‘Between,’ an Oil Painting by Me

The header at the top of each page of my blog is an original water-mixable oil painting entitled ‘Between.’ It was inspired by my reaction to moving from the dense foliage  and mostly invisible horizon of the East Coast to the wide open horizon of Arizona. This imaginary scene represents my feeling of existing in the the thin interface between the Earth and the sky. Artists and photographers call this the horizon line. It’s purely conceptual; a visual representation of the curvature of the earth.

I’ve also felt this at the beach, with the Atlantic coast being my favorite. The place where the ocean meets the shore. The idea that we might exist in that space defined only by a thin pencil or ink line, or the in the edge of a 2-dimensional blocked-out shape of paint intrigues me. These places in my life are magical and remind me of the miracle of living within this fragile layer that envelopes our planet.

The painting below demonstrates my fascination for the shore line.

 

 ‘Broken Surf,’ watercolor, 2005-2012 © Wendy Fallon

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Work…or Play?

As I mentioned previously I currently work as a data processor. All in all, it’s a fair job for a fair wage and medical coverage. I’m not particularly good at it. Even though I fully expected to make my living as an artist and writer, I find I have no right to complain about data processing in the current economy. There’s a lot to be said about the financial stability of a regular paycheck.

As a result I find myself maintaining what seems to be a split personality. Following my ‘bliss’ and pursuing art regardless of the financial return simply isn’t an option. I have tried, by the way. However, there is one industry in which art and technology visibly intersect: web site design.

The success of a web site is directly related to its visual attraction. Of course, this isn’t the only criteria for a popular site. The success or failure of a site depends on intuitive functionality, the speed of downloading, the audience at which it is directed, how the site sells the service or product it is designed for, and how easily it is found.

My own fascination with web design is the basic fact that words on a page can instantly result in a graphic image. The immediate gratification of creating a globally accessible work of color, shapes, images, text, purpose and meaning is an artist’s dream. This is what I want to do when I grow up.

DoCha Vida, Web Site

Working with a group of merchants in historic downtown Chandler, AZ I was able to create DoChaVida.com. Photographs were provided by a participating photography studio, Light Rain Images, and the remaining merchants provided time, energy and/or money. It was the first design I’d created around the ambiance of a location. This design also became the source for a post card design and an 11″X17″ poster.

     

© Docha Vida, Photos © Light Rain Images
Web Site Design © Wendy Fallon

 

Saguaro Sunset, with Love from Arizona

This watercolor painting, measuring 7″ X 5″, was sold to a German couple who came into Art on Boston one evening. I’ve learned that I am the best one to sell my own artwork. Patrons enjoy speaking with and getting to know the artist of their purchased art and this makes for wonderful conversations.

   

The colors in this painting were inspired by the brilliant sunsets over the desert, with wide horizons and ever-changing cloud formations.

                                            

Saguaro Sunset © Wendy Fallon 

 

  

For a grand total of 3 whole issues, I designed and published my own newsletter, sent through the post to my mailing list. Eventually I found it easier to design an email newletter, and sent it out each Christmas. Sending anything through the post seems to have decreased alarmingly, and I recently realized I rarely send anything at all through the post. Seems a bit sad…but I did enjoy the designs.

 

    

 

© Wendy Fallon