Angelita Surmon

New Glass Work

2012-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

I am nearly finished with some multiple layered works of glass for the new year. Some of these works have been fired at least 6 times, with additional glass frits added before each firing. They are nearly finished, and I'm pleased with the outcome.

CORRECTION

2011-07-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

The reception next week at Bullseye Resource Center is WEDNESDAY,July 27th from 4-6. My apologies for the error.

An Invitation

2011-07-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

I would like to invite you to an informal reception at the Bullseye Resource Center, Portland, for "Intersect," a group show of artists who have crossed over to glass from other media. The reception is Thursday, July 28th from 4-6 pm at 3610 SE 21st, south of Powell Blvd. Refreshments will be served. Artists included are Gregory Bell, Christy Corbett, Lawrence Morrell, Christopher Perry, Michael Schmitt, Carmen Vetter, and me. I hope to see you there.

Vacation Inspiration

2011-07-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are back from a week in Sisters, Oregon and Mt. Adams, Washington. Weather was beautiful and the scenery magnificent. We did some hikes which gave us grand vistas and up close tangles and water reflections. I am anxious to get to work with some of this inspiration.

From the Good News Department

2011-06-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

I received a nice big envelope today from the Regional Arts and Culture Council awarding me funds for a professional development grant. The grant will fund in part my fees for attending a glass workshop led by internationally known glass artist Miriam Di Fiore. The workshop takes place in Eugene this November. Happy happy!

4 on 41st

2011-05-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

The annual 4 on 41st is next weekend in Portland, OR. My friends Chi Meredith, Mary Real and Stephen Leflar will be sharing my home and studio to show their work. There will be watercolors, egg tempera, collage, acrylics and works in glass. Open house hours are Sat. May 21, Sun. May 22 from 10am-5pm. Details are in the enclosed photo. We hope to see you soon.

Gathering of the Guilds

2011-04-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you I saw at the Spring Glass Gallery show at the Oregon Convention Center yesterday. I will be there from 10am-7 pm today and 10am-5 pm on Sunday. I hope to see you there. Here are some photos from my booth to give you an idea of what you will see.

Preview of Coming Attractions

2011-04-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Gathering of the Guilds is next weekend. It's been a huge learning curve for me to find out what all is involved in setting up a booth. So many things I had never thought of when visiting an art fair. Lights, pedestals, carpet, snacks. On and on it goes. Here are a few of the works I will be showing as part of the Oregon Glass Guild. I hope to see you at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland next weekend. The hours are Friday, April 29, 10 am - 9 pm, Saturday, April 30, 10 am- 7 pm, and Sunday, May 1, 10 am- 5 pm.

Two New Works

2011-03-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 new pieces from my Oaks Bottom Explorations. As a large part of the refuge is now closed due to landslides, I may have to expand my wanderings to other areas nearby. In any case, here they are. Enjoy.

jim blashfield at brightwater

2011-02-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful percent for art installation which combines technology and the human experience in a very moving way.
jim blashfield at brightwater

A New Year, A New Focus

2011-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

This year my work will be informed by the landscape of Oaks Bottom in Portland. I will allow myself diversions from time to time, but the work will predominantly be my interpretations of the seasonal changes in the light, color, and textures of this refuge. Here are the first two.

Object of Beauty Rebuttal

2010-12-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Art of Interruption

By STEVE MARTIN

Published: December 4, 2010

This article appeared in the New York Times following Mr. Martin's appearance at the 92nd Street Y in New York. Mr. Martin does a great job of explaining his view of the events.

LAST Monday, at the 92nd Street Y in New York, I took part in a conversation about a novel I had written. The book is set in the art world, and my conversation partner was Deborah Solomon, an art scholar and a writer for this newspaper, as well as a friend. Some years ago, she and I had conducted a similar conversation in Washington to discuss my art collection. It was lively and entertaining, and I couldn’t think of a reason that this evening would not go as well. Because it’s an honor to speak at the Y, we agreed to do the event for free.

When I arrived for Monday’s talk, I was informed that it would be telecast on closed-circuit TV across the country. What I wasn’t told was that the viewers were going to be encouraged to send in e-mails during the discussion; what I didn’t expect was that the Y would take the temperature of those e-mailed reactions, and then respond to them by sending a staff member onstage, mid-conversation, with a note that said, “Discuss Steve’s career.”

This was as jarring and disheartening as a cellphone jangle during an Act V soliloquy. I did not know who had sent this note nor that it was in response to those e-mails. Regardless, it was hard to get on track, any track, after the note’s arrival, and finally, when I answered submitted questions that had been selected by the people in charge, I knew I would have rather died onstage with art talk than with the predictable questions that had been chosen for me. Since that night, the Y has graciously apologized for its hastiness — and I am pleased to say that I look forward to returning there soon, especially to play basketball.

Now let me try to answer the question you might be asking yourself at this point: was I boring? Yes, I might have been. In hindsight, I probably should have read a few pages from my book to give the audience a feel for it, and I did struggle with a few explanations. But I was not lazy and neither was Deborah. We were both working very hard at our task.

