Category Archives: Notes: Karrie Ross

Los Angeles Artist Karrie Ross muses about experiences in her life as they happen. Thoughts, imagery and emotions will fill this space be them long or just a line… you’ll see them here. Be sure to stop by the Store page to see what art is available for purchase.

What do you think happens when you paint over older paintings?

Ever look at all the paintings you’ve painted… and not sold or not totally happy with… or your style has changed and well, they just don’t represent you the way you want to be seen anymore?

I have… and I took action to change the pile of “just sitting there” work into work I love and it lives. Of course these were watercolor on paper not work on canvas, that’s a different story I mention later on.

These two paintings from the “Mystical Druids Series” are an example of those paintings I’ve overpainted and although you can see the under painting, it still looks like it was meant to be, and that’s the trick. Now, yes,  I’m an abstract artist and this concept might not work for someone who paints landscapes or still life or people. Although, try it and see what happens, what the depth becomes and does it add to your work?

As an abstract artist my style changes over time, the imagery differs as does the energy shared. I woke up one night and jumped out of bed just to try this new addition to my style and it worked… I believe I was up all night painting over paintings that I did so many I had them all over my house to the point I could barely walk so I had to stop… until they dried.

“Can you do this with canvas?” you might be wondering. Yes, but of course with canvas you can totally cover the under painting, as I’ve done many times with success. Sometimes the bottom texture shows through and adds to the new work or it’s totally gone.

I wrote this mostly for the watercolor as it’s on paper and we might be stuck thinking that paper can’t be re-used…

Tell me about an experience you’ve had…

That’s it for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Los Angeles Artist
California

Benefit Two: Community and The Art Group, Co-Op Galley Experience.

“Having someone in the same boat helps get you there faster.”

A series by Artist Karrie Ross

Community: a group of people joining together and having the same interests, work etc. in common.  Artists with similar goals and commitment for making something happen and sharing with the group. Where all members put their time and expertise into benefiting the groups success. A co-op has committees assigned for the variety of tasks necessary to run a successful gallery. From member selection, monthly shows, annual tours to organizing all the events for the year… this cannot be done without community participation.

  • Artist Members: it’s always great inspiration to talk with other artists about what they are doing, how they do it – their process, where they go – other galleries or Continue reading →

Benefit One: The Gallery Space

“If art is not seen, how will the artist get known?”

A series by Artist Karrie Ross

The Gallery Space: the public space where an artist can have artwork shown each month and have the opportunity for solo and group shows each year.

This is the most obvious reason for an artist to want to join a co-op artist community gallery. So I’ll talk about it first, but it might not be the most important reason.

  • Exposure on a continuous basis for both the artist and their work.
  • Solo Show: the opportunity to have a solo show as the gallery calendar allows. This adds to the artists exhibitions listing and gives credit to their artwork.
  • Theme shows: Group Shows: usually taking up the Continue reading →

ArT is found in many places… check out Waterloo and City restaurant…

ArT™ is found in many places… it’s not just painting, sculpting, jewelry, writing, acting or music… art is cooking too! The smell of sauces, fresh bread, smoked meats, the chopping of fresh vegetable and science of perfection … Waterloo and City restaurant… is one of those places where the ArT of cooking is flourishing in our city today.

This new restaurant has just opened in Mar Vista on Washington Blvd. in the old Crest House building… and is a long awaited gift to the area.

Tonight I decided to have dinner there… at 7pm it was packed. There was a table of 12 on the outside patio and when I walked in there wasn’t a table free… being one person, I headed to the bar… YEA! one stool just waiting for me… and ladies,  they have purse h0oks! The stool was padded and a good size square to make sitting comfortable. The atmosphere from my stool was of three bartenders, mine was Liz, tall dark haired and a pleasure to speak to… behind her was a long open window with a view of the kitchen… at least 10 people busy at their stations… some wearing baseball caps, bandannas, black and white small chefs hats (no tall hat so I’m not sure what they all mean).

I had a Pims cup on ice and ordered the corn soup with parmisian ravioli and chili, it came with a selection of fresh, on-site baked, bread… DELICIOUS! is the word that comes to mind.

Everyone was attentive and smiling, the other guests sitting at the bar shared their tips as to what they thought was good to eat… on my way out the two hostesses said goodbye and asked me to come again… I will.

