Series ..... WOODS and HOODS

I've come to the conclusion that creating comprehensive series of works will both expand my abilities as an artists, allowing me to more deeply focus on particular subject matters, allow my work to be seen as I intend for it to be seen, and expand my impact within the art community. When I place one painting on a wall, its great, its interesting, and captures attention; but when 20 similar works are placed on a wall, neatly aligned and close together, the viewer is deeply able to dive into the perspective and world of understanding captured. I decided this is something I need to do...... But what should the series consist of, what should I focus most of my artistic intentions on? At first, I considered the Allegheny County Jail, I had spent a brief time there in my 20's (Substance misuse- different story) and I deeply emphasized with the folks suffering there, I felt that a series on this could bring light to their suffering. But the more I considered it, the more depressing it felt, and I realized that I could not focus my energy's on a project like this at this time in my life for an extended period of time, I would get burnt out, or lose interest, or maybe just feel miserable the whole time, but I knew it wouldn't fit. Next I considered 100 paintings over 100 days, and again after contemplating this, it just didn't spark that state of mind which excites one enough to produce a large project... Then in the shower, the place where great thinkers think best, it came to me. Several series embodying places with a similar vibe, or spirit. "Spirit of Place" as Ron Donoughe often says. Next the titles for each series came, WOODS, HOODS, MOON. Each an acronym, which I will soon release, through the give you an ideal, WOODS, is Wonders Of the Observably Described Sublime. ...Don't hold me to the wording, because its changing as I go, but the ideal of each is the same, WOODS will capture the spirit of wooded areas that I encounter through April, May, and June. Hoods will capture the spirit of neighborhoods that I visit and live within, and Moon will be a series of nocturn works. Its about the spirit, the essence, the energy of each.,,, I've gone on to consider where should these be displayed and have a few ideas which I will announce soon..... Ideally I can keep each series together showing them all together, then selling them, and this brings on the biggest challenge of this project. How can I give time to producing a series and not need to sell the works during the time that I am producing these. As you likely know, I have children, a house, a dog, all of that, and I need to bring in money every month. A challenge that I am sure most artists can relate to. .. I can hope for the best, hope that I have enough time to produce both the series and additional works to sell but I have tried this in the past and I have failed, selling works before the series was finished.. Perhaps a go fund me, or perhaps the hail marry approach of looking for investors, though their finical return would be little if any, their contribution to this local Pittsburgh Artists would be great. We will see, I will get it worked out., that's the not fun part of being a painter, but its worth it because the lifestyle is often a struggle but satisfying and beautiful at the same time ... Saylavee . .. ..

So now you know the plan, stay posted for new works! And check out Woods #1, " A Frick-ing Awesome Walk in April" , and reach out if you would ever like to join me while im out painting, guests and fellow painters are always welcome when I'm out in the field.