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Recently I saw a businessman enter the grocery store ahead of me, and he was talking on his cell phone. Sound familiar? While passing each other in the aisles and through the check out, he was still on the phone, much to the chagrin of the check out person trying to ask him a question. She wanted to communicate with him. He wasn’t paying attention.

Multi-tasking has its place and is often necessary in the competitive, do it now world that we live in. However, at times and for some things, we just need to slow down and be in the moment in order for quality communication to take place.

Creating, viewing and truly enjoying art are a few of those places and times. For example, not many artists try to create a painting and balance their checkbook at the same time. They may have more than one painting that they are working on, but not at the same time, with both hands. They focus, giving one all of their attention and energy and then switch to the other.

The same applies to viewing and truly enjoying the art experience in a gallery. If you come in talking on the phone, discussing what you’re going to do this weekend or what’s on sale at the garden shop, you are going to miss the experience of being in the gallery. Each piece of art in the gallery is a creation to be felt fully and in the present. To allow yourself to be distracted is to miss the full richness of the artist’s voice, and to miss the opportunity to communicate in a fuller, more meaningful way.

So come into the gallery, relax, leave the world with all it’s pressures behind. Turn off the cell phone and allow yourself to live in the moment. Pay attention! You’ll be glad you did!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderfully creative day.........Jim

I heard an interesting comment from one of our customers a couple of months ago that I would like to share with you. I had just invited her to an upcoming artist reception and she replied that she was concerned that she would feel uncomfortable, because she didn’t think that she knew enough about art to attend an artist reception.

This got me to wondering how many others pass through our gallery feeling the same way? Or worse, how many don’t come in at all because they fear that they will feel out of place? Her remark reminded me of the individual that puts off joining the local health club until after they get in better shape. I asked her if she had seen the movie What about Bob. When she said she had, I reminded her about Bill Murray’s character and the need to just take baby steps at first.

To enjoy art, is it really that necessary to have taken art history courses, to have visited some of the great European museums or to be or have been involved in creating something yourself? While these experiences may give you a head start, they certainly are not required to enjoy what someone else has created, today.

And don’t stress over not knowing how it was created. Do you know how your house was built, how your car was assembled or how your clothes were made? And you certainly don’t want to know what’s in that double dip Gelato now do you? All that really matters is that you were drawn to it, you liked it and it made you feel good.

So, that’s all I’m saying: take a few art baby steps, ask a few questions and when it makes you feel good, take some home. Art has no cholesterol and is 100% fat and calorie free, so you can put off joining that health club a little longer and feel good about buying some art, for yourself, today! (Oh and by the way, the customer that I mentioned earlier, she decided that she would like to attend the artist reception after all.)

Thanks for stopping by and have creative day……..Jim

Can it get any better than this? Everyday I am blessed to be surrounded by beauty, a beauty that displays and expresses the creative energy of eighteen extremely talented local and national artists.

Frequently I will arrive at the gallery with some level of stress, sometimes it is a cognitive awareness and sometimes not. All the usual stuff; didn’t sleep well, burnt the toast, spilled coffee on my last ironed shirt, car started making a weird noise, stopped by a train and finding a parking spot was impossible. And don’t get me started about always watching the gas gauge and the cost to fill up the tank. After I arrive at the gallery it doesn’t take long for all of this to dissipate as the sights, sounds, aroma and textures of the gallery start to apply their innate healing powers.

And it’s not just me that feels this. We have customers that stop by frequently to just, as they put it, “to relax and detox” - and all without an office visit and or a prescription. Last fall I read an article that went on to suggest what technically makes a piece of art “good.” But I wish to address the other side, the emotional side. How does the artwork make you feel? Do you feel drawn into it? Does it make you feel excited and full of energy? Does it make you feel peaceful and relaxed? Or does it make you stop and ponder what the artist is communicating? Good art should make you feel something every time you look at it. Otherwise it just becomes wallpaper. The true value of art should be in how it affects you emotionally, physically, spiritually and not for monetary gain. Invest in yourself first and your financial portfolio last. If your purchase should increase in value, then you have just received an additional blessing.

Could you use some stress relief in your life? Could your home and or work environment use some help to liven it up or calm it down, or is it just time for a décor/life renewal? Life is finite, enhance your life and make art an essential element in its quality.

What does it take to make the Connection between art and you? What makes you stop to, admire, explore and purchase art for yourself, or someone else? Drop me a line, I would enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by & make it a creatively great day……..Jim

Life has its way of bringing us to forks in the road of options, or to unmarked intersections of opportunities and my life has been filled with many of both. I have been associated with the arts through my photography for over 25 years and made the transition to painting a little over two years ago. When I’m asked what made me change directions, what lead me to pursue the path of painting, or where did I get my inspiration to change from, I always start with two main sources of influence, artists Norma Meeks and Ford Smith.