That’s it for now. Remember to sign up for my feed in the upper left corner for more “ArT” related experiences.

Karrie Ross, Los Angeles ArTist

Benefits of being a part of an Artist Community Gallery

“If art is not created, how can art change OUR world?”

A series by Artist Karrie Ross

Benefits of the Co-Op Gallery: One might not need to look too hard for a co-op gallery… it seems you can find them everywhere there are artists who are excited about the work they do and about sharing it with their community and the world. Sometimes it might not be a gallery but an organization of emerging and mid-career artists like the Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA.org) or a local artist lofts community bi-yearly art show like the LA Brewery ArtWalk or a non-profit fund raising event like the yearly Venice ArtWalk and Auction, but the goal of getting art out into the public’s eyes, getting noticed and making a difference, is the same.

Here are the benefits I’ll be discussing in the series:

  • Gallery Space: this is the public space where the art is put on display.
  • Community: this is made up of the members of the gallery, the artists as well as the location public.
  • Running a Business: this involves Continue reading →

What happens when your style changes… can you paint it again down the road?

Change happens.

I met a famous (from the 1980s) painter who showed me a painting he’d been struggling with for months, it was only 16 x 20 and he couldn’t find the “time” to finish it, he was getting paid $30,000 to paint it. This event started me thinking, asking… “Could I paint in a style that was not my current style even if paid to do it?”

For the past 10 years I’ve painted a bi-yearly line of images for a company who shows and sells my work to the gift and decorative industry at HiPoint, I can paint images I created from years ago… so for me, I know it is possible, to channel of energy to a previous style. Certainly some aspect of it will have changed but the art will not suffer because of this… it will turn out with the same quality as when first painted. This has become an enjoyable exercise for me and an experience I wouldn’t have changed for the world. The painting of images over and over for sale… selling art brings more art creation and more sales. Promoting the energy of change, which I love to encourage.

This energy has transferred into my newest series and pushes it along through the 34 paintings I have so far… and they in turn keep pushing me to the next. Would not even think of living without it.

Art Lighting… not what you are thinking… this is interactive and amazing!

I had the pleasure to experience this installation of LED lighting by Eric Gradman of Virsix at the 2010 LA Brewery ArtWalk this April.

The Brewery is a colony of buildings filled with artist lofts ranging from condo like with outside spaces to surrounding an atrium area to 8″wide hallways shooting off from left to right into apartment-like spaces. If you’ve never taken the time to explore this event, I encourage you to make the time. It occurs twice a year in April and September.

Eric’s space was off one of the hallways…you walk in through a narrow hall and pow there it is… this expanse of LED lights that respond to your touch. I was mesmerized and had to play.  Thank goodness for iphones or this photo would not have been taken as I forgot my regular camera… as taking photos of others work is usually not permitted.

Eric was in his element sitting silently in a chair next to a computer watching all the action his creation was getting. We spoke a little about his piece and a little about “GLOW“,  an installation show put on by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Department… an all night event and all about lights and interaction in art… Check it out this September 25th… 7pm to 7am… yep that’s all night.

Tell me about an experience you’ve had…or your thoughts….

That’s it for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Los Angeles Artist
California

What Part Does a “First” Painting Play in Creating a Series No. 2?

The second part in this question is:

Does every painting in the series have to look like the first painting?

My answer is no not completely but there must be something that is continued that binds it all together. For me this can be the continuation of a question, a thought, a process, and most of all, feeling. The medium can change from painting to sculpture to photography to jewelry. My “FreeSpirits” Series did just that, moved from drawing to painting to sculpture both ceramic and iron… and the basic feeling and question were still there. I have had series that were based on an image, like the “Mystical Druids” series where a form appeared in each painting yet that was the only similar part of any of them. My “Power” and “I am the Dance” series were driven by the medium used, pen & ink and watercolor. My newest is “Spiral Series” and I’m driven to continue by the spirals, their energy and the color palate.

Tell me about your series experience…

That’s it for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Artist
Los Angeles, 
California

What Part Does a “First” Painting Play in Creating a Series? No. 1

Over the years I’ve had lots of “series”, even though I feel that all my work is one big series, the “Series of Karrie Ross’ Life and Loves”, but that’s another story for another time… back to what part a first painting plays for me in creating a series.

