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)

'Tis the Season!

"Les Astiers"
Oil on Linen, 8 x 16
(c) Lesley Powell 2018
Available at Dilworth Artisan Station Holiday Open House

Hard as it may be to believe, the holiday season is nigh! Like everybody else, art galleries and painters have their own rituals of the season. One of the rituals is the "small works" show -- a collection designed to showcase paintings that are small enough to fit under the Christmas tree, and affordable enough for gift-giving. After all, who wouldn't love a gift of art??

"Cyclamen, Winter"
8 x 8, Oil on Canvas
(c) Lesley Powell
Available at Dilworth Artisan Station Holiday Open House

Galleries often send out a call for small works as early as August or September. The early call gives painters time to plan and execute paintings that fit the bill. Many painters work in a very large scale, so producing small works is a diversion for them, something they do especially for the holidays. Some painters even paint Christmas-themed paintings just for these shows. 

"Fresh Mown Fields"
Oil on Linen, 8 x 16
(c) Lesley Powell 2018
Available at Huff Harrington

Lucky for me at this time of year, I often paint in a smaller format. As a result, I have plenty of paintings to consider for these events. And all of them have been created in the course of my ongoing approach to painting, throughout the year. I am illustrating this post with some of them.

"Gerbera and Lemon"
12 x 9, Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2018
(SOLD)

If you'd like to see Small Works shows in person, here are a few that will include my paintings. The dates are for the opening receptions, which will feature yummy food and drinks. It's a fun way to kick off the holiday season! The shows themselves will be hanging for most of December. Click the links below for more details. Enjoy!

"Little Jewels"

Huff Harrington Fine Art

Atlanta

Reception: Saturday, December 1st, 10 AM to 5 PM

"Small Works Show"

Shain Gallery

Charlotte, NC

Reception: Friday, December 7th, 6 to 8 PM

"Holiday Open House"

Dilworth Artisan Station

Charlotte, NC

Reception: Friday, December 7th, 6 to 9 PM

Coming Attraction

I'm excited to be the guest of The Gardener's Cottage in Asheville, NC, for a special event--one week from today.  On October 18, the shop will host an "Art in the Garden" reception, and I will be the featured artist.  Can't wait to come to Asheville and share my newest paintings! Some of them were painted on location in Asheville, specially in anticipation of this show.

"Distant Peaks"
Oil on Linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2018

The main event will run from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2018. It will be at The Gardener's Cottage, in historic Biltmore Village, at 34 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, NC. If you can't make it that evening, many of my new

Jump Start the Holidays!

'Tis the Season! JOIN ME AT OUR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION Friday, December 2nd, 2016 6 pm to 9 pm and Saturday, December 3rd, 2016, 10 am to 2 pm Lesley Powell Art Find me on the Third Floor--Studio #35 118 E. Kingston Avenue, in Charlotte's South End Above: "Village in the Vaucluse", 12 x 18, oil on linen, (c) Lesley Powell 2016. Come be Jolly!! The halls will be decked when I co-host the Holiday Open House at Dilworth Artisan Station, the first weekend in December. More than twenty-five artists will open our studios for the event. Here's who we are. Whether you enjoy art that is abstract or realistic, flamboyant or quiet, large or small--we have it all! NEW THIS YEAR: Most of us will also be open on Saturday, December 3rd, from 10 am to 2 pm. So if you can't make it Friday night, all is not lost! Take advantage of Saturday for a stroll through the studios. Friday night will feature live music, beverages and nibbles. Saturday promises to be more sedate, but I will have tea and cookies, and good conversation. Come, bring a friend, and get into the holiday spirit! Above: "Harmony in Yellow", 16 x 20, oil on linen, (c) Lesley Powell 2016

Where to Park? The lot beside our building; spaces on the street; and in the overflow parking deck behind Carrabba's restaurant. Or be adventuresome and take the light rail. I hope to see you Friday night or Saturday--or both! Above: "Straightaway", 7 x 14, oil on linen, (c) Lesley Powell 2016. See more paintings on my website, Lesley Powell Art

Arts in the Garden

"Well Balanced"
24 x 18, Oil on Canvas
(c) Lesley Powell 2016

I am thrilled to have been selected to show new paintings at Wing Haven Garden this week (details below). "Wing Haven" is a very appropriate name for this space, because it is also a bird sanctuary. I am a huge fan of Wing Haven. It is located right in the heart of Charlotte, and is an oasis of peace and calm in an otherwise busy urban area.