I have no doubt that, in time, and with some cooperation from the audience, we would have achieved ignition. I have been performing a long time, and I can tell when the audience’s attention is straying. I do not need a note. My mind was already churning like a weather front; at that moment, if I could have sung my novel to a Broadway beat I would have.

But I can’t help wondering what we might have said if we hadn’t been stopped. Maybe we were just around the corner from something thrilling. Isn’t that the nature of a live conversation? It halts, it stutters, it doubles back, it soars. We might have found a small nugget, something off topic or unexpected, that wouldn’t have warranted the refund that was offered.

If the e-mailers could have lived with “I am unamused” for just a little longer, or had given us some understanding based on past performance, or even a little old-fashioned respect, something worthwhile, unusual or calamitous might have emerged. Who knows, maybe I would have ended up singing my novel.

Steve Martin is the author, most recently, of “An Object of Beauty.”

Thanks

2010-11-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks for ever changing landscapes and dramatic skies. Thanks for warm, intelligent conversations with family and friends. Thanks also for silliness and laughter. Thanks for love, support and kindness. A happy Thanksgiving to all.

Back From New York

2010-11-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am back from a wonderful, visually stimulating week in New York. Highlights? The Starns twins "Big Bambu" atop the Metropolitan Museum, their South Ferry subway station, Monet waterlilies at the Met and MOMA, Miro at the Met, and a great show at the Guggenheim of art done during Faschist and Nazi regimes. The city is friendlier, cleaner and safer than I remember, vibrant and exciting as ever. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Final Week

2010-09-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

This is the final week of my show of paintings and fused glass in Seattle at the Fountainhead Gallery. It looks as though the weather will be promising, so a trip to the Queen Anne district of Seattle may be just the ticket! Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday 11-6, Saturday and Sunday 12-5. The gallery is located at 625 W McGraw Street. For further information check out the website at fountainheadgallery.com or call 206-285-4467.

Sneak Preview

2010-09-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

The work for the Seattle show is up and live on the Fountainhead website.If you want to have a sneak peek, the website is fountainheadgallery.com. I am excited to share the new work and discuss my explorations in painting and my new passion, fused glass. I hope you will join me Saturday, September 11th from 5-7 at the gallery. The gallery address is 625 West McGraw. For further details, check their website.

Seattle Bound

2010-08-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

The works are completed for the show in Seattle. The title of the show is "Conversations with Trees," reflecting my ongoing woodland passion. There will be acrylic paintings on canvas, and work in fused glass. The show will be at the Fountainhead Gallery , 625 McGraw, in the Queen Anne area. The Gallery is open Thursday through Sunday. An opening reception will be held Sept. 11th from 5-7 pm. For more information and images of the work, check the website at Fountainheadgallery.com. Here is a taste of the work you will see.

A Colorful Wonderful Show

2010-07-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to put in a plug for my friend R. Keaney Rathbun's show, "Sacred Moments." The work is joyous, playful and thoughtful. Filled with pattern and color, Keaney's work captures the celebratory moments of every day. Working in stained glass, needlepoint, sculpture, and silkscreen printmaking, Keaney has assembled a personal Book of Hours, and installed it all to resemble a chapel, complete with altar table. This work is the culmination of nine years and draws on personal experiences which become universal. It is truly a wonderful life celebration. I invite you all to visit the show at the Waterstone Gallery in Portland, Or. at 424 NW 12th Ave. Gallery hours are Wed.-Sat.12-6 and Sun. 12-4. The show closes on August 1. My apologies to Keaney for these photos. They just can't hold a candle to the real thing.Images are: "Daydream Believer, Campfire Stories, and Protective Coloration."

Hood River Outing

2010-06-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

If you are in Hood River in the next few weeks, I am participating in the Kiteboarding for Cancer annual fundraiser. My work will be at Providence Hospital, Full Sail Brewing Company, and the Columbia Arts Center. There will be a big opening event July 2, from 5-8 pm, but the work is already in place. For more details, check out the KB4C.org website with a link to their blog. On the blog you will find images of the other participating artists. The works in this post will be for sale at the Hood River locations mentioned earlier.

What Would You Call It?

2010-06-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

There is such a diversity of art movements in existence these days. Is it important to be attached to one? There was a time when there were fewer artists and many fewer movements. Impressionism, cubism, abstract expressionism. Today, there are more than I can count or probably know exist. So where do I fit and does it matter? I think I've always been somewhere between the cracks. I'll leave it to others to coin a phrase for the pictures I make.

New Paintings

2010-06-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 new 9x12 inch paintings that I'm considering for inclusion in the September Fountainhead Gallery show in Seattle. The vertical painting is one of my favorite little hideaways in the village on Neskowin on the Oregon Coast. The horizontal piece is a forest scene focused on the bare branches creeping through the forest, just before spring.

Thank You

2010-05-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to come to "Four on Forty-first" on May 15th and 16th. I enjoyed meeting new and interesting people and seeing old friends. Thanks also to those people who purchased work for their collections. I am gratified and honored to be in your homes.

