Last Chance to Go to Cuba in April 2018

As some of you know, I am taking a group of artists to Cuba in April 2018.  We have a few spaces left if anyone wants to join us.  We will be going from April 12 - 18.  We will go to Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Havana.  The deadline for sign up is December 28.  Please let me know if you'd like to go.  Everything is included: airfare, hotels, food, transportation, and guide for $4000. I want to experience Cuba before it looks like Miami.

Rainy New York Evening
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

This is a watercolor painting I just finished. It's not Cuba because I haven't been there yet. But it's from a photo I took when I was in New York several years ago. New York is colorful because of all of the neon signs and city lights.
Cuba will be colorful because of the brightly colored buildings and old cars.

I hope you'll join us on our artistic adventure. Let me know what you think of my latest NY watercolor.

25th Annual Famous Artists of the 21st Century Show

Hot Dog Stand in the Theatre District
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

Last year at the 24th annual Famous Artists of the 21st Century Show, I won Best in Show with this painting of the "Hot Dog Stand in the Theatre District." I was thrilled because not only did I win a cash prize, but I also had my painting put on the invitation to this year's show.

The 25th Annual Show was last weekend.
This year I won The Art League Award which was one of the top prizes. Again, I felt quite honored to received this recognition. My prize winning painting was "Shady Lady." It's a painting of a woman with a straw hat.  The light goes through the holes of her hat and makes light patterns and shadow patterns on her face. It was a painting that took a VERY long time to paint. So it was nice to have an award granted to me for this work. This painting almost landed in the trash can. I put a green shadow on the neck and it looked very muddy. I tried to get the green out, but I just couldn't get it to look right. So the painting sat in a drawer for a year. Then one day, I was telling a friend about how I ruined a painting that I had worked on for so long. She wanted to see it. When I showed it to her, she said, "Why don't you add a scarf?" What a great idea!  I added a boa, and to be honest, I like it better than the original plan that was just a bare neck.  So sometimes bad mistakes can turn into a prize winning painting. I guess the moral of the story is to never give up, and when you are really in trouble, ask a friend for advice!

Shady Lady
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

Sunflowers at Ft Smith Fall Show 2017

Ft Smith Artful Weekend is happening this weekend. Friday night is the reception from 6 to 8 pm.  Saturday the show runs from 10 am to 5 pm.  Sunday the show is from noon to 4 pm.  I will be there Friday night and Saturday morning.  Hope you can make it. I've done a series of Sunflower paintings. Some oil , some watercolor, some big, some miniature.

The top one is a large watercolor. the middle one is a miniature watercolor and the bottom one is a medium size oil.  I have other works there, too, but I thought it would be fun to put up all the sunflowers. Maybe it will make us all think of warmer weather!

Link to Radio Interview

If you missed my radio interview last week, here is the link that you can listen to at your own leisure.

https://www.mixcloud.com/JanetKope/embracing-arlington-arts-with-artist-jane-coonce-arlington-artist-alliance-1172017/

Just highlight it and copy it into your search engine. Then sit back and listen for a half hour interview.
Let me know what you think.

Here are two paintings that found new homes.  I had them up at Cassatt's Kiwi Gallery and Cafe at the Lee Heights Shops in Arlington.  They sold within a week of each other.

Key Bridge and Georgetown
oil by Jane McElvany Coonce

Washington Monument
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

Radio Interview Tuesday, Nov 7 at 3:00 on FM 96.7

I am being interviewed tomorrow by WERA Fm radio.  It will be live! It's at 3:30, so tune in and listen to the program.  I will be talking about my artistic journey as well as how the Arlington Artists Alliance was formed. Another interesting subject is how the Gallery Underground came to be.
We will touch on upcoming shows! So it should be interesting.

If you can't listen to it at 3:00 on Election Day, then you can check it out on your computer. later on.

Listen to it at your leisure:
https://www.wera.fm/listen/playing-now

MPA's Artfest this Sunday in McLean

Georgetown in the Afternoon
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

This Sunday, the McLean Project for the Arts will hold its annual Artfest!  The weather is going to be beautiful.  It's an outdoor arts festival.  I will be in the McLean Art Society's booth and will have several painting in the booth.  One of them is a Key Bridge/Georgetown painting.  It's 11 x 14 and has a beautiful wide gold frame.
Another painting that I will have there is an oil painting of sunflowers. This is 12x12 and has a gold frame with a linen liner.

