Marsha Clements

I am just so excited about the things that are happening in my life as an artist. I am getting a new studio/gallery. For the last few years, I have shared a studio with two painting friends and I’m not moving because I’m mad or crazy, but I just want more space and i want the space to be all mine. I don’t really think I’m being selfish, I think they are as excited about me leaving as I am about me leaving. They are making our old space theirs.

A special artist friend, Barbara Weaving Lines, is moving from Amarillo to St. Helens, Oregon. I will really miss her when she’s gone. She’s got a great sense of humor and is so much fun to talk to. she was a teacher too, and we have a lot in common. But she has been a professional artist for many years, and now I am moving into her studio and taking on that role myself.

I hope Barbara will channel her energy and knowledge of art business to me. Even though I have every reason to worry a little about this huge leap of faith that I’m taking, I’m not even worried. My horoscope keeps saying that this is my year to do something with my career and my life–so I am! And I really have faith that it is going to work out! I am becoming a professional artist. I’m really taking this seriously. No longer is my art just a hobby that I do to keep myself busy–I’ve never needed something to keep me busy. My art has always been a serious endeavor, but now–I’m really getting serious–even have a business plan!

I will have so much more room, more room to show my work, more room to work, room to think, more room to store my important art stuff! I will have room to have all of my stuff at the studio where it needs to be. I will have a space for a small office with my art books, my computer, my stuff for selling online and shipping, putting my compositions together, and working on grants for the Amarillo Art Institute and Mission: Freedom’s Children. I am helping the founder put her foundation together. They will fund education and work to meet the needs of families and children of veterans as they return from Iraq and Afghanistan. This new studio will have plenty of workroom and room to be truly organized. As soon as I get moved in, I will post pictures and have a party–a grand opening with all of my new paintings.

I have been painting a series of roosters and chickens. I just finished a huge, bigger than life rooster strutting across a barnyard. Another painting is a black hen with her small gray chicks nestled around her with eggs peeking out from under her wings. Another group of little yellow chicks are around a small feeder. I have a few more small rooster paintings and a couple of windows with chickens and roosters.

sunsets are another series that I will hang. I have a trityptch that is a sky going from hot tumultuous clouds to a peaceful blue, clear sky with a few puffy cotton clouds. I have several landscapes that I have worked on this year and finished in the last few months. Finally I have a group of paintings with children. Some of my grandchildren and some of the children of friends. I want to promote my “genre” paintings of children that show the wonder of the moment–a slice of life in the day of a child or children. For years, children have been one of my favorite subjects and are found in many of my favorite paintings.

#102, studio sentosa is the name of my studio and gallery. “Sentosa” is a Thai word that means tranquility. Heaven only knows that I can use some tranquility and really nothing gives me peace like creating, whether it is writing or painting or knitting or stringing beads.

I hope that you will enjoy the tour of my new studio and gallery at Sunset Center in Amarillo, Texas as soon as I get moved in and take some pictures. Or better yet, come to the Grand Opening of #102, studio sentosa.

Technorati Tags: Amarillo, art, gallery, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, marshaclementsart.com, moment in time, oil paintings, studio, studio sentosa, Sunset Center, Texas

Any grandmother would love a portrait of her darling grandchildren, but any dog lover would love a painting of their best friend. When my kids were growing up, we had dogs and we loved our dogs, but I never loved a dog like I’ve loved them since my kids are grown and no longer at home. I never suffered from the empty nest because our kids were always close by. But there came a time when even though they lived close by, they weren’t here to give me a hug when I came home from a long trip. There’s just nothing like the welcome you get when you come in the door in the middle of the night and even if he had been sound asleep when the door opened, he was there in an instant, wagging the tail and begging for your love and giving that unconditional love that a person with a memory can never give. I have had 2 dogs during this time, and yes, I know they are dogs–but I also know that they love me like no one ever has! And I have been loved! I have paintings of our dogs in our home and I love the memories they evoke. I enjoy catching their personality in their portraits. Everyone needs a portrait of their “BBF”! And believe me–your dog will be your best friend forever.