An Open Studio Preview

2010-05-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of the small watercolors you'll see when you drop by "Four on Forty-first," our open studio show and sale. We're at 1705 SE 41st Ave., Portland, just south of Hawthorne Blvd. Hours are 10-5 , Saturday and Sunday, May 15th and 16th. We look forward to seeing you.

A burst of light

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

This painting was informed by a spring hike on the border of an old growth forest. The bright white bursting through the evergreens and beginning new growth was stunningly vibrant.

New Work

2010-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of new works from the studio. The "Old Growth Trail "painting illustrates the rich tapestry of undergrowth I loved about this place, plus that wonderful verdant moss. The other, "Tangle," shows the crazy, overgrown movement of grasses and branches jumbled together. I love both the patterns and the craziness.

A Worthy Cause

2010-03-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

May 1 is the date of this year's Cascade Aids Project art auction. This annual event raises money for aids awareness and many fine art objects will be available. I am pleased to say this year my donation"Sauvie Island," a fused glass work has been selected for an honorable mention. For more information about the auction visit Cascadeaids.org.

Save The Dates

2010-03-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for May 15th and 16th for the annual "Four on Forty-First" Open House Art Sale. This year I will have paintings in acrylic on canvas, hand-pulled lithographs, watercolors, cards, and my latest explorations in fused glass. Also showing will be Stephen Leflar, Mary Real, and Jason Greene. There will be a variety of media in a variety of prices. The work will be on view Saturday and Sunday from 10-5 at 1705 SE 41st Ave., Portland. More details to follow. Stay tuned.

Passing On

2010-02-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

I join with many Oregon artists and friends in mourning the loss of Laura Russo. I showed work with Laura for 15 years and always admired her solid support of Northwest art and artists. She was always honest and direct. She cared for her artist family and presented their work in a professional and dignified way; always hanging just the right amount of work. She cared about my family and took the sale of work very personally. She was not always easy and not always tactful, but you knew how she felt. I will miss her directness, her loyalty and her presence. A service is planned for Wednesday, February 17th at 3:00 at the Portland Art Museum.

New Year, New Glass

2010-01-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent additions to my glass work. I am beginning to feel a little more comfortable with the medium and am enjoying the process and the results. I can see the potential and am very excited to continue working in this direction as well as painting.

A New Adventure

2009-11-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've just completed a five day workshop at Bullseye Glass in Portland called"Painting with Light." Through the use of powdered and crushed glass and other glass structures we constructed imagery that was fused in the kiln. I have so much to learn, but I enjoyed the class and am looking forward to playing around with what is a new art form for me.

Something New

2009-10-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's finally time for an update from the studio. This painting is based on some photos taken last summer of reflected trees near Neskowin, Oregon

Upcoming Events

2009-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in two fund raising events coming up next month. The first,"Uncork Joy," Saturday,November 7, from 7-11 pm, will be held at Thirst wine bar at Riverplace , Portland, Oregon. A variety of art and other items will be available for purchase in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Children's Cancer Association of Oregon. A limited number of tickets are available, and more information can be found at the Thirst website. Friday evening November 13th, as well as Saturday and Sunday will be the annual Sitka Art Invitational, benefiting their ongoing programs in art and ecology. Always a fine show. Contact the Sitka website for more information. More details to follow.

Commission Finished

2009-09-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

The painting for Lebanon is finished. I'm looking forward to seeing it installed above the fireplace in the library. Time to move on to other paintings.

A Work In Progress

2009-08-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

The commission for the Lebanon Public Library is coming along. The painting began with a light blue toned ground. Next came the blocking in general areas of color. This was followed by some color adjustments and refining. Today I will continue refining and adding textural details.

A Good Book To Read

2009-08-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm nearly finished with a great book of interviews with David Hockney called "True To Life." He talks about his photographic work, painting, his theories on the use of camera obscura and photo lucida by the Northern Dutch painters, and his return to plein air painting in Yorkshire. Fascinating and inspiring stuff.

Rested and Inspired

2009-08-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from a week on Galiano Island, BC. My husband and I spent a relaxing and restorative vacation on this beautiful island soaking up the amazing scenery and marveling at the wildlife. The island has wonderful cedar tree forests punctuated by madronas, a small lake, grand vistas, and uncrowded shorelines of carved sandstone for watching seals and sea birds. Magical.

Something For Lebanon

2009-07-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just received the news this week that my home town, Lebanon, Oregon, has selected me for a commission for their brand new public library. I will be doing a 4'x6' painting for the fireplace wall. I was born in the building that for many years was the library and before that the Lebanon Community Hospital. It is gratifying to know that I will have a painting in this wonderful new community building. As a staff member of the Friends of Multnomah County Library in Portland, and having been born and raised in Lebanon, this is doubly rewarding.

An Invitation

2009-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to invite you to an open house art sale Saturday June 27th from 11-9 and Sunday June 28th from 11-4 at my home and studio, 1705 SE 41st Ave, Portland Oregon. Party time for all from 6-9 on Saturday. Also showing work are Keaney Rathbun, who will have prints and sculpture, Mary Real, who will have paintings and prints, and Chi Meredith, who will have paintings and prints. I will have note cards, prints, and paintings. There will be something for every price and taste. I hope to see you, and please bring your friends.