I accredit Norma with opening my eyes to the world of abstract painting. I first saw her exhibited work in 2006 and it was through her use of earthy colors and rich tones, in combination with the applications of mixed media and texture that got my attention. Her work spoke to me in a way that I could be comfortable with and enjoy, without the need to necessarily understand or be able to explain. I just enjoyed it for what it was. I’ve always said, she was the bridge that transported me from being a firm realist to opening my eyes to the possibilities of abstraction.

In 2007 I was introduced to the art of Ford Smith through his gallery ads in the trade magazines that I was following. I found his contemporary styling of landscapes and the use of bright, rich color the perfect connection from my photographic background to the art world that I was becoming attracted to. I was to later learn that Ford had had an accomplished and respected photography career before pursuing his painting, which later served as encouragement for me to one day pick up a brush myself. It was about this time that I actually started having dreams of painting, which were always of abstracted images and always very colorful.

Now it’s 2013 and I’m managing the gallery for Old Town Art & Framery in which I represent the fabulous works of both, Norma Meeks and Ford Smith as well as fifteen other wonderfully talented artists. It’s no surprise to me that I’m now painting, in the abstract with the use of texture and am showing a transition from mostly using monochromatic earth tones to the introduction of brighter colors, as in my recent piece "Guidance" pictured above.

I feel honored to know and be surrounded by so many talented artists who serve as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, as I continue to enjoy my journey on the painted road.

Thank for stopping by and following my travels..............Jim

The reasons to celebrate are many and certainly vary with intensity as we experience our own life cycles and challenges. Have any of you seen and remember the movie Wild in The Streets? It was basically about a youth movement to overthrow the older establishment. Thirty becomes a mandatory retirement age, while those over 35 are rounded up, sent to "re-education camps", and permanently dosed on LSD. The movie came out in 1968, I was 17 years old (need I say more) and thought why not, 35 was way too old anyway.

Fast forward to.......how about that Mayan calendar thing? December 21, 2012 has come and gone with no Apocalypse and no end of the World. Turns out their stone tablet was just too small to continue any further, bummer. We obviously have all survived this momentous occasion, I made it through the sixties, along with all of its experimentations and am now in my 60's.

I just celebrated another birthday yesterday, you do the math and am happy that the planet has survived as well as myself. Many transitions, challenges and opportunities later, I'm happy where I'm at and love what I am doing. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I've left you with "Celebration", an image of mine to bring in the New Year. Or it could be the end of the world.......what do you see?

Enjoy & thanks for stopping by........Jim

Stimulating the senses through art, I get to experience it everyday. Not just through my own creations, such as this month's image "Grounded", but I also get to represent it through the works of seventeen other very talented artists in the gallery that I manage at www.OldTownArtandFramery.com

When you step into the gallery you are at once surrounded by a variety of styles, colors, shapes and textures. Some are soothing, some more stimulating, some representational, while others more abstract and challenging. You are wrapped in the creative energy with every step and aroused by the occasional scent of a fresh oil painting or the distinct aroma of some recently fired Raku pottery.

I have to admit I'm spoiled, being constantly embraced by this incredible energy and it's not just me that witnesses it. Customers come in to, as they say,"just to detox and get into the zone for awhile". If you're smiling right now, you already know what I'm talking about and if not I invite you to stop by the gallery and witness for yourself. Once you do, you'll want to take some of it home with you and be spoiled as well. It doesn't need to be expensive and in my January Newsletter I'll show you just how affordable it can be to stimulate yourself and the local art economy at the same time!

Be sure to sign up for my Newsletter now, so you don't miss out at www.jimbenest.com

Thanks for stopping by.......Jim

While looking through my images for one to accompany today's blog I settled on this one "Chili Greetings" . I know, you're wondering what the heck is the connection between the Holidays and chili peppers on a door.

When you know me, you know that I love the Southwest and try to get to Santa Fe or Taos, New Mexico at least once a year. I've found that either of these places really help me to slow down, pay attention to the moment and reconnect with my inner artist. I have always visited during the summer and late fall months, however I've always thought it would be fun to see the wonderful colors of the Southwest nestled in a blanket of white snow. So a few years ago I decided to do just that and spent Christmas in Santa Fe.

