RECYCLED CANVAS HERE AT LAST

Think back to the last time you watched a young child in their highchair playing with their food. One dab of this and another dribble of that. On they play until their creation is completed, a quick glance to check if anyone sees their masterpiece. They needed a surface to build on. This is part of human nature to express what we feel. Dogs and parents are the clean up crew. We often hear of new discoveries of art on cave walls and clays and old ancient paintings. Messages from the past. 

Humans discovered paper made from wood pulp, tall grasses, mud, and animal skins. Anything that can be a smooth surface to create lasting messages in picture or developing words. Today plant based fibers have become the surface of choice. Fabric has always been labor intensive with growing, soaking, drying, rolling, spinning, and finally weaving. The products of the last few centuries were driving the humans involved to a long line of inventions. Until… 

Recently, I was hunting for surfaces to create on. I bagged a good one: A recycled 20x30 canvas. Recycled? Yes! This one is made 100% from 13 recycled plastic bottles for a smooth canvas surface. The canvas was even planet-thoughtful using stretcher bars with wood from 100% certified forests. 

Breakers, 20x30, acrylic on recycled canvas!

I bought the one canvas on display to test a painting. The painting went smoothly just like all other canvas surfaces. I felt liberated from the past and joyful for the future of this lovely place we call home. The sad part of this story is that I went back to the art supply store to buy more recycled canvas, but none were available with no expectation of ordering more from wholesale. The search is on.  I Finally found:

Liquitex.com/collections/recycled-plastic-canvas. I hope your search goes well. 

Happy painting, Joel

An Art Journey Continues

 We at Joel Ellis Art are in a new stage of working with paintings. First, of course, is the painting itself - thinking on visually prepping the surface, applying the techniques with brush and an assortment of tools, including lighting and securing the surface.

The next important step in developing a satisfying image is Time, uninterrupted Time. Some artists may require time to work on a project in a series of phases before the painting is declared acceptable. I generally operate in a long single session of the work. Next, for most artists, is the signature and a drying period. The intensity of this process often leaves me in a state of is-it-done? I remember my Dad took breaks from his very physical job to freely paint pictures just for the joy of it.

Purple Pair

Next, for me, however, and for the sake of accounting, each painting is recorded in an inventory log, I photograph the piece and when it is dry,
apply the finish. When ready, the painting is then stored numerically by its size on one of several metal racks in a secure holding room near the studio.

The business from here is to select some paintings for public viewing in one of our special galleries. This is a much grander experience. Making the painting is one thing. Promoting it is another thing altogether.

We hit a bump in the journey of selling the art works – a debacle with the email, an unattended website, a mailing list of multiple changes. We call the problem of such laissez-faire - Covid, but that is not totally the issue. Covid seemed to get in the way, but the truth is we must amend and face these barriers. We made a plan of showing selected pieces under a secure new email with art loving sources that we have worked with for years. We will also up the ante of the blog, play a bit with social media, and return to galleries that nurture Art and the artists.

                                                                Crystal Morning

Note: We could not have begun this new beginning in our communications without the astonishing assistance of our IT guy, Ryan, beloved grandson.

Currently some of my art is displayed throughout venues in the greater Mid-Michigan area, such as the beautiful Shiawassee Art Center in Owosso.

My new email is joelfellis.paintings@gmail.com

The blog address is joelfellisart@blogspot.com

I and my team (Helene) are looking forward to sharing with you the paintings I love. With all good wishes to you, Joel

Rue Nord South France

Spring is Calling Outdoor Artists

 
Signs of Spring are all about us. Robins dining in the wild cherry trees, geese heading north for their nesting grounds. They all seem so energetic. As for me, I’m looking through my Plein Air magazines for a spark to motivate the next painting.

I have tried actual Plein Air, or as some folks call it, outdoor painting. The preparation time is holding me back. Preparing to paint outdoors includes as many scenarios as possible that a painter might encounter. As I overthink the outdoor adventure, I ask myself questions and answer by gathering a lot of things that may need to be carried like the easel, canvases, the important painter case and all necessities. What if it rains? Will I need bug spray, tiedowns, a plan to deal with the temperatures (I live in Michigan)? Will I have to go, you know, go?  Will I need sustenance for this adventure?