New and Improved

2009-06-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

This week I finally updated my website with new images. You can have a look at at www.angelitasurmon.com.

A Touch of Summer

2009-05-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's been beautiful these past few days. We found time to get the vegetable garden in and a few flowers have been added to our yard. More to come. I have done some studio work, but the pull to be outside has been winning the battle most of the last few days. My daughter had an escape to Outdoor School for a day of teaching and I had a few photo ops on the drive back home.

New Acquaintences

2009-05-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who came to the Laurelhurst Artwalk last Saturday. I very much enjoyed the chance to meet new people and share some time getting to know you and sharing my work. Mark your calendars for the second annual 4 on 41st show at my studio, 1705 SE 41st Ave, June 27th and 28th. Details to follow.

Laurelhurst Artwalk

2009-05-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Next weekend I will be participating in the Laurelhurst Artwalk in Portland . The event takes place Saturday May 9 from 10 am to 5 pm.
I will have prints, paintings and note cards at the home of Ellen Nielson, 625 NE Laurelhurst Place. For more information on the event, visit the website at www.laurelhurstartwalk.com. I hope to see you there.

Spring Returns

2009-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Spring light is coming back to Portland. Time to prepare the garden for flowers and vegetables. Time to be outside.

Trillium Time

2009-04-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's that glorious time of year when the forests are blanketed with snow white trillium. It's a great reason for a stroll in the woods.

Dusk in the Forest

2009-04-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

This recently completed painting was inspired by a late afternoon walk on the Wildwood Trail in Portland. It's still one of my favorite places for relaxing and restoring my spirits.

Still Thinking of Opal Creek

2009-03-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent painting inspired by Opal Creek. I can't seem to get the beautiful clear water and old growth trees out of my head. I hope to take another trek there soon, when it's warmer and drier.

Two More Weeks in Seattle

2009-03-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

My show continues in Seattle Thursday and Friday 11-6 and Saturday and Sunday 12-5 at the Fountainhead Gallery. Another good reason to travel to Seattle is the work of Alden Mason at the Foster White Gallery. His paintings of childlike people and animals continue to be vital and playful as the artist turns 89 this year.

Opening Highlights

2009-03-10T07:21:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday night was the opening of my Seattle show at the Fountainhead Gallery. Although the weather was all over the map, and less than cooperative, there were hearty souls who braved the elements to attend. Sue and Ron Peterson, gallery owners, did a great job of installing the work, and I very much appreciated talking with old friends and meeting new people at the event. The show continues through March 29.

Tonight's the Night

2009-03-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

This morning we'll be driving to Seattle for the opening at the Fountainhead Gallery. There's talk of snow, which could make life interesting. I'm looking forward to a fun evening and great Thai food after. If you are in the area, I'd love to talk with you. The Fountainhead Gallery is at 625 West McGraw in the Queen Anne district. The opening , as mentioned in a previous post is from 5-7 pm.

An Invitation

2009-02-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

I would like to invite you to come to Seattle and visit my Show at the Fountainhead Gallery, 625 W McGraw in the Queen Anne district.The opening is Saturday March 7 from 5-7 pm. Gallery hours are Th, Fri 11-6, and Sat. and Sun 12-5. There will be acrylic paintings of various sizes along with limited edition hand-pulled lithographs. Gallery owners Ron and Sue Peterson provide an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, the gallery space is great, and there will be light refreshments and lovely company. Come by and say hello. I'd love to talk with you. Gallery website is www.fountainheadgallery.com.

The Final Color

2009-02-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished print. I learned a lot in this process. I think I could probably add a few more colors to this image, but I'm ready to move on to another print. Maybe this time I will go for more richness and layering . Stay tuned. My husband and I delivered the work for my March show to the Fountainhead Gallery on Saturday, and the images are available on their website at www.fountainheadgallery.com. Take a look.

Phase Three and Four

2009-02-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

Here are images of the third and fourth colors of this lithograph. I think I could go on and on, but also may stop after the next color. I intend to include this print in my next show in March at the Fountainhead Gallery in Seattle. The blue was the third color added, and the yellow green is the fourth color. My apologies for the inaccuracy of the color in the blue layer. Sometimes photographing at night is not so successful, but unfortunately, that phase has been added to with the yellow green, so no chance for retakes. So it goes.

Printmaking Phase 2

2009-02-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today's lithography color definitely had more of an impact than the first color. If you look closely, you may be able to see traces of the yellow green that was the first color on the print. My initial idea was to do three colors. I have one more image ready to print, but due to the first color's pale appearance, I will be doing 2 additional colors. The next color will be some type of blue to augment the trees and shadows. Following that will be a pale yellow to yellow green. Then the last color will be a cool emerald or teal. Here's hoping all goes well. Lithography is always magic.

