No Art Today

FREE video series of my Igniting Your Intentions program
This program will help you tap into your inner wisdom.
It is also a creative process that artists and creatives
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I missed writing my blog last week. I'm in the middle of doing other things besides creating art. As I went about my day today wondering what to write about, the title came to me: No
Art Today. When I lived in Hartford, CT many years ago, there was a restaurant called No Fish Today. That's where the idea came from.

Art is in the works, however. I put the first coat of varnish on the commissioned painting that was completed a few weeks ago. I also have started a painting I would love to use for the cover of my upcoming book, Ignition. So, my art is in there, just taking a different kind of journey for a week or two.

The creation that is happening right now is that I'm about to launch a FREE video series of my Igniting Your Intentions program. It's a creative process of writing, drawing, and intention. It's my own process and I'm excited to share it with you! Head on over to the that page and check it out. Sign up. Learn something new. Enjoy the process.

And... I'm working on a 5-week Igniting Your Intentions workshop with special guest numerologist, Greer Jonas. It's a 2015 Discovery Session that will help you direct 2015 in the best possible way for you personally. You will be guided according to your personal numerology. And then, I'll help you create an intention statement. Then, there will be daily work to do. More details will be unfolded as you go. The FREE video series I referred to above is the introduction. Sign up to find out if it is for you. If you have questions about the process, fill out this quick two question survey. This will help me create the best possible program.

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle)

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Beam Me Up Color

Current painting reference materials. Color Transporters.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Color has the power to transport us to an elevated state of mind. When you think of your favorite color, where does it take you?

Does blue take you to the sky or the water or somewhere else? Does green take you to green grass, a pasture, a forest, or other destination? Where does orange take you? Where does black take you? Do you wonder why these colors transport you to certain places? What state of mind do they conjure? Go on a color journey and discover where each of them has the power to transport your mind to a new state.

When I walked into my studio this morning I was uplifted by the colors and images that invited me in. I became aware that the colors opened a door to a new place within myself.

I am painting a lotus flower on fire. I hope it will turn out good enough to use a cover image for my upcoming book on the Igniting Your Intentions process.

Since I don't have access to lotus flowers and fire where I am, I did a google search to find reference materials. I had no idea that lotus flowers came in various colors! I find the lotus flower just absolutely breathtakingly stunning. Along with the reference photographs, the purple papers are my one month, one year, and five year goals. The orange paper on the bottom is a crayon lotus flower drawing that I did this morning and added it to the mix.

As I stared at my painting alongside the reference material, I realized that the colors and images were transporting me to a magical place. It is a place of beauty and wonder. It's a place where I breathe deeper. It's a place where I find gratitude within me. Oh, those colors! They make me feel great. They take me to a higher place where everything is grand and possible.

Current painting reference materials. Color Transporters.
1st stage of my painting. Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

The purple and bluish lotus flower is so luscious. The orange one is warm and inviting.  The pink lotus flower is a breath of fresh air.

Current color palette.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Is it the color or the color combined with the image? The perfection of the lotus flower is enough to transport me to another realm. But, imagine a black and white photo of a lotus flower. And then look at the color photos. Isn't it the addition of color that is the transporter to a beautiful realm, full of possibility and potentiality? If these images were of something else in the same colors, would they be as effective in transporting my mind and soul?

All I could think of was the old TV program, Startrek and the famous line, "Beam me up, Scotty". In this case, "Beam me up, Color"!

What do you think? Does color transport you in some way? Does it matter what the subject matter of the color? Did you take the color journey as described above?

Paints and brushes for current painting in process.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Speaking of color, I invite you to browse my selected colorful paintings and digital media work where color reigns. Let them transport you to a higher place. Consider purchasing one to uplift your space.

Reference photos:

1. Google Search for Lotus Flowers take a beauty color break.

2. Orange Lotus free download of image. You can buy the artificial flower at: http://www.dhgate.com/product/artificia-lotus-flower-artificial-silk-lotus/162141785.html

3. Purple Lotus by Gail Bingham. Visit her gallery.

Pink Lotus website: From the Garden Zen.

