tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62764416651322591952011-11-07T08:33:58.852-08:00Joanne Licsko Paintings and ThoughtsJoanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.comBlogger311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-59382480778082231712011-08-07T18:02:00.000-07:002011-08-07T18:02:58.875-07:00

"A Moment in Time" © J. Licsko    60"x60"   oil on linen I am still amazed that an artist or artisan can take raw materials such as canvas and pigments and then create something wonderful and desirable to others. Taken a step further, as is the case of the annual Central Coast Wine Classic, the benefits of this act ripple out to helping the less fortunate, and/or children deprived of an art

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-60431718322534266552011-05-08T11:36:00.000-07:002011-05-08T11:36:24.857-07:00

Unfinished canvas 60"x60" it looks OK at this distance  Cadmium Yellow is one of my most treasured pigments. Yes, I am aware that there is a health hazard with them, but I am drawn to the cadmium colors. I sense some kind of extra energy in all of them. My studio, once a guest bedroom, is fine for smaller works. Located in central California, the windows and doors are open most of the year for

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-61795195885686366922011-02-19T14:33:00.000-08:002011-02-19T14:33:35.596-08:00

"Small Treasures"    © JLicsko    18"x24"     oil on canvas        Have you ever wished that you could find someone to take over the business side of your art, and leave you to focus on just the creativity? I'd bet my first born the answer is yes. Well, forget about that dream, and face the fact that nobody cares more about your wallet, and your goals than you do. The

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-80394079035871976022010-12-12T13:33:00.000-08:002010-12-12T13:33:21.893-08:00

"On Sale" © J. Licsko 2010    6"x6"    oil on canvas       After you are sure that your intended gallery is a "good fit" for your work, then you must be equally sure it is right for your personality. Artists, being easily influenced emotional beings, must consciously respect and protect their psyche.      Two art dealers were asked how they feel about their artists visiting the gallery. The

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-89927165592298898482010-10-03T12:32:00.000-07:002010-10-03T12:32:04.877-07:00

"Lipstick & Rhinestones" ©JLicsko oil on canvas 12"x9" Part 1:   In this post, and the next, I will share with you a few observations and tips culled from nearly forty years experience dealing with dealers. I have worked with a large number of galleries that have represented my work, my husbands work, or both. A few of these relationships have been exceptionally beneficial and enjoyable. 

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-36927244451517346762010-09-10T08:06:00.000-07:002010-09-10T08:06:53.861-07:00

"The Desert Rose" © J. Licsko '10   oil on canvas I have often said I prefer people look at what I paint rather than how I paint. Frequently, the curse of the realist painter is observers notice the craftsmanship over the content.  When I started painting many years ago, my first objective was to try to recreate what I saw. There is no better way to develop painting and drawing skills than

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-50829287804762247922010-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:002010-07-16T16:28:10.669-07:00

"Celebration" © J. Licsko 2010 60"x60" oil o canvas As mentioned in a previous post "Painting Glass", I live in the Paso Robles wine county, where the win-win collaboration of art and wine is reaching new heights. If you haven't been to Paso Robles in the last couple of years, I encourage you to visit. We have a new annual art festival. The new Studios on the Park, showcases the

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-66626170480549150542010-04-08T07:17:00.000-07:002010-04-08T07:49:28.856-07:00

"Girls Night Out"© J. Licsko 0312" x 9" oil on canvasVisual artists often find the inspiration they need by exposing themselves to music, film, dance, literature and other mediums of expression. These different arts can lift us emotionally, and although we may not reflect the source in our work, the exposure often charges our batteries. We return to our work nourished and freshened.I was invited

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Watermelon with Grapes© J.Licsko 20100il on canvas 20"x18" I like to accept commissions occasionally because it offers the opportunity to step out of my self created comfort zone. There is a subtle tension, knowing that a painting could be rejected. In the middle of October, collectors I had not yet met, had recently purchased a still life of mine from a favorite gallery, and now wanted another.