Back To Work

2009-01-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today I began work on a colored lithograph at my friend Chi Meredith's studio. Lithography requires a different drawing and pass through the printing press for each color, and then there's the fun of registration. We managed to get one stone ready for color printing on my next trip to Corvallis. However, the other drawing, after making it beautifully through the first etch, mysteriously disappeared as I was rolling it up for the proofing and second etch. Sorry if this is all too complicated. Basically, lithography is a process of oil and water , with the ink staying where there is greasy drawing material, and resisting where the stone has water and no drawing material. When it works, it's glorious. Sigh. The magic and mystery of lithography. Here's an image from a more successful experience, and a new canvas.

Something New From The Easel

2008-12-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

This may be finished. I need to step back from it a bit to know for sure.

December Snow

2008-12-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

Backyard Bundt Cake Party, anyone?

Winter Chill

2008-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

The tv stations are calling it the "Arctic Blast." It's pretty darn cold and although it was beautiful and clear today, tonight and tomorrow warns of frigid temperatures and the possibility of more snow. It's a great time for reading, playing games, and sipping a lovely port to warm the insides. In the event of another snow day, I look forward to the opportunity to be in the studio.

Sad News

2008-12-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, sad news also travels quickly. I am sad to learn of the death of Terry Toedtemeier in Hood River last night. He was a fine and warm man, a valuable part of the community, and a wonderful artist. My thoughts go out to friends and family.

Good News Travels Fast

2008-12-11T12:46:00.001-08:00

I am happy to hear from Larry Elder from the Elder Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina, that 2 of my large paintings have been purchased by a local corporation. What a nice Christmas present! Nothing like sales to spur me on to getting to work in the studio. The work has been going well recently, so no external push was really needed, but I am nevertheless gratified when my work strikes a chord.

Thoughts of Summer

2008-11-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Now that the monsoons have returned this week, I am looking at photos from the summer and working to add some light and warmth to the fall. Here's my latest effort. The clusters of trees in the foreground remind me of a stage set; perhaps Midsummer Night's Dream?

Autumn Light

2008-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Although this recently finished painting was done after a summer trip to Opal Creek, the light through autumn leaves today evokes a similar feeling and quality of light.

Painting's Progress Continued

2008-11-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

The painting has been completed this week, after 2 more sessions at the easel. The light through the trees has been heightened. Refinements have been made within areas to add more variety of texture and pattern. The intent was to create a corridor of light as a focus for the painting in contrast with the darker trees. The detail illustrates the spots of color combined to create the illuminated area peeking through the trees.

Painting's Progress

2008-10-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

I thought I might document the process of making a painting. This week I began a painting informed by the Opal Creek Trail in Oregon. I am basing the work on photographs taken last August. The work begins in the studio with some preliminary sketches, and from there the image is loosely drawn on the stretched canvas. The first image shows work at the end of the first day. A bright yellow green was washed over the whole canvas as a ground. Then large color areas were established. The second image shows the middle of the next day. You can see that the color areas are being refined and augmented.

Summer Vacation Continued

2008-10-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a painting informed by a hike in the Columbia Gorge this summer on the fourth of July. There are many wonderful hikes in the Gorge with countless waterfalls and streams. This is a nice reminder of sunnier days

Summer Vacation

2008-10-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am beginning work on paintings that are derived from my summer vacation to Opal Creek. This painting is 36"x48", and focuses on the beautiful jade water that flows through the Opal Creek Wilderness. The area in the painting is filled with gorgeous imagery;rock formations, water paths and foliage. One could do a whole series based on this particular section of Opal Creek.

There's a New Dog in Town

2008-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it finally happened. We have a new dog. His name is Willie, as in Willie Mays, Willie Wonka,etc. He's half Lab and half Golden and a pretty sweet boy. He's fairly mellow for a 1 year old, but there is training to be done. Here we go!

Opal Creek Wilderness

2008-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

My family and I recently returned from a few days near Opal Creek Wilderness. We spent a couple of days hiking in the area, and there are not enough superlatives to describe this magical place. The water is various shades of clear jade green, and the rocks and trees are exquisite. A trip to Opal Creek could probably be a day trip from Portland with an early start. The main trail is a wide gravel easy 3 mile hike to Jawbone Flats and the Opal Creek Education Center. There are cabins to rent, and various programs throughout the year.It's well worth the trip.

Tualatin Visual Chronicle

2008-08-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

The advisory board has selected a painting for the Tualatin Visual Chronicle, and the next step will be a presentation of the work at the Tualatin City Counsel meeting in September. I will be curious to know where the painting will appear in residence. Details to follow, I suspect.

Mountain Views

2008-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are just back from 4 days in the terrain around the Mt. Hood area. It was, in turn, invigorating, relaxing, and exhausting. Saturday we took an 8 mile round trip hike to Salmon Butte. It was a hot, dry uphill climb through the forgiving shade of the forest, with a spectacular clear view from the top of Mt Hood, Adams, St. Helens, Rainier, with additional mountains to the east. I'll have to look them up. Wild flowers too ; intense violet penstemon, indian paintbrush and lupine, to name a few.

