Daddy's Christmas Angel

Friday, June 24, 2011

Painting and Writing - Sometimes They Conflict

"Checkered Cloth" MM Sikes
Painting and writing. Sometimes they relate, and sometimes they don't. And sometimes they even conflict with each other.

Next Friday, I'm scheduled to hang a month-long art show of my "Monti Just for Fun" paintings at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center in Richmond VA. The show will be displayed on the Slantwall Gallery from July 1 to August 1.

On July 14, during that time, "The Colors of Haiti" will open in the Gumenick Family Gallery at the Center. I love Haitian art and was invited to be a part of the opening reception at the Center from 7 to 9 p.m. on that date. Sadly, I will be unable to participate because of a writing event conflict.

"By the Chair" MM Sikes
The paintings in my show are unusual for me because they are small and painted with very bright colors. Much of the work starts on an orange background which I think relates to much of the Haitian art that I enjoy.

Here is the description from the Cultural Arts Center web site: "This series of light- hearted paintings are a departure from artist Mary Montague Sikes' more intense and powerful art. They explore pattern and design on canvas with a carefree delight and without concern for realism."

"Just for Fun" is just that, but sometimes I long for a return to the serious and the intense. And sometimes I wish there were no conflict between the writing and the painting. Sometimes I wish my writing and my painting would always relate and always fall into separate slots on my calendar.

Conflict is good in novels but not so good in real life.

9 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I hope the show goes well!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Alex. I'm looking forward to it.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Monti,

It's been a while. What fun to have an art show. Your paintings are so bright and cheerful.

Good luck with the show.

Have a great weekend.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Michael. I love art and I love bright!!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Monti .. those pictures are such fun .. love the colours and the actual compositions. Good luck with both exhibitions ..

Mixing and matching talent must be tricky - I can see that .. wonderful that you can let us see some of it though ..

Enjoy the summer with all it entails .. Hilary

Daisy Hickman said...

Many talents, many opportunities! I think everything will work out, but I know what you mean about too many things happening at once. At any rate, enjoy the moment by finding peace in your abundance (somehow)!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thank you, Hilary and Daisy! I so love it when you visit my blog! Enjoy the summer weather which is nice in our part of Virginia right now.

Enid Wilson said...

Lovely paintings. I'd go for "Just for Fun" anytime. Good luck with the exhibition. What's your goal in that?

Chemical Fusion

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Enid, that's such a good question. As a professional artist, I want to get my work out where it can be seen by as many people as possible. Sales are nice, but getting seen by many is better.

Thanks for your comment!