An artist's simple resolution

"Rolling Hills of Blue," oil on panel by Gina Grundemann

It's that typical New Years time to reflect on how last year has gone and how to achieve more in this fresh start of a new year. As Oprah so aptly said "...another chance to get it right."

I was intrigued by Steve Pavlina's "How to set goals you will actually achieve" and how our goals are more achievable if viewed from the perspective of how they will improve our lives right now, rather than how they may improve our lives at some future date. Acting in the here and now in meaningful ways will evolve into achievement of our lifetime goals. So true how difficult it is to follow through on goals if we don't see any immediate benefit.

With this perspective in mind, I considered a huge list of lofty and not so lofty long term goals suitable for an artist and for being a "productive member of society". Instead, I pared it down to what was meaningful right now for my development as an artist, with one "artsy" goal... to Paint more. To this aim,  I will organize time more efficiently, not dwell on unnecessary tasks that dampen creativity and schedule systematic studio time. My daily rewards: joyfully exploring, expanding, having fun, and each day, becoming a better painter.

What are your creative goals for the New Year?

Art on Trout Road 2013 - Art & Ceramics at the Bill Wilson studio

Art on Trout Road 2013 is almost here!

Come join us for the 22nd annual art event.

November 23-24 from 10am to 5pm.


A relaxing weekend before Thanksgiving and the holiday rush, we will share our latest creations and offer refreshments and good conversation in a casually cozy home studio environment.

Your Artist Hosts:

Bill Wilson ~ Pottery and Ceramics
Gina Grundemann ~ Landscapes in Oil
Ron Hoeksema ~ Oils and Serigraphs

Click on images for a sneak peak ... Bill Wilson Pottery  Follow Bill   Ron Hoeksema Oils and Serigraphs    Gina Grundemann     Oil Paintings  Follow Gina      Art on Trout Road  ~  68408 Trout Road, Montrose, Colorado

Absentee artist posting once again

I've been neglecting this lonely artist blog & instead have posted regularly to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaGrundemannArtist. I don't know about you, but I find that trying to keep up with all the assorted web postings is rather exhausting & distracting from my painting. I will try to do better :). It is so valuable to not only create but to also share the why and how of being an artist.

The ever changing rural landscapes of western Colorado and Northern New Mexico is still such an inspiration to me. This original oil painting, "Home on the Range" captures a slice of our country life and the ranching way of using the land and its bounty, living a simple and wholesome life.

Art on Trout Road

Only a week away and much to do to finish original paintings and prints for Art on Trout Road. It sure takes a deadline to get flying and producing lots of art! The little oil paintings are now covering our dining room table while they dry since the studio is now too cold. Looking forward to a fun-filled weekend immersed with both art-doers and art-lovers.  

Here's the details:Art & Ceramics in an intimate home setting ~ Enjoy a short scenic drive & visit Bill Wilson in his home studio, along with Gina Grundemann, Ron Hoeksema & Maya Nichols. Gift Items include Ceramics, Paintings, Serigraphs & Mixed media. Four miles south from Montrose, Colorado and one mile east on Trout Road.

www.GinaGrundemann.com 

Inspired inaction

"You cannot plough a field by 

             turning it over in your mind."

 I am in a dilemma, stuck between two art disciplines and as a result, my art making is frozen in place. I have ideas swirling in my head that are struggling to come out. They are contrary to my usual mode of working, so they sit there, impatient to arrive but imprisoned by my lack of action. It is so easy to continue to stay stuck whenever you are trying to embrace a new way of working that chafes at your comfort zone and forces a new direction. I could sit here in inaction, fearful that my new direction will be a poor route and that I may get lost on the way. I could forget about the new and continue stolidly along the path of what I've always done. Or I could boldly hit the ground running, embrace the new in excitement that good things come by way of experimentation, inventiveness and the willingness to forge my way through unknown territories.  Ok, let's get moving already!

"Colorado Pathways," Landscape Painting show opens

Colorado Pathways - Gina Grundemann New Landscapes

Good friends, fun times & great conversations last night! Thanks to all who attended the opening & those energetic souls who helped through the night. The landscape exhibit will continue through July.

For a clip of Gina's interview that aired on Channel 5 News in Montrose and Grand Junction, click: Montrose Welcomes All Strollers Along Main Street  

Having new eyes

The voyage of discovery

is not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes.

– Marcel Proust

My recent works for the Colorado Pathways show are once again glimpses from my playground, the western Colorado landscape. This quote rings so true as I look with new eyes at the views around home and continue my explorations of the pathways through the rural landscape. What one day appears mundane with no interest, the next day reveals a stunning view with dramatic color and drama.