Sun. July 12 Solo Exhibit

Click on the image to see a bigger version of it. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. These gracious people invite one artist per month to display and sell their work in their beautiful facility. I am the artist for July 2009.

The food will be great! I am planning an indoor picnic with little hot dogs, sloppy joes, my mom's potato salad, apple pie, ice cream, lemonade -- you name it! *If* there are any leftovers by 4:00 p.m. everyone is invited to take food home -- except my mom's potato salad! That's mine if there is any left. It's a favorite at all family get-togethers.

In addition, I have subscribed to a newsletter service. Click on the following link (http://eepurl.com/b5V6) if you would like to subscribe to it. After this show I will no longer be using email to contact everyone about my shows. The list is just too large to manage and I don't want to take a chance and accidentally start spamming someone who no longer cares to receive my emails. Not that I've sent that many out recently. And that is why I have not done so. The newsletter service will manage my lists for me automatically including Unsubscribes.

I'll tell you more about what to expect in my newsletters in future blogs. Please consider subscribing to the RSS feed (if you know how) or bookmark and check my blog at http://karenbowden.blogspot.com often over the next few weeks to see the paintings that are in the University Club show. I'll be posting them one or two at a time for those of you who cannot attend the show on Sunday, July 12.

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Oak Tree Park

My first video I am putting online. I had a rare few hours on Saturday and I found this beautiful tree in a place where I least expected it. Please enjoy. (Music version coming soon!)

March 19-April 17, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida.

Saturday, April 4, Gardens of Winter Park South, painting en plein air at the 2009 Winter Park Historical Association’s annual garden tour. Tickets will be on sale soon. Times are 10am to 4pm.

Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm.

Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Will post details when I get them.

Saturday, May 2, Stirrups & Strides fundraiser event. Chairs for auction painted by local artists. At the Paddock Mall from 12pm to 3pm in Ocala, Florida

Sunday, July 12, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 4pm.

Watercolor Show for Members Only

The Central Florida Watercolor Society Juried show will be on Thursday, March 19, in downtown Orlando, Florida at the City Arts Factory. See details below. Hope to see you there! Thursday, March 19, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, April 4, Gardens of Winter Park South, painting en plein air at the 2009 Winter Park Historical Association’s annual garden tour. Tickets will be on sale soon. Times are 10am to 4pm. Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Will post details when I get them. Saturday, May 2, Stirrups & Strides fundraiser event. Chairs for auction painted by local artists. At the Paddock Mall from 12pm to 3pm in Ocala, Florida Sunday, June 28, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 4pm. You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Update to my Events

There's at least one event per month coming up for me. Try and keep up. Saturday, February 28, Duck Derby at Mead Gardens in Orlando, Florida. Plein air painters from Central Florida have been invited to paint in the gardens during this fund raising event! Times are 10am to 2pm. Thursday, March 19, the 3rd Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society members only show at City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando, Florida. Times are 6pm to 9pm. Friday, April 17, Solo show! One night only at the Urban Think Bookstore in Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Saturday, April 25, Sanford Gardens Plein Air event - Florida. Sunday, June 28, Solo show! One month at the University Club in Winter Park, Florida. Opening reception times are 2pm to 5pm. You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Painting A Square Format

The monthly 3rd Thursday was held last night in downtown Orlando. I was asked to submit up to five pieces measuring 12 inches by 12 inches each. Last night was the first time I saw all three of my paintings together. It’s a series that came together kind of accidentally. (See previous post.) In the image they are a little out of order but it still works. I used a flash on #1 that was actually completed in 2007 and thought that picture would turn out the worst! Usually when you use a flash on a painting it is bad. But this time I wish I’d used it on all three. Nevertheless, I think you can see the final two okay in these quick shots. When I brought the paintings for hanging I was unaware (or forgot) that all pieces had to be priced at $200 US. Normally, I would price each one at $125. However, all three can be bought for $400 as a set. After I upload the high-res versions to ArtWanted next month I think I will have some coffee mugs and mouse pads made of one of these. The square format should suit those products perfectly!! I love painting in a square format. I have some more ideas for horse paintings in that format. Plus, squares always fit together so if you wanted to start a collection I would recommend them because you can fit all sorts of different sizes together, side-by-side or on top of one another on a wall and they they’ll fit like a puzzle. Events: Dec. 1-31 Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs, Florida Dec. 18-Jan 14 AKA Lounge "12x12" in Orlando, Florida Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

