My Artwork… Out Here And There

There are six of my artworks that are currently in various stages of exhibition and in various places.
They are:
’The Conflict I See Daily’, acrylic on canvas, online exhibit titled ‘Pairs’ that just ended recently.

My acrylic and collage on particle board multi media titled, ‘Jack’s Road’, is in a juried exhibit that just opened called, ‘Textured”. The exhibit will be up until till May 27, 2023 at the Garfield Park Arts center, 2432 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, IN. My acrylic on canvas painting titled, ‘Memories/Connections’, is also in that juried exhibit, ‘Textured”.

My watercolor and ink on watercolor paper work titled, ‘Beach Bird’, has been delivered and will be exhibited May 12 – June 30 at the SullivanMunce Cultural Center, 225 W Hawthorne St, Zionsville, IN, in a juried show called, ‘Flora And Fauna’.  Also my watercolor and ink on watercolor paper work titled, ‘Rope Bird’, has also been delivered and will be in ‘Flora And Fauna’.

– Scheduled for delivery in a few days is my acrylic on canvas painting titled, ‘Monumental Geometric’. It is one of twelve paintings selected to to be in the 2023 Treasurer’s Statehouse Exhibition in the Indiana Statehouse, 200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN. This art exhibit will up until September, 22, 2023.

  As one might guess, I’ve been depending on my calendar quite heavily lately to help me keep track of what works I have out and where they are. Honestly… it’s a good position to be in and I’m more than happy to be busy like this.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher who now lives what he calls the “beatnik artist’s life”. He is a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Indy Arts Council (Arts Council of Indianapolis) Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. Essex is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains two online print-on-demand stores where patrons can acquire gallery quality prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work. To view what Essex does, and/or to shop his online stores, go to: 
https://society6.com/essexart,
http://bit.ly/TPublic_EssexArt
To keep up with Essex and what he does at EssexArt ABC, LLC, follow him on:
Facebook at, https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,
Instagram at, https://www.instagram.com/essexart_abc (@EssexArt_ABC)
Essex is also listed in the Arts Council of Indianapolis artist directory at:
http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

Next Time I’ll Paint Larger

It had been a while since I had taken my oil paints out to do some painting en plein air… or painting on-site… and for the life of me I don’t know why I waited so long.
Sure, we all get busy with the everyday, often mundane, aspects of our lives and that can keep us from taking time out for ourselves, but we should not neglect that which makes us happy. Painting en plein air, among other things, makes me happy. It’s an enjoyable experience. It’s some “me” time. For me, I have no doubt that painting en plein air releases endorphins… and that’s a good thing.
There’s a fairly new park near where I live so I decided to do my painting next to a creek there. I chose to work small, only 6″x 6″. I also chose to work later in the day which meant that my light was not going to be around for long. It wasn’t. Consequently, though so small, I had to set up on-site on two different days in order to finish my painting… which was not a bad thing.
If there is a message I’m wanting to share here, and there certainly is, seek what makes you happy. Indulge yourself in those endorphins. Of course, moderation in all things being a good rule, never neglect your responsibilities. Just consider your own well-being and happiness one of those responsibilities. In doing so, it’s highly likely you’ll find even your approach to those other responsibilities recharged in a way that increase your ability to handle them, and handle them well.
Hmmm… I got al that out of doing a small 6″x 6″ painting. It’s settled then. Next time I’m using a larger painting surface.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains two online print-on-demand stores where patrons can acquire gallery quality prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.To view what Essex does, and/or to shop his online stores, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,
https://society6.com/essexart,
http://bit.ly/TPublic_EssexArt
http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

Consider An Alternative Space

 

As an artist I’ve had the pleasure of exhibiting in typical artsy places like art galleries and universities but artists, and those looking for original art, might consider alternative spaces.
For another two weeks my artwork will be on display and for sale at an artisan distillery near downtown Indianapolis. The place, Hotel Tango in Fletcher Place, is in an old brick building and has a large tasting room that brings in a lot of people. Are those people coming in to purchase art? Of course not, they come in to meet people, socialize and enjoy craft cocktails. But alternative spaces, particularly like Hotel Tango, often have a high volume of continual traffic, and traffic is what the artists needs. Exposure is the name of the game. In the case of an artisan distillery (again like Hotel Tango), the draw for people is partly due the fact they are enjoying something locally produced. All of a sudden it appears some in the crowd are inching toward your artwork because of their appreciation of supporting something local. Will this (or any alternative) space guarantee sales? No way… but keep in mind art galleries don’t either.
Now to get pragmatic. It’s been my experience, more often than not, alternative spaces do not require a commission on art sales (which can be as high as 50% in art galleries). Theoretically this allows the artists to offer their works at a lower, some might say more reasonable, prices. Good for the artist, good for the buyer. Additionally, artists getting exposure of their work instead of having it in storage until the next art gallery opportunity is a plus. In other words unless potential buyers regularly rummage through your stored artwork, having the work up anywhere is a plus.
So there you have it. To those looking to purchase original art, consider stopping in an alternative space to start, or add to, your personal art collection. You’ll be glad you considered supporting the local art scene in this manner. As for artists, ask yourself which you’d prefer, the potential of a sale of your work in an alternative space, or the guarantee of no sale with your work hidden while in storage?

