old baby pictures and encaustic!

My parents are having their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday and I wanted to create something special to give them on that day. So I went on digging through some old pictures I have in a box. As it turned out, I not only found what I needed to create something for them but other pictures as well. This pictures I used to create 4 more artworks. But today I'm going to show you three of them... it's kind of a series. People can buy them by themselves or as a group. Here they are:

Contented

Confused

Disappointed

© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

They are made using encaustic on 6" x 6" wood panels. I have transferred the images into the encaustic and then I fussed it to it with the heat gun. I then used the scribing technique to imprint lines through them. Enjoy!

If you're reading make a comment, I'd love to hear from you...

here's my latest!

I spent two nights in a row creating two books that I want to display as my portfolio during my upcoming Solo Exhibit in January. Two nights where I only slept 1 hour the first night and 3 hours on the second night, but the good thing is that I managed to make them both. The first one is a compilation of most of my sculptures arranged in two chapters (From the Animal World - From the World Around Us), plus a first chapter with information about the process involved when I create each one of my pieces. The second book is about my mixed media work, compiled as a catalog form.

I'm very excited that I just can't wait to see the printed version of them!!! I'll let you know as soon as I get them...

and... yesterday morning, after no much sleep, I was still in my creative mode so I couldn't stop my self not even to have breakfast. So I added a new mixed media work to my collection. Here it is:

Fading Memories

mixed media collage

(paper, photo paper, ink, pastels, oil pastels)

18" x 14"

© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Yes! Fading Memories like mine was yesterday if I didn't get some sleep!!!

Now that I'm rested I'm back to working. I have two canvases ready for me...talk to you later!

the third one is done!

After you saw the picture of me working on the third painting the other day, you won't believe how it ended up.

As it turned out, the paper I used for this piece is not really recommended... I couldn't even pull it without getting it ripped as I was gluing it down, it shrank, and it broke. When dried some pieces got unglued and the paper became hard as cardboard. So I had to tame it down with some water and more glue. But when it was all set and done, I didn't like the way it looked and to top it off I tried to transfer some words into the surface and as I was varnishing the piece, the ink spread...what a mess!

Now, imagine the work trying to rip the paper off after it had a coat of varnish on top... so I re wet it to loose it up and only a few pieces came off. So I kept on trying until I started liking what I was seeing. Then, I had the idea to paint with acrylics to make it look as something old, like copper would do. Some greens here and there and VOILA! The painting is done! Enjoy!

mixed media
20" x 20" x 1.5"
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Now, if it only had a name... My friend suggested to name it DYSFUNCTIONAL, as a follow up from my Family Tree Series. What do you think? I'd like to hear from you....

2 new today and the begining of a third

This morning I started working on a 20' x 20' canvas. I wanted to make one more painting related to my Family Tree series but not part of the series. It's just that I loved working on that technique so much that I keep going back to it. But this is my last one in this style... at least for now.

I started as always, tracing, cutting and pasting...

me at work!

My studio is a mess! sorry about that, but my January solo is keeping me very busy... no time for cleaning up and organizing for now!!

In the afternoon, in between driving kids around and doing laundry at the local Laundromat, I managed to finish this two mixed media paintings with encaustic:

Stormy Day                                         Keep on Swimming

encaustic mixed media

12" x 12"

© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Enjoy!

P.S.: I apologize for the quality of the pictures but I want to post them as I finish them, usually late at night, so I don't have great light for pictures... I"ll post better pictures on my web-gallery soon. Keep checking!

i think this one is done!!

I started working on this painting last week, but couldn't go on because I ran out of paint, Crimson Red to be exact; and when I finally bought the paint it was in the middle of Thanksgiving... and you know how that is... the cooking, the cleaning, the guests, more cooking and more cleaning!!!! OF COURSE! there is also the laughter, the joy to be surrounded by family and dear friends, being thankful to God for all He has given us. I can't complaint!
So tonight, I went back to work and finished this mixed media painting on canvas that measures 36" x 36"... or at least I think I finished it!! I might change my mind tomorrow, when I have better light...