If you are looking for something fun to do outdoors, this is it!  Hope I see you there. I'll be there in the morning. In the afternoon, I'll be at Katie Gathro's wedding. So excited to see her walk down the aisle!

Sunflowers
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

Artregeous 2017

Misty Morning in Georgetown
original oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

 Every year, the Arlington Artists Alliance has their big fundraiser at the Gallery Underground.
It's called "Artregeous".   Artists donate a painting to be auctioned off.  This year, I did a painting especially for Artregeous.  It's called "Misty Morning in Georgetown."  It was inspired when I went out on the Potomac at 5:30 am with my friend, Allen Pierce, and his rowing team.  The view at that hour is quite mystical.  I wanted to capture the early morning before anything is lit up by the sun.

The painting is large, 24 x 36 inches.  It will be for auction.  Hope you can make it to a really fun event with great food, drinks, music, and fabulous art at a reasonable price!

Date:  Friday, Oct. 6
Time:  6 to 8 pm
Where:  Gallery Underground, The Shops at 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA
Free parking in the garage on 20th St.

The art will be up on the walls the week before the event, so if you want to come by before Friday and really look at the art carefully, please do!
The gallery is open Monday - Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.  Saturday it's open from 10 am to 2 pm.
We will hang the show the Saturday before the event.
If you don't want to come to the auction, you can "buy it now" anytime during the week before the auction starts.

It's a fun event, so put it on your calendar and come and party with us.  All are invited!

Last month of show at North Gate Vineyard

Tulips
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

This is the last month to get out to Northgate Vineyard to see my show.  I hung the show in July and it comes down September 25.  I have 44 paintings in the show.  It is a good way to see the wide range of paintings I do.  Some are oils and some are watercolors.  I have still lifes, landscapes, seascapes, country scenes, cherry blossom scenes, night scenes, animals and even Italy scenes.

Northgate is a beautiful facility.  It's a great place for a weekend outing.  Do a wine tasting and get some cheese with a fresh baguette. If the weather is nice, you can sit on their outdoor patio.  It's about an hour from Washington, DC, so it's not a bad drive.

Northgate is open Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 6 pm.  The are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Remains of the Day
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

Plein Air Painting in Ohio

Flowers at the Jamison Farm

 Last week, I was invited to my friend's farmhouse in Ohio.  We painted outdoors on site which in the art world is called "plein air" painting.  You have to paint fast because the light changes very quickly.  As the sun moves, the shadows change. In the morning, the left side of a barn might be in shadow, but by afternoon, that same side is in full sunshine. So all paintings have to be done in about a 2 hour time period.

Big Skies of Ohio

We also visited the Toledo Art Museum which has a fabulous collection.  The curators there try to get one great painting from each of the masters of their time. I highly recommend going there if you are out that way.

The house we stayed is called the Jamison Farm. There are rumors that there is a ghost in the house. I didn't see one!  Might have made an interesting painting if the ghost had posed for me!

All in all, it was a great trip! The weather was perfect: high 70's to low 80's and no humidity.  I feel fortunate to have been invited with such a great group of artists!

Porch at the Jamison Farm

Around the World

Mural in the Train Station
watercolor painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

Recently, I entered another juried show. This was a show sponsored by the Arlington Artists Alliance for its members.  The theme was "Around the World." Every artist could enter two pieces. I entered two with my fingers crossed. There is never a guarantee that one's work will be accepted, no matter how good the piece might be. The judge was Leigh Culver, former president of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists.  It's always dangerous to enter a watercolor in a show where the judge is an expert in watercolor. So I hedged my bets and entered a watercolor and an oil painting.

To my surprise, both were accepted.  To be honest, I was really shocked.  Sometimes, an artist who does watercolor might not appreciate an oil painting.  There is no guessing what a judge will like, and I've learned through trial and error that it is impossible to second guess what a judge might like.

The show will run July 31- Aug 26.  The reception for the show will be at the Gallery Underground in Crystal City on Friday, Aug 4 from 5 to 8 pm.
I won't be at the reception this time as I will be celebrating John and Mildred Coonce's 50th wedding anniversary! But I will be at the gallery in spirit.

Chance Encounters
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

North Gate Vineyards in Purcellville

Sunflowers on a Country Road
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

I have been invited to show my work at North Gate Vineyard in Purcellville, VA. It will be a solo show in July and August.  I feel very honored to show my work in such a beautiful venue.  If you haven't visited North Gate Vineyard, you'll just have to come to my reception and see it for yourself.