A Toe in the Water

2008-07-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

The first showing of my work in a group show at the Elder Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina has come to a close. I sold one piece to a collector there. For a first time exposure, I am happy to have had a sale and recovered my costs with some extra. Always good to make more than you spend. I hope this will be the beginning of a great relationship.

Opening in Charlotte

2008-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

The new artists show is opening at the Elder Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday. I will have 6 paintings in the show. The works are up and on the website. The reds and greens are not exact, but it does give some idea of the paintings. You can see the work of the other artists as well. The website is www.elderart.com

Off to Houston and Back to Oregon

2008-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've finished the commissioned painting for Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. It is being shipped to Houston to American Art Resources, the consulting firm for the job. They will stretch it, frame it, and install the work in Springfield, Oregon. Seems circuitous, but those are my orders.

Here's to Emma

2008-05-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week on Monday we put our sweet old girl, Emma down. She had a type of invasive cancer that progressively made it harder and harder for her to breathe. After a week of sleepless nights, we made the hard decision. She loved people and always gave a warm greeting to any visitor. One of her final acts was to hold out her paw to the stranger who helped with her death. She loved to hold hands and always extended a paw. She loved the beach and chasing balls and sticks, but most of all she loved to engage with people. She was my constant companion and I miss her terribly. So here's to you Emma, and your kind, outgoing way of greeting the world.

An Invitation

2008-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I'm posting an invitation for an open studio this weekend. I hope you'll stop by. I would enjoy meeting some new folks and sharing my art and that of my friends, Jason Greene, Stephen Leflar, and Mary Real. We will have a variety of prints, drawings, watercolors and paintings on canvas in a variety of prices. Come on by!

Good News

2008-04-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

I received good news yesterday that my work will be included in the new Sacred Heart Medical Center Campus at Riverbend in Springfield, Oregon. The work in this post, plus a larger commissioned painting will be part of their collection. The facility is scheduled to open in August. It looks pretty interesting from the website. There are drawings illustrating the atrium which makes use of natural materials and has a grand hotel feeling. Efforts have been made to make people more comfortable, and the building has several "green" aspects. All of the patient rooms have a view of the surrounding landscape. It seems they've gotten the message people heal better when they can see trees instead of buildings. Interesting. I look forward to seeing it after it's completed.

Spring Comes To Visit

2008-04-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a chance to enjoy a bit of spring on Saturday. I took the opportunity to wander around Forest Park with my camera, and have dinner with friends on the outdoor patio at Wild Abandon.I think it was so unusual, it caught us all off guard. Needless to say, our typical spring has returned with a vengeance;a smattering of snow, sun, hail and rain. You know what they say."If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes."

A Movie Recommendation

2008-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend we rented the DVD "Goya's Ghosts." It was directed by Milos Foreman and stars Stellan Skarsgard,Natalie Portman, and evil incarnate from "No Country for Old Men", Javier Bardem. It is visually beautiful and terrible and places Goya's life and work into the context of The Inquisition, war, and all the atrocities he witnessed and expressed in his work. There is a wonderful quick sequence of the art of etching which quickly illustrates the process. Acting is first rate with Skarsdard as Goya, Portman as a model and victim of the Inquisition, and Bardem as a Catholic priest who breaks free and then is undone by his rebellion. I will say no more specifics about that. I highly recommend the film if you love Goya, history, or masterful filmmaking.

Taking A New Plunge

2008-03-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

This week my work arrived at a new gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina. The gallery is the Elder Gallery, Larry Elder is the dealer there. His response to my work was very positive, so we'll give it a shot.The gallery has an eclectic assortment of art from non-objective to classical Russian art. The website is www.elderart.com. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Spring Has Sprung

2008-03-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

I see I'm many paintings behind even my once a week post. Three to be exact. Let me try and make it up to you. Let's face it. There's been a break in the monsoons, the daffodils are out, and the garden is loaded with things to do. I have been at work in the studio, however. Here's some of the results.

Perhaps A Painting A Week

2008-02-16T09:51:00.001-08:00

I have followed with great interest the recent boom in Daily Painters and their blogs. Realistically for me with all the other balls I'm juggling, I'm aiming at a painting per week. So Here goes.

For Your Consideration

2008-02-11T22:05:00.001-08:00

I just finished a great book on Chuck Close,"Close Reading:Chuck Close and the Art of the Self Portrait," by Martin Friedman. I became interested after a recent wonderful exhibit at the Portland Art Museum on Close's prints and the many amazing processes involved in his work. The show was a wonderful homage to printmaking as well as the art of Close. The book does a terrific job of following Close's life, thought process and the art of portraiture from his perspective as well as that of fellow figurative artists who have been his subjects. I am impressed with the man,his determination and perseverance. The book is well written, insightful, and sprinkled with an ample quantity of color plates. Have a look.

Something To Think About

2008-02-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

Art and money never touch. They exist in parallel universes of value at comparable levels of cultural generalization: Art does nothing to money but translate it. Money does nothing to art but facilitate its dissemination and buy the occasional bowl of Wheaties for an artist or art dealer. Thus, when you trade a piece of green paper with a picture on it. signed by a bureaucrat, for a piece of white paper with a picture on it, signed by an artist, you haven’t bought anything, since neither piece of paper is worth anything. You have translated your investment and your faith from one universe of value to another.

