Random thoughts and bits of life of a coffee loving artist

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

From Concepts to Beyond

As I had mentioned in Getting Back on Schedule, August has basically been my busy work month so far. Of course I also mentioned that if I had any updates to what I had listed at the time, that I would make the necessary announcements. Well you're in luck because man, it may only be the second week into the month but I already have so much to share. 

Business Logo.. It's about F-ing time! 
Rough Drafts & Notes about possible designs
Yup, that's right. After nearly 12 years of having my little business, I'm finally creating myself a business logo. The entire situation came up sometime last month while chatting online with one of my best friends, discussing work and upcoming projects, when it suddenly occurred to me. I did not have a logo of my own. It was such a huge hit that I found myself completely stunned. Discussing the situation with her and with much playful scolding from her, I made it my mission for to have a logo to call my own by the end of the month. I'm happy to say that after several rough ideas and many long hours of contemplation (along with banging my head against my desk but we won't get into that), that I've finally come up with a design that I'm quite satisfied with. Now to just get it finalized and make sure that it's in a format that I can use in various sizes. 


'Star Gazer' by Dawn Star Wood
I have been busy working with the those in charge of putting on the upcoming art auction for Pence Gallery, making sure they have my information and the information on my entry Star Gazer for the bid sheets. They do have information on how to purchase tickets to the Art Auction event on their website so I encourage you to check it out and if you have any questions about this event to contact them with your inquiries. Later this month I will be heading to Davis to hand over the painting so that it can be put up for the show. 

Pence Gallery
212 D Street     Davis, CA     95616
Hours: Tues. - Sun.     11:30am - 5pm
Art Auction Exhibit: September 1st - 15th
Art Auction: September 15th     6:30pm - 9:30pm


'Secret Garden' by Dawn Star Wood
Previously I had announced that in October, you will have a chance to bid on my piece titled Secret Garden. The piece was accepted into the show this year back in April but I had been patiently waiting on hearing anything about the results of the judging which didn't occur until sometime in July. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm thrilled to say that the painting has received a Jurors Choice award. KVIE announced on their website that First Place and Best of Show winners for the various categories will be announced during the award ceremony at the gala event. However I should be find out around that time which bidding slot (day & time bracket) that Secret Garden will be in. So until then, I will have to bide my time on any further possible announcements.

KVIE Public Television
2030 W. El Camino Ave. 
Sacramento, CA     95833
Preview Gala: October 1st     6pm - 8pm
Live On-Air & Online Auction: 
     October 5th     7pm - 10pm
     October 6th     Noon - 10pm
     October 7th     Noon - 10pm


Dark Green Man concept by Dawn Star Wood
Something Wicked (Group Show) 2018
I have been debating for some time what I should do for this particular show. Something Wicked is a group show which is being put on by Pence Gallery. Curator Eileen Hendren described the theme of the show being almost Tim Burtonish and would be featuring all things wicked. Originally I was leaning towards doing something more towards Eastern mythology (Chinese/Japanese demons or ghosts), but after doing some rough concepts in both just sketches and color study paintings I found myself not being drawn to any of them. It wasn't until earlier this week during a brainstorming session where I was doodling for the sake of doing so that I believe that I found what I am going to do. The image seemed to be a mix of Green Man and a Pan, giving almost a sense of a dark forest spirit. Not necessary evil but dark due to the secrets and magic it keeps from the world. This then spurred me to do a couple of secondary sketches based off of some dead bugs that I've collected from my garden over the past couple of years. Of course the sketches along almost make me feel as if I should just do an entire series and make them into an art book of sorts but I suppose that is a line of thought for a later day. Until then, I like the plan that I've come up with for the show and am looking forward to painting the strange being I've created. 
Dead Bug concepts by Dawn Star Wood
(Left) Stripes & Dots, (Right) Reflection of Actions

Pence Gallery
212 D Street     Davis, CA     95616
Hours: Tues. - Sun.     11:30am - 5pm
Something Wicked Group Show: October 5th - 28th