Painting at Utopia with The Dubber in Columbia, SC

Utopia....

One of my favorite things to do is painting to music... and the opportunity to paint to LIVE music is such a treat . I have been very blessed lately to paint on a regular basis with a multitude of musicians performing live. Here I am at Utopia.. and I am painting at the CD Release party of "Global Warning" performed by The Dubber.

The Dubber...

Some of you know, I have been following The Dubber's music since I first heard him back a few years ago at H20 on State St in West Columbia. I remember seeing this giant of a man with dread locks and muscular arms and noticing he wore a turban. Having no idea what his music would be I sat there with artist friend Michelle Rogers and this man sat down and closed his eyes and started playing; the lively crowd silenced as we all sat in awe listening to the gentle voice and unique music from the guitar played by Wendell Culbreath. It was at that moment, I literally was under the spell of the music, just as when I paint...I am so into the painting... I am at one with the painting.

It was probably close to a year before I found out exactly who he was and where else he performed... and this time when I heard him I had a front row seat and introduced myself. I saw he was one with the music like I had felt ... so many times when I paint. We exchanged cards and I wrote to him telling him how I noticed all these things and from then on I went to as many shows as I can. In fact for a while I went to every one. I still try to, but my time is divided by my own art interests and other music as well. Watch this blog for more info on The Dubber!

yours truly,

Jean Bourque

Artist :0)

Art and Music Networking the Scene

Well hello to all my readers new and long termers....

I haven't been here much and some of you have a pretty good idea, why. Basically, I have really been working the art and music networking scene the past year and now I am so entrenched with so many friends and events to attend that its like I can no longer attend every event I would like to, because many evenings there are several events happening with friends performing or showing their art and or music. So... I now have to say no sometimes. It literally kills me to miss some of my fave musicians performing; or my art buddies that are having shows I end up missing for one reason or another. Often times how I end up selecting where to go will depend on whats happening in my art career first. Then secondly, what events my friends have chosen to attend... I love hanging out much better than going solo. As ya'll know I was solo for many years and I am so over that. LOL!

Like, right now I am showing 8 paintings at White Mule on Main St. in Columbia, SC. You could say its the blues... and it's influence in music and my art as all eight have some blue in them. Lots of light blues and a few cobalts and ultramarines thrown in for good measure. Of Course many pieces also have heart and soul...as that is what my art is actually about... well, for the most part. They will be on display there for 3 months, so take a peek and if you are interested in any of them, just let me know. I will be at White Mule, for at least a few hours on the ... first Thursday, June 3rd.

Anderson Fine Arts Center, Anderson, SC

The Anderson Fine Arts Center held there recent juried show and there were over 600 entries and they could only accept about 100. I was truly blessed to have "Visual passion" accepted as an entry to this show. This show will stand out in my mind this week as it is in it's final hours and artists will be picking up their work Tuesday and Wednesday. Road trip... but its such a joy to see all the work there. Even the work that was rejected was wonderful...it just makes me realize how much great art is being made in SC and I want to suggest...instead of going to Europe or even just Atlanta to buy your art... you really should think about supporting our local economy here in SC. So many artists are struggling to make a living and your purchase can make the difference of artists having to do "odd jobs" or being able to actually do "their art."

with love yours truly Jean