Fire image. Free download of image from freepik.com.

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Sketching on Location

Mr. King Bell Rock, 9 x 12 inches, oil pastel on paper.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Sketching is not one my favorite things to do as I feel awkward and clumsy with drawing media. I feel much more at home with painting media for its flowing and liquid response to my brush.

"Drawing is the honesty of the art. There is no possibility of cheating. It is either good or bad".
--Salvador Dali

Nature

Being in nature is one of my most favorite things to do and be. Paying homage to the land in whatever way that shows up is important to me. Photography is usually my favored response to wanting to capture what I feel when I'm out there. Many times the photograph is used in making a painting.

When I tune in to my experience of being on the land, I see the gloriousness of creation, and feel God's presence and the magnificence of his touch. Many times it turns out to be a mutual love affair. As I appreciate and love the beauty I see, I am returned the love and appreciation from the land.

Mr. King Bell Rock from my vantage point
Sedona, AZ

Sketching on Location

Yesterday, I packed some drawing paper and my oil pastels with the intent to sketch while outdoors. As I hiked I asked my guidance to lead me to the perfect spot. I had in mind a certain location on Bell Rock where I could see the expanse of Sedona. However, Mr. King Bell Rock, as I have grown to affectionally call this famed vortex, had a different idea.

I hiked up to the location where I thought I would be drawing. But, something pulled me onward to a different location. I had worn sneakers as I forgot to change into my hiking boots. I was not all that prepared to do more than an easy hike. As frequently happens, though, Mr. King Bell Rock beckons me to new pathways and scenes, sometimes more intense terrain than I had bargained for. Yesterday was no different.

Sketching with oil pastels

I carefully hiked along allowing my inner guidance to pull me forward. I found a spot that seemed to let me stay awhile. I had managed to hike three quarters of the way up to the top. Instead of facing outward, I felt the urge to face inwards facing Mr. King Bell Rock. It turns out he wanted my full attention.

So, I sat there for a couple of hours sketching to the best of my ability to capture the essence of what I was feeling and seeing. The weather was wonderful and warm. I was visited by a few tourists who saw me sitting up there and climbed up a much more difficult pathway than I had climbed in my indirect movement toward this spot.

I sincerely find drawing frustrating and am rarely happy with my results. I hope that practice will help ease these feelings of inadequacy. One day if I let myself practice long enough, I just might like my drawing.

Artists:

Do you sketch, draw, or paint on location? What's your experience with it?

Art Collectors:

Do you appreciate art that has been created on location? Why?

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle)

About the Author
Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle) is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty. More about her art and paintings can be found on her website.

Copyright 2014 Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle). All rights reserved.

Sir Kitty

Mixing it Up

Paint palette of mixed colors.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

How we mix up our experiences in life is just as exciting, most times, more so, than the final destination of arrival. Chance encounters and meetings as we go about our day add to the flair and fun of our lives.

I often fall in love with my palette when mixing colors while painting. The accidental occurrences that happen when colors, water, and gel mediums run into each other delights me. Eye candy, soul intrigue, and new possibilities ignite my senses.  Imagination comes alive on the palette, many times after the painting session has been completed. What is left on the palette afterward is the mess of the creative process where magic has just had its way with me.

Paint palette of mixed colors.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Life can be a colorful adventure like that too, if only we will let it have its way with us. Planned experiences can be mixed with openness, flexibility, and spontaneity. With a little imagination and a touch invention, we can allow life to get a little messy. And... have much more more fun that way.

How can you use your creativity today and throughout this next week to energize your life in an artful, colorful way? How can you allow the merging of life circumstances and experiences to alter the perceived reality of the situation? How can you create something new and exciting in your life? Leave a comment below.

And while we're talking about colorful experiences, head on over to my art website to see how I mix up colors on my canvas and in digital media. Also, check out my prints for more colors! Consider adding one of my colorful artworks to your home or office.

Paint palette of mixed colors.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Rush
(Mary Gravelle)

About the Author

Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle) is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty. More about her art and paintings can be found on her website.

Copyright 2014 Brianna Rush (Mary Rush Gravelle). All rights reserved.

