Back in the Saddle Again

Growing up I often heard, "When you come off a horse, you get right back in the saddle again." Well, I didn't get right back in the saddle again this time, but at least I'm back. Sometimes I procrastinate something for so long that it begins to feel like it's been too long to even try again. Nevertheless, here I am. So what happened? This happened... 

My mother-in-law had a fatal stroke in May 2016. If you had told me that her passing would create a 7-month creative block I wouldn't have believed you. But life is not always believable.  While I haven't been much at my easel, I haven't been doing nothing. Over the next few days I'll be posting a combination of painting work and other professional work from the past year. 

Today is officially the first day I've painting since July 22, 2016. As much as the anxiety of it gave me a headache and an anxiety attack, it's good to be back in the saddle again. 

Nehalem Bay Sunset

I was driving home from Nehalem, Oregon at sunset. After the rainy winter we had enjoyed a fabulously beautiful sunny day. It was the first sunset I had seen in months. I missed pulling over when I first caught a glimpse of it. I didn't make that mistake again. I pulled over at every turnout the rest of the way home at took pictures as it slowly sunk beneath the horizon. Oh, the glory and the beauty of this earth.

What A Story!

I just have to share the rest of the story of "Standing Watch". I attended the Opening Reception at the North Country Recreation Center in Nehalem, Oregon. I was so very impressed with the turnout and the support of this community. Three leaders from the Nehalem-Catsop tribe were present and shared their gratitude and what they are doing to work toward restoring their national tribal status with all of its rights and privileges. Two of the leaders kept asking me about the painting. I told them how I had researched their people and tried to place myself in the place and time of the early people. I talked about what it would mean to stand watch and wait for my sons and/or my husband to come home. And how I felt that there would be a Chief and perhaps even a Great Spirit standing watch, waiting for the People to come home. One of the leaders, with tears in her eyes, told me she'd had a dream (I don't feel that the details are mine to share here) and when she woke she knew the dream was about her people coming home. They were so touched by my painting that the tribe has decided to purchase it. I am so honored and excited. What a great opportunity this turned out to be. Not only was I inspired to create something, but also to touch the lives of others, and share a moment in eternity with some incredibly special people. Definitely a memory I will treasure. 

Art Show at the Hoffman Center

"Seeing The Light"

 

Art exhibit by Bay City artist Karen Gale

 

     Karen has prepared a selection of about thirty paintings to exhibit at the gallery at Hoffman Center for the Arts during the month of January. Her oil paintings will examine the idea of searching for, finding, and seeing light physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

     Karen's oil painting classes were so popular this fall she will continue themThursdays, starting January 7th, 10am to 1pm. New students are welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

     An opening reception will be held Friday, January 1 from 3p.m. to 5p.m. Karen will be available to discuss her work and the show. Refreshments will be served.

 

My Other Life

The morning after the opening reception at the Bay City Arts Center I headed off to be a WWII War Correspondent. My husband, Andrew, and I enjoy re-enacting and this particular event is our favorite. I was exhausted and didn't get as many photos as I usually do. Additionally, it was pouring rain and the wind was blowing so my camera wasn't taking the best photos. But it was still tons of fun. As with most things in life, the best part of it is the people. We love our reenacting family!

Bay City Arts Center

Friday was the Opening Reception for my exhibit at the Bay City Arts Center. I appreciate the opportunity to show and talk about my work. A friend advised me that "it's all about the lighting". While I actually had no control over the lighting, her remark proved true. One of the board members for the BCAC shared that when she walked in and saw the exhibit she picked out a painting that she liked the best. Then the lighting was turned on and suddenly she saw everything, literally, in a whole new light. In this photo I am discussing "Supplication". She said that once she saw it lit, she couldn't take her eyes off it. So fun see the magic happen.

The Show is Hung

Well, it's done. My faithful Young Women came and gave service hours to help me hang my show. They did such a great job and were so cheerful and helpful. I love them! And I have to say, they did a wonderful job. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Of course Andrew was my right hand man and with me every step of the way. His love and support are what keep me going day in and day out and especially on days like today. Now I just have to wait until Friday for the Opening Reception. Oh my... 

Giving Thanks Honestly

Well, Thanksgiving vacation is over and now it's time to dig in and get ready for my show opening on Friday. But before I let the holiday go, I have to share the artwork of my darling granddaughter Baylee. It is a picture of me, my dog Twilly, and all the other faces around the Thanksgiving table... Apparently not everyone was happy. How precious is it that a child can be so honest. So often we try to portray things as we wish they were. But children see things differently. I can't say how many times I watched her little wheels churning and yearned to climb inside that little head and see what was going on in there. I have been inspired by her work to be as honest as I can in my own.

Share the Road in Sutherland

I grew up on a small farm in the middle of nowhere. As we drove around sharing memories we passed this sign. We had to turn around and go back for a photo. In the Portland area we see these signs all over the place. Of course we see cyclists all over the place too. There's hardly a need, way out here, to share the road with other vehicles, let alone bicycles. So the irony was just too fun not to capture. And yet, shouldn't we always be sharing whatever we have, with whomever else is out there? Share the road of life...