The reception is Sunday, July 9 from 4 to 6 pm.  You can certainly come out earlier if you want.  I will be there earlier in the afternoon and through the reception.

It will give you an opportunity to taste some good Virginia wine and to see my art work!

North Gate Vineyard is located at
16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville, VA.

The show will run from July 7 until Sept. 25, 2017.
Hope you'll be able to see the show and the beautiful surroundings of North Gate Vineyards.

Open Thursday through Monday 11 am to 6 pm.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

small works/BIG IMPACT

Bright Umbrella, Rainy Day
oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

The latest juried show at Gallery Underground is called "small work/BIG IMPACT."  This is a national show that brings artists from all over the country.  I was pleased to be accepted into the show and even more pleased to hear I won 3rd place.  The juror was Nar Steel, president of the Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers Society of Washington, DC. I feel very honored that my piece was selected.

This painting is small (5x7).  I did this oil painting from some photos I snapped when I took the Vamoose bus to New York with my son, Kevin.  He was disappointed when we arrived in NY because it was raining. But I told him that for a painter, rain make for great city paintings because the streets are wet and have beautiful reflections!

The opening reception is this Friday, May 5 from 5 to 8 pm.  The show will continue until May 26.  I hope you'll come to the reception on Friday.  Come and see me receive my award! If you are really in the mood for more art, you can always attend the second to the last night of Artomatic which I'm also a part of. Artomatic is a block away from the gallery.

Meet the Artists at Artomatic This Saturday, April 29

Jean Moore and Jane McElvany Coonce at Artomatic

This Saturday, April 29, is "Meet the Artists" night at Artomatic.  It's your last chance to come when I will be there.  If you haven't seen Artomatic, you have about a week and a half left.  It ends on May 6.  It's located at 1800 South Bell Street in Crystal City in Arlington.  I will be there from 5:30 to about 9:30.  There is free parking in the garage on 20th St.  Come up to the 9th floor.  I'm in room 9608.

It's been a lot of fun participating in Artomatic.  There is all kinds of art there. 7 floors of it! It's kind of exhausting if you try to see the whole show in one visit.  But come before it's over.

Artomatic is open :
Wednesdays and Thursdays (noon - 10pm)
Thursdays and Fridays (noon to midnight)
Sundays (noon to 8 pm)

Hope to see you there!

Potomac Valley Watercolorists show at Greens Spring Gardens April - June 2017Pink

Pink Flamingos
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

On Monday, I went over to Green Spring Gardens in Fairfax to drop off my paintings for the Potomac Valley Watercolorists show.  I put 2 pieces in.  One of them was "Pink Flamings."  This paintings was based on some photos I took in Hong Kong.  There is a park in central Hong Kong that has beautiful gardens and birds.  There was a flamingo pond and I've always wanted to paint flamingos.

I was shocked when I heard today that it sold already!  We haven't even had the opening reception.  The person who bought it also took it immediately, so it is no longer in the show.  I liked this painting, and in some ways, I'm sad to see it go.

The reception is this Sunday from 1 - 3 pm.  I am the new president of Potomac Valley Watercolorists, so I will be saying a few words and will handing out the awards.  The show runs from April 18 to June 18.

If you are not familiar with Green Spring Gardens, it's a beautiful place to visit. It's located at  4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA.  It's right off of Little River Turnpike (Route 236.)

The other painting I have in the show is called "Fish Market."  There are many beautiful paintings in the show by the members of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists.  Stop by on Sunday and say "hi!" or see the show at your leisure before June 19.

Fish Market
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

Meet the Artist Night at Artomatic

Early Morning on the Potomac
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Artomatic opened on March 24 with huge crowds.  The show continues until May 6.  There are two nights that are designated as "Meet the Artist Night."  Tonight is the first one, April 8.  I will be there from 6:30 to about 9:30.  There is another one on April 22 from 5 to 7 pm.  And the last Meet the Artist Night is Saturday, April 29 from 6:30 - 9:30.  I hope you will be able to make one of those.  If not, drop by Artomatic anytime that is more convenient for you. Let me know, and I'l meet you there.

I sold my big Key Bridge painting.  This is a painting I did from photos I took when I went out with the crew team at 5 am last September.  It's a magical time in the early morning.  The city is asleep and the river is quiet.  The painting is still hanging and will be there to the end of the show.  Then it goes to it's new home in Georgetown on May 7th.

