HILMA OF KLIMT, REWRITE ART HISTORY!!

As a child, I thought that there were only men artists in the Time-Life books about artists because it was harder for men to make art, like elephants making art is special. Later I learned in school that there were no great women artists. That confused me. Since I knew it wasn't true, I would figure out later what that was all about. Then in the 1970's the rewrite of art his-story began. Recently, a student brought this new piece in the rewrite to my attention. Hilma of Klimt (1862 - 1944), before Wassily K. and his buddies!!! Swedish. Hilma credits mystical, spiritual sources just as the guys do. 

NO EXHIBIT!

The supposed to be BEE painting exhibit at the Kirk branch of the Austin Public Library is Not going to happen. The gentleman in charge of art-exhibits-in-libraries said, told me, the library had systems for hanging paintings but it was not so. I visited the location. Only shelves for leaning paintings against the wall! How novel! I withdrew my application and canceled the program to be conducted by Kim Lehman, The Bee Lady. What did I learn? Bureaucracies are peculiar. I learned that. Again. Oops!

CLOISENNE BEE, 20" x 16", acrylic with gold leaf

I like this funny little decorative bee pinned to a tree.

BEES AT THE LIBRARY IN NOVEMBER

A bee exhibit in November at the Willie Mae Kirk branch of the Austin Public library!

 I wanted to hang them at my local branch so I inquired, filled out forms. Months ago. This library is across town. Bureaucracies are mysterious.

WEBSITE LIVE!

My website is up at <www.melaniehickerson.com>! Unfortunately (or not?) there is a very popular author named Melanie Dickerson so Google asks me if I don't want to look at her site instead. This is all very mysterious to me. I still need to make some changes but it is on the 'net.  Like going to the store without tying my shoes, not quite dressed. How bizarre!

GOING TO SEED

No, I'm not  talking about myself 'going to seed'. I may be but the sunflowers are drying up and falling over. Really beautiful in graceful arches. The squirrels are coming and eating the dried seed heads besides the variety of birds, ever expanding, population, morning and evening. As Geraldine said, "It don't mean nothing (pause) except the flowers." 

ON BLACK, gouache on paper, 6 1/2" x 5 1/2"

SQUIRREL EATING SEED POD, gouache, soft pastel on paper, 8" x 4 1/2"

 I've about finished the acrylic painting on 20" x 16" canvas and have just started another one, 28" x 36".

PLAYING OUTSIDE, acrylic on linen, 20" x 16"

GOING TO NYC?

The party is Thursday July 21, 2016, 6-8 PM. I won't be there but I hope some people will see and enjoy the exhibit!
My two paintings for the show are birds and flowers. 

GOLDEN CHEEK WARBLER, 22"X28"

SISTERS (SUNFLOWERS) 8"X10"

Horizontal compositions are not usual for me but suit the stories.

MEANWHILE

The painting in progress is acrylic.

PLAYING OUTSIDE, 20" x 16"

Meanwhile I watch the birds in the sunflowers. In the little gouache paintings on the handmade paper I practice.

RED BIRD, 8" x 4 1/2"