I Can See Clearly NOW... woohoo!

Hi everybody, I am in a great Frame of Mind, partly because my glasses came in and Mark texted me and I now can SEE!! Yipee! I have my cool artsy Mondrian style glasses. Want cool artsy glasses go see Mark at Frame of Mind on Main St. Columbia, SC!

OMG it was a nightmare not having them. Thankful to have them!

Jean Bourque with new glasses!

August 2010

Recap of my art happenings... 2009

I have been so totally immersed in the art world and everything I am doing that I haven't even had time to write on this blog. I actually didn't have any internet service other than that which could be borrowed from friends, the library, the coffee shops and my cell. For some people that may well have been enough and I would have thought it would be for myself. However, it was not. I had apparently been spending a good many hours on the internet between writing the blog, all the various social networking sites I am on and the various applications and games that are a part of my daily life in cyberville.

Prior to this experience I would not have described myself as addicted to the internet. However, I do remember back about 6 years ago someone actually pointing out that I spent way more time on the internet then anyone they ever met. Yeah, but I was also in school studying to be a web designer. So, to me that didn't count. Anyway, I have my certificate in web design because I already had a degree in something else LOL! At any rate, no I am not a web designer...but at one time...I was really into web design. But like any language, if you don't use it you lose it. I had even gone back to school 2007-08 and got updated on my design skill set and on the entire Photo Shop package. I learned what I learned and I have had to adapt as changes come up. MS updated and so did windows and as soon as you completely have the package understood...along comes something new.

I had an art show in August with Jean Ehler called "A Pair of Jeans" in North Charleston, SC at the Convention Center. that show hilighted that although Jean and I had both studied with Ilona Royce Smithken for at least the last 14 years, and she and I have painted together for at least the last ten years several times a year...we still maintain totally different styles. This was followed by a Sept. show at Frame of Mind on Main St Columbia SC with Barbie Mathis and it was very fitting as many of the pieces in this show were done at Barbie's house. The theme was "Flowering" and all its forms. The show was very well received and I introduced my beautiful florals with blow ups off butterflies I captured on film close up. They are amazing even if I say so myself. These have moved to Avanti designer showroom on Huger St and can be purchased there.

After my two, two women art shows I have had two solo shows. From Oct 12 to Dec 1, my art work featuring coffee was on display in the rotunda at the lower level in the Richland County Public Library on Assembly St. Columbia, SC. I had created several new pieces for Gotham Bagel aka Gotham Nights. This show is still running, so check it out. I have 16 museum quality canvas mixed media paintings all at least 20x30 gracing the walls of the cafe.

Photo of Jeanee Bourque Sept 2009, by artist

Frame of Mind: Jean Bourque Art until Tues 10/6

"jagged edges' c oil painting 36 x 24, on linen
with black painted wood rail trim frame; by Jean Bourque

"getting it together" 20 x 16 mixed media on canvas uf

The work of this celebrated "Your's Truly" blogger Jean Bourque aka artist painter, etc. Jeanee have been on show at Frame of Mind on Main St. Columbia, SC USA across from the Columbia Art Museum, from Sept 1 until Oct. 6th. If you haven't made it to the downtown venue and want to see Jean's art you have today, Friday and early Tuesday to get a view before it is gone. If you had thought about making a purchase; you simply need to call Frame of Mind at 803-988-1065 and let Mark or Wendy know which pieces you would like to purchase and they will hold them for you with a card over the phone. The store is closed Sat. Sun. and Mon. but if you have special needs please call or email them or the artist and an alternative may be worked out.

Sept 10 Art Reception Jeanee and Barbie at FOM

Art Reception, Columbia, SC ~ Sept 10 from 6 until 9 PM. Join us at Frame of Mind on Main St. Columbia, SC (across from the Columbia Museum of Art) for their monthly foray into the world of art and entertainment as they present two very talented and diverse artists. This optical shop owned by Mark and Wendy Plessinger has really raised the bar in optical selections with unique and trendy frames from all over Europe and the world. Truly a must see for those of you that can't see. (well)

Jean Bourque an international artist originally from Cape Cod and Northern California exemplifies the free spirited lifestyle typical of one growing up in touristy areas. Her work is far from standard and many that have followed her say she has a definite style that is clearly her own. Her works have been compared to Miro, Kandinsky and Van Gogh with influences of Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'keefe sometimes noted. Other works have been compared to contemporary artists such as Peter Max, Tom Wesselmann, and Steven Beveridge. Growing up with a grandfather that was an oil painter and a drummer; she has a true love and appreciation for music and musicians and having a Mom that was an actress and singer as well as visual artist certainly gave little Jeanee a massive dose of art exposure. Her works will be featured on the first floor.

Barbie Smith Mathis is an award winning watercolorist that has developed a national following when her art was selected by a commercial print house and her paintings were made into prints and sold at department stores throughout the country. Barbie is best known for her florals and botanicals which are rendered very realistically. She also is an accomplished calligrapher and illustrator, her works will be featured on the second floor. Bourque and Mathis have been working together the last few years on altered books, ebay, setting up displays, web site design, photography, PR and social networking. This show brings their many talents together under one venue. The show Fall Flowers will run the entire month of September.

Amazing Art Sales in this Economy

Columbia, SC. Recently, two artists have proven economy doesn't matter when you have art that has mass appeal and a personality combined with talent, determination and faith. Barbie Mathis of Lexington, SC has single handedly sold 14 originals, had numerous consignments and sold several prints all in the past 4 weeks. These sales were all made at the Sand Hills Village Gallery in the former Bombay Company Store, in Columbia, SC. This has made Barbie the highest selling artist at Sandhills. Barbie's paintings are highly detailed flowers ranging from photo realistic roses to irises with a minimalist background. They are stunning and I think what captures people's attention is the crisp spring feel and everyone loves flowers. Barbie's work can be seen at SandHills Village Gallery.

Then there is Paintings by Roger; featuring the artwork of Roger Hutchison. He is currently having a show at Frame of Mind on Main St in Columbia SC. On his opening night ten pieces sold and I have heard several more have sold since then. Rogers work is bright, eye catching and takes you to a place of playful freedom. I can understand the appeal as I am also attracted to Roger's artwork. He does all his acrylics without brushes. He actually uses his hands to hand paint the canvases in bright colors with some geometric qualities. You can still see Rogers work at Frame of Mind until January 8, 2009.

What is so amazing about Barbie and Roger's sales is that prior to this month as a professional artist in Columbia SC for well over a decade; I had never heard of any artist in Columbia having this kind of sales and to hear of two in one month in a bad economy really makes me stand up take notice. My hat goes off to both of them. Congratulations Barbie and Congratulations Roger!!! Great job! Watch ARTSAILS1 Blog for interviews with Barbie Mathis and an interview with Roger Hutchison and more visuals of their work.

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NOTE: Photo of Barbie Mathis Artist at Sandhills Village in the NE section of Columbia, SC. *