Driving down it was a near white out on Raton Pass, however not so much in Santa Fe, which was dry as a bone. While the vivid colors surrounded me, a single snow flake was not to be found. Not discouraged in the least I decided to make a day of it walking the Historic & Art Meca Canyon Road. So there I was on Christmas Day in Santa Fe and I could have easily titled this image "Chilly Greetings" because it was a balmy 19 degrees at high noon. Before my fingers lost all feeling and with the fear of snapping my film while winding it, yes I was still shooting film at the time, I did capture a few memorable images.

So now you know the story behind the image and from my door to yours I want to extend Chili/Chilly Greetings and wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderfully Happy, Holiday Season!

Thanks for stopping by..........Jim

In the beginning I was most comfortable when it measured small, however as I matured and with some trial and error I came to appreciate working with a larger size. Of course I'm talking about my canvas size, but you knew that....right.

Okay, let's start over. In the beginning just applying some paint to a small canvas was monumental and a 10x10 or 12x12 seemed huge. With some experience and the use of broader strokes it wasn't long before a larger surface area was necessary and the 20x20 format soon became my new comfort zone. While I have since been working toward the use of larger canvases and hope to tackle a 48x48 someday, my newest challenge has actually been working small again. By small I mean 5"x5"x1.5" little guys, which should be a slam dunk, right?

Even though my works depend very little on any fine or recognizable detail, I have found myself spending almost as much time as I would on a much larger surface. Granted I use a fraction of the paint, but the surprise was the design and application, which has consumed much more time than I would have imagined.

So does size really matter! Certainly not if you enjoyed the relationship and are satisfied with the results. This image "Improv 1" is my first 5x5 and you know what they say,"you never forget your first", but of course you already knew that.......right!

Thanks for stopping by........Jim

I know you have heard the saying, "Today is the first day of the rest of your Life" many, many times before. Believe it or not I'm just starting to get it, or maybe it's more accurate to say, I'm just now getting closer to living it. Having gone through the recent shedding of so much material stuff, as well as other life issues, I am now able to get a clearer vision of what is really important. The personal aging process has also brought about the shortening of time frames for goals and accomplishments.

What used to be projected in 20, 10 and 5 year action plans is now measured in this year, next month and today reality checks. Two areas of key importance have risen to the top and they are health/exercise and art. Neither can be taken for granted or neglected if improvement is needed or desired. So I share with you this month's painting "A Brand New Day", which hopefully shows some daily to monthly growth in my creative pursuit of the arts. As far as exercise........well, I'm taking that one day at a time as well.

Enjoy & thanks for following...........Jim

After an almost two month hiatus from painting, I'm back into the creative side of my brain again and it feels so good! The title for this painting "New Beginnings" not only refers to my personal post-move status, but also to a direction I feel that my art is taking me. While continually Abstract rooted, the addition of color and graphic elements are starting to emerge and this month's painting shows a hint of both as they begin to surface.

New Beginnings...embracing it...enjoying it and hope you do too!

"Grounded" is the title of this month's painting as well as expresses an unfamiliar, yet comforting position that I find myself in. If you've been following my blog, you are aware of the transition that I have been going through. It has involved moving, some serious downsizing and purging of many wanted, but not needed material things. As a result, I am surrounded by what I really need, am within a ten minute walk from all that I'm mostly involved in and feel more in control than I have in a very, very long time.

Last month I mentioned that I felt a change in my creative expression and this month's painting takes a leap in that direction. Grounded in simplicity and color, hope you enjoy!

Thanks for following........Jim

Are you more of a free spirit or more into having things about you in order? Do you need to have every minute & mile of your vacation preplanned, or do you like to just get in the car and wing it as you go? My art has been and continues to be a transition for me. A transition from always striving to be in control, always planning the next move and having a map of my journey before I ever start it, to moving more towards allowing room for relaxing, spontaneity and abstracted thinking.

Reality is, we live and function to some extent, in both worlds everyday, Side by Side. Thus this image and its title that I have chosen for this month's blog. I feel it demonstrates the two worlds of order & chaos that we straddle each day. The need to be in control and behave ourselves and those times, when in spite of all our efforts, things slip through our grasp and get out of control.

And sometimes, doesn't it just feels great to flip out, get crazy and say screw it, on purpose, but of course..... not necessarily in that order.

Thanks for stopping by & make it a good day!

I've chosen this earlier piece of mine "Starting Over" for the title and it's symbolic connection to my current personal journey. Starting over, there is a lot of that going on and actually to some degree it always is. Whether do to the natural life cycles that we all experience, the economy, corporate downsizing, or from an unfortunate tragedy, starting over happens.