First paintings. What about them makes me want to paint more?

I never know when a ‘first painting’ will show up and ask to be a series… it just happens, it’s not planned. I sketch all the time and nothing happens with them, then there is one that sticks in my mind and I can’t get enough of it’s message. Then I paint it to see if it has a compelling enough question that needs to be answered that will give it continuing power and if it does, I paint another one, and continue until the questions no longer need answers. Of course the paintings still talk to me, but we’re balanced. A question left unanswered will cause an off balance and then need another painting to be created to answer it… therefore creating a series.

This is what a first painting means to my series. What does yours mean?

Tell me about an experience you’ve had…

That’s it for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Los Angeles Artist
California

Karrie Ross at the Rose Cafe Dining Room April 27 thru May 31, 2010

My new series will be hanging in the Rose Cafe dining room from April 27 thru May 31, 2010. Stop by and meet me on Fridays May 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 3 to 4:30 pm.

There will be 8 pieces from the series. Photos will be posted to the Portfolio / Exhibitions page as soon as the show is hung.

That’s if for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Los Angeles Artist
California

Art in California: The California Arts Council at ca.gov

Here is an organization for California Artists… you might be interested in checking out and start getting their newsletter to keep updated on what’s happening with their organization. I copy and pasted the below info from their site for best reproduction of information.

“The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity.

The agency encourages widespread public participation in the arts; helps build strong arts organizations at the local level; assists with the professional development of arts leaders; promotes awareness of the value of the arts; and directly support arts program for children and communities.

The 11-member Council and professional staff have expertise in the arts, creative industries, education, community development, state and local government, and the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.  The arts spark the engine of Creative California, and our goal is to ensure that they are available for every Californian.”

Programs and Initiatives
Grantee Map
Strategic Plan
Annual Reports
Council Members
Staff
What exactly IS the California Arts Council?
History
How to Contact

Tell me about some of your resources…

That’s it for now and don’t forget to sign up to receive my Art Notes by email in the upper left corner side column.
Karrie Ross, Los Angeles Artist
California

“GEM” at Gallery 825: See me there!

See me and one of my newest pieces, Spiral Series: Beyond the Veil: The Elements at “GEM” Gallery 825 along with 200 other artists from the gallery.

Click here to view the work that will be there!

“Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA), a nationally recognized non-profit art organization, will continue its 85th anniversary year celebration with its gemfundraiser on Saturday evening, April 24, at Gallery 825 located on La Cienega Boulevard . With over 200 affordably priced artworks, the event allows everyone to be an art gemcollector . The fundraiser supports LAAA’s mission to provide resources, services and exhibition venues for emerging LA area artists of all media. Samuel Hoi notes, “LAAA plays an important role in Los Angeles ‘ artistic ecological system. The accomplishments and diverse artistic voices underpin the success of LAAA as a forum for artistic dialogue, shared exhibition opportunities, and mutual support.”

As LAAAExecutive Director Peter Mays states,” Our gembenefit is the best place to discover emerging talents at the onset of their career paths and while they are still affordable to a broad base of collectors…it’s also the best party of the spring art season.”

What: gem fundraiser – A Multimedia Art Exhibition and Reception, benefiting the Los Angeles Art Association.
Click here to view the online preview!

When:
Saturday, April 24, 2010; 7-10pm,

VIP Preview 6-7pm.

Tickets:
VIP preview – 6 to 7pm – $100 ($120 at door).
Includes champagne, food by La Grande Orange and free valet parking.
The first 100 VIP ticket purchases will receive a signed and numbered print by celebrated artist Siri Kaur.

General Admission – 7 to 10pm $25.
Includes wine, Blue Angel Vodka bars and free valet parking.

Space is limited – call 310.652.8272 to RSVP today or click here to order tickets online.