--Dave Hickey (winner of the MacArthur Genius Grant), “Dealing,” in Air Guitar: Essays on Art & Democracy

Any thoughts out there?

Here Comes The Sun

2008-02-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,
We are having a break from the monsoons today. It's Saturday and there is time to rest, relax and rejuvenate. It's a great day to be alive.Get out and enjoy the world.

Moving Into the 21st Century

2008-01-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attended a workshop "Will Click For Art" taught by Mark Grimes, founder of Ned.com Lots of information about directing traffic to your website. As a Baby Boomer I have trouble wrapping my brain around all the information, but I am making small steps to improving things. It all takes time away from painting, but it seems important to keep your work visible. If you sign on to Ned.com and go to RACC, you may find some helpful links for yourself, and a few things just for fun.

A Master In Our Midst

2008-01-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

I recently went to see the show of watercolors by Henk Pander at the Laura Russo Gallery. They were superb. I can always count on seeing the highest quality work from Henk. This group of paintings is no exception. They are a diverse lot. There are still lifes, landscapes, and an intriguing group of paintings of piles of bricks. No matter the subject, he is able to say so much with so little. This Saturday, he and fellow exhibiting artist J. D. Perkin will be discussing their work at the gallery. Henk is an enjoyable guide. Check it out.

Here's to Old and New Acquaintances

2007-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

The year is winding to a festive close, and it is my hope to start the new year with a larger mailing list. If you are interested in receiving email or snail mail regarding exhibits, news, or sales, I would appreciate hearing from you. You can leave your information at the comments on my blog, or you can go to my website, www.angelitasurmon.com and contact me there. I wish you all happy holidays. May you stay warm and dry and take time to slow down to appreciate the important people in your life. Cheers!

Just In Time For The Holidays

2007-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Portland Art Center is having a fund raiser this month featuring the work of many fine local artists. Each artist worked on a square wood panel creating in their own wonderful style. The panels will all be sold for $300. each. Such a bargain! 25% will go to the artists. Henry Hillman has generously agreed to match up to $20,000. of the purchases, thus doubling the benefits for Portland Art Center. The show runs December 6-22. There will be a preview next Wednesday night, prior to First Thursday, and an artists' party December 14. Please come and help out this worthy cause and buy some great art. Included will be my painting "Wildwood Fall." For more information go to www.portlandart.org.

A Good Time Was Had By All

2007-11-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the opening at Fountainhead Gallery in Seattle, and it was a great night. Ron and Sue Peterson, the owners of the gallery, did a terrific job of hanging the show, and provided a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for all those in attendance.It was one of the most enjoyable openings I've had in quite some time Thanks to all who took the time to come to the show and say hello, and thanks to those who purchased work on opening night. The work of Cornish graduate Jonathan Owens, a fine show of pastel drawings of cloudscapes and nature closeups is featured in the mezzanine gallery. The work will be on view through November 25th, Thursday and Friday 11-6,Saturday and Sunday 12-5 and by appointment.

New Show Up on the Web

2007-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

The new images for the show are on the website for the Fountainhead Gallery. The website is www.fountainheadgallery.com. You'll find the images under the exhibitions listings. If you are in Seattle during November, come by and have a look. I would love to meet some new people if you are in Seattle on opening night. The opening is Saturday November 3 from 5pm-7pm.

Something From The Studio Wall

2007-09-24T18:17:00.001-07:00

Here's something I found and have had on my studio wall for a few years now. Lyn Foulkes has been around the block a few times and is still here. He was born in Yakima Washington , which makes him a neighbor of sorts. I'm not so crazy about his work, but the sentiment here rings true for me.

I began exhibiting at twenty-six
critics thought my work was tough
I got in all the art magazines
museums started buying my stuff.

They made me the belle of the ball
I could do no wrong at all
I won the Paris Biennale
I thought I would never fall.

But I started doing something different
they didn't like that very much
they wanted me to do the same old thing
they thought I was out to lunch.

They wanted me to be consistent
to throw away my heart
They wanted me to be nonresistant
to promote the tradition of art.

I've learned a lot about art
since I was twenty six
Like trusting my own solutions
not worrying about politics

I think I'm pretty sure what makes real art
comes from deep inside
Not flippity-flop to get to the top
or learning to swallow your pride.

Fall Approaches

2007-09-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's September and the kiddies are heading back to school. I always feel I can be a bit more industrious in the fall when it comes to getting work done in the studio. I've been reworking the November show title. At this point I'm thinking "Woodland Stories." The paintings have some aspect of creating a story, and the title also alludes to the levels and layers of the forest. So that's the title, for today at least...

Name That Show

2007-08-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

I 'm back from 4 days at the beach of reading, hiking, photographing and eating too much. Now I am definitely ready to log some studio time. I'm feeling positive about my work and looking forward to having a show.

