getting ready for summer

Original monotype entitled ‘floral surprise’ available for purchase.

This monotype keeps sneaking by me but here it is-just in time for summer.  There’s alot going on with the elements in this piece-just like a garden approaching summer when all the blossoms are competing to reach for the sun.  The plate size is 18″ x 24″ and is printed on 22″ x 30″ Arches 88 paper-which is made in France.  The price is $375. unframed plus shipping.  Any questions please contact me at info@donnaingemanson.com.  and the rest is history…

Shadow and Light Exhibit

Monotype entitled Carbon Garden 22″ x 30″

It’s the perfect time of year to visit historic Concord, MA where three of my original monotypes will be on display in the Shadow and Light exhibit which is part of a community arts event hosted by the Trinitarian Congregational Church at 54 Walden Street in in Concord, MA.  The art exhibit is open from May 3rd thru the 17th, 2013.  Here’s the schedule:

Sat. & Sun.   May 3 & 4   Noon-6 pm

M-W-F   May 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17    Noon-5 pm

Wednesday evenings    May 8th & 15th     7-9 pm

‘Carbon Garden’ is an original monotype printed on Arches 88 paper made in France.

Framed $1250.

Braintree Farmers Market

Braintree Farmers Market 2013 ad

For the past five years I’ve been the ring leader for the Braintree Farmers Market.  This is an ad that I have just completed  to be included in the upcoming summer editions of both edible Boston and edible South Shore Magazines.  It’s a combination of my photography taken at the market and hand-lettering.  The market opens on June 15th and operates every Saturday from 9 to 1 thru October 26th with a Special Indoor Thanksgiving Market on November 23rd, 2013.  Everyone is invited.

spring equinox

Kathryn’s Bouquet

The calendar states that it’s officially Spring but here in New England it feels like winter with endless snow storms and freezing temperatures.  Perhaps that’s why I kept finding myself looking at this small 12″ x 16″ painting that has been kicking around my studio for awhile.  It’s a simple piece inspired by a bouquet that a friend had picked from her garden in Wellfleet, MA.  I was also giving it a second look after getting the announcement for a Jane Freilicher exhibit that’s coming up at the Tibor De Nagy Gallery in New York.  Her pieces resonate with me in there simplicity of subjects and painting techniques.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden was created as a companion to the Octopus’s Garden.  The painting was inspired by both the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Myakka River State Park in Florida.  Warm weather will be here soon…

the process of creativity

Blue figure monotype.

Ghost of Blue Figure monotype with line work.

This past week, while working in the print studio, I got to a point where I was focused on a piece that just wasn’t resonating for me.  My (mentor/teacher), Esther Maschio, gently told me that the only way to get to a better place was to keep working.  After rifling through one of my sketchbooks I found a figure drawing that I had done a few months ago that always appealed to me-so I started rolling ink on a plate while using my leftover palette of blues, whites, graphite grey and black.  It was like jumping off a diving board after standing still for too long.  There was nothing to lose and my experimentation ranged from painting, to scratching, to applying a trace type of drawing.  It was a very ‘in the moment’ experience.  Above are the results from two stages of the process-moody & blue.

Artists Trish Berube, Esther Maschio and Marie Tegler.

Inspiration brews during Monday lunches with my art buddies.  Working in the printmaking studio, sharing ideas and encouraging each other on is the best way to start the week.  No electronics-just good will, creativity and courage.

floating in florida

Florida mangroves created on a mini ipad.

A simple trip to Florida is my cure for the wintertime blues.  Creating art while traveling can be challenging between schlepping art materials and setting up.  With the arrival of a new year I’ve been sketching on my ipad mini and exploring it’s capabilities and finding simple ways to express my thoughts visually.  The portability and instant gratification is addicting.

Placida Florida Art Fair

Although Art Basel it is Not-on specified Saturdays spend a sunny morning at the Placida Art Fair located in a lazy fishing village on the southwest coast of Florida.   While there check out Joe’s Orchids-he’s truly a botanical artist and very generous with tips on growing orchids and bromeliads.

Joe’s Orchids in the Placida Fishing Village.

After getting your fill of the Placida Fishing Village have lunch or dinner at the Fishery Restaurant.   It’s a local favorite that serves up tasty local seafood dishes with just the right amount of down home Floridian atmosphere.  Get a table by the window and watch the sun set on another fine day in Florida.

There it goes- another fine day in Florida…

All image rights are reserved by Donna Ingemanson.

holiday cheer

Recent monotype print entitled ‘fruit bowl’.

The holidays are here and, even though stress levels are high, I find myself looking forward to the local creative community putting out their wares with open studios and craft sales.  There are so many talented folks out there and I splurge with the sentiment that I’m helping the local economy and artisans and always discover some new creative find that I will cherish.

This week there are some of my favorite events which I am eagerly anticipating.  Starting on Friday, Dec. 7th, at 7 p.m. Local Pottery hosts it’s Annual Open Studio with a wide assortment of beautifully crafted work with a focus on pottery.  This is a sale not to be missed and if you can’t make the opening the shop is open thru December 24th.  Lisa Howard is the owner and curator with a keen eye for quality pieces.  Check out Lisa’s own creations and you will be in awe!

On Saturday, Dec. 8th, Ann Schunior will be opening her doors for a Studio Sale of her hand-crafted pottery.  Visit an authentic ‘pottery barn’ where Ann throws her pots and has them on display where she works.  Ann puts lots of care into researching traditional methods and motifs in ceramics and incorporates these inspirations into her work

Also on Saturday is the hallowed RISD Holiday Art Sale which brings together a large culmination of RISD alumni and students selling their wares under one roof at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence from 10am to 5 pm.  Admission is $7.  Another favorite stop off after visiting the RISD Sale is the Foundry Artists Holiday Show in Pawtucket, RI.  If there’s time to squeak it in I always enjoy Olga’s Cup and Saucer for a little nosh.  Be aware that they do close at 2 pm on Saturdays.

If that’s not enough the SOWA Holiday Market will be operating full tilt in Boston on Dec. 7th and 8th.  This craft market started a few years ago and has gained a cult following.  Be prepared to wait in line to get in.  It looks like they’ve worked on getting a new location so hopefully it will add more space to this very popular event.

Cambridge, Ma also has a few great spots including the Harvard Square Holiday Fair that runs every weekend and the Holly Fair that will be on tap on Dec. 15th & 16th, 2012.  Enjoy the season and support your local artists and artisans!