Sir Kitty

Commissioned Painting Update

Changed the blue sky to a colored sky, commissioned painting.
Dillon and Dexter Chilling at Bell Rock, 18 x 36 inches,
Acrylic on canvas. Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

Ummm.... well.... I delivered the painting. The sky was blue and that was a problem. Come to find out the buyer does not care for blue skies. When she takes photos, she puts a filter on her camera to keep the sky from being blue. My bad for not being or getting super clear on her expectations.

In reality, I very rarely paint blue skies in my paintings. The painting she purchased from me prior to the commission had a mauve and beige sky. She expected more of the same. She explained that she has no blue in her house, therefore, it doesn't really go with her decor. "Okay, no problem," I told her, "I'll put a color glaze over it... I want you to be ecstatically happy over this painting!"

So, back to the drawing board (painting easel) today. I tried the color glaze. It just didn't cut it. So, I took bold action and painted the sky the same colors as the rest of the painting, Sedona red-orange. I have to admit that I like it! It feels much more like my style. I was apprehensive in painting this work. I guess I was more nervous than I realized, trying to paint what I thought she would like. I wanted Bell Rock to look like Bell Rock. I wanted her cats to look like her cats. I guess I went a little too far in that direction.

I will let the painting sit overnight and see what it looks like in the morning. Perhaps I'll add some yellow and fuchsia to the sky. We'll see.

Original Painting. Dillon and Dexter Chilling at Bell Rock, 18 x 36 inches,
Acrylic on canvas. Copyright 2014 Mary Rush Gravelle.

So, what do you think? Do you like the colored sky? Did you like the blue sky? Have you had similar experiences with commissioned paintings?

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Rush
(Mary Gravelle)

About the Author

Mary Rush is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty. More about her art and paintings can be found on her website.

Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Gravelle). All rights reserved.

Sir Kitty

Making Art on Commission Dream or Nightmare

Pallet of colors working on commissioned painting.
18 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Mary Gravelle)

The artist's dream: getting paid upfront to paint! Or is it?

Back in the day a long time ago, it was the elite, political, and religious who hired artists to create pieces that would portray certain images of power and wealth. Think about Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Artists could rely on making a living from creating their art.

Fast forward to late 1700's to mid-1800's when the American and French revolutions and democracy changed the way of life. This also sent the artist headlong into a new direction.

With their conviction to paint and make art that made them happy, or at least expressed what they deemed needed to be expressed, along with the fall of empires and wealth, the artist was now faced with the jubilance of newfound freedom and a need for self-reliance. For a quick and interesting look at art history, read this article.

I have little experience painting for commission. Currently, I find myself doing just that. I am so very grateful to be able to paint, knowing that payment is imminent, already receiving half upfront.

The Painting Setup.

I have discovered a few interesting things about painting on commission.

First, I want the client to be very happy and pleased with the final painting. Because of this, I involved the client in the composition of the painting. This took quite a number of back and forth discussions and conversations. My original vision for the painting changed dramatically. And yet, I am happy with it because I think the buyer will be more content with the final painting having been a part of its creation.

Second, because I want the buyer to be thrilled and ecstatic with the piece, I was sending updates of my progress up until two days ago. The idea for this was to keep the buyer involved in the process. What I discovered, however, was that it was inhibiting my creative process for allowing the painting to have its own voice and expression. Since I do not paint totally realistically, it is important for me to allow the creative muse to visit me during my painting process. And, the buyer kept telling me she wanted to let me do that. But, something inside insisted I keep her informed.

Nov. 13, 2014.
In Process Commissioned Acrylic Painting by Artist Mary Rush
(Mary Gravelle), 18 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas.
Copyright 2014 Mary Gravelle

Now that I have let go of the idea of keeping the buyer apprised of every move I make with this painting, I feel so much happier and relieved while painting. The creative muse came out to play. The painting is breathing its own life now. I can't wait to see where this painting ends up. I am so excited about delivering the final piece to the client. I want her to be surprised by the painting instead of knowing every little detail about it and quite possibly suffocating any excitement of anticipation from the experience that she might be feeling.

