Lighting the show

Thanks to everyone who posted comments here or emailed me with well wishes for the show at M Gallery. I appreciate it more than I can say. Despite torrential rains on Friday afternoon, the reception was well attended and the response to the work strong. Working with gallery owner Maggie Kruger and her wonderful staff Karen and Crystal to hang the show was an interesting and instructive experience.

I have been aware for some time that my work needs to be lit in a certain way to show to its best advantage. The glazes on the top layers of the painting will be completely washed out by harsh spotlights or even glare from windows. When that happens, all the mystery and drama and "glow" are gone! Low, indirect lighting works best. When the show was first hung, we adjusted the lighting, and then again. Finally about an hour before the show, we adjusted it again. The change was striking-so much so that both Crystal and Karen sort of gasped when we lowered the lights the last time.

Tomorrow my five day workshop starts. We'll be working out of the studio of local artist Sue Foster, who has graciously allowed us to use her studio this week. It is located on a lovely spot on the Braden river, a gorgeous"old Florida" location. Looking forward to a wonderful week!