 
~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and/or to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

 

John Essex II will be exhibiting and offering for sale his artwork at artisan distillery Hotel Tango, 702 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, throughout November.
After a successful First Friday opening in November, the exhibit/sale continues to be available for viewing and purchases daily during regular Hotel Tango business hours.
Free parking lots located in front of, and behind, the building.

Extend The Vacation Feel

The Cliffhanger, St. Maarten, Dutch West Indies, watercolor on paper.

 When on vacation, it’s always nice to have a souvenir that serves as a pleasant reminder  of your time away from the hubbub. Usually that means T-shirt purchases, special photos taken while away, acquiring post-cards or a special something picked up at a nice gift shop. All are fine and pursuing those acquisitions can certainly be a fun activity in themselves. However, might I also suggest another fun activity? Create some artwork.
When I travel I always take along art materials in the hope that I’ll be able to spend some time creating something I (or someone else) will consider worthwhile. More often than not the materials I choose are watercolors, professional watercolor markers, artist quality ink pens and acid free paper. It’s surprising how much of the above can be packed away in luggage (carry-on included) and not take up any noticeable space.
After arriving at the designated get-away, the art materials can then be tossed into a backpack, beach bag, messenger bag, etc. (whatever the preferred carry-along) and taken with you as you enjoy your destination. Then, when the chance to sit and soak it all in presents itself, whip out those art materials and create a treasured keepsake, inspired by the surroundings, that will be enjoyed for years to come and will probably even become someones favorite heirloom.
The ink and watercolor painting accompanying this blog was done while my family and  I visited a beach on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. Time had been spent snorkeling, swimming and gathering beach glass and next it was time to chill. Out came my watercolors, ink pen and watercolor paper. From my spot on the beach I did an artwork as seen to my left as I sat on the beach, and one as seen to my right. Not only did this provide wonderful souvenirs from that time in the beach, but it also provided enhanced memories of that time. One of those works is now in someones private collection, the other hangs in my house continually reminding me of yet another wonderful vacation experience. As a side note to that beach painting time, I still have some sand from that beach in some of my paint colors. Even that brings back great memories every time I use those paints and see that sand.
Keep in mind when creating vacation artwork, one does not need to be a professional artist. All that is really need is to have the place to create artwork and the materials with which to create it. Just because a professional artist packs professional quality art materials, those are really not needed at all. All one really needs are materials that amount to things as simple as paper and pencil and those can be found (more often than not) at the destination. Do a drawing on the hotel stationary that is available in hotel rooms. Drawing on the side that has the name of the hotel on it will only add to the souvenir attraction to the artwork.  Once upon a time I did a beach scene on a small admission ticket to the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. It has been in a frame ever since and it brings pleasant memories every time it’s viewed.
So the next time a you find yourself enjoying a favored vacation destination, and wish to extend the vacation feel, do so via artwork you’ve created on-site while away. Chances are you’ll be glad you did… and even more glad as time separates you, more and more, from that pleasant vacation experience.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and/or to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

 

A Lasting Impression

Icon of Jesus, 11″x 14″, prismacolor on illustration board. Something I am interested in is Orthodox icons. I’ve been involved in a few icon painting (writing) workshops with a local Indianapolis based iconographer, Mother Katherine, who is a Nun associated with the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church in Indianapolis. She does some fantastic work with the traditional medium of egg tempera. Since I enjoy working with Prismacolor artist color pencils, I decided to paint (write) an icon in that medium. Interestingly enough (to me at least) some of the earliest icons were done with wax and pigment, which is essentially the ingredients Prismacolor color pencils.
This icon is now in the possession of my son and his wife. I gave it to them as a wedding present. They were getting married in Ohio and I was in Indiana where almost all of my family resides. At the time of their wedding my late Father was going through chemo and radiation treatments and consequently was not able to attend the wedding. Before the wedding I took the icon to my Father, told him I was going to take it to Ohio give to the newlyweds and asked him to say a prayer over it. He did and in doing so, even though he could not attend the ceremony in Ohio, has made a lasting impression on what occurred there. 