Here it is:

7-154

mixed media
36" x 36"

© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Enjoy!

recent works using copper

I've been working on these two 12" x 12" paintings, they are done on copper sheets mounted on wood composite. I painted on them using vinegar, sea salt, and acrylic paint and applying over transferred images. Here are the results so far...

Earthbound I and II
mixed media
Private collection
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

This is the first time I work on copper sheets and didn't really know how to approach it. So, I use materials that I thought would react with the copper and the results are great. I just love the blue-green tones. Any other suggestions?


Please, feel free to leave your comments....

working on a series...

I've never worked on a series before, but I loved so much the technique I used to create my piece Family Tree, that I made it into a series of 6 paintings, 12" x 12" each. Three of the canvases are 1 1/2 deep and the other three are 2 1/2 deep. So, when I hang them at my exhibition in January there will be a nice visual effect. Here the pictures,

Family Tree Marriage

Incomplete 1 Incomplete 2
Unknown Shattered

Family Tree Series
mixed media
(paper, acrylic, ink, charcoal)
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

... but to see the visual effect you're going to have to come to the show.... don't worry, I'll post pictures of the show for my friends who are far away!!!

Holiday Show "Winter Lights" in Expressiones Cultural Center, New London, CT

I've been invited to show my work along with 10 other artists at a new gallery in New London. What an honor!!!!

Here is the list of artists participating in the Holiday Exhibit at Expressiones Cultural Center:

Diane Barcelo, Mark Dixon, Carol Dunn, Guido Garaycochea, Flavia Melendez, Julia Pavone, Linda Peduzzi, Sikiu Perez, Ken Steinkamp, Alyce Trebra, and myself.

So, I'm taking care of all the finishing touches... you know, framing the paintings, wiring, labeling, pricing.... the boring part of it all but somebody has to do it!!!!

...and this weekend;

Saturday November 21

join us for the Opening Reception of

Winter Lights

an exhibit that celebrates with optimism the winter season

Time: 5:00 PM

If you're near by feel free to stop by at 74 State St., New London, CT.

Very productive day!!

Today I've been very productive! I've worked on three paintings and completely finished two and the third one is almost done! Here is the snoop...

First, the two I've finished:

Little Treasures
mixed media on wood
32" h x 42"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Green Tea & Sake
mixed media
12" h x 12"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

...and here is the one I still have some work to do to:

It's going to be called...
Family Tree
mixed media
12" h x 12"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but at this hour there is no much light here. I'll be taking better pictures soon and they will be posted on my website soon. Keep checking!!!

Preparing for my solo next January 2010

I have been invited to exhibit my work at the Paul Mellon Arts Center Gallery, in Wallingford, CT, next January 2010. I have enough sculptures to bring but I need more of my paintings to go along. It is a large space and they have many walls to fill. So I've decided to try to paint non-stop everyday until the Holiday break in December.

Last week, I spent it preparing a few canvases to work on. Applying texture to the background, then I applied Gesso on them. So now they are ready to start working on them. So, today I went right to work. I already had the idea of what I wanted to paint on one of the canvases. I had taken a picture with my cellphone a while ago and even do the picture was fussy I just loved the effect, so I saved it. The picture was my inspiration and here is the end result, enjoy!

Diffused
oil on wood
32" h x 42"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

If you want to get the updates for this exhibition, follow me on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/corinadotdash

after a lot of thought it’s finally done!

Yes! My painting "LIBERTAD" is done! Here is the end result:

Libertad
mixed media
36x24
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Once again, another political piece, I know, but is all part of my story... I started this one after witnessing the electoral process in my home country, Venezuela.

Unfortunately, there is not such a democracy in Venezuela as one might think, and that is something very sad to experience. But my piece is about HOPE, as "a house divided against itself cannot stand," and is only in unity that we will achieve our freedom.

Note: "unity" is represented in my painting by the Statue of Liberty.