I can certainly compile a list that will put you to sleep from my own journey. Let it suffice to say I'm in the middle of yet another starting over / transition, which is and has been a major exercise in downsizing of personal living space. You have to understand that I have been and I have enjoyed being a material kind of guy. Not a hoarder, but stuff and things and when I had a large townhouse, I had a place for all of it.

My new reality is a 400 square foot efficiency apartment, which had me draw a firm line between the wants and needs. I have to admit that I embarrassed myself with all of the material stuff that I had acquired that were not even close to a being a needed item. Gone is all the fluff and with minimal wall space, I'm sad to say my art collection had to be thinned as well. After numerous ads on Craig's List, donations, gifts to friends and several garage sales, I'm possession lean and all that's left will comfortably fit.

The cleansing has been a very positive and rewarding experience and like a governor on an engine, a small living space will keep in check all future unneeded purchase impulses. Needless to say, painting a 30x40 isn't going to happen in this space, however I usually create in the 20x20 size and under, so all is good.

I look forward to getting a fresh canvas out and seeing what emerges as I begin Starting Over!

How much of what an artist produces is a reflection of themselves? I ask this because soon after I posted this image of my recent piece titled "Off The Grid" on Face Book, a dear friend commented that "This does not look like your "happy place" Jim. But I like it! Because many slices of life are NOT happy. But I sure wish I could see you be happy". While I appreciate my friend's concern for my well being, I was actually a bit surprised with the comment.

After over twenty years of a structured photography career, painting in the abstract has been and is the most creative fun I've had in years. I do acknowledge that my color palette tends to be a bit on the dark side at times. You should see my closet, or my home decor. You'll find a mix of browns, tans, rusts, dark greens, blues and burgundys, you know earthy and on the darker side.

As for the images themselves, well, abstract is abstract and when you work intuitively as I do, it is.....what it is. If I am working through some issues on the canvas, it's a whole lot more enjoyable and a lot less expensive that couch therapy.

I know actors choose roles that they relate to and songs are often written with lyrics derived from personal experiances......so what do you think? Are some of my demons being revealed, or am I just a quiet introvert having some fun.....on the Dark Side?

P.S. - You don't think that my Dad's first name of Darth and my middle name of Luke could be influencing factors, do you?

After titling my most recent painting "Connection" that you see here, I got to wondering, what's the connection to the art you buy and how important is it? For some, it must match the sofa or some other decorating detail or theme. For others, it may represent an experiance that was either had or one waiting to be. Yet for some, art is purchased because it speaks to them at some level or for the sheer joy and emotion that is felt from its creator.

For the reason of matching your couch or rug aside, the purchace of art can be a very personal and emotional experiance, as it should be. And even if the art was commissioned to match your decor, the artist is chosen for his or her style and that style can be like a signature, as personal as any finger print.

Taking it a step further, when you buy local and or have the chance to personally meet the artist that created your piece, the connection is everlasting. Yes, the monetary exchange is always appreciated, however the purchase serves as an endorsement that goes well beyond.

Spoil yourself & buy art whenever you can, make it a goal to invest in it locally and make the connection!

With this painting, Rustic Interlude, as with most of my paintings, I didn't have a clue what I was looking at until I started getting feedback from others. Once I have textured the canvas and start to apply some paint I let the image pretty much design itself. I look for elements of design, balance, texture and color harmony, but rarely do I start with or pursue a specific design or image.

Usually the painting is done and I'm trying to decide on a title is when I start to find some recognizable hints of an image. It's always interesting and rewarding to get feedback from others as to what they see and how they may feel about what they are looking at.

So far viewers have seen one leg, two legs, a backhoe, water, lava, a cave, a reflection pool and a horse head. I can see those images now, how about you, what do you see in Rustic Interlude?

The title could have also been, "Playing it Safe v/s Taking a Chance". This painting was done and hanging in my local gallery for a few days. It consisted of, what is now the background, the lavenders, purples, tans and blacks. While I was initially satisfied with it, I soon felt that it wasn't done yet, it still needed something, it was too safe. It lacked a focal point and it needed some energy and excitement. I decided to go with the addition of this very strong red, which I have used as accent and in smaller applications on other paintings, but never this bold and prominent.

Now it was a decision of should I work it into the painting as before, or approach it with a totally different application. So now, as I was thinking of adding a splash of strong color, I thought, why not splash it on as well. The background took a few hours to complete, the addition of red only a couple of minutes, plus three or four days to work up the courage to do so and the final is now before you.

The original title was "Crossover" and with the new addition I was thinking about "The Next Generation", but the more I look at it I think I'll call it "Dexter". What do you think?

Thanks for reading........Jim