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-52064786513413276702009-12-18T10:26:00.000-08:002009-12-18T10:41:20.540-08:00

"The Cat"© JLicsko 07 24"x 48" acrylic on canvasIt seems many work-at-home creative people have cats. Cats seem to be the perfect companion for a painter or writer with just the right energy and few demands. I have been blessed with the perfect feline companion who seems to enjoy my studio time as much as I do. I like to get my chores and obligations done before I paint, and she will often go

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-26716228830030683672009-11-06T08:37:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:39:21.451-08:00

"Late Afternoon Red"© J Licsko 0936"x 36" oil on canvasI live in the Paso Robles wine country, up on a hill, surrounded by grapes, amid hundreds of wineries, and a multitude of tasting rooms. At almost every social gathering, local vintners offer samples. In the five years I have lived here, I have witnessed first hand the subtleties of the seasons in the vineyards. From bud break (that's the

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-23344156981113490302009-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:002009-08-30T13:14:55.203-07:00

"STARS ON THE WATER" ©J Licsko 09, oil on canvas Most artists today are not selling as many works as they produce, and for many of us, the art is piling up in the studio. So, when we are asked to donate paintings to

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"Nipped In The Bud"© J. Licsko 0912"x36"oil on canvas The painting shown here was painted as my response to a very disturbing subject. The painting itself looks mild mannered enough and it is unlikely that anyone would guess it's true inspiration without accompanying words. It's raison d'etre is that I saw something that disturbed me greatly, and have been bothered by it for a long time.

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-6927799637766559862009-07-07T18:09:00.000-07:002009-07-07T19:41:49.077-07:00

"Accessories"© Joanne Licsko10"x14" oil on canvasFellow blogger, and artist Rahina QH in her June 7th post, mentioned that the cost of framing was extortionate.  I agree.  But money spent does not guarantee that you will get the perfect frame.  She got me thinking about all the unused frames that my husband and I have piled up, plus the money invested that will never show a return. The

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-37941509475205673982009-06-15T18:20:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:32:04.214-07:00

"Wrapture"© Joanne Licsko 07oil on canvas 30"x40"  I am feeling pleased these days, and I owe some of this good feeling to generosity of another artist.  I am very proud to have four of my paintings included in an exhibition "In The Bag" showing the works of eleven women artists.  The theme is "Purses or Satchels - a mobile container or personal accessory that often hints at the personality

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"Abundance"© Joanne Licsko18"x20" oil on canvasGiving a title to a work of art is not mandatory.  Some artists are content with no title, some will simply number their works.  In my own work, I prefer to give some direction to understanding where I my feelings were, or where the inspiration came from.   A title may prompt a viewer to take a second look, to go deeper.  To please myself, I strive

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-69334102105475105782009-05-13T07:47:00.001-07:002009-05-13T09:14:47.941-07:00

"Melina's Rose"©Joanne Licsko12"x9" oil on canvasI admit I have somewhat moved on from wanting to think about consignment agreements, but I said I would, and who knows maybe it will help a fellow artist.  I'll try to make it brief.First, I have included a copy of my personal contract.  I am concerned that the format may be altered when trying to publish it on blogspot.  Sorry if that happens. I

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-73997593494672900622009-05-03T08:45:00.000-07:002009-05-03T14:55:06.001-07:00

"Poetry in Red"©J Licsko12"x9" oil on canvas(lost but not forgotten) All four members of my immediate family are professional artists, but sometimes we are unprofessional where it matters most.  Just recently, we had a scare when we thought perhaps a gallery might have sold a work and neglected to tell us.  Our first thought was that our consignment agreement would back us up.  That comfort faded

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-43251219685653622322009-04-24T13:17:00.000-07:002009-04-24T13:30:52.653-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that artist and fellow blogger  Marina Vicari Lerario living in San Paulo, Brazil, has kindly chosen me, along with six other talented artists, for the award "A Passion for Painting".  I am always watching to see what she will paint next (check out her recent water color Vórtice 3).   She is very modest when speaking of her art, but I like her work very much, and

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-36217390385130893072009-04-17T09:24:00.000-07:002009-04-17T13:18:56.870-07:00

"Bitter Sweet"  © J Licsko 06  oil on canvas  12"x16"Yesterday, I delivered a painting to my gallery for a group show. It was a wine related event, and I painted two wine glasses and a bottle.  Reflections on glass require some patience, and as the deadline approached, it reached an unattractive state where I began to feel no one would want it.  I rushed to finish, fearing it might not improve

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-71189354948272520552009-04-01T09:52:00.000-07:002009-04-01T11:01:07.107-07:00

"Girl's Night Out"© J Licsko 039"x12" oil on canvasArtists are always being asked to donate works for legitimate charities and non-profits.  In return, we get gratitude, a little publicity, the satisfaction of knowing we helped our community is some way.  All working artists, and especially fundraisers for museums, non-profits, and charitable organizations need to investigate  Bill H.R. 1126.  In

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-46595394556675135012009-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:55:21.370-07:00