Where: Gallery 825, 825 N. La Cienega Boulevard , Los Angeles , CA 90069 Between Santa Monica and Melrose on the west side of the street

Participating Artists include:
Lillian Abel, Irene Abraham, Mark Acetelli, Ruben Acosta, Lisa Adams, Robin Adsit, Nick Agid, Max Aichinger, Brandy Eve Allen, Sophia Allison, John Andolsek, Dean Andrews, Susan Arena, Terry Arena, Dori Atlantis, Deborah Baca, Christopher Barbour, Megann Zwierlein Bemiller, Quinton Bemiller, Stan Benson, Susan Bolles, Holly Boruck, Richard Bruland, Suzanne Budd, Catherine Burce, Ellen Cantor, Harry Chandler, Ching Ching Cheng, YaYa Chou, Richard S. Chow, Curran Clark, Alex Couwenberg, Jason David, Justin Davis, Emily De Araújo, Raul De La Torre, Norman Deesing, Margi Denton, Jennifer Dozier, Birgit Faustmann, Peggy Ferris, Domenico Foschi, Steven Fujimoto, Alisa Gabrielle, Martin Gantman, John Gauld, Gina Genis, Libby Gerber, Michael Giancristiano, Alexandra Grant, Tm Gratkowski, Matthew Miles Grayson, Shizuko Greenblatt, Jennifer Gunlock, Lia Halloran, Rebecca Hamm, Diane Holland, Tommy Hollenstein, Brad Howe, Eva Hyam, Larissa James, Jow, Krista Kahl, Flora Kao, Yoichi Kawamura, Jillian Kogan, Barbara Kolo, Shelley Kommers, Jonas Kulikauskas, Elana Kundell, Linda Kunik, Laura Larson, R. Dean Larson, Catherine Roberts Leach, Jackie Brethen Leishman, Diana Levitt, Jason Lockyer, Peter Lograsso, Rebecca Lowry, Kandy Lozano, Midge Lynn, Meg Madison, Cynthia Madrigal, Krista Marlene, Christopher Martin, R. Matt, Joanne Chase Mattillo, Ryan McCann, Katrina McElroy, Adele Mills, Dan Monteavaro, Larry Mullins, Gustavo Munoz, Marissa Murrow, Johnny Naked, Hung Viet Nguyen, Miriam Noske, Jayme Odgers, R. Nelson Parrish, Christopher Pate, Julia Pinkham, Bob Poe, Olga Ponomarenko, Peggy Pownall, Bret Price, Stephanie Pryor, Eileen Rapke, Glynnis Reed, Karrie Ross, Joy Rotblatt, Anne Marie Rousseau, Mara Safransky, Gwen Samuels, Debra Scacco, Heather Scholl, Steve Seleska, Cory Sewelson, Sharron Shayne, Karen Silkie, Susan Sironi, Irene Spiegel, Dennis Stevens, Amanda Symes, Lacey Terrell, Sophia Tise, Elizabeth Tobias, Luke Van Hook, David Eli Vaughn, Michael Verbenec, Larry Villarin, William Wareham, Art Weeks, Michelle Weinstein, Christine Weir, Bob White, Valerie Wilcox, Joyce Wisdom, Karen Frimkess Wolff, Elyse Wyman, Marlene Yamada, Meeson Pae Yang, Mara Zaslove and Indra Zigars.

Take your own art gem home on the night of reception. All proceeds benefit LAAA and Los Angeles ’s emerging artist community.2010 Benefit Co-Chairs: William Turner and Alexandra Gleysteen

2010 Benefit Committee:
Christine Anderson, Claressinka Anderson, Rob Brander, Andi Campognone-Couwenberg , York Chang, J. Dallas Dishman, Grace and Raj Dhawan, Elizabeth East, Tanna Frederick, Adam Gross, Samuel Hoi, Henry Jaglom, Lisa Jeanetta, Jonathan Kaye, Bettina Korek, Mayor Abbe Land, Lonnie Lardner, Janet Levy, Hillary Metz, Bob Poe, Melissa Pugash, Catherine Seward, Thaddeus Hunter Smith, Louis Stern, Jocelyn Tetel, Brent Turner, Adam Wolk and Jae Yang.
About: Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities, resources, services and exhibition venues for emerging Los Angeles artists of all media. LAAA began as a civic art institution in the 1920s, connecting elite art interests to Hollywood collectors, emerging after World War II as the center of Los Angeles modernism and finally becoming the city’s nexus for emerging artists of all media. LAAA serves as a dynamic force for contemporary ideas, outreach, and community. Gallery 825 and Los Angeles Art Association are located in the heart of La Cienega Boulevard ’s Restaurant Row at 825 North La Cienega Bl., Los Angeles , CA 90069 . Gallery hours are 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday or by appointment. Please call 310.652.8272 or visit www.laaa.org.