Saturday, January 5, 2013

they are people i'll remember: debut solo show

 here are some photos of the exhibit at the pumphouse regional arts center, la crosse, WI. it is my debut solo exhibition and i am somewhat humbled to see my work up at this prominent local art center. my first impression was that paintings that looked quite large back in the studio seemed much smaller. another impression was how good things look when someone who knows what they are doing hangs one's work under the right lighting situation. these photo do not do justice to the wonderful job of the pumphouse staff.

 i would be a liar if i didn't say i was proud of this first effort and honored to have been one of the few juried into an exhibition at the pumphouse this year. the opening reception for me and the other two exhibitors is from 1700-1900 hours, saturday, january 12, 2013.

 for those not entirely familiar with la crosse and who plan on trying to attend, the pumphouse is at 119 king street. hope to see you there.









8 comments:

  1. WOW,WOW,WOW!!!! Great job, Bob! Such gorgeous work! These all look so great. I'm bummed that I'm not close enough to join in the fun of the reception!

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    1. thanks for your nice words, dena. i'm glad that you like the work. sorry you can't be there tomorrow, too. be well.

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  2. Congrats Bob!
    I can't wait to meet you and see your art in person:)
    Wishing you a fantastic exhibition!
    ::Marta

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    1. thanks, marta. looking to forward to seeing yo in june.

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  3. Bob,
    What was your overall reaction to your first exhhibition? Do the positives outweigh any negatives involved in being in the exhibition? I would assume so; but as I am not an artist, wanted to get your perspective.
    Phil Delk

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  4. hey, phil. welcome to witte's end. i spend a lot of time (t)here literally and figuratively. i have participated in two types of shows. the first was a show in a tent with a couple of other artists at a summer art fair that lasted 2 days. at that i felt obligated to be around the entire 8-9 hours daily that it was open. hot, humid, few patrons (and mostly looky-loos), no sales. it was excruciating and i was heard to say, "never again!" now almost two years later i haven't changed my mind. this was entirely different. it is a solo show at our local arts center the pumphouse. the pluses were that i had to inventory my paintings and in the process of deciding what to show culled out a lot of s#@!!t. additionally i matted and framed a lot of paintings which needed doing if i ever were to have a chance of getting into a gallery or entering other exhibitions. the show runs two months and the "presence" amounted to 2 hours at the opening reception which not only was so much less daunting, it was interesting and pleasant. downsides are relatively few. any sales garner me only 60% of the sales price (less sales tax), but that isn't much different i am told of galleries (which often go up to 50% commission). i have to rely on someone to take the show down as i won't be in town at the end of february. the pros way out distance the cons in this type of endeavor. i would definitely do this again. thanks for your interest and thoughtful questions. be well my friend and stop by again.

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  5. Hi Bob,
    I've not met you but am happy looking at your paintings. They are REAL watercolor works - free, loose, joyous. I am planning a show at the Pumphouse for this coming fall. Stop in.
    Nancy Ellingson

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    1. hi, nancy.
      sorry i didn't respond to this sooner. i was determined to take a holiday from the blog for a couple of months, but i got going another project and decided to at least post that.
      thanks so much for your complimentary words. its always nice to receive praise from a fellow artist. i hope your show goes well.

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