Celebration

Dune Path

Vincent van Gogh also had a lot to say about painting out in nature. In his diary he lists a few of his nagging annoyances, like heat, rain, bugs, or the process of painting such as people watching and muttering about the work or about the painter. Even walking the dunes with a finished painting, Nature seems to play games with the artists' frustration - branches scratching the still wet work or sand blowing on a masterpiece, but somehow Van Gogh got the paintings back to his studio, his place of safety and comfort.

Lake Path 

I applaud dedicated Plein Air artists and their beautiful expressions of land and sea. But, for now I will stick to the place I know, my little studio with its work to-be-done and dreams to become real.

-Joel

If you are interested in seeing paintings by Joel F. Ellis, his art is appearing as Spring opens up in mid-Michigan venues.

The Mid-Michigan Art Guild member show in April will be presenting works by members at the Neighborhood Empowerment Center, Maple street in Lansing.

The McLaren Physicians Building; is presenting artists work from greater Lansing on three levels in the building– supported by the Lansing Area Arts Connection.

And a favorite venue in Owosso at the Shiawassee Arts Center has a popular Members Show in the great room as well as galleries throughout the building presenting inspiring original art in a wide variety of techniques. 

Why We Make Art

It’s been awhile since I have been at the blog and a lot has taken place for all of us. For me, the art

Quest 40x30

world has begun to recover from the pandemic with all of our routines coming back to our daily activities. Art shows and summer art events are beginning to pop-up making life brighter and just plain old fun again. We are sure to tell stories about the Covid event that changed us for years to come.

Many artists have experienced the awakening effects and the renewed tingle of joy for what we are called to do. I know this is clumsy, but the hardest task artists try is to explain why we make art. If you ever get a chance to ask the why question most will give a well-rehearsed answer. Let’s not go too far but think of the child we were a few years ago.  Some of us were labeled creative or arty when we just liked to draw, or paint or construct things or find ourselves in other creative arts - writing, music, theater. Anyway, we are here on this wonderful earth to enjoy and protect. We must use the gifts we have to support that overall good and continue to experience that tingle of joy at what has been created.     – Joel  Here comes Summer 2023, places to see Joel Ellis Art

My journey in the fine arts continues with new and exciting venues. Most recently we selected 20 larger favorite paintings for an installation on the main floor of The Armory in Owosso, Michigan. The works exhibited are part of the Michigan ArtShare project for art conversations both urban and rural. The Owosso Armory, at 215 N. Water St. in Owosso, is open week days from 9 to 5, on weekends when special events are scheduled.

The Owosso Armory show is planned to transfer my paintings on June 13th to another Urban Rural conversation site from Michigan ArtShare: Art634 in Jackson, Michigan, a fine venue supporting the arts. This show will be a shared art experience exhibiting my paintings along with the works of Timothy Orikri in a historic renovated building (once said to be a circus wagon factory)

Jackson is a unique and vital community support venue for the arts and artists. Watch for future updates.

Glacial Gift 36x36

Other travels of Joel Ellis Art include Owosso’s beautiful Shiawassee Art Center (SAC) overlooking the park along the Shiawassee River. SAC is filled in several galleries with one of a kind watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, metal sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography. SAC center for the arts is a delight of creative stimulation. I was happy to see my large colorful painting, Glacial Gift, in view from the entrance to the art center clear into the main gallery. The painting is an homage to my long time interest in Geology. This membership show will be up until early July.

Stately Season 30x24

McLaren Physicians Building on Lake Lansing Road is also an ongoing source of viewing skilled art from local artists including two of my works this summer. 

We Are Stardust 36x36

Art of Looking at Art

Joel Ellis painting

How we view visual art comes natural to most of us. Some like the viewing to be warm and cozy realistic scenes with pleasing colors. Others would prefer a more dynamic event like leaning over a cliff to get the perfect camera angle. In a gallery setting there are viewers who stand face on with a painting, hands to face, staring, waiting for the perfect message to arrive.

At the Detroit Institute of Art viewers 
experience the work of Vincent VanGogh

While putting up the most recent show at the Armory, officially known as the Chamber of Commerce in Owosso, Michigan, we had office workers and casual visitors to the building stop and look at the installation in progress. They too were engaging in the art as the look of the large main entrance was changing. For the artist as curator, “putting up” a show means matching sizes, colors, form and frames as well as content of the works. Some of our office visitors were visibly pleased with their transformed environment.