New Paintings!

By dripping and taking away and then dripping some more, and some stamps here and there and mixing mediums ... just playing around, I have created this two new paintings:

It Happened in Honduras
mixed media
10.5"h x 7.5"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Pichipas
mixed media
10"h x 7"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them!

5th Annual 2009 Autumn Art Trail, in pictures

Here are some pictures on my tent right before we were open to the public. I have also included a picture of the beautiful view we enjoyed that weekend from the Clinton Landing!

My friend Gloria Nilsson (with whom I shared my tent with) chatting with her cousin

A beautifully sunny weekend!!!

It was sold at Open Studios!

I took a piece of canvas and started making wavy lines using the same three colors, just mixed up different in order to get a variety of gradations. I wanted to get the effect that some of the wavy lines were on the front plane and others were receding. To my surprise, one of the lines looked to me as the silhouette of a person. So I added a piece of hand-made paper, the same color as the one I was using with some red paint added to it, made to look as the person had a broken heart.

Still I wasn't happy with it. It needed something else to make the lines recede more, it needed more depth. It was then I decided to use encaustic. So I glued the canvas to a piece of wood using encaustic and then added some more encaustic to the top of the canvas. Playing with the amount of wax I was adding here and there until I got the desired effect.

To finish the piece I transferred into the encaustic the words: "How can you mend a broken he..."

Here the result:

Broken
mixed media with encaustic
12"h x 14"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

This piece was finished right before Open Studios at the beginning of October. I hung it up the first day at Open Studios and somebody came in and felt in love with it. He came later in the day and decided he wanted to buy it but he needed to get his check book from his car. I thought he was kidding! But not, five minutes before closing he came back and paid for the painting and left me HEARTBROKEN!!

For those of you who are artists you know how our works are like babies and we like to keep them for while before seeing them part away, so you can understand how I felt to see this piece leave so soon. But I'm sure it found a nice home where it's going to be cherished!

12th ANNUAL CITY-WIDE OPEN STUDIOS in Pictures!

Here are the pictures of the beautiful studio I rented for Open Studios at Erector Square in New Haven, CT

Close-up of my new sculpture "Sea Urchin" made out of porcelain
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

The "Kitchen Art Show" at The Stony Creek Gallery

From October 22nd through November 22nd, I'll be one of over 30 artists participating in The "Kitchen Art Show" at The Stony Creek Gallery and Co-Sponsored by www.shorelineoutandabout.com/"(a website dedicated to promoting our shoreline)

This special exhibition will have on display artworks suitable for a kitchen, a dinning room and more, ...and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Community Dining Room, an agency committed to feeding the hungry, serving the CT Shoreline.

~~~~~~~~

Stony Creek Gallery

Presents The

KITCHEN ART SHOW

october 22 - november 22

Part of proceeds will be donated to THE COMMUNITY DINING ROOM.

Opening Reception ~

Thursday 10/22, 5:30-8pm

HORS D’OEUVRES & Wine

Sponsored by

SBC Restaurant in Branford, Stony Creek Package Store &

www.shorelineoutandabout.com

Featured Artists

Corina S. Alvarezdelugo, Gayle Asher, Hannah Baldwin, Betsy Barker, Laura Barr, Fern Berman, Lisa Carlin, Michael Carr, Eli Cedrone, Christine Chiocchio, Margaret Dean, Eileen Eder, Betsy Evarts, Lisa Fatone, John Heddon, Mundy Hepburn, Joan Jardine, Kate Knapp, Cindy Kelly, Joanne Lehman, Brendan Loughlin, Harold Moore, Beth Munro, Rosalie Nadeau, Maureen Wilkinson, Robert Reynolds, Molly McDonald, Jackie McGuire, Diana Perron, Laurie Fox Pessemier,
Suzanne Siegel, Anita Soos

***

152 Thimble Islands Road * Stony Creek/Branford CT * 203.208.1990

X 56 off I-95, next to Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library

www.stonycreekgallery.com

Hours: Thurs & Fri 11-2pm, Sat & Sun 10-4pm

~~~~~~~~

Other events during this exhibit:

* Thursday, October 29th, 6:00-8:00pm, Cookbook Demonstration with Author Terry Walters, of "Clean Food"

* Sunday, November 8th, 2:00pm, Interior Designer, Robin Reed gives talk on decorating, enjoy listening while sipping Martinis!

