Open Studio!

Photo courtesy NY Times

It's that time of year again--my studio building is hosting its Spring Open House. Join us at Dilworth Artisan Station, this coming Friday, May 3rd, from 6 to 9 PM. Over twenty artists will hold their studios open to the public. It's a great opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes, see what's fresh off the easel, and meet the painters themselves. 

Lesley in her studio...

I'm reprinting below parts of an excellent article from the New York Times about collecting art. (Thank you William Grimes and Robin Pogrebin!). This excerpt discusses how to take advantage of Open Studios. Hope you'll enjoy it, and please come on down on Friday the 3rd! Details here.

Some of my still life props--lots of pieces of fabric!

KNOCK KNOCK! Open studios are annual events in art districts. Individual artists, or buildings housing multiple artists’ studios, join forces and hold an open house for a weekend, with maps and websites to aid navigation.

ENGAGE. The point of an open studio is to let the public see work outside the gallery system and promote dialogue. This is your chance to get the inside scoop on the art and the artist behind it.

"Beakers with Azaleas"
20 x 10, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019

EDUCATE YOUR EYE.  Go see as much as you can--at galleries, museums and art fairs and by trolling online. The more art you see, the more you will develop clear judgement  Knowledge can  help put things in context, but expertise isn't a prerequisite. 

GET WHAT YOU LOVE.  All sorts of people will give all sorts of advice about what to buy and when and where to buy it. But the bottom line is, you have to live with the painting or sculpture or installation, so you should like what it looks like, how it feels to have it in your home. 

“Buy fewer, better works of art. Buy the best you can afford. Take your time. There is no art emergency.” — Liz Klein (art adviser)

Happy Easter!

"Hydrangea Centerpiece with Azaleas"
18 x 18, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019

Wishing you all a very 

Happy Easter!

Behind the Scenes

"South End Drive Through"
12 x 12, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2019
(Private Collection)

I've been taking advantage of the warmer spring temperatures over the past several weeks, and have been painting outdoors. My studio is located in Charlotte's historic South End, so I can just walk out my door carrying my portable easel like a backpack, and I don't have to go far to find lots of interesting things to paint.

"Miller Services, Midday"
12 x 18, Oil on Panel
(c) Lesley Powell 2019

Walking along the light rail line, I usually see the backs of buildings. It's become a favorite motif for me. I know what time of day the facades are in sun, and what time they are in shadow. I can arrange my schedule to get the best view for the painting I have in mind. It feels like these latest works

Reprising the SMALL GEMS SALE

A patient supported by Arts for Life

Good News: I'm bringing back the Small Gems Benefit Sale! I have not held the sale for a few years, so it's fun to start afresh. This year, the Gems will take you on a journey of the places I've been and the things I've seen over the past year. And I am donating ALL--yes ALL, 100%--of the proceeds to Arts for Life. Nothing makes a house a home like original art--and the Gems benefit a special cause, so it's a win-win.

My personal experience working on art projects with a young cancer patient has left a lasting mark on me, so I am especially thrilled to serve on the Board of Arts for Life. Our mission is to bring the arts to kids in the hospital. We let young patients forget their fears for a few moments. Instead