What's your opinion of art making for commission? Artists, do you like this way of working? Art buyers and art collectors, do you commission artists to do work for you?

Here are some articles I ran across about the process of commissioned art that might be of interest:

Making Art on Commission: Tips for Artists

Commissioned Art: Tips to Make it a Success

For other articles, google "artists working on commission".

More about my art and paintings can be found on my website.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Rush
(Mary Gravelle)

About the Author

Mary Rush is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty. More about her art and paintings can be found on her website.

Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Gravelle). All rights reserved.

Sir Kitty

New Painting Merges My Love of The Landscape and Animals

The set up.
Commissioned Painting, 18 x 36 inches.
Acrylic on canvas. Copyright Mary Rush (Mary Gravelle)

Painting Studio Set Up

Nov. 11, 2014. I have been preparing for a new painting, a commissioned work. I set up my painting space today.

Under Painting

Commissioned Painting under painting in process, 18 x 36 inches.
Acrylic on canvas. Copyright Mary Rush (Mary Gravelle)

I did the under painting of the sky. After spending quite a bit of time in the initial pre-planning stages, it felt great to finally put paint on canvas!

Landscape Meets Animals

Also, I have to say that as I was painting today, I loved the idea of painting the landscape again. With this painting, my love of nature and the landscape merges with my love of animals.

The Landscape

The landscape is in Sedona, Arizona. The mountain is known as Bell Rock, one of the major vortex sites in Sedona.

The Animals

The animals are the buyer's cats, Dillon and Dexter. They are both Maine Coon cats and quite large.

My Sir Kitty is attempting to become their friends, so far unsuccessfully. I encourage him to keep trying. So far, Dexter just hisses at him. We'll see what happens over time.

So far, this painting is a delight.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Sir Kitty

About the author:

Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Making Art is a Lot About the Artist Getting Out of the Way

Tracing a drawing onto my canvas for a commissioned painting.
I will use my own advice while doing this painting.
I have done the initial preparations toward my vision,
receiving input from my buyer. Now, it's up to my creative
process to take over. I will work on getting out of my own
way and let the painting breath its own life into existence.
I am merely the messenger at this point.
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Gravelle). All rights reserved.

As much as we artists would like to think that our art is all about us, I believe more and more, it isn't.

I think a lot of the creative process of making art has to do with the artist getting out of his/her own way. The "way" I speak of translates as "mind and brain". Too much thinking can impede our progress. It can inhibit new and exciting expressions from coming forth.

The Joy has Stopped

I was talking with an artist friend over the weekend who is in the midst of painting toward a show that will begin in about three weeks. She told me that she was no longer enjoying her painting process. And furthermore, 3-4 pieces were either in ruin or had been started and stopped. She was shut down creatively and had lost her joy of painting. The impending deadline weighed heavily upon her shoulders and mind. As the conversation unrolled itself, I realized that she had a big sister criticizing her, the little sister, both in real life and internally. This criticism and advice was robbing the fun from her inner child's creative process.

Stop Thinking So Hard

I basically suggested that she just let go and paint. Let the materials do the painting, much like I teach in Wisdom Painting. Stop thinking so hard and get back to playing at the painting process again. Allow herself to experiment a little since she told me she had bought some gel mediums that she wanted to try. The theme of her show also was all about channeling the paintings, a condition where you must be open to the process.

Commissioned painting, 18 x 36 inches.
The drawing part of the process is complete.
Now it's time to paint!
Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Gravelle). All rights reserved.

Jazzed Again

I am happy to report that my friend just sent me a photo of the painting she worked on today. It is a dynamic and strong visual piece, not yet complete, however. She is totally excited and jazzed again. I would like to think that my conversation with her helped loosen up her process.

What I Suggest

So, here is what I suggest if you feel yourself stuck: just show up and then surrender. Take yourself out of the equation as much as possible.

Just Show Up

Just showing up to the materials will send a message to your inner child or creative muse that you are ready to paint. It's a physical commitment to your process. Show up with intent to paint.