* Sunday, November 22nd, 12:00-4:00pm, Champagne, Dessert & Flowers by Take the Cake & Cynthias Flowers

Still Life with Apples
pastels
16"h x 12"w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

P.S.: My "Still Life with Apples" will be for sale at the Kitchen Art Show

5th Annual 2009 Autumn Art Trail

This year, I'll be participating for the first time in this Outdoor Festival at the beautiful Clinton Landing, behind the Andrews Memorial Town Hall, 54 East Main Street, Clinton, CT

The event will take place
Saturday and Sunday, October 10th and 11th,
from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

There will be a Kick-Off Reception held in The Rose Room at The Clinton Memorial Town Hall on Friday, Oct. 9th, 7-9pm. The public is welcome to attend.

DESCRIPTION: Modern and representational painters, sculptors, potters, crafters, illustrators, fabric artists and jewelery-makers share their artwork during the 5th Annual Autumn Art Trail.

Begin this art adventure with the FREE Two-Day Outdoor Arts Festival on the waterfront of Clinton Landing, south of Clinton Andrews Memorial Town Hall.

After the Arts Festival, purchase your Weekend Pass for only $10.00 and head out on the Trail with a colorful program and map in hand to explore the private studios of well-known artists throughout the Shoreline. They will be discussing, demonstrating and selling their work.

For info and to purchase tickets to view the private studios: www.artscenterkillingworth.org

For more information about the work I do and to learn about other upcoming exhibitions, go to: www.corinadotdash.com

12th ANNUAL CITY-WIDE OPEN STUDIOS

Once again I'll be taking part of the City-Wide Open Studios in New Haven. This event has been celebrated for the past eleven years, and as always, it draws thousands of visitors to explore New Haven's neighborhoods while discovering artists, galleries, and the treasures of this beautiful city.

City-Wide Open Studios celebrates contemporary art in all its myriad forms, and is undoubtedly Connecticut's leading visual arts event. Art dealers and curators from the region and beyond have used CWOS as a resource to discover new artists, plan upcoming shows, and buy art. As one of the largest Open Studios programs in the country, CWOS connects hundreds of local artists with the Greater New Haven community. As described on the CWOS website.

To learn more about the artists participating in this event go to
http://www.cwos.org/directory.asp

Friday October 2, CWOS kick-off party, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Artspace, 50 Orange Street, New Haven. Free.

CWOS day 1: Saturday October 3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CWOS day 2: Sunday Oct 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

...and start your tour of the Open Studios from Erector Square, 315 Peck Street, Building 7, second floor, New Haven, CT

Want
mixed media
(paper, encaustic, acrylics, handmade paper, ink on wood)
18”h x 19”w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

To sign or not to sign your two-dimensional work, where and how?

Renee Phillips, "The Artrepreneur Coach" (Author, Artist, and Director: Manhattan Arts International, and The Healing Power of ART,) just opened up a discussion on the LinkedIn group of the Manhattan Arts International about this theme.

I find her questions very thought provoking as I'm sure many of you artists out there, like me, have thought about them many times. In this way, I want to share my response to her questions with you, so you know a little more about me.

Renee Phillips asked:
"Artists who create original two-dimensional art, where do you sign your art work, on the front, back or both? What is the general consensus? Assuming there is a current trend regarding signature placement, do you follow it? Is it important to you to have your name visible on your art work? Do you place the date of your piece on the back of the painting? What material or medium do you use to sign?

My response:
I'm always debating on what suits best with the piece I'm working on. But as a general rule, I like to have my signature visible and no date. I sign and date the back as well, just as an added bonus. In this way, the buyer is certain that's buying an original piece of art.

