September 16, 2008

I wish there were an interesting story to tell of today about painting section II of the "Smokey the Zombie Bear" series but there's not much to say. A Dad sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows with his son, while Mom is in the distance changing baby's clothes in the well lit tent. Smokey is about to descend on Dad and son with bloody shovel.

Weird, scary, disturbing like a trashy scary movie. Smiles.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 15, 2008

Not much to write about concerning the painting "Smokey the Zombie Bear" series

Played a bit with my digital camera, my dog Sophie and sticks.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 14, 2008

I have agreed to have a one person show at a local coffee shop in State College, Pennsylvania. The space is small and I wanted to bring some smaller pieces there. I have four or five small (12" x 18") stretched canvases that were given to me some time ago and I decided to use these canvases for the next few paintings. The size is one that is challenging for me to work with. I feel somewhat constricted. My personal preference is to paint on something more symmetrical.

For two days I've been struggling with getting an image to suit the space of the canvas but seem to be stumbling a bit. Yesterday I painted "Smokey the Zombie Bear" inspired by stories my friend has been telling me of a friend of his who is preparing for when Zombies take over the world. I decided to make a series of "Smokey the Zombie Bear": a close-up, Smokey climbing into a tent, Smokey at the fire ring, and a couple others still undetermined.

It's fun to paint silly sometimes.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 13, 2008

Most often when I sit at the easel to paint I have loaded either music or podcasts on to my ipod shuffle for listening while I am painting. I have several vegan podcasts I listen to,in addition the "the Lesbian Mafia", Bill Mahr's "Real Time" (I don't have HBO) and my favorite podcast,"Keith and the Girl".

"Keith and the Girl" is a radio-type format with co-hosts Keith Malley and Chemda Khalili. The show is funny and smart. It's hard to pinpoint just one or two reasons why this podcast appeals to me. The guests are fun, Keith's and Chemda both cut the bullshit and get to the heart of the issues they bring up. Insulting, hilarious and thought provoking this podcast inspires me to express art with honesty and integrity while entertaining.

I am also inspired by the fact that they have created their project without the backing of a corporation-just two people with the same vision making things happen. "Keith and the Girl" are an example of what can happen if you truly believe in what you do and what you represent.

Peace Always

Sharon

September 12, 2008

Thought Bubbles
Sharon Lee
acrylic on organic cotton
38" x 38"

A full day of rain with very little distractions helped me over the hump to finish the painting "Thought Bubbles". Off to the frame shop next week and then to the photographer's. I'm planning to bring this piece to the one person show I am doing at Webster's Cafe in State College in the month of December.

The final painting day of a piece of art is a good day while being also being one of disappointment. It is always rewarding to finish a piece. Now is the time I get to look at it finish from a distance. For a few days I will move it to a spot over my kitchen table and glance at it all day long. It is cathartic although I truly can't explain how.

Disappointment is always there at the end because the fun of the painting the middle to end once the palette has been nailed, which is pure play is over. No struggle with getting the colors correct-they have been determined by this point. This is the time of creating that I turn on my ipod and just experience the fun of painting

Peace Always

Sharon

September 11, 2008

Photo by Rick Brandt

Peace on Earth

"Heaven on earth
We need it now
I’m sick of all of this
Hanging around
Sick of sorrow
I’m sick of the pain
I’m sick of hearing
Again and again
That there’s gonna be
Peace on earth."

U2

September 10, 2008

Photos by Sharon Lee

Even on days when I am unable to get into the painting studio, I try to incorporate creativity into my every day life. For the past year I have been toting my digital camera with me to be able to avail myself of any photo op that occurs. Walking in the woods, playing in my yard or a play-date with the neighbor dog are all opportunities to take photos and learn from the results.

Peace Always

Sharon