I'm currently working on a title for the November show at the Fountainhead Gallery in Seattle. My first thought was Light, Shadow, Reflection. My husband says it's too boring, so it's still in the works. Maybe something from a naturalist's point of view or something zen. There is a John Muir quote that basically says by going out into nature he is going in. How would that be? Going in by going out. Too vague, too sexual?

A New Seattle Gallery

2007-08-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that my work is now being represented by the Fountainhead Gallery in Seattle. The address is 625 West McGraw Street. It is in the Upper Queen Anne area of Seattle. The dealers, Sue and Ron Peterson are very warm and welcoming and the gallery space has lots of light streaming in from the windows of their corner location. The gallery is open Thursday and Friday, 11-5 and Saturday and Sunday 12-6. I will be having a one-person show in November, with an opening on Saturday, November 3rd in the evening. More details to follow.

New Shows In Town

2007-08-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

There are many great shows in Portland this month. If you haven't seen the Dutch painting show with all the wonderful Rembrandts at the Portland Art Museum,, I highly recommend it. In addition, Jason Greene has a great show at the Genuine Imitation Gallery in the Everett Street Lofts, of water towers and piles of debris from construction sites. The paintings are well done and very affordable. Check it out! I have 2 pieces at a show at Mark Woolley Gallery. The show is called "Dig It," a show loosely based on art of and for the garden. This is the last show at his 128 NE Russell location. In September the gallery moves to the former Froelick Gallery space at 817 SW 2nd.

Because It's summer

2007-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because it's summer, or maybe it's because I've always been fascinated by it, but I've started a new group of works based on water and reflections.It's a challenge to create the quality of water using paint as a suggestion, and allowing for the viewer to fit the pieces together . I'm enjoying it and am having some degree of success. As the old joke says,"How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice."

Too Much Thinking, Not Enough Painting

2007-07-12T07:19:00.001-07:00

Since I've returned from Italy, I've been mulling over where my work is headed, and what I have to say. I was so blown away by all the masterpieces at every turn, and it was all so magnificent. When I came home , there was a great high at experiencing such art. It has been followed by a low. I have found myself thinking about what I have to contribute in light of all that beauty and all that ground breaking work. Frankly, I don't compare favorably to Caravaggio and Giotto. What I do know is that I'm not happy if I don't paint, and that there are people out there who value my work. If I can make a difference to how I feel about my life, and bring something of significance to someone else, I think it's worth the journey. After all, it's about the journey, not the goal.

Reflections of Italy

2007-05-23T18:39:00.002-07:00

It's hard to believe I've been back from Italy for 2 1/2 weeks already. I'm still reliving some experiences. I love everything about the place. The history goes back further than I can comprehend, it makes us seem so very young in the US. I will focus this post on Pompeii. and Herculenum. It was my second visit to Pompeii and it was a mixed bag. There were some sites I hadn't seen before, and other sites that were inaccessable this time around due to theft and vandalism. Isn't civilization great? At any rate, it's still remarkable to feel that time has stopped in these once vibrant cities with their rich culture and beautiful art. I am particulary amazed at the refinement in the frescoes and the richness of the mosaics. I am curious to see if any of this will come into my work. Time will tell.

Anticipating the Journey

2007-04-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

In eleven days my family and I will be leaving for Italy! Reservations are confirmed everywhere, clothes are sorted out, and sketchbooks and watercolors are ready. I've been taking Italian through the local community college for about 8 years and can communicate on a rudimentary level. We were in Italy 8 years ago and I'm anxious to see if my Italian skills are any better help this time. I'm getting butterflies thinking of new places to see, people to meet. My teenage daughter and I will have a week to ourselves. THAT should be interesting! Seriously, I think it should be a great adventure. Look out Italy, here we come!

Pricing Advice

2007-03-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pricing artwork seems to be a major concern to most artists. We want the work to sell, but we don't want to give it away. Paul Dorrell is a gallery dealer and blogger who offers good advice. For those starting out, he suggests visiting galleries and checking out what is comparable in terms of type of work, and amount of experience. What I particularly appreciate is the paragraph where he talks to prospective buyers about why the work costs so much. He explains that most of the artists in his gallery have worked for 20 to 40 years . They have gone through a lot of struggle and to use his word "privations" to get to this point. Then he asks the client how much they would charge, and they usually say"more." Then he says he closes the deal. It's a great piece from a thoughtful dealer. pauldorrell.com/blog. Something else I would like to throw in. Don't ever lower your prices. It's too hard to raise them again. People wonder why they were higher in the first place. I have had individuals approach me for a "deal." It's never worth it in the long run to undercut a gallery working to sell your art. The old saying goes "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

Everything Old Is New Again

2007-03-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a book called"The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson," by David Silcox. It is about a famous Canadian group of artists who are little known to most of us in the United States. They worked as a group around the early 1900s to the 1930s. They sought to create an art that was distinctly Canadian and promoted it in schools, museum exhibitions, print media, you name it. The work is monumental and breathtaking. I particularly like Lawren Harris. There is a certain sylized quality to his landscapes that I find intriguing. Give them a look.