In any case, if I feel the signature is going to be in the way, especially when working on mixed media, in a more abstract way, I try using a color that will blend with the rest so it does not take away from the message I want to convey. Sort of inconspicuous. Even sometimes I have no other option, but to limit my signature just to the back of the piece.

Now, when I’ve done landscapes and other realistic themes I would sign in a diagonal, somewhere in the lower portion of the canvas, preferably on the right, but some times on the left (depending on where it fits best). In this cases, I like to use a solid color (blue, gray, or brown) depending on what matches better with the particular piece, and sign it, using a very fine brush, so it's not too bold ("in your eye".) 

However, this practice, which I don't regret, caused me an entry to an exhibition. The juror just couldn't get over my signature, as I was told. He would’ve wanted me to sign discretely at the bottom of the canvas instead, as old masters used to do it. Well, it was a Plein Aire exhibition, what would you expect?

My thought is that your signature is one of your assets, that can set you apart from the rest of the artists out there, is what identifies you as you. So unless you have a very distinctive and unique style that speaks for itself and tells the world it's yours, your signature is your second best tool. 

Imagine if someone would have told Picasso not to sign big and bold and anywhere he pleased?  

Picture use to probe a point
from http://www.squidoo.com

I feel that, when you make your signature recognizable, you're then freer to experiment with new ideas and techniques, to try different mediums and approaches, and your creativity will have no limits. It is your signature what, at the end, will tie everything together as your body of work…your legacy. Just like Picasso did!

Going back to my Plein Aire exhibition incident, I guess I was just starting to get bored of seeing everyone in the field painting the same "scapes", that my signature became my "escape", what made me  ME, identifying my little seascape as MINE. Besides, it kind of balanced that piece ;)

Regarding Renee's question on the material or medium one uses to sign with; it all depends on the media I'm working on. I use oils if the painting was done in oils, acrylics if it was done in acrylics, and sometimes archival ink markers (very fine) when working on paper collages. Now, when making hand pulled prints (printmaking), I sign those the traditional way, at the bottom right, below the printed area, with a sharp clean pencil. The signature on the back of the painting also depends on the material used as substrate to hold the painting: Paper = pencil; Canvas = fine ink markers; Wood = Sharpie... What I cannot stress enough is the importance of being consistent with how I sign.


I would love to hear your comments, please feel free to post them here!

ARTS CONNECTICUT 2009

The Annual Juried Exhibition presented by the Guilford Art League at The Mill Gallery in Guilford, CT.

Once again, I will be one of the artists participating in this exhibition this year since my sculpture, "AS ONE" was selected amongst many artworks by this year's juror Judy Birke, Art Critic of the New Haven Register, Art Appraiser, and owner of Judy Birk Art Consultants LLC

As One

earthenware and guitar strings
10”h x 12”w x 12”d
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

As One (top view)

earthenware and guitar strings
10”h x 12”w x 12”d
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

Come to see it all at our opening reception, this coming Thursday, September 3rd, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: The Mill Gallery, Guilford Arts Center, Route 77, Guilford, CT
Gallery Hours: Mon-Sat 12-4 pm

Another Award!!!

I received a phone call today to let me know my sculpture Rhino has been awarded the Joseph Gaultieri Cash Award at The 53rd Regional art exhibition at the Mystic Arts Center. I'm so excited about it and I wanted to share it with you!

This exhibition was juried by artist Carolina Pedraza, Head of Youth & Family Programs at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, a national leader in the exhibition of challenging contemporary art and the emergence of mid-career artists.

Here is my Rhino:

stoneware and encaustic
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

...but if you want to see it in person come to the exhibition through September 26, 2009


Opening Reception, Thursday, August 13, 5:30 - 7 pm

Location: Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355.
Tel: 860-536-7601

My First ACEO!

“Spring Flowers”, is the first original ACEO I have ever made. How fun it is to paint in that small scale. I really enjoyed doing it!