[caption id="attachment_184" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="This little Jack Russell loves to play ball!"][/caption]

Painting is like so many other skills, practice makes you better! I’ve realized that when I get to paint a lot, not only does it get easier for me, but my paintings really get better. I have been painting quite a bit lately and I think it shows. This is my newest painting. It’s a commission. I don’t consider myself a portrait painter, but I love to paint people doing things that they do–playing, working, busy with life. This client, the mother, gave me full control as an artist. A friend of mine who is a photographer and I both took pictures of these sisters one windy, summer day–out in the pasture, near a creek and a cabin. The mom never looked at the photos, told me to pick the one that I thought would make the best painting. She probably didn’t realize how smart that really was. But any artist will do a better job when given the freedom to make those decisions that make art. My goal for this painting was to capture this moment with Jordan and Maddy! We had been shooting for a while when one of them said, “Let’s have a conference.” And they put their heads together to plan a new way to sabotage that photo shoot (LOL)! Little did they know that it would be the shot of the day! I want the viewer to feel as if he/she is stepping into their world and sharing that moment with them. That was my goal. A camera can capture their likeness–but it takes an artist to capture the passion of that moment, the love between sisters, the excitement of the plan. But on top of that–it really does look like those two beautiful little girls. I hope this will be a treasured possession for many years to come! It brought joy and confidence to this artist. I’ve had many great art teachers since I’ve started painting. Each one has given me a different gift. Lou Hansen has been my mentor for over 30 years and has taught me so much about how to paint. Another of my favorite teachers is Marilyn Yanke. Just looking at one of her beautiful paintings is an inspiration. She is a very intuitive person and has such natural ability when it comes to design and color. She taught me to allow myself into each painting that I do. Developing a style of my own has become a goal for me. I’d like to think that one of these days, people would see one of my paintings and know that I painted it by the style, colors, design–just like when you see Marilyn’s work–you know she is the only one that could have done that particular painting.

Technorati Tags: Amarillo, art, Canyon, children, commission, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, marshaclementsart.com, moment in time, oil paintings, painter, portraits, studio sentosa, Sunset Center, Texas

I have been soooo busy painting! I know how Santa and the elves must feel getting all the last minute details on those toys. I have had a bunch of orders for doll cases–everything from the American Girl Modern Day Chrissa Girl of the Year for 2009 to a Little House on the Prairie case for a Pioneer Doll! One grandmother ordered one for her little grand-daughter and another for herself to use for storage and decor! It has really been fun!

Windows have been popular too! I have almost painted all of the windows that I had collected–Roosters and chickens seem to be the most popular–but poppies, sunflowers and pigs are not far behind. See the window blog for a photo!

If you have old windows or suitcases–I might need them for next year. I have 3 suitcases left to paint!

Guadalapita is a village between Angel Fire and Las Vegas, New Mexico. You go through it when you take the road through Black Lake on the way home to Amarillo. It was a beautiful sunny autumn day and we stopped to take in the foliage. This little chapel is nestled in the village. During Jack Sorenson’s workshop, I painted this 12 x 12 on a studio wrap. I may do a little more touch up and details, but it’s pretty much finished. I have a couple of more canvases this size. I’m going to paint a couple of autumn in New Mexico landscapes. The aspens were almost gone when we were there, but the cottonwoods were glorious.