Surrender

Surrender to the creative process. Let the colors, brushes, palette, and canvas all have a conversation with your intuition and your vision for this painting. There is an intelligence built into the creative process itself. Surrender to it and let it have its way with you and the painting. All those years of art school or training / learning will ensure that the painting is a painting and not a disastrous mess.

Try It

Try this out and report back. How did it work for you? Was it really bad advice? Or did it help you break through a block of some sort?

Mary Rush
(Mary Gravelle)

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the Author

Mary Rush is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Copyright 2014 Mary Rush (Gravelle). All rights reserved.

The Visual Artist is a Unique Breed

Number 1: The All One.
24 x 24 inches, acrylic on wood,
Copyright 2009 Mary Rush Gravelle

I have changed my mind and thinking lately about artists being like any other professional such as a plumber or a lawyer.

I have made statements in the past that lean toward fighting for fair payment to the artist. I have written blog articles, see below, on the plight of the artist. They are serving humanity just as much as any other profession, right? Shouldn't they be fairly compensated for this service? Yes and...

Visual Artists Vs. Performing Artists

Visual artists are a different breed. I separate them from performing artists who get paid for performing their art. Yes, I do realize that they practice their art and on their own time.

On Their Own Dime and Time

The visual artist practices and makes their art all on their own dime and their own time. If they have prepared themselves well in the marketing aspects, they will succeed in possibly selling their work. They have to build up an inventory in order to have something available to be shown to someone who might want to buy it. They have to create first. And then, they can think about the sale. This is what separates visual artists from other professionals who get paid for the work they perform as they perform it. This is what makes visual artists a unique breed.

Number 4: Four Squared
24 x 24 inches, mixed-media on RayMar panel.
Copyright 2009 Mary Rush Gravelle. All rights reserved.

Need Alternative Ways to Get Paid

Unless the visual artist has built up an art patron relationship that pays them a monthly stipend for creating, they are not getting paid to do their art. Until they grow their reputation as an artist, they most times will need to perform other work for pay. Art materials are costly. It costs money to create art. The bills still need to get paid. The artist needs to eat. Costs for transportation need to be met.

Unique Space

Yes, visual artists inhabit a unique space in the world. They are creating from ideas and curiosities. They are following their hearts. They are creating beauty. They are helping us see our world in new ways.

They Have to Create

Most visual artists have not made the choice to be an artist. It is something that is innate. There is a driving inner force to create. If they do not heed the call, they pay for it in their depleted spirit.

Me

I am a visual artist. I am a unique breed in this world. I feel so much happier when I create. I have to do it. And, I would really love for my art to prosper me.

Other blog articles I have written on this subject.
Will Sell Art for Money
Give the Gift of Art
Is Everyone an Artist

I want to hear from you!

Please leave a comment below.

If you are an artist

Do you consider yourself a unique breed to humanity? Have you figured out how your art can prosper you? Do you work a job so you can pay for your art supplies? What are your thoughts on this idea?

If you are an art collector

Are you supporting a visual artist to create, to live their dream? Would you consider it?

Me, Mary Rush

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Varnish -- The Final Part of the Painting Process

Brushing the isolation coat on two paintings.
Isolation coat of Golden Gel Gloss Medium
plus water.

Finishing an acrylic painting via final isolation coat and then varnish is one of my least favorite parts of the painting process. Even though I don't like this final stage, it is one of the most important parts of the process.

When I say I don't like this phase, what I mean is that it is a nerve-wracking part of the process. It is the final stage. What happens if the varnish streaks, runs, and looks uneven? Extreme care needs to be taken to insure the final surface creates the quality and look that I desire for the painting whether is matt, satin, or glossy.

Purpose of Varnish

Varnishing a painting serves a couple of purposes. First, it protects the painting surface from the elements, dust, and UV rays. Second, it unifies the surface in terms of sheen creating a better-looking painting and a feeling of quality craftsmanship.

Isolation coat.