ACEO stands for: Art Cards, Editions, and Originals, with the standard size measure of 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 x 89 mm). You can collect them, trade them, wear them, display them... What a great idea, don't you think?

I've painted this mini, one of a kind, artwork with acrylics on Strathmore heavyweight textured paper. It is my contemporary response to a base filled with spring flowers. Here is a picture of it:

Spring Flowers
original ACEO in acrylics
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

You can find it for sale at my etsy store.

Poets & Writers meet at Walnut Beach Cafe/ Gallery

Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28,
there will be open readings of poetry, prose and other story forms
from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Casual atmosphere – bring your words, a friend, and / or read someone else's work....and while there view the recent sculptures and mixed media artworks of Corina S. Alvarezdelugo.

All creative souls welcome.

Location: Walnut Beach Cafe/Gallery, 37 Naugatuck Ave, Milford, CT 06460.
Tel.:(203) 283-3910

Christmas in July Sale on Etsy.com

One of my works has been included in this Etsy treasury, called Xmas Forever!, as part of the Christmas in July sale. Take a look:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=70748

Feel free to leave your message once there...

Enjoy!

on-going SOLO EXHIBITION of my sculptures and mixed media artworks until August 2, 2009

Since June 25 and through August 2nd you can view my recent sculptures and mixed media artworks at the Walnut Beach Cafe/Gallery, CT

Opening night was great! I got to meet many new faces and got great feedback from the viewers to my work; I even got a sale!!! so I can't complaint!

The piece I sold at the opening is a mixed media artwork that I had just finished two days before, here it is:

Want
mixed media
(paper, encaustic, acrylics, handmade paper, ink on wood)
18”h x 19”w
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo


Walnut Beach Cafe/Gallery
37 Naugatuck Ave
Milford, CT 06460.
Tel.:(203) 283-3910

If you are near by, don't miss it! You won't only be able to see my work first hand, but also get to enjoy of a very nice setting, with views of the Long Island Sound (water), sip some good coffee or tea and munch on their tasty sandwiches and desserts.

Honorable Mention at the CT Women Artists Exhibition

Receiving the prize by the hands of Joanne Agostinelli,
President of the CT Women Artists, Inc.

At the opening Reception of the Connecticut Women Artists 80th Anniversary Open Exhibition, I was awarded an Honorable Mention Cash Award for my sculpture, The Prince:

The Prince
© Corina S. Alvarezdelugo

I have two sculptures accepted into this exhibition, which I'm very proud to be part of. There is a wide variety on mediums and techniques shown through out the exhibit from artists from all over CT. The Juror of Selection and Awards for this show was the artists and President of the Salmagundi Club in NYC, Claudia Seymour.

This exhibition will be on display until July 25th, 2009

Location:
The Gallery at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
University of Connecticut
2132 Hillside Road
Storrs, CT 06269

Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m / Sat.-Sun., during shows and events only.

Walk the Line On the Cutting Edge, Thursday, June 25th, Milford, CT

Join us on Thursday, June 25th as we walk the line on the Cutting Edge from Firehouse Gallery where a juried show begins at 6:00 pm. If you attend you can participate in the judging for People's Choice Award. What a great way to get to know the artists! As you continue on the line it will take you to Urban Antique Radio & Vintage Hi-Fi where you can purchase a piece of the past. The connection continues to Walnut Beach Cafe where contemporary artist Corina S. Alvarezdelugo is exhibiting her striking work. Make your way along the path to Fine Affair where you can pick-up that gourmet cooking utensil you needed. The line continues to Lazy Lobster for you to have a taste of contentment as Collected Stories inter-twines from story line to story line. A hop, skip and jump away SoBoBo awaits your company for an evening of discussion about the work of more than 24 artists and artisans that just amazes everyone who visits. And of course Walnut Beach Creamery serving delectable ice cream treats that only adds to the flavor of the evening.

Bring your family, bring a friend and enjoy the company of old and new acquaintances!