I'm Like A Ghost

The end of the year is approaching fast. I finished a series last weekend and delivered the final painting for the 12x12 show at the AKA Lounge in downtown Orlando. The series is of three paintings. They are all done in watercolor but on canvas. Each painting is $200 US or $400 for all three. They have been sprayed with a UV coating to protect the painted image from both water and sunlight. I did the first one for last year’s 12x12 show that was held at the Metro Gallery. Since then I finished #2 of 3 around May 2008. I only have a picture right now of the first painting (#1) in the series. I got the idea for the series when I needed #1 for the Freedom Ride art exhibit fundraiser that was held at the end of May 2008. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a hold of the painting in time so had to paint a second one. I cannot paint the same thing twice (unless I have to) so I decided that from the two reference photos I could do a small series of three paintings. The first one, as you can see, it is of two horses staring out of their horse trailer looking away from the viewer. The second one has one of the horses looking at the viewer while the other one is still looking away. The third one has both horses looking at the viewer. I haven’t seen all three together – ever! Hopefully, Chris Johnson, curator of the AKA show, was able to put them up side-by-side. I requested it but he could not guarantee their placement depending on other paintings in the show, etc. That’s okay with me. I’ll get pictures of them Thursday night to put in this blog. I took two photos on film *years* ago at a dressage workshop. I wasn’t riding so had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures. That’s what I do at horse shows and events. I’m like a ghost. That’s what someone told me one time at a local show. Events: Dec. 1-31 Steinway Piano Gallery Opening in Altamonte Springs, Florida Dec. 18 AKA Lounge "12x12" Opening in Orlando, Florida 6 to 9pm Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

Storm and Me and Fantasy

Here I am with Storm. He is one of Herrmann's Lipizzan stallions. They were at Freedom Ride Saturday and Sunday to do two shows. Unfortunately, the Sunday show had to be cancelled due to bad weather. But they will return on Sunday, December 21 at 2:30 pm! I'll be there!

I took LOTS of pictures for new paintings and drawings. My newest idea is a series of paintings of these beautiful horses in or near their stalls. I have a commission to complete first for a returning customer (Thank you, Angie!) and then I will begin the new year with my new series. They will all be oil paintings on canvas and a minimum of 16x20 inches in size. Although, some might be a square dimension. We'll just have to wait and see!

A new exhibit just popped into my schedule last week. The Central Florida Watercolor Society is having a showing at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Altamonte Springs, Florida. (That's still considered Orlando for those of you from out of town.) http://www.steinwayorlando.com/

I did a special painting just for the show called "Fantasy". It is *big* -- from memory I think framed it is 25x30 inches. The painting itself is only 18x24. I priced it at $350.00 US for its introductory appearance. This gallery takes no commissions so I am able to offer it at this low price for this first show. Here is a list of my current and upcoming events:

Nov. 20 - Dec. 17 AKA Lounge "Unify"

Dec. 6 Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, Orlando, Florida 1 to 8pm Plein Air Painting

Dec. 11 Steinway Piano Gallery Opening in Altamonte Springs, Florida 6 to 9pm

Dec. 18 AKA Lounge "12x12" Opening in Orlando, Florida 6 to 9pm

Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

3rd Thursday for November 2008

The Unity show is officially open now at the AKA in downtown Orlando. I've inserted two pictures of my drawings that are on the wall. Sorry they are cockeyed (crooked). They are on a well-lit wall but set high up around another painting done by the feature artist, Bob Gardner. I enjoyed meeting him last night and talking about art and life in general along with Sandra Monday, another local artist.

Next weekend Herrmann's Lipizzans will be doing two shows at Freedom Ride here in Orlando. I have tickets for both days and plan to "hang out" all day both days at the barn. Last year I got a lot of great reference photos of this beautiful breed. One has already been made into a painting. (See blog post below "Things Happening" -- which should have been titled "Things are Happening" but I was in a hurry and don't feel like fixing it now!)

