie Scott, Steve Robinson, Amanda Austin-Bolton, Heath Carrier, Vicki Johnson, Jay Bruni, Leigh Rodenbough, Kevin Burnette and Jeff Beck
Special Guests Artists:
Chuck McLachian
Cheryl Lipstreu
Susan J. Harris
James Canady
I believe there is a purpose and plan for my life and if I listen carefully and move forward with what I hear, one day that purpose and plan will be fulfilled. I have never been one to try and push doors open but when an opportunity to walk through a door is presented and I have peace about it, I will certainly walk through. May 2012 brought two such doors.
Door #1—I was offered the opportunity to oversee, or I guess you could say “curate”, the Gallery of Art at the Chamber in Greensboro. At first I was a bit hesitant because I have never curated a gallery before, but I reminded myself that it was a door of opportunity. I would never know what was on the other side or where it would lead if I didn’t go through it. After the first few weeks, I am really excited about it. I have met some wonderful artists and set some goals to work toward. It will be exciting to see where it leads.
Door #2—AbstractArtistGallery.org invited me to be a juror for an online contest. The first jury process begins on June 2nd. I am looking forward to this adventure as well!
NEW MOON MORNING
Just minutes before the sun appeared over the horizon,
the new moon was rising in the eastern sky.
Just above the silhouette landscape,
the brilliant white crescent hung suspended against the silvery steel blue sky.
The pond below mirrored a perfect reflection In the morning stillness
Breathtaking! Indescribable simple beauty. Nature at its finest.
Café Latté, 11x14
Acrylic/Mixed Media
Canvas Panel/Framed
11 x 14 in.
SOLD
Café Latté is an original that was inspired by a cool glass of iced coffee on a warm August morning. It is painted on a canvas panel and framed in a 1.5” deep brown antique wood frame.
Private Collector: Atlanta, GA
It’s been months since my website was rendered inoperative and I was unable to upload photos of new paintings. Thanks to Jamie, my daughter/web designer's persistence with the website host, I am now able to upload again. Please check out the gallery for photos of new paintings. Some have already sold but there are still more available for purchase. Commissions are welcome.
HEALING WATERS, 24x30
Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
24 x 30 in.
SOLD
This textural abstract was nearly a year in the making, eventually reaching its final destination. It was a year of healing for me, a healing the world is in need of as well; physically, emotionally, spiritually, even environmentally. My desire is that the viewer will experience a touch of healing wherever needed.
Private Collector: Kernersville, NC
QUIESCENCE, 48x24
Although it was a cold dreary January afternoon, the day was brightened by the community’s support of the opening celebration for the newly expanded and renovated Cone Health Cancer Center on Elam Avenue. The agenda included a presentation, four hours of wonderful music, delicious food and tours of the facility making for a delightful event. Local artists were on hand to answer questions about the original artwork procured for the Center. I am honored to have been among those artists. Eight pieces of my art were underwritten by generous donors for installation in the Center. Contemplation, Quiet Trust, Secret Thoughts and Quiescence can be found at the First Floor Elevator while Conscious Thoughts, Moments In Time, Moving Forward and Time Fragments are hung in the Radiation Waiting Room on the Ground Floor. It is my sincere desire that through my art, a life may be touched—bringing comfort and hope during a very difficult time.
About “Healing Art”
In 2011, the Healing Arts Committee—composed of cancer survivors and Cancer Center staff—had the vision of using art throughout the Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, NC. Thanks to the generosity of community members, this dream is now reality. The Center contains more than 70 works of art including paintings, sculpture and pottery by 27+ local artists, purchased with generous community donations and Cone Health contributions through the Healing Arts Program. The power of art to stimulate, to inspire and to heal can be felt throughout the Cone Health Cancer Center.
CONSCIOUS THOUGHTS, 11x14
MOMENTS IN TIME, 11x14
MOVING FORWARD, 11x14
TIME FRAGMENTS, 11x14
QUIESCENCE, 48x24
Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
48 x 24 in.
SOLD
Filled with texture and feeling, this original is symbolic of the calming river of peace that overtakes us when we are in the right place at the right time doing what we are destined to do.
Quiescence was originally created to hang in the solo exhibit at the Center Point Model Penthouse Art Showcase presented by Heart of Living Home Gallery 2009-2010. It was later purchased to hang in the permanent art collection at Cone Health Cancer Center.
Commercial Installation:
Cone Health Cancer Center
Greensboro, NC
AN OCTOBER TO REMEMBER - OR FORGET
Sad, lonely, confused
On the roller coaster of life
Slow climb, rocky trail
Steep, winding path
On the summit
Hope surges
Then the plunge
Spiraling downward
Unable to stop
Breath on hold
At the bottom,
Sigh of relief
Still here
Hope returns
Upside down
Inside out
Going in circles
Suspended in time
Plummeting again
Downward
Unanswered questions
Where's the end?
Can I stop?
Return to the top?
Stay awhile,
Enjoy the view?
No!
Not just yet
Maybe next time