"Cottage Garden"
18 x 18, Oil on Canvas
(c) Lesley Powell 2016

Even though Wing Haven Garden is a relatively small area--less than three acres--it has a huge heart. It is one of those rare places where time appears to have stood still. The personalities of those who created this place still sing through, loud and clear. Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson are the generous couple we have to thank for this legacy. They created this

You're Invited!

O faithful readers in the Charlotte area---come on down on May 6 for our Spring Open House~! I'd love for you to see my newest paintings in person!  Details below.

PLEASE JOIN ME FOR OUR SPRING OPEN HOUSE DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION Friday, May 6th, 2016 6 pm to 9 pm Lesley Powell Art Find me on the Top Floor--Studio #35 118 E. Kingston Avenue, in Charlotte's South End Spring has sprung, and the artists of Dilworth Artisan Station are opening their studio doors for an Open House. This only happens twice a year! I am co-hosting this year's event, with more than twenty-five artists participating. Here's who we are. Whether you enjoy art that is abstract or realistic, flamboyant or quiet, large or small--we have it all! This time we are featuring a special bonus. Most studios (including mine) will showcase selected works that are priced at especially affordable levels. Perfect for the starting collector, or even for gift-giving.  Live music, beverages and nibbles--come, and bring a friend And there's an elevator operator to bring you right up to the third floor!

Where to Park? The lot beside our building; spaces on the street; and in the overflow parking deck behind Carrabba's restaurant. Or be adventuresome and take the light rail! If you can't make it on May 6th, I am open any time by appointment. Just shoot me an email, or phone me at 704.609.0782 to set something up. I would love to see you!

Copyright © 2016 Lesley Powell Art, All rights reserved.

You're Invited~

Jump Start the Season! JOIN ME AT OUR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION Friday, December 4th, 2015 6 pm to 9 pm Lesley Powell Art Find me on the Third Floor--Studio #35 118 E. Kingston Avenue, in Charlotte's South End Greetings, Friends. I am co-hosting this year's Holiday Open House at Dilworth Artisan Station. More than twenty-five artists will open our studios for the evening. Here's who we are. Whether you enjoy art that is abstract or realistic, flamboyant or quiet, large or small--we have it all! Among other new paintings, my SMALL GEMS collection will be available. Proceeds from the Gems benefit Arts for Life, bringing the arts to children in the hospital. We will have live music, beverages and nibbles. Come, bring a friend, and get into the holiday spirit! Click on the title to learn more about either painting above: "Beach Shack" or "Land's End, Reflections". Where to Park? The lot beside our building; spaces on the street; and in the overflow parking deck behind Carrabba's restaurant. If you can't make it Friday night, I will also be open on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am until 12:30 pm. Would love to see you! Above: "Roman Way". See more paintings on my website, Lesley Powell Art Copyright © 2015 Lesley Powell Art, All rights reserved.

The Jury's In

Awarded "Best in Show"
(c) Greg Siler

This spring I submitted an entry to "Carolina's Got Art!" (CGA for short)--a juried art show. For the uninitiated, a "juried" show is one in which artists compete to have their work included in the show. There is typically a single juror, who reviews all of the entries and decides which ones make the cut. Because of the dynamics of the process for high profile shows, only a small percentage of entries are selected. 

This year, CGA landed Eliza Rathbone as its juror. Ms. Rathbone is well know in art circles, having been

You're Invited!

Please join me for this annual event!

DILWORTH ARTISAN STATION SPRING OPEN HOUSE Friday, May 1st, 2015 6 pm to 9 pm Lesley Powell Art Find me on the Third Floor--Studio #35 118 E. Kingston Avenue, in Charlotte's SouthEnd Please join us! I am co-hosting the Spring Open House at the Dilworth Artisan Station. More than twenty five artists will open our studios for this special event. It's a great opportunity to meet the artists, peek behind the scenes, and see all the latest work coming off our easels. New paintings available for sale. Live music. Beverages and nibbles. What's not to love?? Bring a friend and make a night of it!