"Magic Act"© J Licsko 30"x40" oil on canvasWhile there is no doubt that the youthful vitality and perfection of a fresh, young woman is held as the ideal inspiration of figure paintings, there is yet something wonderful in the human form at all ages and sizes, either gender.Many artists have learned much from working with cadavers and that study advanced the art of figure painting.  I was

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-18384508191534507942009-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:002009-03-18T10:34:52.366-07:00

"The Pursuit of Pleasure"© J Licsko 6"x8" oil on canvasThe early still life in classical paintings often illustrated abundance.  Magnificent paintings of a cornucopias, fruits and vegetables spilling out, and others with pheasants and trout laid out, prizes from a successful hunt, promising a wonderful feast were a typical theme.  The best were done by the 17th century Dutch Masters.   See Pieter

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-10160533874673278182009-03-11T09:33:00.000-07:002009-03-11T14:53:09.643-07:00

Both Sides of the Fence© Adam Licsko  oil on canvas 24"x36" "Adam shows good drawing skills but he seems to lack good color sense."  For young artist/parents his second grade report card message was a stab in the heart.  As all mothers, I was so proud of everything he did.  He and I would spend hours together drawing and coloring.  When he entered "the system",  he soon showed himself to be

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-24172920449859689842009-03-04T11:35:00.000-08:002009-03-04T17:18:28.927-08:00

"Refreshments"© J Licsko 06, 20"x 40" oil on canvas     Outside obligations can be overwhelming, and perhaps I should add to my rule # 7 "always say yes".  I should add " but sometimes saying no is necessary, especially if it conflicts with rule # 14 give your self the gift of selfishness".      My muse was bored with me.  Not much of my own creative work going on. The musts overtook the wants.

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-38811054021960949752009-02-25T09:55:00.000-08:002009-02-25T11:11:54.113-08:00

"The Gift"©J Licsko 03 14"x10", oil on canvas After reading the earlier post of my 15 Rules For Courting the Artist's Muse, artist Gail Sauter, brought to my attention the YouTube video of Elizabeth Gilbert's speech at a TED convention,  A New Way to Think About Creativity.  Elizabeth suffers from performance anxiety.  She has achieved great success with her last book Eat, Pray, Love and fears

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-25926469583042612312009-02-17T12:42:00.000-08:002009-03-25T10:58:56.949-07:00

"Antique Bicycle #3 © J Licsko 09   4"x4" oil on canvas"Antique Bicycle #2 © J Licsko 09  4"x4" oil on canvasSometimes the muse comes in the form of an external event.   I am fortunate to be juried into a new open studios facility called Studios on the Park. Our studios are opening for the first time the day the Amgen Cycling Tour passes through our lovely Paso Robles here in Central Coast

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-16577250009569392312009-02-12T07:04:00.000-08:002009-02-13T16:02:37.101-08:00

"Illustrated Woman"  ©JLicsko 07, 5"x7" oil on canvas Vicki and I would have been wise to use better judgement when we rowed her small boat out to meet a group of young Canadian Navy seamen sun tanning on a float not too far off the shore. We were innocent but curious 15 year-olds .  One very handsome young man had little twin devils tattooed one each pectoral muscle.  His image eventually faded

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-83095880265882060432009-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:002009-02-08T12:32:25.634-08:00

"Portrait" © J. Licsko 01, 14"x20" oil on linen This painting, I have always said, is unfinished.  I wanted to add more detail to the hair.  This portrait of a young woman is the first painting that was inspired by the sight of the model. She was a true muse in the physical sense, my first, that I was conscious of.  I saw her while I was standing at a checkout counter. My inner voice said

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-43897094949986332382009-01-29T16:31:00.001-08:002009-02-25T09:54:26.049-08:00

Black Thong © J. Licsko 02 oil on canvas Wanted:Muse for full or part time work.  No experience required.  Must be able to inspire on a moment's notice, show up on time, stay late, must have something unique to offer.  Minimal wage, but immortality promised to the successful applicant.

Joanne Licskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15553632833788585818noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6276441665132259195.post-31990523046178680782009-01-25T17:09:00.000-08:002009-01-29T12:51:30.748-08:00

I am experiencing a form of identity crisis.  Many times before, I have been unsure of myself, and now, starting a blog requires serious questions. Why am I doing this? Where do I want to go with it? Who am I talking to? What do I want to say? How will I manage to sustain it? As I have done so many times before in a variety of situations, after spending a long time standing on the edge of the

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