Blast From the Past
![Early work from high school portfolio](http://www.artistcommentary.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/perfume-bottle21.jpg "\")
This is one of my portfolio pieces from high school. I thought it might be fun to post work from my "early days." I drew this from an ad for Ralph Lauren's Safari perfume. I remember it being a hit in my art class. I actually still have it buried away in one of my many portfolios. You can see where the paper buckled from all my wear and tear on it as I was coloring in such a dark section. The small glass pieces were fun to do. I treated each one with individual attention. I also liked drawing in the lions.
I blocked in the length and width of the bottle in my original line sketch, and then filled in the squares of glass. So actually, you can see how the piece is not perfectly symmetric, thanks to my freehand work. Somehow I managed to squeeze it all in so the patterns still fit within the bottle. And one side is narrower than the other. Still, I'd say it's not too shabby for a teenager.
This was during my black and white stage- everything I did was in pencil or charcoal. Black and white photography was fascinating to me, so I used those concepts in drawing. Now, obviously, I love to work in color. You can check out my new work at www.AmyGuidry.com.
New Painting!
![From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2008](http://www.artistcommentary.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ft-reflecting.jpg "\")
I recently had my website updated- www.AmyGuidry.com- and wanted to post a little something to spark your interest. You know, for all three of my readers and many spam fans... One of my latest "5 x 5's" from the New Realm series is finished! The piece is titled "Reflecting" and you can view a larger image of it on my website. Hint, hint.
Obviously this piece is small, so I had to limit my "visual information" (one of my catch phrases- you like?) so that I captured enough of the subject in a small composition. The heroine (as seen in the New Realm series, hopefully you've been keeping up with the story...) is depicted in the forest, rather serenely, as she contemplates her journey, her strength, and her perseverance. Which is why I came up with the apt title, "Reflecting." This will be one of the many pieces at my New Realm exhibition in Las Vegas this September. Be sure to check it out at Henri & Odette, opening night on September 13th from 6-8pm.
The Greatest Show on Earth
![My painting for The Circus Show and Other Atrocities](http://www.artistcommentary.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/circus.jpg "\")
Well here's a sneak peek for all my blog fans (which is probably comprised of 2 or 3 people, the rest just happen upon this site by accident...). I was invited to participate in a show for A Bitchin' Space in Sacramento, California. The theme was right up my alley. Maybe [Gale Hart] figured this out by viewing some of my social commentary pieces, but somehow they knew to ask me if I'd like to do a piece for "The Circus Show and Other Atrocities." I jumped at the chance since, as a vegan and quasi animal rescue organization (I've taken in a lot of homeless animals over the years...), I detest the circus and its treatment of animals. Soooo, this leads to my latest creation- "Get Your Popcorn! Peanuts! Cruelty!"
I toiled over my sketchbook forever coming up with the perfect idea for this show. I wanted to convey the circus's cruelty without being gratuitous, either. I kept thinking of the old animal cracker box I used to get as a kid, the one by Nabisco that came with a string on top of the box to reuse (?) as a Christmas ornament (?). Then finally I decided to go with that theme, but Amy-ize it with my own sarcastic flavor. Hence the animals with giant bites taken out of them, and the re-wording of the brand name and description.
So that's it! Your official sneak peek at my work. It's not even on my website yet (but it will be soon), so in the meantime, check out my other work- www.AmyGuidry.com. My other social commentary pieces can also be seen in my Painting section of the website.
As for the greatest show on earth, well, obviously I'm not referring to the circus. The show is "The Circus Show and Other Atrocities" and will open on September 13th at A Bitchin' Space. If you can't make it then, my work and the other 99 artists' works will still be on display until October 11th. And yes, this show is the best on earth because it includes artists from the US, UK, and Canada. You can find the gallery at 2114 19th Street in downtown Sacramento. You can check out their website at www.abitchinspace.com.
Sure Bet in Vegas
![From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2008](http://www.artistcommentary.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ft-smreddress.jpg "\")
Want a sure bet in Vegas? Go to my show, New Realm, at Henri & Odette this September. It's sure to be a hit, as this series has had rave reviews at other venues. The show will feature my New Realm series, plus the smaller 5 x5 New Realm paintings. There will be pieces in the show that have never been exhibited yet because they are that new. The 5 x 5's have been especially popular for people looking to own more than one piece from the series, as well as new art collectors. You can preview some of the work at my website www.AmyGuidry.com, in addition to some of my other series.
The show will be opening on Saturday, September 13th, 2008 at Henri & Odette. Visit www.henri-odette for contact information, gallery hours, etc. The show has been scheduled to open on the 13th (not the 12th as previously planned), with the opening reception running from 6-8pm.
The painting featured in this post is one of the many paintings to be exhibited in Las Vegas. This is one of the 5 x 5 pieces, titled "The Red Dress."
Gallery Representation
![From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2008](http://www.artistcommentary.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ft_wisdom.jpg "\")
Well, I did not post anything last week given I was in Austin recently. I had planned a trip anyway, but while I was there I brought my work to Wally Workman Gallery. They are now representing me in Austin, TX. I'm thrilled because some of the artists I admire show there, and it's just a nice space. So I'm in really good company, and happy to have my work in their venue. You can check out my work on their website at http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/amy_guidry.lasso. In addition, my entire body of work can be seen on my website, www.AmyGuidry.com.
The painting featured in this post is titled "Wisdom." This is one of the pieces currently at Wally Workman Gallery. It is one of the newest pieces from my New Realm series. The title is in reference to the wisdom that is gained from life experiences and journeys. The butterflies and feathers above the stag's head symbolize thought and creativity. Hence the woman taking the butterfly, thus taking wisdom.