Technorati Tags: autumn, church, fall, Guadalapita, landscape, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, marshaclementsart.com, New Mexico, oil painting, southwest

This week I’m painting in a workshop with Jack Sorenson. I went to elementary school with Jack and his brother Mike was my first boyfriend back in 1st grade. He grew up on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon at Six Gun City,  a tourist attraction that showed the wild west as it was years ago. Jack had a natural talent for drawing and is vying for the top of the field among those cowboy and western artists. His sense of humor often comes out in his paintings and they tell a story through the landscape, people, and animals that find their way onto his canvas. Jack is a true storyteller, but he uses his paints and brushes where authors use words. In this case–a picture is really worth a thousand words. Every person who sees the painting is able to write their own story. In every workshop, I learn something. But  a truly great teacher gives you much more. Jack does so much to build the knowledge of his students and help us to know the elements of form that will make our paintings please others. But what he does best as a teacher is to instill confidence in his students. He makes you feel so good about what you are doing. He makes you a better artist because he gives you the encouragement you need to go to the next level as an artist. If you ever get a chance to meet Jack Sorenson –don’t let it pass you by. He’s a great artist–but even more, he’s a great guy, and I so appreciate him giving us his time and expertise during this week. I’m attaching the work I finished today. This study is a young man, Jake with his horse. He found some sweet feed to treat him with and put it in his hat! What a treat after a long, hot ride. It’s another moment in time I’m trying to capture! Let me know how I did!

Technorati Tags: Amarillo, art, Canyon, commission, dapple grey, girls, horse, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, moment in time, oil paintings, portraits, studio sentosa, Sunset Center, Texas, western art

Here are some of my newest paintings. I am showing them in the front room of studio sentosa this month at Sunset Center in Amarillo. These were started in Colorado painting plein aire and then finished back in the studio. Come by and see them.

Technorati Tags: Amarillo, bright, landscape, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, oil paintings, plein aire, studio sentosa, Sunset Center, Texas

I have been busy perfecting my doll case–it will make a great Christmas present for any little girl and her most precious possession–her favorite doll!

Made from a strong upcycled suitcase, this new product is eco-friendly! Let’s keep those beautiful vintage suitcases out of the landfill and give them new use!

This case pictured is made for Josefina, an American Girl Doll who lived in New Mexico in the 1800’s. She has a beautiful pueblo style home and garden, a bedroom and closet to store all of her clothes and accessories.

This beautiful Samsonite case is handpainted and textured. The outside shows the home and garden and inside her dresser and mirror are painted. It makes a beautiful dollhouse that any young girl would love to play with. She can store her treasures with her doll in this attractive case.

Please check out these pictures! The suitcase along sales for $195 with free shipping in the U.S. It includes the suitcase alone with 4 wire heart hangers.

The doll and clothing is available, along with the horno oven, and handmade peppers, basket, bread and wooden spatula.  Send me an email if you are interested! I can customize the case for your child’s doll or for your decor. This is all hand painted, one of a kind artwork. If you have a special suitcase you would like to have customized, please let me know. I will be limited as to how many I can make before Christmas.

Technorati Tags: American Girl Doll, doll carrying case, doll storage, dollhouse, eco-friendly, handpainted, Josefina, M. Clements, Marsha Clements, recycled, suitcase, Sunset Center, Texas, upcycled, Vintage

I’ve painted a couple of vintage windows for August Lights this year. This beautiful rooster is one of my favorites. I took him to art class with me last week to show him off and just leaned him up against a weathered cedar fence. It was gorgeous.The grey weathered wood made the perfect background–it looked like he was standing in the barnyard taking care of his chicks! Come by studio sentosa, #109 at The Galleries at Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd to see this bird and a bunch more! I’m having a great SALE! I cleaned out the closet and pulled out some demos, things I’ve done on location, several things like that and have them priced dirt cheap! I’ve got everything marked down for August Lights and on Monday–those prices go back.

What is August Lights?–It’s a visual arts festival celebrating our local artists here in Amarillo. Artists are all in their studios at Sunset, plus several guest artists are set up in the mall area demonstrating their talents. Come by and talk to the artist, ask questions, get to know them. It’s a lot of fun! We will be open Sunday, August 9th from 1-5! Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the visual arts of Amarillo.