The final varnish should be archival and removable. After about 50 years of hanging out in the open, unless it has been placed under glass, dust and other environmental contaminants have built up on the painting surface. If the painting has not been varnished, these elements embed themselves in the paint. So, it is better that these elements have embedded themselves into a final varnish layer instead. Because once removed, all the dust and other contaminants get removed with it. Then, a fresh new layer of varnish goes on to protect it for the next 50 or so years.

Apparently, I'm not the only artist out there that fears this part of the process. I found an article which made me feel much better about my angst. This article, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Varnish, talks about the final varnish coat and gives us artists tips on varnishing.

I would bet that the final varnish coat is personal to the artist and their medium like Edward Hopper in the quote below.

I use a retouching varnish which is made in France, Libert, and that's all the varnish I use. -- Edward Hopper

I want to hear from you!

Please leave a comment below.

If you are an artist

Do you fear this part of the process? Do you have any tips on varnishing or tips on releasing the angst of this stage in the process?

If you are an art collector

What is your feeling about purchasing a painting with or without varnish?

Mary Rush Gravelle

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

SOLD Purple Mountains Majesty Acrylic Painting

Purple Mountains Majesty, 30 x 34 inches,
Acrylic on Canvas.
Copyright 2007 Mary Rush Gravelle.
Prints Available.

It's always great to report when I sell a painting, which happened during this past week.

This painting has been my signature painting, gracing the header of this blog and at times, my art website, business cards, art show invitations, etc.

It is a southwestern landscape scene from Silver City, New Mexico. I hiked many times there, a place called Boston Hill, an open space area created by bicyclists so they would have a place to ride. It is open for hikers as well. It's a beautiful place. I painted several paintings of my favorite hiking haunts there.

I am grateful to the art collector who lives in Sedona, Arizona for purchasing this painting. It was love at first sight when she saw it. I wish her many happy years of living with it and looking at it hanging in her living room above her fireplace mantle. Her cat immediately jumped up on the mantle and sat there erect and still as if to say that the painting was home.

I want to hear from you!

Please leave a comment below.

Mary Rush Gravelle

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.

Photographer Bill Cunningham is a True Lover of his Work

Documentary of Bill Cunningham
New York to Paris
I watched it on Netflix.

Photographer, Bill Cunningham, lives, eats, and breathes fashion photography. From a different perspective than most fashion photographers, he does it from the streets of New York City. Spotting trends, he is published in the New York Times newspaper.

From His Bicycle

He works tirelessly from his bicycle, riding around the streets of New York City looking for his next shot, standing on street corners, watching with a discerning eye, looking for beauty. Nothing is more important to him that getting the shot.

Attends Charity Events

He works from morning to night. In the evenings, he can be found attending gala charity events, again, looking for the shot. The shot of beauty that he finds is in real people to celebrities who are wearing fashion in their own way. He makes no delineation of who's who. If they are wearing something beautiful that intrigues him, that is what excites him.

Works in Accordance to His Idea of Integrity

He strives to work within his own guidelines of integrity, never eating nor drinking at any of these gala events. For him, his food, is his work. He lives in a tiny apartment full of file cabinets that house his many photos and negatives from over the years. His work is never done. He basically works seven days a week. He turns down money to do his work. This affords him the freedom to be in integrity and not swayed in any one particular direction away from his vision.

That's him!

Friends? Oh Yeah!

He has made many friends over his long career, many of them he has photographed for years, sometimes looking for them to arrive so he can see what they are wearing. He is loved for who he is, what he does, and how he does it.

A Shining Inspiration

He clearly is doing what he loves. What a shining example of what that does to the person. He appears to be extremely happy. It is soooo very inspiring!

Watch the documentary about him. I think you, too, will be inspired. The image in the beginning of this article is what the cover of the movie looked like in Netflix.

Videos of his work

In recent years, the NY Times have required him to do video of his work. Find those videos here, where it says about him,

The legendary Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham spots and distills the latest trends from the runways of Paris to the colorful streets of New York.

I want to hear from you!

Have you heard of Bill Cunningham? Have your watched the documentary? What's your feeling about him and his work? Please leave a comment below.

Mary Rush Gravelle

Until Next Week

Sir Kitty

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

About the author: Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved cat, Sir Kitty.