Where to Park? The lot beside our building; spaces on the street; and in the overflow parking deck behind Carrabba's restaurant. If you can't make it Friday night, I will also be open on Saturday, May 2, from 10 am until 12:30 pm. Would love to see you! See more paintings on my website, Lesley Powell Art

Copyright © 2015 Lesley Powell Art, All rights reserved.

Holiday Open House: December 5th

An invitation to a night of art and fun in Charlotte's historic SouthEnd. I am co-hosting, along with twenty-some other artists in my building. Lots of holiday cheer! Hope to see you there! 

Dilworth Artisan Station Holiday Open House Friday, Dec. 5,  6-9 p.m. What: 28 artists and other businesses open their doors. Beautiful artwork in a variety of styles and prices will be available. Enjoy wine, music and more. Where: Dilworth Artisan Station,118 E. Kingston Ave. in SouthEnd. Parking: Lot beside the building, spaces on street and in overflow lot behind Carrabba's. Or use LYNX Bland Street Station. Make a night of it!: Our open house is part of the SouthEnd Gallery Crawl. With one stop you can visit many art venues, restaurants and night spots. These studios and businesses will be open Ada Shapiro - Alla Ostrovsky - Ann Conrad Anne Neilson Fine Art - Belgrave Associates - Bob Brooks Caroline Hall - Crossland Studio - Fryday & Doyne - Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy -Holt McLean -  Holt School of Fine Art - Janet Lasher  Jeff Cravotta - Jim Shannonhouse - Juliann Bannon  Kate Stewart - Kim Gibbs  Leonor Demori - Lesley Powell - Lita Gatlin  Miriam Durkin - Pamela Freeman - Pamela Winegard - Paul Hastings  Sandvi Studio - Scott Miller Associates - Sharon Hockfield   Terri Otten - Terry Thirion Copyright © 2014  Dilworth Artisan Station

Tree Party

"Tree Amidst the Lavender Fields"
7.5 x 11, oil on linen
(c) Lesley Powell 2014

Good News! My painting "Tree Amidst the Lavender Fields" has been chosen to be part of the Tree Party juried exhibition, to be held at Ciel Gallery in Charlotte, NC. Many thanks to the juror, Andy Braitman, for selecting my painting for the show! 

It's always a roll of the dice to enter work in a juried competition like this. The juror typically has hundreds or even thousands of images to review in a very short time. As a result, the decisions must be quick and are often arbitrary. I have had far more entries declined over the years than accepted. I always remember the story of a famous artist who had his painting declined

Open House Invitation

Would love to see you at my Studio for the Open House on May 2!

Spring Open House at Dilworth Artisan Station, May 2 View this email in your browser

Zinnias by Alla Ostrovsky Dilworth Artisan Station Spring Open House Friday, May 2, 6-9 p.m. What: 25 artists and other businesses open their studios. See original art, enjoy wine, music and more. Where: Dilworth Artisan Station, 118 E. Kingston Ave. in Southend. Map Parking: Lot beside the building, spaces on street and in overflow parking deck behind Carrabba's restaurant. Or use LYNX East/West Station. Make a night of it! Our Open House is part of the SouthEnd Gallery Crawl. With one stop you can visit many art venues, restaurants, night spots and the popular Food Truck Friday event on Camden Road. These studios and businesses will be open: (Click on name for Web site) Ada Shapiro - Alla Ostrovsky - Anne Neilson Fine Art - Caroline Hall Crossland Studio - Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy - Janet Lasher - Jeff Cravotta Jim Shannonhouse - Juliann Bannon - Kim Gibbs - Leonor Demori - Lesley Powell  Lita Gatlin - Miriam Durkin - Murray Parker - Pamela Freeman  Pamela Winegard - Paul Hastings - Sandvi Studio - Sharon Hockfield Terri Otten - Terry Thirion - Tony Griffin - Wingspan Performance

Lesley Powell Terry Thirion Pamela Winegard (Detail)

Copyright © 2014, All rights reserved.