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and/or to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

Art Is The Flower

Late this summer I came upon something from which I knew I was going to have to create a painting. A sunflower growing from a tree stump. It was such an unusually beautiful sight that I had to take a picture as a reference for the painting I immediately knew I had to do.

Later it dawned on me what underlying message I captured with my camera. The world we live in can often be rough and ugly… but art still grows from that rough ugliness

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and/or to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

 

Some Quiet Time With A Pelican

A blast from my past.
This 11″x 14″ ink and watercolor pencil was the result of a trip to John’s Pass, Florida near Madeira Beach and Treasure Island.

One early evening, while vacationing with my family in Treasure Island, Florida, I took my pad of watercolor paper and pen and went across the south bridge to John’s Pass.  Going by myself, I was intent on drawing something though I knew not what. At that time there was a neat little cafe with a Jamaican feel to it across a small street from the backside of the shops on the south end of the boardwalk. Since it was a place I liked, that was the direction I gravitated in my search for subject matter.

Upon arriving in the general area I thought would provide something interesting to draw, I spied this pelican. It appeared to be wanting some quiet down time like me, but I was wanting to draw… and it seemed interested in posing (at least to me). And so we danced.

There we both were, away from the hubbub, under the boardwalk below the shops on a pleasant Florida evening, one observing, one being observed. The pelican didn’t seem to mind me doing this sketch but I still sat with minimal movement so the quiet time we both had could be preserved… and I didn’t want to scare the pelican off. Being able to do the entire sketch on the spot, I added the watercolor pencil back in my hotel room.
Some quiet time well spent.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

By the way, though the above Treasure Island Pelican is not currently available as a print, but other prints by Essex can be acquired at:
https://society6.com/essexart/s?q=popular+prints

 

 

 

Your Point Is Valid Too

Many artists are known for portraying a particular environment. A landscape once visited or a place that brings on a fond memory. Then there are times an artist creates something that exposes something from within their deep inner being. Something that causes a viewer of the work to ask, “What might be troubling that poor soul?” This work of mine, The Storm”, oddly enough, falls into the former category.

The Storm, is an Inktense watercolor pencil on watercolor paper work I did in 2012.
It was done during my annual stay in Villa 36-A, Westwind II Club, Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas. There was a big storm on Sunday, the day after my arrival, and I had a huge headache. To top things off, my villa had three slow leaks in the kitchen and living room. So, though this work looks as if it was done by a tortured soul… it’s more “situation descriptive”. The bad headache and stormy weather are both easily seen in this expression. What is not so readily noticeable in this Inktense watercolor is the fact that all of the water used to create it came from the rainwater that had leaked through our kitchen ceiling. Well… I had to do something with it.

   If you, dear reader, thought this painting was an expression of the inner turmoil of one who is deeply disturbed… I’m sorry if the image has mislead you. It’s just a guy in a storm with a nagging headache and a leaky ceiling, during what was otherwise a wonderful vacation in the Bahamas. You’ve heard it before… don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Having said that, I must also communicate something my decades as an artist and art educator have taught me. The act of viewing a painting is a real communication between the artist and the viewer. Just as a group of people leaving a theater, having all just viewed the same movie, walk away with different impressions of the same film… a group of viewers of a particular painting can also perceive the work differently.

   The various experiences in your life have helped create who you are and how you see the world. Those experiences also have an influence on what you perceive from a particular painting, regardless of what the artist worked to communicate. It is unquestionably important to learn about an artist and what they were working to create in a particular piece. But equally important (if not more so) is the feel, or emotion, one perceives while participating in a communication with an artist through that artist’s work. That is what causes an individual to be moved by a painting. That is what causes an individual to decide to continue the communication by acquiring the work… it spoke to them.

   Even after one learns what an artist intended to communicate with a painting is much different than what an individual viewer perceives from it, the viewer is best served by going with their perception. It is real with them, not just an academic notion. Much like many wine experts say don’t waste your time avoiding white wines with red meats if it pairs well for you and adds to your culinary enjoyment… don’t lose your part in what’s real for you in your experience in viewing a work of art just because a third party say’s, “but, but… but you’re missing the point the artist was trying to make.” 

Remember, your point is valid too.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes). Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work.

Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and to shop at his online store, go to: https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

By the way, to specifically acquire a print of The Storm, go to:
https://society6.com/product/the-storm1490583_print?sku=s6-9557410p4a1v45

An Artist’s Work, IS Work

  It’s true what has been said about working artists in the 21st century needing to balance time between production, promotions and brand exposure. My small art and entertainment business (EssexArt ABC, LLC), which I often refer to as a micro business (it’s just me) has me “working” virtually every waking minute. To be clear, I am absolutely NOT complaining and the reason I used quote marks on “working” is because I enjoy it so much. However, just because one enjoys what one does does not exclude the effort from actually being work. That is something every artist should strive to remember because otherwise they (we) tend to undervalue our efforts and time. Whatever form it takes, working artists work, learn from their working, then work some more. 
   I heard something the other day about Pablo Picasso. I really don’t know if it’s true or not, but it makes for a good lesson to artists. The elderly Pablo (yeah… we’re on a first name basis) was sitting by himself in a cafe and sketching on a napkin or scrap piece of paper. Unbeknownst to him, a woman nearby watched in awe as this 20th century master went about doing what artists do. The story goes that when Pablo finished, for whatever reason, he just wadded up the drawing and tossed onto his table. The wide eyed woman then spoke and asked Pablo if she could have the wadded up paper. His reply, “Sure… for $20,000” (or whatever the  equivalent for where this occurred). Thinking this outrageous the woman replied in astonishment, “$20,000! But that drawing only took you a few minutes to do.” Pablo then informed the woman, “No Madame, that drawing took me over 60 years to do” as he then retrieved the wad of paper, put in his pocket and strolled away.
   Just because artists enjoy their work and their spirit compels them to do it, it is work nonetheless. Everyone benefits when that simple notion is remembered and honored.
Cheers.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates  commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts  private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes).
Essex also maintains an online print-on-demand store where patrons can acquire gallery quality giclée prints of his art as well as other products that feature his work. Find it at: https://society6.com/essexart

To view what Essex does, and to shop at his online store, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/

 

 

Bridal Shower Painting Party

Admittedly, as a guy I’m certainly no expert on the organizing of Bridal Showers. Nevertheless even I am capable of at least observing when Bridal Shower attendees are having a good time. Which brings me to the reason for writing this blog.

Recently I was contacted about conducting one of my private painting parties (I call them Pub & Paint) as part of a the activities for a Bridal Shower that was being organized. I’ve conducted many painting parties over the years, both public and private, but if memory serves me correctly, this was my first Bridal Shower painting party. If I do say so myself, even given the fact that among the 15 participating ladies there were various ages and backgrounds, it went over smashingly.

Lest I sound as if I’m about to dislocate my arm with the patting of myself on the back, please let me explain. Previous to the painting party a painting subject was agreed upon that would be of interest to the Bride-to-be. However, knowing that her interest in a particular subject matter might not be the same for every Bridal Party attendee, I wanted to be sure to also cater to the various tastes of those present. So I made sure, in my preparations for the painting party, to present a painting which had enough flexibility so each person was able to create a work on canvas that expressed who they were… and not solely who the Bride-to-be was. For example, I knew the Bride-to-be was a person who likes cats. I also know that when you have a group of people together, some of them will likely be people who prefer dogs. So I accommodated each in my preparations. Additionally, when it comes to colors, there is a much greater variety than the simple choice of cat people vs. dog people. So… I accommodated for that as well. Am I a genius? In spite of my proclivity to claim so to friends, family and strangers alike, the overwhelming consensus appears to be No (notice the capital N). However I do (perhaps more honestly) believe my experience as a classroom teacher for 33 years has helped me pick up a few tricks of the trade when conducting a class and that is how I can make, and did indeed make, the needed accommodations.

The bottom-line in this somewhat overly wordy communication (yes… I have been referred to in the past as verbose) everything worked well. All the attendees at the Bridal Shower took home a painting that, though similar to the others in their class, was painted specifically for the abode in which they live. I have also received feedback that everyone had a great time as well. I came away from the experience with proof of something I have suspected for a while now… that private painting parties make for wonderful Bridal Showers.

~ John Essex II is a retired art teacher, a two-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow and an Arts Council of Indianapolis Creative Renewal Arts Fellow. He is also artist/owner of EssexArt ABC, LLC through which he keeps busy creating his own fine art, creates  commissioned art, does caricaturing by commission and at special events, conducts  private painting parties and is contacted regularly to play the bagpipes (yes… play the bagpipes).

To view what Essex does, and to shop at his online store, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/EssexArt,

https://society6.com/essexart,

http://www.indyartsguide.org/artist/john-essex-ii/