Artomatic is located at 1800 South Bell St. in Crystal City.  Parking is free on the weekends and after 4 pm on weekdays.  Artomatic is also free to attend.  I'm on the 9th floor (room 9608) so stop by.

Hours of Automatic: ( It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Wednesday and Thursdays:  noon to 10 pm
Fridays and Saturdays:  noon to Midnight
Sundays :  noon to 8 pm

Getting Ready for Artomatic 2017

Tom getting the walls prepared

Panaramic View of my Space at Artomatic

I've been spending the last week getting my space ready for Artomatic. In case you don't know what Artomatic is, it's DC phenomena that happens once a year (sometimes every other year).  Artists take over an empty building and fill it with art.  This year it's in Crystal City at 1800 S. Bell St. in Arlington.  There are hundreds of artists participating.  They also have music, bars, workshops, and other creative events.  It opens Friday March 24 and goes through Sunday May 6.

 My space is on the 9th floor.   I hope you will stop by and see it.  I will be there opening night March 24.  There are also 2 dates for "Meet the Artists night" and I will be there for those, Saturday, April 8th and Saturday April 29. There is free parking in the garage  on 20th St. in Crystal City.  Parking is free after 4 pm on the weekdays and free all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Plan to come sometime during the end of March , all of April and 1st week in May.  Let me know you are coming and I'll meet you there.

Cuba: Anyone want to join me?

The next trip I'm organizing is a trip to Cuba.  I'm looking for people who want to experience Cuba before the tourist invasion happens.    Presently, American who want to tour Cuba must do it as a cultural exchange.  Although there is some tourism there, things haven't been modernized and the country looks like it is stuck in the 1950's.  This could change if relations with Cuba improve between the United States and Cuba.  Therefore, this IS the time to go to see it the way it's been for the past 60 years.  It's an all inclusive trip with round-trip airfare, 6 nights in a hotel, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), tour director and ground transportation.  It should be a blast.

The trip is for April 2018 (one year away) which gives you time to plan and save for this trip. The cost is $4,000 which remember includes airfare, too.

If you are interested, email me and I'll send you the brochure that covers everything about the trip. Space is limited so sign up to reserve your spot. You can reserve your spot for $99.

Another Watercolor Class Starts March 15

Blue Jay
watercolor by Jane McElvany Coonce

I started teaching my first watercolor class in January.  It's so much fun!  There are six students in the class, and they are doing an amazing job.  We've painted simple landscapes and seascapes with emphasis on clouds.  We've painted birds and animals with special techniques for the background.  Next week, we will be painting flowers.

The class is almost over, but a new class will start on March 15.  Anyone who would love to paint in watercolor is welcome.  It will be a 6 week class for the months of March and April.

I can only take 12 students due to room restrictions, so sign up sooner than later to make sure that you get a spot. Go to the website to sign up:

www.arthouseseven.com.

Art House 7 is located at 5537 Lee Highway in Arlington.
Phone number is 703-402-5017.

The Orchid Window

The Orchid Window
Original oil painting by Jane McElvany Coonce

Once again, I'm going to write about how I decide what I want to paint.  This is a recent still life I completed.  The vase in the middle with the orchid design on it was my mother's.  She had received it as a wedding present.  Growing up, it was always sitting on top of the piano.  My brother had knocked it off when he was young, and it had a slight chip in the back of the lip of the vase.

When my mom died, and we were going through her things, I just couldn't throw this vase out, yet it wasn't really my style for my house.  I couldn't sell it to someone who would cherish it because the chip caused it to lose its value.  So I kept it thinking I would put it in a still life.  My mom has been gone 12 years, and I finally got around to putting it in a still life.  My son, Brian, always brings me orchids. I had the bronze horse on my bookshelf.  So I set this up in the windowsill.  I started it on a weekend and worked on it 3 days straight,  8 hours a day.

This month, it will be showing at the Gallery Underground in Crystal City.  Tonight is the reception from 5 - 8 pm.  Stop by and see me and the painting if you can.

The real question is:  Now that I have painted this vase into a still life painting, what will I do with the real vase?  I still can't toss it.  I don't know.  Maybe I should take a mosaic class, break the vase up into small pieces and arrange it on a small table top.  Until then, it will remain in my art studio.