TITLE: Dog Unity - Dogs are happy to work with humans or together. But when humans aren't around, enterprising hounds enjoy a good challenge!

TITLE: Principle of Cooperation - Bears can climb a tree, but this mom is teaching her cubs something more important - how to cooperate and work as a team. Even if it does mean a bit of a headache!

TITLE: Unity - Cat Stile - Cats use the staring technique to achieve goals. By combining their fixed gazes they will succeed - when a human eventually arrives to assist. Each watercolor drawing is approximately 11x14 framed for $125 US.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 20 AKA Lounge "Unify" Opening in Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008 Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

College Park Paint Out

The day was beautiful! A little chilly towards the late afternoon (especially in the shade!) I did this nice little 11x14 acrylic of one of the historical homes. This bungalow was built in the 1950's. The lady who lives there is a Feng Shui expert. The light on the porch is always on to light the way home. (Feng Shui experts out there help me out if I got that wrong!)

The painting is for sale. Framed it is $250.00 US and unframed $125.00.

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 20 AKA Lounge "Unify" Opening in Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008

Feb. 12 HITS Ocala Equine Art Reception, Ocala, Florida

You can see my entire blog here.

If you need to email me directly, please click here.

Fall Goings On (Things Happening)

A new show and event coming up! Sorry I've been incomunicado lately, but that's life! I don't live on the computer. I'd rather be out painting! And I've been caring for a loved one who is doing MUCH better now so expect more here later. In the meantime, I have taken a little extra moment to add one of my newest studio paintings titled "Ready and Waiting" of a Lipizzan in the crossties at Freedom Ride. It is an 18x24 oil framed and ready to hang in your home or office! $800 +shipping/handling Nov. 16 College Park Tour of Homes Plein Air. I'll be at 1320 Shady Lane Drive painting all day Nov. 10 AKA Lounge "Unify" Orlando, Florida. The show is there until Dec. 17, 2008 You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

World Wide Paint Out 2008

The temperatures are coming down in Florida so all the plein air painters start going out! I just found out about a World Wide Paint Out (http://ipap.homestead.com/paintout.html) event in Barberville, Florida. Plein air artists are invited to paint all weekend at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, Corner of Rt. 40 and CR 3. You can see me and/or my work at the following shows/events: Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, September 6 & 7, 2008 in Barberville, Florida (http://www.pioneersettlement.org/) "The Divine Equine" Benefit for the Bakas Equestrian Center Horses for the Handicapped, July 25 to Sep. 25, 2008 at Great Art & Frame, Tampa, Florida (http://greatartandframe.com/events) Java Lava Coffee Shop, Aug. 6 to Sep. 3, 2008, Orlando, Florida (http://www.javalavacoffeeshops.com/) You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.

UPCOMING SHOWS JULY TO SEPTEMBER

Got a little behind posting again, but it’ll be worth the wait. I can’t post any pictures right now, but I have some shows coming up. I have decided to put a list of all upcoming and ongoing shows at the end of each blog I post. That way my schedule is always available – even if I can’t get to my Calendar webpage to update it as often as I should! And as quick as my schedule has been changing lately this is probably the best idea anyway! I did not expect to be so busy during the hot summer months. Things should pick up even more come fall when cooler weather arrives so keep checking the end of my posts for any updates or last-minute additions to my event schedule. In future posts I will be catching up on what’s been going on the past few months including the results of the Freedom Ride fundraiser, a new place in the Central Florida area to view fantastic art in Lake Mary and more. SEE ME AT THE FOLLOWING SHOWS/EVENTS: Cosmopolitan Title, June 20 to August 22, 2008, Lake Mary, Florida (http://www.syglen-artreps.com/cosmogallery.html) “The Divine Equine” Benefit for the Bakas Equestrian Center Horses for the Handicapped, July 25 to Sep. 25, 2008 at Great Art & Frame, Tampa, Florida (http://greatartandframe.com/events) Java Lava Coffee Shop, Aug. 6 to Sep. 3, 2008, Orlando, Florida (http://www.javalavacoffeeshops.com) You can see my entire blog here. If you need to email me directly, please click here.