Many people choose to place art objects in the surroundings of their personal spaces. Archeology digs are replete with artifacts that had significant meaning for the viewers of ancient times. They had their reasons of choice as we do. We too adorn our walls with what brings true emotional pleasure. Next time you have the experience of viewing art with other folks, please take a moment to consider what is before you the very expressions and definition of being human. 

Quest 40x30

   

The Owosso Armory, across the Shiawassee River from one of Michigan’s gems in art - the Shiawassee Art Center - will be displaying the Joel Ellis Art exhibition for a few weeks, possibly into June. As a project of Michigan ArtShare, the exhibit, or parts of, will be transported for showings in other Michigan sites participating in the Urban/Rural Conversation. I am also greatful to have some of my paintings in the beautiful Shiawassee Art Center (SAC), Lansing McLaren Physicians building, and other mid-Michigan community sites through summer. More about Joel Ellis Art will be announced through the year.

Enjoy this new season of original art as artists prepare to show their work. Joel

We Are Stardust 36x36 

Flower Box  24x30

Ocean Sunset  24x30

Vincent VanGogh and Artists Unknown

Helene and I often look at a piece of art and say we wish we knew the history, the life that it could tell, the creator’s hand, its travels to our time and place. Of course we realize that our own creations are also on their own journey.

Over these many years we have often “rescued” other artists’ works from thrift stores and property sales. In bringing these works into our own environment we have tried to protect them for a time from the ravages of their journey, pondering the art pieces path to this precarious position.

When we go to an estate sale we recognize and respect the home owner’s efforts of their life’s adventure. Their story is often told in their things, including art works, on sale in their homes.

A few years ago we went to a sale that blew us away by the sheer number of paintings lined up on a damp cement basement floor each at minimal prices. As we looked at each one, still life objects on canvas, portrait drawings, we knew we were having a rare moment. Our inquiries were simply answered that the artist passed away with only a disinterested family member far away. The artist did not try to sell paintings during her lifetime. We bought arm loads, cleaned the mildew and growing mold and carefully stored them until their story might continue into the future.

Every active artist ponders their works and wonders what will happen to their pieces on shelves, in cupboards, and stacked under beds. Who will take that second look and maybe say, well done artist, I hope you had a life fulfilled.

First Light 30x40 acrylic, currently at MEDC

I am back to painting and feeling great. We are very pleased that Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recognizes Michigan artists as a part of their mission of economic development. Currently, arranged through Michigan ArtShare, I have 14 paintings on the main floor of the MEDC building, 300 N. Washington, Lansing. MEDC is open week days during regular business hours.

In addition, I also have two paintings in the McLaren Physicians Building, Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing Michigan. I also have submitted a few paintings at the beautiful Shiawassee Art Center, Owosso Michigan. It feels so good to be back producing and sharing paintings.

One of the most inspiring events of last year was a trip to Detroit Art Institute to see over 70 public and private masterpieces of the one and only Vincent VanGogh. This wonderful exhibition is only shown at the DIA and only here in the U.S. until January 22. We hope you will try to get to the show within the few days remaining.

If you know of friends and others interested who would like to receive the Joel Ellis Art blog news, please share the contact. The website will be updated soon. Thank you for your patronage and your appreciation of artist’s expressions. Temporary contact address: helliesplace@outlook.com. 

Here Today 16x20 acrylic

Purple Dunes 16x20 acrylic painted edge

Art at Shiawassee Art Center

Though we are looking at a slow spring, I am still encouraged to travel to the incredible Great Lakes for some fresh reference photos to inspire new visions of my painting subjects.

Wild Summer, 30x40 oil

We  went to Shiawassee Art Center (SAC) to see the latest exhibit by regional artists on cats. It was good to see the artists play with the cat theme in colorful and poignant ways. I always enjoy coming here, it's a cheery place as staff member Linda acknowledged. 

First Light, 30x40

 

Folks at SAC are preparing for an exceptional 50^th anniversary in August. Lots of fixups are planned around this beautiful Michigan art facility during May to August. One thing during the summer is a Pop-Up Gallery in downtown Owosso staffed by volunteers exhibiting and selling art for three months before the big celebration.

Those are the planning thoughts, but as Charles Schultz’ little dog Snoopy would say when starting his creatives, “It was a dark and stormy night…”  It has been a long time since the last blog post and a lot has come my way. A few health issues that are under control and I am back to painting, back to the routine that makes me happy.

Joel

Peaceful Morning, 16x20

Strait Ahead, 30x30